HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board 03-19-1996ST. CROIX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Regular Session March 19, 1996
Chair Boche called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Invocation
was given by Pastor Gary Swanson, United Methodist Church, Hammond.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll call: 28 present, 3 absent - Vern Dull, Einar Horne and
Charlie Grant (all excused). Grant arrived at 9:20 a.m. making 29
present and 2 absent.
Motion by Supr. Bailey, 2nd by Supr. Standafer to approve the
January minutes. Carried. Motion by Supr Giese, 2nd by Supr.
Mortensen to adopt the agenda. Next meeting scheduled for April
16.
Announcements: Chair Boche reminded Supervisors to use their
microphones when speaking so the sound could be picked up on the
video taped by Channel 10.
Administrative Coordinator: John Krizek reported the Court ruled
in favor of WERC in the case Juneau County and others had filed
contending that county employees were not covered by binding
arbitration. The case may be appealed. At this point, county
employees will be covered under the mediation/arbitration law.
The new welfare reform bill (W-2) passed both the Assembly and
Senate and the implementation date is July 1, 1997. Computer
Services Director Bruce Callen has resigned; Krizek will manage the
department and staff person Kathryn Beutel will be acting interim
director for a six month period. The Computer Advisory Committee
has been revamped and is now called Information Services Committee
and members are two County Board members_ (Suprs. Raymond and
Burke), Human Services Director, Chief Deputy Sheriff's Dept.,
Finance Director, Highway Commissioner, Land Records Director and
Administrative Coordinator. The committee will do a study to see
where the county is going regarding automation.
A new PBX system costing $97,990 has been approved by Finance and
will be purchased from Mitel. The payback in savings will occur in
2.3 years with additional savings each year. The system features
call accounting, least cost line use, automated attendant and voice
mail. Krizek assured that any caller could always reach a human
voice. Krizek thanked the Board for their concern after his
father's death.
Chair Boche welcomed the guests and visitors and advised them if
they wish to speak on an issue, they must ask their Supervisor.
Ordinance # 4 (96): Ordinance Regulating Assemblies. Motion by
Supr. Luckey, 2nd by Supr. Krueger to adopt. Public Protection
Chair Linda Luckey said this Ordinance updates the 1978 Assembly
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Ordinance and only affects Towns. A public hearing was held on
March 7. A comparison chart showed a difference in requirements
between the 1978 Ordinance and the proposed Ordinance. Some of the
new provisions added were EMTS and First Responders available, no
tickets sold or given away at the grounds, event control center,
stationary fixed seating, crowd conduct rules, weather monitoring
and warning, ADA compliance, no animals, certificate of insurance,
right of County inspection and noise level reduced. The proposed
Ordinance features a provision to waive a general condition or
information required.
Discussion on crowd and alcohol control, complaints of damages
following events, more governmental regulations, lowering level of
noise. Luckey said this Ordinance gives the ability to collect
money for expenses such as Sheriff's Dept. and Dispatchers overtime
expenses, recovers more of the costs and it improves liability
coverage for the county.
Corporation Counsel Greg Timmerman commented Cedar Lake Speedway
would be exempt because its designated use is for car racing. The
J R Ranch is not set up for rodeos only and River's Edge primary
features are dining, floating and camping. Timmerman said
Farm/City Day and the Chicken Feed at Burkhardt would be exempt
because people are coming and going at these events. The focus of
the ordinance is a large group of people together all at once for
a period of time.
Supr. Filipiak asked if requiring permanent fencing and seating
would then establish the event as a designated use. Supr. Brown
questioned how could tickets be sold in advance for an air show
and, for example, the Blue Angels would violate the prescribed
noise decibel. Luckey responded the waiver clause would address
these issues and other events. No one can plan for all future
events.
Supr. Giese, member of Public Protection, commented a lot of time
was spent drafting this ordinance and no ordinance can protect
every individual or business. Things change in 18 years and it
would be neglect of duty if the County Board does not address this
ordinance. Supr. Breault stated Corporation Counsel did a good job
developing this ordinance. Public Protection's assignment is to
protect the public. The proposed ordinance is not perfect but the
old ordinance needs an upgrade and our consideration.
Supr. Sinclear said large gatherings that spill into the county
from villages and cities need to be addressed. Motion by Supr.
Sinclear, 2nd by Supr. Neumann to amend the ordinance by adding,
"Providing parking within an unincorporated area of the County for
an Assembly held within a city or village is subject to this
ordinance." Amendment carried.
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Supr. Brown asked if farm auctions would need to apply for a
license and suggested the committee re -work ordinance and list
exceptions. Supr. Krueger said the waiver provision could be used
for unplanned events. Supr. Mehls said medical provisions are
necessary; in the past station wagons with cots have been used to
transport persons needing medical attention. The "beer garden"
concept is better than wide area drinking for crowd control.
Motion by Supr. Giese, 2nd by Supr. Jacobson to limit debate.
Carried. Roll call on main motion as amended: 21 yes, 8 no.
Carried.
Resolution #5 (96): To Fund an Appraisal and to Authorize a
Project Proposal for the Development of a County Park on Property
at Perch Lake. Motion by Supr. Dorsey, 2nd by Supr. Bethke to
adopt. Supr. Raymond explained this resolution, if passed,
provides money for an appraisal and development of a project
proposal; not money for a park. The Seim property is assessed at
approximately $209,000 and the appraisal was $135,000. The owner
was not satisfied with the appraisal and Raymond stated that it was
believed to be flawed. The DNR approves the appraiser and has 500
matching fund grants available for land acquisition and
development.
Mike Reiter, New Richmond, representing St. Croix County Sportsman
Alliance outlined how valuable Perch Lake is to the County and its
residents. Dale Fern, Baldwin, encouraged the Board to fund the
appraisal. As the County continues to grow, more recreational
facilities will be needed. Fern believes the acquisition of Perch
Lake would be a good, reasonable investment for the County. Pat
Tuma from St. Joseph Township commented her family has enjoyed
beautiful Perch Lake for the past 100 years and she would like to
have it available for her great grandchildren to enjoy.
Discussion on obtaining another appraisal and thus increasing the
purchase price. The seller wants another appraisal and the County
has to pay for it. Finance Chair Brown said if this resolution
passes it would mean a total of $8,000 spent. The County is in
good financial status because it has followed good business
procedures. Brown stated it should be determined if the Board
wants a County Park, should have an option to purchase before an
appraisal is done and what is total cost of development including
property acquisitions, road and improvement costs. Raymond replied
the appraisal is needed to determine the park proposal.
Supr. Oemichen stated Planning and Development is proceeding in
this manner because we are a government body. Working with grants
and state guidelines is a different procedure than private
practice. Timmerman commented the owners have offered the land in
good faith and want to work with the County. Supr. Giese suggested
the Town of St. Joseph consider a financial buy -in to this project.
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Planning and Development Chair Dorsey thanked the people who came
to support the resolution for Perch Lake. He advised the Board if
you vote for the appraisal, you are voting for investigating the
possibility of a park. Supr. Oemichen referred to the first BE IT
FURTHER RESOLVED which authorizes Planning and Development to
develop a project proposal for possible acquisition and development
of the Perch Lake properties as a County Park. Supr. Raymond
explained further, if you vote yes, you are agreeing to proceed to
investigate the possibility of a park. If you vote no, you do not
want this park.
Motion by Supr. Sinclear, 2nd by Supr. Dowd to call the question.
Carried. Roll call vote: 26 yes, 3 no. Carried.
Resolution #6 (96): To Abolish Waste Management Committee and to
Transfer Responsibilities. Motion by Supr. Oemichen, 2nd by Supr.
Bailey to adopt. Administration Committee Chair Oemichen explained
the County no longer has a contractual obligation with American
Resource Recovery for incineration. The Waste Management Committee
determined there is no further need for the committee's operation
and the recycling program can be transferred to another county
committee.
Motion by Supr. Mortensen, 2nd by Supr. Standafer to amend the
resolution by deleting the wording "waste management plan
administration" in the third and fourth paragraphs. Standafer
explained the committee's work with ARR is resolved and the county
is out of waste management and should stay out. Amendment carried.
Resolution as amended carried.
Medical Assistance Expansion: Health and Human Services Director
John Borup asked for Board approval of this memorandum in order to
collect additional revenues from other medical assistant programs.
Motion by Supr. Burke, 2nd by Supr. Bailey to approve the
memorandum. Carried.
Resolution #7 (96): To Change Committee Name. Motion to adopt by
Supr. Oemichen, 2nd by Supr. Jacobson. Oemichen said changing the
Planning and Development Committee name to Planning, Zoning and
Parks Committee more accurately reflects the committee's
activities. Motion carried.
Finance Director: Following his annual report, Rich Loney
presented an unaudited General Fund report. The undesignated fund
balance is $2.69 million which provides a 16.88 percentage of
expenditures. The General Fund is in an excellent situation.
Oral Reports: Were given by Register of Deeds Kay Walsh, County
Conservationist Chuck Christenson, Childrens' Services staff Kathy
Dunlap and Fred Johnson, and Finance Director Rich Loney. Written
reports were distributed from Treasurer Mary Jean Livermore and
Personnel Director Debra Kathan.
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Resolution #8 (96) : Establishing Elected officials's Salaries for
1997 and 1998. Motion to adopt by Supr. Bradley, 2nd by Supr.
Bethke. Sheriff Paul Burch addressed the Board with the following
issues: When Burch took office, a letter written by John Krizek
was delivered to him which called for the elimination of elected
officials. At the recent Personnel Committee meeting, Burch
presented valid reasons, in his opinion, for a pay adjustment such
as increased jail population. Suprs. Bradley and Burke and
Administrative Coordinator Krizek told Burch that the Chief Deputy
is in charge of the Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Burch declared
he is in charge of the Sheriff's Department.
Former Sheriff and Supr. Burke explained how the Sheriff's
Department and Sheriff's Patrol used to be two separate
departments. When they were combined, the intent was to have the
Chief Deputy in charge. According to Burke, the Chief Deputy has
a responsibility to the County Board; the Sheriff to the voters.
Personnel Committee Chair Bradley stated he has not heard an outcry
from the public for a bigger Sheriff's salary. Supr. Dorsey asked
if the Personnel Committee considered salary adjustments for all
Elected Officials. Bradley replied this was considered. The result
was the Personnel Committee's resolution calling for a 3% salary
increase in calendar 197 and a 3% salary increase in calendar 198.
Public Protection Chair Luckey said Elected Officials were under
the Hay System at first but then were removed by County Board. The
Public Protection Committee considers the Sheriff in charge of the
department.
Roll call vote: 18 yes, 11 no. Motion carried.
Open House Invitation: Planning Director Dave Fodroczi invited
Supervisors to attend the open house today from 2:00 until 8:00
p.m. sponsored by Planning, Development and Parks and the Zoning
Steering Committee.
Ordinance #392 (96): Ordinance Amending St. Croix County Zoning
Code, Adult Entertainment Uses. Motion by Supr. Dorsey, 2nd by
Supr. Oemichen to adopt. Dorsey said this ordinance clarifies the
procedure for measuring the distance between buildings. Carried.
Ordinance #393 (96): Rezoning from Residential to Ag. Residential
for Britt and Sheila Fugina, Town of St. Joseph. Motion to adopt
by Supr. Dorsey, 2nd by Supr. Oemichen. Carried.
Ordinance #394 (96): Rezoning from Agriculture to Ag. Residential
for Russell Peterson, Town of Somerset. Motion to adopt by Supr.
Dorsey, 2nd by Supr. Menter. Carried.
Ordinance #395 (96): Rezoning from Ag. Residential to Industrial
for William F. Liddle, Tri-County Disposal, Inc./Tom Furlong, Town
of Warren. Motion to adopt by Supr. Dorsey, 2nd by Supr. Menter.
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Carried.
Ordinance #396 (96): Rezoning from Agriculture to Ag. Residential
for James H. Klemesrud, Town of Star Prairie. Motion to adopt by
Supr. Dorsey, 2nd by Supr Oemichen. Carried.
Ordinance #397 (96): Rezoning from Ag. Residential to Industrial
for Pamela Kunz, Town of Hammond. Motion to adopt by Supr. Dorsey,
2nd by Supr. Grant. Carried.
Recognition of Outgoing Board Members: Chair Boche presented
plaques to Suprs. Nyland and Bailey and certificates to Suprs.
Breault, Finn and Neumann in appreciation for their service as
County Board Supervisors.
Interstate Relocation: Motion by Supr. Mehls, 2nd by Supr.
Jacobson to postpone this agenda item. Carried.
Announcements: Supr. Oemichen will refer some proposed amendments
to the Large Assembly Ordinance to the Public Protection Comm.
Farmland Preservation: Motion by Supr. Oemichen, 2nd by Supr.
Bradley to refer the following requests to the State: Frank J.
Klatt Family Trust, Francis L. and Susan K. Klatt and Randy and
Judith C. Peskar. Carried. Motion by Supr. Oemichen, 2nd by
Supr. Jacobson to refer application of Arnold and Bernice Berger to
the Land Conservation Committee. Carried.
Mileage and Per Diem: Motion by Supr. Oemichen, 2nd by Supr.
Bailey to approve totals of $5, 245 .40 for January and $5, 356 .41 for
February, 1996. Carried.
Motion by Supr. Breault, 2nd by Supr. Giese to adjourn. Meeting
adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
Robert M. Boche, Chair Sue E. Nelson
St, Croix County Board of Supervisors St. Croix County Clerk
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