DATE: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - 5:00 P.M. - Room 213, Sauk County West Square Building, 505 Broadway, Baraboo, WI 53913
Members Present: Krueger, Stevens, Wenzel, Fordham, and Endres
Others Present: K. Schauf, A. Kleczek, B. Mielke, A. Ladd, and news media representative
Chair Krueger called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. and certified compliance with the Open Meeting Law.
Public Comment: Chair Krueger announced citizen Ardell Ladd's comments would be heard under discussion of the Big Cat Rescue portion of the agenda.
Communications: Chair Krueger distributed copies of letters he'd received from the Villages of Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, both of which supported the re-appointment of Supervisor Robert Sinklair to the Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission. Krueger noted copies of these letters have been distributed to all County Board Supervisors in order that they might be considered prior to the approval of committee appointments at tonight's County Board meeting. The Corporation Counsel updated Committee members on the procedure for approving and/or changing committee appointments; further noting final approval must be given at this evening's Board meeting.
Discussion of Fines Against Big Cat Rescue:
Sauk County citizen, Ardell Ladd, addressed the Committee and urged the Board of Supervisors to waive the fines which were levied against Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center (Jeff Kozlowski). Ladd noted she was not speaking on behalf of Kozlowski, or at his request. Discussion followed regarding the history of this case with the Corporation Counsel stating it was possible to make a court motion to amend the settlement agreement. Committee members took no action to authorize pursuit of this option and felt the amount of the fines which were levied ($7,500, in installments) was fair and a great reduction in the total dollar amount which could have been imposed ($67,805 - $440,000). Chair Krueger invited Ladd to bring her concerns to the entire County Board, under the "Public Comment" portion of the agenda.
Motion by Wenzel, seconded by Fordham to go into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. s. 19.85(1)(g), conferring with legal counsel for the governmental body who is rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is, or is likely to become involved: James Thieding Construction, Inc. v. Sauk County et. al., Case No. 2007 CV 598 and allow the following to remain: K. Schauf, A. Kleczek, and B. Mielke. Roll call vote was taken on the motion with the following results: AYE: (5) Krueger, Stevens, Endres, Fordham, and Wenzel. NAY: (0). Motion carried and the Committee went into closed session at 5:30 P.M.
At 5:45 P.M. the Committee returned to open session, followed with a motion to adjourn by Stevens, seconded by Fordham. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 5:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Beverly J. Mielke, County Clerk/Secretary