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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 11-13-1984ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Tuesday, November 13, 1984 9:00 a.m. Courthouse - Hudson Compiled by Chairman Norman E. Anderson CALL TO ORDER: INVOCATION: Pastor Dan Denissen, Communion of Saints, River Falls PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: ROLL CALL: CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS SESSION: ANNOUNCEMENTS: Reading of Rule 20 - Debate, and Rule 22 - Address the Board Notice of meeting - published as prescribed by law in media of County Welcome to all Guests and Press Date of next session: DECEMBER 11, 1984 at 9:00 a.m. /Holiday hours for County Administrative Offices: ,Appointments: (Bob Condon & Paul Swenby for County Board) Any other announcements: SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION -Environmental Awareness Speaking Contest Winners: 9:15 a.m. Sara Geurkink, Elementary level; Matthew Kooiman, Jr. level; & Michele Baillargeon, Sr. level OUR - Nor -Lake Building OLD AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS: �inciudes consideration & action on second reading resolutions and ordinances) i ;'PUBLIC HEARING ON 1985 PROPOSED BUDGET - 10:00 a.m, or soon thereafter Resolutions submitted relating to the budget: Funding for Elderly & Specialized Transportation archase unty Aids Construction & Maintenance unty Aid Bridge Construction of Highway Equipment Annual Plan - 1985 - Land Conservation Committee Establish Medical Examiner System in St. Croix County RARY BUDGET HEARING - 11:00 a.m. Adoption of 1985 Budget Ordinance regulating storage of waste tires Resolution re: Offering Highway Commission Contract to Thomas C. O'Keefe Resolution Creating a Special Waste Incineration Building Committee Resolution Authorizing Development of a Waste to Energy Incinerator in New Richmond Other resolutions for action: Resolution re: Elderly Nutrition Formula Resolution Establishing WI Fund Reimbursement Resolution Designating County Depository NEW BUSINESS: —Transfer of funds from General Fund to Turningpoint Budget for 1984 "Recycle Subcommittee ,. ,--Tax Deeds Personal Property Charge Backs Illegal Taxes Cancellation of Checks Dog Assessor and Dog Damage Claims FIRST READING OF RESOLUTIONS Committee and Board Reports Farmland Preservation Applications Correspondence Announcements Adjournment (The above agenda is not necessarily in order of presentation) ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Regular Session Tuesday, November 13, 1984 County Board of Supervisors called to order by Chairman Anderson. Invocation given by Pastor Dan Denissen, Communion of Saints, River Falls. Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag by all present. Roll Call by County Clerk: 27 present, 2 absent, 2 vacancies. Consideration of the minutes of the October Session. Motion by Supr. R. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Dull to accept the minutes. The Clerk indicated that the following addition was requested by Supr. Best: regarding the matter of the County Library, to add, "Supr. Best declared that action regarding the library at this time would be improper procedure, and contrary to open meeting law." The amount of $1400 to be placed in the budget of Soil Conservation, rather than University Extension. Motion carried to accept the minutes, as amended. ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS Chairman Anderson referred correspondence regarding County Board vacancies to the Board. L. Casey withdrew his name for consideration to fill the position vacated by former Supr. Becker. Chairman Bader, Town of Richmond recommended Paul Swenby to fill the position. The Clerk also read the letter of resignation from Henry Lowe. New Richmond City Mayor Cernohous submitted the name of Robert Condon to fill his position. Motion by Supr. Sias, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to accept the appointments of Paul Swenby, District #8, and Robert Condon, District #3. Motion carried. County Clerk Berke swore in the new Supervisors, indicating that their term begins immediately. County Clerk Berke read Rules 20 and 22, respectfully. No— tice of session has been published in the media of the county as prescribed by state statute. Chairman Anderson welcomed all guests and representatives of the press. Announcement of the next Regular Session, to be held December 11, 1984 at 9:00 a.m, in the Courthouse. Chairman Anderson indicated that this session will be necessary since there will not be sufficient time this date to cover all items in detail. One item on the December agenda will include the proposal to purchase the Nor —Lake Building for additional office space. Chairman Anderson announced that the County Courthouse offices will be closed on November 22, Thanksgiving Day, and the following day. The offices will also close December 24, and 25 in observance of Christmas. Employees will have the afternoon of December 31, and January 1 off in observance of New Year's Day. Supr. Willink introduced the contest winners from St. Croix County for the Environmental Awareness Speaking Contest. Soil Conservationist Christenson indi- cated that the elementary, junior, and senior grades were represented in the area and state levels. The elementary representative was Sara Geurkink. The junior level speaker was Matthew Kooiman, who placed 3rd in Menomonie. Michele Baillargeon placed first in the Senior Division in Menomonie. The Board commended the speakers for their speaking excellence. Finance Committee Chairman S. Peterson conducted a tour of the Nor -Lake Building for the members, which is being considered for purchase as an addition to the court- house offices. OLD BUSINESS Public Hearing on 1985 Proposed Budget: Chairman Anderson called the Session to order following the tour of the Nor - Lake Building. Finance Committee Chrm. S. Peterson and Finance Director Steel addressed the Board regarding the pro- posed budget for St. Croix County. Additions to the proposed budget, as approved by Finance, are as follows: $464-Family Court Commissioner; $2,000-WestCAP; and, $6,000-Microfilm. The additional requests total $20,464.00. The proposed bud- get totals $4,937,190.00, an increase of 9.61% over last year's budget. Questions were addressed. Steel indicated that there has been a change in the hearing publication for federal revenue sharing funds. The proposed use hearing is to be published in conjunction with this public hearing. This was published as mandated by the County Clerk in all St. Croix County newspapers. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Dorsey to remove the allocation of $2,000 for WestCAP. Discussion. Supr. Garske indicated that the headquarters for WestCAP is located in St. Croix County, and that the eastern part of the county is positively affected by the agency. Supr. Heebink feels that WestCAP is a useful agency, and that St. Croix County gets its share of the services. Amendment to the motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to remove the Board repre- sentative to WestCAP if the county does not allocate any funding. Supr. Best indicated that this action would not be appropriate at this time. District Attorney Lundell stated that this proposed action would have to be properly published. The amendment to the motion was withdrawn. Roll Call vote: 10 yes, 19 no. Motion defeated, and WestCAP will receive a $2,000 allocation. Library Budget Hearing: Library Board Chairman, R. Magnuson made a presentation to the full Board. He thanked the mem- bers for the opportunity to serve as Chairman, and commended the fine work of County Librarian D. Paulson. He indicated that the full Library Board was not involved in the decision to eliminate the County Library, and that he was unaware that Supr. Evjen was intending to introduce this action last month. His intent this date is to request full reinstatement of the County Library system, with the budget of $144,032. He introduced County Librarian D. Paulson, who addressed the Board. She presented a general overview of the library system, including the Books -by -Mail program. She indicated that the proposed budget for the County Library is 1.8% of the total county budget. She strongly urged the Board Members to reinstate the County Library. M. Mitchell, Director of the Indianhead Federated Library System, Eau Claire was introduced. He indicated that IFLS provides services to 10 northwestern counties. He commended the St. Croix County system for their excellence in service. Supr. Stephens asked him if St. Croix County would be penal- ized if they withdrew from IFLS. Mitchell explained that the Board of Trustees would determine service levels and if service would be altered. L. Nix, Representative from the Bureau of Library Development was introduced. He indicated that the major thrust is to develop library systems in 2 Wisconsin, and to encourage a partnership between local and state entities. Supr. Stephens and Evjen asked what the state is actually providing to St. Croix County. He stated that the state is providing incentives in the form of state aids. He encouraged a study to review the services of the County Library. N. Ausman, Eau Claire Public Library was introduced and addressed the Board. She also commended the County Library system for their excellence in progress. She indicated that reference services would be adversely affected in St. Croix County if the library was abandoned. N. Wilson, Somerset School Librarian indicated that she depends on the County Library inter —loan system for 5% of her requests, and that the County Library is especially important to students. Chairman Anderson referred to the correspondence, and numer— ous petitions received, in support of the County Library. The Hudson City Council also submitted a Resolution, opposing the discontinuance of the St. Croix County Library System, adopted on November 5, 1984. Supr. R. Peterson indicated that schools have used the inter— library loan system, and that it possibly would continue in the form of school taxes, and therefore the cost would not be eliminated from the taxpayers. Motion by Supr. Brown, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to recess for lunch. Motion carried. SESSION RECONVENED, OLD BUSINESS, NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES Chairman Anderson called the session to order following the noon recess. The discussion regarding the County Library continued. Teri Power, Baldwin Librarian addressed the Board. She indicated that the inter —library loan program would be a big loss to the village library. Judy Rodel, Woodville Librarian commended the partnership that has exist— ed between the village and townships for the past 15 years. Deer Park Clerk C. Mertz expressed the valuable resource that the County Library has been to her village. Mayor Dieltz of the Village of Somerset also indicated that the library has been a valuable asset to his community and the surrounding area. Somerset resident, N. Vanasse listed the various ser— vices that her family have enjoyed through the County Library. Hudson Town Clerk R. Horne, spoke on behalf of the townships, indicating that the towns pay the highest equalized values in the county, and that they have their share of financial problems. She asked that the Board consider this in their final decision regarding the County Library. Supr. Evjen, speaking as a Board Member, explained that she is not denying library services to the residents, but that she is concerned with the manner of delivering services in the most efficient and effective way. She defended her attendance record as a member of the Library Board, and criticized the organization of the County Library system. She suggested means of improved fiscal restraint, and also referred to the free inter —library loan services offered by WITI and the University Library system. She feels that goals have been attained since the library's inception. Supr. Brown asked the Finance Director to explain the matter of library taxes. Steel reported that everyone pays a library tax. All towns, North Hudson, Star Prairie and Wilson pay a library tax to the county, whereas all others pay a library tax directly to the respective city or village. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to reconsider original motion of October 16, which reads "to propose ceasing of the St. Croix Couny Library, and to phase out services by December 31, 1984, and to allocate $3,000 to eachlibrary for the next two years, which would be charged back to the townships." Clarification of motion by District Attorney. Motion passed to reconsider. 3 Supr. Timmerman thanked the library staff and residents for their input today. He challenged those members who wish to eliminate the County Library. He suggested that the Board consider studying the library system during the upcoming year. Supr. Stephens referred to farmers in the New Richmond area who feel that, "in no uncertain terms they cannot afford this situation." Supr. Dorsey, defended the library as a farmer, as did Supr. Best, and Supr. R. Peterson. Supr. Day reported that the Town of Troy wishes for the County Library to continue its present services. Supr. Bailey challenged the matter of the University system offering materials to all residents. Supr. Swenby, supporter of the County Library, highly commended Supr. Evjen for her courage in pursuing her proposal. Support by Supr. Heebink. Supr. S. Peterson, Chrm. osf Finance, indicated that the proposed budget for 1985 started with an increase of 22%, and that he wishes to increase less than 10%. Supr. Stephens indicated that the Village of Deer Park has offered a contract to the county for the County Library building, that should be considered. Finally, Supr. Hop indicated that the many letters he received support, saving the County Library. Roll Call vote on the motion to cease funding of the County Library: 21 no, 9 yes. Motion defeated. Motion by Supr. Timmerman, 2nd by Supr. Best to reinstate the County Library with a budget of $144,032 for 1985. Discussion. Supr. S. Peterson asked Library Chairman Magnuson if additional money could be cut from the library budget. He indicated that fiscal constraint has been shown, and that the budget request was fair. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. Brown to the amend the motion to reduce the 1985 budget to $80,000. Roll Call vote: 8 yes, 22 no. Motion to amend defeated. Motion by Supr. Timmerman, 2nd by Supr. Giese to amend the original motion to include a study of the County Library during the upcoming year, with quarterly reports to the Board, in order to determine if the library should continue. Roll Call vote: 29 yes, 1 no. Amendment passed. Roll Call vote on amended motion: 26 yes, 4 no. Motion as amended carried. The final motion reads, to reinstate the County Library with a budget of $144,032 for 1985, and to conduct a study during the upcoming year, with quarterly reports to the Board, in order to determine if the library should continue. Chairman Anderson referred the study to the General Services Committee. Following an afternoon recess, Chairman Anderson called the meeting to order. Finance Committee Chairman S. Peterson addressed the Board regarding the budget. Motion by Supr. Evjen, 2nd by Supr. Heebink to add $10,000 to the Council on Aging 3-C budget, to be earmarked in the contingency fund. Discussion. Resident W. Heiting addressed the Board regarding the formula for funds to Senior Citizen Sites, and that St. Croix County will be cut. Roll Call vote: 28 yes, 0 no. Motion carried. Motion by Supr. Giese, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to add $3600 to the Soil Conservation budget, to be used for the Upper Willow River Rehabilitation Project. Motion carried. Supr. O'Connell introduced W. Heiting, who requested that the Health Systems Agency receive $1,000 for 1985. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Best to place $1,000 in the budget for HSA. Discussion. Motion defeated. St. Croix County will no longer send a representative to the HSA meetings. Motion by Supr. O'Connell, 2nd by Supr. Sias to table discussion regarding the Medical Examiner position. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #42(84): Report of Committee on Budget Finance, 1985 Budget for St. Croix County. Motion by Supr. Garske, 2nd by Supr. Evjen to approve the 1985 budget. Discussion. Finance Director Steel indicated that the present proposed budget represents an increase of 11.55%, and is a total tax 4 levy of $4800,512.90. Question by Supr. Spalding concerning the County Farm, and if the county is considering the lease of the farm to the state. Supr. Nelson indicated that the county would lose aidable revenues, and that the county is not intending to lease the facility to the state. Roll Call vote on motion: 28 yes, 0 no. Motion carried to approve the 1985 Budget Resolution. Ordinance: regarding regulating storage of waste tires. Motion by Supr. Best, 2nd Supr. Kelly to place on the floor for discussion. Motion carried. R. Hill, business consultant for J. Sanpair, owner of the waste tire area near Somerset, was introduced. He proposed a plan to convert the waste tires to energy following proper zoning procedures. Supr. Meinke asked that this matter be referred to the Zoning Committee for further review. Motion by Supr. R. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Timmerman to table proposed ordinance until the December session, and to refer this matter to Zoning. Motion carried. Regarding the lease of the building for the County Library, motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Evjen not to renew the lease with the Village of Hammond for the County Library until a proposal from the Village of Deer Park is investigated. This matter to be referred to Finance Committee for review. Motion carried. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Pederson to approve the 1985 Land Conservation Committee Annual Plan. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #43(84): Offering Highway Commissioner Contract to Thomas O'Keefe. Motion by Supr. Day, 2nd by Supr. Dull to approve. Discussion. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #44(84): Elderly Nutrition Formula. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Dorsey to approve. Motion carried. RESOLUTION # 4 5 ( 8 4 ) : Establishing Wisconsin Fund ---------- -------- Reimbursement. Motion by Supr. R. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Kelly to approve. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #46(84): Designating State Bank of Roberts as Working Bank for Active Deposits of County Funds for the Fiscal Year 1985. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Garske to approve. Motion carried. RESOLUTION ¥47(R4): Assignment of Funds. Motion by approve. Motion Supr. S. Peterson carried. Authority to Invest County 2nd by Supr. Stephens to Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Brown to add $3100 to the 1984 budget of Turning Point due to financial problems. Discussion. Roll Call vote: 28 yes, 1 no. Motion carried. County Clerk Berke referred to the additional tax deeds received from the County Treasurer, including Rennick, Village of Star Prairie; Kirchheiner Inc., City of Glenwood; and, Bank of Osceola, City of New Richmond. Motion by Supr. Willink, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to approve, and to continue with the process for tax deeds. Motion carried. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. S. Peterson to approve the Personal Property Chargebacks. Discussion. Motion carried. Motion by Supr. Nelson, 2nd by Supr. Timmerman to approve list of Illegal Taxes. Motion carried. Motion by Supr. R. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Heebink to approve the list of Cancellation of Checks. Motion carried. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. S. Peterson to make payment for the Dog Listing to the respective lister. Motion carried. All Dog Damage Claims presented to the County Clerk before the November Session were referred to the Board for approval. Motion by Supr. Willink, 2nd by Supr. Heebink to approve, as follows: Osborne, $1050; Hansen, $525; Cernohous, $2750; Steel, $572; Owens, $30; Shay, $600; and McQuillen, $40. A Motion carried. Farmland Preservation Applications: The County Clerk referred the following applications to the state as approved by Committee: Whitman, Town of Baldwin; Klinefelter, Town of Glenwood; Marshall, Town of Baldwin; Nelson, Town of Hammond; VanBeek, Town of Warren. Williams, Town of Kinnickinnic; Logterman, Town of Emerald; and, Rayever Farms, Inc., Towns of Warren and Richmond. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Timmerman to approve. Motion carried. All correspondence regarding the library issue are placed on file in the County Clerk's office. Letter from J. Chasteen, Regional Planning read to the Board, thanking them for his opportunity to speak last month. Correspondence from former Supr. Lowe, regarding the proposed purchase of the Nor -Lake Building to be discussed during the December meeting. Letter from C. Thompson, regarding the Solid Waste matter referred to the Zoning Committee. Motion by Supr. Nelson, 2nd by Supr. Timmerman to place all correspondence on file. Motion carried. Chairman Anderson referred to the Recycling Sub -Committee of the Solid Waste Committee. He will be making appointments to that committee. Supr. Will ink reported that there will be a meeting in Baldwin on December 3, 1984 regarding erosion control. Further details will be available at a later date. The Open House at WITI is scheduled for November 15 in New Richmond. Per Diem Report_ County Board of Supervisors -Total Amount Paid: $5,921.07; Highway Committee -Total Amount Paid: $514.88; and, Unified Board -Total Amount Paid: $1,348.24. Motion by Supr. Nelson, 2nd by Supr. Swenby to approve. Motion carried. Any First Reading Resolutions referred to members, and to be acted upon during the December 11 Session. Resolutions regarding Funding for Elderly and Specialized Transportation, County Aids Construction and Maintenance, and Purchase of Highway Equipment referred for action to the December 11 Session. Motion by Supr. Pederson, 2nd by Supr. Giese to adjourn. Motion carried. Norman E. Anderson, Chairman St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Respectfully submitted, Jill Ann Berke St. Croix County Clerk 26