HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 01-15-08 AMENDED
NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA
ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2008 — 9:00 A.M.
St. Croix County Government Center -1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR REPORT
REVIEW OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
(Unless separation of an item is requested, all will be adopted in one motion.)
1. Minutes of Previous Session —December 18, 2007
2. Date of Next Meeting — February 19, 2008 at 9: 00 a.m. ( *subject to cancellation)
3. Rezonings — Eric Larson rezone from Ag -Res to Commercial, Town of Hammond; Jin Koo Kwak and
Diane Beauvais rezone from Ag to Ag -Res, Town of Erin Prairie
4. Mileage and Per Diem
APPOINTMENTS: Indianhead Federated Library System — Mary Ellen Brue
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
1. *Resolution Approving Additional New Positions Related to Fourth Judge to Begin in 2008
2. *Resolution Amending the 2008 Budget for Expenses Associated with Fourth Judge Position
3. *Resolution Requesting Congress to Require Amendments to Federal Regulations to Prevent the
Loss of Federal Entitlement Benefits to Inmates of Public Institutions
4. Resolution Supporting Change for Returning Federal Funds from Certified Public Expenditures of
County Nursing Homes
5. Reply to Supervisor Struemke's question regarding Cost Savings to move Nursing Home
Operation to One Floor
6. * *Options Discussed by the Ad Hoc Nursing Home Committee
7. Nursing Home Operation and Disposition
8. *Finance Committee Recommendation for Government Center Room 1259 Use
9. *Resolution approving Alteration of Supervisor District Boundaries resulting from Annexations to
the City of Hudson
10. *Resolution approving Alteration of Supervisor District Boundaries resulting from Annexations to
the City of New Richmond
11. *Response to Supr. Streumke's request to look at prioritizing, ranking and categorizing county
programs
COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS: County Clerk, County Treasurer, Department on
Aging ( *9:30 a.m.),
COUNTY CLERK'S REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE AND REZONING REQUESTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS: American Legion Presentation to Sheriff's Department (9:15 a.m.)
ADJOURN
(Items may be taken in different order)
* Changes or Additions after the Preliminary Agenda ** Late Changes and Additions
2/11/2011 9:20 AM
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ST.CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Regular Meeting January 15, 2008
The meeting began with a silent invocation. Pledge of Allegiance recited. Meeting called to order by
Chair Malick at 9:00 a.m.
Roll call: 28 present; 3 absent — Supr. Krueger, Supr. King, Supr. Dowd. Supr. Cranmer arrived at
9:07 a.m. Supr. Dowd arrived at 9:45 a.m.
Administrative Coordinator Report: Administrative Coordinator Chuck Whiting reported the
Finance Committee discussed the surplus of items the county has and a change to the policy to donate
items to charities. Whiting stated work with Springsted has begun again and explained Springsted staff
is meeting with employees directly. Whiting added the county is still in the process of negotiating with
the four AFSCME union groups. Whiting stated Department Head performance evaluations have been
taking place by some committees. Sandi Hanson will begin in the Administration Suite at the end of
the month as receptionist and assistant.
Review of Agenda: Chair Malick reviewed the agenda and indicated items will be taken in the same
order as they appear on the agenda.
Consent Agenda: Motion by Supr. Caflisch, 2 by Supr. Struemke to adopt the consent agenda
approving the December 18, 2007 County Board proceedings; setting the next County Board meeting
for February 19, 2008; approving rezoning Ordinance #768(2008) for Eric Larson, Town of
Hammond, Ag- Residential to Commercial; and Ordinance #769(2008) for Jin Koo Kwak and Diane
Beauvais, Town of Erin Prairie, Ag to Ag -Res; and approving mileage and per diem for November 2007
in the amount of $7,856.49. Carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENT: Chair Malick announced the appointment Mary Ellen Brue to the Indianhead
Federated Library System.
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution #1(2008) Approving Additional New Positions Related to Fourth Judge to
Begin in 2008. Motion by Supr. Standafer, 2nd by Supr. Wentz to approve. Supr. Standafer explained
when the 2008 budget was approved it was without knowing the fourth judge was going to be
approved. New positions contingent on the approval of a fourth circuit court judge include: Judicial
Assistant, Court Clerk and Security Officer. Carried unanimously.
2. Resolution #2(2008) Amending the 2008 Budget for Expenses Associated with Fourth
Judge Position. Motion by Supr. Standafer, 2 by Supr. Caflisch to approve. This resolution amends
the 2008 budget to increase the 2008 budgeted expenditures for Circuit Court increased by: $40,758;
Clerk of Court increased by $23,815 and Sheriff's budget increased by $23,129 for a total budget
increase of $87,702. Carried unanimously.
3. Resolution #3(2008) Requesting Congress to Require Amendments to Federal Regulations
to Prevent the Loss of Federal Entitlement Benefits to Inmates of Public Institutions. Motion by
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Page 2 of 7
Supr. Speer, 2„d by Supr. Mehls to approve. This resolution requests and urges Congress to require
amendments to federal regulations to allow federal financial participation for medical benefits to
incarcerated individuals until convicted and sentenced to secure detention. Carried unanimously.
4. Resolution #4(2008) Supporting Change for Returning Federal Funds from Certified
Public Expenditures of County Nursing Homes. Motion by Supr. Wentz, 2 nd by Supr. Caflisch to
approve. This resolution supports recovering all Federal funds received from the Certified Public
Expenditures of county nursing homes to then be returned to the county nursing homes in order to
bring direct tax relief to the citizens of St. Croix County. Carried unanimously.
Chair Malick explained if a citizen wishes to speak on the nursing home issue, to complete a request
form. Chair called for a recess at 10:10 a.m. and reconvened at 10:25 a.m.
5. Reply to Supervisor Struemke's question regarding Cost Savings to move Nursing Home
Operation to One Floor. Director of Health and Human Services Fred Johnson stated in response to
Supr. Struemke's question regarding cost savings to move the nursing home operation to one floor, the
HHS Board used the 2005 WIPFLI operational assessment for comparisons. Johnson stated if the
county implemented all of the efficiencies on the 72 -bed facility there would have been a savings of
$491,000. To date, most of those are realized. If the county went to a 50 -bed facility, the county
would look at $773,000 in savings. These amounts are based on the 2005 WIPFLI report. The
difference between the two is approximately $280,000. Johnson stated this amount is not a guaranty
without a more detailed review. Johnson reported the first floor can fit a total of 44 residents with a
mix of individual rooms and shared occupancy.
6. Options Discussed by the Ad Hoc Nursing Home Committee. Johnson reported at the last
ad hoc committee meeting there was a follow -up with Ecumen. Johnson stated in a letter from
Ecumen, they indicated all owned and managed Ecumen communities are expected to operate on a
break -even or better basis in compliance with their budget proforma. Johnson stated the ad hoc
committee had a lengthy discussion with Ecumen which was general and not specific in terms of a
proposal. Johnson added there was no definitive decision to proceed with Ecumen in terms of
negotiations. Discussion regarding Ecumen's experience. Chair Malick summarized the three entities
reviewed by the ad hoc committee are Presbyterian Homes, Health Dimensions and Ecumen. Supr.
Struemke asked if the issue of moving operations to one floor will go back to HHS with a
recommendation to the County Board to either move or not move operations to one floor. He stated
there are currently 66 residents and the average of discharges per month is seven. Caflisch suggested
looking at savings by going to 44 beds rather than 50 beds. Johnson stated the ad hoc committee
looked at 18 to 20 beds in assisted living but no formal recommendation was made by the committee.
Johnson introduced Larry Lester from WIPFLI. Lester reviewed the Nursing Home and Assisted
Living Analysis providing estimates for a 72 -bed replacement facility, 50 -bed replacement facility and
a 20 -unit Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF). Review of 72 -bed replacement facility.
Total 2008 tax levy after county appropriation and nursing home surplus was estimated at $793,090.
Construction costs on 72 -bed facility plus equipment was estimated at $11,083,500. Depreciation
reviewed with an estimate total depreciation of $315,000 each year. Medicaid and private rate impact
reviewed. After all considered, estimated revised budgeted tax levy for a 72 -bed replacement facility
is $1,200,965. Discussion regarding depreciation.
Review of 50 -bed replacement facility. Construction costs on 50 -bed facility plus equipment was
Page 3 of 7
estimated at $7,842,125. Depreciation reviewed with an estimate total depreciation of $229,803 each
year. Medicaid and private rate impact reviewed with operational changes. After all considered,
estimated revised budgeted tax levy for a 50 -bed replacement facility is $991,875.
Review of 20 -Unit CBRF. Estimated construction costs on a 20 -unit CBRF with equipment is
$2,846,000. Lester estimated break -even rent of $1,897 per month. Meals are provided at the dining
area with no in -house meal preparation by residents. Lester confirmed the construction cost estimates
for all three of the facilities do not include land or infrastructure.
Discussion regarding the aging population and where the technology will be in the future. Lester
stated the first step for the elderly is independent housing, next is CBRF which provide more
assistance with daily living needs, next residential care community which provide more care, then
skilled nursing home facility.
Supr. Awsumb stated the committee discussed converting the existing nursing home to one level for
nursing home care with the upper level being converted to assisted living. Supr. Jordan requested
estimates for 44 -beds to see budget savings.
Supr. Gunderson left at 11:45 a.m.
Johnson asked what the role of the subcommittee is if it is not going to pursue negotiations. The HHS
Board looks at the internal operational assessment.
Supr. Cranmer indicated he had motions for the County Board's consideration.
7. Nursing Home Operation and Disposition. Chair Malick opened the meeting for public
input.
Loyla Waskul of New Richmond, an employee of the St. Croix County Nursing Home, relayed a
message from Supr. King that he was unable to attend today and hopes to see everyone next month.
Kim Dupre, Town of Emerald, thanked the County Board for considering a new building and
appreciates the time and effort in looking into that option. She encourages pursuing the options and
thorough review and to get this resolved for families and employees before the next election.
Supr. Marzolf spoke on the growth in the aging population and future projections. He urged support of
motion by Supr. Peterson at the December 2007 County Board meeting to begin the process of
building a new facility and assisted living residence and to move forward.
Comments from Supervisors regarding subsidizing a nursing home and budget pressures in 2009.
Supervisors expressed the need to make a decision. Supr. Peterson recommended authorization for
HHS to engage Ayers Associates to put together data on constructing an assisted living and nursing
home facility.
Supr. Jordan suggested looking at the existing facility to decrease and reconfigure the nursing home to
meet the 50 bed threshold, thereby qualifying for the higher per bed Medicare reimbursable. Supr.
Jordan expressed concerns of the burden to the taxpayers.
• Page 4 of 7
Supr. Raymond expressed concerns about future budgets and spending additional levy money and
sacrificing other services. Supr. Raymond encouraged active discussion of county issues and
priorities.
Chair Malick declared a recess at 12:26 p.m. Reconvened at 12:40 p.m.
Supr. Marzolf commented there is not a single department in the county which does not rely on the
county levy.
Motion by Supr. Peterson, 2 " by Supr. Mortensen to refer to Health and Human Services Board (HHS)
and have HHS bring back information regarding a remodeling project of the existing building to create
a 50 -bed unit on the first floor and report back to the County Board in February.
Motion by Supr. Mortensen, 2 "d by Supr. Marzolf to amend the motion to include HHS review
remodeling the second floor for use as assisted living.
Supr. Standafer stated the core issue of staying in the business needs to be addressed.
Supr. Borup noted 44 -beds creates a lack of single rooms on the first floor and there would be issues
on how to get in and out of the building if assisted living units were on the second floor.
Supr. Wentz requested clarification from Lester if the county would have to sell all or none of the beds.
Supr. Jordan recommended the motion be consistent directing the ad hoc committee to review the
options.
Supr. Troyer expressed concerns about having taxpayers serve a minority of taxpayers within a fifteen
mile radius of New Richmond and asked why the county continues to support what the private sector
provides.
Vote on amendment to include assisted living on the second floor. Roll call vote: Yes — 6; No - 22.
Failed.
Supervisor Yes No Yes No Yes No
Lois Burri X John Mortensen X Daryl Standafer X
Brian Hurt en X Esther Wentz X John Borup X
Julie Speer X Eugene Ruetz X Clarence Malick X
Joe Hurt en X Gordon Awsumb X Don Jordan X
William Peavey X Thomas Caflisch X Ron Raymond X
Gerald Peterson X Charles Struemke X Cindy Leonard X
Charles Grant X Richard Marzolf X Linda L. Luckey I X
Tom Dowd X Sharon Norton - Bauman X Stan Krueger
Chuck Mehls X Ronald Troyer X Denise Gunderson
Richard King Roger Rebholz X TOTAL 6 22
Wallace Habhegger I I X I I Bill Cranmer X
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Page 5 of 7
Vote on motion to send to HHS to report a study of 50 beds. Roll call vote: Yes - 22; No — 6. Carried.
Supervisor Yes No Yes No Yes No
Lois Burri X John Mortensen X Daryl Standafer X
Brian Hurt en X Esther Wentz X John Borup X
Julie Speer X Eugene Ruetz X Clarence Malick X
Joe Hurt en X Gordon Awsumb X Don Jordan X
William Peavey X Thomas Caflisch X Ron Raymond X
Gerald Peterson X Charles Struemke X Cindy Leonard X
Charles Grant X Richard Marzolf X Linda L. Luckey X
Tom Dowd X Sharon Norton - Bauman X Stan Krueger
Chuck Mehls X Ronald Troyer X Denise Gunderson
Richard King Roger Rebholz X TOTAL 22 6
Wallace Habliegger I X I Bill Cranmer X
Fred Johnson confirmed HHS would need to include construction costs for 44 beds on first floor not 50
beds. If 50 beds, what ratio is pay or payer mix?
Chair Malick requested Supr. Cranmer take his motions to the HHS Board.
Supr. Struemke requested HHS provide a recommendation on 44 -beds on a single floor. Chair Malick
referred this to the HHS Board.
8. Finance Committee Recommendation for Government Center Room 1259 Use. Motion by
Supr. Standafer, 2 nd by Supr. Speer to approve the request of the District Attorney to relocate the
Victim Witness offices to Room 1259 of the Government Center. Supr, Standafer stated utilization of
this room has been reviewed for several months and this decision was made by a priority standpoint.
Supr. Wentz stated she voted against this and felt Victim Witness could go back to the Register of
Deeds office where it originally was located. Chair Malick stated he was not at the Finance Committee
meeting when the decision was made and noted the usage of this room by various groups and the
competing uses for this space. He asked consideration of the option to locate the witness room only
back to the Register of Deeds office.
Building Services Director Art Tobin noted Room 1259 is a meeting and training room. He stated the
Victim Witness area in the DA's office utilizes 554 square feet. Room 1259 has 816 square feet and
the Register of Deeds space used by Victim Witness was 319 square feet. Preliminary cost for
remodeling office space to Room 1259 is $14,000.
District Attorney Eric Johnson addressed space issues in the DA's office and moving Victim Witness
is an ideal solution. Johnson noted the advantages of separating the victims from defendants and their
families. Supr. Luckey asked if part of Room 1259 could be small conference room and asked where
those that use the room will go. County Clerk Campbell noted her office maintains the Government
Center room scheduling calendar and requested the room remain as a conference /training room. She
noted this room contains a folding machine which when operated is noisy. Campbell also noted
security concerns. Roll call vote: Yes — 22; No — 5. Carried.
too'
r ,
Page 6 of 7
Supervisor Yes No Yes No Yes No
Lois Burri X John Mortensen X Daryl Standafer X
Brian Hurt en X Esther Wentz X John Borup X
Julie Speer X Eugene Ruetz X Clarence Malick X
Joe Hurt en X Gordon Awsumb X Don Jordan
William Peavey X Thomas Caflisch X Ron Raymond X
Gerald Peterson X Charles Struemke X Cindy Leonard X
Charles Grant X Richard Marzolf X Linda L. Luckey X
Tom Dowd X Sharon Norton - Bauman X Stan Krue er
Chuck Mehls X Ronald Troyer X Denise Gunderson
Richard King Roger Rebholz X TOTAL 22 5
Wallace Habbegger X Bill Cranmer X
Supr. Awsumb left at 1:40 p.m.
9. Resolution #5(2008) approving Alteration of Supervisor District Boundaries resulting
from Annexations to the City of Hudson. Motion by Supr. Caflisch, 2 nd by Supr. Ruetz. Campbell
explained when an annexation crosses a county supervisory district line the municipality must create a
new ward unless the County Board approves altering the boundaries by moving the annexed parcels of
land from their previous supervisory district to the new supervisory district. Carried unanimously.
10. Resolution #6(2008) approving Alteration of Supervisor District Boundaries resulting
from Annexations to the City of New Richmond. Motion by Supr. Caflisch, 2 nd by Supr. Struemke.
Carried unanimously.
11. Response to Supr. Struemke's request to look at prioritizing, ranking and categorizing
county programs. Supr. Caflisch stated Supr. Struemke's request was addressed by the
Administration Committee with discussions regarding identifying mandated services and the budget
process. Supr. Caflisch noted the consensus among committee members was to review this at the goal -
setting session and the change in budget structure in which budget preparation and discussions will
begin earlier in the year. Supr. Struemke requested the Finance Committee present the budget in
September with a full and complete list of all items in the budget including a list all mandated
programs the county funds. Chair Malick stated there is no completely rational way to complete such a
list.
Supr. Cranmer requested a summary of the final amended 2008 budget after the positions which were
removed and reinstated in actions today with new anticipated revenues and expenses along with a
comparison to 2006 and estimated for 2007. He also requested the amount in the 2008 budget that
represents capital spending also compared to 2006 and 2007. Supr. Cranmer stated in particular along
the line of capital spending how much more this time we have capital spending then the county
ordinarily does. Chair Malick referred both requests to the Finance Committee summarizing the
request for an updated budget through today's actions and 2008 capital planned spending compared to
2006 and 2007. Supr. Cranmer requested the summary also include HHS and Highway Departments
Supr. Struemke asked that a resolution be prepared and sent to the Wisconsin Counties Association and
to the State Legislature with a recommendation to enact legislation that freezes seniors real estate taxes
a January 15, 2008
Page 7 of 7
when they reach the age of 65 and continue to reside in their homes. Chair Malick stated this could go
to either the Finance Committee or HHS Board. Supr. Caflisch stated this cannot be done with the
equalized taxation law in place in Wisconsin. Supr. Struemke stated the State Legislature writes the
statutes and the resolution asks the statutes be amended to allow this to be done.
Committee and Department Reports:
County Clerk County Clerk Cindy Campbell highlighted 2007 elections and voter turnout. Campbell
explained the recent conversion of the State Elections Board to the Governmental Accountability
Board and recent agreement with Accenture over state voter registration system. Campbell explained
the county charges municipalities for election costs and voter registration charges to municipalities
relying on the county for voter registration data maintenance. Campbell reviewed functions of the
County Clerk's office include County Board functions and highlighted marriage license applications
issued, passport applications and vehicle registration applications processed in 2007.
County Treasurer: County Treasurer Cheryl Slind highlighted the start of imaging tax rolls in 2007,
printing tax bills and continued implementation of the GCS Municipal Tax Program. Two more
municipalities began using the municipal tax software system. Seven municipalities collect manually.
The county collects first half taxes for 12 of the 35 municipalities. Slind highlighted the increase in
online tax payments and a significant decrease in Ag Use Penalties in 2007. Delinquent taxes are up
about a million dollars from last year and Croixland Properties (Dog Track) paid 2004 taxes on
January 11, 2008. Tax Roll total for 2007 is $136,134,139.85. Slind addressed a question regarding
the Treasurer's office relationship with the Finance Department.
Department on Aging: Director of The Department on Aging Kjersti Olson- Duncan highlighted 2007
accomplishments and savings accomplished in the Medicare Part D. Duncan provided data regarding
the rate of growth in the aging population and the support offered by the Department on Aging to older
adults in St. Croix County. Duncan highlighted the Senior Centers throughout the county, meals
served, dedicated staff and the generous contribution of local volunteers. Duncan stated the
Department on Aging has been very dedicated to local efforts to implement long -term care reforms and
the commitment toward the development of Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) in St. Croix
County.
County Clerk's Report of Correspondence and Rezoning Requests: No report read by the County
Clerk.
Announcements: Supr. Charlie Grant, on behalf of the American Legion presented a check in the
amount of $1,000 to the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Hillstead thanked the Legion
for its ongoing support and noted the funds are used towards youth drug programs throughout the
county.
Adjourn. Motion by Supr. Peterson, 2 nd by Habhegger to adjourn. Carried unanimously.
Clarence W. Malick, Chair, St. Croix County Board of Supervisors
Cindy Campbell, County Clerk
Copies of resolutions, ordinances and Department Head reports may be obtained at the St. Croix
County Clerk's office.