Community Development: May 4th

The first Community Development Committee meeting was on May 4th at 9 am. Both the Chair and Vice-Chair positions had 2 people nominated -- Steve Hermsen was elected as the Chair and Sharon Norton-Bauman was elected as the vice-Chair. I was the only nominee for Secretary. A department secretary takes the actual notes, which is good because I am bad about taking detailed notes.

There was a lot of discussion about the meeting schedule. Some of the issues involved include:

• Half of the departments that report to this committee are stationed in Baldwin and the rest are stationed in Hudson.
• One of the committee members has has reduced vision and has more difficultly driving a distance at night (Hudson is ok but Baldwin is far).
• Evening meetings are better for working committee members and, more importantly, most residents.
• Alternating meeting locations could be more confusing (both for committee members and the public)
• Meetings in Baldwin are more convenient for some residents
• There are sometimes public hearings that are generally held at the location (Hudson or Baldwin) that is closest to land in question.
• The county board bylaws dictate that the payment to the committee members (per diam) is more if the meeting starts before 6pm and ends after 6pm.

We couldn't find a perfect way to address all of those issues so we decided that the best way was to have meetings starting at 6:05 PM and alternate between Baldwin and Hudson on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Any public hearing would be scheduled right at the beginning of the meeting for the convenience of those involved. If the next scheduled meeting location isn't the closest for the public meeting, the people involved can decide to wait to have it closer or to have it sooner and farther. I hope the per-diam rule can be changed to we can have the meetings starting a little earlier without paying the committee members more. The next meeting will be in Baldwin on May 26th.

As a new member, I received 5 different books. I hope in the future an online reference can be provided instead of using all of that paper.

Public Protection Committee: May 3rd

The first Public Protection Committee meeting was on May 3rd at 4 pm. It was scheduled in the afternoon partially for the convenience of the committee members who work but also to make it more accessible to residents (which is more important to me). The meeting time for the next meeting was discussed and some members were very opposed to the afternoon time so the next meeting is scheduled for 7 AM on June 9th. I hope it can be moved to a time that is better for the public. Nothing from the reports seemed like it should be noted on this blog.

County Board April 20, 2010

Here are some notes on the county board meeting on April 20th.

• The video is at http://blip.tv/file/3533095
• I was elected to the Public Protection and Committee Development Committees.
• An update was given on the condition of the Health and Human Services (HHS) building in New Richmond. This subject will probably have a big impact on on taxes so its progress should be watched closely.
• Given the current economic situation, there was an attempt to limit the pay increase for the Clerk of Court. That was partially successful but the Sheriff's salary was increased above the committee recommendation.

St. Croix County Board March 16, 2010

St. Croix County Board March 16, 2010

It was mentioned that we got a better rating bond partially because of the wheel tax. Later it was mentioned mentioned that the better rating will conservatively save the county $8,500. Seems like a relatively insignificant benefit compared to the cost.

Anti-scavenging: Why make it illegal instead of allowing haulers to work that out with their customers and applying laws against theft?

If someone puts illegal/hazardous materials in their garbage can, why does it really matter to go into the house to inspect the cause? The person should be notified of the problem and they can take care of the cause (or ask for help). Also when an official person requests permission to enter someone's house, many people may be too afraid to refuse even if they are uncomfortable having someone come into their house.

We shouldn't add positions (new emergency management deputy position) just because other counties do or because we will need it in the future. Add the position when needed.

County Board meetings are online

County Board meetings are online at http://hudson.blip.tv/.
I would still like to see the meetings moved to a better time so that people could more easily come to make their thoughts known.

Thank You!

The unofficial results say that I am now a member of the county board: http://www.co.saint-croix.wi.us/Departments/CountyClerk/results.htm

You have done your part by voting for me yesterday -- now it is time for me to do my part and vote for your benefit for the next year.

Vote today

Don't forget to vote today! Details at http://www.co.saint-croix.wi.us/Departments/CountyClerk/Elections/election.htm