Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Protection Committee 12-12-06 F NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMITTEE DECEMBER 12, 2006 - 8:30AM ST. CROIX COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER COUNTY BOARD ROOM 1101 CARMICHAEL ROAD HUDSON, WISCONSIN CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL ADOPTION OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING — November 10, 2006 DATE OF NEXT MEETING — December 14, 2006 - Joint session with Finance Committee (time to be determined) OLD AND NEW BUSINESS 1. Web Browser / Visions Update — Mary Martell 2. Traffic Ticket Collections 3. Bills and Vouchers* 4, Budget 2007* 5, Medical Examiner — Casey Swetlik 6. Child Support Administrator — Katy Kapaun 7. District Attorney Eric Johnson * ** / Victim Witness Coordinator Ann Gustafson 8. Sheriff Dennis Hillstead* * *, Chief Deputy Bob Klanderman, Patrol Captain John Shilts, Jail Captain Karen Humphrey, Office Manager Mary Martell a. Expenditures: Drug Fund/Confiscated Acct. /Jail Assessment 9, Raboin Auto Repair — approximately 10:30am ( ** *request the District Attorney and Sheriff be in attendance) 10. Storage facility/Business Data Record Services (BDRS) 11. ANNUAL REPORTS ARE DUE AT THE DECEMBER 19` COUNTY BOARD MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE ADJOURN (Items may be taken in different order) * These items will be heard by each Department ** Additions /Changes /Corrections Submitted by: Julie Speer Date: November 22, 2006 Copies to: County Board office News Media County Clerk Committee Members Respective Department Heads Items for County Board approval must be submitted to the County Clerk's office by Wednesday morning preceding a County Board meeting. 11/22/2006 2:09 PM PUBLIC PROTECTION COMMITTEE MEETING December 12, 2006 Official MEMBERS PRESENT: Julie Speer, Denise Gunderson, John Borup, Chuck Mehls and Tom Dowd. Absent: None. STAFF PRESENT: Sheriff Dennis Hillstead, Deputy Bob Klanderman, Patrol Captain John Shilts, Jail Captain Karen Humphrey, Office Manager Mary Martell, Medical Examiner Casey Swetlik, Child Support Director Katy Kapaun, District Attorney Eric Johnson, Office Manager Cathy Halverson and Amy Geurkink. OTHERS PRESENT: Chuck Struemke, Media: Fox 9 -News, see attached sign -in sheet for those present for the Raboin issue (item number 9 on the agenda). Meeting called to order at 8:30am by Chairperson Speer. Next regular meeting will be January 9, 2007 at 8:30am. Motion by Borup, 2 "d by Gunderson to adopt the agenda. Carried unanimously. Motion by Gunderson, 2 "d by Borup to approve the minutes of November 10, 2006. Carried unanimously. MEDICAL EXAMINER'S REPORT: Swetlik Tresented November Medical Examiner bills in the amount of $353.60. Motion by Borup, 2" by Mehls to approve the bills as presented. Carried unanimously. Swetlik presented the year -to -date activity report and reported the number of autopsies is at eighteen, just shy of the 2006 estimated amount. Swetlik summarized his department is over estimated revenue and under estimated expenses. Brief discussion regarding the article in a recent New Richmond News publication regarding the prescription drug Fentanyl. The committee commended Swetlik for his excellent work to bring public awareness of this issue. Brief discussion regarding future purchases; Swetlik indicated his office is in need of another filing cabinet. Motion by Mehls, 2 "d by Gunderson to authorize the purchase of a new filing cabinet in the 2006 calendar year. Carried unanimously. Swetlik reported he has contacted Dean Anderson from Anderson - Everetts Funeral Home in Glenwood City, Wisconsin and requested Anderson propose an amount concerning scene removal fees. Swetlik has yet to hear from Anderson but once he does he will bring the request before the committee for its consideration. Swetlik updated the committee regarding the donor service contract concerning WI Act 230 and reported the contract is being reviewed by Corporation Counsel Greg Timmerman. Swetlik presented a memo from Murphy Desmond Law Firm and commenced discussion concerning possible legislation regarding training requirements of Medical Examiners and Coroners. Swetlik reported he has been asked to participate in a conference in Wausau, Wisconsin and he may need to request a hotel allowance. He will report back at the January meeting. Speer reminded Swetlik of the annual department report due at, the December County Board meeting. CHILD SUPPORT REPORT: Child Support Director Katy Kapaun provided November bills in the amount of $1,367.39. Motion by Mehls, 2 by Borup to approve the bills as presented. Carried unanimously. Kapaun presented the budget status report and reported her department is (as expected) over budget in the professional services category. Kapaun reported the Finance Department indicated it was not necessary to perform a line item transfer. Kapaun reported the postage expenses are a bit over as well but overall the Child Support Department will come in under budget. Kapaun commenced discussion regarding the collection of overdue fines and the Child Support Department providing assistance to the Clerk of Court office. Kapaun indicated they cannot use Child Support sponsored tools to collect the overdue fines. Kapaun reported there is a special price rate through Westlaw for legal research/search tools to locate individuals and she has the funds to prepay for the year. The Westlaw license workstation would be in the Clerk of Court office and Clerk of Court /Child Support departments would split the cost. Motion by Mehls, 2nd by Gunderson to authorize the purchase of the Westlaw license to share with Clerk of Court. Carried unanimously. Kapaun explained the Westlaw capabilities include a search of all public record databases. Kapaun indicated two of her staff persons are interested in the collections and each would provide 5 hours per week (10 hours total per week) at the workstation in the Clerk of Court office. Kapaun indicated there would be a six month window to see what the results are and explained this is a good way to try it and know if it will pay off. Discussion regarding flex hours, etc; Kapaun explained the service will be provided during normal business hours for the time being. Discussion regarding the state chipping in and portions of the funds being state /county money. Discussion regarding meeting with judges to measure their thoughts regarding payment agreements, etc. Discussion regarding warrants, court appearances and the impact on the court calendar, etc. Discussion regarding the agreement with the collection agency and whether it is a percentage or contractual agreement; Kapaun will speak with Clerk of Court, Lori Meyer to clarify the arrangement with the collection agency and have her present it at the Finance Committee meeting on December 14 Kapaun reported the Child Support Department collections were approximately $860,000 last month. Discussion regarding various methods of collection including the ability to suspend professional licenses, etc. Kapaun reported her department prefers to establish a relationship with people that are willing to pay. Discussion regarding the recent company lay -offs (Ford, Andersen Windows, 3M, etc.) and the probable affects on child support payments. Kapaun presented a draft of the annual department report to be presented at the County Board meetin g on December 19 th . -2- Kapaun reported the Polk County Child Support office will be coming on December 13 to job shadow to observe how St. Croix County operates. DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S REPORT: Speer read a letter concerning a Voca Grant check in the amount of $10,407.00 Office Manager Cathy Halverson presented November bills in the amount of $5,473.53. Motion by Mehls, 2 " by Borup to approve the bills as presented. Carried unanimously. Halverson reported the District Attorney's office is under the 2006 budgeted amount. Halverson provided an update regarding files sent to the storage facility, reporting they are basically done with the goal for the year. Halverson reported they shredded a lot of files and did not send as many to the storage facility as initially intended and other departments are finding they do not have as many as well. Discussion regarding the files that may need to be accessed, record retention, etc. Discussion regarding shredding thru St. Croix Industries. Johnson reported the travel budget is paid but booked for next year. Johnson commenced discussion regarding an email he sent concerning the diversion program. Discussion regarding the significant cost savings involved with the diversion program vs incarceration, criteria to enter the program, system tracking, etc. Johnson reported the results have been good and most all larger populated counties have implemented diversion programs. Johnson reported the county Stop Drugs ceremony at the Hudson High School went well and this year's funds allowed to them to pay for more presentation. Speer reminded Johnson of the annual report due at the December 19 County Board meeting. Break taken at 9:55am; reconvened at 10:10am SHERIFF DEPT/ JAIL REPORT: October Jail bills in the amount of $95,587.44 were presented. Motion by Gunderson, 2 nd by Borup to approve the bills. Carried unanimously. October Sheriff Bills in the amount of $62,554.64 were presented. Motion by Gunderson, 2 nd by Dowd to approve the bills. Carried unanimously. November Jail bills in the amount of $31,181.54 were presented. Motion by Borup, 2 nd by Dowd to approve the bills. Carried unanimously. November Sheriff bills in the amount of $40,602.96 were presented. Motion by Gunderson, 2 " by Dowd to approve the bills. Carried unanimously. Hillstead reported the cost of gasoline is currently at $2.15 per gallon, he clarified the charges regarding the Whistler mouth piece and the biodegradable towel fees and reported the Cox Motor sales entry is a 2006 Ford F- 150 purchase (with trade). Humphrey reported there are twelve or thirteen persons currently enrolled with the AODA program explaining it is a six week program, with three groups of twelve. Hillstead and Humphrey reported the new Jail Nurse is doing well and is a good fit reporting she has a good relationship with the staff and she has an excellent rapport with the inmates. Hillstead reported he sent Dan VanSomeren to Humane Officer training, and he is now certified. -3- Discussion regarding the Jail Assessment fund and the reasons the funds are down from past years. Hillstead explained it is funded by the number of citations and they are down about 790 citations; it is a matter of prioritizing, calls for service are up and thus time dedicated to specific traffic enforcement is limited. Hillstead requested from the Jail Assessment fund, $4,500 for an upgrade for the cross -match fingerprint system and also $4,496.73 for an 8- channel recorder from Pro -Teck Design Company. Motion by Mehls, 2 nd by Gunderson to authorize the transfer. Carried unanimously. Hillstead presented hotel authorizations (to exceed the approved rate) concerning recent accommodations regarding Mike Winberg, Karen Humphrey and Bob Bradford. Motion by Gunderson, 2 nd by Dowd to approve the authorizations. Carried unanimously. Hillstead provided an update on the recent situation in Hudson concerning the armed youth. The cost for the ten hour period totaled $13,681.00 and of that amount, approximately $9,000 was in overtime costs. Hillstead indicated he will attempt to recoup the costs via restitution. RABOIN AUTO REPAIR: Speer asked those present for this issue to sign in and explained no one will be allowed to speak that has already done so unless they have something new to add. Speer explained this is a civil matter and any investigation is to be handled by the Sheriff and the District Attorney; the Committee will hear the issue but cannot take action. A fax copy from a citizen will be included in the list of complaints. The Committee heard from several citizens who provided testimony concerning their individual account of events /claims of having been scammed by Raboin Auto Repair. The group reported various claims of lies, empty promises, forgery, theft, swindle, etc. and reported they expect investigation concerning their claims. Discussion regarding investigation into what Raboin does with the vehicles, who holds title to the vehicles Raboin has never returned and whether he is in violation of any parking and/or vehicle ordinance(s), etc. Discussion regarding there being documentation that people have paid at least part of the money in advance and the work was never done or if so, was improperly performed. John La from an one at St. Croix Count about his claim of akko indicated he has et to hear y P Y Y forgery. He is asking that Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter ATCP 132 be enforced. Discussion the group feels a blind eye has been turned from law enforcement regarding Raboin and that some citizens are afraid of retaliation. Discussion regarding those attending the meeting for this issue are not violent in nature but that law enforcement is not doing anything and there is concern someone may take the matter into their own hands. District Attorney Eric Johnson was asked by the group what the parameters are to prove criminal intent; Johnson responded his office will investigate and if there is evidence, they will charge the crime. He reported a civil matter involves money and criminal intent would have to be proved in this case. Johnson explained the system concerning criminal prosecution cases; touching on proving criminal intent, search warrants, statute of limitations, etc. Hillstead reported after hearing the reports at last month's meeting he directed the investigator to look at the complaints and categorize. He reported other reports were referred to the state and he has received nothing back regarding action. Hillstead asked those present to be a little more patient and things will be looked at. -4- The group asked for clarification regarding civil action vs criminal. Johnson responded they have to see where the criminal part of it fits in for this particular issue and reported there are certainly ways to build a criminal case. The group is asking for a resolution to this issue. Jerry Sullivan reported no law enforcement has contacted him about his truck (transmission is gone) and asked if there is a problem with our elected officials. The group asked (again) of District Attorney Johnson: with all the complaints against Raboin, doesn't it set a pattern to warrant the allegations being categorized as criminal? Johnson reiterated his office will do the best they can to find a complaint that fits the criminal category and he summarized his office recognizes this is obviously a huge problem. A person from the group questioned whether Raboin has a valid business license and what can be done to have it taken away; Sullivan responded the township does not require a business license. The group pressed the District Attorney and the Sheriff for a time frame to resolve this issue. Hillstead responded it is determined by case load and crimes of a more serious nature take precedence, explaining he has limited number of staff to take care of this matter as well as other investigations and they will continue to work on it as time allows. Hillstead summarized it will not go beyond six months before something is done. Hillstead asked those present to provide a phone number to their name on the sign -in sheet. Discussion concerning the average person that contacted Raboin to perform work on their vehicles is not a wealthy person and these instances have created financial hardships. Most people paid in advance and continue to pay and the work is not being done. The law requires that the law enforcement officials /departments do something. SHERIFF DEPARTMENT /JAIL (CONTINUED): PATROL CAPTAIN'S REPORT: Shilts reported they received a $7,000 grant to supplement the digital recorder /interview room program. Discussion regarding storage status; Hillstead reported evidence from burglaries, etc. is taking up a lot of storage space. Discussion regarding taking pictures of evidence and returning the belongings after a certain time frame; Hillstead indicated the process would be a hard to sell to defense attorneys. Humphrey reported there are a couple of jail projects and they are going well. Humphrey also reported some of the jail doors still are not painted and that project is going on two years old in June. Hillstead reported an officer was injured on I -94 stating he was hit by a car and has been off two - three weeks and will likely be off two -three more weeks (and reported the squad car also sustained some damage). Hillstead reported another officer was injured while searching for stolen property and he is out because of back surgery. And he also reported one of the jailers has -5- been called to Iraq (again) and he could serve for six months to a year and they will hire an interim replacement. Hillstead summarized his department is currently short- staffed. Meeting adjourned at 11:55am. John Borup, Secretary Amy Geurkink, Recording Secretary ,Alyn veel 011 "2007 -6- ^ Ile q 115