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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-05-2016 County Board Minutes MINUTES BOARD OF SUPERVISORS January 5, 2016 9:00 AM County Board Room-Government Center 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION OR MOMENT OF SILENCE-LEE PARKS, HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, SOMERSET Moment of silence. PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG ROLL CALL Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived Travis Schachtner St. Croix County Supervisor Absent 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 Present 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: Agnes Ring, Supervisor SECONDER: Christopher Babbitt, Supervisor AYES: 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, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 1. Minutes of Previous Meeting 1. December 1, 2015 9:00 AM 2. Date of Next Meeting - February 2, 2016-9:00 AM 3. Rezonings 1. Rezoning - Town of Richmond - Otto PRESENTATIONS OR RECOGNITIONS 1. Acknowledgement of Bob Heise, Resource Management Administrator County Administrator Patrick Thompson announced the upcoming retirement of Bob Heise and recognized Heise's accomplishments. Heise thanked the County Board. Thompson also announced the retirement of Dave Larson. Both have over 30 years of service to St. Croix County and are employees of the Community Development Department. A retirement celebration is scheduled for January 7th at 2:00 p.m. at Baldwin Ag Center. RESULT: DISCUSSED 2. Employee Recognition-Colleen Linder Thompson recognized Colleen Linder, Health and Human Services (HHS) Administrative Assistant for HHS Director Fred Johnson. Thompson reported Linder took on a project on her own to decorate the new Services Center in New Richmond with artwork from Northwest Passage. Linder explained A New Light is a therapeutic nature photography program at Northwest Passage. RESULT: DISCUSSED APPOINTMENTS 1. Finance Director Appointment - Robert Mittet Thompson reported Mittet has been serving as the interim Finance Director since early in 2015 and provided a brief background. Thompson recommended the appointment of Mittet as Finance Director. Mittet thanked the County Board. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Dave Ostness, Vice Chair SECONDER: William Peavey, Supervisor AYES: 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, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 2. IFLS Appointment - Judith Achterhof Thompson recommended the re-appointment of Supr. Judy Achterhof to the Indianhead Federated Library System. RESULT: APPROVED [16 TO 0] MOVER: David Peterson, Supervisor SECONDER: Jill Ann Berke, Supervisor AYES: 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 ABSTAIN: Judy Achterhof ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber ANNUAL DEPARTMENT REPORTS 1. 2015 County Treasurer Annual Department Report - Laurie Noble Report by County Treasurer Laurie Noble. RESULT: DISCUSSED 2. 2015 County Clerk Annual Department Report - Cindy Campbell Report by County Clerk Cindy Campbell. RESULT: DISCUSSED COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT 1. Financial Reports Thompson summarized the finance reports. Supr. Hansen questioned the Sheriff's Office underspent Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds. RESULT: DISCUSSED BUSINESS 1. Ordinance Repealing and Recreating Chapter 1 – Citation Ordinance – of the St. Croix County Code Corporation Counsel Scott Cox reported updating the citation ordinance was a project taken on by his office and briefly explained the citation procedure and changes. RESULT: ENACTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Dave Ostness, Vice Chair SECONDER: Jill Ann Berke, Supervisor AYES: 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, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 2. Resolution Accepting the Donation of $300,000 for the Therapy Pool and Increase the Health Center Project Budget Supr. Babbitt provided a brief explanation of the therapy pool for the Health Center and recognized Suzanne Van Mele for her time and work in obtaining a grant to fund a portion of the therapy pool. Berke also commended the committee and Van Mele for their work noting this is a rare occasion to have such a proactive member in the community. Applause. Van Mele explained the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation will award $300,000 for the designated purpose of the therapy pool addition and pool. This resolution is presented for consideration to accept the donation of $300,000 for the designated purpose of constructing the therapy pool addition and pool and to increase the project budget to $20,970,000. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ron Kiesler, Supervisor SECONDER: David Peterson, Supervisor AYES: 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, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 3. Resolution Approving Grant Application from the Snowmobile Trail Aids Program Thompson explained this is a requirement by the DNR to authorize the acceptance of funds. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jill Ann Berke, Supervisor SECONDER: Agnes Ring, Supervisor AYES: 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, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 4. Resolution Opposing Senate Bill 326/Assembly Bill 429 Affecting Child Welfare Practice Supr. Babbitt provided a brief explanation of the resolution which requests all interested parties discuss this proposed legislation in greater detail. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Christopher Babbitt, Supervisor SECONDER: Scott Nelson, Supervisor AYES: 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, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 5. Resolution Amending the Human Resources Policies and Procedures Handbook Article 1 Objectives and Scope, Article 3 Classification Plan, Article 6 Salary Administration, and Article 15 Employee Performance Evaluation Supr. Sjoberg highlighted changes relating to Pay for Performance and other changes in light of McGrath's study. Supr. Sjoberg stated this is an improved product for new Human Resources Director. Cox explained the process with the proposed changes focusing on the McGrath study. Motion by Supr. Sjoberg, 2nd by Peterson to amend Article 1.3, last sentence to read: "Each Employee Group Representative shall notify the Human Resources Director of their representative status by January 1 of each year." Amendment carried unanimously. RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Roy Sjoberg, Supervisor SECONDER: Jill Ann Berke, Supervisor AYES: 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, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 6. Resolution to Approve Budget Carry Forwards for 2015 Capital Projects Motion by Supr. Koch, 2nd by Nelson. Explanation of budget carry forward by Thompson noting the request to carry forward $843,609 which includes a 2015 Contingency Fund request of $92,000 for the Fairground water line in which the work is completed but that transaction has not been completed. Mittet recommended changes to some amounts listed on the resolution. Motion by Supr. Ostness, 2nd by Supr. Hansen to change Facilities Parks (original budget $593,600) from $50,000 to $121,341; Park Restroom & Trail Improvements (original budget $183,000) from $115,000 to $146,130; and Highway Wiring & Software (original budget $60,000) from $25,000 to $60,000. Amendment carried unanimously. RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Carah Koch, Supervisor SECONDER: Scott Nelson, Supervisor AYES: 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, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 7. Resolution Approving a Purchasing Policy Thompson explained federal law requires the County to have a purchasing policy in place and effective as of January 1, 2016. Supr. Achterhof requested names be removed in the policy and reflect the department name only. Mittet confirmed the names will be cleaned up. Signatures on contracts will also change. Motion by Supr. Peavey, 2nd by Supr. Brinkman to make the following changes: Page 6 - PURCHASING AGENT should be PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST Page 7 - under Contracting Authority - after the first sentence add, “notwithstanding Wisconsin State Statute Section 83.035, Highway Department contracts.” Page 12 - First paragraph - after second sentence add after municipality “without the prior approval of the Highway Commissioner.” Page 12 - under INDEFINITE QUANTITY CONTRACTS - first sentence - change “one year” to “two years”. Amendment carried unanimously. Discussion. Thompson stated the resolution can be approved today subject to the suggested revisions. Supr. Peavey expressed concerns regarding the Highway Department being in violation in January without having a Purchasing Policy in place. Supr. Berke confirmed this matter will go back to the Administration Committee for further review. Cox stated the resolution can be adopted today so the County is compliant with the understanding it will be on the Administration Committee agenda for further review. RESULT: ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Roy Sjoberg, Supervisor SECONDER: Jill Ann Berke, Supervisor AYES: 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, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 8. Resolution Adopting Changes to the Fund Balance Policy Thompson explained the revised Fund Balance Policy complies with the new definition of fund balance and determination of fund balance levels. Supr. Hansen expressed concerns regarding an unlimited fund balance and establishing a fund balance between 25 and 35 percent. Thompson explained this policy is in compliance with the Government Finance Officers Association and reflects changes which modifies the existing language identifying the threshold for the fund balance to include a targeted minimum of 35 percent. Mittet stated the fund balance is judgment matter how much to tax citizens or keep to protect the county and being prepared for emergencies. Mittet further explained the fund balance takes the county through an economic downturn, disasters, catastrophic losses, and determines bonding rating. Supr. Sjoberg explained the policy uses the "target" if fund balance significantly exceeds the percentage of target the County Administrator will bring it to our attention. Supr. Hansen stated he does not see reason to be above 35 percent and is unfair to taxpayers and goes against fair taxation. Mittet explained in 2014 the unassigned fund balance was up by $1.2 million or 49 percent. During 2015, the county funded $2.2 million in Capital Improvement Projects from the fund balance which brought the fund balance down. Mittet estimated by the end of 2016, the fund balance will be at 43 percent which equates to $3 million over a 35 percent target. RESULT: ADOPTED [15 TO 2] MOVER: Roy Sjoberg, Supervisor SECONDER: Ron Kiesler, Supervisor AYES: Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Carah Koch, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Ron Kiesler, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried NAYS: Daniel Hansen, William Peavey ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 9. Resolution Designating Office of Corporation Counsel as Representative of the Public Interest in Termination of Parental Rights Cases Cox explained this is a requirement by State Statutes noting the last designation by the County Board designated the District Attorney's office. Cox confirmed he has the staffing to do this. Supr. Babbitt explained there are very few cases. Cox confirmed last year there was one case and they currently have three. RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Christopher Babbitt, Supervisor SECONDER: Ron Kiesler, Supervisor AYES: 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, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 10. 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. Ostness, 2nd by Supr. Peterson to approve. Thompson explained since this resolution was reviewed by the Administration Committee, staff has looked at other funding alternatives for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and would recommend to postpone this resolution. The Administration Committee will hear from staff regarding the possibility of a State Trust Fund Loan to fund the CIP rather then General Obligation Bonds. Thompson confirmed the resolution for bonding $10,000,000 for the Health Center will addressed at the February County Board meeting. Thompson anticipates along with sale of $10,000,000, he will also have a resolution authorizing the application for a State Trust Fund Loan for $5,000,000 for CIP. Motion by Supr. Sjoberg, 2nd by Supr. Hansen to indefinitely postpone further action on the motion. Supr. Sjoberg explained for the purpose of securing funding for the Health Center authorized last year, and also have an avenue to authorize needed funding for the CIP through another funding source. Supr. Berke confirmed the CIP will be thoroughly reviewed in terms of priority by the Administration Committee. Discussion regarding the State Trust Fund. Mittet stated the current interest rate quote is 3.25% which has a 60-day rate lock. RESULT: POSTPONED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Roy Sjoberg, Supervisor SECONDER: Daniel Hansen, Supervisor AYES: 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, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 11. Resolution Approving County Administrator Temporary Succession Policy Supr. Kiesler asked if there would there be a conflict of interest if Corporation Counsel served as second in command and as corporation counsel. Cox confirmed there is no statutory provision which prohibits this. If needed, the Corporation Counsel could step- down temporarily if a conflict occurs. RESULT: ADOPTED [16 TO 1] MOVER: Jill Ann Berke, Supervisor SECONDER: Dave Ostness, Vice Chair AYES: Agnes Ring, Christopher Babbitt, Howard Novotny, Roy Sjoberg, Carah Koch, Scott Nelson, Jill Ann Berke, Dave Ostness, Roger Larson, Daniel Hansen, Andy Brinkman, David Peterson, Paulette Anderson, Judy Achterhof, Shaela Leibfried, William Peavey NAYS: Ron Kiesler ABSENT: Travis Schachtner, Chris Kilber 12. Consideration of the Need for an Assistant County Administrator Position Supr. Kiesler explained at the December 2015 County Board meeting, he requested this matter be placed on the agenda noting the position of Assistant County Administrator (ACA) was to go into effect January 1, 2016. Supr. Kiesler stated the position is currently open and the job description was not approved by the Administration Committee on a 3 to 1 vote. Kiesler added he has heard from his constituents regarding the negative newspaper articles questioning its need and cost of this position. Kiesler noted the new Human Resources Director could weigh-in on the position and added review of the job duties of staff in the Administration Suite has not recently been done. Motion by Supr. Kiesler, 2nd by Supr. Hansen to terminate all recruitment efforts of the Assistant County Administrator position and to send this position back to the Administration Committee for review and approval along with a job description. Thompson clarified there has been no recruitment efforts for this position. The job description is a product of the unified compensation classification study which was approved by the County Board. The job descriptions are in the process of being completed by McGrath and this was one to review. Thompson added the proposed job description came from McGrath which he reviewed and added his input. Thompson stated the Administration Committee does not approve job descriptions and will not be approving the other job descriptions modified by McGrath. Thompson felt it was appropriate for the Administration Committee to review the ACA job description and provide input. Thompson suggested this matter be referred back to the Administration Committee noting the Human Resources Director will do additional research on the job description for the ACA position. Cox explained the Chair may automatically refer this matter back to the Administration Committee or a motion which requires a two-thirds vote to suspend the rules in order to consider this matter because this was an item that did not come through the standing committee. Supr. Kiesler stated either accomplishes the same goal. Chair Larson referred the matter back to the Administration Committee. RESULT: NO ACTION Next: 2/2/2016 9:00 AM REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Supr. Kiesler stated pursuant to the Rules and Bylaws the Administration Committee needs to review the Board of Supervisors Rules and Bylaws in January. COUNTY CLERK'S REPORT OF CORRESPONDENCE AND REZONING REQUESTS None. ANNOUNCEMENTS ADJOURNMENT 11:50 a.m.