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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 10-31-06 NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA REVISED ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OCTOBER 31, 2006 — 9:OOA.M. St. Croix County Government Center - 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION: Pastor Michael Briggs, Trinity Lutheran Church, Hammond, 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 September 20, 2006 2. Date of Next Meeting December 19, 2006 - 9:00 A.M. 3. Rezonings *.Terry and Maira Yang, Town of Eau Galle, Ag to Ag -II 4. Mileage and Per Diem APPOINTMENTS: Announcement of the Re- appointment of Trudy Popenhagen to the Economic Development Tech Zone Board OLD AND NEW BUSINESS 1. 2007 Proposed Budget — 9:15 a.m. a. Presentation b. Public Hearing (3 minutes per speaker) C. Resolution Adopting 2007 Budget and Approving Other Expenditures 2. Resolution Approving County Aid Bridge Construction 3. Resolution Approving County Aid Construction and Maintenance During Calendar Year 2007 4. Resolution Approving New Positions to Begin in 2007 5. * *Child Support Position - Approval of Job Description as a New Position 6. Resolution to Charge Back Municipalities Due to Incorrect Real Estate Taxes 7. Resolution Approving Reimbursement Due Listing Officials for Listing Dogs for 2006 8. Resolution Authorizing Comprehensive Planning Grant Application for St. Croix County 9. *Amendments to St. Croix County Code of Ordinances Land Use and Development Chapter 17 Zoning regarding Livestock Facility Siting 10. *Resolution tA h a r-izi g Development of an &Eit Strategy re g arding in th Ts - 14afn Approving Request for Proposal (RFP) to Solicit Private and Nonprofit Nursing Home and /or Assisted - Living Businesses to Submit Proposals to Operate a Facility at the County Owned Building COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS: *None COUNTY CLERK'S REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE AND REZONING REQUESTS ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ice cream will be served by the 4 -H during a break; *MADAM exhibit in Room 1259 ADJOURN (Items may be taken in different order) * Changes or Additions after the Preliminary Agenda* * Late Changes and Additions 2/11/2011 1:59 PM PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST.CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Regular Meeting October 31, 2006 Invocation given by Pastor Michael Briggs of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hammond, Wisconsin. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Meeting called to order by Chair Malick at 9:00 a.m. Roll call: 31 present Presentation: Supr. Charlie Grant, on behalf of St. Croix County American Legion, presented a check to Sheriff Hillstead in the amount of $1,000 for the drug program. Sheriff Hillstead thanked Supr. Grant and stated these funds will be used for the CounterAct program. Applause. Administrative Coordinator Report: Administrative Coordinator Chuck Whiting reported this time of year the health insurance is renewed for employees and retirees. Whiting presented the retirees premium information and explained the retiree plan for those on Medicare. Whiting highlighted the Finance Committee has been working on the planning process for the Government Center property and also mentioned the interest in the sixteen acre parcel near the County Farm property. The City of New Richmond has a rezoning hearing on this parcel to commercial on November 9` Whiting fielded questions on health insurance from Supervisors. Chair Malick reviewed the agenda and announced that ice cream will be served by the 4 -H during the break and invited Supervisors to visit the MADAM display in room 1259. Consent Agenda: Motion by Supr. Ruetz, 2nd by Supr. Mortensen to adopt the consent agenda approving the minutes of the September 20, 2006 County Board Session; setting the next County Board meeting for December 19, 2006; approving rezoning for Jerry and Maira Yang, Town of Eau Galle, Ag to Ag- 11 (Ordinance 4 739(2006)) and approving mileage and per diem for September, 2006 in the amount of $12,093.42. Carried unanimously. Appointments: Chair Malick announced the appointment of Trudy Popenhagen to the Economic Development Tech Zone Board. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS 1. 2007 Proposed Budget — 9:15 a.m. Chair Malick reviewed the process for the budget hearing. a. Presentation. Finance Committee Chair Krueger and Administrative Coordinator Chuck Whiting presented the 2007 proposed budget. Supr. Krueger indicated St. Croix County is allowed to increase the levy by 5.262% based on net new construction. The 2006 total equalized value is $8,012,101,500; total change in equalized value is $794,268,300 up 11 %. The proposed 2007 levy is $23,433,79. The mill rate projects at $2.944 per $1,000 of valuation. The Finance Committee is recommending a levy increase of $1,171,444 over 2006, up the maximum allowable of 5.94 %. With a debt levy of $151,000 outside of the levy limit, the overall levy increase is $1,322,444, or up 5.94 %. Supr. Krueger presented budget history and Finance Committee actions during the budget review process. Supr. Krueger stated the Nursing Home budget was approved by the Finance Committee, yet was not approved by the Health and Human Services Committee. The Highway Department proposed budget was $23,193,301. The presentation highlighted items recommended by the Finance Committee for borrowing including: Information Technology - Mass Storage Device - $25,000; LAN for VOIP capabilities - $18,000; wireless capabilities at New Richmond and Baldwin - $15,000; upgrade phone system - $23,000; UPS & air handling equipment - $80,000; Health and Human Services items include: new phone system - $110,000; replace St. Croix Industries parking lot - $15,000. Health insurance reviewed. Overall health insurance cost increased 21% over 2006. b. Public Hearing (3 minutes per speaker) Chair Malick declared the public hearing open at 10:00 a.m. Linda Donaldson, Hudson Library Director read a letter sent to the Finance Committee regarding library funding. Donaldson stated library funding is crucial for the smaller libraries and urged a funding increase above the 70% to serve the county residents. She requested consideration of an increase of one percent per year. Kjersti Duncan Director of Department on Aging noted her submission to the Supervisors for a request to consider the Benefits Specialist position to be a fulltime county employee position and highlighted the importance of this position. Duncan expressed concern regarding continuing to contract this position that has been in place for 15 years in St. Croix County. Richard King representing the Disabled 2/11/2011 1:59 PM Veterans requested support for the Disabled Veterans facility in Dunn County. Chair Malick called for any other speakers, and then declared the public hearing closed. C. Resolution #38(2006) Adopting 2007 Budget and Approving Other Expenditures. Motion by Supr. Krueger, 2nd by Supr. Standafer to move the 2007 proposed budget forward on the floor. Vice Chair King spoke on behalf of the Transportation Committee and Highway Department. He explained the cuts made to the Highway Department and stated the Highway Department budget brought forward reflected only the costs. The Transportation Committee is exploring two revenue sources — wheel tax and hotel tax for non - resident user fees. Supr. Standafer asked Supervisors to have the same definition for the word "cut ". He added, cuts are really reductions to budgets that came in before the Finance Committee. Supr. Standafer stated the budget presented today, in spite of reductions, still reflects a net increase of $1.3 million in property tax dollars. Supr. Marzolf distributed a handout regarding the Department on Aging 2007 budget supporting reconsideration to make the Benefit Specialist position a salaried vs. contracted position. Motion by Supr. Marzolf, 2nd by Supr. Mortensen to make the Benefit Specialist position an employee (35 hours per week) position from a contracted position. Department on Aging has revised its budget to reflect a $3,980 increase allocated for staff wages and benefits. Discussion regarding contract vs. employee position. County appropriation total is $13,980 for 2007; $3,980 above 2006. Supr. Awsumb suggested looking at core services and deferred this to the Finance Committee decision on this budget. Supr. Awsumb reminded Supervisors to look forward at this time at the implications of what the tax base will be in the next two to three years. Supr. Standafer concurred not to make this a fulltime position; providing these services have been provided for over fifteen years as a contracted position. Supr. Marzolf requested a roll call vote. Motion passes 18 — yes; 13 — no (voting no — Suprs. Awsumb, Caflisch, Struemke, Norton - Bauman, Troyer, Cranmer, Standafer, Malick, Jordan, Raymond, Leonard, Luckey, Krueger.) Carried. Motion by Supr. Cranmer, 2nd by Supr. Rebholz to authorize the funding of the new temporary position of "Collection Clerk" in the St. Croix County Clerk of Circuit Court office during 2007, in order to collect overdue court fees, fines and assessments. The salary shall be $20,000 for a period of six months, with no additional benefits, and shall be paid from County reserve funds or other County funds. This temporary position may be renewed at the same salary for an additional six months with the agreement of both the County Clerk of Circuit Court and the County Finance Committee. Supr. Cranmer stated this would bring in new income because there is a need for additional revenue. He added there is currently $2.4 million overdue in fees, fines and assessments with $1.4 million overdue in the last five years. Discussion regarding qualifications of this position and the job description prepared for this position; and what the county's responsibility is rather than waiting for the state. Break 11:00 a.m. Present: Mandl Shirmer, Teresa Robertson and Rachel Wantz, 4 -H ambassadors for St. Croix County. Each ambassador described what 4 -H has done for them. They invited Supervisors have a dish of ice cream during the break. Reconvened at 11:20 with Clerk of Court Lori Meyer present. Meyer explained the duties for the Collection Clerk position and the process based on what the judges order. Meyer explained the legislature has put excellent tools in place but there is lack in staff to follow through. Motion by Supr. Struemke, 2nd by Supr. Mortensen to table and refer this to the Finance Committee to come back with a recommendation in two months. Carried. Supr. Mehls requested reconsideration of the original position request by Emergency Communications. The request is to reinstate one (.7) FTE dispatcher and to finance this position by delaying the start date to April 2007 reducing the cost to $32,696 with the position being financed by utilizing the $11,200 saved in 2006 from not requiring the Performance Bond for the Cellular E911 project and by utilizing $21,496 received from the Wisconsin Tax Refund Intercept Program for unpaid fines and fees by Wisconsin residents. Supr. Krueger stated the $11,200 is borrowed money and cannot be used, and the tax intercept funds are recorded as revenues in the Clerk of Court office. Supr. Mehls stated there is an overload of work in Emergency Communications. Supr. Raymond highlighted the Parks Department budget cuts as well as last year's cuts and reminded Supervisors the projects cut will come back in the 2008 proposed budget. 2/11/2011 1:59 PM Supr. Standafer observed some issues may come back later in the year to address. This resolution allows an exit strategy for the Nursing Home. If successfully resolved in 2007 unspent levy dollars may be used for requests that were cut. Supr. Struemke commented on liability insurance distribution. Whiting explained the funds. Supr. Struemke requested a breakdown of insurance claims of anything over a fixed number paying out $1,000,000 in insurance coverage. Whiting confirmed the WMMIC premium amount includes all insurances not only liability. $500,000 is budgeted for 2007. An explanation will be presented next month regarding insurance. Vote on the motion adopting the 2007 budget and approving other expenditures as amended so the Benefit Specialist position is a permanent employee position at 35 hours per week. Roll call vote — 31 yes. Carried unanimously. Supr. Krueger thanked the Finance Committee and staff. Applause. 2. Resolution #39(2006) Approving County Aid Bridge Construction. Motion by Supr. King, 2nd by Supr. Grant to approve. This resolution approves levying a tax of $67,125.00 for county aid in the construction of bridges. Carried unanimously. 3. Resolution #40(2006) Approving County Aid Construction and Maintenance During Calendar Year 2007. Motion by Supr. King, 2nd by Supr. Peterson to approve. This resolution approves levying a tax on all property in St. Croix County for various highway work in 2007. Carried unanimously. 4. Resolution #41(2006) Approving New Positions for 2007. Motion to approve by Supr. Krueger, 2nd by Supr. Caflisch. This resolution approves the new position of Drug Court Coordinator as a fulltime position with salary and fringe benefit costs at $65,125. Carried unanimously. 5. Child Support Position — Approval of Job Description as a New Position. Supr. Krueger explained this position was approved by the Personnel Committee, but was never brought forward to the County Board for action. This position is filled and has performed child support case aide work this year. Motion by Supr. Krueger, 2nd by Supr. Speer to approve. Carried unanimously. 6. Resolution #42(2006) to Charge Back Municipalities Due to Incorrect Real Estate Taxes. Motion by Supr. Krueger, 2nd by Supr. Wentz to approve. Wisconsin Statute 75.25(2) provides if a county has settled with a municipality for unpaid taxes later found to have been incorrectly assessed, the county clerk can charge back the incorrect taxes to the respective municipality wherein such lands are situated in the clerk's next apportionment of county taxes. This resolution authorizes the county clerk to charge back on the 2006 apportionment of county real estate taxes to the listed municipalities. Carried unanimously. 7. Resolution #43(2006) Approving Reimbursement Due Listing Officials for Listing Dogs for 2006. Motion by Supr. Krueger, 2nd by Supr. Caflisch to approve. This resolution approves amounts due each listing official who submitted a listing of dogs owned or kept within its boundaries. Carried unanimously. 8. Resolution #44(2006) Authorizing Comprehensive Planning Grant Application for St. Croix County. Motion by Supr. Habhegger, 2nd by Supr. Burri to approve. Supr. Speer requested a roll call vote. This resolution authorizes the St. Croix County Planning and Zoning Committee to work with the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to submit a grant application to the Wisconsin Department of Administration on its behalf for a grant to be used in the development of a comprehensive plan for the County. If the grant is approved, a County expenditure of up to $75,000 is authorized as a local match to the grant. Supr. Wentz asked where the $75,000 match is coming from. Fodroczi explained it is in the 2007 budget. Roll call vote: Yes — 24; No — 7 (voting no: Suprs. Speer, Peavey, Peterson, Wentz, Norton - Bauman, Rebholz, Gunderson). Carried. 9. Ordinance #740(2006) Amendments to St. Croix County Code of Ordinances Land Use and Development Chapter 17 Zoning: Sections; 17.09, 17.12, 17.14, 17.145 and 17.15 regarding siting of large livestock facilities in agricultural districts. Motion to approve by Supr. Habhegger, 2nd by Supr. Troyer. Discussion regarding horses in agricultural districts. Bezek confirmed the current ordinance does not define horses as agricultural use. Supr. Speer questioned when notices were sent to the towns regarding the public hearing held on October 19 Bezek stated notices were 2/11/2011 1:59 PM sent to the newspapers and towns on September 29 Bezek indicated he attended the towns' association meeting and received no questions regarding this matter. Carried unanimously. 10. Resolution #45(2006) Approving Request for Proposal (RFP) to Solicit Private and Nonprofit Nursing Home and /or Assisted - Living Businesses to Submit Proposals to Operate a Facility at the County Owned Building. Motion to approve by Supr. Wentz, 2nd by Supr. Bum. Director of Health and Human Services Fred Johnson introduced Larry Lester, Senior Manager Nursing Home Consultant with Wipfli. Lester presented an overview of St. Croix Health Center operational changes, downsizing, sale, lease and other options. Lester explained in the last year, Wipfli has worked with approximately eight counties including option modification and assistance with the RFP process. St. Croix Health Center revenue and expense comparisons were reviewed. The St. Croix Health Center is at approximately the 56 percentile (no IGT funding included) for net facility revenue per bed; and approximately the 91S percentile for total facility expenses per bed. Downsizing reviewed with comparisons made with other nursing homes throughout the county. Factors that impact if the county should attempt to sell the nursing home were reviewed. Lester stated a number of factors go into evaluating a purchase price of a nursing home including: Medicaid reimbursement of capital, facility location, physical plant (private rooms, dining space and bathing facilities); profitability (union contract, wage scale, benefits) and nursing home utilization trends. Sale and lease options were reviewed. Identified required capital improvements would reduce the purchase price dollar for dollar. Lease options reviewed in which the county would own the building and sell the nursing home license to another party. Lease options with Medicaid implications reviewed, but are not recommended by Wipfli. Plan for discussion reviewed including identifying an organization to partner with to lease the existing facility for 2 to 3 years during which time a new facility is constructed with the organization leasing or purchasing the new facility from the county. Plan for discussion reviewed if county could reduce impact of nursing home on budget to less than $200,000 per year. Selling or leasing are the only options. Supr. Awsumb stated he introduced the resolution before the County Board today. He suggested reviewing how it's been done elsewhere and as the Board moves forward on RFPs to bring back alternatives to fix revenue and expenses. Chair Malick clarified paragraph two of the resolution which states "purchase" means sale. Chair Malick opened the discussion up to the public for comments. Marie, an employee of the Nursing Home for 28 years, requested Supervisors look at people before money and private nursing vs. county nursing home. She noted concerns regarding budget limitations. She reported in Monroe a new nursing home was built and now there is a waiting list to get in. Marie asked that all options are reviewed and to get facts before decision is made. Julianna Iberg an employee at the Nursing Home for four years stated the Nursing Home is the best facility she has worked in. Her comments included adequate time -off and good benefits create good camaraderie with coworkers and residents. She encouraged keeping the facility within county and have employees keep their jobs. Laura Rebhan an employee of the Nursing Home for twenty plus years shared a personal story regarding a 95 year old nursing home resident. She requested Supervisors, if the decision is to lease or sell, that the Board interview more than one buyer. Supr. Wentz confirmed it is the Health and Human Services Board's intention to keep the County Board up -to -date on the Nursing Home status. All information will be brought to the County Board as they have it and this matter should be a continuous item on the agenda. Wentz also asked Supervisors to share questions or concerns with the Health and Human Services Board. Supr. Wentz requested a roll call vote on the motion. Roll call vote: Yes - 27 — No - 3 (voting no: Suprs. Hurtgen, King, Habhegger) Carried. Chair Malick confirmed this resolution approves the RFP process. The RFPs are to be issued by December 1, 2006 or as 2/11/2011 1:59 PM soon thereafter as practical and responses to be received by February 15, 2007. Supr. Borup requested the County Board consider taking a look at employee vs. contracting work for the county. Chair Malick assigned this to the Finance Committee. Supr. Cranmer requested the tabled motion regarding the Collections Clerk go to the Finance Committee. Annual Committee and Department Reports: None. County Clerk's Report of Correspondence and Rezoning Requests: County Clerk Cindy Campbell read rezoning applications submitted but not scheduled for hearing for Dan and Vicky Wine, Town of Baldwin, Ag to Ag -II. Announcements: Chair Malick reminded Supervisors to visit the MADAM exhibit in Room 1259. Adjournment. Chair Malick adjourned the meeting at 1:32 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. 2/11/2011 1:59 PM