Buffalo County public meetings in 2022

Buffalo/Pepin Community Justice Collaborating Council

The Criminal Justice Collaborating Council approved the October 19, 2022, minutes and reviewed year-end reports. The CJS Program received a 2023 grant of $280,381 to support a new pre-charge program. Several items regarding meeting frequency and agenda formatting were tabled until January 17, 2023.

• Approved minutes of October 19, 2022
• Tabled discussion on CJCC meeting frequency
• Tabled discussion on CJCC agenda reformatting
• Tabled discussion on CJCC subgroups for programmatic proposals
• Awarded $280,381 for 2023 CJS Program pre-charge program

Land Use Committee

The committee approved a resolution to appoint the Buffalo County Surveyor, including a 3% increase for services. Members also approved grant applications for the 2023 WI Land Information Grant to fund remonumentation, training, and other projects.

• Approved resolution to appoint Buffalo County Surveyor (Carried)
• Approved 2023 WI Land Information Grant applications (Carried)

County Board

The County Board approved the 2023 Highway Department equipment budget and appointed a new County Surveyor. The Board also adopted the 2023-2031 Land and Water Resource Management Plan and approved the 2023 meeting calendar.

• Approved 2023 Highway Department equipment purchases up to $1,127,000.00 (Carried)
• Appointed Auth Consulting (Mr. Ron Jasperson) as County Surveyor for two years (Carried)
• Approved Buffalo County Land and Water Resource Management Plan 2023-2031 (Carried)
• Approved 2023 County Board meeting dates and times (Carried)
• Approved Resolution #22-12-01 honoring the retirement of Michael Schmidtknecht (Carried)
• Approved Resolution #22-12-02 honoring the retirement of Roselle Schlosser (Carried)
• Approved minutes from previous meeting (Carried)

Finance Committee

The committee approved a resolution for budgeted highway equipment purchases and authorized monthly vendor invoices. The committee also voted to deny a PTO payout. Two claims against the county regarding a septic system and SWAT team home damage were denied by the Administrative Coordinator.

• Approved $1,127,000.00 for 2023 highway equipment purchases (All in favor)
• Approved monthly vendor invoices and vouchers (All in favor)
• Denied PTO payout and agreed to continue past practice (All in favor)
• Approved minutes from November 10th and November 17th (All in favor)

Highway Committee

The committee approved a resolution for 2023 equipment purchases and awarded a fuel contract to Alcivia. It also approved the annual Routine Maintenance Agreement and 2023 winter composite rates. The board discussed safety concerns regarding the County Road H and HH intersection.

• Approved resolution for 2023 equipment purchases (All in favor)
• Approved fuel bid from Alcivia at $2.994 (All in favor)
• Approved Routine Maintenance Agreement for $1,118,800.00 (All in favor)
• Approved 2023 Winter Composite Rates (Carried)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (Carried)
• Approved vouchers for payment (Carried)

Human Resources Committee

The committee approved resolutions to limit sick leave payouts to retirement and allow PTO payouts for general employees transitioning to elected positions. The committee also approved several position descriptions and retirement resolutions.

• Approved resolution to pay out sick leave only upon retirement (Carried)
• Approved resolution to pay out PTO for general employees moving to elected positions (Carried)
• Tabled PTO Transfer/Donation Policy until next month (Carried)
• Approved a PTO transfer between two donors (Carried)
• Approved retirement resolutions for Michael Schmidtknecht and Roselle Schlosser (Carried)
• Approved Account Clerk/Economic Support Specialist position description (Carried)
• Approved Chief Deputy Sheriff position description (Carried)
• Tabled Deputy Register in Probate/Deputy Probate Registrar/Deputy Clerk of Juvenile Court/Deputy Judicial Assistant position description (Carried)

Health & Human Services & Veterans Committee

The Health & Human Services & Veterans Committee approved revisions to the Environmental Health Specialist job description and a $79K transportation grant application. The committee also approved monthly vouchers for Veterans Services and DHHS.

• Approved October 6 and October 17, 2022 minutes with corrections
• Approved Veterans Services monthly vouchers
• Approved revisions to Environmental Health Specialist job description
• Approved $79K 85.21 transportation grant application submission
• Approved DHHS monthly vouchers
• Approved motion to enter closed session for employee performance evaluations
• Approved motion to return to open session

Miscellaneous Agendas

The Buffalo County Board of Canvassers will conduct a voting system audit for the Town of Canton and Town of Glencoe, using the Dominion ICE Tabulator voting system. The races and reporting units were randomly selected by the Wisconsin Elections System. The meeting is scheduled for November 29, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. in the 1st Floor County Clerk's Office.

• Voting system audit for Town of Canton and Town of Glencoe
• Audit uses Dominion ICE Tabulator voting system
• Races and reporting units selected by Wisconsin Elections System
• Meeting at 1st Floor County Clerk's Office on November 29, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.

Land Conservation & Ag and Extension Committee

The joint Buffalo and Pepin County committees discussed options and implications for 4-H and Youth Development Programming. The committee voted to table the discussion to review further written details. A team was formed to finalize details for the next meeting.

• Tabled proposals for 4-H and Youth Development Programming (9-0)

Finance Committee

The Committee accepted an offer from Mr. and Mrs. Noll to purchase a tax deed property pending legal approval. Other actions included approving a salt spreader purchase for courthouse grounds and updating a deputy judicial position description.

• Denied all initial bids on tax deed property for not meeting minimum requirements (All in favor)
• Accepted offer from Mr. and Mrs. Noll to purchase tax deed property pending Corporation Counsel approval (All in favor)
• Accepted position description for Deputy Register in Probate, Deputy Probate Registrar, Deputy Clerk of Juvenile Court, and Deputy Judicial Assistant (All in favor)
• Approved purchase of Universal salt spreader funded by Building and Grounds or ARPA (All in favor)
• Approved monthly vendor invoices, vouchers, and investment report (All in favor)
• Approved October 20, 2022 minutes (All in favor)

Recycling Committee

The committee will discuss updates on the BBC&M transition, the Mondovi site contract dispute, and a complaint about Green Earth Recycling. The City of Mondovi has proposed a $6,000 annual payment and wants to set its own fees for demolition materials, while the county warns that losing the Mondovi site could end the recycling department.

• Review of BBC&M transition deal, now delayed to January 1st
• Mondovi site: City proposes $6,000 annual payment and setting own fees for demolition materials
• Green Earth Recycling complaint to be discussed
• DNR grant of $11,310 awarded for 2023 Clean Sweep
• Per trip fee for LaCrosse Milling increased to $175 effective July 1, 2022

The committee approved a proposal for the City of Mondovi Recycling Center effective January 1, 2023. The agreement modifies payment amounts, operating hours, and fee-setting authority. The committee also determined a complaint against Green Earth Recycling is a zoning issue.

• Approved previous meeting minutes
• Approved City of Mondovi Recycling Center proposal: annual payment increased from $5100 to $6000
• Approved Mondovi site schedule change to every other Saturday (8-1:30 pm) and every other Thursday (3-6pm)
• Approved City of Mondovi to set its own fee schedule for demolition and construction materials
• Determined Green Earth Recycling complaint is a Zoning issue

Economic Development Committee

The Buffalo County Economic Development Committee will discuss and possibly act on a Revolving Loan Fund request from Together Farms, receive updates on a grant writer contract, matching funds for grants, the Flyway Trail project, and broadband deployment. The meeting follows the Finance Committee and includes approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Review/Discussion/Action on Revolving Loan Fund for Together Farms
• Review/Discussion/Action on Grant Writer Updates
• Review/Discussion/Action on Matching Funds for Grants
• Review/Discussion/Action on Flyway Trail Updates
• Review/Discussion/Action on Broadband Updates

The committee approved previous meeting minutes and appointed Mr. Engfer as the Interim Revolving Loan Fund Administrator. No action was taken on a loan request for Together Farms pending a review of fund guidelines. The committee also discussed grant writer duties and broadband project updates.

• Approved July and September meeting minutes
• Appointed Mr. Engfer as Interim Revolving Loan Fund Administrator
• Denied action on Together Farms loan request pending guideline updates

County Board

The Board adopted the 2023 budget and levy and approved a $1.7 million general obligation promissory note from Zion Bancorp. Two staff appointments were confirmed, and a resolution to update personnel policies was sent back to the HR Committee.

• Approved 2023 Budget and Levy (Resolution #22-11-01) via roll call vote
• Approved $1,700,000 General Obligation Promissory Note from Zion Bancorp at 4.10% interest (Resolution #22-11-02)
• Approved appointment of Cale Severson as Land Management Director
• Approved appointment of Nathan Machula as GIS/Land Information Officer
• Sent Resolution #22-11-03 regarding personnel policies back to HR Committee
• Approved previous meeting minutes

Law Enforcement & Emergency Management Committee

The committee approved a revised position description for the Chief Deputy and the appointment of Colin Severson to that role. Members also approved law enforcement vouchers and accepted two donations for the K-9 program.

• Approved September meeting minutes
• Approved October and November law enforcement vouchers
• Approved Chief Deputy position description revision
• Approved appointment of Colin Severson as Chief Deputy
• Accepted K-9 program donations of $25.00 and $150.00

Miscellaneous Agendas

The Buffalo County Board of Canvassers will meet to canvass and certify the results of the November 8, 2022 General Election. This is a procedural meeting with no other business items.

• Canvass of November 8, 2022 General Election results

Finance Committee

The committee approved a $1.7 million general obligation promissory note and accepted a bond bid from Zion Bancorp. It also approved a financial advisor contract with PMA and a resolution for the bond issuance.

• Approved PMA financial advisor contract for $11,500.00 (All in favor)
• Approved Zion Bancorp bond bid with 4.10% interest rate (All in favor)
• Approved resolution for $1,700,000.00 General Obligation Promissory Note, Series 2022 (All in favor)

Human Resources Committee

The committee voted to continue using Cottingham & Butler as the health insurance agent and approved a renewal plan with a $6,650 deductible. They also approved a resolution to modify policies regarding alternate work schedules and salary classification. Additionally, the committee approved a request for extended personal time off following a closed session.

• Approved continuing with Cottingham & Butler as agent and renewal plan with $6,650 deductible (Carried)
• Approved resolution to modify Policy 102 (Alternate Work Schedule) and Policy 111 (Salary Classification and Compensation System) (Carried)
• Approved request for extended personal time off (Carried)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (Carried)

Highway Committee

The committee approved the filling of the Shop Foreman position and the backfilling of any resulting vacancy. Members also approved the previous meeting's minutes and payment of vouchers. The committee reviewed the delivery of a new road grader and the completion of nine bridges this year.

• Approved filling the Shop Foreman position and backfilling any resulting vacancy
• Approved payment of vouchers
• Approved minutes of the previous meeting

Land Conservation & Ag and Extension Committee

The committee approved the Buffalo County Land and Water Resource Management Plan for 2022-2031 and referred it to the State land and Water Board. Discussions were held regarding a proposal for 4-H and Youth Development staffing and updates on the Buffalo White Sands mine, but no final actions were taken on those items.

• Approved the Land and Water Resource Management Plan for 2022-2031
• Approved minutes of the previous meeting
• Tabled decision on 4-H and Youth Development Education proposal
• Entered closed session to discuss staff performance

County Board

The Buffalo County Board approved a $1.7 million general obligation bond for the 2023-2024 road improvement program and related equipment purchases. The board also approved a new financial system from Tyler Technologies, funded by ARPA, and adopted several resolutions including fee increases for nonmetallic mines, a wage and benefits analysis using ARPA funds, and policy updates. All votes were unanimous except one resolution with a single 'no' vote.

• Approved $1.7M bond for road improvements and equipment (unanimous)
• Approved Tyler Technologies financial system, paid from ARPA funds (unanimous)
• Approved fee increases for nonmetallic mines (unanimous)
• Approved ARPA-funded wage and benefits analysis (one 'no' vote)
• Approved personnel policy updates on overtime, holidays, sick leave, and retirement (unanimous)
• Approved removal of outside employment policy (unanimous)
• Approved CDL education sponsorship for Highway Department (unanimous)
• Approved county aid for town bridges and culverts (unanimous)

Highway Committee

The committee approved a resolution to sponsor Commercial Driver's License education costs for new hires, requiring a three-year employment commitment or prorated repayment. The decision aims to recruit for open positions. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved resolution to sponsor CDL education costs for highway department recruits (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The committee approved a resolution to issue a $1.7 million general obligation note for the 2023-2024 road improvement program, with a roll call vote all in favor. They also passed resolutions establishing reclamation plan review fees for nonmetallic mines, county aid for town bridges and culverts, and a CDL education sponsorship program. A tax deed property in Alma was approved for sale at $5,000 per acre with bids due November 16. The 2023 proposed budget and 2022 financial update were discussed but no action taken.

• Approved $1.7M general obligation note for road improvements (unanimous roll call)
• Passed resolution establishing reclamation plan review and annual fees for nonmetallic mines (carried)
• Approved resolution for county aid for town bridges and culverts (unanimous roll call)
• Approved resolution to sponsor CDL education costs for Highway Department employees (carried)
• Approved sale of City of Alma tax deed property at $5,000/acre with bids due Nov 16 (carried)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (carried)
• Approved monthly vendor invoices and vouchers (carried)
• Approved draft resolution for issuance, sale and delivery of $1.7M note (carried)

Economic Development Committee

The committee will discuss updates to the broadband ordinance and review presentations from a grant writer and the Trempealeau County EDC/Tourism Coordinator. Members will also consider the status of revolving loan and grant funds.

• Broadband Ordinance Update
• Grant Writer Presentation
• Trempealeau County EDC/Tourism Coordinator Presentation
• Revolving Loan Fund and Grant Funds

Recycling Committee

The Buffalo County Recycling Committee will meet to review the proposed 2023 budget and staffing for the Mondovi site. The body will also discuss a bill from Green Circle dating back to 2020 and the status of BBC&M updates.

• Proposed 2023 Budget
• Green Circle bill from 2020
• Oil barrel and containment at BBC&M
• Mondovi site staffing
• BBC&M updates

Miscellaneous Agendas

The Buffalo County Board of Canvassers will meet to canvass the August 9, 2022, partisan primary election results. This meeting is scheduled for 8:30 A.M. at the County Clerk’s Office.

• Canvass of August 9, 2022 Partisan Primary Election Results

Economic Development Committee

The committee elected Brad Schmidtknecht as Chair and Brian Michaels as Vice Chair. Members also reviewed progress on the Great River State Trail phase 2 project and discussed the status of the Economic Development Coordinator position.

• Great River State Trail phase 2 estimated cost: $2 million
• Grant application for County Road OO reconstruction including a bike lane
• Election of Brad Schmidtknecht as EDC Chair
• Election of Brian Michaels as EDC Vice Chair

Recycling Committee

The Buffalo County Recycling Committee will meet to discuss raising disposal fees at sites and increasing the trip fee for La Crosse Milling. The body will also consider a resolution to fund and support the 2023 Clean Sweep program.

• Proposed increase of La Crosse Milling trip fee from $100 to approximately $165 to break even
• Resolution to sponsor 2023 Clean Sweep program using a $21,000 DATCP grant and $5,250 match
• Discussion on raising disposal fees for recycling sites
• Sale of 1 trailer and 2 roll-off boxes via Wisconsin Surplus Auction
• Election of the Recycling Committee Chair and Vice Chair

Economic Development Committee

The committee will hold elections for Chair and Vice Chair. Members will also discuss the status of the EDC Coordinator position and the future goals of the committee.

• Election of EDC Chair
• Election of EDC Vice Chair
• Great River State Trail updates
• Visitor brochure updates
• Status of EDC Coordinator position

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will meet to discuss updates regarding the Great River State Trail project. The meeting includes a period for public comment on posted agenda items.

• Review and discussion of Great River State Trail project updates

Miscellaneous Agendas

The Buffalo County Board of Canvassers will meet to conduct the official canvass of the April 5, 2022, Spring Election results. This meeting is a procedural step to verify and record election totals.

• Canvass of April 5, 2022 Spring Election Results

Economic Development Committee

The committee met to discuss economic development goals, branding initiatives, and the Great River State Trail Winona Connector. Members also reviewed a job description for the Economic Development, Grant Writer, and Deputy Veteran Service Officer position.

• Approval of $50,000 allocation from ARPA funds for marketing
• Review of Economic Development, Grant Writer, and Deputy Veteran Service Officer job description
• Discussion of 'North of Eight' branding and brochure RFP
• Update on Great River State Trail – Winona Connector project

Recycling Committee

The Buffalo County Recycling Committee will meet to review updates from the Recycling Manager and BBC&M. The committee is scheduled to consider the hiring of a new employee.

• Hiring of new employee
• BBC&M updates
• Buffalo County Recycling Manager updates

Miscellaneous Agendas

The Veterans Memorial Committee will meet to review various administrative and project updates. The agenda includes discussions on financial updates, building maintenance, media, and project funding.

• Financial Updates
• County Administration and Building Maintenance
• Media Update
• Project Funding Update
• Proposed Timeline

Recycling Committee

The committee reviewed updates regarding the BBC & M facility and the County Recycling Manager. Members also discussed a recycling agreement involving the City of Buffalo City, Town of Belvidere, Village of Cochrane, and Town of Milton.

• Recommendation of approval for the County Recycling Agreement with BBC & M
• Approval of the 2022 recycling program budget with no per capita fee increase

Economic Development Committee

The committee will review the 2022 economic development goals and a financial update. Members will discuss the allocation of ARPA funding for marketing and broadband, as well as a tourism and marketing project.

• ARPA funding allocation for marketing and broadband
• Tourism and Marketing Project brochure and updates
• Review of 2022 Economic Development Goals
• Review of job description for Economic Development Coordinator and Grant Writer / Deputy County Veteran Service Officer

Miscellaneous Agendas

The Veterans Memorial Committee is meeting to review financial updates and contractor presentations. The body will discuss project funding, building maintenance, and next steps for the memorial project.

• Contractor presentations
• Project funding
• County Administration and Building Maintenance
• Financial updates

Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee will discuss the 2022 step placement appeals process and COVID-19 protocols. The body is also reviewing a position description for a role split between Economic Development Coordinator/Grant Writer (70%) and Deputy County Veteran Service Officer (30%).

• Approval of Economic Development Coordinator and Grant Writer 70% / Deputy County Veteran Service Officer 30% position description
• Review of 2022 Step Placement Appeals Process
• HR Personnel Advisor position update
• DHHS employee compensation time payout hours
• Buffalo County COVID-19 protocol information