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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 11-21-1995AGENDA ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS November 21, 1995 9:00 A.M. Government Center Compiled by Chairman Robert M. Boche CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION: Pastor Dennis Nelson, Bethel Lutheran Church, Hudson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG ROLL CALL CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS SESSION ADOPTION OF AGENDA ANNOUNCEMENTS: DATE OF NEXT SESSION: December 19, 1995 (Tentative) APPOINTMENTS: Supr. John Finn to West Central Regional Planning REPORT OF ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR LEGISLATIVE REPORT: SPEAKERS: County Conservation Speaking Contest Winners 9:05 A.M. OLD AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Consideration and action on matters tabled, postponed or referred to a committee at a previous meeting) NEW BUSINESS (Action on newly introduced motions, ordinances, resolutions, or other matters) 1. Resolution Regarding Study Options for Library Funding and Structure 2. Resolution Approving Correction to Town of St. Joseph Zoning Map Regarding Harold/Carole Carlson Property 3. Resolution Approving Sale of 4,000 Square Feet of County Property 4. Resolution Approving Dog Damage Claims for 1995 5. Discussion on Economic Development in St. Croix County 6. Resolution to Modify Mediation/Arbitration Process *7. Rezoning from Ag. to Ag. Residential for James J. Durning Town of St. Joseph *8. Rezoning from Ag. to Commercial for Brian & Beth Mondor - Town of Star Prairie , *9. Rezoning from Ag. to Commercial for Thomas O. & Sandra K. Mondor - Town of Star Prairie DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS 11:00 A.M. Emergency Communication, Child Support and Zoning COMMITTEE AND BOARD REPORTS FARMLAND PRESERVATION APPLICATIONS MILEAGE & PER DIEM REPORT CORRESPONDENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS ADJOURNMENT (The above agenda is not necessarily in order of presentations) Changes or Additions after the Preliminary Agenda Late Changes and Additions ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Regular Session November 21, 1995 Meeting called to order by Chair Boche at 9:00 a.m. Invocation was given by Pastor Dennis Nelson, Bethel Lutheran Church, Hudson. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll call: 28 present, 3 absent including Tom Dorsey, Jack Breault and Herb Giese (all excused). Chair welcomed the return of Supervisors Draxler and Luckey and greeted guests and press. Motion by Supr. Sinclear, 2nd by Supr. Bethke to approve the October 17 minutes. Carried. Motion by Supr. Nyland, 2nd by Supr. Sinclear to approve the November 1st minutes with the following correction: Under the Library report, add to Supr. Burke's and Supr. Bailey's motion in referring the Library Study to the Finance Committee "and to report to the Library Board and County Board by July 1996." Carried. Motion by Supr. Bailey, 2nd by Supr. Mortensen to adopt the agenda. Carried. Next meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 19. Appointments: Supr. John Finn has been appointed to the West Central Regional Planning Commission. Conservation and Environmental Speaking Contest Winners: Supr. Art Jensen announced the winners from St. Croix County. Elementary Division winner was Charlie Ketchum, son of Chuck and Elie Ketchum from River Falls. Charlie gave his speech on the "Effects of Pollution on Wisconsin Rivers." Shannon Marr, (Jr. Division) daughter of Susan Marr and Richard Marr, River Falls, was unable to appear due to illness. Senior winner was Dana Begalke, daughter of Jim and Betsy Begalke, Baldwin, presented her talk on the "Kinnickinnic Watershed." Applause given to the two speakers. Administrative Coordinator: John Krizek distributed comparison sheets for 1996 and 1991 Budgeted Revenues and Expenditures. General Property taxes are 24 . 7 o in 1996 compared to 28 . 8 o in 1991. Charges for services in 1996 are 39.90 and in 1991 were 34.9%. Reduced reliance on the property tax is the goal. In budgeted expenditures Health and Human Services went down to 43.10-o compared to 49.20-. in 1991. Highway, Public Safety and Conservation all showed some increase in 1996. The mill rate in 1996 is the same as 1988. Krizek pointed out County Government can't do everything for everyone; it is limited to definitions in the WI Statutes. State Transportation Aids for 1996 will be $1,090,000 which is $30,000 less than budgeted. Money will be needed from the Contingency Fund. Krizek wished Supervisors a great Thanksgiving. Resolution Regarding Study Options for Library Funding: Library President Len Nyland withdrew this resolution due to the correction 1 of the minutes adding a July 1996 deadline date for referral to the Library Board and County Board. Resolution Approving Correction to Town of St. Joseph Zoning map regarding Harold/Carole Carlson Property: Motion by Supr. Oemichen, 2nd by Supr. Bailey to postpone action until the next meeting of the County Board. Oemichen explained this is a 6 A. parcel in the Town of St. Joseph which the Carlson's believe is zoned industrial and the Town of St. Joseph believes is zoned commercial. Both parties have hired lawyers and the case is in Circuit Court. A public hearing was held but the Planning and Development Committee reached an impasse and requested additional legal research information. Corporation Counsel Greg Timmerman said the Courts may not address the issue of zoning. Litigation may not help this problem. Supr. Raymond explained there are conflicting maps - the 1974 map shows this parcel zoned industrial and the following three maps show commercial zoning. He would like to see legal facts before a decision is made. Attorney Ed Vlack asked if people involved could speak. Supr. Oemichen said the Planning and Development Committee's intent was to remove this from the agenda. Motion to postpone until the next County Board meeting carried. Supr. Oemichen said the intent is to refer this back to the Planning and Development Committee to resolve legal issues and then bring the resolution back to the Board. Resolution # 38 (95): Sell Land to Lund Builders, Inc. Motion by Supr. Oemichen, 2nd by Supr. Bailey to adopt. Oemichen stated both the Finance and Planning and Development Committees recommended the sale of the triangular parcel located on the northwest corner of the Government Center property. County Planner Ellen Denzer showed a map of the proposed area and Oemichen noted this area has always been designated as residential on all previous site plans. The appraised price was $6,200 and Lund Builders will also pay the appraisal fee of $300. Motion carried. Resolution #39 (95): Claims for Damages to Animals from November 1, 1994 to November 30, 1995. Motion to adopt by Supr. Bradley, 2nd by Supr. Menter. Carried. Resolution #40 (95): Modify Mediation/Arbitration Process. Motion to adopt by Supr. Bradley, 2nd by Supr. Bailey. Personnel Committee Chair Bradley stated this Committee believes there is an alternative solution to binding arbitration. This resolution provides for the same labor negotiations process available to the State employees which provides for fact-finding and recommendations, permits employer implementation of final contract proposals and prohibits strikes. Supr. Burke introduced Janet Smith, President of the General Government Support Services Union, who stated this resolution modifies the present binding arbitration law which has been working well. Past history shows Counties have won 509k and Unions 500-. in binding arbitration situations. St. Croix County has experienced two cases and both times the award went to the County. Ms. Smith said the harmonious feelings now in place between the Unions and management will be disrupted if this resolution is passed. Roll call vote: 20 yes, 8 no. Motion carried. Ordinance #383 (95): Rezoning for James J. Durning, Town of St. Joseph from Ag. to Ag. Residential. Mr. Durning agreed to creating no more than 10 lots when subdividing his land. Motion to adopt by Supr. Oemichen, 2nd by Supr. Menter. Carried. Ordinance #384 (95): Rezoning for Brian and Beth Mondor, Town of Star Prairie from Ag. to Commerical. Motion to adopt by Supr. Oemichen, 2nd by Supr. Bradley. Carried. Ordinance #385 (95:) Rezoning for Thomas 0. and Sandra K. Mondor, Town of Star Prairie from Ag. to Commerical. Motion to adopt by Subr. Oemichen. 2nd by Suur. Menter. Carried. Discussion on Economic Development: Supr. Standafer advised this was appropriate discussion for the Board since the County Budget decreased support for the Economic Development Corporation, inconsistent action has taken place on various TIF districts and there has been conversation regarding County sponsorhip of a revolving loan fund. Standafer described Economic Development as a process by which a community increases control over its economic destiny and quality of life. The reasons for Economic Development are creation of jobs, generation of personal income and tax revenue and to maintain and balance the economy. We need to attract growth and stop it here in St. Croix County rather than let it pass through to other counties and municipalities. Supr. Raymond stated the County needs to be involved and we need growth for the best interest of the residents of the County. Supr. Brown asked who pays for economic growth. How do we accomodate a family with two children in the school system at a cost of $12,000. Tax revenue is needed from a $600,000 home to pay the school costs. Is this burden placed on the farmer in Glenwood City or Kinnickinnic? The County is paying a 1/3 share to the Economic Development Corporation and providing heat, lights and space. Supr. Draxler said growth is coming to the County whether we have economic development or not. We need businesses to offset the increase in taxes. Money for economic development is well spent. 3 County Economic Development Director Dave Piggot explained the revolving loan fund. HUD money is available through the WI Dept. of Development. Communities or counties apply for funds to loan to a business. Money from loan payments is reloaned to another business. The County would not be competing with banks because the loan has to be turned down by lending institutions. A bad loan could happen. Supr. Horne noted the Dept. of Development evaluates the business and approves the loan; the county does not make the decision*. Supr. Brown questioned why the County would get involved with risky loans when the money still comes from the taxpayer. Supr. Finn commented on a loan given to a small firm in South Dakota which is now the country's largest manufacturer of storm doors and windows. This firm has given much in return to the community - a park, indoor skating rink, employment and a tax base. Piggot stated HUD money is taxpayer dollars; he is only staff and administers the program. The opportunity is there to use the HUD money. Some municipalities are at the maximum limit of their loan fund; therefore Piggot believes it would be beneficial if the County were involved. If people object to this program, they must contact their Legislators to change the policy. Supr. Sinclear asked about the success rate of the revolving loan fund and Piggot replied it was over 900. Supr. Oemichen noted a State of Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture survey revealed farmers, tax dollars provide the most efficient cost of services while the cost of services is most expensive to residential home owners. Industrial development is needed to share the tax burden and provide good paying jobs. Supr. Horne commended Supr. Oemichen on his letter sent to Supr. Standafer regarding TIF districts which contained a lot of valuable information. Horne believes the City of Hudson did well on the TIF district while it placed more of a burden on Towns of Hudson and Troy residents. Supr. Nyland indicated sometimes TIF rules are abused. Supr. Krueger said we need to keep in mind the school tax when developments come in. Oral Reports: Emergency Communications Director Bruce Brantner, Child Support Administrator Lynn Holmes, and Zoning Administrator Tom Nelson presented their reports. Committee Reports: Waste Management: Committee Chair Counsel Greg Timmerman and others the ARR litigation. 0 Horne complimented Corporation for their hard work in settling Timmerman gave background information on the establishment of the incinerator and the County's contract with American Resource Recovery. There have been problems ever since the incinerator was built. During the bankruptcy proceedings, a judge ruled the contract between ARR and the County was no longer valid. This will save the County $10 million over the remaining 14 years the contract was to be in effect plus many dollars for legal fees. Chair Boche thanked Timmerman for his good work. Personnel Committee: Chair Bradley reported that Darlene Christensen, Clerk in the Highway Office, was upgraded one pay grade. Library Board: President Len Nyland referred to a response to Don Brown's paper regarding County Library issues which was placed on Supevisors' desks. Supr. Brown preferred that this information go through a Committee before being distributed to Supervisors. Farmland Preservation: Motion by Supr. Oemichen, 2nd by Supr. Raymond to refer to the State the application of Lyle C. Petranovich, Town of Springfield, for a special use application. Carried. Mileage and Per Diem: Motion by Supr. Oemichen, 2nd by Supr. Raymond to approve payment of $7,934.24 for October, 1995. Carried. Correspondence: Clerk Nelson read a thank you from Linda Luckey for the plant, cards and best wishes during her husband's illness and death. Senator Alice Clausing sent a response letter regarding the resolution on snowplow liability. Ammouncements: Pepin County will host the Inter -County meeting on December 7th. Reservations are due to Sue Nelson by December 1. Nomination papers for Supervisors are due by 5:00 p.m., December 5th. Motion to adjourn by Supr. Oemichen, adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m. Robert M. Boche, Chair St. Croix County Board of Supervisors 5 2nd by Supr Bethke to Sue E. Nelson St. Croix County Clerk