HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 08-21-07 NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA
ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2007 — 9:00 A.M.
St. Croix County Government Center - 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION: Father Jim Brinkman, Immaculate Conception Parish, New Richmond, Wisconsin
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 duly 17, 2007
2. Date of Next Meeting— September 18, 2007 at 9: 00 a. m.
3. Rezonings Neil and Mary do Wilcoxson, Town of Troy Ag to Ag Res.
4. Mileage and Per Diem
APPOINTMENTS: Ad Hoc Negotiations Committee — Daryl Standafer, Richard King and Cindy Leonard
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution Approving Amendment to Town of Hudson Zoning Ordinance
2. Resolution authorizing the St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department to Apply for a
2008 Lakes Planning Grant
3. Presentation — Public Surplus Program — Management Systems Specialist Dana Baker
4. *Resolution to Negotiate with Hudson Area Library Foundation for Acquisition of a Parcel of
Land Hudson Area joint bibr-afy Foundation Request r-e� ReseFvation of Gaver-afneat Gente
5. Resolution Approving New Position in the Clerk of Court Office — Enforcement Clerk
6. An Ordinance Creating Chapter 77 — Annual County Vehicle Registration Fee — St. Croix County
Code of Ordinances
7. *Resolution authorizing Application to Operate an Aging and Disability Resource Center and
Appointment of Ad Hoc Planning Committee
8. *Resolution to Make Retroactive Wage Rates Increases for 2006 and 2007 for Non - Represented
Nursing Home Employees
9. Nursing Home Operation and Disposition
COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Emergency Communications, Emergency
Management, Highway Department, Surveyor, *Public Protection Committee report regarding employee
survey results
COUNTY CLERK'S REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE AND REZONING REQUESTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURN
(Items may be taken in different order)
* Changes or Additions after the Preliminary Agenda ** Late Changes and Additions
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OFFICIAL
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST.CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Regular Meeting August 21, 2007
Invocation given by Father Jim Brinkman of the Immaculate Conception Parish in New Richmond, Wisconsin.
Pledge of Allegiance recited. Meeting called to order by Chair Malick at 9:00 a.m.
Roll call: 30 present; 1 absent and excused — Supr. Luckey
Administrative Coordinator Report: Administrative Coordinator Chuck Whiting reported the Department of
Revenue has announced equalized value for the counties. St. Croix County has a 3.263% change from 2006. The
current 2008 levy estimate is $23,990,377. Whiting reported on the City of Hudson status and the Carmichael
corridor. Whiting distributed the schedule for department budget review presentations to the Finance Committee in
September.
Consent Agenda: Motion by Supr. Caflisch, 2nd by Supr. Mortensen to adopt the consent agenda approving the
minutes of the July 17, 2007 County Board Session; setting the next County Board meeting for September 18,
2007; approving rezoning Ordinance 4759(2007) for Neil and Mary Jo Wilcoxson, Town of Troy rezoning property
from Ag to Ag- Residential; approving mileage and per diem for June 2007 in the amount of $10,479.73 and July
2007 in the amount of $7,505.36. Carried unanimously.
Appointments: Chair Malick reported after consulting with Vice Chair King he is appointing Suprs. Standafer; King
and Leonard to the Ad Hoc Negotiations Committee for the next cycle of negotiations.
Chair Malick introduced Polk County Chair Larry Jepsen who was in the audience.
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution #21(2007) Approving Amendment to Town of Hudson Zoning Ordinance. Motion by
Supr. Habhegger, 2nd by Supr. Bum to approve. This resolution corrects road classifications, building and parking
lot setbacks and updates the sign regulations in the Town of Hudson. Carried unanimously.
2. Resolution #22(2007) Authorizing the St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department
to Apply for a 2008 Lakes Planning Grant. Motion by Supr. Raymond, 2nd by Supr. Ruetz to approve. Supr.
Raymond stated this resolution authorizes the Land and Water Conservation Department to request $3,000 from the
Wisconsin DNR under the "Lake Management Grant Program" to sponsor an informational and education
conference in 2008 relating to the protection and management of Lake St. Croix. No county match will be
expended in regard to this conference. Carried unanimously.
3. Presentation — Public Surplus Program — Management Systems Specialist Dana Baker. Baker stated
the purpose of this program is to establish transfer, sale or disposal procedures for surplus or obsolete county
property, excluding land and buildings. Baker defined surplus and obsolete property and highlighted savings of
$41,000 to date in repurposing items to other departments. Repurposed items include: copiers, furniture, typewriter,
toner, etc. Baker explained Public Surplus is a third party auction site to sell county -owned property that cannot be
repurposed. Baker explained there are 300 items currently on auction. Many items are from the Nursing Home and
several items are from the Government Center. Directions to this website will be placed in the county newspapers.
Baker reviewed the Public Surplus website and bidding and payment process. Baker indicated terms are "cash and
carry" only. Baker stated there is no cost to the county other than a 7% fee to Public Service which is part of the
purchase price of each item. Supr. Mehls expressed concerns regarding disposing of beds and requested no beds
are disposed of until Emergency Management / Emergency Communications meet to discuss this.
4. Resolution to Negotiate with Hudson Area Library Foundation for Acquisition of a Parcel of Land.
Motion by Supr. Standafer, 2nd by Supr. Caflisch to approve. This resolution would appoint Supr. Awsumb and
Supr. Krueger to negotiate an agreement with the Hudson Area Library Foundation for an option or other
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reservation of right to acquire a parcel of land on the Government Center property for a new library building to be
brought back to the Board for consideration and action. Supr. Struemke expressed concern regarding the resolution
and stated the County Board has not voted to sell this property. Supr. Standafer responded this does not suppose
the land is being sold, the resolution intends to create a stakeholder place for the library foundation which rezoning
is considered and to assist in the library's planning process. Supr. Raymond stated it pre- supposes the library will
have a place on the land which starts the action to sell. Supr. Raymond added the Barsness report highlights
saleable amount and he encourages getting the most value for the taxpayers of the county. Discussion regarding
other interested parties taking the same steps requesting reservation of this land and concerns regarding premature
negotiations with the Hudson Area Library Foundation. Chair Malick confirmed negotiation results will be brought
back to the County Board. Supr. Raymond asked if the Barsness report as a blue print of the land was adopted by
the County Board. Chair Malick indicated he has no recollection of County Board approval of the Barsness report.
Supr. Marzolf stated the resolution clearly states an option or reservation to acquire. Motion by Vice Chair King,
2nd by Supr. B. Hurtgen and Supr. Mortensen to postpone voting on this matter until next month. Supr. Speer
requested roll call vote. Supr. Cranmer summarized the letter from the library of its understanding the County
Board is not contemplating selling the land in the near future. The library asked for guidance from the Finance
Committee on how to proceed with hopes the committee would have the County Board approve appointment of a
committee to negotiate the terms of an option agreement. Supr. Raymond stated there is a distinct possibility they
have to pay full market value and the full price has yet to be determined. Motion to postpone failed on a tie vote 15
- 15 (Voting no: Suprs. Peavey, Peterson, Dowd, Mehls, Mortensen, Caflisch, Struemke, Troyer, Rebholz,
Cranmer, Standafer, Borup, Malick, Leonard, Krueger). Motion to approve resolution failed 13 — 17 (Voting no:
Suprs. Bum, B. Hurtgen, Speer, J. Hurtgen, Peavey, Peterson, Grant, Dowd, Mehls, King, Habhegger, Mortensen,
Wentz, Ruetz, Struemke, Raymond, Gunderson).
Supr. Struemke requested something brought before the County Board on what to do with the land.
5. Resolution #23(2007) Approving New Position in the Clerk of Court Office — Enforcement Clerk.
Motion by Supr. Caflisch, 2nd by Supr. Cranmer to approve. This resolution approves a new position titled
Enforcement Clerk to be placed in the Clerk of Court Department with a start date of October 1, 2007. Supr. Wentz
expressed concerns regarding creating a position which was approved by the County Board on April 10, 2002.
Supr. Wentz added the duties of Financial Assistant has collection duties in the job description and approving this
today is out of synchronization with other new position requests. Child Support Administrator Katy Kapaun
explained the pilot completed recently in which two Child Support staff members carried out collection duties for a
10 week period in the Clerk of Court office. Clerk of Court Lori Meyer and Office Manager Kristi Severson were
present. Meyer explained this is the third time she has requested this position and it has not been previously
approved. Supr. Wentz suggested this request go through budget process. Meyer stated the Finance Committee
agreed to move forward sooner because of the revenue it could generate. Meyer summarized collection results of
the pilot and funds continue to come in because of wage assignments currently in place. Meyer anticipates a
halftime position working on collections could generate $150,000 for the county. The Circuit Court Judges issued a
letter in support of this position. Meyer stated she has funds in the 2007 budget available to support this position in
2007. Supr. Mehls summarized collection efforts made since 2002 and noted this has been a top item in goal
setting sessions. Discussion regarding county employee vs. contracted collections and options regarding collection
agencies. Supr. Raymond asked if position would pay for itself forever. Meyer stated it certainly should. Supr.
Cranmer stated the Child Support office deserves a thanks and to go forward with this position. Chair Malick
requested Meyer to keep track of collections and report results to the Finance Committee. Chair Malick suggested a
roll call vote. Roll call vote: Yes — 22; No — 6 (voting no: Suprs. B. Hurtgen, Habhegger, Wentz, Standafer,
Jordan, Raymond). Passes.
Ordinance #760(2007) Creating Chapter 77 — Annual County Vehicle Registration Fee — St. Croix County
Code of Ordinance. Motion by Supr. King, 2nd by Supr. Rebholz to approve. Wisconsin Statutes §341.35 gives_a
county the authority to enact an ordinance imposing an annual flat registration fee on all motor vehicles customarily
kept in the county. A $10.00 annual county vehicle registration fee is proposed and would become a designated
revenue source for the core service of highway maintenance in St. Croix County that comes directly from the users
of highways. The effective date is January 1, 2008.
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Highway Commissioner Tim Ramberg reported this was brought forward as findings of alternative revenue
sources. Supr. Struemke stated he does not support additional taxes. Motion by Supr. Struemke, 2nd by Supr.
Caflisch to place this matter on the ballot as an advisory referendum for the April 2008 election. Chair Malick
asked Supr. Struemke if he intends the ordinance approved subject to voter approval or deferred until after the
referendum results. Supr. Struemke confirmed intention was later and Caflisch concurred. Supr. Peterson
expressed concerns regarding the county's responsibility for maintaining roads which electors may not understand.
Ramberg confirmed motorcycles are excluded pursuant to state statutes. Supr. Struemke recognized it is the
County Board's duty to ascertain conditions but this ought to go to the citizens and how they feel about increasing
taxes. Discussion regarding estimated revenues of $700,000 per year the vehicle registration fee would bring to
offset the increase in routine county road maintenance costs. Timmerman confirmed the fees collected are
designated for highway use. Action on motion to place as an advisory referendum on the April 2008 ballot was by
roll call vote: Yes — 9; No — 21 (voting no: Suprs. Burn, B. Hurtgen, Speer, J. Hurtgen, Peavey, Peterson, Grant,
Dowd, Mehls, King, Habhegger, Wentz, Ruetz, Marzolf, Norton - Bauman, Troyer, Rebholz, Cranmer, Borup,
Krueger, Gunderson) Motion defeated. Motion to approve the ordinance by roll call: Yes — 19; No — 11 (Voting no:
Suprs. Habhegger, Mortensen, Awsumb, Caflisch, Struemke, Standafer, Borup, Malick, Jordan, Raymond,
Leonard). Carried.
6. Resolution #24(2007) authorizing Application to Operate an Aging and Disability Resource Center
and Appointment of Ad Hoe Planning Committee. Motion by Supr. Wentz, 2nd by Supr. Troyer to approve.
This resolution authorizes the Department on Aging to submit an application for an Aging and Disability Recourse
Center (ADRC) which will serve the elderly and persons who have a disability and appoints an ad hoc ADRC
planning committee.
Director of Health and Human Services Fred Johnson reported this authorizes the Department on Aging to apply for
funding of approximately $632,000 for an ADRC in St. Croix County and to appoint an ad hoc planning committee
to develop and recommend to the County Board a plan for organizing and governing the ADRC. Department on
Aging Director Kjersti Duncan explained the timeline. Supr. Mortensen explained he voted against the resolution
in committee because he felt there were more questions to be asked and concerns regarding future funding by
county. Johnson explained the previous resolution had fiscal impact. Through a cost analysis by county $632,000
is earmarked for St. Croix County. The 2008 budget would be capped at $632,000. They will review roles and
responsibilities that would be left in the resource center and look at levy cost for the impact. Johnson reported as
the bill stands in Joint Finance the county contribution would be 2.7 million dollars at this time. There is an
opportunity to negotiate with the state for the care management function and ultimately to get rid of wait lists. The
2.7 million would be bought down over five year period. Discussion regarding county funding commitment from
this point forward. Supr. Wentz stated this is an opportunity for the county and in the future the county could opt
out. Johnson stated if authorization to apply is not approved the county is not in the position to work toward long
term care reform. Currently with services to long term care consumers there are wait lists and this is an opportunity
for care management which would eliminate wait lists. Discussion regarding staffing the ADRC. Johnson stated
the new positions have been brought forward to HHS out of the $632,000 and they are looking at the opportunity to
utilize current staff. Johnson indicated if Long Term Care Reform moves forward through this Board the county
will no longer be responsible for case management services for adults as it would increase or transition to staff of
the ADRC. Johnson added ADRC new positions in the county may be a reduction in staff elsewhere within the
county. Duncan stated this is a national initiative and 40 states have received federal grants. ADRC would serve as
a one -stop shop as well as a place for the general public to get information and assistance. Duncan listed potential
staff positions for ADRC. Johnson stated a separate ADRC budget will be prepared and the positions will be
brought through the budget process. Supr. Borup stated his understanding with this possible transition there will be
a reduction of case management within the department which would necessitate reshuffling of staff power so there
is no need for new positions. Johnson confirmed that understanding. Carried.
7. Resolution #25(2007) to Make Retroactive Wage Rates Increases for 2006 and 2007 for Non -
Represented Nursing Home Employees. Motion by Supr. Wentz, 2nd by Supr. Caflisch to approve. This
resolution approves retroactive wage rate increases effective for non - represented nursing home employees
equivalent to the other non - represented employees' increases, being a 1.5% increase for 2006, and a 2.5% increase
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for 2007 that have been continuously employed by the county prior to 2006 or since their starting date in 2006 or
2007 and are still employed by the county on the day this resolution is adopted. Carried.
Nursing Home Operation and Disposition. Motion by Supr. King, 2nd by Supr. Marzolf to have the health care
hospital in full operation as it is now and is financially with the service we have now to do this without any further
ado. Supr. Borup recommends rather than health care hospital it is referred to as the health center. Supr. King and
Marzolf agreed. Supr. Marzolf highlighted minutes from County Board of December 2001 which described the
current nursing home structure and the need for ramps and elevators and the option to build a new home after
downsizing. Supr. Marzolf asked what happened to the option to build a new home after downsizing action was
taken in 2001. Chair Malick recollection was that decision was made to spend money on remodeling primarily in
the food service area which required less staff. Supr. Wentz recalls during this time the Hudson casino issue was
before the County Board and pressures on the County Board at that time. Comments regarding competing with
private nursing home enterprises and subsidizing a facility which competes with eight other county nursing home
facilities. Discussion regarding assessed value and new construction numbers for the 2008 county budget and
options explored in extricating from the nursing home business with the possibility some of the subsidy may be
able to restore those things that were removed from the 2007 budget. Supr. Standafer stated it's time to decide if
we should be in the business. Supr. Awsumb asked Johnson to summarize the Health and Human Services (HHS)
Board motion and discussion. Johnson stated on August 15 the HHS Board met and made the following motion:
A motion was introduced by Awsumb, seconded by Rasmussen, and adopted with Troyer and Dr. Hoberg voting no;
That the Board appoint a subcommittee to work with staff and interested parties over the next four weeks to identify
and come to preliminary proposal to form a public /private partnership to operate a nursing home and assisted living
facility and incorporate the plan into budget for 2008. Johnson stated there was a lengthy discussion at the HHS
meeting regarding options. Johnson stated the motion passed but Suprs. Luckey and Caflisch were absent. Johnson
listed several private companies which operate nursing homes for consideration and is working with Attorney Brian
Pertell, who represented the county through the CCH negotiation process. Johnson stated key issues are the need
for a facility to become a first come first serve facility and take care of the Medicaid population. Johnson
highlighted interim contact he made with the City of New Richmond Administrator Dennis Horner and Mayor
Schnitzler and Homer's willingness to meet with the subcommittee to discuss service options. Next meeting of the
HHS Board is September 12 which creates a tight timeframe regarding the budgeting process. Supr. Awsumb
commented on the number of communities within an hour's drive of New Richmond with successful private /public
first come first serve basis nursing homes and two companies which expressed interest. Discussion regarding extra
time needed to consider building a new nursing home facility. Supr. Jordan provided statistics relating to county
rankings per capita, growth and future estimations for St. Croix County households. Supr. Jordan gave bed number
information for the other county nursing homes. Supr. Jordan noted the population growth in the New Richmond
area was 2,900 people from the years 2000 — 2006 and questioned building a smaller facility. Supr. Jordan asked
this get to a solution that makes sense. Supr. Dowd stated he talked to Tom McCarty of Eau Claire County who
stated the Eau Claire County Nursing Home was purchased at $4.5 million and stated St. Croix County was asked
to pay $2.75 million for its nursing home. Supr. Troyer stated if the motion is to stay status quo and operate as we
have we continue to use county tax levy dollars. Supr. Wentz stated we need to be responsive to elder citizens and
the expenses to take care of them. Supr. Raymond stated the purpose of the discussion is to reduce the subsidy not
to eliminate nursing home employees. Supr. Caflisch stated we need to continue to reduce the subsidy of the
nursing home. Supr. Peterson stated a motion to table may be in the best interest in order to give the HHS Board an
opportunity to work through alternatives. Motion by Supr. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Ruetz to table the issue
indefinitely. Supr. Struemke expressed concerns regarding tabling as it is not fair to the Nursing Home employees,
the HHS Board and the Finance Committee for budgeting purposes. Chair Malick stated should motion to table
pass he will still put it on next month's County Board agenda at least to have status or progress reports. Motion to
table passes 18 — 11 (voting no: Suprs. J. Hurtgen, Dowd, Mehls, King, Habhegger, Caflisch, Struemke, Troyer,
Standafer, Raymond, Krueger). Supr. Leonard left at 12:47 during debate and before the vote.
Suprs. Standafer, Jordan, Awsumb, Krueger, Habhegger and Dowd left the meeting after the Nursing Home issue
and before the reports of Emergency Communications, Emergency Management, and Public Protection Committee.
Committee and Department Reports:
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Emergency Communications: Communications Director Casey Swetlik highlighted calls for service and increases
from 1993 to 2006. Swetlik reported on a power outage in December 2006 and the need to activate the Baldwin
back -up station. Accomplishments reviewed including: Cellular 911 Phase II implementation, replacement of fire
base stations, global reprogramming of 640 portable and mobile radios and Government Center security camera
upgrade and expansion. Swetlik noted the increase of calls from young children playing with inactive cell phones
and stated 911 calls remain active on those phones. Future challenges reviewed include staffing, radio base project,
voice recorder and emergency medical dispatching. Supr. Mehls reported on the use of the emergency
communications van throughout the storm which went through the New Richmond area a week earlier. Discussion
regarding countywide severe weather warning.
Emergency Management: Emergency Management Director Jack Colvard reported on the recent wind storm
damage throughout the county with the majority of the damage occurring in the New Richmond area and the
process in reporting to the state for reimbursable funding. Colvard thanked the Sheriff's Department for their
assistance in identifying damages to homes and crops. Colvard reported preliminary figures in the New Richmond
area from the storm to be $13,300,000 to $14,300,000. Colvard highlighted damages to business and agricultural
damages to crops, farm buildings and cattle. Colvard reviewed the claims process.
Highway Department: Highway Commissioner Tim Ramberg reported on the 2006 Highway Department's
activities. Ramberg stated staffing levels over the years has cut from 170 in 1970 to 80 employees in 2006. The
Highway Department is responsible for 700 lane miles of county highways, 600 plus lane miles of state highways,
various towns, cities, village, over 2,400 lane miles at any given time during any snow storm and 66 county bridges
of the 180 are inspected. Ramberg reviewed road maintenance goals for the Highway Department. Ramberg
reported Highway Department average outside revenues per year is $939,810 from a six year total. Ramberg noted
county appropriations are steady but highway improvement trends are unsteady. The Highway Department
percentage of total county levy (including County Aid Bridges) is 16.25 percent for 2007. Ramberg emphasized
long range planning, trends and strategies are key to the Highway Department. Supervisors asked several questions
regarding bridge inspection throughout the county.
Surveyor: Brian Halling reviewed the County Surveyors' duties and obligations and listed duties his department
does to assist others. Halling explained land survey monument records and how PLSS corners are identified
through GPS. Halling reviewed future plans which include continually revising the work plan; continued efforts
with resources; streamline current processes to free up more resources for projected goals and balancing resources
with goals with assisting others.
Public Protection Committee Report regarding employee Survey Results: Supr. Speer asked the report be moved to
the September meeting since several Supervisors had left the meeting.
County Clerk's Report of Correspondence and Rezoning Requests: County Clerk Cindy Campbell reported
rezoning hearings scheduled for the Planning and Zoning Committee: Peter and Bridget Kling, Town of Cylon, Ag
to Ag -Res; Sally and Doug Emerson, Town of Cylon, Ag -Res to Ag II; and Robert S. Baglio, Town of Baldwin, Ag
to Ag -Res.
Announcements: None
Adjourn. Chair Malick adjourned the meeting at 1:50 p.m.
Clarence W. Malick, Chair, St. Croix County Board of Supervisors
Cindy Campbell, County Clerk
Copies of resolutions and ordinances may be obtained at the St. Croix County Clerk's office.
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