Meeting started promptly at 7:00 and ended at 8:35. 55 minutes of Special Matters and Announcements, 40 minutes of business.
A. ROLL CALL – Excuse Supervisors Hampton and Richmond [Announced on the Agenda]
Stubbs, Veldran, Downing, Rusk, Schmidt, Erickson, Wiganowsky all also absent.
Chair McDonell announced 27 present – 10 absent and Hampton, Richmond, Rusk and Wiggy are all excused. [I missed one of the absenses because the County Clerk doesn’t repeat the roll call and it is hard to hear who says they are here.]
1. Prayer/Inspirational Message – Supervisor Stubbs (Veldran next)
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Supervisor Veldran
Stubbs not there, so Chair McDonell had them rise and recite the pledge.
B. SPECIAL MATTERS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Dane County Lakes and Watersheds State of the Waters Presentation
– Sue Jones, Office of Lakes & Watersheds Coordinator
Talks about Take a Stake in the Lakes events and other projects that they worked on in the last year: Turville Bay Research Project to try to get more native plant growth, Aquatic Invasive Species Planning, Municpal Storm Water Partnership including salt use recommendations, myfairlakes.com activities, working on activities in the Memorandum of Understanding with others to clean up the lakes, working plan to deal with nutrients and sediment, etc.
– Dane County Lakes & Watersheds 2009 Waters Champions Recognition
Jones introduced the three individual honorees.
2. Dane County Housing Authority Presentation – Supervisor Bayrd
Kate Nardi from the Dane County Housing Authority share information about foreclosures and what activities they are working on.
– In 2008 there was a 50% increase in foreclosures
– From 2008 to 2009 there was a 39% increase for the first quarter according to information that comes from CCAP (court records) and the UW
– In May of this year foreclosures increased 20% over last year with 650 court filings this year and 543 in 2008
– She explains that the 650 filings don’t represent the struggles that the families are facing
– Nardi explained that the Housing Authority is the HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency, they get HUD funding for their activities.
– In addition to trying to help people in foreclosure, they also try to support people before the foreclosure is filed.
– They serve City and County residents. 60% county, 40% city.
– They also have HCRI funding to help 14 households and FEMA funding to help 15 households if no job which is the 2nd wave of funding.
– They educate people about the legal process, talk to them about alternatives, go to court as advocates as well.
– She talked about local lawyers crafting a local rule for the court system that would require mediation in foreclosure cases.
– She said that they have a Pay for Performance Contract to pay for staff to work on the cases and they are one of the few who respond to a national 800# line.
– Welcomes ideas on how to increase capacity and number of people they can support.
3. Library Board’s Plan for Service – Supervisor Martz
Martz & Wheeler came forward, Martz says they all got the plan in their mailboxes. He introduces the President of the Library Board.
– He thanks current and former Library Board Supervisors and introduces Julie Chase who is the Director of Library Services.
– Talks about article in WSJ yesterday by the Historical Society about how libraries used to be run.
– He says service demands are up.
– He highlighted challenges of building a new library in Fitchburg and Cottage Grove and how that would impact the library services county wide.
– Says they are doing well despite challenged.
– Thanks them for continuing to support the 100% funding for municpal reimbursements and the guidelines they adopted.
– He says the 100% reimbursements prevent libraries from having to cut hours.
– He asks them for input.
– Shares he heard from two library directors that they appreciate the comprhensive guidelines.
QUESTIONS
Hendrick says he supports 100% reimbursement, but says it won’t be viable to have a stand alone library service in Fitchburg. He characterized the situation as hopeless and asks if that is correct.
Library Board President says they hired consultants a few years ago to try to figure out how to give services county wide if no Dane County library service, he said they had quite a few recommendations but each have pros and cons and there needs to be a public discussion before decisions are made.
4. Res 55,09-10 – Congratulating Ben Brummel for his Division 1 State Championship in Wrestling for Middleton High School
Supervisors from the Middleton School District Ferrell, Opitz & Ripp joined Hesselbein as she read the resolution.
Opitz thanks Hesselbein for writing the resolution and the Coach. Congratulates Ben for academic and athletic accomplishments and his community involvement in the bike and pedestrian plan for the City of Middleton. Quips that he is well equiped to wrestle with issues in the future.
Ben thanked them for the honor and thanks his family, coach, friends and team mates. Good four years and looking forward to college.
5. Res 56, 09-10 – Recognizing Dale Bruhn for his Years of Service to the Community
Matano reads the resolution with a long list of accomplishments. Lynn Green from Dane County Human Services as well as Vedder, DeSmidt, Wheeler and Willett(?) joined him to honor Bruhn’s work on the Long Term Care Committee for the county.
Bruhn thanks them for the honor, says its almost overwhelming. Appreciated working on the committee that worked on critical needs for vulnerable populations and appreciates the support the Board has provided for statewide and nationally recognized programs.
Vedder says only known him for a few years, that when he announced he was leaving after 14 years there was agony and tears. His last meeting they had cake and champaign and broke all the rules.
Matano moved approval, Wheeler seconded. It passed on voice vote.
6. Announcements
Salov was recognized, but Jensen talked about the Fair. McDonell asked to make sure there would be Ponies this year, because his daughter was upset last year that they weren’t there. Jensen plugged various activities during the fair. Dane County Fairest of the Fair winner also joined him. He explained it was the first ever and will compete in a statewide competition – her job is to promote the county.
Salov said Thursday is Military Appreciation Day and there is free admission and red white and blue ribbons for military and their families. He asks for volunteers from 2:00 on to help hand out the ribbons.
The Dane County Fairest of the Fair winner Molly talked about her role, the entertainment of the fair, what she has learned going to the Fair and invites people to the fair July 15th – 19th and says to look at the Dane County Fair website.
They also Announced the runner up and other contestants.
Downing – said resolution next month in honor of passing away of Linda Farley. Talked about her lifelong work as a physician, that she looked for the special light in everyone, was an activist and had a deep caring for vulnerable and social justice issues. He reminded them that she appeared before the county board on resolution supporting single payer health care and urging state to take action. She was huge advocate for the single payer system and believed that health care is a human right. She said once you realize that, then the only question is how to get people the care they need.
Sheriff – introduce recruiting class. Some are not newest class but newest deputies.
Veldran talked about recent shooting death of the 17 year old student. Says he was at the meeting with the Mayor and others to talk about solutions. He said they talked about police solutions, but also how community could reach out. He said the community had already started a community garden and June 24th they had already planned a farmer’s market at the Orchard Ridge Church with 15 vendors. He says this is the grand opening 3:00 – 7:00 and talked about other activities that will be there. Said the farmers market will be on Wedensdays all through the growing season
Veldran also announced he was circulating a letter in light of the PSC decision to grant the ATC power line. He said that the original bill at the state allowed change in rules for condemantion with limited attorney fees which will prevent people from bringing cases. The letter urges reps and senators to reconsider that.
McDonell announed that there was a card circulating for Rusk who’s sister passed away.
[That took til 7:55! Now, on to actual business of the board!]
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS & ACCOUNTS
1. Claims Recommended for Approval
They were approved with a few abstentions and at least one vote no on one of the items. But they all passed without discussion.
E. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Ord Amdt. 3, 09-10 – Amending Chapter 17, Regarding Official Map Revisions Incorporating a Dam Failure Analysis Approved by the WDNR for Across Moen Creek in Steward Park (Adopt)
2. Ord Amdt. 5, 09-10 – Amending Chapter 69, Adjusting Speed Limits on County Highways (Adopt)
3. Res 2, 09-10 – Authorizing Dane County Participation in an Intergovernmental Agreement to Fund a Position for Storm Water Information, Education and Outreach Coordination for the Madison Area Municipal Storm Water Partnership (MAMSWaP) (Adopt)
4. Res 28, 09-10 – Encouraging Dane County Municipalities and Residents to Prevent Phosphorus Runoff into the Counties Lakes and Streams by Proper Disposal of Leaves and Yard Waste (Adopt)
5. Res 37, 09-10 – County Executive Appointments (Adopt)
6. Res 46, 09-10 – Supporting a Wisconsin Payday Lending Consumer Protection Act (Adopt)
7. Res 53, 09-10 – Establishing the Dane County 2010 Census Complete County Committee (Adopt)
8. Res 54, 09-10 – County Executive Appointments (Adopt)
Matano noted that DJ Laurie she graduated from law school and asked for that to be corrected.
Salov noted that the resolution on Payday Lending is important. We have had caps on loans but they are disappearing, loans going to 500 – 600% and should encourage legislators to pass a bill to fix this.
All of the items passed on a voice vote.
G. REPORTS ON ZONING PETITIONS
a. Map of Dane County
b. Summary of Grant as Modified petitions
1. Petition 9982 – Town of Primrose – Theodore White (Grant as Modified)
2. Petition 10049 – Town of Verona – Doerfer Brothers Inc (Grant as Modified)
No registrants, passes on a voice vote.
I. AWARD OF CONTRACTS
1. Res. 7, 09-10 – Award of Contract for New Badger Prairie Health Care Center (Adopt Sub 1.)
2. Res. 29, 09-10 – Authorizing the Purchase of Land at Cam-Rock County Park – Christensen (Adopt/Adopt with Amdt.)
REGISTRANT
One registrant, Finch in opposition. Says he is speaking for himself only. Says udgets are tight, county workers are furloughed and the purchase of the park shouldn’t be a priority when people are concerned about losing jobs and homes. He said he has questions about what the impact of the delay would be.
McDonell explains that the public doesn’t ask questions that he should ask his questions and they will try to address the questions during debate.
Finch asks if what other costs will be incurred if they purchase the property and how it will be paid for.
QUESTIONS OF REGISTRANTS
Salov asked if he has been monitoring purchases. Finch says no. Salov explained that there are many purchases the county is making (Anderson property and the Mazomanie Park) and suggests he looks at them in context
MOTION
Hendrick moves EANR amendment, Ferrell second. The amendments says that the proceeds from sales of house go to Conservation Fund. Passes voice vote with a few nos.
QUESTIONS OF STAFF
Hulsey – Says he understands that the property will generate rent and taxes. Asks about impact of delay. Staff says purchase contract is in place, seller may not sell if they wait past July. Says the trail is being constructed and it is hard to stop a project when ready to go. She said rent will be $700 per month plus they pay utilities and taxes. Hulsey says it will cover interest on money borrowed to purchase the land. He said they plan on selling property in the future. This helps complete trail and pays for itself.
McDonell asks about the accounts that Personnel & Finance froze.
Staff says Land and Water Legacy Account was frozen and $2.3M of projects won’t go forward.
In the Conservation fund they only spent $1M of $7.5M planned.
Ripp explains that staff “low balls” estimates and they might make money on the deal. He said this is the last part to get the trail complete and usually they have to pay more than market rate. He says this is a good deal and the only issues is that they have to buy the whole property. The next person who buys the property might not be willing to sell. He says they are basically held harmless.
Stoebig asks staff why the money going in the Conservation Fund instead of General Fund. McDonell says that is a political question and not for staff to answer.
deFelice – Asks a question about selling the land. Staff says to look at the map – lot is .5 acre in size, so you can see that yellow cross hatching is the .3 of the acre that would be sold with the house.
DISCUSSION
The chair asks for discussion on the motion as amended.
Stoebig asks why money goes to Conservation Fund even tho already voted on it – wants an explanation. Seems concerned that the Conservation Fund is borrowing.
McDonell says maintenance fund will be from GPR.
Hendrick says that policy is that proceeds form Conservation Fund projects go back into the Conservation Fund, but that he can’t speak to specific amendment.
Passes on voice vote – Schlict, DeFelice, Martz, Willett ?? recorded as no. [If you want to know exactly who asked to be noted as voting no, you should probably look at the minutes when they come out.
3. Res. 39, 09-10 – Authorizing Memoranda of Understanding Regarding 2009 Personnel Savings
Schmidt – Urges Supervisors to take a pay cut. She says that even though she is also taking a cut of 16 days in her day job, she is going to take a pay cut.
Passes without further comment, sounded unanimous.
4. Res. 40, 09-10 – Authorizing 2009 Personnel Savings Initiative for Unrepresented Employees
No discussion, passes and sounded unanimous.
J. RESOLUTIONS
1. Res 31, 08-09 – Support State Action on Electronics Recycling (Adopt with Amdt.)
No disccuison, sounded like it passed unanimously.
2. Res 32, 09-10 – Opposing State Landfill and Solid Waste Budget Measures (Adopt with Amdt.)
Schmidt says she is concerned that the reason to raise tipping fees was because out of state garbage is being brought in to Wisconsin because our fees are lower. Torn because she thinks that there is a merit to the reason for raising the fees and she says the issue is deeper than in the resolution.
Ripp says that we pass through whatever fees the State adds. They only accept Dane County waste in their landfill. Big chunk of the fee is City of Madison – will add several hundred thousand dollars to the City’s budget. He says this is a bad deal because of how it impacts the taxes of the municipalities.
Willet says it impacts businesses as well. Already received notice that his fees going up. Businesses are struggling to keep people employed and it will just get passed through. State is being greedy and taking it out on the rest of us. [I found it amusing that he also said that his fees were going up likely more than the fees actually costs and sort of complains that another business is taking advantage of the situation.]
Stoebig explains the recycling law of 1990 that created the fund. He says the fund helped pay for recycling programs in municipalities and state programs. At that time it made sense, communities supported recycling, but over the years the legislature looked to tap that fund. Suddenly we had self-supporting programs that went away. He says the increase won’t go to recycling but to balance state budget and that is why they introduced this resolution, out of frustration.
deFelice points out that state did promise to pay for 66% and only paying 30% and increasing the fees in the middle of the budget cycle. We cut employee wages tonight in the middle of the budget while already have a hole to fix. State constantly passes on costs to us and we are left holding the bag. Missed some of what he says, but he wants the fees renegotiated.
It passes on a voice vote.
K. ITEMS THAT REQUIRE A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY FOR PASSING
1. Ord. Amdt. 4, 09-10 – Amending Chapter 54, Regarding Parking Fees at the Alliant Energy Center (Adopt)
2. Ord Amdt 6, 09-10 – Amending Chapter 62, Regarding Fees Charged by the Sheriff for Seizure of Property of Evictions (Adopt with Amdt.)
3. Res. 25, 09-10 – Acceptance of a WI DNR Grant – Survey of Three Floodplain Lakes of the Lower WI River (Adopt)
4. Res 26, 09-10 – Authorizing Acceptance of Funds for Dane County Streambank Easement Program (Adopt)
5. Res 33, 09-10 – Authorizing Acceptance of Grant from teh Nature Conservancy (Adopt)
6. Res 35, 09-10 – Setting Up Accounts to Recieve Donations for the Lyman Anderson Center Woods (Adopt)
7. Res 42, 09-10 – Transferring funds in the Capital Budget for Asbestos Remediation at 501 E Badger Rd. (Adopt)
8. Res 43, 09-10 – Approving a Change Order and Transferring Funds for Installation of a Heat Exchanger to Serve the Public Saftey Communications Center and other First Floor CCB (Adopt)
Item 2 is separated, Gau asks if the revenues on parking at the Alliant Center will go to the general fund or the Alliant Center Operating Fund, staff says Alliant Center.
All items pass unanimously on a voice vote except item 2 that was separated.
2. Ord Amdt 6, 09-10 – Amending Chapter 62, Regarding Fees Charged by the Sheriff for Seizure of Property of Evictions (Adopt with Amdt.)
McDonell steps down as the chair, Hendrick is in the chair.
Ferrell tries to amend the ordinance to say that the fee would be $50.
Hendrick rules him out of order. He says that it is similar to what they discussed at the last meeting. He also explains that McDonell ruled that his own proposal was not similar as $53 is not the same as $40. He asks if Ferrell wants to appeal the ruling of the Chair, Ferrell declines.
Ferrell makes another motion to change the fees to $45. Hendrick asks if someone will second while he consults with corporation council. He rules that motion is also not in order as they discussed various amounts at the last meeting.
Ferrell appeals the ruling of the chair this time. Willett seconds it, if a second is required. Hendrick says challenging the ruling of the chair is non-debatable so they vote.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Vedder, Veldran, Vogel, Wheeler, Bayrd, deFelice, DeSmidt, Downing, Erickson, Hesselbein, Hulsey, Jensen, Kostelic, Levin, Manning, Matano, McDonell, Miles, O’Laughlin, Optiz, Salov, S???, Stoebig, Hendrick
NO: Willett, Ferrell, Gau, Martz, Ripp, Schlict, Solberg, Bruskewitz (originally out of the room)
ABSENT: Stubbs, Wiggy, Hampton, Richmond, Rusk, S???
[Sorry, I missed two votes there.]
Hendrick calls on Wiggy. Laughter erupts. McDonell is sitting in Wiggy’s seat as Wiggy is absent. McDonell announces that there will be a two for one special at the bar after the meeting and that it is half price box wine night.
McDonell explains that the basic objection to the ordinance change was that it was mid-year. He said the reason for this change came from statute. He says that there was a concern that we would be raising cost on individuals who would be paying in tough economic times. He says this change just acknowledges what they passed in the budget. He says he hopes he will be remembered as the patron saint of “what is in the budget is in the ordinance” and explains that they need to passed at the same time. He reiterates, this just aligns ordinances with the budget.
Hendrick clarifies that teh PP&J recommendation of $40 per hour is what is before them.
.
No further discussion.
ROLL CALL
AYE: Veldran, Vogel, Wheeler, Willett, deSmidt, Downing, Hesselbein, Hulsey, Jensen, Kostelic, Levin, Martz, Miles, O’Laughlin, Opitz, Ripp, Salov, Schmidt, Solberg, Stoebig, McDonell
NO: Vedder, Bayrd, Bruskewitz, deFelice, Erickson, Ferrell, Gau, Manning, Matano, Schlicht, Hendrick
ABSENT: Stubbs, Wiggy, Hampton, Richmond, Rusk
Motion fails, Hendrick explains it requires a 2/3 vote of those elected, not those present.
M. SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS THE COUNTY BOARD IS AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT BY LAW
None.
N. ADJOURNMENT
Opitz/Gau passes unanmiously.
KONKEL EXCLUSIVE
[Shoot me now, I sound like the Critical Badger!]
Apparently, there is an amendment to their rules circulating that would prevent the long special matters items in the beginnings of the meetings. It would eliminate memorial resolutions, proclamations and special presentations leaving only presentations by the County Executive and Announcements (limited to 2 minutes). It was sponsored by Hendrick, deFelice and Opitz when I saw it, but there were others signing on.
It is a little crazy that they spend more time on announcements and presentations than they do on actual business.
NOTE: I had some technical problems with my computer so my notes from this meeting were a little sketchy, my apologies in advance for this likely not being my best work.
