JUDICIARY AND LAW COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Administrative Center – Room 3220

2:30 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Vicki Burke, John Medinger, Maureen Freedland, Joe Bilskemper, Jacie Gamroth (arr @2:33)      

MEMBERS EXCUSED:  Keith Belzer, Bernie Maney       

MEMBERS ABSENT:  None 

STAFF & GUESTS:  Tim Gruenke, Steve Helgeson, Jeff Wolfe, Mike Horstman, Steve O’Malley, Jim Speropulos, Bill Van Atta, Tom Rauk, Sharon Hampson, Cheryl Stephen

CALL TO ORDER

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Medinger/Bilskemper to approve minutes of January 8, 2008.  Motion carried unanimously; Belzer and Maney excused. 

CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION by Medinger/Freedland to accept and file the following Consent Agenda items:

• Law Enforcement Center Construction Committee Minutes of January 8 and 22, 2008
• Criminal Justice Management Council Minutes of December 19, 2007 and January 16, 2008
• Criminal Justice Executive Committee Minutes of December 12, 2007 and January 9, 2008
• Public Safety Communications Governing Board Minutes of December 17, 2007

Supervisor Medinger questioned the status of EMS, and pointed out the emails as mentioned in the Public Safety minutes are public record.  Steve O’Malley noted the emergency medical dispatch service with Gundersen Lutheran was approved last month; the ambulance service is still an ongoing issue though close to getting resolved.  Motion carried unanimously; Belzer and Maney excused. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

None requested.

REPORT BY TIM GRUENKE RE NEW SERVICES/PROGRAMS IN DA OFFICE

Tim Gruenke reviewed two programs in the District Attorney’s Office.  One being the “Protect” software program; records are now interfaced with the Clerk of Courts; this has helped with smoother intake court.  Can also receive electronic referrals from law enforcement which is also efficient.

The second new program is “Bounceback” which is the bad check program as handled by an outside agency.  Previously, there was one dedicated person in the DA Office that handled bad checks.  This new program, started in October, has, and as of December, collected over $40,000.  Offenders not only reimburse the check amount(s), but also required to pay the collection fee of $25, as well as required to take a financial management course which can be done at their home; taking the course relieves them from prosecution.  This new program is better than using a collection agency and less costly; they have better ways in finding people and nationally have a reputation of 40% recovery rate.  

REPORT BY DIVE RESCUE TEAM

Bill Van Atta, a representative of the Dive Rescue Team, gave historical information of the team as well as noting the need for storage of their boat, vehicle and equipment.  The group has existed since 1984; currently have 25 members; they use an old, donated ambulance for their equipment as well as an old 22-foot boat that needs to be replaced; all is currently stored at First Supply located at Cameron and 2^nd Streets, but this is only temporary as the business has future plans for that space.  Discussion on liability for this group.  Jeff Wolf noted, through his recent investigation into this matter, that, per the Attorney General opinion, rescue squads are covered, but not sure in relation to workers comp.  At one time, Corporation Counsel said they were covered by WMMIC, the County insurance.  Steve O’Malley said he would check into this.  Miscellaneous questions and discussion.  The Sheriff’s Dept. donates $4,800 yearly to the Dive Rescue Team.  Mr. Van Atta also noted receipt of donations as well as fundraisers.  They average about 15 responses yearly; ideal storage location would be near the Mississippi River, though there are times when they are called to other locations in the County.  O’Malley noted staff is currently working on storage options for the team.  Members of the committee commended the team for their rescue efforts. 

ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS

Supervisor Bilskemper requested an informational report from the County S.W.A.T. Team.

LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE MEETING

Committee Chair Burke noted the 4:00 p.m. meeting today for the LEC Construction Committee.

JOINT MEETING WITH HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES BOARD

Committee Chair Burke also noted the joint meeting at 6:00 p.m. today in which both committees will discuss consideration of contracted services for Justice Sanctions; information was sent with the agenda.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION by Bilskemper/Gamroth to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried unanimously; Belzer and Maney excused.  The meeting adjourned at 3:08 p.m.

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

Cheryl Stephen, Recorder