With the County Board meeting coming up on Thursday, I’m feeling guilty for skipping the September 17, County Board meeting and not finishing the Fair Housing Section from the September 3, County Board meeting. Partially because the meetings are hogging space on my TiVo and partially because I’m getting grief from some of the supervisors . . . so, here’s the last meeting, all 53 minutes of it. (i.e. it was brief and I have no excuse!)
A. ROLL CALL
The first half was cut off, and they don’t repeat who is there and their mics aren’t turned on, so all I can tell you is that at the beginning of the meeting, 30 present, 6 absent. Hulsey and Salov said they would be late.
1. Prayer/Inspriational Message – Supervisor Willet (Supervisor Bayrd next)
Willet says there are alot of people there and he is impressed. He shares a speech from a citizenship ceremony in Milwaukee given by the Honorable William Calahan Jr. at the court house on June 12th. The speech says that you’re about to take an oath of allegiance to the United State, it has two parts, the first part is absolutely and indelibly to owe all your allegiance of the united state. And the second would be to support and defend the constitution and laws of the united states against all enemies, foreign and domestic. People come to the United States for all kinds of reasons, talks about grandfather who came from Ireland. They come for the opportunity to work, own land and worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience, freedom of speech, freedom from imprisonment without a fair trial. He reads from the Declaration of Independence – all men are creted equal, and right to life, liberty and independence. These are moral rights, our forefathers wanted to make them political rights as well and that is why we have the constitution. This is the document that set up the government we have. The principles of the constitution have been changed from time to time, but principles have not been changed. Citizenship in the united States is a glorious possession representing the dreams and struggles of many for centuries. The Bill of Rights was obtained at a high price. A voice in our government, freedom in our [??], freedom businesses, all the freedoms of human aspirations, did not come by accident, they were obtained by struggle and sacrifice. Some of you went through that to get here today. People suffered oppression and died in our battlefields to get here today to seek human rights for all of us. We must never deceive ourselves, this country promises the pursuit of happiness, but not happiness. This country promises equality of opportunity, it does not promise us riches. It promises us freedom of speech, it does not promise us wisdom. It promises liberty, it does not promise us peace. This is because liberty once achieved, will not last forever, but as only as long as we earnestly desire it that we will have it and deserve to enjoy it. The philosopher Rousseau once said “Free people remember this, we may acquire liberty, but it is never recovered if once lost.” So he urges them all to take part in their local affairs, let yourself be heard and be full participants in the freedoms our country offers us. One final note, do not forget where you came from, your past and your culture. Our flag consists of many many colors and shapes, that is its uniqueness, it beauty. So too, with our people, and the citizens that make our country the beautiful tapestry that it is. He says that was intended for new citizens, but it was very meaningful to him and thanks his friend for inviting him to the ceremony.
2. Pledge of Allegience
The Webelos, of pack 240 in Middleton will present the colors and lead them in the pledge of allegiance. They rise and recite the pledge of allegiance with a cut little ceremony by the boy scouts.
B. SPECIAL MATTERS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Confirmation and Administration of Oath of Office of District 35 County Board Supervisor, Contingent on Appointment.
Matano moves, Erickson seconds confirmation. Passes on a voice vote. Denise Duranczyk is sworn in by the clerk. She is congratulated and they will meet in the new offices after the meeting.
2. Res 141, 09-10 – Memorial to Dane County Coroner John Stanley.
O’Laughlin reads the resolution (available here). Rusk and others stand behind him. Move by O’Laughlin, seconded by Salov. He introduced John’s wife, she thanks them. Nice standing ovation.
3. Res. 142 09-10 – Memorial to Fromer Dane County Executive George Reinke
McDonell reads the resolution. (available here) Moved, seconded and passed on voice vote.
4. Res 143, 09-10 – Recognizing Italian American Month
Matano introduces Frank Alfono who used to run the building, and dedicates it to his girlfriend Ms. Bergamini and he reads the resolution. (available here). Moved and seconded and passed on voice vote. Recognizes Joe Parisi as another Italian leader and Adam Benedetto who attempted to join them. Alfono speaks and promises to make it short so they don’t make the paper again. Thanks the board for passing the resolution. He talks about Greenbush and Italian community in Madison. Says thw Italian Work Man’s and Women’s Club is about 250 people and they appreciate it.
5. Res. 144, 09-10 – Recognizing October 10-27, 2099 as Money Smart Week Wisconsin in Dane County.
Stoebig asks Deb Newbauer and Lee Cunningham to join him. He reads the resolution. (available here) Moved by Stoebig, seconded by Wheeler. Passes on a voice vote. Stoebig says he sits on the Extension committee and he introduced Deb Neubauer, says he group up with parents of the depression and he learned how to balance a checkbook, but now we have debit cards and ATM and the modernization of banking has created new challenges. Glad they are there to help with VITA and get tax credits they might not otherwise get bringing millions of dollars to our community. Ms. Neubauer, says this is a social awareness campaign, in 2006 Wisconsin launched a state wide effort based on Bank of Chicago efforts. Dane County in this from the beginning and she chairs the activities for the last 4 years and she handed out a calendar of activities. It was in the Wisconsin State Journal and they have extra copies to be distributed. She thanks them on behalf of the groups working on this.
6. Announcements.
Wiggy announces that Dane County Deputies Association is here and that there are concerns about the budget. The audience is packed, he says about 1/3 of the association is here, and he clarifies they are there on their own time and he thanks them for coming.
Schmidt invites people to 2nd Annual Monona Pie Party at the Monona Community Center and its a fundraiser for the Libraries Early Literacy program. She explains the price and that they can sample 125 pieces. She say each person makes two pies, on for sampling and one to sell. She says there will also be face painting and carnival games, but no ponies (for McDonell’s kids).
DeSmidt notes that because of the change in the weather more people are wearing coats and that they should use the coat rack of place the items to the side so they look more professional. McDonell notes it will take more than that.
Bayrd says Oct 7th, the Breast Feeding Network is handing out awards and she wanted to highlight it because the Dane County Regional Airport is getting an award for being breastfeeding friendly. As mother of three year old and 2 month old, she appreciates it.
Manning presents 2010 Arts Calendar on behalf of Cultural Affairs Commission. 11 years ago it began to showcase local artists. For sale for $7.58 plus tax at multiple locations. Sales help activities of the commission, and they thank Alliant Energy Cetner for sponsoring it.
Wheeler says the Warner Park Sr. Coalition will be putting on Applefest. Good food with apples and entertainment with toys in the gym, book sale, silent auction and a raffle. 10 – 3 on Saturday. Can also walk for Alzheimers Assoc. at 9:15.
Hulsey says Manning and Erickson and he are circulating the Safer Beach for Cleaner Lakes resolution – set goals and deadlines for 9 beaches that need cleaning up. Memorial’s Homecoming next week vs. Middleton. Memorial 9th graders won tonight against Beloit.
Levin says at their desk they have 2009 combined campaign pledge forms. Past two years they had 26 participants and they gave close to $5,000 and he is hoping to get participation and dollars up this year. Deadline for pledge form is November 6th.
[That was 35 of their 53 minutes of their meeting. If you ever wondered where business actually gets done, its clearly not at these meetings. It’s during the committees, which as I have previously noted, are hard to follow. This may also be why they don’t get much news coverage.]
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS AND ACCOUNTS
1. Claims Recommended for Approval
Moved by Stoebig, seconded by deFelice. No discussion, passes on a voice vote.
D. APPROVAL OF PROCEEDINGS – September 3, 8, 10. 17 & 21, 2009
Moved by Matano, seconded by Hesselbein. No discussion, passes on a voice vote.
G. REPORTS ON ZONING PETITIONS
a. Map of Dane County
b. Summary of Grant as Modified Petitions
1. Petition 10087 – Town of Mazomanie – Janice Olson (Grant)
2. Petition 10088 – Town of Verona – Poast Living Tr. J & C (Grant as Modified)
3. Petition 10089 – Town of Berry – William Wille (Grant as Modified)
4. Petition 10091 – Town of Albion – Howard Lien & Sons, Inc. (Grant)
5. Petition 10092 – Town of Rutland – Eric Grover (Grant)
No separations, no registrations. Zoning committee recommendation is before them, passes on a voice vote.
I. AWARD OF CONTRACTS
1. Res. 115 09-10 – Autorizing Sun Prairie Lease for Early Childhood Initiative Program (Adopt)
No discussion, passes on a voice vote.
2. Res 117, 09-10 – Authorizing Submission of the 2010=2014 Consolidated Plan and 2010 Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (Adopt)
No discussion, passes on a voice vote.
3. Res. 118, 09=10 – Authorizing an Extension to Provide a Motor Service Patrol for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (Adopt)
No discussion, passes on a voice vote.
4. Rest 138, 09-10 – Award of Contract for CCB Roof Replacement ( ) McDonell announces that Public Works and Transportation as well as Personnel and Finance recommend adoption unanimously. Sub 1 is what they are voting on. No discussion passes on a voice vote.
J. RESOLUTIONS
1. Res 126, 09-10 – County Executive Appointments ( )
Executive Committee recommended adoption 7-0. Passes on voice vote, no discussion.
2. Res 131, 09-10 – Supporting Wisconsin’s High Speed Rail Application( )
Executive Committee recommended adoption 6 – 1. No discussion, passes will a few nos. Roll call requested. Everyone was there, only ones voting no were Willet, Brukewitz, Schlicht and Wiggy (Yes, I know his name is Wiganowsky and can spell it, I just never hear anyone call him that.) Passes 33 – 4.
3. Res 140 09-10 – County Executive Appointments ( )
Executive Committee recommends adoption 7 – 0. Motion passes no discussion.
K. ITEMS THAT REQUIRE A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY FOR PASSAGE
1. Ord. Amdt. 23, 09-10 – Amending Chapter 18 f the Dane County Code of Ordinances Removing Sunset Date for Family Medical Leave (Adopt)
3. Res. 125 09-10 – Authorizing Execution of a Lease of Agricultural Land at the Dane County Regional Airport (Adopt)
These items pass unanimously and are so recorded since there were no objections.
2. Res 119, 09-10 – Acceptance of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Funds from the Milwaukee High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area for the Dane County Sheriff’s Office (Adopt)
Separated by Vedder. Vedder asks a question for the Sheriff. $38,000 broken into 4 parts and wonders about a couple lines. Sheriff says that Milwaukee has identified Dane County and the Interstate going from Illinois to Twin Cities as a high trafficking area and they reimburse for overtime already paid for activities of the Dane County Drug Enforcement Unit for high intensity investigations along that highway in collaboration with Milwaukee Task Force. Will be in effect immediately, and expires end of this year. January 1, we are in line for another 38,000 for overtime reimbursement. Vedder asks what high intensity means. Sheriff says that it is a national definition. This thoroughfare has been identified to qualify for these funds. Vedder clarifies it is for personnel, overtime.
Richmond asks about “high intensity” work on the roadways? What will they do? Sheriff says investigate narcotics. The interstate has been identified as a high drug trafficking area. Milwaukee has provided these funds. Primarily interstate. This is federal money to pay for overtime. Richmond asks if it is just for transport related activities. [Sheriff doesn’t really answer directly. It was confusing.]
Hulsey now tries to ask if it will help bring down the overtime line. Sheriff says they are down 37% from last year and they are on track to save $1M this year. They all state the appreciate each others efforts and that mutual appreciation. Sheriff says that it was the hard work of the deputies that helped save that money, but yes, this money will help bring that line item down. He says another $38,000 next year.
Vedder objects to it passing unanimously, so they note unanimous except for her vote.
4. Res 127, 09-10 – Amending the 2009 Capital Budget for the Purchase of Improved Communicator Candidate Selection Program (Adopt)
Willet separated. Willet says that they he wants to them look at what is there, project has merit, procedure is wrong. Shifting money to borrow for software and there is a limit on how much they should be and it doesn’t fit that limit. There is another one of these floating around and there we are taking money out of a project that hasn’t been bid. We have serious budget problems and budget procedures and this isn’t how we should do it. This is a good project, urges them to vote no.
Kostelic says Willet is right, it is a good project, we do need it and we need to do it right now. The 911 Center has too much overtime, we have a class of 10 people and only 5 make it through and never hit the floor and go to work. We have a retention program and we need better tools, but we have to get it up and running right away because we have another class coming in.
There is a roll call vote. Everyone still there. Passes 33 to 4 with Willet, Ripp, Schlicht and Bruskewitz voting no. Bruskewitz and Gau had to pass the first time, not knowing how to vote.
With that, they move to adjourn with Opitz making the motion, Gau seconding.
