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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 12-11-1984AGENDA ST. CROIX COUIJTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Tuesday, December 11, 1984 9:00 a.m. Courthouse - Hudson Compiled by Chairman Norman E. Anderson CALL TO ORDER: INVOCATION: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: ROLL CALL: CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS SESSION: Notice of meeting - published as prescribed by law in media of County: Adoption of agenda: ANNOUNCEMENTS: Reading of Rule 20 -Debate, and Rule 22- Address the Board Welcome to all Guests and Press Date of next session: January 8, 1985 at 9:00 a.m. Dates for 1985 County .Board Sessions: 1/8;3/12;4/16;5/14;6/11;8/13;9/10;10/15;11/12;12/,.0. Appointments: Out of state travel requests: Any other announcements: Ag. & Ext. Education Committee will meet briefly to review personnel matters (conference OLD AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS: (Includes consideration & action on second reading resolutions and ordinances) Ordinance regulating storage of waste tires �e'5- Gd� Resolution regarding establishing Medical Examiner System Res. re: County Aids Construction & Maintenance Res. re: County Aid Bridge Construction ,5! Res. re: Purchase of Highway Equipment ,Res. re: Development of a Waste to Energy Incinerator in New Richmond Res. re: Creating a Solid Waste Disposal Committee S ,Res. re: Publishing samples of official ballots in County,newspapers �. Res. re: Assignment of authority to invest County funds 1,0r,,Res. re: Study of County Administrator Position Res. re: Funding for Elderly & Specialized Transportation Solid Waste Report 3 General Services report on Rules & Regulations on County Board and on Committee Rules 1 Action on Nor -Lake Building NEW BUSINESS: Ordinance request for re-zonement from Ag. to Ag.-Res.(Marvin Cernohous-Troy Township) Review of Dog Damage Claims Veterans Memorial funding resolution review & clarification FIRST READING OF RESOLUTIONS Committee & Board Reports Farmland Preservation Applications Mileage & Per Diem report Correspondence Announcements Adjournment (The above agenda is not necessarily in order of hrr-sentation) ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Regular Session Tuesday, December 11, 1984 County Board of Supervisors called to order by Chairman Anderson. Invocation given by Rev. Kochel, Bethel Lutheran Church, Hudson. Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag by all present. Roll Call by County Clerk: 31 present, 0 absent. Consideration of the minutes of the November Session. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to approve the minutes. Motion carried. ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS Chairman Anderson indicated that notice of the session has been published in the media of the county as prescribed by state statute. Chairman Anderson indicated that the proposed resolu- tion regarding the Library Study Committee will be acted upon early in the session. County Clerk read Rules 20 and 22, respectfully. The Chairman welcomed all guests and representa- tives of the press. Announcement of the next Regular Session, to be held January 8, 1985 at 9:00 a.m. in the Courthouse. Dates for 1985 County Board Sessions as follows: January 8; March 12; April 16; May 14; June 11; August 13; September 10; October 15; November 12; and, December 10. The reappointment of L. Kellaher to the Veterans' Service Commission through December 2, 1987, submitted by Chairman Anderson. The members J. Ross to continue through December 2, 1986, and M. Severson through December 2, 1985. Motion by Supr. Hop, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to accept the appointments. Motion carried. Supr. Nelson, Chrm. of the Unified Board requested out-of-state travel to Las Vegas, Nevada for Health Center Director Johnson to attend the 1985 National Convention for Inter -Home Nursing Home Managers. Motion by Supr. Nelson, 2nd by Supr. Brown to approve travel. Motion carried. Supr. Dull reported that the Agriculture and Extension Education Committee will meet this date after the session to review personnel matters. Supr. Timmerman requested that the Chairman consider filling all those committee positons, recently vacated by former Board Supervisors. Chairman Anderson asked that members who are interested in shifting committee assignments, contact him. OLD BUSINESS Ordinances & Resolutions Ordinance, Regulating Storage of Waste Tires. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. Best to amend proposed ordinance to take effect July 1, 1985. Discussion. Supr. George indicated that he considered the proposed project advantageous to the residents of the county. Vice -Chairman Meinke also encouraged consideration of the disposal method proposed. Supr. Heebink questioned the matter of re -zoning the area if this project was implemented. Sup. George reported that the area would have to be re -zoned industrial. Supr. Stephens questioned the fire safety aspects of the proposed project, and if the proposed ordinance included a safety clause. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Sias to table at this time, and to refer back to the Comprehensive, Planning and Zoning Committee for further review before taking Board action. Motion carried. 1 RESOLUTION #48(84): Creating Library Study Committee. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. Speer to approve. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to amend the length of the study committee to be completed by September 1, 1985, rather than November 1985. Discussion. Amendment to the motion carried. Motion by Supr. Timmerman, 2nd by Supr. S. Peterson to include in the study, a comparison of libraries in neighboring counties, allowing necessary travel expenses. Motion carried to amend. The motion to approve the proposed resolution, with amendments, carried. RESOLUTION #49(84): County Aid Construction and Maintenance During Calendar Year 1985. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. Draxler to approve. Discussion. Motion carried. RESOLUTION, #50(84): County Aid Bridge Construction Under Sec. 81.38 of the Statutes, County of St. Croix. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. George to approve. Discussion. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #51(84): Purchase of Highway Equipment for St. Croix County. Motion n by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. Hop to approve. Discussion. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #52(84): Creating Solid Waste Disposal Committee. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. Best to adopt the proposed resolution. Discussion. Question of Advisory Committee continuing, since the proposed resolution eliminates any sub- committees. County Planner Thompson indicated that the new committee can select any sub -committees. Motion carried. Resolution, regarding Waste to Energy Incinerator. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to table for one month. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #53(84): regarding Publishing Samples of Official Ballots in County Newspapers. Motion by Supr. Brown, 2nd by Supr. Willink to adopt. Discussion. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #54(84): regarding Continuity of Grants for Specialized Transportation Services for Elderly and Handicapped. Motion by Supr. Evjen, 2nd by Supr. Brown to adopt. Discussion. Motion carried. Resolution, Authorizing Study of County Administrator Position. M to ion by Supr. Speer, 2nd by Supr. Willink to adopt. Discussion. Clerk read proposed resolution. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. George to table resolution. Roll Call vote: 16 yes, 15 no. Motion carried to table. Solid Waste Report: Supr. George addressed the Board regarding new developments. Hudson Town Chrm. Kinney indicated the critical need for immediate action to solve the solid waste problem. Supr. Draxler referred to a composting process used in Columbia County. Supr. George indicated that this would not be feasible in this county as a sole alternative. He reported that Browning -Ferris, the second largest waste disposal company, has offered a proposal to St. Croix County County for handling the wastes. The corporation indicates that they can haul garbage for the next 10 years to their privately owned Pine Bend Landfill, at a cost of $30 plus per ton, with an annual escalation fee included in the contract. St. Croix County would have to build a transfer station, which would be operated by Browning -Ferris. He did state that the corporation's Pine Bend Landfill is on the PCA Super Fund list, and that toxic ground water will be pumped into the Mississippi River to alleviate the situation. He strongly suggested that the Browning -Ferris proposal be considered. Supr. Day requested a report on the status of the recycling aspect of the solid waste matter. Supr. Bailey indicated that the committee is studying recycling as part of the overall solid waste solution. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. R. Peterson 2 to continue the solid waste recycling committee, retaining the eight members. The members include: Supr. Bailey, R. Orf, P. McConville, C. Heiting, H. Jacobson, J. Halle, A. Weitkamp, and D. Borg. Motion carried. Session recessed for break. Chairman Anderson called the session to order, and continued discussion regarding the solid waste matter. The Clerk read a letter from the Thompsons, representing the Sanitary Landfill Site, Inc., Stillwater. The correspondence requested that the proposal from the Thompsons be considered before making any decisions regarding the site location for a potential waste incinerator. Referred to Zoning for consideration. Supr. Speer addressed the Board regarding the updating of the County Board Rules and Regulations. She suggested that the actual report be given after the number of members on the committee is increased, per the proposed First Reading Resolution. Chairman Anderson indicated that this would be satisfactory. The matter of the proposed purchase of the Nor -Lake Building, Hudson, placed on the floor for consideration. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to act on the matter. County Planner Thompson reported that the original intention for consi- dering additional space, is to free up courthouse space. Various plans for additional space were submitted, and discussed. The cost for this purchase would be $550,000.00. Supr. Swenby indicated that he is not in favor of this purchase, and that other options need to be explored. Supr. Hop stated that there is no sprinkling system in the current structure, and that the county should consider purchase of land for long-range building plans. Supr. S. Peterson reported that he is not aware of any land available in the city limits for possible purchase. He remarked that the committee is simply attempting to alleviate a space needs problem. Supr. Evjen also indicated that the purchase of the Nor -Lake Building would be a poor buy for the county, since it does not meet space needs. Roll Call on the motion: 3 yes, 28 no. Motion defeated. Supr. S. Peterson asked for committee direction. Chairman Anderson stated that this matter will con- tinue with the Finance Committee for further study. Supr. Evjen requested that the Town Chairs be notified in the Hudson area regarding any available property. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. Sias to refer this matter to Finance, using the Planning Committee as a resource. Motion carried. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to adjourn for lunch. Motion carried. SESSION RECONVENED, OLD BUSINESS, NEW BUSINESS Resolutions & Ordinances Chairman Anderson called the session to order following the noon recess. Roll Call vote: 31 present, 0 absent. RESOLUTION #55(84): Establishing a Medical Examiner System in St. Croix County. Motion by Supr. O'Connell, 2nd by Supr. George to place on the floor. Motion carried. Extensive presentation by various parties regarding the issue at hand. Coroner Koosmann spoke to the Board, indicating that correspondence with the Attorney General's office explained that his position cannot be abolished at this time since his nomination papers were accumulated prior to this proposed action. The District Attorney indicated that his recent correspondence with the Attorney General's office pointed out that the position can in fact be abolished before the official term begins. Koosmann also compared the cost of the two systems, and that the current budget of $12,000 is more attractive than the proposed budget of $27,000 for a Medical Examiner system. Dr. Limberg, the former St. Croix County Coroner, stated that 57 counties of the total 72 counties in Wisconsin, do not have a C Medical Examiner system. Only 8 counties currently have physicians as coroners. He questioned the legality of a Medical Examiner from Minnesota, as well as the excessive cost associated with this system. The District Attorney followed Dr. Limberg's comments, defending the Medical Examiner system. He pointed out that this expertise would be helpful when testifying, and that the $27,000 would include any additional costs relating to cases. If this system is implemented, an individual would have to be designated from St. Croix County to ire the Coroner, since an office must exist within this jurisdictio'h,.,,, J. Beebe, Funeral Home Director in the county, spoke to the members as a representative of the funeral directors of St. Croix County. He proposed that a Medical Examiner system might be more complicated, and would perhaps cause additional anguish to families. He questioned changing a system that seems to be working. Supr. Evjen asked Lundell who had the authority to order posts (autopsies). He commented that both the Coroner and the District Attorney have that authority. Dr. Olson, member of the Health Committee, addressed the Board with reasons for supporting the Medical Examiner system. He expounded upon the expert role of a forensic pathologist. He also commended the performance of Coroner Koosmann, and former Coroner Limberg. Dr. McGee, Forensic Pathologist from the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's office, was introduced to the Board. He explained the proposed contract with St. Croix County. He questioned the feasibility of a coroner system. Assistant District Attorney Stark reported upon the financial aspects of the contract. Dr. McGee also discussed the role of the funeral directors with a Medical Examiner system. In closing, he indi- cated that this system would require a contact person in St. Croix County to be a "figurehead." Supr. O'Connell indicated that Washington County's experience with Ramsey Medical County Examiner's has been very good. Supr. Speer reported that the Public Protection Committee has given unanimous support to the proposed Medical Examiner system. The Chairman called a Roll Call on the question to adopt the establishment of a Medical Examiner system in St. Croix County. Supr. O'Connell abstained from voting. Chairman Anderson asked the Clerk to hold the count until he requested O'Connell's reason for abstaining. Supr. O'Connell indicated that he felt there was a conflict of interest since he is a mortician, and also the Chairman of the Health Committee. Chairman Anderson challenged his reason for abstaining, and stated that he must vote before the vote tally is recorded. After recording his vote, the Roll Call was: 16 yes, 15 no. Motion carried, and Resolution to Establish a Medical Examiner system in St. Croix County approved. Supr. Stephens challenged the Chair's reason for disallowing Supr. O'Connell's intent to abstain. The Chairman indicated that his reasons were justified, and that he was acting properly as the Chair to request the reason for abstaining. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Evjen to rule the Chair's action out of order, and that the Supr. O'Connell's vote should not be accepted. Discussion. Chairman Anderson referred to the Robert's Rules of Order, defending the method followed. He also indicated that the Board can overrule his decision, by a two- thirds majority. Roll Call vote: 13 yes, 17 no. Motion to overrule defeated. ORDINANCE#106(84): Recommending Approval for Rezonement of Land to Agriculture -Residential from Agriculture. Proposed ordinance refers to the land of M. Cernohous, Town of Troy. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. Day to adopt. Discussion. Roll Call vote: 21 yes, 9 no. Motion carried. Dog Damage Claims: County Clerk Berke presented the following claims for approval, as submitted by the Finance Committee: R. Erickson, $450.00; A. Bork, $97.00; Sulman, $100.00; W. Frederick, $74.00; and E. Bernstein, $300.00. The total requested was $1291.00. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. 4 Sias to approve the claims. Roll Call vote: 28 yes, 1 no. Motion carried to allow the total amount of $1021.00. Supr. Speer asked the Board to clarify the Veterans' Memorial Funding Resolution, and requested that the amount of $2,000 be used for perpetual care. Motion by Supr. Timmerman, 2nd by Supr. Brown to use the $2,000 for perpetual care as recommended by the Veterans' Service Commission. Discussion. Supr. Stephens indicated that the Finance Committee was in favor or utilizing this money for general relief, rather than perpetual care. Supr. Swenby questioned if the committee was aware of the options for using the money. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Giese to table until January, and refer to committee member L. Kellaher for further review. Motion carried. Motion by Supr. Speer, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to waive the reading of the First Reading Resolutions, and Committee Reports this session. Motion carried. Farmland Preservation Applications: The County Clerk referred the following applications' to the state as approved by committee: Baillargeon, Towns of Star Prairie and Somerset; Wahlquist, Town of Hammond and Village of Hammond; and, Schulte, Town of Warren. Motion by Supr. Willink, 2nd by Supr. Day to accept. Motion carried. Per Diem Report: County Board of Supervisors -Total Amount Paid: �-3,737.89;—II'lghway Committee -Total Amount Paid: $598.22; Unified Board -Total Amount Paid: $1,056.80. Motion by Supr. Sias, 2nd by Supr. Hop to approve for payment. Motion carried. Correspondence: Receipt of letter from Rep. Shoemaker regarding the aMf-o-c--at'lon of funds for the elderly nutrition programs. He also attached his correspendence to the Governor, regarding this matter. Senator Hardsdorf also submitted correspondence regarding the same matter. Letter from M. Baillargeon, extending a thank you to the Board for giving her the opportunity to speak to the Board last month, and for sponsoring her speaking competition. Chairman Anderson reported that Vice-Chrm. Meinke and himself will be meeting next week to review all committee vacancies. Motion by Supr. Sias, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to adjourn. Motion carried. Norman E. Anderson, Chairman St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Respectfully submitted, Jill Ann Berke St. Croix County Clerk 5