Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 8-9-1983ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Regular Session Tuesday, August 9, 1983 9:00 A.M. County Board of Supervisors called to order by Chairman Anderson. Invocation by Pastor Vernon Keszl,er, Zion Lutheran Church, Woodville. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by all present. Roll Call by County Clerk, 28 present, 3 absent. Consideration of minutes of the last session. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to accept the minutes of the last session. Discussion and question by Supr. O'Keefe concerning any corrections to the minutes, and especially regarding the Zoning & Parks Committee report of the Solid Waste Study. Motion by Supr. O'Keefe, 2nd by Supr. Sias to table discussion of the Solid Waste Study until Committee Chairman George is present. Motion carried. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairman Anderson read Rules 20 and 22, respectfully: "Whenever any member wishes 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 two members rise to speak at the same time, the Chair shall name the member who is to speak first. Any person not a member of the County Board desiring to address the County Board on any subject shall first obtain permission from his Supervisor. In case of objection, such person must have a simple majority consent of the Board. Notice of session has been published in the media of the county, as prescribed by law_ All guests and members of the press welcomed. Chairman Anderson requested that Supe. Timmerman present a report to the members regarding the National Association of Counties report which he attended in Milwaukee in July. Supr. Timmerman discussed workshops pertaining to drrug and alcohol abuse, solid waste safe water and cost savings methods in counties. Supr_ Spalding reported on the legislative meeting of the Wisconsin Counties Association held at the University of Wisconsin, Stout June 23_ Supervisors Anderson, Sias, and O'Connell also attended_ Supr. Meinke presented a report to the members on the Summer Highway Conference held in June. He reported that highway aids will remain much the same, and the county will anticipate more monies for bridges. Supervisors Dull and Willink reported on the Ag-Extension Summer Conference held in June. A mutual concern of many counties is the land -fill situation. Chairman Anderson reported that the next county board session will be held on September 13 at the Courthouse at 9:00 a.m. OLD BUSINESS, RESOLUTIONS, Second Readings, ORDINANCES ORDINANCE #80(83): St_ Croix County Shoreland-Wetland Zoning Amendments. Motion by Supr_ R.Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Dorsey to adopt. Discussion followed_ Supr. Best of the Zoning and Parks Committee recommended approval of the ordinance as proposed_ Supr. Timmerman questioned if the ordinance is in the best interest of the farmers of St. Cr oix County since it does not allow drainage canals for irrigation purposes_ Ques- tion of the impact of St. Croix County if,ordynance was amended to include this as an exception under "Permitted Uses." Question placed on the floor: 15 in favor of adop- tion, 13 opposed. Motion carried. ORDINANCE #81(83): Amending Floodplain Map. Motion by Supr_ George, 2nd by Supr. Dorsey to adopt. Motion carried. Discussion continued regarding approval of June minutes. Supr_ George now present to address procedure of board members and various county personnel attending solid waste tour in Tennessee and Kentucky without complete county board approval. Supr_ O'Keefe asked the Clerk if there were any corrections or additions to the June minutes as mailed. COUNTY BOARD -August 183 Page-2 Norcorrections were reported to the Clerk. Discussion of the proper order of County Board rule regarding out-of-state travel, and that simple committee authorization does not permit such travel. Supr. George responded to the question of procedure, and indi- cated that the full County Board was not informed of specific plans for such out-of-state travel to take place. Clarification of rule for members to designate that the Clerk will not process any out-of-state travel checks unless there has been action on the floor at a full county board session with approval. Motion by Supr. O'Keefe, 2nd by Supr_ Timmer- man to approve!Aher minutes as mailed. Motion carried. Solid Waste Study Report: Report by Committee Chairman, George regarding the results of the Committee's tour to Tennessee and Kentucky to investigate a solid waste site and piossobl:e � plans for St. Croix County in resolving its current problem of solid waste. The committee recommended that a special County Board Session be called to discuss this matter in detail. Motion by Supr. O'Keefe, 2nd by Supr. Sias to have an evening meeting before the next September Regular County Board Session, to be a Special Session. Other county business will be discussed initially; however, the primary agenda item will be solid waste in St. Croix County. Time and place to be decided later. Motion carried_ Farmland Preservation Report: Supr. Willink introduced Ross Pierson to the County Board floor. As an appointee of Governor Earl, Mr. Pierson discussed his recent trip to Madison regarding zoning issues in St_ Croix County. He reported that the new Board is made up of county conservation committees, appointments of the Governor, and agency representatives. Township requests and decision by Board: Pleasant Valley, accepted; Baldwin and Rush River, not accepted. Mr. Pierson also reported on Soil Conservation, and pointed out that emphasis is placed on the writing of the plan, and not the implementation. His recommendation for St_ Croix County is that the county should allow more money. for controlling erosion in this county since erosion is a very serious problem. Supr. Day and Supr. Willink expressed the Soil Conservation Committee's concern for this problem,and current budgeting proposals to share in this county responsibility. Supr_ Nelson expressed a concern for education to help alleviate the problem. Supr. Timmerman stressed -- the importance of agricultural zoning for preservation of agriculture, and encouraged long- range planning by the county. Mr. Pierson's report was accepted by the Board, followed by applause in appreciation of his efforts. Ordinances pertaining to rezoning requests by David Wachter and William McKinnon_ Supr. George reported that the Zoning, Planning and Parks Committee tabled the request of Wm. McKinnon due to insufficient information for the committee to make a decision_ Supr. Mienke stated that the rezoning request of David Wachter, Somerset Township did meet approval of the town board. The Clerk read a letter, dated August 5, 1983 from M. Plourde, Town Clerk indicating that the board voted in favor of the request. Supr_ George will schedule a hearing for further action of this request. RESOLUTION #26(83): Amended Resolution FL -commending Committee Change for Subject of Ambulance Subsidies. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. George to postpone this' decision until the September session. Discussion. Motion defeated. Motion by Supr. O'Keefe, 2nd by Supr. Brown to adopt. Motion carried, and resolution adopted as read. RESOLUTION #27(83): Authorizing Transfer of $25,000 from General Fund, to County Farm Operating Fund. Motion by Supr. Nelson, 2nd by Supr. Brown to adopt. Discussion of need for additional money, followed by question of farm's profitability to the county. Roll Call Vote: 28, yes; 0, no. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #28(83): Ordering County Clerk to Execute Tax Deeds to St. Croix County Where Real Estate Taxes have not Been Paid in Excess of Three Years. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Sias to adopt_ Motion carried. Ratification Request of County Personnel -Settlement fRe-port by:,District Attorney, Eric Lundell (regarding Harold Bradford, matter. This matter was discussed in a 'closed session following the June Session. A settlement was reached following the June Session, this being the official announcement to the public. Mr. Bradford was discharged from the service of the county in December of 1981 due to his age of 55. In the Settlement Agree- ment, Bradford 1--Retired from the County effective July 1, 1983 2-Signed a release from liability 3-terminated the EEOC Claim 4-discharged any grievance 5-paid state and federal taxes, as well as his share of Social Security 6-repaid unemployment received'to the state 7-paid his own attorney fees_ COUNTY BOARD -August 183 Page-3 The County agreed to: 1-reinstate him December 18, 1981- May 6, 1983 2-pay the county's portion of retirement 3-pay county share of taxes and social security 4-pay Bradford the sum of $50,000.00 5-execute the general release 6-pay the back union dues. Dist. Atty, Eric Lundell asked that this ratified by the Board. Motion by Supr. Spalding, 2nd by Supr. Shay to ratify. Roll Call Vote: 26 yes, 1 no. Motion carried. EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION #29(83): Regarding Application for Funds from State Trust Fund for EDP System. Motion by Supr. O"Keefe, 2nd by Supr. Hop'. to adopt. Roll' -Call Vote: 26 yes, 0 no. Motion carried, and resolution adopted. ORDINANCE #82(83): Amendment of Ordinance #60(82) Concerning Interest Rate and Penalty on Overdue or Delinquent Real Estate Taxes and Special Assessments. Motion by Supr. Lowe, 2nd by Supr. Willink to adopt. Motion carried and ordinance adopted. Motion by Supr. R. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Sias to recess for lunch. Motion carried. Session to continue at 1:00 p.m. SESSION RECONVENED, NEW BUSINESS, RESOLUTIONS, Second Readings Meeting called to order by Chairman, Norman Anderson following noon recess. Roll Call: 28 present, 3 absent. Farmland Preservation Applications: County Clerk, Beirke reported that 44 applications were received since the last session. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. Sias to accept, and refer to committee. Motion carried. Computer Study: Committee members reported on current status of EDP System. Planner Richard Thompson invited members to note the progress of the EDP System room in the basement. County Clerk Berke reported that the payroll data is currently be compiled, and being:;prepared for data entry this week, with a goal for payrolls to begin in October. Committee member, Jim Steel remarked on the status of the hiring of an EDP Coordinator for the comprehensive system. Telephone Study: Planner, R. Thompson commented regarding the implementation and use of the new telephone system in the courthouse complex. The system is much improved over the former system, and is being received well by county employees. Resolution creating General County Administration Committee.. Motion by Supr. O'Keefe, 2nd by Supr. Timmerman to put on the floor for discussion. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. George to reject resolution. Discussion. Supr. Stephens indicated that the Finance Committee is doing an adequate job as the supervising committee for the various county offices and departments cited in the proposed resolution. Supr. Shay expressed his interest as member of Person-hel, ;that these positions should be supervised by a separate parent committee. Question on the floor. Motion carried to reject resolution. Resolution defeated. RESOLUTION #30(83): Transferring Juvenile Intake Services to County Social Services Department. Motion by Supr. Lowe, 2nd by Supr. Speer to put on the floor for action. Motion carried. Discussion. Report by Mike Early, member of Ad Hoc Committee, St. Croix County Youth Aids Committee. The committee addressed fifteen different issues in consideration of the defined problem as: "Whether or not transferring court attached services to St. Croix County Social Services Department is in the best interest of St. Croix County." Included in this consideration were the following objectives: 1-Fiscal advantages to St. Croix County 2-Need to maintian current level of services to county residents and juvenile correctional services, 3-Enhanced coordination of existing services for juveniles 4-Potential for better cooperation between Juvenile Services and law enforcement 5-Appropriate supervision of staff. Committee members, Peter Stacy, Norman Anderson, Eric Lundell, Mike Early and LuVerne Burke studied various options for transferring Juvenile Services to Social Services after studying the issues, and all voted in the affirmative to transfer Court Attached Services to the County Social Services Department. An organization chart was also presented for the proposed transfer. ,recommending that the proposed transfer take place effective November 1, 1983. COUNTY-Augsut '83 Page-4 Supr. Timmerman responded to the Ad Hoc Committee's report regarding a potential "confl,i:ct of interest." He asked that the Clerk read a letter from Duane Lones, Superintendent of Schools in the Baldwin -Woodville Area School District. The letter, dated June 29, 1983 strongly supported the separation of Juvenile Intake and Juvenile Dispositional staff workers from the Department of Social Services. He stressed this potential conflict of interests, and that as a member of the St. Croix County Child Pro- tection Team, he was concerned with a merger that"would seriously hamper the services provided for our young adults." He questioned the issue of money savings, and that it should not be at the expense of service. Attorney at Law, Mark Gherty of Hudson responded to the Board in opposition to the proposed merger. Speaking as a representative of juveniles in the county, an informed citizen, and a businessman, he emphasized the current level of efficiency and professional- ism demonstrated by the Juvenile Intake staff. He questioned the reason for abandoning the successful system currently in operation, and stressed that the issue is "the kids," and not buildings or cows. Atty. Gherty felt that the Bar Association of St. Croix County should have been approached regarding this issue, and challenged the committee's opinion that this department could not be satisfactorily supervised as court attached. Supr. Timmerman asked that two additional letters be read by the Clerk, regarding the position of schools! in this matter. Letter dated June 30, 1983 from Robert Dosedel, Superintendent of Schools, New Richmond was read. He indicated that he felt that the current system is working well, and that his staff does not believe that a shift will improve the availability of personnel, but that confusion might result. Another letter, dated July 8, 1983 from the Superintendent of the Baldwin -Woodville Schools was read to the members. In response to the Ad Hoc Committee's report, and his attendance of the Hearing of :August 5 :Superintendent Lones reported that he does not wish for a change in a system that is currently working; the concern for discounting the testimony of the lawyers in the county, as well as the opinion of Judge Todryk; concern for agency co- operation in the event of a merger; and the question of organizational efficiency if the merger should pass. He strongly requested that the County Board deny the merger. Supr. Stephens introduced former Circuit Court Judge Hughes, who was instrumental in gettingthe program in St. Croix County started. He is still currently Chairman of the Juvenile and Family Law Section of the Wisconsin Judicial Conference, and in that regard he expressed that St,, Croix County does not lack the enthusiasm to administer this pro- gram as court attached. He recognized the fiscal responsibility, but felt that the county cannot aford to cut a good working program. Ad Hoc Committee Member, Sheriff Burke pointed out that the study conducted by the committee was as objective as possible, and that the concern for the kids of St. Croix County is being considered in that there is potential beyond the $60,000.00 for programs. Committee Member, Eric Lundell, District Atty., expressed the issue of supervision of staff, and that the Judge's adm.i,nistrative responsibility' to the program could be alleviated. Comments by Circuit Court Judge Todryk to the Board. Contrary to the remarks by the District' Attorney, he stated that this administrative responsibility of supervision would not be a drain on him. He commented on his: perspective also as a former Assistant District Attorney for St. Croix County, and that the quality of work performed by the Juvenile Intake Services exceeded that of the work performed by the Department of Social Services. He stressed that the extremely fine quality of work not be damaged. Further discussion regarding fiscal concerns, supervision of staff, and the study conducted by the Ad Hoc Committee. Motion by Supr! Stephens to amend the resolution as follows: to include a committee comprised of Judge Todryk, Districk Attorney Eric Lundell, and Supr. O'Keefe to review and set criteria for comparison of services and to report to the County Board every 90 days on the results of the transfer. Motion r2nd by Supr. Anderson. Show of hands-on amendment:; 15 yes, 13 no. Motion carried to accept amendment. Roll Call Vote on Resolution, as amended: 19 yes, 9 no. Motion carried, and Resolution, as amended adopted by County Board. Chairman Anderson called for 15 minute recess. SESSION RECONVENED, NEW BUSINESS, FIRST READINGS 1897 Building Report: Committee Chairman, Supr. Hop reported to the Board. He indicated that pans were proposed, and presented to his committee for review. The estimates for remodeling the old building, first floor, for office space were in the range of. $300,000.00 COUNTY BOARD -August '83 Page-5 to $450,000.00. The plans reviewed did not include specification of brands of miscel- laneous expenses, such as plumbing fixtures, electrical, etc. The cost for insulation was figured in the proposals. It was the opinion of the Finance Director, Jim Steel that the fiigure of $450,000,00 is the most realistic. He consulted with the Safety Engineering firm, Scott-Wentzel, who toured the building and recommended that a licensed fire pro- tection inspection be conducted. Question of the original consideration of utillizing the space for a residehtial facility, and if it would be considered further. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr_ George to direct the Special Building Committee to take bids, including any costs for the re-routing of any utilities to the new building, for the destruction of the 1897 building by November 1, 1983. Discussion. Supr. Hop indicated that his committee had explored every alternative for use of the building, but that perhaps it was time for "the ball and hammer." Motion by Supr. O'Keefe, 2nd by Supr. Heebink to amend the motion on the floor to include the requisition of bids by the; September Regular Session. Discussion. Supr. Dorsey Nelson indicated to the Board that the alternative at this time is destruction. Supr. Timmerman spoke in favor of preserving the building. Supr. Lowe wished for the Board to consider th-e'haste in demolishing the structure. Supr. Best reported that the old hospital in Menomonie is being refurbished, and that the Board needs to consi- der the needs of the public. Amendment 'for'vote placed on the floor. Motion carried. Clerk read amended motion. Roll Call Vote: 14 yes, 14 no. Motion defeated. Supr. George moved to request the Special Building Committee to accept bids for the destruction of the 1897 building by September. Motion 2nd by Supr. Best. Amendment to the motion offered by Supr. O'Keefe, 2nd by Supr. Timmerman to also include in the bids the cost of re-routing the utilities to the new building, costs for landscaping, and other miscellaneous costs involved. Amendment to the motion carried. Roll Call Vote: J6 yes, 12 no. Motion, as amended, carried. Unified Board: Supr. Nelson reported that Mental Health Coordinator, Roy Sargeant is resigning to take a position in Winona, Minnesota. The Unified Board will be taking applications to fill the position. Western Wisconsin Health Systems Agency: Supr. Kelly reported to the Board. He discussed the role of St. Croix County and its contribution to the WWHSA, indicating that the county should consider sending a budgeted amount to the agency for services provided. Supr. Kelly will provide additional information to the members in order to consider this request. Personnel Committee: Supr. Shay moved that the Board authorize ;the payment of an airline ticket, roundtrip, for Undersh.eriff, Max Ihrke to fly home one week -end during the three-month FBI Training School he is attending in Virginia. Motion 2nd by Supr. Hop. Motion carried, by show of hands: 16 yes, 12 no. Public Protection: Supr. Best referred to the Public Protection meeting held on August 5, at which time, the proposed merger of law enforcement was discussed. The Clerk read the First Reading - Merging the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department and the St. Croix County Highway Patrol. This will be discussed, and acted upon at the next regular session. Finance Committee: Supr. S. Peterson requested that the County Clerk be permitted to attend Regional Conference on El;ectiion Administration and Federal Financing to be held September 6-8 at Itasca, Illinois. Motion by Supr. Nelson, 2nd by Supr. Sias to allow. Motion carried. User Board: Supr. Shay reported that the there will be a hearing of Emergency Medical Services, and Public Protection on August 17 at 7:00 at the Courthouse. Fair Board Association: Request by Supr. O'Keefe that the County Board Chairman express appreciation to Lawrence Blakeborough for his contribution to the county as President of the Fair Board. Clerk will present certificate of appreciation to Mr. Blakeborough. Agriculture and University Extension: Supr. Dull reported. He expressed appreciation to the fairgoers for their participation in the County Fair this year. Requests for improve- ments were considered. The public restrooms need repair, as does the floor of the building for the Council on Aging. Supr. Speer asked that consideration be given to the scheduling of the county fair in relation to the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, and that these not be held at the same time. Supr. Shay stated that Lowell Jackson, Secretary of the Dept. of Transportation will be available for questions at the Laurel Supper Club on August 22 at 9:00 a.m. He encouraged attendance at this meeting. COUNTY BOARD -August 183 Page-6 Additional Committee Reports.: Supr. Willink reported fo.r the Conservation Committee, regarding an Animal Waste Workshop held in Rice Lake earlier:this month. The expressed concern of those who attended was that the Department of Agriculture should be considered in the administration of this waste issue. Supr. Best reported for R-egional Planning. He requested that E.P. Rock be invited to attend the next regular session to discuss regional planning. Clerk directed to contact Mr. Rock. Chairman Anderson reported on the Employment Twining Act. He announced that there will be a hearing on August 21 at 7700 p.m. in Menomonie regarding final acceptance of the plan. The Chair also announced that the Wisconsin Counties Association meeting will be held in LaCrosse September 18-21. PER DIEM REPORTS, CORRESPONDENCE County Clerk reported the following expenses: Unified Board, June: Misc. Income-$600.00; Mileage-$150.40; TOTAL-$750.40; July: Misc. Income- 550.00; Mileage-$124.40; TOTAL- $674.40. Highway Committee, June: Per Diem-$611.0.00; Expense7$304.43; TOTAL-$914.43; July: Per Diem- 420.00; Expense--$181.56; TOTAL-$601.56. County Board Supervisors, June: Per Diem-$4,390.00; Mileage & Other-$988.28; TOTAL- 5378.28; July: Per Diem- $3605.00; Mileage-$638.51; TOTAL -$4,243.51. Motion by Supr. R. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Sias to accept. Motion carried. Motion by Supr. O'Keefe, 2nd by Supr. Lowe to sustain reading of First Reading Resolutions, since members have copies of readings_ Motion carried. Chairman ,Anderson referred to respective committees. Correspondence: Correspondence read by Clerk Berke as. follows: Letter, dated June 29 from Governor Earl regarding the resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors for their support for AB 28, AB 127, SB 122 and SB 42. Letter dated June '29 from Senator James Harsdorf, regarding the elimination of levy limits. Letter dated June 30 from Representative Richard Shoemaker, regarding receipt of resolutions passed by St. Croix County_ Letter dated June 31 from Senator Harsdorf regarding AB 127 and SB 42; AB 28 and SB 122. He also commented on the Wyoming V. Equal Employment Occupation Comm., and its impact in Wisconsin. Correspondence will be placed on file in the County Clerk's office. Motion by Supr_ Lowe, 2nd by Supr. Willink to adjourn the August Session. Motion carried. Norman E. Anderson Chairman, County Board Respectfully submitted, Jill Ann Berke, County Clerk