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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 3-8-1983ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Regular Session Tuesday March 8th, 1983 9:00 A.M. County Board of Supervisors called to order by Chairman Anderson. Invocation by Rev, Arland Averill, Hudson United Methodist Church. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by all present. Roll Call by County Clerk. 29 present. 2 absent. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairman Anderson read Rules 19 and 21 as follows: "Whenever any member is to speak or deliver any matter to the Board he shall rise and address himself to the Chair, confine his remarks to the question under debate and ,avoid personalities. The member who shall rise to address the Chair, shall speak first. When 2 members rise to speak at the same time the Chair shall name the member who is to speak first :"Rule 21: "Any person not a member of the County Board desiring to address the County Board on any subject shall first obtain permission from his or her Supervisors. In case of objection such person must have a simple majority consent of the Board." Chairman Anderson also announced the following: The notice of this session has been published in the media of the County as prescribed by Law; Welcomed all guests and members of the press in attendance. Supervisor Brown personally thanked the Board for the flowers he received during his illness, as did Superv. Plourde through letter. Supervisor O'Connell announced that St. Croix resident and County employee, Joan Richie was named "Mother of the Year 1983 in Wisconsin." She will now proceed to the National competition in New York. County Clerk Berke announced the March 21st meeting of the St. Croix County Health Forum will be held in the courthouse at 7:30. Guest speakers include John Berndt of Social Services to address the Community Options Program; and Joan Richie, County Home Care Specialist, to discuss progress in Home Health Care in St. Croix County; and Karen Hall, Coordinator of Developmental Disability Service, to address the status of the Developmental Disability Service Program. APPOINTMENTS County Clerk read a letter from the Veteran Service Committee recommending the appointment of residents, Marlin Severson, John Ross, and Lyle Kellaher for consideration to the County Veterans Service Commission. Motion by Superv. Brown, 2nd by Superv. Shay to accept the appointments. Motion carried. The date for the next session will be Tuesday, April 12, 1983 at 9:00 A.M. in the courthouse. OLD BUSINESS READING OF ORDINANCES ORDINANCE # 67(83): Recommending approval for the rezonement of the property of Howard LaVenture in the Town of St. Joseph. Motion by Superv. Brown, 2nd by Superv. Stephens to adopt. Following discussion, all Supervisors were in favor of the Ordinance. Motion carried and Ordinance #67(83) adopted. ORDINANCE #68(83): Recommending change from agricultural -residential zoning to agricultural zoning for the Township of Baldwin, with exceptions. Motion by Superv. Willink, 2nd by Superv. Hop to adopt. Following a report by Superv. Best, and discussion, the motion carried, and Ordinance #68(83) was adopted. (2) A request was made by the Finance Committee to transfer funds from the General Fund for heating the 1897 Building at the Health Center. Motion by Superv.Sias, 2nd by Superv. Stephens to approve the transfer. Roll Call vote called for resulted in 18 yes, 0 no. Motion carried. EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION #1(83): Authorizing transfer of $5,000.00 from the General Fund to the Upper Willow River Rehabilitation District Fund. Motion by Superv. Draxler, 2n d.by Superv. Stephens to adopt. A Roll Call vote called for resulted in 27 yes, 0 no. Motion carried and Resolution #1(83) adopted. RESOLUTION #2(83): Consenting to Max Ihrke becoming Undersheriff for St. Croix County. A first reading resulting, and laid aside for consideration and action during afternoon session. RESOLUTIONS First Reading 1. Pertains to increase fees for jurors. Following reading and discussion, the resolution was referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration. 2. Pertains to supporting legislation allowing cross -over voting in Primary Election. Chairman Anderson referred to the General Services Committee for further study, and to report back in April. 3. Pertains to inform Governor Earl of St. Croix County's position on the proposed budget cut to County fairs. Introduced by the Agriculture and Extension Committee, and referred to Finance, Budget, Building and Bonds Committee for review and recommenda- tion. 4. Pertains to Community Options Program(appointment of planning Committee members). Chairman Anderson referred this to the General.Services Committee for review and recommendation. 5. Pertains to reorganizing of Law Enforcement Agencies in St. Croix County and creating the Public Protection Committee. This report was submitted by the Merger Committee with one negative, and 5 affirmative. Referred to the General Services Committee for further review and recommendation. 6. Pertains to Challenging Elimination of Caboose/Cars from Railroad trains. Submitted by the General Services Committee, referred to Transportation Committee by Chairman Anderson for review and further consideration. COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS Social Services; Supervisor R. Peterson, reported that emergency fuel oil utilized by St. Croix County in 1982 cost $324,794.00, serving 922 homes. $24 million was spent in the State. Agricultural Extension: Superv. Dull indicated that interviews will e on March 31 to fill the temporary vacancy of Home Economist, Mary Lestrud. Finance, Budget,Building and Bond: Superv.S.Peterson reported that the rates for printing ballots in the county will be reviewed at the March Finance meeting, and introduced to the Board as an Emergency Resolution. Honeywell Inc. is demonstrating a telephone system, and the Committee will make the decision regarding the new system in April. He reported that the Finance and Personnel Committees approved the creation of a fulltime position to be shared jointly by the County Clerk's office and the Finance Director. Lastly, he reported on the statement of delinquent taxes in the County. ( 3 ) Law Enforcement: Superv. Willink reported his Committee received a letter from the DNR complimenting the Sheriff's operation of the waterways, as "an efficient use of manpower." The Department of Social Services also complimented the County Social Services in "their professional handling" of a recent court case involving the Penial School in St. Croix County. The State Jail Inspector recommended that inmates have coveralls. The committee following this recommendation purchased this clothing. Discussion of food allowance increase for County Jail, and the approval procedure utilized. District Attorney Lundell indicated that approval for food purchases does not have to go through the County Board. Zoning & Parks: Superv. George indicated that his Committee has been studying possible alternatives regarding solid wastes in the County. An option being considered is coordinating a plan with Polk County. Various field visits have been conducted by the Committee, including St. John's College in Minnesota. Superv.R. Peterson plans to visit Ontario, Canada to evaluate a system utilizing pyrolosis. The Committee will be touring a waste disposal site in Ames, Iowa in April. The Board recommended that other businesses, and industry be consulted in regard to various alter- natives. Unified Board: Gary Johnson, Health Center Administrator reported to the County Board on the Nursing Home formula and its effect in St. Croix County. He feels that in 1983, it will be very difficult to end up in the black with the new formula. Options are being considered to alleviate this potential problem. Mr. Johnson supports a proposal which would have a positive effect on non-profit County homes in Wisconsin; however, would have a negative effect for for -profit homes. Further research and consideration is being conducted by Mr. Johnson and other members of the Non -Profit Nursing Home Association and Wisconsin Association for the Aged. The Open House for the new Nursing Home is being tentatively planned for early June. The annual State H32 Survey conducted, described the facility as "very impressive." Mr. Johnson would like to extend compliments to Superv. Hop and other Committee members for their efforts toward this project. Superv. Shay requested a written report of any concerns and problems Mr. Johnson encountered during the entire planning and building process of the new building. Mr. Johnson will accomodate. The goals and achievements of the Long Range Plan were discussed. Introduction of the Farm Manager was made by Superv. Nelson. The new Manager, Tom Gieseke reported that labor costs should be down in 1983 and that positive goals,.of the farm.have been set. He anticipates a loss in 1983 and will probably be requesting additional funds from the County Board in the spring. Superv. Timmerman discussed the use of county patients in the operation of the farm, as well as help from prison inmates. Superv. Nelson presented figures of the farm's investment to the County from 1969-79. He was requested to bring these figures up to date, inclusive of'.1982. A thank you was extended by Chairman Anderson to Mr. Johnson and Mr.Gieseke for attending the meeting. Agriculture and Extension: Supervisor Dull introduced Beth Timm, County 4-H and Youth Agent, who indicated that the County Fair will be July 28-31. She introduced Stan Thompson, President, and Barb Rogers, Secretary of the Leader Council, who extended a thank you to the County Board for the purchase of additional land and building at the fairgrounds. An invitation was expressed by the council to visit the fair grounds. Chairman Anderson thanked the guests for attending the meeting. Highway: Highway Commissioner, Ralph Brown reported to the Board on the operation of the Highway Department for the year 1982. Discussion followed. County Board thanked the Commissioner for attending the meeting. Soil Conservation: Superv. Willink reported that Dam_#10 at Glen Hills is being monitored to determine problem With seepage under the dam. This will be at no cost to the County. A warning system ( 4 ) for Dam #5 is currently being worked out with Glenwood City. EMERGENCY RESOLUTION RESOLUTION #2(83): Consenting to Max Ihrke becoming Undersheriff for St. Croix County. Following the morning first reading, a motion was:ma¢e;b.y�;Superv. Qeorge, 2nd by Superv._Heebink to adopt. Motion carried and Resolution #2(83) adopted. Farmland Preservation: County Clerk Berke submitted applications converting initial farmland preservation agreement to a farmland preservation agreement, namely Glenn Malcein of Baldwin Townhship. and Thomas E. Pierson of Rush River Township. Motion by Superv. Willink. 2nd by Superv. Dull to forward these applications to the Agriculture Committee. Motion carried. Civil Defense: Superv. Anderson reported that there will be a Public Hearing at the high school in Hammond on Tuesday, March 29th to discuss the mobile tie -down resolution. Health Committee: Superv. O'Connell discussed the issue of St. Croix County's Health officer in relationship with the Zoning Office. Chairman requested that the Health and Zoning Committees arrange a joint meeting to discuss the specific functions of the Health Officer of St. Croix County. Regional Planning: Superv. Best discussed a job training program available to new industry, as well as other functions of the regional planning office in Eau Claire. Council on Aging: Superv. Evjen reported that St. Croix County will have another cheese and butter distribution on March 30th and 31st throughout the County, assisted by the National Guard. In addition the Senior Citizen Center in Hudson is hosting the craft display and sale on Tuesday,April 5th for all County Senior Citizens. This will be a permanent display in the County. Ad Hoc for 1897 Building: Superv. Hop indicated that the Committee will be meeting with the New Richmond Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March llth to discuss possible uses of the building. A letter from Peter Stacy of the Wisconsin Division of Corrections was read by the County Clerk, requesting the County's current position on the proposed use of the building. The letter will be forwarded to the Special Studies Committee for response and action. WESTCAP: Superv. Heebink reported that the agency is operating within budget, and that some programs were cut due to new appropriation. He noted that a food pantry is active through West' -CAP. Contact the office in Glenwood City for further information. Fair Board: Superv. Timmerman indicated that Rudy Erickson will be the new Chairman for the Fair Board. Former Chairman, Larry Blakeborough will assist him initially in the transition. Town Board's Association: Superv. Draxler introduced discussion in regard to a Spring or Fall meeting with all Town Boards presenting farmland preservation applications. This was referred to the Agriculture Committee for further discussion and decision. FINANCE DIRECTOR'S REPORT Finance Director, James Steel presented to the Board an insurance update. The County now has liability insurance with the Laub Group, and is continuing property insurance with the State Fund. February lst the County began self insurance, Worker's Compensation, processed through the County Clerk's Office. March lst the County began self -funded health insurance, administered through Wisconsin Employers Group. Owner's Claim for Damages to Animals: County Clerk Berke reported the claim filed by Frank Warner, Town of Glenwood in the amount of $235.00. This claim will be considered for County Board action at the November session. ( 5 ) MILEAGE & PER DIEM Mileage and Per Diem for December, Unified Board totaled $477.60 read by the Clerk. Mileage and Per Diem for the County Board in December totaled $6,880.63, and in January $4,656.65. Mileage and Per Diem for the Highway Committee totaled $414.80 in December, and $597.80 in February. Motion by Superv. Sias, 2nd by Superv. Stephens to approve the Mileage and Per Diem reports. Motion carried. Motion by Superv. Sias, 2nd by Superv. O'Connell to adjourn. Motion carried. Norman E. Anderson Respectfully submitted by Chairman, County Board. Jill.Ann Berke County Clerk