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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 11-12-1986�s ST. CROIX COIIM BOARD OF SUPERVISORS November 12, 1986 9:00 A.M. Courthouse Hudson Compiled by Chairman Norman E. Anderson CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION: Silent Meditation 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 ANNOUNCEMENT S : Reading of Rule 20, Debate; Rule 22, Addressing the Board Date of next Session: December 9, 1986 Requests for Out -of -State Travel APPOINTMENTS: OLD AND UNF I N I SI-ED BUS 1 NES S (Includes consideration and action on Second Reading Resolutions and Ord i,nances ) Resolution establishing County Seat Belt Policy ' resolution regarding Segregated Transportation Trust Fund Resolution regarding Public Defender's Transcript Fees 4 Resolution regarding Re -drafting and Re -introduction of 1985 AB 955 and SB 349 Ordinance establishing County Administrative Coordinator prdinance recommending Rezoning, Town of Star Prairie Hay Wage Study Reconmendation Purchase of mixer/grinder for County Farm Storage Building -Health Center 6. ounty Park fees County Sales Tax (consideration of petition) PUBLIC HEARING ON 1987 PROPOSED BUDGET-10:00 a.m. Resolution regarding County Aid Construction and Maintenance during ' ,-"'Calendar Year 1987 Resolution regarding County Aid Bridge Construction under Section 81.38 of the Statutes. Resolution designating County Depository Resolution regarding Personal Property Charge Backs J,6 '" Resolution regarding Illegal Taxes Resolution regarding Cancellation of Checks '�°r>:'A` Resolution regarding Adoption of 1987 St. Croix County Budget I - Official Listing of Dogs & Dog Damage Claims for 1986 EMERGENCY RESOLUT IONS . Authorization to Execute Contract with State for Welfare Fraud Reimbursements NEW .BUS I NES S Civil Defense Report 2. Transfer of Funds from General Fund to Emergency Government 3. Rules & Regulations -Committee structure FIRST READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES I. Resolution adopting District Overall Economic Development Program 2. Resolution amending the St. Croix County Ag Land Preservation Plan Resolution Supporting Elimination of Community Aids Inequity Commi'tee and Board Reports Farmland Preservation Applications Mileage and Per Diem Report Correspondence Announcements Adjournment (THE ABOVE AGEI\DA 1S NOT NECESSARILY 11\1 ORDER OF PRESENTATION) •' • i : • '� t ' 0' 0.0 Regular Session Tuesday November 12, 1986 County Board of Supervisors called to order by Chairman Anderson. Silent meditation. Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag by all present. Roll Call by County Clerk: 29- present, 2 absent (excused). Consideration of the minutes of the October 14 session. Motion by Supr. O'Conne I I , 2nd by Supr. Hop to approve. County Clerk noted two amendments: regarding the Hay Wage Study, motion by Supr. Draxler; rather than Boche; and regarding Resolution changing courthouse hours, to read to change county office business hours. Motion carried to approve, as amended. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Jensch to adopt the agenda. Motion carried. Kown—vu-s-i201 ...• Chairman Anderson announced that the notice of the session has been published in the media of the county per state statute. Chairman welcomed all guests and members of the press. County Clerk read Rules #20 and #22 regarding the proper manner to address the Board. Chairman Anderson explained that citizens do not have to have Supervisor permission to speak during the public hearing. The date of the next regular session scheduled for December 9 at 9:00 a.m. Appointments to the newly organized Solid Waste Committee announced by Chairman Anderson as follows: Supr. Willink, representing the general County Board; Supervisors R. Peterson and Dorsey, representing the Planning and Zoning Committee; and Supervisors S. Peterson and Anderson, representing the Finance Committee. The committee was reduced in size from 12 to 5 members. Motion by Supr. Giese, 2nd by Supr. Grant to approve the appointments as recommended by the Chair, to be effective immediately. Motion carried. Supr. Willink to call first meeting. Highway Commissioner O'Keefe expressed his appreciation to the Board, and respective committees for re-electing him to the position of Highway Commissioner. He indicated that progress has been made in the areas of -the Stillwater Bridge, a closer working association with the towns, and the completion of a worm storage building. App l ause f rom the members. County Clerk Berke thanked the members for their support in the recent General Election, at which time she was re-elected. Applause. OLD & UNFINISHED BUSINESS Public Hearing on 1987 Proposed Budget RESOLUTION #24(86): establishing County Seat Belt Policy. Motion by u� O'Brien, 2nd —Fy Supr. Speer to adopt. Discussion. Supr. Sumner asked that both sides of this issue be considered. First Deputy.Jim Roe indicated that the money for the highway safety grant would be affected if this was not approved. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #25(86): regarding Segregated Transportation Trust Fund. Motion U`y Supr. Draxler, 2nd by Supr. Nelson to adopt. Discussion. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #26(86): regarding Public Defender's Transcript Fees. Motion —Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Boche to adopt. Discussion. Motion carried. RESOLUTION #27(86): regarding Re -drafting and Re -Introduction of 1985 AB 955 -SB3+9"Mot ion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Boche to adopt. Discussion. District Attorney indicated that the state would fund the court system, inc I uding the District Attorney's office and a separate Corporation Counsel office. Motion carried. ORDINANCE #159(86): establishing County Administrative Coordinator. oMot i o — —y Supr. peer, 2nd -by Supr. Jensch to adopt. Discussion. Supr. Speer indicated that the Home Rule legislation requires that this coordinator position be assigned, and that General Services recoamends the County Board Chairman. Motion carried. ORDINANCE #160(86): regarding Rezoning from Agricultural -Residential to Agriculture , Town of Star Prairie. Motion by Supr. Dorsey, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to adopt. Discussion. Committee Chairman Dorsey indicated that the Town Board supports the rezoning and there was no public opposition. Motion carried. Matter of mixer -grinder for the County Farm discussed. Motion by Supr. O'Conne I 1 , 2nd by Supr. Jensch to approve the purchase of a mixer -grinder for the County Farm. Discussion. Supr. Sumner considers this to be an unnecessary expenditure at this time, and that the farm is in competition with local farms. Supr. Bertelsen questioned the need for increasing dairy production at the County Farm, when the government is supporting dairy herd buy-out programs. The machinery is estimated to cost between $9,000 and $ 14,000, and would be a cost saving measure for the farm. Ro I 1 Ca I I vote: 27 yes, 2 no. Mot ion carried. Chairman Anderson referred the matter for placing the County Farm under the Agriculture Extension Committee rather than the Human Services Board, to the General Services Committee for study. Committee to work cooperatively with the District Attorney. Storage Building -Health Center: Special Building Committee Chairman op re erre to 13TU—sreceived for the storage building at the St. Croix Industries, Health Center. Following committee approval, the bids totalled $21,290, and include the prep work, concrete, building structure, and electrical work. The Board formerly approved $22,00 for the project. County Sales Tax Petition: Supr. Bertelsen presented petitions opposing tFe county .5/o Sales tax, representing 504 St. Croix County citizens. The petition specifically stated, "The undersigned, being electors of St. Croix County, do hereby state our opposition to the 1/2 of 1% sales tax, enacted on 11/5/86, for the purpose of securing funds for the construction and/or operation of a county refuse incinerator and/or I andf i I I s. We do understand the need to secure funds for the above stated purpose, however we do not believe that a COUNTY SALES TAX is the best funding method to use. Rather, we believe that a refuse "user" fee should be used. Accordingly, we hereby petition the Board of Supervisors to rescind the enactment of a COUNTY SALES TAX at your next meeting on November 12, 1986." Chairman Anderson suggested that the Ordinance be formalized through the state, and that GI ternat i ves be considered before the effective date of April I, 1987. if a suitable alternative is found, the Ordinance could be repealed by the Board. Alternative financing methods for solid waste presented by Supr. Bertelsen. He questioned the I ega I i ty of the County Sa I es and Use Tax Ordinance, ref err ing to recent state statutes, which state that the ordinance can only be used to reduce the property tax levy. District Attorney to research and report to the Board. Motion by Supr. Bertelsen, 2nd by Supr. O'Brien to repeal the motion to approve the St. Croix County Sales and Use Tax Ordinance. Motion by Supr. Boche, 2nd by Supr. R. Peterson to postpone this decision to repeal after the legal opinion is given. Motion to postpone carried. • •: �'•'• Chairman Anderson opened the Public Hearing at 10:00 a.m., with asking all residents present to register if there is an interest in addressing the Board. Finance Committee Chairman S. Peterson referred to instruction given by the Board during the last session, to have a no- E increase budget. Finance Director Steel referred to the budget summary, as recommended by the committee. Recommendations were also considered by citizens from the Finance Committee Public Hearing held October 28. The current proposed tax levy for 1987 is $6,076,552, which represents no increase from the 1986 levy. The total mill rate proposed for 1987 would be 4.758, an increase of .037 over 1986. Regarding the Historical Society, Supr. O'Connell asked if the history of the county has been forgotten, and recorrmended that funding for the County Historical Society be restored. Supr. Jensch debated whether the Octagon House is truly a county -wide organization, and that it should be reorganized. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Bache to recommend restoring $2,000 to the Historical Society, restoring $1500 to WestCAP, and maintaining $2,000 to Turningpoint; and that funding to these agencies would be final. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Bache to postpone action on this motion until after the public hearing. Motion carried. Supr. Sinclear questioned the practicality of implementing a no - increase budget, if this increases the needs and demands for the following year. Chairman Anderson asked interested citizens to address the Board. Hudson citizen, Don Bruns, Chairman for the Concerned Citizens for Lower Taxes, commended the committees and County Board for holding a no -increase budget. Greg Miller, North Hudson, Publicity Chair for the Concerned Citizens for Lower Taxes, refer red to re i red peop I e mov i ng i nto Mi nnesota or into apartments due to the high taxes in this county. He also thanked the Board for considering the no -increase budget. Donna Hunter, St. Croix County Historical Society President, emphasized that this is a county -wide organization, referring to the efforts of former County Board member Ed Rock, who supported the society. She asked the Board to reconsider an allocation to the Historical Society. WestCAP Director, Patrick Herriges addressed the Board regarding the goals of the agency, and the positive impact on low income people in the county. He answered questions regarding other funding, and asked the members to reconsider his request. New Richmond Preservation Society President Iry Sather, pointed out that the functions of this organization are very simiIiar to the County Historical Society. He also pointed out that the two societies have met and discussed working together. t Richard Martin, St. Joseph Township, commented on the County Library and asked if it was really necessary. Karen Bailey, Hudson asked that the Board restore funding to the St. Croix County Historical Society, in appreciation for the arts. No further comments from the public, and hearing to continue after recess. Motion by Supr. Boche, 2nd by Supr. Jensch to remove from the table the motion to place $2,000 in the Historical Society budget, $1500 in the WestCAP budget, and maintain $2,000 in Turningpoint budget; and that funding these agencies would be final. Motion carried. Discussion. Roll Call vote: 15 yes, 14 no. Motion carried. Supr. Best expressed concern regarding the Veterans Service extra help request. Chairman Anderson indicated that if funding is necessary in 1987, the contingency fund can be used. Motion by Supr. Bertelsen, 2nd by Supr. Best to remove from the table the motion to repeal the St. Croix County Sales and Use Tax Ordinance. Motion carried. After contacting Madison, District Attorney Lundell learned that the ordinance could only be used for reducing the property tax levy. The amendment would not be proper. Motion by Supr. Best, 2nd by Supr. Jensch to pass ordinance in it's or i g i na l state, without the amendment. Supr. Bertelsen stated that members were led to believe that the county could only operate the solid waste project with a sales tax, and that other alternatives to financing have not been explored. He also questioned the lack of a f tow control ordinance, and if the proposed system woul,d lessen the incentive for consumer recycling. The tax 3 would also be detrimental to small business in the county. Questions regarding the bag system used in Minnesota, and how the revenues would differ from the proposed county .5% sales tax. Motion on floor to be acted on after lunch recess. Recess for lunch. OLD & UNFINISHED BUSINESS Session reconvened —& continuation of Budget Review) Chairman Anderson called the meeting to order, following lunch recess. ORDINANCE ##161(86): St. Croix County Sales and Use Tax. Motion to adopt the county .5% soles tax considered, deIeting the former amendment. Roll Call vote: 22 yes, 7 no. Motion carried. Ordinance to be forwarded to Madison by December I, and to take effect Apr I I, 1987. Matter of position request for Victim/Witness Assistance Specialist presented by Supr. Draxler. He indicated that the approximate cost of the position in the District Attorney's office, plus operating expenses would be $24,245, with 90% reimbursement from the state. Discussion. Motion by Supr. Best, 2nd by Supr. Draxler to approve position, with condition that if state funding ceases, then the position ceases; position to be evaluated in one year. Motion carried. RESOLUTION ##28(86): County Aid Construction and Maintenance during Caien—der Year 1987. Motion by Supr. Giese, 2nd by Supr. Nelson to adopt. Motion carried. RESOLUTION ##29(86): County Aid Bridge Construction under Section 81.38 of the Statutes, County of St. Croix. Motion by Supr. Draxler, 2nd by Supr. Meinke to adopt. Motion carried. RESOLUTION ##30(86): designating State Bank of Hudson as Working Bank of r Active Deposed of County Funds for the Fiscal Year 1987. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to adopt. Motion carried. Personal Property Charge Backs: Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Boche to approve. Motion carried. Illegal Taxes: Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Boche to approve. Motion carried. Cancellation of Checks: Motion by Supr. Boche, 2nd by Supr. Willink to approve. Motio cn arried. Further discussion of the proposed 1987 budget. Sum nary of budget presented. Finance Director asked for consideration of placing an additional levy for the General Fund to provide more working capitol, and possibly reduce next year's levy. Motion by Supr. V. Nelson, 2nd by Supr. Best to place $200,000 in the General Fund in 1987. Discussion. This would be a 3.3% increase in the tax levy. Supr. Bertelsen stated that the county does not need a s I ush fund. Mot ion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Jensch to table the motion to place $200,000 in an additional levy for the General Fund in 1987. Roll Call vote: 25 yes, 2 no, I abstain (Supr. S. Peterson). Final vote: 26 yes, 2 no. Motion carried to table. Further discussion. Fifteen minute recess called by Chairman. RESOLUTION #31(86): report of Comnittee on Budget Finance 1987 for St. Croix County. Resolution reads, there is levied against all the taxable property of the County the sum of $5,899,576.00. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Evjen to adopt. Discussion. Roll Call vote: 28 yes, 0 no. Motion carried. Budget material available in the County Clerk's office. Dog Listing & Dog Damage Claims for 1986: County Clerk Berke presented the official Listing of Dogs in the county (3,107 dogs), and all claims paid for dog damage to animals in 1986 ($4,938.83). Motion by Supr. Boche, 2nd by Supr. Jensch to adopt. Motion carried. RESOLUTION ##32(86): authorizing Execution of Contract with State for 4 Welfare Fraud Reimbursements. Motion by Supr. Best, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to adopt. Discussion. District Attorney Lundell indicated that the state is encouraging that counties do more with welfare fraud, and that with passage of this resolution the county would receive some state reimbursement. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS Civil Defense Report: Chairman Anderson reported that the total cost at—tris time for the Somerset Tire Fire was approximately $25,000. He indicated that since the tires were located in the Town of Somerset, it is their financial responsibility for the bills incurred; however, since the township has nothing in the budget for these expenses, he asked that the county make payment to the Town of Somerset. The County would in turn charge the expenses to Gerald Sampair, owner of the tire dump area. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Hop to transfer $25,000 from the General Fund to the Emergency Government budget to cover the Somerset fire expenses. Discussion. Question about the DNB's responsibi I ity. District Attorney noted that the DNR wi I I be taking care of expenses for the clean-up. Roll Call vote: 27 yes, 0 no. Motion carried. Motion by Supr. Boche, 2nd by Supr. Evjen to give authority to the District Attorney to do whatever is necessary to recover the $25,000 from Gerald Sampair for the tire fire expenses. Motion carried. Matter of rules and regulations in relation to the Human Services Board membership. General Services Chairperson Speer noted that due to the Human Services Board organization, two supervisors would no longer represent any committee. She suggested that the two members continue with Human Services Board and Personnel Committees through labor negotiations. Motion by Supr. Speer, 2nd by Supr. Jensch to increase the size of Human Services Board to II members, retaining Supervisors Hicok and Bertelsen. Motion carried. Chairman Anderson asked that members consider committee appointments when reorganization occurs in the spring. Motion by Supr. Speer, 2nd by Supr. SincIear to place the Coroner office under the Public Protection Conmittee, therefore moving it from the Human Services Board, effective immediately. Motion carried. Fi rst Reading Reso I ut ions: Mot ion by Supr. R. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Hop to waive the first readings. Chairman Anderson referred to respective committees for review before the next session. Further discussion regarding the alternatives to financing the Solid Waste Incinerator project. Supr. Bertelsen asked that interested citizens be included in the review of alternatives. Chairman Anderson asked that he recommend three individuals to meet with the Solid Waste Conmittee. Committee Reports: Planning, Zoning and Parks Corrmittee Chairman Dorsey repor`te_c tit applicants are being considered for the position of Zoning Administrator, since the former administrator retires before January 1987. Regarding the matter of additional information on a bag system for so I i d waste processing charges, Supr. Dorsey wi I I contact Assistant Planner Anderson for more information. Announcement by Chairman Anderson regarding the Public Hearing for the proposed Bass Lake Rehabilitation District, to be held on November 18 at the St. Joseph Town Hall. The informational meeting will convene at 7:00 p.m., followed by the hearing at 8:30 p.m. Land Conservation wi I I preside over the hearing. Farmland Preservation Applications: referred to state as approved by Corrmittee-M. Simonson, Towns of Glenwood and Forest; A. & K. Wienke, Town of Forest; S. & H. Lestrud, Town of Hammond, Vi 1 lage of Hammond; and R. & A Talmage, Town of Star Prairie (later two applicants affected by Resolution changing zoning from Ag-Residential to Agriculture). Referred to committee-K. Rundhaug, Town of Hammond. Motion by Supr. Willink, 2nd by Supr. Dull to approve. Motion carried. 5 Per Diem Report: County Board of Supervisors, total amount paid- W50 96 (expenses incurred by October 31, and refers to all claims received in the County Clerk's office for audit, and may include no more than 90 days expenses incurred by each Board member); Highway Committee, total amount paid-$1,208.87 (claims incurred for expenses by October 31); Human Services, total amount paid-$623.83 (claims incurred for expenses by October 31). Motion by Supr. R. Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Grant to approve. Motion carried. Correspondence: County Clerk referred to correspondence received from the Sunnyside Shamrocks 4-H Club, thanking the Board for the $25 contribution from the county for supporting a special music group; and a thank you f rom the fami I y of former Board member Ed Day, who recent I y passed away. Correspondence on file in the County Clerk's office. Motion by Supr. Draxler, 2nd by Supr. Giese to adjourn. Motion carried. Norman E. Anderson, Chairman St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Respecfu l l y ubmi t1j,6d, CJ,i I I Ann Berk St. Croix Co�fnty Clerk N.