UW Field House Lease Will End On June 30

Marinette County Administrator John LeFebvre informed Marinette County Board at its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28 that the UW Board has agreed to end its lease for use of the Field House in Marinette effective on June 30 of this year. LeFebvre said Marinette County will take over the entire facility effective July 1, and he and Facilities Director Martin Keyport are starting conversations with River Cities Pool Association about future management of either the entire building or just the pool area. He said he and Keyport welcome inquiries from any one else who is interested.

LeFebvre also reported that settlements are being reached with five additional companies in the opioid lawsuit, and the Executive Committee will be having discussions on how to best use it. A mental health group spearheaded by Judge James Morrison has started brain storming about how to improve mental health in the community, and a portion of the settlements may go toward those efforts.

Ryan Bourassa, who has seven years experience as a Marinette County forester, has been named interim Marinette County Forest Administrator. LeFebvre said he and Al Sauld, who chairs the Public Works Committee, had interviewed a number of applicants for the top position in the Forestry Department, and then decided to offer the job to Bourassa on a temporary basis. The decision will come to the full County Board when when time comes to name a permanent County Forest Administrator.

LeFebvre spoke at some length on problems with broadband Internet coverage in various parts of the county and efforts that are underway to improve connectivity.

Highlights of the meeting were the annual reports from Marinette County Fair Association president Mario Ruiz and Secretary Lisa Witak on their group’s plans and achievements for the year, and the annual Sheriff’s Department report by Sheriff Randy Miller.

The board approved County Board Chair John Guarisco’s appointment of Supervisor Hank Norton to represent the county on the McCaslin Lake District Commission.

Despite the snowstorm that ended late Monday evening, only three supervisors of the 30-member board were absent - Michael Ebsch, Al Sauld and Novak. All three were excused.

The board approved a number of actions as recommended by the appropriate committees, including withdrawal of some Marinette County Forest lands to facilitate an exchange with Specialty Granules LLC that leaves the county owning more acreage, and gives the roofing granule company the property it needs. The withdrawal has now been submitted to the DNR for their approval.

The highway commissioner was authorized to apply for $927,400 - $857,400 for construction and $70,000 for design - of funding from the 2023-2026 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace the bridge over the Wausaukee River on County C.

On recommendation of the Public Services and Administrative committees, the board approved an ordinance change allowing law enforcement students to apply for deputy sheriff positions before they have completed their training, but with the provision that proof of meeting the standards set by the Wisconsin Department of Justice must be provided prior to the county’s final offer of employment.

On recommendation of the Health and Human Services Board, County Board increased the contract with Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan LLC by $54,142.65.

To deal with an overwhelming increase in the number of new cases needing Adult Protective Services, County Board approved eliminating one Health and Human Services accounting clerk position and creation of an additional Adult Protective Services (APS) worker immediately, due to the large amount of adults needing protective services. Cost of the change was calculated at $33,484 a year.

In 2022 APS had 336 referrals come in, and in addition to the referrals for elder abuse and neglect there were 68 referrals for guardianships and 13 protective placements .

Leases of two outside agencies for office space in the courthouse were renewed for another year, but with increases in rent. Rent for Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin is now $600 per month, up from $475 per month, and the new monthly rent for Forward Service Corporation is $2,403.50, up from $1,957.

Donations continue to come in for the Sheriff’s Department K9 unit, and applying the restricted K9 account fund balance of $1,200 for purchase of jackets for K9 handlers in 2023 was approved.