Dear friends,
The following are the highlights for our Door County Board Meeting this October 26, 2010 at 9am.
- IN MEMORIAM: Warren Kruswick, M.W. ‘Muzz’ Millard and Merrell Runquist will be remembered at this meeting after recently passing away. Merrell Runquist was a current member of the board: his wisdom and experience will be greatly missed.
- DISTRICT XVIII: The County Board Chairman and County Administrator have interviewed Candidates for the seat on our County Board formerly held by Mr. Runquist. A candidate may be appointed to fill the vacancy at this meeting.
- POET LAUREATE: Door County is creating an official Poet Laureate position – an uncompensated post. The mission of the Poet Laureate is to raise the county consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry. Frances May will be awarded this honor posthumously, pending County Board approval.
- MUTUAL AID: Our County will be joining several other counties in an agreement to come to each other’s aid in the event of natural disaster or technological emergency. Each county will have independent discretion to answer a call for mutual aid (we don’t have to help) and each assisting county may be eligible for reimbursement if State or Federal dollars are available.
- CLICK IT OR TICKET: The Sheriff’s department has received a $15,000 grant to pay for more Deputies to patrol our County. The focus of this effort is to enforce our seatbelt laws as well as stop impaired drivers.
- HISTORICAL MUSEUM GRANT: $8,500 has been offered to our County to help fund the Door County Historical Museum Master Plan Design Process. This generous gift will be matched from a donations account within the County.
- LAND SURVEYOR: A contract with a registered land surveyor is being considered. This effort, led by Baudhuin Inc., will establish, relocate and perpetuate section corners. Surveyors use these official monuments to establish property lines and so on.
Our next County Board meeting will be on November 2nd to discuss and pass a County Budget. The alternatives are:
- Cut staff and services (A year-long effort has led to few reductions)
- Borrow funds to continue County operations and do not raise taxes and eventually pay interest and principal payments in future years
- Raise taxes to avoid creating a deficit.
Your opinions are welcome – as are your questions!
Your Representative from District VII,
Ben Meyer
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Elder Abuse...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
YOUR County Board Update: Thursday, Sept. 30 at 9am
Friends,
Here is a brief synopsis of our County Board agenda this month:
- HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT: The Sheriff's Dept. is receiving a grant for $187,000
- 42/57 CORRIDOR: A memorandum of understanding is coming before us about the future of this critical corridor.
- SAN NETWORK: Using unspent funds from the 2010 budget, we will be adding storage capacity to our County's digital network.
- EFRIM INDUSTRIES: This company is looking to purchase the old highway shop on 14th to generate electricity from Biomass. If successful, dozens of jobs could be created as well as establishing a current waste as a resource.
Thank you,
Ben Meyer - District VII
Here is a brief synopsis of our County Board agenda this month:
- HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT: The Sheriff's Dept. is receiving a grant for $187,000
- 42/57 CORRIDOR: A memorandum of understanding is coming before us about the future of this critical corridor.
- SAN NETWORK: Using unspent funds from the 2010 budget, we will be adding storage capacity to our County's digital network.
- EFRIM INDUSTRIES: This company is looking to purchase the old highway shop on 14th to generate electricity from Biomass. If successful, dozens of jobs could be created as well as establishing a current waste as a resource.
Thank you,
Ben Meyer - District VII
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tuesday May 25, 2010 Meeting...
Friends,
Here is your update for our County Board Meeting this Tuesday May 25, 2010 at 9am.
- REVOLVING LOANS: The Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) and the County run a revolving loan program. The money and interest paid back to us are used to make new loans to businesses that create jobs in Door County. This month, “Captain Commodes Inc.” has applied for a loan, which has been carefully vetted by the DCEDC and the Revolving Loan Committee.
- INTERVIEW POLICY: The County is looking to modify its interview policy to include the chairmen of the relevant oversight committee in the interviewing process. For example, the chairman of the Social Services committee would now sit in on the interviews of new Social workers.
- SALERIES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS: This item affects the salaries of the Door County Sheriff, Register of Deeds, County Clerk, Clerk of Courts, and Treasurer. The County Clerk, Register of Deeds and Treasurer will increase their annual incomes from $54,900 to 59,400 in 2012. The Clerk of Courts will increase from 55,900 to $64,100 in 2014 and the Sheriff will increase from $75,100 to $84,500 in 2014. What do you think?
- SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER DONATION: A gift of $5,000 has been given to create a publication for caregivers that will offer support, resource information, and community education.
- IMMUNIZATION GRANT: The Public Health Department has received $6,060 to supplement our immunization program. These funds are part of ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act).
- CARRY FORWARDS: Project funds or grants that are ongoing are “carried forward” to the next fiscal year. Such is the case with $333,000 for a number of projects, grants and contingencies including cleaning up the pollution from the old highway shop, soil and water conservation, costs of unplanned audits and so on.
Please add your thoughts and questions. You can also see the full agenda and loads of other information at co.door.wi.us.
Yours truly,
Ben Meyer
District VII
Here is your update for our County Board Meeting this Tuesday May 25, 2010 at 9am.
- REVOLVING LOANS: The Door County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) and the County run a revolving loan program. The money and interest paid back to us are used to make new loans to businesses that create jobs in Door County. This month, “Captain Commodes Inc.” has applied for a loan, which has been carefully vetted by the DCEDC and the Revolving Loan Committee.
- INTERVIEW POLICY: The County is looking to modify its interview policy to include the chairmen of the relevant oversight committee in the interviewing process. For example, the chairman of the Social Services committee would now sit in on the interviews of new Social workers.
- SALERIES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS: This item affects the salaries of the Door County Sheriff, Register of Deeds, County Clerk, Clerk of Courts, and Treasurer. The County Clerk, Register of Deeds and Treasurer will increase their annual incomes from $54,900 to 59,400 in 2012. The Clerk of Courts will increase from 55,900 to $64,100 in 2014 and the Sheriff will increase from $75,100 to $84,500 in 2014. What do you think?
- SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER DONATION: A gift of $5,000 has been given to create a publication for caregivers that will offer support, resource information, and community education.
- IMMUNIZATION GRANT: The Public Health Department has received $6,060 to supplement our immunization program. These funds are part of ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act).
- CARRY FORWARDS: Project funds or grants that are ongoing are “carried forward” to the next fiscal year. Such is the case with $333,000 for a number of projects, grants and contingencies including cleaning up the pollution from the old highway shop, soil and water conservation, costs of unplanned audits and so on.
Please add your thoughts and questions. You can also see the full agenda and loads of other information at co.door.wi.us.
Yours truly,
Ben Meyer
District VII
Monday, April 19, 2010
April 20, 2010 County Board Meeting Update...
I'm back!
Our County Board will be meeting Tuesday, April 20 at 9am for what could be a long meeting!
First, we will be electing a county board chairman, vice chairman and members of the highway committee. This process can be lengthy - or it could be over quickly. Then, we'll move on to the business of governing...
- AHNAPEE TRAIL: Grant funding is being sought to maintain the Ahnapee trail
- SCHAUER PARK: After a lively public debate, an agreement has been reached between the County and Jacksonport to develop a harbor of refuge and expand boat launching opportunities at Schauer Park.
- REVOLVING LOAN FUNDS: To encourage the creation of jobs, our County has a revolving loan program to provide very low interest loans to start and grow local small businesses. Two loans are being sought at this meeting.
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STUDY: The Board will be asked to approve a resolution supporting a state-wide study to create a new, bold economic development plan. We are not financially supporting this effort.
- BUSSES!: The social services and finance committees are recommending the acceptance of $326,500 ARRA (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act) to purchase buses for the Sunshine House and Red Cross.
- ASPHALT PLANT: Our current asphalt operation cannot recycle old asphalt. $727,000 is being requested to upgrade our capabilities which will allow us to use RAP (Recycled Asphalt Products) and use less oil and propane to produce asphalt to maintain our roads
- ETHICS: The County is freshening up our ethics code - repealing the old code and replacing it with "ethical principles" that will be encorporated at a part of our Rules of Order.
We will also be re-assigning to committees. Some of our committee assignments will change to accommodate the new members of our County Board and changes made by the County Board Chairman.
Your questions and comments are welcome!
Ben Meyer
Our County Board will be meeting Tuesday, April 20 at 9am for what could be a long meeting!
First, we will be electing a county board chairman, vice chairman and members of the highway committee. This process can be lengthy - or it could be over quickly. Then, we'll move on to the business of governing...
- AHNAPEE TRAIL: Grant funding is being sought to maintain the Ahnapee trail
- SCHAUER PARK: After a lively public debate, an agreement has been reached between the County and Jacksonport to develop a harbor of refuge and expand boat launching opportunities at Schauer Park.
- REVOLVING LOAN FUNDS: To encourage the creation of jobs, our County has a revolving loan program to provide very low interest loans to start and grow local small businesses. Two loans are being sought at this meeting.
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STUDY: The Board will be asked to approve a resolution supporting a state-wide study to create a new, bold economic development plan. We are not financially supporting this effort.
- BUSSES!: The social services and finance committees are recommending the acceptance of $326,500 ARRA (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act) to purchase buses for the Sunshine House and Red Cross.
- ASPHALT PLANT: Our current asphalt operation cannot recycle old asphalt. $727,000 is being requested to upgrade our capabilities which will allow us to use RAP (Recycled Asphalt Products) and use less oil and propane to produce asphalt to maintain our roads
- ETHICS: The County is freshening up our ethics code - repealing the old code and replacing it with "ethical principles" that will be encorporated at a part of our Rules of Order.
We will also be re-assigning to committees. Some of our committee assignments will change to accommodate the new members of our County Board and changes made by the County Board Chairman.
Your questions and comments are welcome!
Ben Meyer
Monday, September 21, 2009
Your County Board Update for Sept. 22nd!
Dear Friends,
Here is your regular update for Your County Board meeting, Tuesday September 22 at 9am at your Government Center, 421 Nebraska. But first, here is an important reminder:
- Rx DRUG DISPOSAL: Bring you out-dated prescription drugs to the Justice Center this Saturday from 9am – Noon. Protect yourself from Identity Theft while protecting our water supply from pollution. Bring your liquids, creams, pills and even over the counter meds. But, leave your needles, chemo therapy drugs, syringes, pet meds and aerosol inhalers at home. For more information call the Sheriff’s Department at 746-2428.
And here’s your County Board Meeting update:
- APPOINTED SUPERVISOR: Kathryn Schultz, former City of Sturgeon Bay Clerk, has been chosen by County Board Chairman Leo Zipperer to replace Will Jeanquart. The County Board must confirm the appointment.
- SCENIC BYWAYS: The County will consider a resolution requesting approval for the designation of Hwy 42 and 57 as a Wisconsin State Scenic Byway. If passed, the State may make sections of these highways “scenic” providing another reason for tourists to visit Door County.
- WELCOME TO DOOR COUNTY: The State is selling 1/3 acre of property for $1 to install and maintain a “Welcome” Sign in the Town of Union.
- PHRAGMITES CONTROL: Phragmites, the 6+ foot tall grass taking over our shores, is being targeted by a $3,000 grant from the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament. The Soil and Water Department will use the funds to educate landowners on how to control Phragmites.
- 25 X 25: The State of Wisconsin has set a goal to generate 25% of our electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by 2025 – hence: 25 X 25. Our County Board is considering a resolution expressing our support of this, and, in so doing, we’ll make Door County eligible for grants to help us conserve energy used in our County facilities. If passed, we’ll be on our way to saving tax dollars and protecting the environment.
- FEES OF SHERIFF: The Law Enforcement committee has recommended updating the fees charged by the Sheriff. These fees have not been updated since 1999.
- CITIZEN SURVEY RESULTS: The results of Door County’s Citizen Survey will be presented at this meeting. The results of our County Board Strategic Planning sessions will also be discussed.
- FTTX UPDATE: The “Fiber to the Premise” saga has ended another chapter – but hasn’t ended. Norlight proposed creating fiber-optic rings throughout Door County and connecting businesses directly and using wireless technology to connect homes to this network. During this process several issues developed relating to the ownership of this network. The other important issue is the ARRA funding we were hoping for seems out of reach now that the State is looking at a large State-wide project. The good news is that if and when the State project is complete, Door County will be in a good position to benefit from projects building off the State network.
That’s all for now! Please contact me with your questions and concerns.
Thanks,
Ben Meyer
Here is your regular update for Your County Board meeting, Tuesday September 22 at 9am at your Government Center, 421 Nebraska. But first, here is an important reminder:
- Rx DRUG DISPOSAL: Bring you out-dated prescription drugs to the Justice Center this Saturday from 9am – Noon. Protect yourself from Identity Theft while protecting our water supply from pollution. Bring your liquids, creams, pills and even over the counter meds. But, leave your needles, chemo therapy drugs, syringes, pet meds and aerosol inhalers at home. For more information call the Sheriff’s Department at 746-2428.
And here’s your County Board Meeting update:
- APPOINTED SUPERVISOR: Kathryn Schultz, former City of Sturgeon Bay Clerk, has been chosen by County Board Chairman Leo Zipperer to replace Will Jeanquart. The County Board must confirm the appointment.
- SCENIC BYWAYS: The County will consider a resolution requesting approval for the designation of Hwy 42 and 57 as a Wisconsin State Scenic Byway. If passed, the State may make sections of these highways “scenic” providing another reason for tourists to visit Door County.
- WELCOME TO DOOR COUNTY: The State is selling 1/3 acre of property for $1 to install and maintain a “Welcome” Sign in the Town of Union.
- PHRAGMITES CONTROL: Phragmites, the 6+ foot tall grass taking over our shores, is being targeted by a $3,000 grant from the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament. The Soil and Water Department will use the funds to educate landowners on how to control Phragmites.
- 25 X 25: The State of Wisconsin has set a goal to generate 25% of our electricity and transportation fuels from renewable resources by 2025 – hence: 25 X 25. Our County Board is considering a resolution expressing our support of this, and, in so doing, we’ll make Door County eligible for grants to help us conserve energy used in our County facilities. If passed, we’ll be on our way to saving tax dollars and protecting the environment.
- FEES OF SHERIFF: The Law Enforcement committee has recommended updating the fees charged by the Sheriff. These fees have not been updated since 1999.
- CITIZEN SURVEY RESULTS: The results of Door County’s Citizen Survey will be presented at this meeting. The results of our County Board Strategic Planning sessions will also be discussed.
- FTTX UPDATE: The “Fiber to the Premise” saga has ended another chapter – but hasn’t ended. Norlight proposed creating fiber-optic rings throughout Door County and connecting businesses directly and using wireless technology to connect homes to this network. During this process several issues developed relating to the ownership of this network. The other important issue is the ARRA funding we were hoping for seems out of reach now that the State is looking at a large State-wide project. The good news is that if and when the State project is complete, Door County will be in a good position to benefit from projects building off the State network.
That’s all for now! Please contact me with your questions and concerns.
Thanks,
Ben Meyer
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Aug. 25 Meeting UPdate...
Dear Friends,
Here is your regular update for Your Door County Board Meeting this Tuesday August 25th at 9:00AM at our Government Center – 421 Nebraska in Sturgeon Bay.
- RETIRING SUPERVISOR: Thank You County Supervisor Will Jeanquart for many years of valuable service. His years of experience and his wisdom on the Board will be missed. A replacement to fill these big shoes is being sought. Please contact me if you’re interested in representing City Wards 13 – 14 on our County Board - click HERE for a map.
- SEAT-BELT GRANT: Buckle-up everyone! If approved, the Sheriff’s Dept. will have $18,000 worth of extra patrol time to pull-over anyone not wearing a seatbelt. “Click it or Ticket!"
- COUNTY PERSONNEL: A Joint Meeting of the Administrative and Finance Committees discussed proposed staffing changes for 2010. A janitor position for the Justice Center and Highway Shop was granted, but only ½ of full-time. However, a Social Worker position is not being filled from the Long Term Care Unit. This worker helps manage Our resources to provide services to our Community’s most vulnerable citizens. This cut will result in less attention for those needing life-long support (the Developmentally Disabled, the Wheel-Chair Bound, etc.) while more cases are taken on by fewer Social Workers. If there were fewer cases, then the cut is justified. If not, then what are we doing!?
- COMMITTEE RESTRUCTURING: We’ll be discussing (again) a plan to restructure our County’s Committees. A well-thought-out plan to involve more of the Board in important decisions could be positive.
That’s all for now. You can find the full agenda HERE.
Check out http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov/ for timely info on H1N1. You can follow this sight on Twitter and Facebook!
Please contact me with your thoughts and concerns.
Ben
Here is your regular update for Your Door County Board Meeting this Tuesday August 25th at 9:00AM at our Government Center – 421 Nebraska in Sturgeon Bay.
- RETIRING SUPERVISOR: Thank You County Supervisor Will Jeanquart for many years of valuable service. His years of experience and his wisdom on the Board will be missed. A replacement to fill these big shoes is being sought. Please contact me if you’re interested in representing City Wards 13 – 14 on our County Board - click HERE for a map.
- SEAT-BELT GRANT: Buckle-up everyone! If approved, the Sheriff’s Dept. will have $18,000 worth of extra patrol time to pull-over anyone not wearing a seatbelt. “Click it or Ticket!"
- COUNTY PERSONNEL: A Joint Meeting of the Administrative and Finance Committees discussed proposed staffing changes for 2010. A janitor position for the Justice Center and Highway Shop was granted, but only ½ of full-time. However, a Social Worker position is not being filled from the Long Term Care Unit. This worker helps manage Our resources to provide services to our Community’s most vulnerable citizens. This cut will result in less attention for those needing life-long support (the Developmentally Disabled, the Wheel-Chair Bound, etc.) while more cases are taken on by fewer Social Workers. If there were fewer cases, then the cut is justified. If not, then what are we doing!?
- COMMITTEE RESTRUCTURING: We’ll be discussing (again) a plan to restructure our County’s Committees. A well-thought-out plan to involve more of the Board in important decisions could be positive.
That’s all for now. You can find the full agenda HERE.
Check out http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov/ for timely info on H1N1. You can follow this sight on Twitter and Facebook!
Please contact me with your thoughts and concerns.
Ben
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