HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-01-2021 Public Protection & Judiciary Minutes
MEETING MINUTES
PUBLIC PROTECTION & JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
July 1, 2021 8:00 AM
St. Croix County Government Center -Room 1284
Government Center -1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Attendee NameOrganizationTitleStatusArrived
Daniel HansenSt. Croix CountySupervisorExcused
Bob FeidlerSt. Croix CountyChairPresent
Cathy LeafSt. Croix CountyVice ChairPresent
Paul BerningSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent
Shelly TomtschikSt. Croix CountySupervisorPresent
Others present; Sheriff Scott Knudson, Judge Scott Needham, Medical Examiner Patty
Schachtner, County Administrator Ken Witt, Clerk of Court Kristi Severson, Child Support
Administrator Lisa Plunkett, meeting organizer Janet Smith.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.Public Protection & Judiciary Committee Regular Meeting June 3, 20218:00 AM
Minutes are accepted by Supervisor Berning/Supervisor Tomtchik motion.
RESULT:ACCEPTED
PUBLIC COMMENT
BUSINESS ITEMS
1.Financial Report for May 2021
County Administrator Ken Witt reported on the year to date (included in this agenda
packer).
RESULT: DISCUSSED
2. Review Capital Improvement Plan
County Administrator Ken Witt reviewed FY22 through FY26 CIP projects: Blue font
indicates previously on plan but changes were made to the project, red font indicates a
new project, black font no changes. Discussion on the Body Camera project for the
Sheriff's Office. Possible projects that could be eligible for the AARPA program are
flagged in the report.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
3. Circuit Court update
Judge Needham reported the Register in Probate, Ericka Nelson, has submitted her
retirement notification and her last day is August 15, 2021. Needham, recognized the
good work Ericka has done for the courts and St. Croix County. There were five
applicants for the Register in Probate position. An offer will need to be approved from
the Chief Judge and then given to the applicant. Staffing issues in Courts, District
Attorney's and Sheriff's Office continues to be a concern. The Public Defender's office is
also working with at staffing level around 50%. The Day Report Center (DRC) continues
to be at a reduced testing level. The Courts, Sheriff and County Administrator have all
met with Justice Services Director to discuss the future of DRC. Judge Nordstrand
has accepted the duties of leading the Drug Court program.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
4. Introduction of Justice Services Director
Susan Caparelli, Justice Services Director spoke on her first 8 days.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
5. Staffing in the Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Scott Knudson reported on the staffing issues. Most concerning now is the jail
which is down by 13 positions. The jail is unique as there are female/male staff
requirements. Researching on how to use different/unique ways for recruiting
personnel. Chair Feidler requests the Sheriff create a wish list of what is needed in the
Sheriff's Office not only filling empty slots.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
6. Medical Examiner's Office Update
Medical Examiner Patty Schachtner reported her department is also in need of personnel.
Schachtner reported her department will need to plan for the future. If she were to hire
at contract she would consider hiring for the day shift she covers (6a-6p). ME is a fully
contracted department, the program coordinator is part-time. The c ase load has
increased about 20% as of July 1st. Projecting 981 cases in 2021, hospice up 30%,
investigations down 7%, autopsies up 27% and cremation permits are up 13%.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
7. Discussion of 2nd On-Call Medical Examiner
The 2nd on-call position will be addressed within the 2022 Budget process.
RESULT: DISCUSSED
REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Jail Inspection is tentatively scheduled for August PPJ meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE
None
ADJOURN
8:51 AM Adjourned
DATE OF NEXT MEETING - AUGUST 5, 2021