REGULAR SESSION of the

JACKSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

October 15, 2018 The Regular Session of the Jackson County Board of Supervisors was called to order at 5:30 P.M., on Monday, October 15, 2018, at the Jackson County Courthouse in the County Board Room by Chairman Ransom.

County Clerk, Kyle Deno, took roll call with 18 members present and 1 excused (Supervisor Schmidt).

The Pledge of Allegiance was given. Chairman Ransom asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the previous meeting. Supervisor Chamberlain made a motion to approve the minutes. This was seconded by Supervisor Stevens. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

RESOLUTION NO. 45-10-2018 RE: Retirement of John Arneson TO: The Honorable Board of Supervisors, Jackson County, Wisconsin WHEREAS, John Arneson has worked for the Jackson County Highway Department since January 10, 2000; and WHEREAS, Mr. Arneson has given unselfishly of his time and knowledge in serving Jackson County with honor and distinction; and WHEREAS, Mr. Arneson retired from the Jackson County Highway Department as of July 5, 2018 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that it is fitting for Mr. Arneson to be recognized for his years of service to the citizens of Jackson County, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Jackson County Board of Supervisors expresses their appreciation to Mr. Arneson for his dedicated public service to the citizens of Jackson County, and wishes him happiness and good health in his retirement years; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Arneson. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED this 18th day of September, 2018 by the Jackson County Highway Committee:

s/Jeffrey Amo, Chair s/Charles Jensen, Vice-Chair s/Larry Blaken, Secretary s/Alton Staff, Member s/Michelle Greendeer-Rave, Member

Supervisor Jensen made a motion to adopt this resolution. This was seconded by Supervisor Amo. Highway Committee Chairman Amo presented the resolution to John Arneson. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

RESOLUTION NO. 46-10-2018 RE: Retirement of Michael Van Kirk TO: The Honorable Board of Supervisors, Jackson County, Wisconsin WHEREAS, Michael Van Kirk has worked for the Jackson County Highway Department since February 27, 1984; and WHEREAS, Mr. Van Kirk has given unselfishly of his time and knowledge in serving Jackson County with honor and distinction; and WHEREAS, Mr. Van Kirk retired from the Jackson County Highway Department as of June 28, 2018 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that it is fitting for Mr. Van Kirk to be recognized for his years of service to the citizens of Jackson County, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Jackson County Board of Supervisors expresses their appreciation to Mr. Van Kirk for his dedicated public service to the citizens of Jackson County, and wishes him happiness and good health in his retirement years; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Van Kirk. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED this 18th day of September, 2018 by the Jackson County Highway Committee: s/Jeffrey Amo, Chair s/Charles Jensen, Vice-Chair s/Larry Blaken, Secretary s/Alton Staff, Member s/Michelle Greendeer-Rave, Member

Supervisor Greendeer-Rave made a motion to adopt this resolution. This was seconded by Supervisor Staff. Highway Committee Chairman Amo presented the resolution to Michael Van Kirk. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

RESOLUTION NO. 47-10-2018 TO: HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE JACKSON COUNTY BOARD OF

SUPERVISORS RE: Appropriation of Environmental Impact Fee Funds for Timber Creek Streambank

and Habitat Enhancement WHEREAS, portions of Timber Creek, in the Town of Northfield, Jackson County, has

severe streambank erosion and very limited fish habitat in part due to existing, natural terrain conditions; and

WHEREAS, some of the Timber Creek stream bank landowners have verbally

committed to allocating matching funds for correcting existing erosion problems while adding fish habitat improvement; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson County Land Conservation Department will provide the

technical support for design assistance, project installation supervision and cost-containment procedures for the project; and

WHEREAS, the project sites could total up to 3,000 feet of streambank shoreline and

anticipated to cost $160,000.00; and WHEREAS, the work will provide environmental protection and improvement for

Jackson County’s natural resources. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Jackson County Land Conservation and

Agriculture Committee requests that the Jackson County Board of Supervisors allocate up to $144,000.00 of Environmental Impact Fee funds for the Timber Creek Streambank and Habitat Enhancement Project, with the intent that they be utilized in 2019.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY, Jackson County Land Conservation Jackson County Executive and and Agriculture Committee Finance Committee s/Ron Carney, Chairman s/Ray Ransom, Chairman s/Hoyt Strandberg s/Jeff Amo s/Larry Blaken s/Ron Carney s/Thomas Clark s/Karen Thayer Jerrold Schmidt s/Roger Stevens s/Rick Olson, USDA-FSA Rep

Supervisor Carney made a motion to adopt this resolution. This was seconded by

Supervisor Stevens. County Conservationist, Gaylord Olson II was present for questions. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

RESOLUTION NO. 48-10-2018

TO: THE HONORABLE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RE: JACKSON COUNTY TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANT WHEREAS, Jackson County has annually applied for funding from the State of Wisconsin to be used to partially assist with Tribal Law Enforcement; and, WHEREAS, in order to receive these funds, it is necessary for the Jackson County Board of Supervisors to officially request the funding from the State of Wisconsin by the passage of a formal resolution; and, WHEREAS, the Ho-Chunk Nation must also formally pass a resolution supporting this grant as required by the State of Wisconsin; and, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Honorable County Board of Supervisors hereby requests a Tribal Law Enforcement Grant for the calendar year 2019 to be used to partially to assist with Tribal Law Enforcement in conjunction with the Ho-Chunk Nation. Respectfully submitted: Law Enforcement Committee Executive and Finance Committee s/Chuck Jensen s/Ray Ransom s/Karena Thundercloud s/Jeff Amo s/Jeff Amo s/Roger Stevens s/Ray Ransom s/Karen Thayer s/Ron Carney s/Ron Carney

Supervisor Greendeer-Rave made a motion to adopt this resolution. This was seconded by Supervisor Thundercloud. Sheriff Waldera and Chief Deputy Moan were both present for questions. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

RESOLUTION NO. 49-10-2018 TO: HONORABLE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

RE: Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – Technical Support Specialist (TSS) position WHEREAS, for many years Jackson County has invested into improving software and hardware technology for public safety. The duties and responsibilities for the specific

software and hardware applications have drastically increased and continue to become more complex. Technical support and specialized knowledge are needed to manage these applications on a daily basis, and; WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office is requesting that Jackson County create a Technical Support Specialist (TSS) position to provide technical support, advice, and assistance to internal users with technical, hardware, and software system problems. Specialists generally deal directly with end users and vendors and must effectively communicate answers in a way they can understand, and; WHEREAS, the TSS would also be a liaison and create professional working relationships with Central IT and other County Departments, and; WHEREAS, funding for said position would be used from the Sheriff’s Office existing annual budget. The Sheriff’s Office will not recruit or rehire the receptionist position. In addition, the need for the communications lead assignment will not be needed. The required funding amount for the TSS position will be used from the two aforementioned positions salaries that have already been budgeted and placed on the wage scale in Pay Group 10, and; WHEREAS, the TSS job description and financial impact analysis is attached, and; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Honorable Jackson County Board of Supervisors hereby approve the aforementioned job description and authorizes the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to recruit and hire a Technical Support Specialist; Action shall be taken upon approval, on this date, October 15, 2018. Respectfully submitted, LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL & BARGAINING EXECUTIVE & FINANCE s/Chuck Jensen s/Ray Ransom s/Ray Ransom s/Jeff Amo s/Alton Staff s/Jeff Amo s/Ray Ransom s/Ron Carney s/Roger Stevens s/Ron Carney s/Karen Thayer s/Karen Thayer s/Karena Thundercloud s/Jeff Amo s/Ron Carney s/Roger Stevens s/Chuck Jensen

Supervisor Amo made a motion to adopt this resolution. This was seconded by Supervisor Chamberlain. Sheriff Waldera and Chief Deputy Moan were both present for questions. Discussion took place. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

RESOLUTION 50-10-2018 TO: The Honorable Jackson County Board of Supervisors

RE: Requesting Increased Funding and Oversight Reforms for Wisconsin’s Child Protective Services System WHEREAS, the Wisconsin child welfare system is county-operated and state-supervised, except Milwaukee County, Where the system is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services (DMCPS); and WHEREAS, DCF provides insufficient funding to counties for the provision of child abuse and neglect services including prevention, investigation, treatment, and out-of-home placement costs, though the state has primary responsibility for compliance with federal requirements and shares liability for ensuring the system is meeting its obligations to children and families in all 72 counties; and WHEREAS, in recent years the state of Wisconsin added numerous mandates and practice expectations which increased county child protective services (CPS) workload and costs; and WHEREAS, the opioid and methamphetamine epidemics have brought Wisconsin’s child welfare system to a point of crisis, with increasing concern about the system’s ability to meet its obligations to children and families; and WHEREAS, the capacity for counties to continue to bear the lion’s share of financial responsibility to address this crisis has been exhausted, as rising county contributions to the CPS system have far outpaced increases to the DCF Children and Family Aids allocation and counties have used reserve funding to cover CPS expenses and increase staffing; and WHEREAS, maintaining sufficient resources for Wisconsin’s child welfare system is critical to secure the safety and future of our most vulnerable children; and WHEREAS, without a proportional increase in the DCF Children and Family Services allocation, the CPS system has been stressed for over a decade, causing caseloads for CPS workers to grow to unreasonable levels, contributing to high levels of staff turnover in some counties and an overrun of out-of-home care costs above what counties can sustain within available resources; and WHEREAS, Wisconsin’s CPS system leaves significant gaps in state-level oversight for all counties except Milwaukee County, including the absence of caseload standards, no process for regular legislative evaluation and prioritization of CPS needs and the absence of a legislative committee that provides regular policy guidance concerning CPS system issues such as adequate funding, performance, cost sharing and long-term stability; and

WHEREAS, along with DMCPS, all eleven of Wisconsin’s peer states with county-administered CPS systems have either adopted caseload standards for CPS caseworkers, completed thorough workload studies as a basis of determining funding needs, or otherwise have made significant recommendations related to keeping CPS workloads manageable; and WHEREAS, the children within Wisconsin’s CPS system are too important to allow the current level of under resourcing, oversight gaps and, disparity of attention, while shifting the burden to property taxpayers. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Jackson County Board of Supervisors does hereby request that the state of Wisconsin increase the Children and Family Aids Allocation to counties in the 2019-21 state biennial budget by $30 million annually in order to cover a greater share of out-of-home care costs and increase staffing levels based on the caseload standards developed by the Wisconsin County Human Services Association (WCHSA) so Wisconsin’s CPS system can meet its obligations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Wisconsin Counties Association urges the state of Wisconsin to close critical oversight gaps by creating legislative mechanisms to review the CPS resource needs of all counties as part of the biennial budget process and ensure an appropriate committee provide ongoing policy guidance to respond to emerging CPS trends and ongoing system needs; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to Governor Scott Walker, Department of Children and Families Secretary Eloise Anderson, Department of Administration Secretary Ellen Nowak, area legislators, and the Wisconsin Counties. Respectfully Submitted, DHHS Committee Executive and Finance Committee s/Ron Carney, Chairman s/Ray Ransom, Chairman s/Tom Clark s/Jeff Amo s/Roger Stevens s/Roger Stevens s/Joe Hunter s/Karen Thayer s/Michelle Greendeer-Rave s/Ron Carney s/Grady Gutknecht s/Curtis Redbird

Supervisor Chamberlain made a motion to adopt this resolution. This was seconded by Supervisor Stevens. DHHS Director, Chris Hovell was present for questions. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

RESOLUTION 51-10-2018

TO: The Honorable Jackson County Board of Supervisors

RE: Addition of one (1.0) FTE Children and Families Social Worker I, II WHEREAS, the Children and Families Division of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has recognized a need to expand community-based youth justice services in Jackson County to better serve the community and prevent increased out-of-home placements; and, WHEREAS, the Children and Families Division received 87 youth justice referrals in 2017, which is 13 referrals higher than expected, if utilizing a six-year trend; and, WHEREAS, there has been a 150% increase in youth referred for habitual truancy from the 2016-17 school year (16 referrals) to the 2017-18 school year (40 referrals); and, WHEREAS, the needs of the juveniles referred to youth justice, and their families, are increasing in complexity, resulting in the need for additional caseworker time to address crisis, coordinate services, guide the juvenile through evidenced-based interventions, and case manage; and, WHEREAS, the Children and Families Division was awarded a $100,000 Youth Justice Innovation Grant to develop a School-Justice Partnership in Jackson County, provide training in the use of evidenced-based practices to individuals involved in the partnership, create a Youth Job Development Program, and provide wrap-around services for identified youth; and, WHEREAS, the funding for the addition of one (1.0) FTE Children and Families Social Worker in 2018 is fully covered by the Youth Justice Innovation Grant, and funding for the position was built into the 2019 DHHS budget which has been approved by the DHHS Board; and, WHEREAS, the financial analysis for this resolution is attached; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Jackson County Board of Supervisors hereby authorizes the addition of one (1.0) FTE Children and Families Social Worker I, II; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the resolution will become effective upon passage by the Jackson County Board of Supervisors and is subject to the recruitment process outlined in the County’s Personnel Policy – Chapter 4. Respectfully Submitted, DHHS Committee Personnel & Bargaining Committee Executive and Finance Committee s/Ron Carney, Chair s/Ray Ransom, Chair s/Ray Ransom, Chair s/Tom Clark s/Alton Staff s/Jeff Amo s/Roger Stevens s/Ron Carney s/Roger Stevens s/Joe Hunter s/Karen Thayer s/Karen Thayer s/Michelle Greendeer-Rave s/Jeff Amo s/Ron Carney

s/Grady Gutknecht s/Roger Stevens s/Curtis Redbird s/Chuck Jensen

Supervisor Greendeer-Rave made a motion to adopt this resolution. This was seconded by Supervisor Gutknecht. DHHS Director, Chris Hovell was present for questions. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

RESOLUTION 52-10-2018

TO: The Honorable Jackson County Board of Supervisors RE: Aging/WHEAP Coordinator Reclassification and Job Title Change to Aging Disability Services Community Support Coordinator WHEREAS, the process for reclassification is outlined in the employee compensation guide; and, WHEREAS, Jackson County is committed to providing wages equitable to external and internal conditions; and, WHEREAS, it is the objective of Jackson County to attract and retain fully qualified employees; and, WHEREAS, the Aging/WHEAP Coordinator was created in 2013, initially utilizing GWAAR Funding and, WHEREAS, this position provides Nutrition Program oversight and management of County Congregate meal sites and home delivered meals and, WHEREAS, this position was then combined with WHEAP Coordination and WHEAP assessment for client eligibility in order to capitalize upon WHEAP Funding and, WHEREAS, this position utilizes Department of Transportation funds to provide Transportation Coordination and oversight of casual and volunteer drivers and, WHEREAS, this position will be responsible for the coordination and streamlining of Community Support programs such as For Goodness Sakes, Salvation Army, Good Will etc. and, WHEREAS, the Aging/WHEAP Coordinator position has not been reclassified since 2013 and, WHEREAS, job requirements, responsibility and duties have increased and changed over the past 5 years and,

WHEREAS, the job title will be changed from the Aging/WHEAP Coordinator to the Aging and Disability Services Community Support Coordinator and, WHEREAS, the job description changes have been scored in coordination with the Personnel Department, ADS Manager, and DHHS Director and have been found to merit grade 12 within the Jackson County salary range; and, WHEREAS, the proposed wage recommendations and financial analysis of this resolution are attached; and, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the updated job description and the Aging and Disability Services Community Support Coordinator be reclassified from grade 15 to grade 12 and the attached wage recommendations be approved in accordance with the Jackson County Compensation Administrative Guide. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution will become effective the 1st full pay period upon passage by the Jackson County Board of Supervisors. Respectfully Submitted, DHHS Committee Personnel & Bargaining Committee Executive and Finance Committee s/Ron Carney, Chair s/Ray Ransom, Chair s/Ray Ransom, Chair s/Tom Clark s/Alton Staff s/Jeff Amo s/Roger Stevens s/Ron Carney s/Roger Stevens s/Joe Hunter s/Karen Thayer s/Karen Thayer s/Michelle Greendeer-Rave s/Jeff Amo s/Ron Carney s/Grady Gutknecht s/Roger Stevens s/Curtis Redbird s/Chuck Jensen s/Melissa Bergerson

Supervisor Clark made a motion to adopt this resolution. This was seconded by Supervisor Gutknecht. Angie Shafer, ADS Manager and Chris Hovell, DHHS Director, were both present for questions. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

Resolution 53-10-2018

RE: Reclassification for the County Bookkeeper Position WHEREAS, Jackson County is committed to providing wages equitable to external and internal conditions; and, WHEREAS, it is the objective of Jackson County to attract and retain fully qualified employees; and WHEREAS, the job description for the County Bookkeeper has not been updated since 2013 to reflect changes in job duties; and

WHEREAS, the County Bookkeeper did not get taken to market when the WIPFLI salary ranges were developed; and WHEREAS, the County Bookkeeper is a key financial position in the County Clerk’s Office and is essential in regards to budgeting, maintaining and processing accurate financial data for all county agencies and processing payroll for approximately 230 employees; and WHEREAS, County Bookkeeper is also essential in processing passport applications, issuing license plates and renewals which all generate additional revenue for the county; and WHEREAS, the position was reviewed and scored by the Personnel Director and the proposed wage recommendation and financial analysis are attached. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Jackson County Board of Supervisors approves the County Bookkeeper position be reclassed from a grade 10 to a grade 8; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the County Bookkeeper will be placed on the scale at 95% of mid-point effective the 1st full pay period after passage. Executive and Finance Committee Personnel and Bargaining Committee s/Ray Ransom s/Ray Ransom s/Jeff Amo s/Alton Staff s/Roger Stevens s/Ron Carney s/Karen Thayer s/Karen Thayer s/Ron Carney s/Jeff Amo s/Roger Stevens s/Chuck Jensen

Supervisor Stevens made a motion to adopt this resolution. This was seconded by Supervisor Thayer. County Clerk, Kyle Deno was present for questions. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

Resolution 54-10-2018 RE: Reclassification for the Deputy County Clerk Position WHEREAS, Jackson County is committed to providing wages equitable to external and internal conditions; and WHEREAS, it is the objective of Jackson County to attract and retain fully qualified employees; and

WHEREAS, the job description for the Deputy County Clerk has not been updated since 2013 to reflect changes in job duties; and WHEREAS, the Deputy County Clerk position did not get taken to market when the WIPFLI salary ranges were developed; and WHEREAS, the County Clerk’s office is the central Financial Department and the Deputy Clerk is essential in regards to maintaining and processing accurate financial data for all county agencies and is the back-up for processing payroll for approximately 230 employees; and WHEREAS, the deputy clerk duties include all the processes regarding the State-Wide Voter Registration System for 26 municipalities, processing Passport applications, issuing license plates and renewals which all generate additional revenue for the county; and WHEREAS, the deputy clerk’s position was reviewed and scored by the Personnel Director and the proposed wage recommendation and financial analysis are attached. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Jackson County Board of Supervisors approves the Deputy County Clerk position be reclassed from a grade 13 to a grade 10; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Deputy County Clerk will be placed on the scale at 95% of mid-point effective the 1st full pay period after passage. Executive and Finance Committee Personnel and Bargaining Committee s/Ray Ransom s/Ray Ransom s/Jeff Amo s/Alton Staff s/Roger Stevens s/Ron Carney s/Karen Thayer s/Karen Thayer s/Ron Carney s/Jeff Amo s/Roger Stevens s/Chuck Jensen

Supervisor Chamberlain made a motion to adopt this resolution. This was seconded by Supervisor Jensen. County Clerk, Kyle Deno was present for questions. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye. Supervisor Carney made a motion to temporarily suspend the rules and read the following Ordinance and Zone Petition changes only one time. This was seconded by Supervisor Strandberg. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

RESOLUTION 55-10-2018 RE: Ordinance Revisions for Chapter 4

WHEREAS, the Jackson County Board of Supervisors has deemed it necessary to amend Chapter 4 adding the following items; and

1. Recruitment Incentive 2. Hours of work on the 3rd Monday of January 3. County Park Admission 4. Community Service Incentive Day

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Jackson County Board hereby ordains the Ordinance change to Chapter 4 as follows:

4.02 (2) (L) RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE The County appreciates the efforts of our employees in helping to recruit quality employees for the County. Employees referring a potential employee and that individual is hired and remains employed for 90 days shall receive $50 in Chamber Bucks. 4.02 (17) COUNTY PARK ADMISSION All county employees will be provided free admission to county parks. You must have your employee badge or annual park pass provided by the Parks Department with you and placed on your dash of your vehicle in the parks. This is an entrance pass and is not for camping or facility rentals. You must follow all park rules. 4.02 (7) HOURS OF WORK (add item after last paragraph) Educational Day: The third Monday of January of each year will be a Countywide Employee Educational Day and the county offices will be closed to the public. Exceptions will be in Law Enforcement and possibly the Highway Department. If an educational day is not scheduled in any given year county offices will be open to the public. 4.04 (6) COMMUNITY SERVICE INCENTIVE DAY Jackson County has implemented a paid day of Community Service to build team relationships and provide a service to our county communities and residents. Each employee is allowed up to 8 hours per year with approval from their supervisor for the date, time and the service to be provided. A request form must be provided to the supervisor, signed by the requestor, supervisor, and signed by the recipient of your community service. The completed form must be submitted to payroll with your time sheet. If your community service is provided on a weekend or normal day off, you will be given compensatory time off. This incentive cannot be used to induce overtime pay in any pay period. Policy becomes effective January 1, 2019 Respectfully Submitted: Personnel and Bargaining Committee s/Ray Ransom s/Alton Staff

s/Ron Carney s/Karen Thayer s/Jeff Amo s/Roger Stevens s/Chuck Jensen Executive and Finance Committee s/Ray Ransom s/Jeff Amo s/Roger Stevens s/Karen Thayer s/Ron Carney Supervisor Thayer made a motion to adopt this resolution. This was seconded by

Supervisor Amo. Voice vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

PETITION #2018-50 TOWN OF BROCKWAY

REPORT OF THE ZONING COMMITTEE

TO THE JACKSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: The Jackson County Zoning Committee, having considered Petition #2018-50 to amend the Jackson County Zoning Ordinance filed by Colt Johnson on the day of September 29, 2018 to change the Official Zoning Map from the B-1 (Central Business) District to the R-1 (Residential) District on the following described lands:

On property known as Lot 6 of CSM 4073 located in the SE1/4-NW1/4 Section 23, T21N, R4W, Town of Brockway, Jackson County, WI. The request is to change 2.82 acres of the Official Zoning Map from the B-1 (Central Business) District to the R-1 (Residential) District to allow for the construction of a single family home.

Located in the Town of Brockway, and having held public hearing thereon pursuant to Sec. 59.97(5)(e), Wis. Stats., notice thereof having been sent as provided by law, and being duly informed of the facts pertinent to the changes proposed, and duly advised of the wishes of the people in the area affected, hereby recommends as follows: That the zone change be Approved. Dated this 19th day of September 2018. JACKSON COUNTY ZONING COMMITTEE BY: s/Hoyt Strandberg, Chairman

Supervisor Stoker made a motion to accept this zone change. This was seconded by Supervisor Staff. Voice Vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

PETITION #2018-52 TOWN OF SPRINGFIELD

REPORT OF THE ZONING COMMITTEE

TO THE JACKSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: The Jackson County Zoning Committee, having considered Petition #2018-52 to amend the Jackson County Zoning Ordinance filed by Edward Appel, owner and Matt Appel, applicant on the day of September 7, 2018 to change the Official Zoning Map from the R-2 (Residential) District to the R-4 (Residential) District on the following described lands:

On property known as Lot 2 of CSM 1075 and Lot 4 of CSM 1225 located in the NW1/4-SW1/4 Section 18, T21N, R6W, Town of Springfield, Jackson County, WI. The request is to change 3.08 acres of the Official Zoning Map from the R-2 (Residential) District to the R-4 (Residential) District for the placement of a manufactured home (2) (mobile home).

Located in the Town of Springfield, and having held public hearing thereon pursuant to Sec. 59.97(5)(e), Wis. Stats., notice thereof having been sent as provided by law, and being duly informed of the facts pertinent to the changes proposed, and duly advised of the wishes of the people in the area affected, hereby recommends as follows: That the zone change be Approved Dated this 15th day of October 2018. JACKSON COUNTY ZONING COMMITTEE BY: s/Hoyt Strandberg, Chairman

Supervisor Chamberlain made a motion to accept this zone change. This was seconded by Supervisor Staff. Voice Vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

PETITION #2018-53 TOWN OF SPRINGFIELD

REPORT OF THE ZONING COMMITTEE

TO THE JACKSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: The Jackson County Zoning Committee, having considered Petition #2018-53 to amend the Jackson County Zoning Ordinance filed by Jessica L. Schaller on the day of

September 12, 2018 to change the Official Zoning Map from the R-2 (Residential) District to the R-6 (Rural Residential) District on the following described lands:

On property located in the NW1/4-SE1/4 Section 28, T21N, R6W, Town of Springfield, Jackson County, WI. The request is to change 5.0 acres of the Official Zoning Map from the R-2 (Residential) District to the R-6 (Rural Residential) District to allow for animals to be raised for personal use.

Located in the Town of Springfield, and having held public hearing thereon pursuant to Sec. 59.97(5)(e), Wis. Stats., notice thereof having been sent as provided by law, and being duly informed of the facts pertinent to the changes proposed, and duly advised of the wishes of the people in the area affected, hereby recommends as follows: That the zone change be Approved w/attached LCD conditions. Dated this 15th day of October 2018. JACKSON COUNTY ZONING COMMITTEE BY: s/Hoyt Strandberg, Chairman

Supervisor Stevens made a motion to accept this zone change. This was seconded by Supervisor Chamberlain. Voice Vote was taken with 18 present voting Aye.

Chairman Ransom introduced William Moilien of Johnson Block and Company who gave excerpts of the general audit report. He highlighted some of the areas and explained different funds and how they are handled. A full copy of the Audit Report is on file in the County Clerk’s office.

JACKSON COUNTY FORESTRY & PARKS

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

2017 FORESTRY & PARKS COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Karen Thayer – Chairman

John Chrest – Vice Chairman Norman Stoker Thomas Clark

Jerrold Schmidt

2017 STAFF MEMBERS

James Zahasky – Administrator Jon Schweitzer – Assistant Administrator

Jeremy Breheim – Parks Manager

Ashley Stetzer – Secretary Dave Spaude – Forester Jason Wood – Forester

Mike LaBar – Forestry Technician Jack Grutzik – Forestry Technician

Mark Hanson – Parks & Trails Laborer Chris Repking – Trails Laborer

Don Houser – Invasive Species Management

JACKSON COUNTY

FORESTRY

THE MISSION OF THE JACKSON COUNTY FOREST IS TO MANAGE, CONSERVE AND PROTECT OUR 120,000 ACRE FOREST ON A SUSTAINABLE BASIS FOR

PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.

MANAGEMENT MUST BALANCE LOCAL NEEDS WITH BROADER STATE, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL CONCERNS THROUGH INTEGRATION OF SOUND FORESTRY, WILDLIFE, FISHERIES, ENDANGERED RESOURCES, WATER

QUALITY, SOIL CONSERVATION AND SOUND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

FORESTRY REVENUE REPORT

Revenue 2017 2016 2015Forest Road Aid $2,732.57 $2,729.88 $2,724.43State and Federal Projects 0.00 $2,840.00 0.00Lease/Permit/Fees $37,697.55 $36,773.59 $39,953.59Miscellaneous Revenue $2,849.13 $6,309.57 $3,126.47Moss Revenue $15,384.11 $12,464.38 $18,131.75Gross Timber Revenue $1,227,280.20 $1,307,699.84 $1,141,223.78Transfer From Other Funds $57,149.00 $52,844.00 $44,000.00

Total Revenue $1,343,092.566 $1,421,661.06 $1,249,160.02

FORESTRY EXPENSE REPORT

Expense 2017 2016 2015Salaries $269,843.12 $285,090.08 $279,380.31Part Time Salaries (Sheriff’s Dept.) $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00Employee Benefits $140,842.26 $156,476.22 $147,360.33Equipment Maintenance/Repair $24,130.10 $30,985.35 $27,299.98TSI Maintenance $944.58 $947.16 $15,140.84Forest Roads $2,712.60 $1,188.34 $2,862.00Timber Sale Expense $6,633.29 $7,444.50 $6,511.06Grant Projects $0.00 $3,172.50 $5,643.00Tree Planting $354.97 $32,596.75 $1,936.02

Administrative Cost $14,660.08 $13,851.53 $3,002.81Site Preparations $0.00 $6,035.00 $1,256.84Equipment Purchase $114,775.04 $87,033.26 $40,454.17Forestry Land Acquisition $1,200.00 $1,574.28 $0.00Transfer to Parks $0.00 $0.00 $0.00Transfer to General Fund $550,138.03 $655,983.19 $640,952.06

Total Expense $1,136,234.07 $1,323,935.21 $1,211,142.12

TOWNSHIP PAYMENTS 2017 2016 2015Town of Alma $5,417.44 $5,960,85 $5,723.81Town of Bear Bluff $9,263.89 $10,193.00 $9,787.65Town of Brockway $15,802.57 $17,387.55 $16,696.10Town of City Point $34,498.34 $37,959.72 $36,450.818Town of Knapp $23,367.51 $25,711.18 $24,688.72Town of Komensky $12,437.41 $13,684.84 $13,140.64Town of Manchester $19,202.90 $21,128.83 $20,288.60Town of Millston $1,297.96 $1,428.15 $137.36Town of Melrose $5.22 $5.74 $5.51

Total $121,293.24 $133,459.86 $128,152.56

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT 2017 2016 2015Revenue $5,726.82 $5,755.95 $5,759.53Expense $2,737.63 $9,475.41 $1,052.00Starting Fund Balance $10,224.31 $13,943.77 $9,236.24Ending Fund Balance $13,213.50 $10,224.31 $13,943.77

LAND ACQUISITION ACCOUNT

2017 2016 2015Starting Balance $116,589.22 $150,000.00 $150,000.00Expense $0 $59,325.75 $0Revenue $0 $25,915.00 $0Ending Fund Balance $116,589.22 $116,589.22 $150,000.00

STATE AID FORESTRY ACCOUNT

2017 2016 2015Starting Balance $40,742.22 $199,886.57 $209,788.57Revenue $57,385.00 $43,374.80 $0Expense $401,658,97 $52,844.00 $9,902.00Year End Balance $360,680.75 $9,469.20 $199,886.57

2017 TIMBER SALES ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Timber harvests that are properly designed and completed are vital to

maintaining a healthy and vigorous forest. Professional implementation of proper forest management and harvest techniques are essential. The timber harvest goal is to produce a sustained yield of forest products using harvest techniques that are suited to the regeneration and growth needs of each forest type. The latest Jackson County Forest Reconnaissance printout was used to schedule forest stands for examination and harvest prescription by forestry staff.

Gross timber revenue for the year was $1,227,280.20 for the County Forest. Ten percent of the gross revenue $121,293.24 goes to the townships that have County Forest land in them as shared timber revenue.

During 2017 there were 1312 acres of timber sales cut and closed out on Jackson County Forest. Each sale was visited weekly when actively being cut. Visits were documented in the timber file by the sale administrator, and necessary action was taken to ensure contracts were followed.

Timber sale setup: Twenty-nine timber sales were setup on 1187 acres, 536 acres were select cuts and 651 acres were clear cuts. Average sale size for 2017 was 41 acres and clear-cut average sale size was 31 acres.

Local citizens and property owners can cut firewood for their own use with a permit. Permits are $6.00 per cord and generated $591.00 in revenue for 2017.

Forest inventory was done on 6,792 acres or approximately 5.6% of the County Forest. In addition, 1,582 acres of regeneration check were completed on closed out timbers sales that are 1 to 2 years old. Forest inventory was done by County Foresters and DNR Foresters.

The mossing revenue is a small portion of the budget, but is a unique industry on the east side of Jackson County. In the 1940’s and 1950’s many families on the east side annually harvested sphagnum moss and sold it to large nurseries. Because of the intense labor needed to harvest moss, other products have since replaced it. Jackson County has 36 moss marshes that it harvests moss from. Once a marsh is harvested it takes 10 to 12 years for the sphagnum to regenerate. In 2017 three marshes were advertised but only one was sold for $4,000 on 28 acres with approximately 8,000 bales of moss. Mossing revenue for the year was $15,384.11.

ARTIFICIAL TREE REGENERATION Jackson County is fortunate that the majority of harvested stands of trees regenerate by natural means. Where the stands do not come back fully stock or where there is an insect, disease or natural event that prevents the stand from

being fully stocked Jackson County is committed to artificially regenerating the stand. 78,000 jack pine seedlings were planted on four different sites. The first site was power drenched by a contractor the other three sites were brackie by county forestry staff the fall before. After the growing season the plantations were evaluated for seedling survival

WILDLIFE Karner Blue Butterfly: In 2017, our annual monitoring was done by our forestry staff. This includes self-monitoring on land management activities that are in the high potential for KBB. Wildlife Habitat Grants (5 cents/acre) was used to pay for access control on new trails, seeding logging roads and landings. Four new wildlife openings were started for a total of 25 acres plus maintenance on established openings which includes: mowing, fertilizing and seeding. Jackson County Forestry staff continued to help in the reintroduction of elk in the County. County Conservation Aid was used to purchase herbicides for the treatment of invasive plants.

COUNTY FOREST ROAD MAINTENANCE Routine grading, mowing and signing of our 10 miles of county forest roads was completed.

TOWNSHIP ROAD GRANT The Forestry and Parks Committee met several times this past year with loggers trying to work together on issues that pose a hardship to logging on the County Forest. One of the issues that came to the top was access to the County Forest using Township roads. In the 2017 Forestry and Parks budget $20,000 was set aside to upgrade town road infrastructure to help minimize future damage, increase safety and extend the life of the road surface for future raw forest products hauling.

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT Routine maintenance of all equipment was conducted during 2017. Computer logs were used to track oil changes, mileage, and normal maintenance and repair work. The majority of the work was done in house with the exception of body work and tire changing. Replaced our old crawler/dozer with a new 550 cat crawler/dozer.

LAND PURCHASE Jackson County Forest was able to purchase an addition of 360 acres to add to the program. This addition was accomplished with the support of the Forestry and Parks Committee and the County Board. Financial help came from the County, State and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

FOREST HEALTH In July, the forestry crew flew over the County Forest looking for possible insect or disease problems. Areas that were discovered from the fly over are located on the ground and samples from the trees sent to the state lab for diagnoses. Thirteen tree samples were sent in to be tested for oak wilt. Twelve of the thirteen samples came back positive. Follow up treatment was carried out by the DNR oak wilt study team. It was a busy year for chemical treatment of invasive plants on the County Forest.

2014 Acres Treated: Herbicide Cost $2,144.00 Labor: $1,369.80 Buckthorn 8 Phragmites 20 Knapweed 5

2015 Acres Treated: Herbicide Cost: $6,303.20 Labor: $7,500.91 Buckthorn 95 Contracted Cost: $13,840.00 Phragmites 10 Knapweed 25 Site Prep/Release 93

2016 Acres Treated: Herbicide Cost: $12,467.60 Labor $16,897.31 Buckthorn 213 Contracted Cost: $8,895.00 Phragmites 6.5 Knapweed 2 Site Prep/Release 203.5

2017 Acres Treated: Buckthorn 8 Herbicide Cost $3,489.00 Labor: $7,728.59 Phragmites 20 Knapweed 5

JACKSON COUNTY PARKS

PARKS REVENUE REPORT

Revenue 2017 2016 2015Camping Reservation Fees $20,352.38 $13,993.88 $14,104.28Camping Fees $296,109.92 $279,503.45 $270,149.31Outlying Parks $23,505.98 $20,894.16 $21,282.09

Pop, Ice, Firewood $21,670.66 $21,752.78 $24,659.25Miscellaneous Revenue $6,799.29 $19,091.39 $31,506.70Storage Revenue $496.69 $1,402.83 $1,055.92Dive Fees $10,606.64 $12,517.56 $15,418.94Day Use Fees $61,615.90 $63,268.31 $57,214.71Shelter Building $308.07 $427.50 $521.34State and Federal Projects $25,037.23 $8,034.00 0.00Gravel Royalties $57,734.24 $57,617.09 $52,656.84Shower Fees $6,447.17 $5,847.48 $6,533.00Fund Balance Transfer $15,277.60 $123,746.88 $0.00

Total Revenue $545,961.77 $628,158.93 $492,634.26

PARKS EXPENSE REPORT

Expense 2017 2016 2015Salaries $198,942.43 $204,502.48 $192,794.75Seasonal Salaries $102,822.66 $84,922.13 $69,901.04Employee Benefits $96,192.22 $92,975.55 $85,196.03Utilities $33,762.83 $31,226.93 $36,319.62Sanitary Services $20,145.49 $21,228.36 $20,598.31Contracted Services $21,838.25 $27,162.83 $32,961.18Bank Fees $5,929.47 $6,029.78 $4,328.66License $1,290.00 $1,245.00 $1,245.00Administrative Cost $6,064.39 $7,252.23 $6,815.19Maintenance Supplies $16,061.60 $14,847.44 $18,577.33Equipment Maintenance/Supplies $33,920.95 $36,690.34 $32,940.71Pop, Ice, Firewood $4,156.21 $5,453.72 $8,894.47Equipment Purchase $7,532.50 $24,116.70 $67,862.84Dive Recovery Expense $3,000 $3,000 $3,000Camp Improvements $36,777.97 $16,751.23 $51,835.94

Total $588,436.97 $577,404.72 $636,337.92

JACKSON COUNTY TRAILS

TRAIL REVENUE REPORT

Revenue 2017 2016 2015ATV Trail Maintenance $52,760.00 $96,799.50 $52,754.06SNO Trail Maintenance 0.00 $80,138.79 $82,000.00Supplemental Snow $80,200.00 0.00 $7,195.08ATV Trail Projects $51,699.34 $598,962.65 $53,898.46ATV Trail Stickers $7,856.80.00 $7,476.23 $8,541.45SNO Trail Projects 0.00 $100,759.40 $0.00

Miscellaneous Revenue $5356.44 $0.00 $0.00Transfer from Special Revenue $0.00 $200,000.00

For Hwy 54 Box Culvert $0.00

Total $197,872.58 $1,084,136.57 $303,180.74

TRAIL EXPENSE REPORT Expense 2017 2016 2015Signs $4,356.48 $2,072.40 $4,395.00Snowmobile Alliance $52,785.00 $53,141.00 $54,221.33Trail Maintenance Materials $2,522.08 $956.04 $2,069.51Contracted Services $7,282.31 $7,219.16 $0.00ATV Trail Projects $88,451.52 $1,071,502.12 $98,791.69

Total $155,397.38 $1,134,890.72 $159,477.53 Total Parks & Trails Revenue: $743,834.35 Total Parks & Trails Expense: $ 743,834.35

2017 PARKS ACCOMPLISHMENTS Total camping revenue for Arbutus Parks in 2017 was up slightly to $296,109

which was above the projected budget. The increase is quite probably due to the weather and additional disposable income from the uptick in the economy. A fee increase is proposed in 2019 should raise revenues approximately 6% from the current figure. An increase in our fees will allow the County to offset increases in utility fees, sanitary fees, health care costs and seasonal wage increases. Camping revenue from Wazee, County Forest Camping, Crawford Hills and Merlin Lambert parks was up slightly and the year ended at $23,506.

Day use fees remained fairly steady and ended the year at $61,615.

Dive fees continue to decline and final revenue was $10,606.

Gravel royalties continue to remain steady, although below goal. Total revenues in 2017 were $57,735. We have received several complaints that the pit has run short of materials for local contractors and this was addressed at a meeting with Milestone Materials who is our current leaseholder.

Most revenue lines were above projection and expenses were held to projected estimates. This resulted in a fund balance transfer from the Parks and Trails fund in the amount of $15,278. The budget projection for 2017 was a transfer of $99,828. (A difference of $84,550.)

THE ATTACHED CHARTS ILLUSTRATE REVENUE COMPARISONS FOR MAJOR REVENUE LINES FROM 2013-2017. THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE

2017 FISCAL YEAR AS IT RELATES TO THE REVENUE LINES WHICH SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT THE ANNUAL BUDGET.

$0.00

$50,000.00

$100,000.00

$150,000.00

$200,000.00

$250,000.00

$300,000.00

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

2013, $241,085.00

2014, $240,875.00

2015, $270,149.00

2016, $279,503.45

2017, $296,109.00

Camping Revenue

$0.00

$10,000.00

$20,000.00

$30,000.00

$40,000.00

$50,000.00

$60,000.00

$70,000.00

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

2013,  $45,975.00 

2014,  $46,406.00 

2015,  $57,214.00 

2016, $63,268.00

2017,  $61,615.00 

Day Use Fees

$0.00

$2,000.00

$4,000.00

$6,000.00

$8,000.00

$10,000.00

$12,000.00

$14,000.00

$16,000.00

$18,000.00

$20,000.00

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

2013, $19,103.00 

2014, $15,917.00 

2015, $15,418.00 

2016, $12,517.00 

2017, $10,606

Dive Fees

2017 PARKS IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS The Jackson County Parks Department has focused on infrastructure improvements related to maintenance rather than new construction. This will quite probably be the focus for the next several budget cycles as most of our aging infrastructure has been either replaced or updated with modern amenities to meet public demands. Opportunity exists for expansion of camping opportunities at both Wazee and West Arbutus, however, either project will require significant capital beyond what our current fund balance can support. Depending upon the extent of expansion, additional full-time staff may be required to support the increased use. The County ATV and UTV trails continue to see heavy use which significantly contributes to the local economy. The County has been successful in obtaining approximately $100,000/year for rehabilitation projects which are in addition to normal maintenance funding for the trail system. The completion of rehabilitation projects has had both positive environmental and economic impacts on the trails.

$46,000.00

$48,000.00

$50,000.00

$52,000.00

$54,000.00

$56,000.00

$58,000.00

$60,000.00

$62,000.00

$64,000.00

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

2013,  $59,650.00 

2014,  $62,568.00 

2015,  $52,656.00 

2016, $57,617.002017,  $57,735.00 

Gravel Royalties

$19,500.00

$20,000.00

$20,500.00

$21,000.00

$21,500.00

$22,000.00

$22,500.00

$23,000.00

$23,500.00

$24,000.00

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

2013, $21,462.00 

2014, $22,544.00 

2015, $21,282.00 

2016, $21,037.00 

2017, $23,506.00 

Outlying Parks Revenue

STORM DAMAGE REPAIRS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL SECTIONS OF TRAIL DAMAGES BY FLOODING IN MAY OF 2017. THE COUNTY RECEIVED A GRANT

FOR $37,000 TO REPAIR DAMAGES.

THE COUNTY ALSO RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY $125,000 IN FUNDING TO COMPLETE 3.5 MILES OF REHABILITATION ON THE ATV/UTV TRAIL SYSTEM.

THE COUNTY RECEIVED $18,000 FROM THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK

FOUNDATION TO PROVIDE HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR ELK AND OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES. THIS WAS COMBINED WITH $6,700 IN FUNDING

FROM THE NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION.

THE COUNTY RECEIVED A $10,000 DONATION FROM WE ENERGIES TO CONSTRUCT A PLAYGROUND AT THE WAZEE BEACH AREA.

THE COUNTY CONTINUES ITS BATTLE WITH INVASIVE PHRAGMITES AT THE

WAZEE LAKE RECREATION AREA UNDER A $100,000 GRANT RECEIVED FROM THE WISCONSIN DNR.

Forestry Administrator, Jim Zahasky and Assistant Administrator, Jon Schweitzer both presented the above reports.

Supervisor Jensen made a motion to adjourn. This was seconded by Supervisor Hart. All present voted Aye by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 P.M.

STATE OF WISCONSIN) )ss COUNTY OF JACKSON) I, Kyle Deno, County Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and complete summary of the proceedings of the County Board of Supervisors of Jackson County, Wisconsin, at its Regular Session held on October 15, 2018. ________________________ Kyle Deno, County Clerk Jackson County, Wisconsin

PER DIEM AND MILEAGE

DISTRICT MEMBER PER DIEM MILEAGE TOTAL 1. Karen Thayer $ 65.00 $ 27.25 $ 92.25 2. Alton Staff $ 65.00 $ 23.44 $ 88.44 3. Hoyt Strandberg $ 65.00 $ 13.08 $ 78.08 4. Roger Stevens $ 65.00 $ 19.62 $ 84.62 5. Thomas Clark $ 65.00 $ 21.80 $ 86.80 6. Larry Blaken $ 65.00 $ 16.35 $ 81.35 7. Charles Jensen $ 65.00 $ 9.81 $ 74.81 8. Max Hart $ 65.00 $ 7.63 $ 72.63 9. Ray Ransom $ 65.00 $ 12.54 $ 77.54

10. Michelle Greendeer-Rave $ 65.00 $ .55 $ 65.55 11. Karena Thundercloud $ 65.00 $ 3.82 $ 68.82 12. Ron Carney $ 65.00 $ 22.07 $ 87.07 13. Norman Stoker $ 65.00 $ 1.64 $ 66.64 14. John Higgins $ 65.00 $ 2.18 $ 67.18 15. Curtis Redbird $ 65.00 $ .27 $ 65.27 16. Grady Gutknecht $ 65.00 $ .55 $ 65.55 17. Jeff Amo $ 65.00 $ 1.09 $ 66.09 18. Jerrold Schmidt $ $ $ 19. Ed Chamberlain $ 65.00 $ 10.36 $ 75.36

$1170.00 $194.05 $1364.05

STATE OF WISCONSIN) )ss COUNTY OF JACKSON) I, Kyle Deno, County Clerk of Jackson County, Wisconsin, do hereby certify that the above is a true and accurate claim for per diem and mileage of the County Board members, and further certify that the above members were present and the record of their presence may be found in the roll call of the proceedings of the Regular Session of the County Board of Supervisors held on October 15, 2018. ________________________ Kyle Deno, County Clerk Jackson County, Wisconsin Approved by: Committee on Approval of Journal ________________________ Ray Ransom ________________________ Jeff Amo ________________________ Ron Carney ________________________ Roger Stevens ________________________ Karen Thayer