HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 03-19-02 ST. CROIX BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
March 19, 2002 9:00 A.M.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Thomas Dorsey
INVOCATION: Pastor Garry Thompson, Faith Baptist Church, Baldwin
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS SESSION
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
DATE OF NEXT SESSION: April 16, 2002
ANNOUNCEMENTS: *Recognition of the Hudson Girls Hockey and Basketball
State Championships
*Senator Sheila Harsdorf
Recognition of Board Members not seeking re- election
Tom Rose, Tom Irwin, Nancy Bieraugel and Einar Horne
*Thank You to United Way - Supr. Mehls
L.APPOINTMENTS: Dale Fern to River Country Resource, Conservation and
Development Council
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR REPORT
OLD AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(Consideration and action on matters tabled, postponed or referred
to a committee at a previous meeting)
NEW BUSINESS:
1,1% Department Reports: Register of Deeds, Land & Water
Conservation and Computer Services 9 :10 A.M.
County Treasurer (written)
2. Special Speaker, Mark O'Connell, Executive Director of
Wisconsin Counties Association 11:00 A.M.
1�-. Rezoning from Ag. to Ag.II for Joel & Kathy Afdahl, Town of
Rush River
Rezoning from Ag. to Ag.II for Jack Crowley, Town of Rush
River
C8" Rezoning from Ag. to Ag. Residential for Henry Lentz, Town of
St. Joseph
V. Public Health Ordinance to Obtain Agent Status
7. Ordinance Establishing New Maintenance and Boarding Charges to
Huber Law Prisoners*
8. Resolution on Borrowing*
9. Resolution for Quit Claim Deed to Keith & Barbara
Christopherson*
10. Amendment to Drug Paraphernalia Ordinance No. 608(2002)*
11. Resolution Encouraging the State to Enact Legislation
Establishing Fees for Courthouse Security*
12. Resolution from St. Croix County Board to State Legislature
that $483 million of New Medicaid Funds be Used to Pay State
Nursing Home Costs Only **
COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS: Department on Aging
APPLICATIONS FILED FOR ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
FARMLAND PRESERVATION:
MILEAGE & PER DIEM REPORT
CORRESPONDENCE
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT
(The above agenda is not necessarily in order of presentations)
* Changes or Additions after the Preliminary Agenda
** Late Changes and Additions
County Board Minutes March 19, 2002
ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Regular Session March 19, 2002
Meeting called to order by Chair Dorsey at 9:00 a.m. Invocation
given by Pastor Garry Thompson, Faith Baptist Church, Baldwin.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Chair welcomed guests and Dunn
County Board Chair Jane Hoyt.
Roll call: 27 present, 4 absent - Suprs. Tom Rose, Bob Gunderson,
Einar Horne and Nancy Bieraugel excused. Bieraugel arrived at
9:10 a.m. making 28 present and 3 absent. Clerk Nelson reported
Supr. Gunderson recently had a serious heart attack, was still
hospitalized in serious condition but improving.
Motion by Supr. King, 2 nd by Supr. Mortensen to approve the
January 15 minutes. Carried. Motion by Supr. Wolske 2 nd by Supr.
Bethke to adopt the agenda. Carried. Next meeting is April 16
which will be reorganization of the Board.
Recognition of Hudson Girls Hockey and Basketball State Champs:
Supr. Standafer introduced Dave Johnson, coach of Hudson Girls
Basketball team and team members Annie Nelson and Megan Hanson.
Coach Johnson said he is proud of the team and proud to be from
Hudson. Mike Stoskopt noted the Hudson Girls Hockey team has won
the state championship three years in a row. Chair Dorsey
presented appreciation plaques to both teams. Applause.
State Senator Sheila Harsdorf: Supr. Standafer brought greetings
from Sen. Harsdorf. She was unable to attend due to illness.
Recognition of Board members not seeking re- election: Chair
Dorsey presented appreciation plaques to Supr. Bieraugel and
Supr. Irwin each having six years of service on the County Board.
Supr. Horne (six years) and Supr. Rose (two years) were not
present. Supr. Bieraugel stated it was an honor and privilege to
serve with the Board members. Supr. Irwin thanked the Board for
their work for St. Croix County. Applause.
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Thank you to United Way: Emergency Communication Chair Mehls
showed the "six pack" of portable radios for the Sheriff's Dept.
that will reach any point in the County. Mehls thanked the United
Way for providing $5145 for the cost of the radios.
Appointments: Dale Fern, Baldwin, was appointed by Chair Dorsey
as a citizen member of the Resource, Conservation and Development
Council.
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Department Reports: Register of Deeds Kay Walsh reported this
office took in nearly $2 million in revenues in 2001 and over
30,000 documents were recorded. Computer Services programmer
Annette Massie developed a program for indexing and scanning
vital records. The cost to purchase this software would be
$28,000. Walsh thanked her staff for the diligent efforts in
serving clients and the public.
Land and Water - County Conservationist Bob Heise reported on a
summary of accomplishments in 2001 relating to Priority Watershed
activities, Natural Resource Management plan implementation and
departmental activities. He advised the Roberts and Hammond area
has seen an increase in nitrates in the ground water. Well and
manure storage abandonment's are two areas addressed by Land and
Water. There were 60 major subdivision plats reviewed in 2001.
Heise noted conservation decisions today determine the quality of
the environment tomorrow.
Computer Services - Director Tom Boron stated the Government
Center and facilities in New Richmond, Hammond and Baldwin are
all connected for computer communication. There are over 400 PC's
used by County employees. Boron thanked his staff for
programming, help desk requests, developing internet and intranet
sites, in -house training and technical support of users. On call
help has been implemented for 24/7. The staff is working on on-
line time cards to automate the payroll and PTO process and is
converting budget preparation software to one data base.
County Treasurer Mary Jean Livermore submitted a written report.
Supr. O'Connell was excused at 10:05 a.m.
Ordinance #609 (2002): Rezoning from Ag. to Ag. II for Joel and
Kathy Afdahl, Town of Rush River. Motion to enact by Supr.
Raymond, 2 by Supr. Jensen. Supr. Swenson questioned the
wording of rezoning to Ag. II would be "somewhat" compatible to
the area. Supr. Raymond said this wording did not affect the
rezoning. Carried. Supr. Swenson voted no.
Ordinance #610 (2002): Rezoning from Ag. to Ag. II for Jake
Crowley, Town of Rush River. Motion to enact by Supr. Raymond,
2 by Supr. Malick. Carried. Suprs. Swenson and Krueger voted
no.
Ordinance #611 (2002): Rezoning from Ag. to Ag /Res for Henry
Lentz, Town of St. Joseph. Motion to enact by Supr. Raymond, 2nd
by Supr. Luckey. Carried.
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Ordinance #612 (2002)and #613 (2002): Public Health Ordinances
to Obtain Agent Status. Motion to enact by Supr. Berenschot, 2nd
by Supr. Wentz. Berenschot explained the sanitarian position was
included in the 2002 budget and will be supported by fees charged
for inspections of county food, lodging, and other
establishments. There are 298 licensed facilities and this
should continue to grow. These inspections were conducted by the
State but inspectors had to cover more than one county.
Supr. Mortensen expressed concern about inspection costs for non
profit groups such as VFW, Boy Scouts, etc. who occasionally
serve food for fund raisers. Public Health Supervisor Barbara
Nelson said if the group does not hold more than three events a
year, they do not have to be licensed or inspected.
Corporation Counsel Timmerman advised the cost of the position
paid by fees could not have fees exceed the expenses of the
position. The maximum that can be collected is the actual costs
and state fees.
H &HS Director John Borup said the State does not have sufficient
staff to conduct the inspections and local control is better.
Nelson noted the State is getting out of direct services and the
fee is not increasing. Supr. Olson commented at the open
hearing, facilities representatives attended and supported a
county sanitarian. Motion carried to enact Ordinance No. 612
regarding Lodging and Food Protection and Ordinance No. 613
regarding Tattooing and Body Piercing facilities.
Administrative Coordinator: Whiting announced the firm of
Wiplfi, Bertelsen and Ullrich from Eau Claire had been hired as
the management audit firm for the Nursing Home. They should have
a report for the Board in June.
April 23 is the goal setting session for Board members. The
Governor's proposed cut of shared revenue in 2002 would mean
$935,000 less revenue for the County plus a levy limit on raising
the mill rate. St. Croix County gets less shared revenue than
other counties but the loss would still cause problems.
The Assembly Republicans have recommended a 25% cut in shared
revenue in 2003. The Senate will meet soon to offer their
proposals.
Whiting showed several case scenarios for the County to use to
meet the budget cuts, if and when they should occur.
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Supr. Wolske asked if it was necessary to hire a firm for a
Personnel Study. Whiting said Springsted, the company hired for
the Personnel Study, has reorganized the mission statements and
job descriptions into a data base. So far, he is pleased with
the results.
Special Speaker - Mark O'Connell, Executive Director of WCA:
Chair Dorsey introduced the newly appointed Director Mark
O'Connell. O'Connell stated he has been with WCA the past 12
years and was appointed by the Board of Directors in December.
His philosophy is to take direction from the Board of Directors,
provide the best information and data to the Board and carry out
their directions. He is not a decision maker but rather an
advisor.
O'Connell feels it very necessary to hold a Strategic Planning
Session every two years and Legislative meetings will be re-
instated. The WCA office will be moving downtown Madison, closer
to the State Capitol. Whenever Supervisors are in Madison, he
encouraged them to stop at the office to get documents,
information and staff assistance.
The two primary aspects of the budget repair bill are proposed
Shared Revenue cuts and Levy limits. If cuts to Shared Revenue
are made, they should be done now so Counties can set budgets for
2003. O'Connell believes cutting Shared Revenue is a very short
term solution. Levy limits cannot exceed the December of 1992
rates with an allowance for population and inflation increases.
He estimates the budget talks will go into summer and this being
an election year will have some affect on the outcome. He also
commented the Senate is likely to be more friendly on shared
revenue and less stringent on levy limits.
Following questions and comments, O'Connell concluded with what
the debate will be: what services should be cut and what segment
of population will not be helped. His e -mail address is
o'connell@wi.counties.org. Applause. Chair Dorsey thanked
O'Connell for his comments and coming to St. Croix County.
Supr. Bieraugel excused at 12:15 p.m.
Ordinance #613 (2002): Establishing New Boarding Charges to Huber
Law Prisoners: Motion to enact by Supr. Malick, 2 nd by Supr.
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County Board Minutes March 19, 2002
Wentz. Supr. Speer explained this Ordinance would increase
charges to Huber prisoners from $15 to $19 per day. Carried.
Resolution #4 (2002): Approval of Borrowing from State Trust
Fund. Motion to adopt by Supr. Swenson, 2nd by Supr. Wolske.
Swenson said the Finance Committee had approved borrowing from
the State Trust Fund for a five -year loan with 4% interest for a
Master Logger for Dispatch Center at $44,376 and $277,793 to
complete Homestead Park at Perch Lake. The borrowing concept had
previously been approved in the 2002 budget. Motion carried.
Supr. Dowd voted no.
Resolution #5 (2002): Approval of Quit Claim Deed to Keith and
Barbara Christopherson. Motion by Supr. Swenson, 2 by Supr.
Malick to approve. Corporation Counsel Timmerman said the
resolution cleans up a legal documentation oversight. This party
has paid taxes on this parcel and believed it to be their
property. Carried.
Amendment to Ordinance #608 (2002): Drug Paraphernalia. Motion
to approve by Supr. Mehls, 2 by Supr. Speer. Speer said Section
II was repealed and recreated. Timmerman explained the wording
stating if a person violates the Ordinance, he /she would go to
jail but rather it should be if the person does not pay the fine,
he /she could be jailed.
Resolution #6 (2002): Encouraging State to Enact Legislation
Establishing Fees for Courthouse Security. Motion to adopt by
Supr. Speer, 2 by Supr. Wentz. Supr. Standafer said the
Administration Comm. wanted more clarification on the resolution.
The Board decided on action today. Speer said the resolution
urges Legislators to provide for an additional court charge of $5
for a felony conviction and $3 for a misdemeanor conviction to be
used for additional courthouse security. Carried.
Resolution #7 (2002): Recommending New Medicaid Funds Be Used
for State Nursing Home Costs. Motion to adopt by Supr.
Standafer, 2 by Supr. Berenschot. Standafer said the State of
Wisconsin has received notice of $483,000,000 payment for
Medicaid funding. The resolution calls for this money to only be
used for nursing home reimbursements. Carried.
Committee and Board Reports: Department on Aging - Supr. Wolske
reported the department has 318 registered volunteers providing
22,479 hours of service. If this were paid help, the cost would
be $159,601. In a survey of Seniors, the five most important
issues were: 1) Help with prescription drugs; 2) More serving
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County Board Minutes March 19, 2002
Wentz. Supr. Speer explained this Ordinance would increase
charges to Huber prisoners from $15 to $19 per day. Carried.
Resolution #4 (2002): Approval of Borrowing from State Trust
Fund. Motion to adopt by Supr. Swenson, 2nd by Supr. Wolske.
Swenson said the Finance Committee had approved borrowing from
the State Trust Fund for a five -year loan with 4% interest for a
Master Logger for Dispatch Center at $44,376 and $277,793 to
complete Homestead Park at Perch Lake. The borrowing concept had
previously been approved in the 2002 budget. Motion carried.
Supr. Dowd voted no.
Resolution #5 (2002): Approval of Quit Claim Deed to Keith and
Barbara Christopherson. Motion by Supr. Swenson, 2 by Supr.
Malick to approve. Corporation Counsel Timmerman said the
resolution cleans up a legal documentation oversight. This party
has paid taxes on this parcel and believed it to be their
property. Carried.
Amendment to Ordinance #608 (2002): Drug Paraphernalia. Motion
to approve by Supr. Mehls, 2 by Supr. Speer. Speer said Section
II was repealed and recreated. Timmerman explained the wording
stating if a person violates the Ordinance, he /she would go to
jail but rather it should be if the person does not pay the fine,
he /she could be jailed.
Resolution #6 (2002): Encouraging State to Enact Legislation
Establishing Fees for Courthouse Security. Motion to adopt by
Supr. Speer, 2 by Supr. Wentz. Supr. Standafer said the
Administration Comm. wanted more clarification on the resolution.
The Board decided on action today. Speer said the resolution
urges Legislators to provide for an additional court charge of $5
for a felony conviction and $3 for a misdemeanor conviction to be
used for additional courthouse security. Carried.
Resolution #7 (2002): Recommending New Medicaid Funds Be Used
for State Nursing Home Costs. Motion to adopt by Supr.
Standafer, 2 by Supr. Berenschot. Standafer said the State of
Wisconsin has received notice of $483,000,000 payment for
Medicaid funding. The resolution calls for this money to only be
used for nursing home reimbursements. Carried.
Committee and Board Reports: Department on Aging - Supr. Wolske
reported the department has 318 registered volunteers providing
22,479 hours of service. If this were paid help, the cost would
be $159,601. In a survey of Seniors, the five most important
issues were: 1) Help with prescription drugs; 2) More serving
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County Board Minutes March 19, 2002
days at the meal sites; 3) More Home Health coverage; 4) More
transportation service and 5) More affordable housing.
Applications Filed for zoning ordinance Amendments Ag to Ag /Res
for Glen Mohn, Town of Pleasant Valley; Mike VanKeuren, Town of
Rush River; Richard and Phillipine Beer, Town of St. Joseph and
Juvene Bylander Family Trust, Town of Troy. Ag to Ag /Res and Ag.
to Ag. II for Raymond Johnson, Town of Eau Galle.
Mileage and Per Diem: Motion by Supr. Speer, 2 nd by Supr.
Jacobson to approve totals of $11,447.11 in January and $6,547.13
for February, 2002. Carried.
Correspondence: A thank you note was read from the O'Connell and
Ellison families thanking the Supervisors and County employees
for their support and prayers during the tragedy of losing their
sons Dan O'Connell and Jim Ellison.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Supr. Bethke, 2 nd by Supr.
Wentz. Meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
Thomas Dorsey, Chair Sue E. Nelson
St. Croix County Board of Supervisors County Clerk
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