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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-2015 County Board Minutes MINUTES BOARD OF SUPERVISORS December 1, 2015 9:00 AM County Board Room-Government Center 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION OR MOMENT OF SILENCE - CHAPLAIN KEVIN HANKE, TRANSPORT FOR CHRIST 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 Carah Koch 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 Present David Peterson St. Croix County Supervisor Present Paulette Anderson St. Croix County Supervisor Present Judy Achterhof St. Croix County Supervisor Absent Shaela Leibfried St. Croix County Supervisor Present William Peavey St. Croix County Supervisor Present PUBLIC COMMENT None CONSENT AGENDA (Unless separation of an item is requested, all will be adopted in one motion.) RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Christopher Babbitt, Supervisor SECONDER: Andy Brinkman, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Carah Koch, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Chris Kilber, Judy Achterhof 1. Minutes of Previous Meeting November 3, 2015 9:00 AM 2. Date of Next Meeting - January 5, 2016 - 9:00 A.M. 3. Rezonings - none PRESENTATIONS OR RECOGNITIONS 1. Presentation by Dr. Logan Kelly, UW-River Falls: November 2015 St. Croix Valley Economic Dashboard Economic Development Corporation Director Bill Rubin introduced Dr. Logan Kelly, Center for Economic Research, Associate Professor - College of Business and Economics and a member of graduate faculty at University of Wisconsin River Falls who presented the Dashboard of the St. Croix Valley Center for the Economic Research. Dr. Kelly reported the Dashboard is published monthly and is a snapshot of the economic condition of the labor, consumer and housing markets in the four county St. Croix Valley. RESULT: DISCUSSED 2. Recognition of “The Bridge” Strategic Team County Administrator Pat Thompson reported in an effort to improve internal communications and staff productivity, a strategic team was established to replace the County's intranet and recognized "The Bridge" Strategic Team for this accomplishment. Recognized were: Annette Massie, Renee Peterson, Kristen Ziliak, Monica Lucht, Colleen Krohn, Elizabeth Rohl and John Allegro. RESULT: DISCUSSED 3. Recognition of Avatar Implementation Committee Thompson recognized the Avatar Implementation Committee that implemented Behavioral Health Electronic Health Record system. Recognized were: Kim Dupre, Kathy Huston, Julie Krings, Tammy Wilson, Steve Kirt, Fay Strenke, Andrew Grant, David Huebsch, Dawn Campbell, Janine Seifert, Jenna Clark, Sara Van Driel, Jennie Bowers, Jessi Sterba, Judy Fall, Kristin Deprey, Kristin Newton, Lisa Waalen, Nancy Peabody, Pam Estes and Nicole Sina. RESULT: DISCUSSED APPOINTMENTS 1. Appointments to County Library Planning Committee Chair Larson announced action on the appointments will take place after action on the resolution regarding the County Library Planning Committee Membership. Chair Larson recommended appointing Suprs. Sjoberg, Achterhof, and Ostness, and library directors Krissa Coleman (Hazel Mackin Community Library, Roberts) and Nancy Miller (River Falls Public Library). RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor SECONDER: Howard Novotny, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Carah Koch, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Chris Kilber, Judy Achterhof 2. Appointment of Human Resources Director- Heather Murray Thompson introduced Heather Murray as the St. Croix County Human Resources Director. Thompson reported on the hiring process and Murray's background. Murray's start date is December 29, 2015. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor SECONDER: Roy Sjoberg, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Carah Koch, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Chris Kilber, Judy Achterhof ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS 1. District Attorney and Victim Witness Annual Report - Eric Johnson District Attorney Eric Johnson summarized the annual report for the District Attorney and Victim/Witness Departments. Johnson introduced Ed Minser, a recent hire in the District Attorney's office who is the resident drug prosecutor. Minser reported on the drug programs and what the District Attorney's office does to address these issues. Minser reviewed current drug-related cases and reported he intends to take a more active role to work on solutions. Minser also serves on Community Justice Collaborating Counsel in St. Croix County (CJCC). RESULT: DISCUSSED 2. Child Support Dept Annual Report - Chad Wolske Child Support Director Chad Wolske highlighted the Child Support annual department report. Wolske noted former Child Support Director Katy Kapaun received the Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement Association's Hall of Fame award in October. In the last two years St. Croix County Child Support has received high standards. Wolske introduced his staff. Present - Heather Gensen, Lisa Dewaele, Lisa Plunkett, Pam Dabruzzi, Tracy Bray and Sherry Martinson. Applause. RESULT: DISCUSSED 3. Sheriff / Jail Annual Report - John Shilts Sheriff Office and Jail annual department report by Sheriff John Shilts. Shilts highlighted drug issues in St. Croix County. Shilts reported the District Attorney's office ended the Stop Drugs poster program, but his Chief Deputy Scott Knutson has volunteered to continue with the program. Applause. RESULT: DISCUSSED 4. Emergency Support Services Annual Report - Stephen T'Kach Emergency Services Interim Director Stephen T'Kach summarized the annual department report for Emergency Support Services Department which includes Emergency Communications and Emergency Management. T'Kach reported the Phase II project is moving forward on time. T'Kach introduced Kristen Sailer, Emergency Management Coordinator and Terry Andersen, Emergency Communications Coordinator. RESULT: DISCUSSED 5. Medical Examiner's Annual Report - Patty Schachtner Medical Examiner Patty Schachtner summarized the Medical Examiner's annual department report. Schachtner highlighted suicide prevention and the need for an increase in public awareness to include education of preventable deaths in St. Croix County. Schachtner responded to questions regarding drug-related deaths. RESULT: DISCUSSED COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Financial Reports Thompson highlighted the Financial Report through October 2015. RESULT: DISCUSSED BUSINESS 1. Resolution Accepting the Donation of a Used Van to the St. Croix County Health Center Health Center Administrator Sandy Hackenmueller reported how the van will be used in the therapy department. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Christopher Babbitt, Supervisor SECONDER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Carah Koch, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Chris Kilber, Judy Achterhof 2. Resolution Amending the Rules and Bylaws of the Board of Supervisors, St. Croix County, regarding the County Library Planning Committee Membership Supr. Sjoberg explained the reason for the reconsideration of the membership composition by reducing the number of library directors from all St. Croix County library directors to two due to open meeting laws for governmental entities. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Roy Sjoberg, Supervisor SECONDER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Carah Koch, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Chris Kilber, Judy Achterhof 3. Resolution Amending the Human Resources Policies and Procedures Handbook Article 10 Employee Benefits - Personal Time Off (PTO) Motion by Supr. Schachtner, 2nd by Supr. Berke to approve. Explanation by Supr. Schachtner noting the IRS challenge of the County's tax treatment of the Paid Time Off (PTO) payout provision in the employee handbook. This resolution discontinues the current Annual PTO payout immediately and modifies the related language in the handbook. Supr. Schachtner reported the County is challenging the IRS ruling on this matter. Motion by Supr. Schachtner, 2nd by Supr. Kiesler to amend the resolution on line 65 by removing "December" and replacing with "July"; and changing line 68 by removing the word "not" and adding after pro-rated "to 24 hours". Corporation Counsel Cox explained staff met after the Administration Committee approved the resolution and determined that in order to be consistent with our current policy that part-time employees are able to cash-in 24 hours so distinguishing between full and part-time employees in the same manner they are currently distinguished with, and because of the fact that it would be reduced to 24-hours, all employees would accrue that amount of time earlier in the year for an earlier cash out. Cox confirmed he reviewed this with the tax attorney who approved the changes. Amendment carried unanimously. Supr. Nelson expressed concerns regarding requesting payout in December and then the payout occurring in the following year. Cox responded if the County continues to payout that way, the County could be subject to penalties, and the employer paying the employer withholding tax. Cox stated the issue is constructive receipt. An employee cannot collect something they have already earned and if it's an election it has to be done in time prior to the earning of the potential benefit. Discussion. Supr. Berke indicated the Administration Committee will consider this when the County gets the ruling from the IRS. RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor SECONDER: Jill Ann Berke, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Carah Koch, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Chris Kilber, Judy Achterhof 4. Resolution Authorizing the Borrowing of not to Exceed $5,000,000; and Providing for the Issuance and Sale of General Obligation Bonds Therefor Motion by Supr. Schachtner, 2nd by Supr. Sjoberg to approve. Supr. Novotny questioned implications on interest rates and the loan for the Health Center if we add on an additional $5,000,000. Motion by Supr. Sjoberg, 2nd by Supr. Novotny to amend the resolution on line 21 to add after Section 2. Sale of the Bonds. During the calendar year 2017, the The County Finance… Corporation Counsel Cox stated if bond counsel had an issue with this amendment, it could be revisited next month. Discussion regarding 2016 bonding for the Health Center. Finance Director Bob Mittet reported the County does not have the funds to pay for all identified improvements in 2016 without the bonding. Mittet added this resolution authorizes the borrowing, the County Board will still have to vote on the sale of the bonds. He added if given the passage then the County Board may determine the timing of the sale of the two sets of bonds. Discussion regarding funding the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) identified and splitting the bonding for the Health Center and CIP or combining the Health Center bonding of $10,000,000 with the CIP bonding. Mittet stated if County bonds over $10,000,000 in a calendar year, the County borrowing becomes “not bank qualified” which requires bond sales to a larger market resulting in higher costs. Discussion regarding sending this matter back to committee for review and decide if items can wait until 2017 and funding Phase II using fund balance. Mittet stated the fund balance could be used by doing a reimbursement resolution. He cautioned the needed additional funding for the Health Center beyond the $20,000,000 for the geothermal and other items. He also cautioned the use of fund balance for these projects. Supr. Sjoberg summarized the amount authorized by the County Board may not be the amount sold. In 2016, the County Board may authorize $15,000,000, but is not required to sell $15,000,000. Mittet confirmed the County Board previously authorized $20,000,000, but it is only based on what it chooses to sell. Based on that information, Supr. Sjoberg withdrew his motion to amend. There were no objections from Supr. Novotny or the board members. Supr. Nelson questioned the priorities of the CIP borrowing and expressed concerns regarding this bonding interfering with the Health Center project. Supr. Nelson asked which projects listed are also included in the 2016 budget. Mittet responded five projects are included in the operating budget because of the nature of the projects listing the following items: County Board thin client replacement, facilities equipment, and squad cars and park vehicles which do not qualify for bonding. Three-Quarters vote of entire membership of County Board is necessary (15). RESULT: DEFEATED [11 TO 6] MOVER: Travis Schachtner, Supervisor SECONDER: Roy Sjoberg, Supervisor AYES: Travis Schachtner, Agnes Ring, Howard Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Carah Koch, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, William Peavey NAYS: Christopher Babbitt, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann Berke, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, Shaela Leibfried ABSENT: Chris Kilber, Judy Achterhof REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Supr. Hansen requested consideration of a referendum in St. Croix County in opposition of case law of Citizens Unite. This would give St. Croix County the chance to speak against the gross amount of money which is in politics. Chair Larson referred this matter to the Administration Committee. COUNTY CLERK'S REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE AND REZONING REQUESTS County Clerk Cindy Campbell reminded County Supervisors of the candidacy papers deadlines. ANNOUNCEMENTS Supr. Ring reminded County Supervisors of the Legislative Forum scheduled for December 8, 2015 at WITC in New Richmond. Supr. Ostness wished everyone happy holidays and to drive safe. ADJOURNMENT 12:40 PM