HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-05-2020 Public Protection & Judiciary Minutes
MEETING MINUTES
PUBLIC PROTECTION & JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
November 5, 2020 8:00 AM
Room 1284-County Board Room
St. Croix County Government Center - Room 1284 -
Government Center - 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson,
Wisconsin
NOTICE
Notice: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Public Protection and Judiciary committee
meeting will be available to members and reporting departments on-line, utilizing the Zoom
platform.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived
Cathy Leaf St. Croix County Vice Chair Remote
Paul Berning St. Croix County Supervisor Excused
Bob Feidler St. Croix County Chair Present
Daniel Hansen St. Croix County Supervisor Present
Shelly Tomtschik St. Croix County Supervisor Remote
Others Present: Interim County Administrator Ken Witt, Sheriff Knudson, Medical
Examiner Patty Schachtner, CJCC Coordinator Michael O'Keefe, Judge Scott Needham,
District Attorney Michael Nieskes, meeting organizer Janet Smith.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Public Protection & Judiciary Committee Regular Meeting October 8, 2020 4:00
PM
Hansen/Leaf motion to accept the minutes.
RESULT: ACCEPTED
PUBLIC COMMENT
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Financial Report September 2020
Administrator Ken Witt reported on the Revenues and Expenditures through the end of
September for the reporting departments. Witt pointed out the Routes to Recovery
reimbursements have been included in revenue accounts. All departments are within the
targeted range.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
2. Circuit Court update
Judge Needham invited the members to visit the courtrooms to view the technology
improvements. Two courtrooms are complete with two more to go. It has been a
challenge in the coordination of conduct hearings while continuing the construction.
The courts are working to cover all cases while some staff are out with COVID. Judge
Needham thanked Sheriff Knudson for tour of the jail and the jail staff for the work done
with the inmates with mental health and other special needs. Judge Waterman continues
to work with state representative and surrounding counties to get the CASA program up
and running. Judge Needham reported St. Croix County is about 80% in person hearings
and 20% via Zoom. He thanked the screening at the front door for the ability to conduct
in person hearings.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
3. Community Justice Collaborating Council and Subcommittee Report
CJCC Coordinator Mike O'Keefe reported the CJCC is helping hire a Day Report Center
Triage position. The position will be civilian, budgeted by CJCC. Paid for by the TAD
grant reallocated funds. This will be a contracted position. Working with Justice Point
Inc. out of Milwaukee to assist in filling this position. O'Keefe gave information on
arrests made from January 1st through November 4th. Possession of Meth 82,
possession of THC 40, possession of narcotics 19, heroine 1, cocaine 10, OWI 2nd 18,
OWI 3rd 23, OWI 4th 11, OWI 5th+ 6, Domestic abuse related cases 125. Discussion.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
4. Medical Examiner's Office Update
Medical Examiner Patty Schachtner reviewed the October 2020 report included in the
agenda packet. The department has implemented the backup/coverage plan due to
some staff out with COVID. Schachtner explained some of the increases in case load
is due to aging population, more at home deaths, and cremations. Schachtner will
be working with Sheriff Knudson on the possibility of a forensic center. Discussion.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Traffic Safety Committee report from Traffice Safety committee
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE
Sheriff Scott Knudson thanked District Attorney Michael Nieskes on behalf of the citizens of St.
Croix County and the Public Protection & Judiciary Committee reporting departments. Judge
Needham thanked DA Nieskes for the partnership with the courts for serving justice. Judge
Waterman thanked DA Nieskes for his interest and participation in the Drug Court Program.
Sheriff Knudson presented District Attorney Michael Nieskes with a certificate of appreciation.
District Attorney Nieskes expressed his appreciation for St. Croix County and the work done by
this committee and all the departments.
ADJOURN
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 AM
DATE OF NEXT MEETING - DECEMBER 3, 2020