HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 09-20-06 Amended
NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA
ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2006 — 9:OOA.M.
St. Croix County Government Center - 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION: Pastor Joan Goebel, United Methodist 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 August 15, 2006
2. Date of Next Meeting— October 31, 2006 - 9:00 A.M. (Budget)
3. Rezonings None
4. Mileage and Per Diem
APPOINTMENTS: Confirmation of Appointment of Charlotte Sortedahl as * *Public Health Office/Public Health
Coordinator; appointment of Doug Briggs and Joe Jensen to the Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC)
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
1. Nursing Home Report * *on Goal Setting Items
2. *Ratification of Nursing Home Contract
3. *Resolution Requesting the Governor and State Legislature to Enact Legislation to Re- Emphasize the
Transportation User Fee Concept and Segregate Fuel Tax Revenues and Vehicle Registration Fees
Specifically for the Transportation Fund
4. *Correction to Ordinance No. 730(2006) Regarding Amendments to St. Croix County Code of Ordinances
5. *Plan for a Plan — Southeast Corner of County Farm Property
6. *Finance Committee Report on Human Resource Function
7. "Bass Lake Rehabilitation District Report — Bye Barsness
8. * *Closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. § 19.85(l)(f) to consider financial, medical, social or personal
histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or
the investigation of charges against specific person which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a
substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved
in such problems or investigations.
Reconvene in open session.
COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Clerk of Court, Judicial Circuit Court Judges, Family Court
Commissioner, Register in Probate
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 - approved
10/31/06
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST.CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Regular Meeting September 20, 2006
Invocation given by Pastor Joan Goebel of United Methodist Church in Hudson. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Meeting
called to order by Chair Malick at 9:00 a.m.
Roll call: 29 present; absent and excused: Supr. Mehls and Supr. Gunderson
Administrative Coordinator Report: Administrative Coordinator Chuck Whiting reported on 2007 budget status. Whiting
reported mediation was required to reach a settlement on the taking of the County Farm property in New Richmond by
Wisconsin Department of Transportation. A settlement gained the county $445,000 for the property, for a total amount paid
to St. Croix County for the property in the amount of $617,000. Whiting explained there will be no action today on the
contract proposal with the Nursing Home union because the members have not ratified the agreement.
Presentation: Supr. Grant and Gordy Knudson representing the St. Croix County American Legion presented a check in the
amount of $750 to District Attorney Eric Johnson for youth programs. Johnson explained the funds will be used for the Stop
Drug Poster Program and gave a brief history and explanation of this program. Applause.
Chair Malick reviewed the agenda and stated item 2 regarding the Nursing Home contract will be removed and the closed
session described in item 8 is on the agenda in the event it is necessary to go into closed session to answer questions that
cannot be answered in open session.
Consent Agenda: Motion by Supr. Wentz, 2nd by Supr. Ruetz to adopt the consent agenda items 2, 3, 4: setting the next
County Board meeting for October 31, 2006; there were no rezonings; and approving County Board Mileage and Per Diem for
July 2006 in the amount of $6,987.60 and August 2006 in the amount of $7,568.60. Carried unanimously.
Supr. Cranmer requested the minutes of August 15, 2006 be amended striking the County Clerk's summary of his comments
under item 4 and substituted with the following:
"Supr. Cranmer stated he attended several of the Administration Committee meetings. He felt that the Committee did a good
job in finding it possible to redistrict, but that the Committee did not show why it was desirable to downsize the Board. He
added he has heard discussion that a smaller number of supervisors would be more "efficient." He said that the concept of
"efficiency" is inappropriate for the County Board, or any other legislative body, since the Board must reconcile demands
from different groups and units of government. He said the supervisors on the Board must resolve contradictory demands
using their best judgment, based on their gut feelings. Supervisors must decide on the number of future supervisors based on
how well they think the Board and its five- member committees are currently functioning."
Motion by Supr. Cranmer, 2nd by Supr. Troyer to adopt the minutes with the suggested changes. Vote on amended version
failed. Vote on main motion in favor of the original draft of the minutes carried unanimously.
Appointments: Resolution #36(2006) Appointing Local Health Officer. Health and Human Services Director Fred
Johnson stated in August the Health and Human Services Board selected Charlotte Sortedahl as the Public Health
Officer /Public Health Coordinator. Johnson highlighted Sortedahl's background. Motion by Supr. Wentz, 2nd by Supr.
Borup to confirm the appointment of Charlotte Sortedahl as Public Health Officer /Public Health Coordinator. Carried
unanimously. Sortedahl thanked the Supervisors.
Chair Malick announced the appointment of Doug Briggs and Joe Jensen to the Local Emergency Planning Commission.
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
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1. Nursing Home Report on Goal Setting Items. Health and Human Services Director Fred Johnson highlighted an
internal goal from the April 24, 2006 County Board Goal Setting session was to help make the Nursing Home self - sufficient.
The first subordinate under this goal was to implement the current WIPFLI plan for 72 beds which included exploring patient
mix and accommodations, cost saving measures in staffing, and determine cost of alternative patient/resident placement.
Johnson stated there is no cost to the county for protectively placed individuals, excluding those with difficult psychological
conditions. Johnson briefly described the Mental Health program requirements.
Johnson reported pay sources for the Nursing Home include Medicaid, Medicare, private pay and private insurance. He
stated in the event one resident moves from the County Nursing Home to another, there is no obligation of the County. There
are no county obligations to pay if relocated in the community per se.
Long range cost of building maintenance discussed. In 2006, salary and fringe benefits for nursing home operations were
$187,000; and 2007 the proposed amount is $110,500. Johnson stated this is lower because of the reduced staff time. Levy
projections for 2006 were $1,300,000 and in 2007 the projection is $1,200,000. In 2006 capital expenses were $4,200 in
2007 the proposed capital expenses are $11,700.
Johnson reviewed the options proposed for St. Croix County from the December 2005 WIPFLI report. The county has the
option to consider going forward with respect to long -term care services and continue to operate as is. It may also continue
to operate a 72 -bed facility with the recommended changes at a cost savings of $491,000 which is where the county currently
stands.
Johnson fielded various questions from Supervisors. Supr. Wentz stated the Health and Human Services Board failed to pass
the 2007 proposed Nursing Home budget. She added finances will have to be guaranteed for next year in order to continue to
run the Nursing Home. Supr. Awsumb explained the Health and Human Services Board passed a motion to consider seeking
requests for proposals (RFP) for either leasing or selling the Nursing Home. Since 1999, forty nursing homes have closed.
Supr. Standafer commented the savings is a reduction in the levy.
Supr. Raymond asked what is required in the Nursing Home and acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Christian
Community Home proposing to buy the Nursing Home. Johnson stated with respect to the mandate issue, in terms of county
administering a nursing home it is not a mandate. Nursing Home Administrator Bill VanOfferen stated there are no mandates
to operate a nursing home; the guidelines for operating a nursing home are in place by Federal and State government.
Supr. Caflisch confirmed the proposed 2007 Nursing Home budget of $1,200,000 includes the $491,000 savings resulted
from the changes made. The proposed budget is estimated at 66 beds.
Johnson stated the Nursing Home is focusing on a 72 -bed operation and the staff has done a good job on being as efficient as
possible. Chair Malick indicated the Health and Human Services Board's recommendation to seek RFPs will be on the
October 31 County Board agenda because it was too late for this meeting.
Supr. Troyer asked questions regarding cost savings in personnel and the contract with Pathways Consultants. Supr. Troyer
asked if costs in penalties have been assumed since the July 31S incident. Johnson stated penalty costs are not certain at this
time. Johnson explained the incident of July 31S in which a nursing home resident had a cardiac arrest and the RN did not
complete a thorough assessment to determine immediate needs. Johnson highlighted notations in the Statement of Deficiency
issued by the State. Supr. Struemke requested the approximate amount of the fine. Johnson called on Jennifer Pempek who
estimated $68,000 to $100,000 in place in the 2007 budget. $10,000 are in place for potential Federal citations and there are
no figures for State citations to date. Supr. Troyer stated at the Health and Human Services board meeting he was quoted the
minimum was $100,000 which does not include civil money penalties.
Supr. Wentz added the passing of the RFP motion was not a unanimous vote and added anything done must be approved by
the state. Supr. Wentz urged no hurried decisions should be made. Supr. Krueger commented the next time gathered as a
group is budget review. He agrees not to hurry through this and suggested this get addressed in December.
Supr. Troyer agreed to move slowly and requested all Supervisors receive a copy of the citation issued as a result of the July
31S incident to review. Supr. Wentz suggested Supervisors that want one should request one from Johnson.
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Pempek confirmed the budgeted amount for 2006 is $50,000; for 2007 is $35,000. Additional costs include additional staff
per Supr. Troyer.
Chair Malick said the vote was 6:3; he encouraged questions now but if the questions fit under item 8 then the Board needs to
go into closed session.
Supr. Norton -Bauman asked if any of the Nursing Home staff have been dismissed as result of this incident, if so, how many
and what positions. Johnson responded that employment had been terminated either by separation, resignation or retirement
of one LPN and three RNs.
Supr. Rebholz stated this Board has to take our time to make a decision but not too long and added there are major concerns
of the losses incurred year after year.
Supr. Standafer added a major decision this Board needs to make is the decision to adopt an exit strategy which would
include the ability and would mandate the county to move forward.
Supr. Jordan commented on the under funded budget and the Nursing Home is a significant line item. He asked if additional
procedures are being reviewed at the Nursing Home. Johnson replied Pathways Consultant is reviewing all policies and
procedures and are updating as necessary.
2. Resolution Approving Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the County and AFSCME Local 2721 —
Health Center (Nursing Home). Supr. Standafer stated there will be no action on this matter today. The union did not
undertake a vote and did not ratify the voluntary agreement. All bargaining units have settled with the exception of the
Nursing Home. The county's proposal and exchange of offers were for a one -year contract. The county wanted to match the
timeframe with the other employee groups and with the WIPFLI study. The one -year agreement proposed a zero percent
wage increase. Supr Standafer summarized the contract never reached a voluntary agreement after impasse therefore it
proceeded through mediation and arrived at arbitration. Prior to the arbitration hearing, a voluntary agreement was reached
with the Nursing Home union negotiators to have for the remainder of 2006 beginning August 1 and nothing retroactive, a
3% increase; 2% in January 2007 and 1% in July 2007. Two year agreement is critical if going to arbitration.
3. Resolution #37(2006) Resolution Requesting the Governor and State Legislature to Enact Legislation to Re-
Emphasize the Transportation User Fee Concept and Segregate Fuel Tax Revenues and Vehicle Registration Fees
Specifically for the Transportation Fund. Motion by Supr. King, 2nd by Supr. Hurtgen to approve. This resolution
opposes the use of Transportation Fund revenues for State programs that are not related to transportation. No discussion.
Carried unanimously.
4. Ordinance #738(2006) Correction to Ordinance No. 730(2006) Regarding Amendments to St. Croix County
Code of Ordinances. Motion by Supr. Habhegger, 2nd by Supr. Burn to approve. This resolution corrects the number of two
subsections in Chapter 17, Section 17.155. Carried unanimously.
5. Plan for a Plan — Southeast Corner of County Farm Property. Supr. Krueger stated Mr. Katter of the Pineapple
Management Group returned to the Finance Committee with another proposal for purchasing sixteen acres of land in the
southeast corner of the County Farm property. Chair Malick indicated the Finance Committee follows the Plan for a Plan
with such requests. The Finance Committee is proceeding to get an appraisal of the sixteen acre parcel. Supr. Wentz stated
the City of New Richmond is anxious for the county to do something with this property and added it would be wise to wait to
see what the City is doing with its land. Supr. Struemke stated a report indicated St. Croix County lacks in technical industry
and suggested the county rezone and create an industrial park for technological business. Chair Malick stated that would be
for different property and this discussion is regarding the sixteen acre parcel only.
6. Finance Committee Report on Human Resource Function. Supr. Krueger stated the Human Resource structure
within the Administrative suite was discussed at the last Finance Committee meeting. The committee agreed that all human
resource inquiries need to be referred to Administrative Coordinator Whiting at this time.
Referrals — Supr. Speer stated Public Protection requested the issue regarding off -site storage be placed on the County Board
agenda. Speer questioned how the storage facility in New Brighton was chosen and highlighted the Procurement Policy
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states items between $500 and $5,000 have written proposals. Supr Speer added the initiators of the proposed storage facility
to be built in back of Government Center should have been advised. She asked how this contractor was chosen and whether
the three bid process applies and was followed. Chair Malick stated this will be referred to the Finance Committee and
addressed at the December County Board meeting.
Supr. Struemke stated there is a potential of 63 constables in the County to assist the Sheriff and asked if this needs to be
reviewed by the Public Protection Committee. Chair Malick will refer this matter to the Public Protection Committee and ask
for a report back at December County Board meeting.
7. Bass Lake Rehabilitation District Report — Bye Barsness. Chair Malick introduced Bye Barsness a member of the
Bass Lake Rehabilitation District. Barsness explained his association with the Bass Lake Rehabilitation District and
highlighted the district's vision and goal statement. He stated the District is a beneficiary of DNR funds of $50,000 for lake
and shoreline upgrades. Barsness reported five critical elements to the lake are: lake quality and safety monitoring; district
TSI and safety goals; continuing resident education; district programs to improve water quality and lake safety; working with
other government units. The District's annual budget is $8,000 which amounts to approximately $75 per parcel.
Closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. § 19.85(1)(f) to consider financial, medical, social or personal histories or
disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigation of
charges against specific person which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon
the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations. No
discussion necessitated going into closed session.
Annual Committee and Department Reports:
Clerk of Court: Clerk of Circuit Court Lori Meyer highlighted cases filed in 2005 and increase in case load. She stated in
2005 the Clerk of Court office receipted over $5,000,000 in fines fees and forfeitures. Meyer indicated she is proposing a
collections clerk position for 2007. The Clerk of Court office is in its fourteenth year of court automation. New initiatives
include regular use of video conferencing; court forms available on the internet; interface with the District Attorney's office
for filing criminal complaints and crime information bureau; and interface with the Department of Revenue for tax intercept.
Applause.
Judicial Circuit Court Judges and Family Court Commissioner. Present were Judge Vlack, Judge Lundell and Judge
Needham. Judge Vlack reported on the court's staffing. He stated one function in the court system is voluntary mediation in
small claims cases and he recognized several volunteers for this service. He highlighted use of the digital recording system
in the Family Court Commissioner's office. Judge Vlack highlighted the Drug Court initiative which began in April. The
Circuit Court has proposed in its 2007 budget funding for a Drug Court Coordinator. There was a brief discussion regarding
status of fourth judge. Judge Lundell requested the County Board get a long range plan for expanding the Government
Center because of lack of space and stated they will likely be requesting a fifth judge. Judge Lundell requested the Public
Protection committee review the need for security once fourth judge is in place.
Family Court Commissioner Stephen Dunlap submitted a written report highlighting the increase in family cases and a brief
explanation of the necessary hearings in cases where children are involved.
Register in Probate. — Ericka Nelson submitted a written report consisting of the duties of the Register in Probate office and
highlights from mid -2005 to mid -2006.
County Clerk's Report of Correspondence and Rezoning Requests: County Clerk Campbell read new applications
submitted and scheduled for hearings.
Announcements: No announcements.
Adjourn. Chair Malick adjourned the meeting at 11:50 a.m.
Clarence W. Malick, Chair, St. Croix County Board of Supervisors
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Cindy Campbell, County Clerk
Copies of resolutions and ordinances may be obtained at the St. Croix County Clerk's office.
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