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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 3/26/2024 1 Bayfield County Clerk Lynn M. Divine, County Clerk Jeran Delaine Deputy Clerk Alannah Belanger Clerk I Ph: 715.373.6100 ● Fx: 715.373.6153 ● Email: Lynn.Divine@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov ● 117 E. Fifth Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891 Minutes Monthly Meeting of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors March 26, 2024 Meeting Held in the Bayfield County Board Room, Courthouse, Washburn, WI Call to Order: The monthly meeting of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors was called to order at 6:03 p.m. by Bayfield County Board Chairman, Dennis M. Pocernich. A roll call was taken by County Clerk, Lynn Divine, as follows: Steve Sandstrom- present; Mary Dougherty- present; Larry Fickbohm- present; Charly Ray- present; Jeremy Oswald- present; Jeff Silbert- present; Fred Strand- present; John Rautio- absent; Marty Milanowski- present; Madelaine Rekemeyer- present; Jim Crandall- present; Brett Rondeau- present - virtually; Dennis Pocernich- present. Total: 12-0, 1 absent. A quorum was present to conduct business. Others Present: County Administrator- Mark Abeles-Allison; County Clerk- Lynn M. Divine; Clerk I- Alannah Belanger; Darrell Pendergrass; Teresa Weber; Jenna Galligan; Ruth Hulstrom; Bruce Hanson; Ben Popp; Gayle Gonsior; Kristine Stacey. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Public Comment: None Minutes from February 27, 2024: Ray stated one correction under Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024-15 in Support of Bayfield County Highway Department Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Application for CTH-N at Pigeon Lake that the vote should read 11-1, 1 absent to show his objection towards the approval. Motion by Milanowski to approve the February 27, 2024, Minutes, with the correction requested by Ray, seconded by Sandstrom. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. Recognition and Presentation to American Birkebeiner and Book Across the Bay, Ben Popp, American Birkebeiner AND Ben Thoen and Andy Matheus, Book Across the Bay: Charly Ray presented Ben Popp with a signed copy of Resolution No. 2024-30, In Recognition of the American Birkebeiner Organization, for the tremendous effort on their 50th Anniversary and congratulated him on a successful 2024 year. Ben Popp thanked the Board for their support and encouragement. Popp stated that there were approximately 2,800 volunteers at Telemark this year, which really reiterates the whole-community involvement for this event. Popp also shared that they worked with UW- River Falls to conduct an economic impact study on this event where the results indicated that the Birkie event brought in approximately 4.4 million dollars to our local area. Ben Thoen and Andy Matheus were not present to receive the signed copy of Resolution 2024-31, In Recognition of the Book Across the Bay Organization for Chapter 27, February 17. It will be sent to the organization. 2 Consent Agenda: a) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024-32, Bayfield County Designating the Week of April 15th-April 19th, 2024, as “Work Zone Safety Awareness Week in Bayfield County” WHEREAS, in 1999 the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) partnered with the American Association of State and Highway officials (AASHTO) and more recently with the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) to create the National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week campaign, held annually in April prior to the construction season for much of the nation; and, WHEREAS, the Wisconsin County Highway Association is asking all seventy-two (72) counties in the state to unite and kick-off “Work Zone Safety Awareness Week” with a resolution and campaign to raise awareness for its’ workers and those of various highway contractors performing work for the counties; and, WHEREAS, according to data from UW Madison’s Traffic Operations and Safety Laboratory’s Community Maps between 2019 and 2023, there were 64 fatalities recorded as a result of more than 10,000 crashes within work zone which injured more than 3,800 people; and, WHEREAS, construction and maintenance activities on our streets and highways periodically require that work zones be established; and, WHEREAS, there has been an average of 2,336 work zone crashes in Wisconsin in each of the last five years; and, WHEREAS, in 2023, Wisconsin suffered from 2,168 crashes in road construction and maintenance zones, resulting in over 712 injuries and 10 fatalities; and, WHEREAS, through their enforcement activities and other participation, the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Bayfield County Highway Department will work to make “Work Zone Safety Awareness Week a success; and, WHEREAS, the County Sheriff’s Office is committed in 2024 to conduct enforcement activities and work jointly with the County Highway Department to make “Work Zone Safety Awareness Week” a success in Bayfield County; and, WHEREAS, the Federal Highway Administration has designated April 15th through April 19th, 2024, as National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week with this year’s theme “Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever”, which focuses on awareness to all drivers in work zones of their speed and proximity to workers, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March 2024, hereby designates the week of April 15th through April 19th, 2024 as “Work Zone Safety Awareness Week” in Bayfield County. b) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024-33, Wisconsin’s Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program WHEREAS, Section 29.889 of the Wisconsin Statutes creates a wildlife damage abatement program and a wildlife damage claim program; and 3 WHEREAS, these programs will operate only in those counties that choose to participate by resolution of the County Board, and WHEREAS, some landowners have experienced wildlife damage. THEREFORE, management of the program(s) is hereby delegated to the Bayfield County Land and Water Conservation Committee. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March 2024, approves this resolution and request that Bayfield County participate in the Wisconsin Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program beginning in 2024 and continuing until terminated by the County Board. c) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024-34, on Enhanced Wake Regulations WHEREAS: the lakes of Bayfield County, Wisconsin are integral to the recreational base of the economy in Bayfield County, AND WHEREAS: Legislation has been proposed to regulate wake surfing and wakeboarding, AND WHEREAS: the legislation as currently written fails to set minimum standards for the protection of private property, public safety and enjoyment, and aquatic environments, AND WHEREAS: several towns in Bayfield County have already set standards that use evidence from aquatic and engineering studies which protect shorelines of lakes in Bayfield County from erosion by these enhanced wakes, AND WHEREAS: the legislation fails to include a standard related to wake depth that would protect water quality in lakes from scouring by enhanced wakes, AND WHEREAS: The legislation repeats standards already in place in other statutes, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors does recommend that the Wisconsin Legislature engage in meaningful discussions to pass standards that balance the right of everyone to recreate on waters of the State of Wisconsin, by affirming that; Wisconsin’s local governments deserve local control to set their own standards beyond state minimums, of at least 700 feet from the shore, and to prohibit enhanced wake creation in waters shallower than at least 30 feet in depth. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March 2024, approves this resolution and request it is forwarded to the Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources, and members of the Wisconsin Legislature. d) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024-35, Request to Amend the Land & Water Conservation 2024 Budget WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Land and Water Conservation Department requests that their 2024 budget be amended as follows to reflect grant funding modifications; and, 4 WHEREAS, the Land & Water Conservation was awarded additional grant dollars from Enbridge EcoFootprint Grant Award after the 2024 budget was submitted; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March 2024, approves the following budget amendments to reflect modifications to the grant: Increase Revenues: (EcoFootprint/Cranberry River Fish Passage Project Grant) 430-28-48530-004 by $100,000 Total Revenue: $100,000 Increase Expenses: (EcoFootprint/Cranberry River Fish Passage Project Grant) 430-28-57792-50290 by $100,000 Total Expenses: $100,000 e) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024-36, Request to Amenda Sheriff’s Office Jail Nurse Contract 2024 Budget WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office Jail is required to provide health care services to inmates which is contracted out to Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc; and, WHEREAS, Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. has informed us that their contract with us with be terminated at the end of April 2024; and, WHEREAS, we will now be contracting with Southern Health Partner’s to provide this same service; and, WHEREAS, the contract amount for Southern Health Partners is $131,080 for one year; and, WHEREAS, the total amount budgeted to the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office in 2024 for Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. is $86,000; and, WHEREAS, we will have spent $29,000 through April to Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. which leaves a remaining balance of $57,000 for 2024; and, WHEREAS, the difference between the two contracts for the remaining 8 months in 2024 comes to $30,100; and, WHEREAS, we anticipate an increase in jail boarding revenue in 2024; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26 day of March 2024, does hereby authorize the 2024 Sheriff’s Office budget be amended to reflect increase in revenues and expenses to: Increase Revenue 100-17-46241 by $30,100.00 TOTAL REVENUE= $30,100.00 5 Increase Contractual Expenses 100-17-52701-50290 by $30,100.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURES=$30,100.00 f) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024- 37, Request to Amend 2024 Child Support Front Door Budget WHEREAS, the Child Support Agency plans to replace the customer entrance office door; and, WHEREAS, the State has agreed to reimburse Bayfield County Child Support Agency at the Federal Financial Participation (FFP) level of 66% as this is an allowable IV-D expenditure; and, WHEREAS, Bayfield County received a proposal for material and labor to replace the door in the amount of $2,435 with a county cost of $827 (34%) after the federal reimbursement; and, WHEREAS, a budget amendment is needed to reflect the increase in revenue and expense; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March 2024, does hereby authorize the following budget amendments: Increase Revenue: 100-09-43509 by $1,607 Transfer From Contingency to Child Support: 100-00-51410-5000 by $827 Increase Expenses: 100-09-51331-50240 by $2,435 g) Bayfield County Resolution 2024-38, Establishing Total Annual Compensation for County Elected Officials Pursuant to Wis. Stat. §59.22 WHEREAS, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 59.22(1), the County Board must establish the total annual compensation for services to be paid to county elected officials prior to the earliest time for filing nomination papers for the county elective office; and WHEREAS, the Board desires to establish the total annual compensation for county elected officials, which is separate and distinct from the fringe benefits offered by the County to elected officials, and which fringe benefits are subject to increase or decrease during the officer’s term at the discretion of the Board and in accordance with state and federal law; and WHEREAS, as part of the County’s fringe benefit program, county elected officials may participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System in accordance with state law; and WHEREAS, as part of the County’s fringe benefit program, county elected officials may elect to receive health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as the health insurance coverage offered to non-represented managerial county employees; 6 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, that the total annual compensation for county elected officials under Wis. Stat. § 59.22(1) shall be as follows, effective on the first day of a term of office that begins after the date of this Resolution: Elected Official Compensation: 2025 2026 2027 2028 Register of Deeds $76,102.71 $79,146.82 $82,312.69 $85,234.79 Treasurer $76,102.71 $79,146.82 $82,312.69 $85,234.79 County Clerk $79,179.20 $81,158.68 $83,187.65 $85,267.34 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the aforementioned county elected officials are entitled to participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System in accordance with law and the County shall pay its share of contributions required by law. The wages here are calculated with the idea that all elected officials are paying the employee share of WRS; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County will compensate elected officials for unused sick leave, upon reaching the age of 55, if they worked and accrued compensable sick leave with Bayfield County prior to taking elected office. Compensation will be based on county policy and formula as reflected in the letter in the employee’s personnel file. Such compensation shall be in addition to the compensation identified in the compensation schedule above; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the aforementioned county elected officials are entitled to participate in the County’s health insurance program subject to the terms and conditions of the program, which may be modified from time to time, under the same terms and conditions as the health insurance coverage offered to non-represented managerial h) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024-39, in Support of Local Control Over Concentrated Animal Feeding Facilities’ Operations WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin adopted ATCP 51, Livestock Facility Siting, in 2006; and, WHEREAS, every four years, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is required to appoint a technical expert committee to review ATCP 51. In spite of the committee meeting in 2010, 2014, and 2018 and suggesting multiple revisions to ATCP 51, the rule has remained unchanged since its adoption in 2006; and, WHEREAS, in 2019 DATCP proposed a number of rule revisions to ATCP 51, based on recommendations by the technical expert committee and public comments made by organizations and citizen stakeholders. These rule revisions were never adopted, and ATCP 51 remained unchanged since its adoption in 2006; and, WHEREAS, the only required permit for CAFOs in Wisconsin is issued and enforced by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Legislature has failed to adequately fund and empower the DNR for years and as a result, the agency has been unable to sufficiently regulate CAFOs wastewater discharges to protect water quality; and, WHEREAS, the nonpartisan State of Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau reviewed the DNR’s performance implementing the Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (WPDES) Program and found in Report 16-6, dated June 2016, that the DNR failed to 7 administer and maintain a WPDES permit program consistent with the requirements established under the Clean Water Act and Chapter 283, Wis. Stats; and, WHEREAS, in May 2023, the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) filed a lawsuit in Calumet County Circuit Court on behalf of the Wisconsin Dairy Alliance and Venture Dairy Cooperative challenging the DNR’s authority to regulate CAFOs. In January 2024, the Calumet County judge, Carey Reed, ruled that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has the authority to regulate CAFO’s wastewater discharge; and, WHEREAS, in March 2024, WMC appealed Reed’s decision that upheld the DNR’s authority to regulate CAFOs wastewater discharges and is continuing to ask for the removal of regulations for CAFOs; and, WHEREAS, permitted CAFOs in Wisconsin have greatly expanded since the adoption of ATCP 51 in 2006. There were 135 permitted CAFOs in 2006 and there are 336 permitted CAFOs in 2023, a 250% increase over 17 years. According to the Department of Natural Resources an average of 15 new CAFO permits are issued each year; and, WHEREAS, human health and welfare may be impacted by the construction, operation, and expansion of CAFOs in the State of Wisconsin; and, WHEREAS, despite the multiple impacts CAFOs may cause in a community i.e., road damage, biosecurity, air pollution, property values, and emergency services, the DNR WPDES permit only addresses wastewater discharges; and, WHEREAS, local units of government have the authority to draft and pass ordinances that protect the public health and safety of residents, as well as protect the financial wellbeing of the County; and, WHEREAS, Bayfield County drafted and passed a CAFO Operations Ordinance to address the negative impacts that may be associated with CAFOs in 2016. The Operations Ordinance has since been adopted by two counties and in six townships in Wisconsin; and, WHEREAS, the Wisconsin State Legislature drafted Assembly Bill 957/Senate Bill 892 that removes local control to regulate operations of animal facilities in areas that are zoned exclusively or primarily for agricultural use; WHEREAS, local control is a foundational governing concept in Wisconsin, designed to place decision-making authority at the level of government closest to the people impacted by those decisions; and, WHEREAS, County Board Supervisors, City Council Members and Town Board Supervisors are elected by the citizens of the County and as such, are best equipped to draft and pass ordinances that reflect constituent values. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors call on Governor Tony Evers to veto Senate Bill 892. i) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024-40, in Support of Bayfield County Highway Department Safe Streets for All Grant Application to Perform a Safety Analysis on all County Highways 8 WHEREAS, the Bayfield County Highway Department, in cooperation with the Bad River Tribe, Ashland County, and Iron County is looking to jointly apply for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant; and, WHEREAS, the project cost for completing a Safety Analysis for all Bayfield County Highways is estimated between $50,000 and $75,000; and, WHEREAS, the SS4A Grant is a, 80/20 grant; and, WHEREAS, Bayfield County has not completed a Safey Analysis of County Trunk Highways; and, WHEREAS, completion of this grant will identify areas within Bayfield County with the highest potential for accidents; and, WHEREAS, Bayfield County will be eligible for added future grant opportunities upon completion of this initial grant; and, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March, 2024, hereby authorizes and supports the Bayfield County Highway Department’s application for the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County hereby commits up to $15,000 in funds for the grant application. Oswald asked what the Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program is. Abeles-Allison stated that it is a program that most communities have to help support and reimburse farms that endure losses of crops, livestock, and production due to damage from wildlife, such as deer, bear, elk, geese and turkey. Abeles-Allison stated that the county is required to have a resolution on file. Strand added that the county supports the program, however the state pays for the reimbursement. Pocernich spoke on the Sheriff’s Office resolution, stating that the jail will have the same nurse but there with be a new company that oversees the nurse’s duties. Pocernich also spoke about the elected official’s salary and stated the elected officials, himself and Mark Abeles-Allison have met 3 or 4 times. Over the course of the four-year term, it will align the salaries of the County Treasurer and Register of Deeds with that of the County Clerk. This is a goal that all parties agreed upon. Silbert, Fickbohm and Dougherty all spoke regarding Resolution No. 2024-39, in Support of Local Control Over Concentrated Animal Feeding Facilities’ Operations. The resolution is in opposition to Assembly Bill 957/Senate Bill 892 which would remove local control to regulate operations of animal facilities in areas that are zoned exclusively or primarily for agricultural use. It is also a call to Governor Evers to veto the bill. Dougherty further explained her reasons for drafting the resolution and requested that her fellow supervisors vote in favor of its support. Motion by Silbert to approve Consent Agenda, seconded by Crandall. Roll Call Vote: Sandstrom – Yes; Dougherty – Yes; Fickbohm – Yes; Ray – Yes; Oswald – Yes; Silbert – Yes; Pocernich – Yes; Strand – Yes; Rautio – Absent; Milanowski – Yes; Rekemeyer – Yes; Crandall – Yes; Rondeau – Yes. Total: 12 – Yes; 0 – No; 1 Absent. Motion carried. 9 Report 2024-02 of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee; Petition to Change District Boundaries of a parcel owned by Laura K Waterhouse and Sarah A Carlson, Town of Barnes, from Residential-Three to Residential-One: Hulstrom stated this petition is to change property Tax ID #1400, and that the property owners are requesting to rezone Residential Three to Residential One so the parcels can be combined to be allowed to build a residential home. Hulstrom read aloud a letter from the landowners stating the Town of Barnes approved the request and that it was not opposed by other landowners. Motion by Rondeau to receive and place on file, seconded by Ray. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance 2024-03; Petition to Change District Boundaries of a parcel owned by Laura K Waterhouse and Sarah A Carlson, Town of Barnes, from Residential- Three to Residential-One: Motion by Rondeau to approve Amendatory Ordinance 2024-03; Petition to Change District Boundaries of a parcel owned by Laura K Waterhouse and Sarah A Carlson, Town of Barnes, from Residential- Three to Residential-One, seconded by Sandstrom. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. Resolutions 2024-41 – 44, Recognition of Board Members, Brett Rondeau, Jeff Silbert, Jeremy Oswald, John Rautio a) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024-41, in Appreciation of John Rautio for 2 Years of Commitment and Service on the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors WHEREAS, John Rautio has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication as a member of the Bayfield County Board for 2 years; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March 2024, honors John Rautio for his 2 years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him well in the years ahead. 10 Oswald commended John for how he jumped into the County Board of Supervisors position when there was a need. Motion by Oswald to approve Resolution No. 2024-41, in Appreciation of John Rautio for 2 Years of Commitment and Service on the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, seconded by Strand. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. b) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024-42, in Appreciation of Jeremy Oswald for 8 Years of Commitment and Service on the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors WHEREAS, Jeremy Oswald has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication as a member of the Bayfield County Board for 8 years; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March 2024, honors Jeremy Oswald for his 8 years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him well in the years ahead. Pocernich presented Oswald with a plaque and letter for his years of service and stated that Oswald has been an asset to the board. Oswald stated that it has been a treat to be here, that he is appreciative for this group, and that it has been great to be able to work with everyone, voicing our opinions and making good decisions. Motion by Silbert to approve Resolution No. 2024-42, in Appreciation of Jeremy Oswald for 8 Years of Commitment and Service on the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, seconded by Ray. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. c) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024-43, in Appreciation of Jeffrey (Jeff) Silbert for 8 Years of Commitment and Service on the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors WHEREAS, Jeff Silbert has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication as a member of the Bayfield County Board for 8 years; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March 2024, honors Jeff Silbert for his 8 years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him well in the years ahead. Pocernich presented Silbert with a plaque and letter for his years of service and thanked him for his contributions to the board. Silbert stated it has been a privilege to serve on such a civil and diversly opinionated group. Silbert also thanked Pocernich for helping him become a more critical thinker and that he is proud to have served on a board for a county that has a wonderful staff. Motion by Fickbohm to approve Resolution No. 2024-43, in Appreciation of Jeffrey (Jeff) Silbert for 8 Years of Commitment and Service on the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, seconded by Dougherty. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. d) Bayfield County Resolution No. 2024-44, in Appreciation of Brett Rondeau for 26 Years of Commitment and Service on the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors 11 WHEREAS, Brett Rondeau has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor, and dedication as a member of the Bayfield County Board for 26 years; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March 2024, honors Brett Rondeau for his 26 years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him well in the years ahead. Rondeau stated the last 26 years have been amazing and remarkable and that this board has done a lot of good things. Rondeau spoke on how he has made some amazing friendships on this board and thanked Abeles-Allison and Pocernich for being great leaders. Rondeau closed by saying that he has given almost half of his life to this board and that he will miss it but has enjoyed the times and thanked the supervisors for all that they have done together. Pocernich read a letter from Human Services Director, Peppy Skulan thanking the outgoing board members for their dedication to the County Board. Motion by Crandall to approve Resolution No. 2024-44, in Appreciation of Brett Rondeau for 26 Years of Commitment and Service on the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, seconded by Milanowski. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. BREAK FOR CAKE AND COFFEE 6:30-7:00 p.m. Pocernich called the meeting back to order at 7:11 p.m. Pocernich moved agenda item #13 forward for the librarians who were in attendance. Local Library Board Appointments: Abeles Allison stated that within the past six months he has had feedback from various Bayfield County library officials regarding having Bayfield County representation on their boards. Per state statutes, counties can have up to five representatives on a library board based on the amount of funding it provides to that library. Darrel Pendergrass spoke on the statues and how, in his experience being at the Washburn Library, he would welcome anyone who has good ideas to help move the library forward, however Pendergrass did say his only reservation would be how the voting or quorum would work. Theresa Weber spoke, sharing that the Bayfield Library Committee is a seven-member board, 5 from the city and 2 from outside the city. Weber stated that she thinks her board is very diverse in their discussions and opinions and has never felt that it is just a city library but Bayfield’s greater community library. Silbert stated he has given this topic a lot of thought. He added that he is not opposed to County Board appointees, however, he feels the board may be acting too soon. He questioned what the objectives and policies would be for county appointments and felt those issues should be very clear. After much further discussion amongst the Board members regarding the pros and cons of appointing County Board Supervisors to the library boards, a Motion was made by Silbert to proceed with this topic with sound reasoning to create clear objectives, policies and goals for future County Board Supervisor appointments to the libraries of Bayfield County, seconded by Fickbohm. Following much more discussion, the motion carried did not carry with the nays outnumbering the yeas. Motion made by Strand that the County Board Chair appoint one County Board representative to each qualifying library within the county, seconded by Oswald. Motion carried 12-0, 1 absent. 12 Granting Northwest Regional Planning Commission Oversight and Authority of the CDBG Housing Program and Authority to Approve Eligible Projects: Abeles-Allison shared that our County Board Ordinance includes a specific appointment to the CDBG housing committee, however The Northwest Regional Planning Commission stated they can do these duties for us. Pocernich added that they will handle all the details, however all identifying information will be hidden and secure as their purpose will be to make sure those applying are qualified to do so. We will not be giving them the right to approve the loans. Motion by Sandstrom to disband the Community Block Grant Committee and grant Northwest Regional Planning Commission oversight and authority of the CDBG housing program and the authority to approve eligible projects, seconded by Rekemeyer. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance 2024-04; Title 2 Chapter 3 of Code of Ordinances Abeles-Allison stated that he did not presently have the ordinance, as Attorney Carlson is on vacation. However, he would still like to approve relocating the Development and Land Sales Committee to the Forestry Committee as well as move the Fencing Committee to the Forestry Committee. Crandall suggested postponing this item until we have the exact wording for the ordinance amendment. Motion by Crandall to postpone the Amendatory Ordinance of Title 2 Chapter 3 of the Bayfield County Code of Ordinances until the next meeting when we have something in hand to vote on, seconded by Milanowski. After further discussion, the Motion did not carry as the nays outnumbered the yeas. Motion by Strand to eliminate the Development and Land Sales Committee and move those responsibilities to the Forestry and Parks Committee and eliminate the Fencing Committees that is currently part of the Tourism/Fair Committee and move those responsibilities to the Forestry and Parks Committee, seconded by Fickbohm. Motion carried 12-0, 1 absent. EMS Study RFP and Advisory Committee Authorization to Proceed with Selection: Abeles- Allison shared that $35,000 was budgeted to hire a company to review EMS in Bayfield County. Emergency Management put out an RFP and received 6 proposals, 2 of which really were great and fit with our wants and goals. The two top companies were Riseling Group and Strategic Management and Consulting, LLC. Abeles-Allison stated the EMS AD HOC Committee would like to recommend these and are requesting the County Borad to allow the EMS AD HOC Committee make the selection. Motion by Sandstrom to authorize the EMS AD HOC Committee to proceed with the selection of the company that will conduct the EMS study, seconded by Fickbohm. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. County Resolution No. 2024-45, Supporting the Future of Northland College in Chequamegon Bay: WHEREAS, Northland College has a long-standing history in the Chequamegon Bay; and, WHEREAS, Northland College is a Environmental Liberal Arts College providing academic and hands on support for the natural resources at the heart of our economy and a connection to arts and science unique in a rural area; and, WHEREAS, Northland College has shaped the culture of the region for generations; and, WHEREAS, Northland College is a core foundational component of the two county area impacting every sector of the community; and, 13 WHEREAS, Many alumni of Northland College have joined our community, providing services, starting businesses, serving as doctors, teachers, firefighters and other essential employees making our economy viable and culture vibrant; and, WHEREAS; the Bayfield County Board has had Northland College Alumni as county representatives, including Jeremy Oswald and Tom Frizzell; and, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors assembled this 26th day of March 2024, praises Northland College Students, Faculty and Board of Directors for reimagining the future of Northland College, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Bayfield County supports efforts underway to envision a New Northland with a continuing and even more impactful role in the region. Motion by Ray to approve Supporting the Future of Northland College in the Chequamegon Bay, seconded by Oswald. After much discussion and support of Northland College and its impact on the Chequamegon Bay area, Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. Reports: 1. Future County Board Meeting Dates: April 16, 2024 – Statutory Requirement - 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. May 28, 2024 – Budget Planning at 4:00 p.m. June 25, 2024 2. Broadband Access Grant Planning Efforts: Abeles-Allison stated that two large grants have been received and we are currently working on how to improve broadband access throughout the entire county. 3. Community Development Block Grant Housing Update and Public Hearing: There will be a Public Hearing at 11:30 a.m. on April 16, 2024. 4. Superior Days: Superior Days will be held on April 9th and 10th 5. Construction Project Update: Abeles-Allison stated that the Annex building construction is now underway, with the goal of making it more suitable and useful for Health Department needs. 6. Committee Survey: Committee preference forms will be sent to all supervisors following the April 2nd election. Supervisors’ Reports: Pocernich stated there will be no Personnel or Executive meetings in April, awaiting new members to be appointed after the election. Oswald stated there will be no Sheriff’s Committee meeting in April either. Abeles-Allison reminded the retiring County Board members to please hand in their iPad’s. Fickbohm shared that the DOT/sidewalk meeting in Herbster tomorrow has been cancelled due to weather. Oswald also shared that the BART bus is trying out free rides for Veterans for a 1-year trial period. Closed Session: Motion by Oswald, at 8:15 p.m., to enter into Executive Session, seconded by Ray. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. Return to Open Session: There being no further business to conduct in Executive/Closed Session, a motion was made by Milanowski, seconded by Crandall to return to Open Session at 8:17 p.m. Motion carried, 12-0, 1 absent. 14 Adjournment: There being no further business to discuss, Pocernich adjourned the meeting upon resuming Open Session at 8:18p.m. Respectfully submitted, LYNN M. DIVINE Bayfield County Clerk LMD/amb