Executive & Legislative Committee Minutes

Members present: Marty Krueger, Don Stevens, Joan Fordham, William Wenzel, Paul Endres

Members absent: none

Others present: Kathy Schauf, Mark Steward, Jeff Jelinek, media, public; Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, Steve Schneider, Hillbert Communications, Tim Stieve, Steven Bach, Tommy Lee Bychinski, Town, City and Village officials.

The meeting was called to order and certification of Open Meeting compliance was given at 6:00 p.m. The agenda was approved on a motion by Endres, second by Stevens, and a unanimous vote of the Committee.

Welcome and Introductory remarks: Krueger welcomed participants.

Update on 2008 Flood and Hazard Mitigation Plans:

Jeff Jelinek, Emergency Management Director updated group on ongoing activities from 2008 flood, including long term recovery and hazard mitigation. Also recapped public health emergency.

Public Hearing for Sauk County Comprehensive Plan.

Linda White and Gene Dahlhoff presented overview of comprehensive plan.

Questions

Time frame? 20 – 30 year plan; with updates every 5 years.
Drivers of implementation of plan? Translatable into county processes as part of an ongoing strategic plan. Administrative Coordinator will report yearly on the progress of the implementation of the comprehensive plan.

Public Comment

• Andrea Lombard – Concern over comprehensive plan being a pitch for global government. A framework for takeover of individual freedoms. Governing bodies signing away individual rights.
• Audrey Parker – Comprehensive Plan is “big” government. Plan does not meet statutory requirements. Brings County one step closer to regional government.
• Virgil Kasper – Good plan which allows for a proactive approach. Gives balance to all forms of transportation.
• Bill Wietzel – Stressed importance of farming and forestry to Sauk County.
• Warren Frank – Lake Redstone Protection District – discussed plan implementation and next steps.
• Paul Rassmussen – Town of Winfield. Discussed the balance of individual rights and the greater good. Highlighted the connectedness of our society.

Presentation by Steve Schneider of Hilbert Communications.

Implementation of county-wide broadband services. Shared details of final plan. First step was to connect to main internet hub in Chicago with Merrimac Communications. Deployed fiber optic equipment. Made entire loop operational and have spent 1.2 million in equipment ordered and installed. Are prepared to deliver cellular services to area providers. Next step is to turn on Happy Hill and Hillpoint sites for broadband. Smaller company that provides service where larger providers do not go. Wireless service turned up around the County by 11/30/09. Supports Lands End home based service.

Updated the group on ARRA grant application and the outcomes that would be available if the grant is awarded.

Presentation of 2010 Sauk County Proposed Budget. Supervisors Bychinski and Bach presented the proposed 2010 Budget. Entertained questions and discussion of budgetary implications for local levels of government.

Motion by Wenzel, second by Endres to adjourn. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted: Kathryn Schauf, Administrative Coordinator