Dane County Board recognizes Black History Month and approves land purchases, jail fire-suppression change order and a personnel reclassification

The Dane County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution recognizing February 2025 as Black History Month, approved a change order for fire-suppression systems at the consolidated jail project, authorized the purchase of multiple properties near the planned landfill entrance in the Town of Cottage Grove, and reclassified a vacant weapons‑screening manager position during a meeting in February 2025.

The board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2024-307 recognizing Black History Month. Chair Patrick Miles opened the meeting by calling attention to the observance, saying, “Good evening and happy Black History Month tonight,” and noting the contributions of historic Black civil servants. Reuben Anthony, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison, thanked the board for the recognition and said the acknowledgement was “not just symbolic.”

Why it matters: The land purchases and construction change order affect county infrastructure, long-term operating costs and neighbors adjacent to county projects; the personnel reclassification changes how a courthouse weapons‑screening role is staffed and paid.

Jail consolidation project: change order increases protection for electrical gear A public works item, Resolution 2024-282, approved a contract change order (No. 66) for the jail consolidation project at 115 West Doty Street. The change order funds installation of pre-action fire-suppression systems in electrical rooms serving critical jail systems. Project manager Steve Richards told supervisors the phased remodel revealed electrical rooms in both the renovated Public Safety Building and the new South Tower that required upgraded suppression because standing wet-pipe systems could flood electrical gear. Richards explained the pre-action system “has a safety net built into it that basically requires a 2‑step mechanism, before the water is discharged,” and that it would minimize unintentional water damage to generators and other critical equipment.

Supervisor Wegleitner asked about environmental or toxicant concerns tied to suppression agents and was told the system uses water but with valves and controls so pipes remain dry until activation. Supervisor Wegleitner was recorded as voting no on the resolution; the motion otherwise carried and the change order was adopted.

Land purchases near proposed landfill: board pays above appraised values to acquire neighbor properties The board approved two related resolutions (2024-290 and 2024-291) to acquire three homes on Hope Hollow Trail in the Town of Cottage Grove that lie across the road from the future landfill entrance. County staff told supervisors the site will see roughly 400–500 garbage trucks and semis entering daily, and that the proximity of private drinking wells to the landfill footprint violates state statute and permitting requirements. Staff said remediation options include abandoning existing wells and drilling replacement wells at greater distances or purchasing the properties.

A staff member identified as John said negotiations began with an appraisal as the baseline but that the final offers were “about 30 to 40% above the appraised value” to cover moving costs, higher mortgage rates buyers would face, and other impacts. John also said replacement wells drilled for a prior landfill expansion cost about $60,000 each, and that finding land far enough away for new wells added complexity; in one case a neighboring landowner declined to host a replacement well.

Supervisor Wagon and others objected to paying well above appraised values and asked whether the purchases would be paid from property taxes; staff replied the purchases would be funded from the Solid Waste enterprise fund (tipping fees). Supervisor Wagon asked to be recorded as voting no on both acquisition resolutions; both resolutions carried.

Weapons‑screening reclassification: extended debate and a failed re‑referral before adoption Resolution 2024-276 sought to reclassify one vacant lead weapons‑screening (manager) position in the sheriff’s office to a weapons‑screening attendant. Sheriff Kalvin Barrett (identified in the transcript as Sheriff Barrett) explained the sheriff’s office inherited a position classified as a manager that no longer performs managerial duties because a deputy sergeant supervises screeners. Chief Deputy Nygaard and Sheriff Barrett said the vacancy had existed for only a few months and that the office was in the process of hiring for the role; the reclassification would align title and pay to the duties.

Several supervisors requested more staffing detail and asked that the reclassification be re‑referred to the Public Protection and Judiciary Committee for further review. A motion to re‑refer failed on a roll call. After the failed referral, the board adopted Resolution 2024-276 to reclassify the vacancy. The sheriff said that, if the reclassification had not been approved, the county might otherwise fill the vacancy at manager pay for duties that do not require that classification.

Other actions - The board adopted OA 34, an ordinance amending chapter 17 of the Dane County Code of Ordinances to update flood‑insurance study provisions, following the zoning committee recommendation. - Resolution 2024-246 authorizing release of deed restrictions, easements and rights-of-way near Dane County Regional Airport was approved as amended by Sub 1 and adopted. - Resolution 2024-296 (consenting to assignment and sublease of an investment LLC lease) was amended with Sub 1 and adopted. - Resolution 2024-286 accepting a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Federation to support pollinator work in county parks was approved unanimously; Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources committee members noted student engagement in the issue.

Votes at a glance - Resolution 2024-307 (Black History Month recognition): moved by Supervisor Kemp, seconded by Welsh; adopted (voice vote). - Resolution 2024-282 (Jail consolidation project change order No. 66): committee recommendation adopted; Supervisor Wegleitner recorded as voting no; motion carried. - Resolution 2024-290 (purchase: 3108 Hope Hollow Trail): committee recommendation adopted; motion carried; Supervisor Wagon recorded as voting no. - Resolution 2024-291 (purchase: 3098 and 3104 Hope Hollow Trail): committee recommendation adopted; motion carried. - Resolution 2024-246 (release of deed restrictions near Dane County Regional Airport): adopted as amended by Sub 1. - Resolution 2024-276 (reclassification of vacant lead weapons‑screening position to weapons‑screening attendant): a motion to re‑refer to PP&J failed on roll call; resolution then adopted by the board. - OA 34 (amend Chapter 17 — flood insurance study provisions): adopted. - Resolution 2024-296 (assignment and sublease consent) as amended by Sub 1: adopted. - Resolution 2024-286 (accept grant from National Fish and Wildlife Federation for pollinator work): adopted unanimously (Sub 1).

Discussion vs. decision The article distinguishes board discussion (questions about system toxins, contract accountability, property valuations, and staffing levels), direction/assignment (committee recommendations, requests for additional information), and formal actions (adoption of the resolutions listed above). Where supervisors or staff raised concerns but no formal action followed (for example, requests to hold contractors accountable for missed specifications on the jail project), those items are reported as discussion.

Ending Board members closed the meeting after routine consent and zoning actions and a motion to adjourn; the board set its next meeting date by motion before adjourning.