HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-02-2014 County Board Minutes MINUTES
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
September 2, 2014 9:00 AM
County Board Room - Government Center
1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION-KEVIN HANKE, BETH IMMANUEL, HUDSON
PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived
Travis Schachtner St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Agnes Ring St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Christopher Babbitt St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Howard Novotny St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Roy Sjoberg St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Stephen Nielsen St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Chris Kilber St. Croix County Supervisor Absent
Scott Nelson St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Jill Ann Berke St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Dave Ostness St. Croix County Vice Chair Present
Roger Larson St. Croix County Chair Present
Daniel Hansen St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Ron Kiesler St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Andy Brinkman St. Croix County Supervisor Late 9:43 AM
David Peterson St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Paulette Anderson St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Judy Achterhof St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Shaela Leibfried St. Croix County Supervisor Present
William Peavey St. Croix County Supervisor Present
CONSENT AGENDA
(Unless separation of an item is requested, all will be adopted in one motion.)
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Dave Ostness, Vice Chair
SECONDER: William Peavey, Supervisor
AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard
Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Stephen Nielsen, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann
Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler,
David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Judy Achterhof, Shaela
Leibfried, William Peavey
ABSENT: Chris Kilber, Andy Brinkman
1. Minutes Approval
August 5, 2014 9:00 AM
2. Date of Next Meeting - October 7, 2014 - 9:00 A.M.
3. Rezonings
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA*
None.
ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS
1. Circuit Court Judges and Family Court Commissioner Annual Report - September 2014
Present: Judge Lundell, Judge Needham, Judge Cameron, Court Commissioner Tim
Heckman and Family Court Commissioner Stephen Dunlap, Acting Clerk of Court Kristi
Severson, Register in Probate Ericka Nelson and Community Justice Collaborating Council
(CJCC) Coordinator Mike O'Keefe
Judge Lundell introduced the current judges and highlighted judgeship history, staffing and
case load. Judge Lundell introduced Acting Clerk of Court Kristi Severson. Severson
highlighted Clerk of Court annual report. Judge Lundell reported on the future need for a
fifth Circuit Court but noted there are only four courtrooms. Judge Lundell highlighted
Drug Court activities and the difference it makes. He commended Judge Vlack and Amber
Perry for their work with the Drug Court program and highlighted the Juvenile Treatment
Court. Judge Lundell introduced Register in Probate Ericka Nelson who summarized the
duties of the Register in Probate office. Judge Lundell highlighted Community Justice
Collaborating Council (CJCC) and introduced Mike O'Keefe as the CJCC Coordinator.
O'Keefe highlighted CJCC activities and duties. Judge Lundell thanked the County Board
and County Administrator Patrick Thompson for their support.
Family Court Commissioner Steve Dunlap and Court Commissioner Tim Heckman
summarized their duties and case load. Judge Needham reported on his duties as Chief
Judge of the 10th Judicial District and noted the approval of 2015 circuit court support grant.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
2. Register in Probate Annual Department Report - September 2014
Register in Probate Ericka Nelson highlighted the duties of the Register in Probate office.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
3. Clerk of Court Annual Department Report - September 2014
Acting Clerk of Court Kristi Severson summarized the annual report for the Clerk of Circuit
Court and described the various duties of the Clerk of Court office, highlighting the recent
implementation of e-filing.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
PRESENTATIONS OR RECOGNITIONS
Employee Recognition
Thompson recognized the following:
Health and Wellness/Picnic Committee: Cari Leu, Jill Beskar, Jode Frick Formiller,
Julie Nelson, Justin Townsend, Kelly Schroeder, Kris Anderson, Liza Gibson, Mary
Hofland, Mike Traynor, Sue Lindberg, Tammy Funk, Teresa Kvam, Jeff Klatt, Terrie
Vold, Jodi Malmgren, Jackie Montreal, Miss Zopp. The mission of the Health &
Wellness Committee is to empower St Croix County employees and their families to live
a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Citizen Board Member: Leon Berenschot for his years of service on the County Board,
Health and Human Services Board and various other committees from 1996 to 2014.
Register of Deeds Department: Beth Pabst, Sandi Hanson, Rachel Trudell, Kristin
Granberg, Amy Sabelko
Recognizing the Register of Deeds Department for the recording the one millionth real estate
document for St. Croix County.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
APPOINTMENTS
Appointment of Michael O'Keefe as the Community Justice Collaboration Council
Coordinator
County Administrator Patrick Thompson recommended the appointment of Mike O'Keefe
as CJCC Coordinator. Thompson reported on O'Keefe's employment background.
Thompson requested the support of the County Board for this appointment.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Andy Brinkman, Supervisor
SECONDER: Ron Kiesler, Supervisor
AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard
Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Stephen Nielsen, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann
Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler,
Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Judy
Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey
ABSENT: Chris Kilber
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
Thompson reported on the process of working through the 2015 budget requests. HHS Board
created a subcommittee looking at the Health Center projects - nine companies responded to the
RFP. The intent is to interview four companies. Thompson recognized Paulette Anderson, Shaela
Liebfried and Deb Rasmussen (HHS Board members) as well as Dan Hansen, Roy Sjoberg and
Dave Ostness who serve on this subcommittee. Thompson recognized Achterhof and Sjoberg
members of the Staff Advisory Subcommittee and their work on the employee handbook.
Thompson noted a vacancy on the HHS Board citizen membership and is in the process of
recruiting to fill this vacancy noting a deadline of September 12th to submit applications to
Thompson.
Financial Reports
No questions.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
1. An Ordinance Adopting Amended Zoning District Maps for 17 of 21 St. Croix County,
WI Towns
Ring provided an overview of the process and ordinance. She reported 17 towns stayed in
county zoning; 4 opted out. Ring commended Community Development Department
(CDD) staff and the towns for their work. Ring introduced CDD Director Ellen Denzer and
Amanda Engesether as project leader.
RESULT: ENACTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Agnes Ring, Supervisor
SECONDER: Daniel Hansen, Supervisor
AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard
Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Stephen Nielsen, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann
Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler,
Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Judy
Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey
ABSENT: Chris Kilber
2. Resolution to Support Regulation of E-Cigarettes
Babbitt provided a background on this issue.
RESULT: ADOPTED [17 TO 0]
MOVER: Christopher Babbitt, Supervisor
SECONDER: Judy Achterhof, Supervisor
AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard
Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann Berke, Dave
Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler, Andy
Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Judy Achterhof,
Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey
ABSTAIN: Stephen Nielsen
ABSENT: Chris Kilber
3. Resolution to Support Local Control and Health Impact Assessment on Frac Sand Mining
Motion by Babbitt, 2nd by Schachtner. Babbitt provided a history and indicated the HHS
Board requested City of Glenwood City delay the annexation agreement to allow time to
review the public health implications of the frac sand mines. The HHS Board felt its
important St. Croix County Board go on record in supporting local control such as frac sand
mining. Discussion regarding local control. Berke suggested after the fall election to invite
St. Croix County legislators to have an open discussion at a County Board meeting to
discuss the core issue of control. Schachtner expressed concerns regarding the impact of the
mines to infrastructure.
RESULT: ADOPTED [16 TO 2]
MOVER: Christopher Babbitt, Supervisor
SECONDER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor
AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard
Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann Berke, Dave
Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler, David
Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried,
William Peavey
NAYS: Stephen Nielsen, Andy Brinkman
ABSENT: Chris Kilber
4. Resolution to Approve a Finance Position Upgrade
Thompson reported this resolution was endorsed by the Administration Committee to fill
and upgrade a vacant position in the Finance Department to a lead worker. Finance Director
Tabatha Hansen confirmed there are sufficient funds in the 2014 to fund this position and
estimated $1,400 for the remainder of 2014 budget. Hansen provided a brief background for
the need of this upgrade.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor
SECONDER: Ron Kiesler, Supervisor
AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard
Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Stephen Nielsen, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann
Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler,
Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Judy
Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey
ABSENT: Chris Kilber
5. Resolution Supporting Maintaining the Existing County Administrator Form of
Government
Schachtner provided a background of this resolution noting the Human Resource (HR)
Employee Handbook was revised based on the current form of governance. Sjoberg spoke
in favor of maintaining the County Administrator form of governance and commended the
work of County Administrator Thompson's willingness to listen and address concerns.
Sjoberg acknowledged receipt of a letter from Norm Matzek emailed to all County
Supervisors and requested this letter be made part of record. Sjoberg acknowledged HR
Director Tammy Funk and Corporation Counsel Paralegal Kathy Spott for their work on
revisions to the HR Handbook which includes provisions for checks and balances. Sjoberg
reported on the need to address the County Board Rules and Bylaws.
Berke reported she did not support the resolution and feels Administrative Coordinator form
of government is a better fit for St. Croix County. She requested to be part of the review and
modification of the Rules and Bylaws task force. Schachtner expressed the need to keep the
County Administrator accountable which must be done through the will of the full County
Board.
RESULT: ADOPTED [16 TO 2]
MOVER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor
SECONDER: Daniel Hansen, Supervisor
AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard
Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Stephen Nielsen, Dave Ostness, Roger
Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David
Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried,
William Peavey
NAYS: Scott Nelson, Jill Ann Berke
ABSENT: Chris Kilber
6. Resolution Amending the Human Resources Policies and Procedures Handbook
Schachtner highlighted one of the major changes to the HR Employee Handbook is the
requirement for any changes be brought before the Administration Committee and County
Board for action. Schachtner commended Sjoberg and Achterhof for their work with the
staff advisory committee. Sjoberg reported goals in revising the handbook included
defining roles, adding an employee group representative, and putting checks and balances in
place. The pay grid will be reviewed annually which meets our goal of employee
confidence and treating all employees alike. Sjoberg briefly reported on P4P noting not
everything is in place yet. Sjoberg commended the work done by staff advisory committee
and Kathy Spott.
Corporation Counsel Scott Cox highlighted the changes noting the revision provides more
accountability and a balance of power. Review of articles by Cox including a detailed
review of the grievance procedure. Funk highlighted overtime and how it applies to
employees. Funk thanked the members of the Staff Advisory Committee.
Liebfried requested clarification for Health Center employees and being part of P4P. Funk
stated it's the intention to get Health Center staff in a full P4P cycle in May 2015.
Discussion regarding pay grids, employee engagement, harassment policy.
RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor
SECONDER: Jill Ann Berke, Supervisor
AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard
Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Stephen Nielsen, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann
Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler,
Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Judy
Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey
ABSENT: Chris Kilber
COUNTY CLERK'S REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE AND REZONING REQUESTS
No correspondence.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Cox clarified federal law does not require a board member to give a reason to abstain.
Babbitt confirmed the request to put Norm Matzek's letter into the meeting's records. Chair Larson
asked if there were any objections to placing the Matzek letter in the record. Nielsen objected
requesting names and identification of any political action committee involvement. Motion by
Sjoberg, 2nd by Berke to introduce the letter into the record. Carried (Yes - 16; No - 1 - Nielsen;
Abstention - 1 - Brinkman).
ADJOURNMENT
1:03 pm