JUDICIARY AND LAW COMMITTEE

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Administrative Center – Room 3220

2:30 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Vicki Burke, Keith Belzer, Maureen Freedland, Joe Bilskemper, Jacie Gamroth, John Medinger, Bernie Maney (arr @2:42)       

MEMBERS EXCUSED:  None       

MEMBERS ABSENT:  None 

STAFF & GUESTS:  Steve Helgeson, Tim Gruenke, Jay Loeffler, Jeff Wolf, Mike Horstman, Keith Butler, Jane Klekamp, Bob Taunt, Steve O’Malley, Dana Malin, Cheryl Stephen

CALL TO ORDER

Committee Chair Vicki Burke called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Belzer/Gamroth to approve minutes of July 10, 2007.  Motion carried unanimously; Maney absent.

CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION by Gamroth/Bilskemper to receive and place on file the following Consent Agenda items:

• CJMC Notes of July 18, 2007
• CJMC Executive Committee Minutes of June 27 and July 11, 2007
• LEC Addition Committee Minutes of July 9, 2007
• LEPC Minutes of July 18, 2007
• Reminder:  Evidence-Based Practices Conference on September 11-12, 2007.  Committee Chair Burke encouraged attendance at the ½-day scheduled session for County Board Members.

Supervisor Freedland asked if the additional space needs for the Sheriff’s Dept. been incorporated into the LEC Addition planning.  Sheriff Helgeson noted thus far they are in the plans.

Motion carried unanimously; Maney absent.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None requested.

INTRODUCTION OF DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND REPORT ON COMPUTER SYSTEM

Tim Gruenke noted changes within the DA’s Office.  Just recently hired two assistant attorneys so currently at eight (8) state approved; in process of replacing the office manager including two support staff positions; and starting September 17^th, going “live” with new statewide computer system called “Protect”.  Miscellaneous questions.  Tim noted Loralee Clark as the Deputy DA.  He also noted the need for additional help based on studies and a formula which indicates need for 3.3 additional attorneys; he knows this will not occur soon so the office tries to be as efficient and as organized as possible. 

2006 CITIZENS CORPS GRANT

Keith Butler reviewed.  This is one of many Homeland Security grants received by La Crosse County; over the past few years, the County has received as much as $750,000 total.  This grant of $22,253 will be used for citizen police academies and local neighborhood watch programs.  Informational.

LA CROSSE COUNTY HAZARD ANALYSIS

Keith Butler reviewed.  Copies of the 35-page report were sent with the agenda, and in addition, Keith distributed a 6-page summary.  He noted a UW-La Crosse Emergency Services student, working as an intern, compiled the report which includes 16 most common natural and technological hazards within La Crosse County; it also includes an assessment and understanding of hazards through descriptions and specific historical incidents, provides an avenue to analyze and prioritize these risks as well as offers guidance in the prevention of these hazards.  Supervisor Medinger noted need to plan for disasters relating to the Red Wing power plant as well as bridge disasters; he also pointed out on page 30 that, “The responsibility for action against terrorists rests primarily with the law enforcement community, which …….”; that this as not true and that it starts with the elected officials.  

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR VULNERABLE POPULATION

Keith reviewed, noting since 2005, La Crosse County has been working on this project and serves as the regional leader.  Looked at concerns and needs of the vulnerable population (special needs and elderly) in relation to disaster planning; have already identified over 200 agencies in the County who can provide services and support.  Have held many meetings and the next process is to get the word out to the vulnerable population.  The Katrina disaster was a real eye opener so need to be prepared. 

2008 SHERIFF’S BUDGET - SQUAD PROPOSAL

Jeff Wolf, Chief Deputy, reviewed the Sheriff’s Dept. Fleet Proposal as it relates to the 2008 budget.  Jeff reviewed in the detail the history of the current shuttle service, the history of the fleet, case studies on take-home squads, the actual proposal, and net funding/affects on the 2008 budget.  Highlights of his overview as follows:

• The proposal is to have 9 squads and 1 spare so that each squad can be assigned per shift; each squad would be used for 8-hour shift per day; previously, squads were used 24 hours/day.  Deputies would have a squad at their residence and immediately be available for calls when they come on duty.  Will continue to use the shuttle service, but will have more take-home cars.
• The proposal is to purchase 5 squads in 2008 and keep 5 squads that would normally be traded in or sold to other County departments.  This would increase the squads (marked fleet) to a total of 10.
• Some of the advantages to the proposal:  lower maintenance costs, accountability of equipment, increased visibility in community, increased productivity, better response times, less down time shuttling deputies, and better overall police service.
• Total impact to 2008 budget is $130,000; this includes loss of revenue for selling/trading in 5 older squads and for purchasing 5 new squads, including the needed equipment.

Lengthy discussion and questions followed.  Jeff noted out of 72 counties, approximately 60 counties have take-home cars; the cars are the deputies’ offices.  Steve O’Malley noted the additional cost would be covered by one-time funding and not placed on the tax levy – similar as done for other large projects.  This proposal will be one of the 10-12 items that will be presented to the County Board as separate budget issues.  General agreement by the committee members to support the 2008 fleet proposal for the Sheriff’s Dept.

UPDATE ON TOUR OF DANE AND DODGE COUNTY JAILS

Committee Chair Burke noted she and 3 other County Board members, including staff, participated in the jail tours.  Suggestion that additional tours of other county jails be considered.  Burke also recommended that committee members support the direct supervision concept.

ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS

None requested.  At this time Committee Chair Burke noted new Secretary to the Wisconsin State Dept. of Corrections, Rick Raemisch, who will be starting on September 1^st; hopefully, he will be visiting the counties in the near future.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION by Maney/Freedland to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 3:46 p.m.

Disclaimer:  The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.

Cheryl Stephen, Recorder