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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 9-10-1985ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Tuesday, September 10, 1985 9:00 a.m. Courthouse Hudson Compiled by Chairman Norman E. Anderson CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION: Pastor Timothy Wengert, Cross Lutheran Church, Roberts 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 St. Croix County Adoption of Agenda ANNOUNCEMENTS: Special Session -October 1, 1985 9:00 a.m. Reading of Rule 20, Debate; Rule 22, Addressing the Board Date of next Session: October 15, 1985 9:00 a.m. Requests for Out -of -State Travel APPOINTMENTS: OLD AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Includes consideration and action on Second Reading Resolutions _and Ordinances) 1. Library Study Report-Supr. Pederson 9:30 a.m. 2.- Ordinance recommending Rezoning from Ag-Residential to Commercial; Lange, Town of Somerset 3. Solid Waste Disposal Study Report-Supr. Stephens 4. Long Range Planning Report 5. Computer Advisory R-eport-Supr. -O'Connell & Committee 1:30 p.m. 6. .1986 Budget Planning -Finance Committee 7. Request for transfer of funds to County Farm Equipment Budget 8. -Department Head Job Descriptions 9. Possible reconsideration of Bass Lake Rehabilitation District EMERGENCY RESOLUTION: 1. Resolution Supporting Proposed Legislation for Solid Waste Resource _Recovery Initiatives NEW BUSINESS 1. Tax -Deeded property, Village of Wilson FIRST READING OF RESOLUTIONS 1. Resolution Creating Long Range Planning Committee (Possible Closed Session per WI Statute 19.85 (1) e, f, g;. Reconvene into Open Session) Committee and Board Reports Farmland Preservation Applications Mileage and Per Diem Report Correspondence Announcements. Adjournment {THE ABOVE AGENDA IS NOT NECESSARILY IN ORDER OF PRESENTATION) ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Regular Session Tuesday September 10, 1985 9:00 a.m. County Board of Supervisors called to order by Chairman Anderson. Invocation given by Pastor Timothy Wengert, Cross Lutheran Church, Roberts. Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag by all present. Roll Call by County Clerk: 30 present, 1 excused absence. Consideration of minutes of the August Regular Session. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Bailey to approve. The following corrections noted: regarding the Rules & Regulations, make clarification that mileage will be paid to committee members for "regularly scheduled meetings only;" re: Wage Adjustment, law enforcement, to read "Change of positions of First Deputy and Captain placed on the floor. Wage adjustment for Captain position in the Sheriff's Department discussed;" re: out-of-state travel for Health Center employee, to read "approximate cost of $1000 approved, to be divided equally by the employee." Motion carried to accept minutes as corrected. Motion by Supr. R. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Speer to adopt the agenda. Motion carried. ANNOUNCEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS Chairman Anderson welcomed all guests and representatives of the press. Announcement of Special County Board Session to be held on October 1, 9:00 a.m. with agenda items including the presentation and discussion of the Wage Study to members and appropriate Department staff; afternoon to include workshop and discussion regarding sexual harrassment in the workplace. Motion by Supr. Hop, 2nd by Supr. Willink to approve Special Session on October 1, 1985. Motion carried. Next Regular Session to be held on October 15, 1985 at 9:00 a.m. in the Courthouse. Agenda to include preliminary budget review. County Clerk Berke read rules 20 and 22, regarding addressing the Board. Request for out-of-state travel. Motion by Supr. Spalding, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to approve the travel of Agnes Welsch, Public Health Nursing Director, to attend the November meeting of the American Public Health Association Convention in Washington, D.C. !Motion carried. Director Welsch will be a guest speaker at the convention. Special welcome extended by Chairman Anderson and the Board to former County Clerk J. Gifford Nelson. Mr. Nelson is visiting Wisconsin from his retirement home in Arizona. OLD BUSINESS, Ordinances ORDINANCE #126(85): recommending Approval for Rezonement of Land to Commercial from Ag-Residential. Pertains to petition of Henry and Clarice Lange, Town of Somerset. Motion by Supr. Best, 2nd by Supr. Kelly to approve. Discussion. Supr. Best addressed matter, indicating that there were no objections to the proposed ordinance in the Town of Somerset. Land to be used for auto body shop, and possibly boat making business. Motion carried. Solid Waste Disposal Study Report: Supr. Stephens discussed the status of the approved landfill project, and the status of options for solid waste disposal. He reported that the landfill project would cost approximately $110,000, and that currently consulting work to site the landfill will begin in 1986. Supr. Timmerman suggested that sites previously approved for a landfill should be considered. Study committee is continuing to explore the role of recycling in relationship to the solid waste project. Long Range Planning Report: Matter of committee jurisdiction discussed. District Attorney Lundell indicated that there is no clear definition within the rules and regs for the proper designation, but that Finance and Planning Committees both have some related responsibilities. Chairman Speer, General Services Committee also indicated that this responsibility was not adequately addressed, and that a First Reading Resolution was drafted to effectively deal with this matter. Proposed resolution read by County Clerk. Discussion regarding role of Jail Study aspect. In summary, Chairman Anderson indicated that the full Board will ultimately decide the committee composition, and that he will make specific appointments if resolution is approved. 1986 Budget Planning: Matter referred to Finance Director J. Steel for explanation. Departments will submit budget requests for review, and Finance Committee will consider September 17-20. Finance Committee Chairman S. Peterson indicated that special Department Heads will be interviewed for input before the final recommendation is made to the Board in October. Steel reported that taxes are estimated to increase approximately 20%, an estimated $1,000,000, largely due to the phase out of Federal Revenue Sharing funds. The tax levy is unknown at this time. Comments regarding the importance of "holding the line," by various Supervisors, referring to special interest groups such as farmers, veterans, schools, laborers, etc. Supr. Draxler challenged the effectiveness of the public welfare system, both nationally and locally. Supr. Evjen encouraged committees not to spend excess funds, if in fact departments have surpluses this fiscal year. Supr. R. Peterson indicated that the Social Services programs have been out very significantly by state and federal funds, and that the budget for 1986 will reflect this. Personnel Committee Chairman Garske indicated that due to mandatory arbitration, consideration will most likely be given to discontinuing services, not just cutting unneccesary extras. Library Study Report: Library Study Chairman Pederson referred to the December 11, 1984 Resolution directing a library study committee. He indicated that the committee has met seven times, at a cost of approximately $2000 for committee mileage and per diem. He referred to the report presented to the members, which included a study of the following aspects of the St. Croix Co. Library system: 1. Municipal Libraries in the County 2. Analysis of the Library Functions in Relationship to the Surrounding Counties 3. River Falls Usage of County Library 4. County Library Budget 5. Study of Library Personnel 6. Mail -a -Book Program 7. Building and Site Requirements. Recommendations made as a result of the study: 1. Needs to exist a closer relationship between the Library Board and the Finance and Building Committee 2. Needs to be an improved financial accounting and reporting system for utilization 3. Suggestion to increase the County Board representation from one, to a minumum of two or more County Board Supervisors, in compliance with state statutes. 4. Consideration of a closely monitored evaluation of the McNaughton Book Leasing Program, and the Mail -a -Book Program; to consider similar services. 5. Address specific problems with the building, including inadequate parking space and difficult access in the winter months; need for a sign or designation of the library driveway entrance; and, the cost of the lease ($1,300 per month); these items to be addressed by the Planning and Zoning Committee under the supervision of the Finance and Building Committee. Discussion. Introduction by Supr. Hop of the County Librarian, Sandra Fuller. She expressed her appreciation of the time and effort by committee members to do this thorough study. Special recognition given to study committee members for their efforts. Comment by Supr. Nelson recommending that the rural libraries be given equal consideration regarding available services, as compared to the larger libraries. Letter from the St. Croix County Library Board of Trustees, to the St. Croix County Supervisors recommending that the County Library be maintained at its current level of service. Report of Library Study Committee, and letter of recommendation from Library Board Trustees on file in the County Clerk's office. Request for Transfer of Funds-Supr. Nelson requested the transfer of - -------- $18,000 for new ma—n—u—re-- equ--ipm--- ent at the County Farm, from the General 2 Fund. iiatter discussed. Supr. Nelson indicated that the equipment originally purchased from Frieburg Equipment in 1980 has not lasted the expected ten years, and that there has been excessive repair work. Question regarding the farm's ability to reimburse the county for the equipment if their revenues are not great enough to offset the expenditures. Motion by Supr. George, 2nd by Supr. R. Peterson for St. Croix County to move out of the farming business and disperse the herd. Discussion. Supr. Brown debated the matter of aidable revenues available because of the County Farm. Supr. R. Peterson indicated that the mandatory union wages for farm employees, adversely affects the farm's income. Supr. Swenby reported that the farm is in excellent condition, and that the market is currently not conducive to selling the herd. Roll Call on the motion to disperse the herd: 5 yes, 24 no. Motion defeated. Motion by Supr. Nelson, 2nd by Supr. Swenby to transfer $18,000 from the General Fund to the County Farm. Discussion. Roll Call vote: 26 yes, 3 no. Motion carried. Recess for lunch. OLD BUSINESS, Emergency Resolution, & NEW BUSINESS Session reconvened following lunch. Matter of Department Head Job Descriptions placed on the floor for discussion, after being tabled for 30 days. Matter specifically referred at this time the wage adjustment request for the Captain position in the Sheriff's Department. Personnel Chairman Garske indicated that the results of the Hay Wage Study placed the Captain 3% over the mid -point, and the First Deputy 13% over the mid -point in the respective comparisons completed. Staff from Hay Associates will be presenting the entire report to the members on October 1, in the Courthouse. Supr. Garske recommended that those persons who placed the lowest below the mid -point should be adjusted first. No action on the law enforcement wage request until results of wage study are complete. Computer Advisory Report: Report introduction by Computer Advisory Committee Chairman O'Connell. Reference made to an extensive evaluation and summary of data processing applications in the county prepared by Bruce Callen, Data Processing Coordinator. Reports given by Richard Loney, Highway Department Office Manager, County Clerk Jill Berke, and Finance Director Jim Steel. Future applications also discussed. DP Coordinator Callen commended for his exceptional efforts with data processing in St. Croix County. Report on file in the County Clerk's office. Matter of Bass Lake Rehabilitation District placed on the floor for reconsideration. Motion by Supr. Swenby, 2nd by Supr. Best to reconsider the former action to deny the proposed district, taken during the August Regular Session, at the upcoming Regular Session of October 15, 1985. Discussion. Question concerning the reason for objection to the original recommendation. Supr. Swenby asked that the Clerk's office be given the opportunity to make a second comparison of the number of petitioners with the total number of persons affected by the Bass Lake proposal. According to Supr. George, the reason for the proposed rehabilitation district was not clearly defined on the petition. Motion by Supr. Timmerman, 2nd by Supr. Kelly to postpone the question of reconsideration until October 15. Motion to postpone withdrawn. Opinion given by District Attorney Lundell regarding the definition of boundaries in the proposed rehabilitation district, indicating that this was not consistent throughout the process. Supr. W i 1 1 i n k indicated that there is an available service for homes with sewer problems through the Department of Natural Resources. Roll Call vote on the motion of reconsideration: 6 yes, 23 no. Motion defeated. Information requested regarding numbers of petitioners in relationship to the Bass Lake owners to be provided by the County Clerk to the proponents of the proposed rehabilitation district. RESOLUTION 23(85): (Emergency action) supporting Proposed Legislation for Solid Waste Resource Recovery Initiatives. Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. George to approve. Discussion. Motion carried. 3 Tax -Deeded Property: Matter of tax deeded property in the Village of Wilson placed on the floor. Motion by Supr. Swenby, 2nd by Supr. Draxler to proceed with taking a tax deed on the property of Ronald Finder. Discussion. Motion carried. Committee Reports: General Services Committee Chairman Speer referred to the most recent revision of the Rules & Regulations, placed on the members' desks. She recommended that afternoon meetings commence at either 1:00 or 1:30 p.m.; and, evening meetings commence at 7:00 or 7:30 p.m. She also reminded the Board members that agenda material for the County Board meetings must be in the Clerk's Office no later than the Friday before the session. Reference also made to the recommendations given by General Services Committee regarding the 1985 WCA Resolutions; those members, attending as delegates to receive the information prior to the convention. Highway Committee Chairman Meinke reported that the annual tour of the county's highways and bridges will begin at 10:30 a.m. in Hammond on September 13, 1985. Agriculture & Extension Committee Chairman Dull reported that 4-H Youth Agent, Beth Timm will be resigning from the county's employ effective October 18. Supr. Willink reported for the Land Conservation Committee, indicating that Supr. Timmerman received 2nd place in the state tree planter's competition. Applause by members for this outstanding achievement. Land Conservation Committee Chairman Willink also indicated that all dams in St. Croix County, private and government owned must be inspected per state guidelines, once within each 10-year period. Matter was discussed in detail at Public Hearing on September 4. Highway Committee member Hop reported that the addition to the Highway Building is being completed according to schedule, and that an open house is planned for October 19, 1985. Report by Council on Aging Chairman Evjen, indicating that St. Croix County recently entered into a food cooperative. This cooperative, in LaCrosse, will also have available, office supplies and audio visual equipment. Per Diem Report: County Board of Supervisors -Total Amount Paid for August: $5,397.31; Highway Committee -Total Amount Paid for period ending August 10: $962.94; Unified Board -Total Amount Paid for August: $951.64. Motion by Supr. Hop, 2nd by Supr. Giese to approve per diems as recorded. Motion carried. Announcement by Chairman Anderson that the Finance and Building Committee will reconvene from September 9th, immediately following the County Board Session this date. Supr. Best commended the recently celebrated Centennial celebration of Glenwood City. Applause by members. Motion by Supr. R. Peterson, 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 L'�