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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 9-13-1983ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Tuesday, September 13, 1983 9:00 a.m. Courthouse - Hudson Compiled by Chairman Norman E. Anderson CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION: Rev. Philip Bushy, Faith Baptist Church, Baldwin PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG ROLL CALL CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS Notice of meeting - published as prescribed by law in media of County Reading of Rule 2- - Debate, and Rule 22 - Address the Board Welcome to all Guests and Press Ll Finance Committee meeting during session for line item transfer requests.;..' Any other announcements Date of next session: Recommended changes for October 18 and November 15 OLD AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS: (includes consideration and action on second reading resolutions and ordinances) Resolution promoting Dairy Products, Resolution supporting Eau Claire County's request to host 1986 WI CO ASS'N Conference ,3-- Resolution opposing AB 344 regarding interest on retro pay/benefits under arbitration,/ awards Resolution regarding designee on Bd. of Commissioners under Job Training Partnership Acts 5,e"' Resolution on feasibility study of energy/resource recovery.- X Resolution on merging Sheriff's Dept. and Highway Patrol / Resolution on Farm Committee- Unified Board/ --1t - y 3 Report on Regional Planning (E.P. Rock) 10:00 a.m. /9. Report on Health Systems Agency (Bill Heiting) 1:15 p.m. Report on 1897 Building / : J 0 Demolition estimates/specifications --- Relocation of utilities(electrical, steam, construction work between old & new buildings --- Future of(disposition of)1897 Bldg Report on Computer installation Ratification of County personnel settlements 1 Ordinance re: approval for rezonement to Comm. from Ag-Res.(David Wachter) Somerset Twp. EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS Resolution re: Selection to Community Options Program 2. Resolution re: Revisions in WI Fund Grant Monies NEW BUSINESS Advisory Committee on Solid Waste Report regarding 1984 budgets eport on Alarm Systems removals /ter: WI Conservation Corp. work projects Request for funding Ag. Land Conference �.,'Farmland Preservation Applications Committee and Board reports r _ 8� Mileage & per diem report, ;9:�--First reading resolutionsRESPONDENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS ADJOURNMENT (The above agenda is not necessarily in order of presentation) ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Regular Session Tuesday, September 13, 1983 9:00 A.M. County Board of Supervisors called to order by Chairman Anderson. Invocation by Reverend Philip Bushy, Faith Baptist Church, Baldwin. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by all present. Roll Call by County Clerk, 29 present, 2 absent. Consideration of minutes of the last regular ; August session, and the special August session. Clerk indicated that on page 5 of the August 9 session, the Roll Call regard- ing the question of bids for the destruction of the 1897 Building, should be 16 yes, rather than 26 yes. Motion by Supr. Nelson, 2nd by Supr. Timmerman to approve as corrected. Motion carried. Clerk indicated that the August 29 minutes should be corrected to read ten dollars per ton of waste (page 2), rather than ten million dol►ars per ton of waste. Motion by Supr. R. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Willink to accept as corrected. Motion carried. Chairman Anderson reported to the members that "Appointments" needed to be added to the agenda under New Business. He indicated that this was advertised. 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 the session has been published in the media of the county, as prescribed by law. All guests and members of the press welcomed by Chairman Anderson. The Finance Meeting, as published, will meet at 11: 45 this date in the Courthouse. Chairman Anderson requested that the Board consider a change in date for the October and November session, to be October 18 and November 15, due to budget deadlines. Motion by Supr. Sias, 2nd by Supr. S. Peterson to approve. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS, RESOLUTIONS', Second Readings RESOLUTION #31(83): Dairy Products, encouraging St. Croix County residents to use "REAL" Dairy Products. Motion by Supr. Draxler, 2nd by Supr. Dorsey to approve. Motion carried, resolution adopted. RESOLUTION #32(83): Joining Eau Claire County's Request to Host 1986 Wisconsin Counties Association Conference. Motion by Supr. O'Connell, 2nd by Supr. Day to adopt. Discussion regarding financial committment. Motion carried and resolution passed. RESOLUTION #33(83): Opposing the Passage of Assembly Bill 344. Motion by Supr. O'Connell, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to adopt. Discussion. Motion carried, resolution adopted. RESOLUTION #34.(83): Authorizing County Board Chairperson or his/her Designee to Act as the Official County Representative on the Board of Commissioners of the West Central Wisconsin Counties Consortium in the Exercise of Duties under the Job Training Partnership Act (P.L. 98-300) Motion by Supr. O'Connell, 2nd by Supra _ Heebink to accept. Discussion. Motion carried. COUNTY BOARD -September 183 Page-2 RESOLUTION #35(83): Directing the County Planning and Zoning Committee to Proceed on a Feasibility Study of Energy/Resource Recovery. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to accept. Discussion followed. Supr. George, Chairman of the Comprehensive, Planning, Zoning and Parks Committee addressed the Board concern- ing the specific criteria to be followed in the proposed feasibility study. The criteria includes: 1) the Department of Natural Resources requires the feasibility study 2) the county will interview and accept proposals from four or five engineering firms to do the study 3) conclusions and recommendations as a result of the study 4) waste quantities and sanitary landfill costs 5) site information/refuse to energy 6) market data and cogeneration evaluation 7) review of resource and energy recovery systems 8) alternatives and economic anal,yses, and 8) contract negotiations. Discussion regarding the proposal to include Polk and Pierce Counties in the feasibility study. Supr. George indicated that the city of Rice Lake and Polk County have jointly conducted a feasibility study, which cost approximately $50,000. The conclusion was that this plan was not feasible. Copies of this study would be available for St. Croix County to review. The plan for a feasibility study would include Polk and Pierce County, with consideration from the state for a 25% grant to share in the cost of the study. Supr_ George indicated that this money is readily available from the state, upon request from each county. Supr. O'Connell suggested that the committee consider contacting the newly formed committee as designated by the Governor, which is studying the recycling aspect of the solid waste. Supr. O'Keefe requested that the committee examine the possibility 0f'ireactivating the former solid waste advisory committee, or a committee with similar composition. He encouraged a cross section of the community be represented including government, garbage haulers, women, and other appropriate individuals. Supr. Timmerman asked if any consideration had been given to the development of a site at the University of River Falls. Supr_ George reported that the administration did not appear interested. Further discussion by Supervisors Shay and George regard- ing the participation of Polk and Pierce Counties at this stage of the study. Supr. Heebink asked if the committee is considering more than one type of energy recovery system in the feasibility study. Supr. George explained that various manufacturers of steam production equipment would be included in the study. Supr. Heebink also inquir- ed about transfer stations, particularly for those areas geographically farther away from the site of the proposed incinerator. This factor would also be a part of the proposed feasibility study. Question by Supr. Evjen regarding the owner/operator of the proposed waste to energy system. Supr. George reported that the committee is recommending that this be a county owned and operated; however, the hauling of refuse would not be the responsi- bility of the county. This would continue as currently operated per individual municipality. Supr. Lowe, a former member of the Comprehensive Planning, Zoning, and Parks Committee, recalled that the former position of the county was not to get into the "garbage business." His opinion was that the county should lease such an operation. Supr. Timmerman introduced Warren Wilson, Pierce County Planner, who asked that his county be represented on the committee. Discussion by Supr. George and Board Members regarding the most appropriate time for other counties to be represented on the committee, considering their financial committment to the feasibil- ity study. No definite position was taken. Supr_ Brown expressed that he is opposed to a landfill for waste disposal, and directed the question to Supr. George about the type of landfill that would be required to dump the ash from the incinerator. Supr. George responded that he did not feel that a clay liner would be necessary for the ash. Introduction of Bernard Kinney, Hudson Township Chairman, by Supr. Evjen. Kinney explained to the members that the Hudson Town Board is in a critical situation concerning the currently used landfill, located in Hudson Township. He asked that the committee be willing to meet with Hudson and .Warren Townships, as well as a representative from the Department of Natural Resources. He also suggested that Gary Thompson, owner and operator of the landfill, currently being utilized be asked to present his proposed plans. Question by Supr. Lowe regarding any potential duplication of studies that have already been conducted. Supr. Stephens indicated that any capital involved with the matter would have to be given full County Board consideration. Original motion to approve the resolution for the feasibility study brought to the floor for action. Motion carried_ Chairman Anderson opened further discussion regarding the formation of an Advisory Committee to work with the Comprehensive Planning, Zoning, and Parks Committee. Supr. R. Peterson supported an earlier suggestion by Supr. O'Keefe that the committee COUNTY BOARD -September 183 Page-3 be comprised in similar composition of the former Advisory Committee. County Clerk Berke read the 1980 Resolution Creating the Solid Waste Planning Advisory Committee. The suggestion directed to the Board was that the committee be comprised of Board members representative of Finance, Highway, and Agriculture, totaling eight County Board Members. The other seven members would be from the community at large, totaling fifteen members. Motion by Supr. R. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Hop to amend the 1980 Resolution to increase the County Board representation to eight, inclusive of at least two women members, and said committee to act through the completion of the study. Motion carried, as amended. Chairman Anderson will accept the recommendations of the Comprehensive Planning, Zoning, and Parks Committee, and make appointments accordingly. Supr. George indicated that during the next commit- tee meeting, discussion and specific plans for involving representatives from the other counties will transpire. Chairman Anderson introduced Mr. E.P. Rock, a member of the Regional Planning Commission since its origin, and also an Executive Committee member, to the Board. Mr. Rock introduced Kevin Jones, Director of the Regional Planning Commission, and asked him to present a report to the Board on his behalf. Mr. Jones reported that the Commission has been in existence for twelve years. The Commission is currently coming out of a downswing, perhaps due to a lack of perceived need of planning, and the fact that the state contributes only 10% in capital to the Commission for operation. The plans of the Commission are to provide more incentives for counties to become involved in regional planning. More specifically in St. Croix County, direct assistance has been provided in the following areas. Assistance is given to the County Planning Office, the city of New Richmond received support for an Energy Conservation Plan, a historical grant was completed in Hudson and North Hudson, assistance has been given with block grants in the county, Woodville received assistance for acquiring natural gas lines for the community as well as support with their industrial park, and extensive mapping expertise. Mr. Jones reported to the Board that the proposed budget request of approximately $370,000.00 is comprised of 60% local funds, 30% federal funds, and 10% state funds. The proposed 1984 levy is set at $32,840.00, a slight increase over 1983. Fifty percent of this levy is applied to the County Planner's office, and remainder allocated to regional program. The work program will employ continued direct planning assistance in the areas of economic development, land use planning, historic concerns, the imple- mentation of the Job Training Partnership Act, developing strong ties from the state, expanding functions of the Commission, and establishing stronger working relationships with other planning agencies. Mr. Rock, Supervisor Best, and Hudson Town Chairman Kinney thanked the Regional Planning Commission for their strong support in St. Croix County. Supr. Willink reported that the Commission is co -sponsoring the Western Wisconsin Solid Waste Conference, on Friday, October 7th at the Holiday Inn in Eau Claire. Supr. Draxler suggested that Committee Chairman George invite all committee members to the workshop. Supr. Best thanked Mr. Rock for his dedicated participation to Regional Planning. Questions directed to Mr. Jones concerning the proposed purchase of major portions of the Chicago -Northwestern Railroad by the Milwaukee Railroad. He indicated that if this purchase is made, Northwestern Wisconsin will be affected, including St. Croix County. Supr. O'Keefe suggested that a resolution be drafted to preserve the railways since the rail lines greatly affect many business and industry in this county. Supr. R. Peterson expressed the farming community's strong need for preserving railroad transportation. RESOLUTION #36(83): Merging the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department and the St. Croix County Highway Patrol. Motion by Supr. Shay, 2nd by Supr. S. Pe.terson to put on the floor. Supr. Shay presented to the Board, the committee's work regarding the proposed merger. He indicated that problems do exist in the law enforcement agencies in the county, and that both the Sheriff and Captai-n of Patrol feel that departments are understaffed. It was the intention of the committee to find ways to strengthen and cause the departments to be more effective. The majority of the committee felt th�t to successfully maximize the efficiency of law enforcement, a merger needed to to ,,e pI ace. The intention is to eliminate the position of Undersheriff, and create a First Deputy position, appointed by the County Board upon recommendation of the Public Protection Committee. Concern was voiced for the need to make the position of Sheriff a less political one. The proposed organizational chart would place the Sheriff in maintenance of the jail facility and cavil processing. The First Deputy would be directly under the supervision of the Sheriff; however, the First Deputy would be responsible for the inves- tigations, recreational patrol, auxillary deputies, and patrolmen duties. Indication was made by Supr. Shay that Sheriff Burke has been extremely cooperative in the develop- ment of this organizational pattern. COUNTY BOARD -September '83 Page-4 � Discussion of the present structure and the issue of the primary call procedure. The Patrolmen as first responders would be Deputies , allowing the investigators to do major investigations. The proposal would shift two people to the patrol and investi- gative area. The committee also felt strongly that the Sheriff deputize the First Deputy. Discussion by Supervisors Stephens and Shay regarding the testing procedure to be used for hiring people in the department. Supr. Shay indicated that the criteria would in- clude seniority and an examination requirement. Question of the position of First Deputy, and who was being considered for the position. Supr. Shay reported that both Highway Captain Roe, and Undersheriff, Max Ihrke had responded to an interest in the position. Discussion regarding the opportunity given to the officers to view opinions of the proposed merger. The committee felt that ample consideration was given to the offi- cers to express views. Supervisors Stephens and O'Keefe indicated that some of the officers had expressed differing opinions. Response was requested of District Attorney Lundell, Sheriff Burke, and Captain Roe. Lundell wished to make a clarification that the Sheriff is by statute ultimately responsible for the law enforcement in St. Croix County. He stated a need for fulltime investigators, not limited by scheduling. He regarded the proposed organization as legally sufficient; however, recommended that a temporary change occur on a voluntary basis at this time, rather than a full scale merger. SESSION RECONVENED NEW BUSINESS, RESOLUTIONS, Second Readings Session reconvened, and call to order by Chairman Anderson. Roll call, 29 present, 2 absent. Motion by Supr. Sias, 2nd by Supr. Lowe to amend the proposed resolution to allow for a one year trial period. Discussion. Show of hands, 12 yes, 17 no to the amendment. Motion defeated. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Brown to postpone action of the resolution for 30 days. Show of hands, 3 yes, 26 no. Motion defeated. Roll call on original resolution, 19 yes, 10 no. Motion carried, and resolution adopted. Resolution creating new Farm Committee of the St. Croix Board of Supervisors. Motion by Supr. Nelson, 2nd by Supr. Brown to postpone indefinitely a change in the Farm Committee. Motion carried, and resolution defeated. Report on Health Systems Agency: Bill Heiting, Chairman of the Western Wisconsin Health Systems Agency (HSA), reported to the members upon invitation by Supr. Kelly. Heiting indicated that the HSA is operating in this part of the state, funded principally with a federal grant. The HSA exists to improve health care, increase the accessibility to acceptable quality health care, to restrain increased costs to area residents, and to prevent unjust and costly duplication of health services. He indicat- ed that St. Croix County has six members on the HSA Board. He asked that consi- deration be given to allocating money from the county to assist with various expenses of the county members. Discussion. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Heebink to allocate $1 ,000.00 to WWHSA to supplement the County Health Forum. Roll call vote, 16 yes, 12 no. Motion passed. Report on the 1897 Building: Supr. Hop reported that he has received. verbal estimates for the costs for demolishing the building. The estimate for replacing the steam from the boiler room to the laundry facility is $35-40,000. The estimate for leaving the electric conduit in place, and providing the necessary support, plus the cost for re- moving the telephone lines is $5,000. The estimate for removing a section of the 1897 Building between the 1974 Building and the 1897 Building, and repairing the wall of the newer building is $30,000. The proposed cost for demolishing the 1897 Building is $50,000, the total being approximately $85,000. Supr. Hop discussed the time needed to advertise and open bids for destroying the building. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to transfer $5,000 from the General Fund to pro- vide for engineering costs to the Special Building Committee. Supr. O'Keefe asked the members to consider all possible alternatives for the use of the building before making a final decision to tear it down. Discussion of steam leaks and question of the Health Center administration making the 1897 Building appear negatively. Supr. Evjen expressed her position to save the building, and for the members to con- sider an anticipated need for intermediate care in view of the change in Medicare guidelines. Supr. Brown also expressed an interest in preserving the building. Supr. COUNTY BOARD -September 183 Page-5 Timmerman indicated that as a member of the Unified Board, he does not wish to see the building destroyed, and that serious consideration should be given to alternate uses for the building. Discussion regarding the appropriate budget to be used to take care of immediate needs of adjoining utilities between the new and old building. Motion by Supr. Timmerman, 2nd by Supr. Brown to postpone the request for transfer of funds. Motion carried. Motion by Supr. O'Keefe, 2nd by Supr. Sias to delay tearing down the building for one year, during which the committee investigate uses of the build- ing as proposed by the state, Mr. Richardson, or any other user, with the stipulation that if no agreement is reached, that the building be "mothballed." Discussion. Finance Director, Jim Steel indicated that the building is currently covered by insur- ance in its unoccupied state. He questioned thepractica.lity of keeping the structure, since the need for office space is in Hudson. Supr. Shay felt that there is justifi- cation for keeping the building. County Clerk Berke read letters supporting restoration of the building. Recognition also given to comments by citizens responding to an editorial in "The News." Supr. Lowe introduced Jeff Johnston, resident and city council member in New Richmond. He indicated a personal interest, as well as the council's interest in preserving the building. The New Richmond City Council would also like the County Board to keep them informed of any action in this matter. Question brought to the floor, followed by a roll call vote, 21 yes, 8 no. Motion carried to delay destruction pending further investigation of the possible alternatives. Request by Supr. Evjen to refer to Special Building Committee, and to report at the next meeting. Chairman Anderson called a ten minute recess. SESSION RECONVENED, NEW BUSINESS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, First and Second Readings Ratification of County Personnel Settlement: District Attorney Lundell presented to the members the proposed settlement agreement regarding the former Health Center, employee, Esther Frye. The original claim request was for the sum of $150,000, arising on account of the wrongful discharge of the employee from her employment, and the denial of her request for reinstatement. The settlement includes: 1-Frye:: does hereby release and discharge St. Croix County, Michael S. Early, Michael P. Sanderson, and Gary Johnson from any and all actions, causes of action, claims and demands, damages, costs, losses, expenses and compensation on account of or in any growing out of any damages resulting from the said allegation of wrongful discharge from her em- ployment at the St. Croix Health Center, 2-The amount paid to the employee for her claim resulting in unemployment compensation shall be retained by her, 3-The amount of $12,000 shall be paid to Frye as attributable to emotional pain and suffering, 4-and, to expunge from the personnel records any reference to the discharge. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Shay to accept the settlement_ Motion carried. Computer Study Report: Finance Director Jim Steel reported that the EDP Coordinator has been hired, and that the hardware is to be in place by the 20th of this month. County Clerk Berke reported on the status of the payroll system, which is expected to be on line in early October. The committee continues to meet to discuss communica- tions, supply needs, and training schedules. ORDINANCE #83(83): Recommending Approval for Rezonement of Land to Commercial from Agricultural -Residential. Concerning request by David A. Wachter, Somerset Township. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. Peterson to adopt. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #37(83): Accepting St. Croix County's Selection to Community Options Program for 1984. Motion by Supr. Evjen, 2nd by Supr. Brown to adopt. _ Discussion. Supr. Evjen reported that St. Croix County is ranked number one with this proposal. Supr. R. Peterson, representing Social Services, supports the resolution. Motion carried, resolution adopted. RESOLUTION #38(83): Recommending Revision in Wisconsin Fund Grant Monies. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. George to adopt. Discussion. Motion carried. Committee Appointments: Chairman Anderson made the following appointments: Thomas Higgins of Somerset to fill the unexpired term of Richard Quinn on the Unified Board, to August 185. Motion by Supr. Timmerman, 2nd by Supr. Shay to accept the appointment. Motion carried. Reappointment of Supr. S. Peterson and Supr. Draxler, and Ruth Kalms for another term to August 186. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Sias to approve. Motion carried. COUNTY BOARD -September 183 Page-6 Committee Reports: Report by Finance Director, Jim Steel regarding the 1984 Budget status. The Finance Committee will meet October 4,5,6,and 7 to review the budgets proposed by the various departments. The full County Board will receive a preliminary budget at the October Regular Session. Report by Supervisors Best and Shay regarding the Alarm System in St. Croix County. Public Protection Committee proposes that private systems be eliminated due to problems resulting from their use. Discussion regarding alternatives for public citizens. Clerk read Iletter from Governor Earl regardinig the. Wisr✓onsini..Conservaition Corps. The letter indicated that the WCC is patterned after the CCC of the 1930's, and that the proposed program is part of the 1983-85 budget, which will involve youths aged 18-25. Chairman Anderson referred to the Agriculture and Extension Committee for further study. Supr. Draxler reported on upcoming meeting slated for County Board Supervisors and the municipalities regarding agricultural land practices in St. Croix County. The meeting will be held the evening of November 16, 1983. Motion by Supr. Draxler, 2nd by Supr.George to transfer $700 from the General Fund to Agriculture Extension for the purpose of this meeting. Motion carried. Farmland Preservations_ Applications: County Clerk Berke referred to the the 25 applications as referred by committee, to be directed to the state. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. George to approve and refer to the state. Motion carried. Report by Supr. Stephens regarding the road naming process occurring in St. Croix County. Discussion. Supr. George indicated that the naming procedure is being discussed by the Towns Association, and that the association has approved the number- ing system. Report by Supr. Evjen, Chairperson of General Services, who made clari- fications of County Board Rules and Regulations regarding expenses and travel for county employees. The rule states that county employees will be governed by the same criteria as the County Board members. In addition, the county employees who request a draw for . expenses must have the authorization of their Committee signed by the Committee Chairman plus the Purchasing Agent or County Board Chairman. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Hop to take from the table the matter of transferring $5,000 from the General Fund to the Special Building Committee for engineering fees. Discussion regarding clarification of the use of the money. Motion carried. Committee reports on Aging, Highway and Bridges, Finance, Health and Telephone by committee chairpersons. Per Diem Report: County Clerk reported the following expenses: Unified Board, Misc. Income- 525.00; Mileage-$101.60; Total-$626.60. Highway Committee: Per Diem-$380.00; Expenses-$114.79. County Board Supervisors,Per Diem- 5,665.00; Mileage and Other-$1,103.08; Total - 6,768.08. Motion by 'Supr. Hop, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to accept. Motion carried. Regarding First Reading of Resolutions, motion by Supr. Nelson, 2nd by Supr. Willink to waive. Motion carried. Correspondence: Correspondence read by County Clerk as follows: letter from the St. Croix County Historical Society inviting the Board Members to participate in a tour on October 18 at 3:00. Members accepted the invitation to attend. Letter from JTPA regarding encouragement of passing a related resolution. Chairman Anderson announced the Wisconsin Counties Association to meet in LaCrosse September 18-21. St. Croix County will have several representatives attending. Motion by Supr. Brown, 2nd by Supr. Sias to adjourn. Motion carried. Norman E. Anderson Chairman, County Board Respectfully submitted, Jill Ann Berke ST. CROIX COUNTY CLERK