HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 12-18-07 NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA
ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2007 — 9:00 A.M.
St. Croix County Government Center - 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION: Pastor Dennis Nelson, Bethel Lutheran Church, Hudson, 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 November 6, 2007
2. Date of NextMeeting January 15, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.
3. Rezonings Ruby Schiefelbein, Town of Somerset, Ag to Ag- Residential; Donna Summerfreld,
Town of Somerset, Ag to Ag Residential; Lowell & Virginia Rivard Family Trust, Town of
Somerset Ag to Ag-Residential; Wisconsin DNRIGary & Linda Pulford, Town of Somerset,
Conservancy to Ag-Residential.
4. Mileage and Per Diem
APPOINTMENTS:
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
1. Reconsideration of Motion Disapproving Additional Assistant Corporation Counsel
2. *Approval of Appointment of County Veteran Service Officer
3. Pre - Disaster Mitigation Plan Resolution
4. Resolution Approving Amendment to Town of Hudson Zoning Ordinance - *October 16, 2007
amendments
5. *Resolution Approving Amendment to Town of Hudson Zoning Ordinance — December 4, 2007
amendments
6. Resolution Supporting the Ratification of the Great Lakes -St. Lawrence River Basin Water
Resources Compact
7. *2008 Non - represented Wages Resolution
8. *Action Granting Easement to Star Prairie Township for Return Water Line (County farm
property adjacent to Fourth Street, New Richmond)
9. Nursing Home Operation and Disposition
10. *Reply to Supervisor Struemke's questions regarding Process to Stop Admissions at Nursing
Home and Recommended Limit of Subsidy for Acquiring Nursing Home
11. *Reply to Supervisor Awsumb's question regarding County Board meeting audio /video tape
retention
COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Judicial Circuit Court Judges - 9:15am, Sheriff,
Medical Examiner, Child Support, District Attorney and Victim Witness - 9:25am
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
Official - approved 1115108
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ST.CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Regular Meeting December 18, 2007
Invocation given by Pastor Dennis Nelson, of Bethel Lutheran Church in Hudson, Wisconsin. Pledge
of Allegiance recited. Meeting called to order by Chair Malick at 9:00 a.m.
Roll call: 27 present; 4 absent — Suprs. King, Troyer, Borup and Jordan
Administrative Coordinator Report: Administrative Coordinator Chuck Whiting reported the
Finance Committee has had some discussions regarding changes to next year's budget process and to
expect to see some changes. Whiting noted the Administration Committee is preparing for the goal
review session scheduled for April 2008. Whiting attended WMMIC meetings last week and indicated
the liability premium remains the same as 2007. On November 27 the milestone employee
appreciation dinner was held in Baldwin and several employees attended with Supr. Standafer
presiding. Whiting reminded Supervisors, Department Head evaluations are done this time of year and
committees wishing to do performance evaluations of Departments Heads need to contact Whiting or
Tammy Funk. Whiting and Timmerman performance comments need to be directed to Supr. Krueger.
Whiting reported the county is in the midst of negotiations with four union groups. Pay grids are
available to vote on later in the meeting and five positions moved by the Finance Committee to other
grades will be addressed at that time. Whiting thanked County Veteran Service Officer Lorin Sather
for his 15 years of service to St. Croix County and noted action will be held later in the meeting
electing a new County Veteran Service Officer. Applause. Whiting noted Dick King is recovering
from surgery.
Review of Agenda: Chair Malick reviewed the agenda and indicated the items will be taken up in the
order they appear on the agenda.
Consent Agenda: Supr. Cranmer requested the minutes from the previous meeting be removed from
the consent agenda. Supr. Raymond requested the rezoning for Wisconsin DNR/Gary & Linda Pulford
be removed from the consent agenda. Supr. Cranmer asked if a question regarding minutes could be
taken up at the end of the meeting as a parliamentary question. Chair Malick confirmed the minutes
will be part of the consent agenda. Motion by Supr. Ruetz, 2nd by Supr. Habhegger to adopt the consent
agenda approving the November 6, 2007 County Board proceedings; setting the next County Board
meeting for January 15, 2008; approving rezoning Ordinance #764(2007) for Ruby Schiefelbein, Town
of Somerset, Ag to Ag- Residential; Ordinance #765(2007) for Donna Summerfield, Town of
Somerset, Ag to Ag- Residential; and Ordinance #766(2007) Lowell & Virginia Rivard Family Trust,
Town of Somerset Ag to Ag- Residential; and approving mileage and per diem for October 2007 in the
amount of $9,163.32. Carried unanimously.
Planning and Zoning Code Administrator Kevin Grabau described the Pulford rezoning request in
which the Pulfords sold land to the DNR 20 years ago and kept a two acre parcel at that time. A
survey was not done at the time of sale. The Pulfords built a garage on the west side of the property,
over the property line. For this rezoning a certified survey map was created and the DNR agreed to
sell two strips of land to Pulfords in order to have the garage located off the property line and therefore
December 18, 2007
Page 3 of 11
results in a rezoning as described. Motion by Supr. Habhegger, 2nd by Supr. Krueger to approve
Ordinance #767(2007) Wisconsin DNR/Gary & Linda Pulford, Town of Somerset, Conservancy to Ag-
Residential. Carried unanimously.
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
1. Reconsideration of Motion Disapproving Additional Assistant Corporation Counsel.
Director of Child Support, Katy Kapaun summarized the need for additional legal representation for
child support issues with the addition of the fourth judge and increase in caseload. Kapaun explained
estimated recovery in funding from the state is $27,000. In addition, Kapaun highlighted costs in
human resource related legal services by outside counsel averaged $48,000 per year. The additional
position would allow Corporation Counsel to perform human resource legal service in -house rather
than outside. Kapaun noted levy involved in funding this position is estimated at $6,000 annually.
Motion by Supr. Mehls, 2nd by Supr. Marzolf for reconsideration of reinstating the Assistant
Corporation Counsel position to the 2008 budget. Chair Malick summarized the November action of
the County Board in which five positions were eliminated in one motion — one being the Assistant
Corporation Counsel position. It was noted Supr. Mehls did not vote in the majority of this motion at
the November meeting and therefore cannot make the motion. Supr. Speer made the motion and Supr.
Marzolf seconded. Supr. Krueger noted there is no effect on the county levy and the 2008 budget
would not be changed other than increasing the borrowing amount or use of general funds. Supr.
Awsumb asked if reconsideration can be delayed for more thorough consideration and financial impact
review and suggested looking at bidding out legal work. Roll call vote on motion to reconsider passed
unanimously.
Motion by Supr. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Marzolf that the request for the additional Assistant
Corporation Counsel position be approved. Supr. Awsumb asked Kapaun if private contractors have
been sought to do this child support case work. Kapaun stated it has not. Supr. Norton- Bauman asked
for some guaranty if only $6,000 will be taken from the general fund for this position. Due to the
number of questions, Supr. Caflisch moved to table this matter until the next meeting and it was
seconded by Supr. Habhegger. Roll call vote Yes — 8; No — 19. Motion failed.
Supervisor Yes No John Mortensen X Yes No
Lois Burri X Esther Wentz X Daryl Standafer X
Brian Hurtgen X Eugene Ruetz X John Borup
Julie Speer X Gordon Clarence Malick X
Joe Hurtgen X Awsumb X Don Jordan
William Peavey X Thomas Ron Raymond X
Gerald Peterson X Caflisch X Cindy Leonard X
Charles Grant X Charles Linda L. Luckey X
Tom Dowd X Struemke X Stan Krueger X
Chuck Mehls X Richard Marzolf X Denise
Richard King Sharon Norton- Gunderson X
Wallace Bauman X TOTAL 8 19
Habhegger X Ronald Troyer
Yes No Roger Rebholz X
Bill Cranmer X
December 18, 2007
Page 4 of 11
Motion by Supr. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. B. Hurtgen to call for the question and end debate on the
motion for approval of the position. Roll call vote: Yes - 20; No — 7. Carried.
Supervisor Yes No Esther Wentz X Daryl Standafer X
Lois Burri X Eugene Ruetz X John Borup
Brian Hurtgen X Gordon Clarence Malick X
Julie Speer X Awsumb X Don Jordan
Joe Hurtgen X Thomas Ron Raymond X
William Peavey X Caflisch X Cindy Leonard X
Gerald Peterson X Charles Linda L. Luckey X
Charles Grant X Struemke X Stan Krueger X
Tom Dowd X Richard Marzolf X Denise
Chuck Mehls X Sharon Norton- Gunderson X
Richard King Bauman X TOTAL 20 7
Wallace Ronald Troyer
Habhegger X Roger Rebholz X
Yes No Bill Cranmer X
John Mort ensen X I Yes No
Roll call vote on motion to add the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel: Yes — 21; No — 6
Carried.
Supervisor Yes No Esther Wentz X Daryl Standafer X
Lois Burri X Eugene Ruetz X John Borup
Brian Hurtgen X Gordon Clarence Malick X
Julie Speer X Awsumb X Don Jordan
Joe Hurtgen X Thomas Ron Raymond X
William Peavey X Caflisch X Cindy Leonard X
Gerald Peterson X Charles Linda L. Luckey X
Charles Grant X Struemke X Stan Krueger X
Tom Dowd X Richard Marzolf X Denise
Chuck Mehls X Sharon Norton- Gunderson X
Richard King Bauman X TOTAL 21 6
Wallace Ronald Troyer
Habhegger X Roger Rebholz X
Yes No Bill Cranmer X
John Mort ensen X I Yes No
2. Resolution #39(2007) Confirming Election of Veterans' Service Officer. Motion by Supr.
Caflisch, 2nd by Supr. Raymond to approve. This resolution confirms Merlyn Blaisdell is elected St.
Croix County Veterans' Service Officer, effective December 31, 2007, for a term which expires on
Monday, January 5, 2009. Carried unanimously.
December 18, 2007
Page 5 of 11
3. Resolution #40(2007) Approving An All Hazards Mitigation Plan for St. Croix County.
Motion by Supr. Mehls, 2nd by Supr. Grant to approve. This resolution provides adoption of the St.
Croix County All Hazards Mitigation Plan by the County Board will make the county and its towns
eligible for federal grant dollars for hazard mitigation projects. Carried unanimously.
4. Resolution #41(2007) Approving Amendment to Town of Hudson Zoning Ordinance —
October 16, 2007 amendments. Motion by Supr. Habhegger, 2nd by Supr. Ruetz to approve. This
resolution approves the Town of Hudson ordinance amendment to change the zoning from
Commercial to Commercial /Light Industrial for the Hudson Business Center. Carried unanimously.
5. Resolution #42(2007) Approving Amendment to Town of Hudson Zoning Ordinance —
December 4, 2007 amendments. Motion by Supr. Habhegger, 2nd by Supr. Ruetz to approve. This
resolution approves the zoning ordinance amendments regarding signs in the Town of Hudson. Carried
unanimously.
6. Resolution #43(2007) Supporting the Ratification of the Great Lakes -St. Lawrence River
Basin Water Resources Compact. Motion by Supr. Ruetz, 2nd by Supr. Raymond to approve. This
resolution calls upon the Governor and legislator of Wisconsin to quickly ratify the Great Lakes
Compact along with passage of strong implementing legislation to help protect Wisconsin's Great
Lakes and allow the Great Lakes Compact to become enforceable in the Great Lakes states. Motion
by Luckey, 2nd by Burri to amend the fifth Whereas by removing "being recharged each year ". Carried
unanimously. Action on main motion with amendment carried unanimously. Supr. Raymond urged
people to talk to their legislators about this.
7. Resolution #44(2007) Establishing 2008 Wage Increases for Non - Represented Employees.
Motion by Supr. Krueger, 2nd by Supr. Wentz to approve. This resolution approves wages of the non -
represented employees for 2008 increased by two percent over the 2007 wage grid as budgeted for
2008. Wages of all non - represented employees that are not permanent, full -time employees, including
Temporary, Seasonal, LTE, 4 -H Summer Intern, Law Enforcement Reserve and on -Call Dispatcher
shall remain at the 2007 level for all wages received by the employee. Carried.
8. Resolution #45(2007) Granting Water Main Easement on County Property to the Town of
Star Prairie. Motion by Supr. Krueger, 2nd by Supr. Wentz to approve. This resolution grants a
permanent water main easement to the Town of Star Prairie with associated costs to be paid by the
town. Timmerman explained the easement is outside of the right -of -way. Carried unanimously.
9. Nursing Home Operation and Disposition. Chair Malick stated members of the public
wishing to speak must complete a form and must be recognized by their county supervisor. Public
comments may not exceed a total of 20 minutes. Chair Malick called for a break. After the break
Chair Malick announced he received five comment papers. HHS Director Fred Johnson introduced the
new Nursing Home Administrator Harold Morris and Director of Nursing Connie Sauer. Johnson
stated the county contracts these positions with Pathways. Johnson indicated the Nursing Home
Proposal Review Committee met on November 12 Attorney Brian Purtell of DeWitt, Ross and
Stevens was present on behalf of the County. Purtell's December 12 letter and proposals were mailed
to County Board members.
Purtell reviewed the Summary of Nursing Home Proposals. Purtell's review included proposals from
December 18, 2007
Page 6 of 11
Health Dimensions Group, Inc. (HD) and Presbyterian Homes, Inc (PH). PH's proposal is to acquire
the right to license of 50 county nursing home beds. Under this proposal, the County would transfer
these beds to PH upon the construction of a new facility and the receipt of necessary approvals by state
licensing authorities. The amount is yet to be determined for the value of the license to operate these
beds. PH is not interested in acquiring any further assets of the current nursing home. PH is willing to
pay to the County a price between $6,000 and $12,000 per bed. PH would build a new nursing home
on the grounds of its current operations in New Richmond.
HD proposes construction of a new nursing home facility and the County would cease ownership of
the license to operate the nursing home. HD would assume operations of the current nursing home
while the new facility is under development. The proposal calls for a fee for the management contract,
a Capital Subsidy towards the construction of the new facility and an Operational Subsidy for the first
year of HD's ownership and operation of the new facility. The Capital Subsidy required could be as
much as $6 million and the Operation Subsidy requested is approximately $800,000. The proposal
noted HD will serve residents very similar to the current payer mix of the County's nursing home.
During the transitional period of HD's operation of the facility, the existing union contract would
remain in place, but HD will assess current staffing at the facility early in the transitional period.
Approximately six months prior to the completion of the new facility, union negotiations would begin
on a new contract. New facility design was reviewed including two - thirds of the rooms to be single
occupancy with private bathroom; adequate space for family involvement; and specialty memory care
and supportive services program. Purtell noted these are rough proposals and are not negotiated or
fined tuned.
Supr. Struemke asked if the new nursing home will be in the New Richmond area and will it be
competing with the old nursing home; and if beds are sold, will the county recoup more than enough
for the relocation of residents? Larry Lester of WIPFLI confirmed there will be no relocation costs to
move residents.
Supr. Awsumb commented on the guidelines for reduction of beds and reported the State of Wisconsin
would like to reduce 5,000 beds in the next five years to get away from institutional settings. New
nursing homes are set up for families rather than institutional. The county nursing home has an
institutional setting and lacks a non - institutional setting. Supr. Awsumb stated $7.8 million subsidized
the County nursing home since 2001. He urged supervisors to not operate as status quo, review market
ability and provide what people are expecting including private rooms and dining.
Discussion regarding number of beds and bed reduction to 50 beds. Chair Malick stated the county
nursing home currently has 72 beds.
Supr. Marzolf stated St. Croix County is 60 out of 72 counties in the state in terms of available beds
and highlighted July Finance Committee minutes regarding excess funds from nursing home.
Discussion regarding protective placement. There are currently 63 protectively placed people in St.
Croix County with 12 of them residing at the county nursing home.
Supr. Speer left at 12:30.
Chair Malick called on members of the public to speak.
December 18, 2007
Page 7 of 11
• Supr. Burri read a letter submitted by union officer Kim DuPre against selling the nursing home.
Supr. Burri noted this was the same letter published in the local newspapers.
• Ted Mackmiller, of the town of St. Joseph, spoke on reasons for the County Board to retain
ownership of county nursing home.
• Mary Jo Boardman, of the City of New Richmond, requested the County Board keep the nursing
home open and work out the problems.
• Layla Waskul, of Somerset and an employee of St. Croix County for 24 years, expressed concerns
regarding incorrect information being given to Supervisors regarding the nursing home.
• Kim Dupre, town of Emerald, spoke on the importance of nursing home care.
• Supr. Marzolf read a letter from Sarah Bertsch of the town of Troy indicating it's time to listen to
constituents and act in accordance to their will. The letter supported keeping the nursing home and
requested improvements, planning and constructing a new facility.
Chair Malick stated nothing procedurally needs to be done today and added the Nursing Home
Proposal Review Committee is hoping to get guidance and suggested referring this topic to the Health
and Human Services Board to shape -up a recommendation for January's meeting.
Supr. Standafer left at 1:00 p.m.
Motion by Supr. Struemke, 2nd by Supr. Awsumb to accept Presbyterian Homes' draft proposal and
direct the committee to continue to negotiate this proposal to include the actual reimbursement rate for
the sale of beds at a minimum of $9,000. Supr. Krueger disagreed with the motion based on the draft of
the proposal from Presbyterian Homes and stated he is in favor of Health Dimensions' proposal. Supr.
Rebholz stated these are the same questions since 1990 and asked if it makes sense to give it back to
Health and Human Services. Supr. Awsumb stated the Nursing Home Proposal Review Committee
needs further input from the County Board as to what direction to go. Supr. Dowd stated the question
that needs to be answered is if the county is going to sell or keep the nursing home. Supr. Peterson
stated in 2001 there was a resolution to build a new nursing home and suggested sending it back to the
Nursing Home Proposal Review Committee to look at the county constructing an assisted living and
new nursing home facility. Roll call vote: Yes — 6; No — 19. Failed.
Supervisor Yes No John Mortensen X Yes No
Lois Burri X Esther Wentz X Daryl Standafer
Brian Hurtgen X Eugene Ruetz X John Borup
Julie Speer Gordon Clarence Malick X
Joe Hurtgen X Awsumb X Don Jordan
William Peavey X Thomas Ron Raymond X
Gerald Peterson X Caflisch X Cindy Leonard X
Charles Grant X Charles Linda L. Luckey X
Tom Dowd X Struemke X Stan Krueger X
Chuck Mehls X Richard Marzolf X Denise
Richard King Sharon Norton- Gunderson X
Wallace Bauman X TOTAL 6 19
Habhegger X Ronald Troyer
Yes No Roger Rebholz X
Bill Cranmer X
December 18, 2007
Page 8 of 11
Johnson asked if this was being referred to the Health and Human Services Board so the Nursing
Home Proposal Review Committee is completed.
Motion by Supr. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Mehls to move to the Nursing Home Proposal Review
Committee to research the proposals they have and look at the feasibility of the county constructing an
assisted living home and new nursing home. Supr. Norton - Bauman expressed concerns regarding not
sending back to the Nursing Home Proposal Review Committee on what to do on the two proposals.
Supr. Speer returned at 1:17 p.m.
Roll call vote: Yes — 23; No — 3. Carried.
Supervisor Yes No Bill Cranmer X
... Lois Burri X Yes No
Brian Hurtgen X Daryl Standafer
Julie Speer X John Borup
Joe Hurtgen X Clarence Malick X
William Peavey X Don Jordan
Gerald Peterson X Ron Raymond X
Charles Grant X Cindy Leonard X
Tom Dowd X Linda L. Luckey X
Chuck Mehls X Stan Krueger X
Richard King Denise
Wallace Gunderson X
Habhegger X TOTAL 23 3
Yes No
John Mortensen X
Esther Wentz X
Eugene Ruetz X
Gordon
Awsumb X
Thomas
Caflisch X
Charles
Struemke X
Richard Marzolf X
Sharon Norton -
Bauman X
Ronald Troyer
Roger Rebholz I X
December 18, 2007
Page 1 of 11
Johnson stated he will work with Lester to gather information and schedule a nursing home ad hoc
committee meeting to be addressed in January.
Leonard and Awsumb left at 1:24
10. Reply to Supervisor Struemke's Questions regarding Process to Stop Admissions at Nursing
Home and Recommended Limit of Subsidy for Acquiring Nursing Home. Chair Malick highlighted
the questions asked by Supr. Struemke requesting an analysis of the implications of stopping admissions
to the nursing home and a proposal for a minimum price for selling the nursing home assets. Johnson
read from a draft of the HHS minutes declining to answer the questions and deferring them to the nursing
home ad hoc committee. Chair Malick said that typically 7 persons are admitted per month. Limiting
operations to the first floor only would provide 44 to 46 beds.
11. Reply to Supervisor Awsumb's question regarding County Board Meeting AudioNideo
Tape Retention. This was referred to the Administration Committee. Supr. Caflisch indicated retention
of the audio tapes is currently one year and the Administration Committee agreed there would be no
change.
Committee and Department Reports:
Judicial Circuit Court Judges Present: Judge Lundell, Judge Vlack and Judge Needham. On behalf of
the St. Croix County Circuit Court Judges, Judge Lundell thanked the County Board for its efforts to gain
a fourth judge for St. Croix County. Judge Lundell reviewed the next events for courts in St. Croix
County and indicated the successful candidate will take office on August 1. Judge Lundell explained
changes the judges intend to implement for criminal and the intake rotation system from monthly to
weekly. Scheduling for the fourth judge will begin in April 2008. Judge Lundell highlighted a new
Judicial Assistant, Deputy Clerk of Court and court reporter will be assigned to the fourth judge. The
court reporter position is paid by the state. Judge Lundell stated additional court room security needs to
be addressed. The Judges urged the County Board to continue the planning process for an addition to the
Government Center. The Judges thanked the County Board and their staff and look forward to a
continued great relationship.
Sheriff: Sheriff Dennis Hillstead presented the Chain of Command chart for the Sheriffs Department.
He highlighted increases in calls for service, fatalities, process service of papers and foreclosure in 2007.
Sheriff Hillstead explained warrants are entered into system by Sheriff s Department and many arrests are
made on warrants. Jail population reviewed with the daily population down 10 to 15 per day. Jail
admissions per year reviewed. Sheriff Hillstead explained decreases in the jail population are in part
related to actions by St. Croix County's Meth Advisory Committee and drug court. Sheriff Hillstead
reviewed the Jail medical budget for 2007 which is currently $245,720. Sheriff Hillstead stated there are
satellite patrol offices in Baldwin and Star Prairie.
Medical Examiner: Medical Examiner Casey Swetlik reviewed the department's mission statement and
responsibilities. Swetlik stated case types are phone reports, scene responses and cremation
authorizations. Swetlik stated he works with the St. Croix County Mental Health Department regarding
suicides occurring in the county and noted increase from 4 in 2005 to 9 in 2007. He explained
investigation procedures related to Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Investigation implemented by the
Medical Examiners. He explained ABMDI Certification is a nationally recognized standard for medical
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examiners and coroners. Swetlik concluded his department consists of himself and two deputies.
Child Support: Director of Child Support Katy Kapaun presented information relating to the
reconsideration of the additional Assistant Corporation Counsel position explained above in item 1.
Kapaun's written report provided case facts for the Child Support Department. Kapaun explained case
load increases and funding from the state. Supr. Marzolf complimented Kapaun and her staff for their
work. Kapaun credited her staff for their dedicated work.
District Attorney: District Attorney Eric Johnson noted meth case numbers are down but St. Croix
County still leads the state in cases. Meth labs have decreased and Johnson stated the Sudaphedran Law
has helped decrease meth labs. He commended the work of the Meth Advisory Committee and Sheriff s
Department. Johnson stated the State budget gave the District Attorney's office one fulltime ADA grant
position and a halftime GPR position which helps with the fourth judge coming in. Johnson highlighted
increase case loads and noted a recent successful prosecution in a homicide and three pending homicides.
Johnson stated his department deals with case load prioritizing. He noted bad check cases are contracted
out. Johnson added the District Attorney office has requested room 1259 for additional office space to be
used for the Victims/Witness program. Johnson stated the Stop Drugs Program calendar contest just
completed its 17 year. Money for this program is donated by businesses as well as receipt of legion
support with the assistance of Supr. Grant.
Victim Witness: Victim Witness Coordinator Ann Gustafson was recognized in receiving the Peyton
Tuthill National Award relating to her Victim Witness work done. Gustafson explained Peyton's story of
a 24 -year old who was assaulted and murdered by an unsupervised parolee. Gustafson described
interstate compacts and state boards and noted input from victims has created changes in the system.
Gustafson explained she has three staff members in Victim Witness one of which is a federally funded
legal advocate for people to apply for restraining orders to increase personal safety. The Victim Witness
goal is to help victims take the first recovery steps. Gustafson stated in 2002 they served 1,300 victims
and in 2007 they served 2,700 victims. Gustafson thanked the County Board and Public Protection
Committee for their support.
Chair Malick indicated some of the things that have gone right lately are results of our District Attorney,
Sheriff, and Judge Vlack extra efforts in implementing the drug court and diversion processes and he
thanked them on behalf of the citizens of this county.
County Clerk's Report of Correspondence and Rezoning Requests: County Clerk Cindy Campbell
read the rezoning hearings scheduled for Planning and Zoning Committee: Eric Larson, Ag- Residential
to Commercial, Town of Hammond and Jin Koo Kwak and Diane Beauvais, Ag to Ag- Residential, Town
of Erin Prairie.
Campbell announced correspondence was received from the St. Croix Librarians thanking the County
Board for the one percent raise in funding and from Representative Kitty Rhoades and State Senator
Sheila Harsdorf acknowledging receipt of Resolution 37 in favor of legislation to maintain the surcharge
on enhanced 911 services.
Campbell announced County Supervisor candidacy papers filing deadline is January 2, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
Notification of Noncandidacy is due December 21, 2007
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Announcements: William Rubin, executive director of St. Croix EDC, stated the Wisconsin Department
of Commerce has informed iMARK Molding, LLC (Woodville) that it has been awarded up to $250,000
in state tax credits associated with its facility expansion this past summer and related job creation. The tax
credits are awarded through the Technology Zone program that was established in mid -2002. Commerce
created eight Technology Zones in 2002 and St. Croix County is part of a 6- county zone referred to as the
I -94 Corridor Technology Zone.
Rubin indicated 2007 has been an active year for high -tech companies in St. Croix County receiving tax
credit awards. Earlier this year, Contour Plastics (Baldwin) received $250,000 in credits following its
major expansion and Interfacial Solutions (River Falls) received just over $200,000. Another company,
Air Motion Systems (River Falls), has been recommended for an award of up to $250,000.
Rubin said seven companies in the county, including the anticipated award for Air Motion System, have
received tax credit awards since mid -2002. The awards total just over $1.7 million, which is 37% of the
tax credits for companies in the 6- county Technology Zone.
Supr. Krueger announced performance evaluations for Whiting, Timmerman, Boron and Tobin should be
directed to him.
Supr. Mehls gave a dramatic reading of the "Original Night Before Christmas" by Ole Swenson.
Supr. Peavey left at 1:53 p.m.
Supr. Cranmer questioned the process in making minor changes to the draft minutes to correct typos or
omissions prior to the 14 day. Chair Malick referred Supr. Cranmer to discuss this with County Clerk
Campbell.
Adjourn. 2:20 p.m.
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.
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