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Home My WebLink About02-09-2018 Public Protection & Judiciary Minutes MEETING MINUTES PUBLIC PROTECTION & JUDICIARY COMMITTEE February 9, 2018 8:00 AM County Board Room-Government Center County Board Room - 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived Andy Brinkman St. Croix County Chair Present Christopher Babbitt St. Croix County Supervisor Present Roger Larson St. Croix County Supervisor Present Scott Nelson St. Croix County Vice Chair Present Judy Achterhof St. Croix County Supervisor Present Others present; Operations Manager Ken Witt, Emergency Support Services Director Stephen T'Kach, Emergency Communications Manager Terry Andersen, Medical Examiner Patty Schachtner, Community Justice Collaborating Council Coordinator Mike O'Keefe, Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Cathy Borgschatz, District Attorney Mike Nieskes, meeting organizer Janet Smith. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Public Protection & Judiciary Committee – Regular Meeting – January 12, 2018 8:00 AM RESULT: ACCEPTED PUBLIC COMMENT BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Financial Report Operations Manager Ken Witt presented the financial reports through December 2017. There remains some expenses yet to be posted and grant receipts to be received for 2017. RESULT: DISCUSSED 2. 9-1-1 Infrastructure Phase II Emergency Support Services Director Stephen T'Kach and Emergency Communications Manager Terry Andersen presented an update on the Phase II Infrastructure project. T'Kach reported a decision has not been made to continue or end the exploration of building a tower in Houlton. The possible financial partners will be given a dead line of February to come forth. The project to date is under budget. Consultant PSC has been paid $500,000 which contains pass through costs. T'Kach will work on getting those breakdown by the next committee meeting date. The expenditures of the project hopefully will be complete by the end of the second quarter. Chair Brinkman reported that this project started in 2012 with bids. Discussion. RESULT: DISCUSSED 3. Medical Examiner Report Medical Examiner Patty Schachtner showed the cover of the Wisconsin Counties magazine which highlights the state's coroner offices. The Forensic pathologist in Columbia county has quit to go to Milwaukee. Leaving a large portion of the state without a Forensic Pathologist. The entire United States has approximately 50 people graduating with certified forensic pathology degrees. Out of those 50 only 25 stay in the united stated. This shortage of pathologists means an autopsy result could take as long as six months. Dr. McGee visited the ME's current office space and noted we are setup for the future. He stated St. Croix county has prepared for the future and could possibly develop a regional office and support our own Forensic Pathologist to serve our area. Schachtner encourages the committee to begin thinking about how St. Croix county is going to address the issue of increased autopsies. In 2016 St. Croix County had 16 autopsies in 2017 there were 40. Schachtner projects in 2020 there will be close to 50 autopsies. Schachtner asked for the committee's approval to explore options with the Sheriff's Office, District Attorney's Office and County Administration. All elderly, at home population and unexpected deaths are investigated, some of those are autopsied. Drug deaths are autopsied. Each autopsy is $1,400.00 basic price. Brinkman requests Schachtner speak with Administrator Thompson to define the scope and bring back a resolution (if needed). Schachtner expressed her concern in planning and being prepared to handle the unexpected. Discussion on touring the Medical Examiner building. RESULT: DISCUSSED 4. Community Justice Collaborating Council (CJCC) Community Justice Collaborating Counsel Coordinator Mike O'Keefe updated the committee on the TAD grant. The final $45,000 grant reimbursement was received for 2017. This payment closes out the grant $135,000 for 2017. Included in the agenda packet is the CJCC subcommittee report. The CJCC meets six times a year and the seven subcommittees try to meet on those off months to make recommendations to the main committee. RESULT: DISCUSSED 5. Annual Jail Inspection and Day Report Center tour At 8:35 AM the committee met in the jail lobby area. Chief Deputy Borgschatz, Interim Captain Gary Simacek, Lieutenent Shiela Kingsbury and Interim Lieutenent Kris Anderson led the committee through the jail and the Day Report Center. Discussion was held throughout the tour. RESULT: DISCUSSED REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE Chief Deputy Cathy Borgschatz announced the Attorney General will be here at 11:45 this morning to discuss the operation last week in conjunction with multiple agencies; Hudson Police Department, River Falls Police Department, New Richmond Police Department and the Department of Criminal Investigations. There were two days with two separate operations the first day was related to Human Trafficking, the second day was internet crimes against children. Committee recessed for 10 minutes and reconvened at the jail lobby for the tour. Supervisor Larson was excused. DATE OF NEXT MEETING ADJOURN COMMITTE WILL ADJOURN AFTER THE JAIL INSPECTION The February meeting of the Public Protection and Judiciary committee was adjourned at 10:14 AM.