Chairman Maury Miller called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. Present were Maury, Emmett Byrne, Bobbi Sichta, Sheriff Roland, Chief Deputy Taylor, Jail Captain Nesvold,
Gary Lundberg, Roger Labakken, Todd Beckman-Sentinel and Jeanne Daniels-Inter Co. Leader.

Minutes from the December meeting were approved as written on a motion by Emmett and second by Maury. Motion made and carried.

Public Comment - Gary Lundberg from the Citizens Patrol gave a brief review of the crimes that he has logged for 2005. He asked if he could be placed on the agenda next month and he would bring in his charts with the break down with what types of crimes were committed and in what areas. Maury stated that would be interesting and he will be put on the agenda for February.

Discussion was held on the Veteran's Officer position and Emmett stated that it has been posted and the end date for applications is January 14, 2006.

Bobbi presented her report and vouchers for Emergency Management, discussion held.
Emmett made a motion to approve the vouchers as presented and Maury second it.
Motion made and carried.

Bobbi informed the committee that she will be going on vacation for a couple of weeks and Rhonda Reynolds will be her back up if something should happen in her absence. Bobbi will give Dispatch Rhonda's number if something should happen and we need her services.

Bobbi reported that the radio tower in Polk County would be starting soon. She stated that there is going to be a joint meeting with Polk Co., Burnett Co. and the Tribal Police when she returns from vacation in February. Bobbi also stated that the Tribal Police would be helping fund the changes at the Danbury tower also this year, discussion held.

The Karlsburg Tower now has a new generator system. The TV station had this put in and hooked up. They will be taking care of all maintenance of the generator, which will be nice for the County.

Bobbi reported the following: The wireless grant which is for $400,000.00, will be a three (3) year grant and cell phone users will pay for this indirectly, not the land line users. There will be a fly over done in March for mapping purposes, as this hasn't been done since 1990. Bobbi also stated that the grant money for the exercise program has been received. Discussion was held on money that was left over from the 2005 budget from the radio group. Bobbi stated that she has permission to buy six (6) - 1250 hand held radio's, which will be programmed with the Sheriff's Department frequency. Bobbi stated these radios will be available in emergencies.

The report and vouchers for the Sheriff's Department and Jail were presented, discussion held. Emmett made a motion to approve the vouchers as presented, Maury second it. Motion made and carried.

Sheriff Roland informed the committee that Deputy Sacharski would be taking a class via the Internet thru Department of Justice and UW Platteville. He has received a scholarship for $400.00, but will have some book expenses, which we would be covering thru the education budget. Sheriff Roland explained that he had asked Officers last fall if anyone would be interested in further education courses and Deputy Sacharski and Deputy Wedin had contacted him about this. Emmett made a motion to approve the voucher for Deputy Sacharski for $93.70 for books, Maury second it. Motion made and carried.

Discussion was held on the Vet bills for the Mardell animal case. Sheriff Roland explained the situation to the committee and what the law states reference paying for these expenses. The question at hand is who is responsible for these expenses? Sheriff Roland is requesting that the committee approve the payment to the vendors as they did the services and entered into this with good faith and we need to cover these bills in return for their services. Sheriff Roland stated that he worries that if these vendors don't get paid for their services and something happens down the road and we need their services and will they be willing to help us out? After discussion, Maury made a motion to approve the bills subject to the approval of finance and legal review, Emmett second it. Motion made and carried.

Sheriff Roland explained the letter that Mr. Main sent out after Deputy Turner had sent out a letter to the townships. Sheriff Roland explained that Deputy Turners letter was not meant to single anyone out, she just wanted to let people know about the Human Society and their services that they provide. He explained that each case is different and abuse and stray animals are dealt with differently. Animal bites have to be referred to Health and Human Services as they have to follow up with the owners to make sure the animal has had it's shots, etc. The issue of who is responsible to pay is a big problem as it is hard for our department to budget this type of funding, discussion. Maury asked where we see this issue being addressed? Sheriff Roland stated that he thought it would be a Public Health issue, but shared with our department. Emmett stated that the townships and villages are responsible for licensing and shots on their end also.

Maury wondered if Health and Human Services and the Law Enforcement Committees should have a joint meeting to try and address this problem. Sheriff Roland stated that this would be a good idea and maybe we could get direction on what to do in these cases. He will talk to Carol Larson and see what she thinks also.

Discussion was held on the No Smoking Policy that will be going to the full County Board.

Chief Deputy Taylor gave out the monthly report for December, discussion held.

The jail report was discussed. 2005 was a busy year with July and August having the highest number in custody. The average jail count was 65.02 daily compared to 2004 of 54.1 daily count. There was about an 11 a day increase for 2005. We had 77 inmates in custody on Tuesday but 68 today. Probation holds are up along with the number of traffic crimes and these add to the inmate count. Chief Deputy Taylor stated that we have to remember we have more Law Enforcement Officers out also with the increase of Tribal Officers, Villages and Township arrests added to ours. Maury feels that the Finance Committee should be kept aware of the numbers and increases for budget purposes next year, discussion held.

Captain Nesvold informed the committee that the Judge and himself went down and toured the Salvation Army House and seen first hand how their program works. The program deals with alcohol and drug users. It was very impressive and we have already sent two individuals down to enroll in the program. This is a six-month program, the inmate has to meet the qualifications and follow the rules once they are there or they will be kicked out. If the individual doesn't make it thru the program, it is their own fault and they will be revoked. This program is at no cost to the County or the individual.

Captain Nesvold stated that the video conferencing would be tested with Polk County towards the end of the month. Judge Gableman supports this and this will save many man-hours and money not having to transport inmates back and forth for court.

The revenues were up $41,307.00 from 2004, discussion held.

The next meeting will be held February 9, 2006 at 9:30 a.m.

Emmett made a motion to adjourn and Maury second it at 10:35 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Tammy Chell