Vernon County committee forwards board-rule changes, approves counsel agreement and cybersecurity grant application

The General Government Committee of Vernon County forwarded two proposed amendments to the county’s Board Rules, approved a limited-scope representation agreement for the corporation counsel and authorized staff to apply for a cybersecurity grant during its Jan. 7 meeting at the Courthouse Annex.

Chair Alycann Taylor called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. County Clerk J. Pedretti confirmed proper public notice and that the meeting was being recorded.

On routine business, the committee approved the minutes of Dec. 3 by voice vote after Supervisor Eggen moved and Supervisor Lawler seconded the motion.

A policy item moved up on the agenda after Corp. Counsel Swayne’s scheduling conflict prompted discussion about past meetings where a quorum was not present. The committee debated procedural options and approved forwarding a resolution to amend the Board Rules to add this language: if a quorum is not present the meeting shall be called to order and immediately adjourned; the committee may remain to receive information (for example, an invited speaker or planned presentation) once adjourned, but no action shall be taken. Supervisor Lawler moved the resolution; Supervisor Goede seconded it. The motion carried on a voice vote, with all voting in favor.

The committee also approved a resolution to add petitions and remonstrances to section 4 of the Board Rules and to define “remonstrance” as “a formal, written objection or protest raised by individuals or entities against a proposed action or decision of the Vernon County Board of Supervisors,” language the committee will forward to the full County Board (motion by Supervisor Lawler; seconded by Supervisor Goede; voice vote, all in favor).

On legal representation, the committee reviewed an informed-consent limited-scope agreement with Corp. Counsel Swayne that allows Swayne to represent multiple clients where conflicts might otherwise arise, including matters related to the Village of Readstown and some county employees and residents. The committee approved the agreement (motion by Supervisor Lawler; seconded by Supervisor Goede) and noted the committee may withdraw the agreement at any time, which would leave the county and covered employees without counsel until outside counsel is engaged.

County Clerk J. Pedretti reported election planning for a Westby Area School District primary that will require 12 municipalities to hold elections. The committee recorded candidate filing notes: Scott Champion will run unopposed in District 12 to replace Supervisor Henry; District 14 will feature incumbent Lawler challenged by Max Kane; and District 17 will feature incumbent Muller challenged by Greg Lawton. Most other incumbents are running unopposed.

Human Resources updated the committee that the new HRIS payroll system has gone live. Since the last meeting HR logged five exit interviews, one workers’ compensation claim, processed 50 applications, conducted 14 interviews, completed two hires, recorded 10 transfers and six separations; current county employment stood at 275. The Neighborhood Clinic balance was reported at $64,896 (November invoices).

Buildings & Facilities reported heightened winter materials use, that an emergency management building project is out for bids, and that staff will use a template RFP to solicit proposals for an energy audit. IT Director Conner Simon presented a resolution requesting permission to apply for a cybersecurity grant; the committee approved forwarding that resolution to the full County Board (motion by Supervisor Eggen; seconded by Supervisor Henry; voice vote, all in favor). Director Simon also summarized help-desk activity and ongoing IT projects in the county.

Administrative items included progress on the payroll transition, requests that department heads place long-range plans on committee agendas, a forthcoming county brand launch, receipt of a predisaster flood resilience grant, and continued work on a landfill addendum that has not yet been submitted. The Wisconsin Towns Association is hosting a webinar on board rules.

Votes at a glance: • Approve minutes of Dec. 3 — Mover: Supervisor Eggen; Second: Supervisor Lawler; Outcome: approved (voice vote, all in favor). • Board Rules quorum/adjournment resolution (call to order then immediate adjournment if no quorum; committee may receive information but take no action) — Mover: Supervisor Lawler; Second: Supervisor Goede; Outcome: forwarded to full County Board with recommendation to approve (voice vote, all in favor). • Add petition/remonstrance language and definition to Board Rules — Mover: Supervisor Lawler; Second: Supervisor Goede; Outcome: forwarded to full County Board with recommendation to approve (voice vote, all in favor). • Approve Informed Consent and Limited Scope Representation agreement with Attorney Swayne — Mover: Supervisor Lawler; Second: Supervisor Goede; Outcome: approved (voice vote, all in favor). • Approve resolution to apply for cybersecurity grant program — Mover: Supervisor Eggen; Second: Supervisor Henry; Outcome: forwarded to full County Board with recommendation to approve (voice vote, all in favor). • Adjourn — Mover: Supervisor Lawler; Second: Supervisor Eggen; Outcome: approved (voice vote, all in favor). The meeting adjourned at 11:48 a.m.

The committee set its next meeting for Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m.