Public Health Board


DATE: Wednesday, June 14, 2006
PLACE:

Room B24
West Square Building

Present: White, Clement, Haugen, Kreigl

Absent: Schlender, Hannah, Horenberger

Also Present: Bodendein, Lally, Steve Sorenson, Planning and Zoning, Todd Leibman, Corporation Council, Bonnie Konkel, media and general public

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm, when there was a quorum, by White and compliance with the open meeting law was noted.

Moved by Haugen, seconded by Kreigl to adopt the agenda with the change to move "D" under item 8 "Departmental Updates" to under item 7 " Form 1 of 2007 Budget - Proposed Final Draft".
Motion carried.

Moved by Haugen, seconded by Clement to adopt the minutes of the previous meeting.
Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS:

Muhlenbeck handed out two documents:

"Smoke Free News" - Sauk County Tobacco Free Coalition

"News Briefs" - The National Association of Local Boards of Health

BUSINESS ITEMS:

There were no business items

Consideration of permit application pursuant to Sauk Co. Code ch. 27 of Big Dad's Big Cats Rescue, Inc. and Jeff Kozlowski.

Corporation Council addressed the Board as to why they were again giving consideration to permit application of Mr. Kozlowski for restricted animals. History was given of the process thus far and why there was a need to reconsider the application.

Joe Lally, Environmental Health Specialist give a history of the Public Health Department process of giving a permit. Original permit was applied for by Jeff Kozlowski with the information of four restricted animals (2 lions, 2 tigers). Public Health Department was proceeding along with process when in November/December, Mr. Kozlowski obtained 19 more restricted animals. The process stopped at that point and the Health Department hired a structural engineering company , (mp)2, to assess the new pens that were erected. The report indicated that there were 10 recommendations that needed to be made to make the pens safe. At that point, the Health Department sent an abatement letter to Mr. Kozlowski with the 10 recommendations that needed to be addressed before the pens were considered safe for the public and a sign was posted at the entrance of the property warning the public to stay away because of a possible safety issue.

Attorney for Kozlowski, Jeff Scott Olson, spoke requesting Board to table the issue till next months Board meeting when Olson and Kozlowski will return and bring a solid plan and timelines as to the placement of the restricted animals to another location. Oslo also asked for a temporary permit from the Health Board and a separate special zoning permit be granted to Big Dad's Big Cats Rescue, Inc. after a firm plan and timeline is in place to move the restricted animals.

Jeff Kozlowski stated he felt his present location was safe to the public due to his independent engineering report from Joe Murphy, Ph.D., P.E.

Joe Murphy, Ph.D., P.E. structural engineer spoke regarding his independent engineering report dated 5/17/06. He addressed the issue of the safety of the pens where the animals were housed. He felt the present construction of the pens was adequate and that (mp)2's report required more engineering than was necessary to make the pens safe.

Steve Sorenson, Planning and Zoning Assistant Administrator, spoke giving the history of Kozlowski's requests from their office. As is stands today, Kozlowski has been denied zoning for Recreational/Educational facility from the zoning administrator, he will need to appeal this decision with the Board of Adjustments.

Those speaking in favor of saving Big Dad Big Cats were: Dorothy Elfers, Robert H. Acton, Jim T Pfaff, Harlan Behnke, Al Winecke, Duane Neises.

Those speaking against keeping Big Dad Big Cats at present location were: Elwood "Woody" Anderson, Donald Toeder, Melody Hiller, Robert McFarlane Jr., Laurie F. Hasenbals, Georgiann Bebar, Rose Valek Lynette M. Burgel.

Moved by Haugen, seconded by Clement to table the issue until the 7/12 Board meeting or a special meeting is called, to allow Kozlowski and Counsel to bring a plan and a solid time line and new location as to where the restricted animals will be kept.

Moved by Kreigl to add a friendly amendment to provide the extra time to have the two engineering report personnel meet and try to come to a concessus of what is safe for the pens on a temporary basis and also assure that the all parties understand the order of abatement will remain in effect until the next board meeting or special meeting is called, seconded by Clement. Motion carried for the friendly amendment. Original motion carried with friendly amendment.

Form 1 of 2007 budget - proposed final draft

Moved by Haugen, seconded by Kreigl to approve the Final Draft of the Form 1, 2007 Budget. There was considerable discussion.
Motion carried.

Item "D" of Departmental Updates: Possible support for employee wellness program

Moved by Clement, seconded by Kreigl to support the Sauk County Wellness Program.
Motion carried.

DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES:

  1. Moved by Haugen, seconded by Kreigl to add the monthly reports to the minutes of the June meeting. Motion carried.
  2. The Board reviewed the "Committee Budget Report". Moved by Haugen, seconded by Clement to approve the May vouchers totaling $37,482.36.
    Motion carried.
  3. Motion by Clement, seconded by Kreigl to "Authorize the Public Health Department to accept the Donation of the St. Clares Foundation". Motion carried. Haugen voted no.
  4. Motion by Kreigl, seconded by Haugen to support the Health Department to write for The Premier Award totaling $70,000. Funds to be used for the medication portion of the Sauk County Community Health Program.
    Motion carried.

    Motion by Clement, seconded by Kreigl to support the Health Department to write for the "2006 Global Vision Community Partnership Award" totaling $2,400. Funds to be used for the medication of the Sauk County Community Health Program.
    Motion carried.

  5. Report from White and Haugen regarding the WALSDAB/WPHA annual meeting.

Next Board of Health meeting is scheduled for 7/12/06 at 6 p.m..

Moved by Haugen, seconded by Clement to adjourn.
Motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted: Rose White, Chairman