HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 03-14-1989AGENDA
ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
March 14, 1989 9:00 A.M.
Courthouse Hudson
Compiled by Chairman Milton E. Meinke
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION: Rev. Merlin Bradley, First Baptist Church, Hudson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL:
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS SESSION
Adoption of Agenda
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Reading of Rule 20, Debate; Rule 22, Addressing the Board
Date of next Session: April 11, 1989
APPOINTMENTS: County Board Supervisory Districts #5 & #15
(to fill vacancies)
ELECTION - possible election of County Board Chairman
- election of County Board Vice -Chairman
OLD AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(Includes consideration and action on Second Reading Resolutions and
Ordinances)
1. Ordinance recommending approval for rezonement of land to
Ag-Residential from Commercial - Town of Somerset (Martell)
2. Resolution to Lease Land for Recycling Center, Town of
Star Prairie
3. Waste Management Committee Report (Discussion of Resource
Recovery Plant Acceptance, with possible action) 11:00 A.M.
4. County Board approval of proposal by Wisconsin Health
Systems, Inc. to purchase nursing home from the county (final
action) 2:00 p.m.
5. Rules & Regulations
NEW BUSINESS
1. Norman "Ole" Anderson acknowledgement, Supr. O'Connell
2. Introduction of Human Services Administrator, John Borup-HSB
2. County Farm Report, John Spanton 1:30 P.M.
3. Request for New Position (Human Services Dept.), Personnel
Committee
4. Winter Highway Conference Report, Supr. Giese
5. Request for Out -of -State travel
FIRST READING OF RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES
1. Ordinance regarding Control Over Children not in Compliance
with School Attendance Law
2. Ordinance Prohibiting Habitual Truancy
3. Ordinance Prohibiting Contributing to Truancy
4. Resolution Adopting District Overall Economic Development
Program
5. Resolution regarding Study for a St. Croix County Administrator
6. Resolution Congratulating St. Croix Central Panters
is
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EMERGENCY RESOSLUTIONS
1. Request to Borrow Funds for Purchase of Sheltered Workshop
Van
2. County Board Resolution regarding Circuit Court Automation
Project
3. Resolution Opposing Repeal of Wisconsin Statue 53.46 - Jail
Assessment Surcharge
Committee & Board Reports
Farmland Preservation Applications -Application for Special Uses
St. Croix County Highway Dept., Town of Erin Prairie & Immanuel
Lutheran Church, Town of Baldwin
Mileage & Per Diem Report
Correspondence
Announcements
Adjournment
(THE ABOVE AGENDA IS NOT NECESSARILY IN ORDER OF PRESENTATION)
Regular Session March 14, 1989
County Board of Supervisors called to order by Chairman Milton E.
Meinke.
Invocation by Pastor Merlin Bradley, First Baptist Church of
Hudson. Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag by all
present.
Rol I Cal I by County Clerk: 28 present, 2 absent (excused), 1
vacant position (formerly two vacant positions; however, District
##15 filled this session).
r on, Mel 1NK0
CONFIRMATION OF THE CHAIRMAN: Due to the death of former County
13our8 Chairman Norman E. A rson on January 14, acting Chairman
Meinke asked for the Board's pleasure with regard to filling the
Chairman vacancy. Motion by Supr. Grant, 2nd by Supr. Hop to
confirm the appointment of Milton E. Meinke as the St. Croix
County Board Chairman. Motion carried. Meinke was formerly the
Vice -Chairman with Chairman Anderson, and has been acting in the
capacity of Chairman since January 14.
Chairman Meinke thanked the Board for their support, expressing
his desire to work in the best interest of the county; and
indicated that he would complete the term (through April, 1990)
in this capacity.
APPOINTMENTS 1N DISTRICTS ##5 AND ##15: Chairman Meinke referred
To the recommendation he receivedfromthe Hudson City Mayor
Redner, , wherein he asked that Byron Spalding be considered for
the county board supervisory position, vacated due to the death
of Norman Anderson. Motion by Supr. O'Connell, 2nd by Supr.
Bailey to appoint Spalding to fill the vacancy in district ##15,
City of Hudson. Motion carried.
County Clerk Jill Berke asked Spalding to take the official oath
of office, serving the Aldermanic Districts 1, 2, 3, & 5 in the
City of Hudson as an appointee by the board. Spalding of f i rmed
the oath; document on file in the County Clerk's office.
Applause from the board.
Supr. Swenby asked that the current practice of providing the
option for health insurance to the Vice -Chair position, be
discontinued at this time. Chairman Meinke noted that there is
currently a resolution on file, which authorizes this benefit to
the Vice -Chairman, as well as the Chairman. According to
District Attorney Lundell, it would not be appropriate to repeal
this resolution during the term, but that it could be considered
next April after the County Board election. Chairman Meinke
referred this matter to the Finance Committee, with the matter
for possible repeal of the existing resolution to be considered
by the full county board in April of 1990.
Regarding the vacancy in District ##5, due to the death of Morgan
O'Brien on February 26, Chairman Meinke referred to
correspondence he received from New Richmond City Mayor Smith; he
recommended the appointment of Mari Beth Driscoll. Motion by
Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Jensch to approve the appointment,
as recommended by the city, of Mari Beth Driscoll to fill the
vacancy in county supervisory district ##5. No action taken.
Supr. Swenby asked if nominations were being considered from the floor.
Chairman Meinke indicated that there were at least two other
individuals interested in this vacant position, including lone
Voeltz. He indicated that nominations were in order. Supr.
Swenby nominated Parnell Pederson, who formerly served in this
capacity. County Clerk responded to Chairman Meinke's request to
have correspondence read from Mayor Smith with regard to his
recommendation of Driscoll for the vacant position. Motion by
Stephens, 2nd by Swenby to have a letter directed to all three
interested candidates, inviting them to appear before the board
at the April Session. Motion carried.
ELECTION OF THE VICE-CHAIRMAN: Chairman Meinke asked for
nom-in atTons from the floor for the vacancy in the Vice -Chair
position, since he was newly appointed as the Chair. Supr.
Cox nominated Supr. O'Connell; Supr. Dorsey nominated Supr.
Stephens; and, Supr. Dull nominated Supr. R. Peterson. The
nominations were closed, and Meinke appointed Supervisors S.
Peterson and Nelson to assist the County Clerk as election
inspectors with the election. Voting began with nominees
O'Connell-13 votes; Stephens-6 votes; and, R. Peterson-8 votes.
Supr. Stephens withdrew his name from the election, and voting
continued again. The second round of voting concluded with
nominees O'Connell receiving 13 votes; and, R. Peterson, also
receiving 13 votes. Following the tie vote, the election finally
concluded after the third round of voting, with Supr. O'Connell
receiving 13 votes; and, R. Peterson receiving 14 votes. Vice -
Chairman R. Peterson therefore took his place next to the
Chairman.
Consideration of the minutes of the January Session. Motion by
Supr. Grant, 2nd by Supr. Bailey to approve the minutes, as
presented. Motion carried. With regard to remarks made to Supr.
Speer at a former Finance Committee meeting, Supr. Swenby
publically apologized to her.
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Per customary procedure the agenda of the session was published
in the media of the county. Motion by Supr. Giese, 2nd by Supr.
Cox to approve the agenda. Motion carried. County Clerk read
Rule #20 and #21 with regard to the proper manner to address the
board. The next regular session is scheduled for Apr i I I I th at
9:00 a.m. in the county board room.
OLD & UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NE1N BUS INESS
Supr. O'Connell congratulated Vice -Chair Peterson with regard to
the recent election for the Vice -Chairmanship. He also offered
the following special acknowlegement in memory of former County
Board Chairman Anderson.
oll VATO I M01 0"T 2,910' r 0 IDWITTh
NORMAN E. ANDERSON
July 14, 1918 - January 14, 1989
In remembrance and in recognition of a honest and inspirational
Leader who had integrity, statemanship, foresight and with
respect, love and humor for his family, his heritage, his
country, his politics and certainly his county. He was an
energetic enthusiastic man who was a living example of honesty,
friendship, cooperation, fairness, and many will never forget his
gentleness, compassion and generousity for the less fortunate,
and to any worthy cause.
Such a person was our friend and feI low Board member, Chairman
Norman E. "Ole" Anderson. He will always be remembered.
To live in hearts, we leave behind, is not to die.
Supr. O'Connell also asked that the Comprehensive, Planning and
Zoning Conmittee consider a recormendation to name a roadway
through the new government center complex, Norman E. Anderson
Drive.
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Supr. O'Connell, as Secretary to the Planning Committee asked for
consideration to read to the board a letter received by the
County Board members from the former County Planning Director
Richard Thompson. This request was made to Supr. O'Connell by
Thompson, in an effort to review comments and recommendations
about St. Croix County during his tenure with the county since
1974. Motion by Supr. Bailey, 2nd by Supr. Spalding to dispense
with the reading of Thompson's letter. Motion carried.
Norman "Ole" Anderson Scholarship: Supr. Ba i ley announced the
formation of a m—emor i a1 sCT_o 1 ars_ i p on beha I f of the Anderson
family and the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors. A
volunteer committee has been established to assist, annually, a
St. Croix County high school graduating senior, planning to
pursue post -high school training. With respect to the Anderson
Scholarship, County Clerk Berke read into the record a resolution
from the Polk County Board of Supervisors, wherein they
acknowledged Chairman Anderson as "a good neighbor and friend,"
and "contributed $50.00 from the general fund to the scholarship
in memory of Ole Anderson."
ORDINANCE #220(89): recorrmend i ng approval for rezonement of
land—toAg-Residential from Corrmercial; petition pertains to
request from S. Martell, Town of Somerset. Motion by Supr.
Dorsey, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to approve. Discussion. Motion
carried.
Matter of proposed resolution to Lease Land for Recycling Center,
Town of Star Prairie, read into the record by the County Clerk.
Waste Management Corrmi ttee Chair Wi I I ink asked that this matter
be discussed later in the session, when other information will be
available.
Rules & Regulations: General Services Chairman Garske indicated
tTiat the corrmittee will be meeting to discuss interpretations of
some county board rules and regulations.
New Position Request: Request as submitted by the Personnel
Conini ttee was presented by Supr. Caf I i sch, where i n the Per sonne I
Committee approved the addition of a permanent, part - time
position of van driver at the Health Care Center; the anticipated
cost to the county is $2,304 per year. Motion by Supr.
Caflisch, 2nd by Supr. Bailey to approve the position of van
driver as a PPT position at the Health Center in the amount of
$2,304 per year. Discussion regarding state guidelines and the
funding from the state for this position. Roll Call vote: 27
yes, 1 no. Motion carried.
Supr. Caflisch further presented additional information from the
Personnel Committee, noting that the law enforcement union has
settled for 1987 and 1988, through the arbitration process. With
regard to the Health Center union, two issues are being debated,
resulting in arbitration proceedings.
Supr. Grant requested information regarding the elected
officials' salary adjustment to be considered by the county board
in the year 1989, per action taken by the ful I county board
dur i ng last May's regu 1 ar session. Finance Com-ni t tee Chair
indicated that action was taken by the board last May to review
the salaries in March of 1989; this matter to be discussed
further in Finance in April, and then referred to the county
board for consideration during the April session.
Highway Conference Report: Highway Committee member Giese
reported on the winter meeting, held in Green Bay in late
January. He discussed the information received for the Dept. of
Transportation, in reference to highway improvements as compared
to other states; and, also emphasized the status of buried tanks
in the county that are receiving attention through the corvmittee.
RESOLUTION #2(89): request to Borrow Funds for Purchase of
STreltered Workshop Van. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by
Supr. Caflisch to approve the request to borrow funds from
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MidAmerica Bank Hudson in the amount of $11,313. Discussion.
Finance Director Steel addressed questions regarding the
borrowing. He further indicated that this is recoverable through
the state. Roll Call vote: 28 yes, 0 no. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #3(89): supporting the Circuit Court Automation
Project. Moti—on-by Supr. Evjen, 2nd by Supr. Bradley to approve.
On behalf of the Finance Committee, Supr. Evjen indicated that
th i s pro j ect i s necessary i n order to fo I I ow the gu i de I i nes set
by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, with such automation projects
within the Circuit Court; Circuit Judges' offices; Clerk of
Circuit Court's office, Register of Probate and the Juvenile
Court Clerk. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #4(89): opposing Repeal of Wisconsin Statute 53.46 -
Jail Assessment Surcharge. Motion by Supr. S. Peterson, 2nd by
Supr. Speer to approve. Discussion. Finance Committee Chair S.
Peterson reported that the purpose of the proposed resolution is
to oppose a repeal to the state, so that revenue coming into the
county is not lost from the county. According to the the Finance
Director, there is approximately $100,000 collected per year in
St. Croix County, which replaces tax dollars. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #5(89): congratulating St. Croix Central Panthers.
Mot ion by Vice -Choi rman Peterson, 2nd by Supr. Grant to suspend
the rules, and act on this resolution. Motion carried. Motion
by Supr. Nelson, 2nd by Supr. Grant to approve the resolution.
Motion carried.
Recommendation made by the County Clerk and District Attorney to
develop a uniform procedure, perhaps in the form of an
acknowledgement, to recognize those special athletic
accomplishments that the high school students achieve. Matter
referred to the General Services Con-rnittee for additional
consideration.
Waste Management Committee Report: Committee Chair Willink
aduressed the�6oarZ w tFi respect to the proposed reso I ut ion to
lease land for the recycling center in the town of Star Prairie,
to be used with the existing waste -to -energy facility. Motion by
Supr. Willink, 2nd by Supr. Nelson to amend the resolution to
read "Lease/Sale land" for recycling center throughout the
document, rather than "Lease" land. Discussion.
Supr. Sinclear referred to the difference in language as per
recycling center vs. salvage yard, and this was apparently a
concern with the Town of Star Prairie. Coordinator of the waste
management project Greg Tim-nerman, referred to a map to note the
exact location of the proposed center in relationship to an
existing cemetery. The matter of access i nto the area was a I so
addressed as a concern.
Chair Willink introduced Steve Gulbrandson of Riverside
Sanitation, who referred to an outline of the building and
operations of the recycling facility. Per the direction of the
county, the containers for the non-processible items will be
placed behind the building with controlled access. Gulbrandson
responded to questions about use of the recycling facility by
residents, noting that Riverside Sanitation has no plans to limit
access to the general public.
Supr. Stephens indicated that a lease option would be more
desirable. The cost for the building and site preparation would
therefore belong to Riverside and not the county. Assistant D.A.
and Interim Project Coordinator Timmerman indicated that
negotiations for a contract on this site are in process with the
town.
Motion carried to amend the resolution to include the sale
option. Motion by Supr. Caflisch, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to table
action on the resolution. Motion defeated.
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Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. Nelson to delay action on
the resolution until the April session. Motion by Supr.
CafIisch, 2nd by Supr. Kinney to amend to include one member of
the Human Services Board, to work in conjunction with the Waste
Management Committee during the negotiating sessions with
Riverside Sanitation. Motion carried to amend. Original motion
carried, as amended.
Motion by Supr. Willink, 2nd by Supr. Hop to authorize the Waste
Management Committee to negotiate with Riverside Sanitation with
regard to the site for the recycling center. Motion carried.
Committee Chair Willink addressed the matter of the acceptance
test of the waste -to -energy facility, at which time he reviewed
the various performance guarantees that had to meet committee
approval before the county would recommend acceptance to the
county board. Discussion. Interim Coordinator Timmerman noted
that a letter will be directed to American Resource Recovery,
with formal acceptance and approval of the plant, as successfully
tested.
ARR Representative Dan Warran addressed the board with respect to
the facility's completion of the design/construct phase. He also
noted that the New Ri chmond fac i I i ty, is the only fac i I i ty of
it's size in the country with the privitization concept (limited
partnership between ARR and a unit of government); and, that the
facility has the most technologically advanced pollution control
devices in place, in the United States. He anticipates that
the plant wi I I meet, in the least, a 20-year solution for waste
management in the county. He summarized by commending the
com ittee, Finance Director Steel, and many other employees from
the county that cooperated with ARR through all phases of the
facility, through its completion.
Chairman Meinke recessed for lunch.
OLD & UNFINISHED BUSINESS (continued)
NEW USIIt S (continued)
Meeting called to order by Chairman following lunch recess. Roll
Call by County Clerk: 26 present, 4 absent. Introduction of
Dunn County Supervisor Orville Johnson to the members.
Waste !Management Committee Report: continued discussion with
regard to —tTie waste management project. Supr. Caf I i sch
questioned the matter of tonnage of waste that the county is
required to provide to ARR per day. Timmerman indicated that the
current service agreement in effect, sets this level at 86
tons/day per the county's obligation to ARR (within a 320 day
period); further, that the committee is currently working to
increase this daily tonnage.
Discussion also with regard to the contested case hearing,
involving six residents of New Richmond, DNR and ARR. Timmerman
noted that there continues to be negotiation in this matter among
those concerned.
Motion by Supr. Hop, 2nd by Supr. Sumner to formally approve the
acceptance testing of the waste -to -energy facility. Motion
carried.
Human Services Board Chair O'Connell introduced to the board the
new Human Services Director, John Borup. He addressed the board,
and emphasized his focus on teamwork within the three units of
Human Services. Applause by the board.
County Farm Report: Introduction of County Farm Manager John
Spanton, who provi ed current information to the members about
the farm operation. He presented an extensive report with
statistical information about the herd, as well as crop produc-
information. He also referred to discussion with regard to the
board's former study of retaining the county farm. Supervisors
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Sumner and Bradley asked questions regarding the farm budget.
Comments also from Troy Town resident F. And i ng with regard to
the validity of having a county farm.
Nursing Home Purchase: Finance Director Steel spoke on behalf of
the Human Services Board/Finance Committee with respect to an
offer by Wisconsin Health Systems, Inc. to purchase the county
nursing home in New Richmond. He indicated that extensive
research had been conducted through committee direction, and that
the purchase price of $3,500,000 was approved. Auditor and
banking reports, as well as other pertinent references were
verified, in order to assure that the county home was being sold
to a qualified buyer.
President of Wisconsin Health Systems, Inc., R. Banks,
introduced, who stated that the nursing home administrator for
his firm is held in high regard in the area of nursing home
administration. Various committee members of the HSB, as well as
staff, visited other homes in the state, owned and operated by
Health Systems, Inc. With respect to the care, structure,
staffing, and other conditions of the homes, the reports were
quite favorable.
Health Systems, Inc. nursing home executive director George
Samardich, addressed the board. He indicated that he plans to
work with existing staff, allowing the maximum allowable number
of personnel per the nursing home formula. The firm intends to
accept any patients, and assured quality care.
Questions from the board were addressed. Supr. Stephens
introduced Sandy Weidner of AFSME to speak. She noted that
during an investigation by AFSME, certain charges were on record
against Samardich, during his employ at Portgage County. She
asked that ownership and accountability of the purchaser be
further considered. Lisa Leahy, Director of Social Services at
the county nursing home, addressed the board with concerns about
the level of care and employee benef its in other nursing homes
owned by Health Systems, Inc.
Supr. Wi I I ink introduced Sue Nelson of Woodv i I le, who spoke on
behalf of the union members at the county nursing home. She
noted that the current retirement will not continue for
employees, and that some employees will lose seniority. Chris
Zajac of Star Prairie asked the board to consider additional
monies that may be available to St. Croix County, and to find the
best buyer. Supr. Nelson noted, per correspondence from State
Representative Stower, District #28, that consideration is being
considered for monies from state and/or federal sources to
assist county homes.
With regard to a question from Supr. Grant, Steel responded that
this transition from a county to a private owned home will
probably be a break even situation.
Motion by Supr. Caf I i sh, 2nd by Supr. Bailey to accept the offer
of $3,500,000 from Wisconsin Health Systems, Inc. for the
purchase of the St. Croix County nursing home. Roll call vote:
16 yes, II no. Motion carried.
First Reading Resolutions: Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by
Supr. R. Peterson to waive the first readings of resolutions.
Motion carried.
Committee Reports: Supr. Hop reported for the Special Building
Committee t at tie building project for the fair/highway building
is expected to begin May I, with a completion date of July I.
Further, the bids for the Glen Hi I Is Park Manager's home have
been awarded for roofing and siding.
Regarding the Coroner's budget for 1988, Public Protection Chair
Speer indicated that this budget had an over expenditure. Motion
by Supr. Speer, 2nd by Supr. Stephens to cover this
over expenditure in the coroner's budget in the amount of $4,830
P.
per a budget transfer. Motion carried. Finance Committee Chair
S. Peterson indicated that there will be a meeting at the
Planning Office in early Apr i I with regard to the status of the
facility planning project.
Regarding announcements, District Attorney Lundell invited the
board to attend a fund raiser, sponsored by the Elk's Club, to
be held on April 21st in support of the "Stop Drugs Fund," at
Garfield's Valley House.
Farmland Preservation Applications: Land Conservation Chair
Willink reported that there is a special use application that
must be approved by the county before they are accepted by the
state, in the applications of: St. Croix County Highway Dept,
Town of Erin Prairie; and, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Town of
Baldwin. Motion by Supr. Willink, 2nd by Supr. Nelson to approve
the special use under the farmland preservation agreement for the
aforementioned applicants. Motion carried.
Per Diem Report: County Board of Supervisors, total amount paid
for January--55,-403.10 and February-$7,098.35 (expenses incurred
by January 31, and February 28, respectively, in the County
Clerk's office for audit, not to exceed payment for expenses
incurred beyond 90 days, per County Board rule.) Motion by Supr.
Hop, 2nd by Supr. Bailey to approve the per d i ems as presented.
Motion carried.
Correspondence: Cards received from the family of Norman "Ole"
Anderson, tFa--n-T<ing the County Board for the memorial of flowers,
and other expressions of sympathy that were extended, following
his passing. Correspondence also received from U.S. Senator
Robert Kasten, responding to the county's concerns about the
federal highway funds.
Supr. Bradley asked that the matter of the county sales tax and
its impact on the county's property tax be addressed at the April
Session. County Clerk Berke reported on behalf of the Finance
Committee with reference to the matter of possible redistricting
in supervisory districts with the upcoming 1990 census. Updated
information will be made available to members with respect to the
number of board members and population data in all counties in
the state.
Supr. Swenby took the opportunity to announce the retirement date
of Finance Director Jim Steel, effective September I. He praised
Steel for his fine work in this capacity; further, he asked Steel
to reconsider his decision to retire.
Motion by Supr. Stephens, 2nd by Supr. O'Connell to adjourn.
Motion carried.
Milton E. Meinke, Chairman
St. Croix County Board of Supervisors
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Ann Berke
St. Croix County Clerk
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