Meeting: County Board of Supervisors

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Event transcript
	Yep.	00:00:02
	OK. I have a motion by Supervisor Guggenberger and a second by Supervisor Burnett.	00:00:05
	To approve the appointment.	00:00:11
	Any questions, comments?	00:00:14
	Jody Steger.	00:00:20
	Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just have a couple concerns.	00:00:22
	Do we know his educational background at all?	00:00:27
	Or the other concern I have too is that he's.	00:00:31
	Good friends with our county administrator.	00:00:35
	Yeah, we we did interview and.	00:00:38
	And Cameron went through all of that and.	00:00:44
	Think we he answered those questions.	00:00:46
	Cameron, do you want to enter?	00:00:50
	Sure. Would you come?	00:00:51
	Yeah, come on up.	00:00:57
	I'll bring him with me too.	00:00:59
	I think it's on.	00:01:06
	OK, so.	00:01:07
	Regarding credentials and experience, I know that Nathan can answer questions and share, but I will certain I will just write off.	00:01:09
	Umm state with to all of you this this recommendation is coming.	00:01:17
	Because one.	00:01:22
	We need a finance director and two.	00:01:23
	We have, I think, a golden opportunity with Nathan Teal so.	00:01:26
	They will share his former work with the City of Beaver Dam.	00:01:32
	I've been colleagues with Nathan for a number of years.	00:01:36
	Professionally, not just knowing him outside of work.	00:01:40
	So, umm.	00:01:43
	I'll let him speak to some of his experience.	00:01:45
	And then?	00:01:48
	Any other questions that anyone has?	00:01:49
	Regarding this recommendation for confirmation.	00:01:52
	Please feel free to ask them of either Nathan or me, so I'll let him introduce himself and maybe share to answer that question.	00:01:55
	Thank you.	00:02:02
	Yeah, so just a brief introduction, Nathan Teal.	00:02:05
	I've been in local government going on 20 years.	00:02:10
	I have served in a variety of of communities.	00:02:14
	My educational background. I'm an MPA or a Master's in public administration from From.	00:02:19
	One of the well, the number one.	00:02:24
	School in the nation, Syracuse or the Maxwell School.	00:02:27
	I have been an administrator of some form or fashion for the past 15 years.	00:02:32
	In communities.	00:02:39
	As small as 5000. As large as 20,000.	00:02:42
	Probably my most extensive financial background was serving in.	00:02:46
	Budget and management office in Sugar Land, TX.	00:02:51
	A community of about.	00:02:54
	Well, now it's over 100,000, but at the time 80,000.	00:02:56
	And so.	00:03:00
	Served there for two years, heavily involved in.	00:03:02
	Financial forecasting, particular sales tax, was kind of Texas's main source of income.	00:03:06
	As well as.	00:03:14
	Budget and capital planning.	00:03:15
	And so.	00:03:19
	That's basically a general overview I've.	00:03:20
	Served as.	00:03:25
	The Treasurer.	00:03:26
	When I was at the city of Austin.	00:03:28
	But have always been heavily involved in financial management, strategic planning and so forth. So anyway, glad to be here,	00:03:31
	Grateful for this opportunity.	00:03:36
	Enjoyed very much meeting with the Executive Committee and.	00:03:41
	Kind of reviewing their thoughts or questions and concerns and.	00:03:45
	Hopefully we were able to address those.	00:03:50
	And maybe, maybe before you start asking questions, I'll just add supervisor sticker you'd asked about.	00:03:53
	The fact that umm.	00:03:59
	I know, Nathan.	00:04:01
	If there's a question about whether or not I can tell him, no.	00:04:02
	We we have we have a high level of professional respect for one another.	00:04:06
	And thus I would expect him to come.	00:04:12
	To me with all of his opinions and thoughts and I don't have a problem sharing mine with him. And at the end of the day.	00:04:14
	We're both well aware of his role as Finance and Administrative Director of Finance and Administration and my role as.	00:04:21
	County Administrator.	00:04:29
	So if that's helpful answering the question.	00:04:30
	But if anyone has any other questions, Supervisor Gruck Burger.	00:04:34
	Thank you, Mr. Chairman.	00:04:38
	I was, I guess.	00:04:41
	Blessed to be able to participate in the.	00:04:42
	Interview of.	00:04:46
	Nathan.	00:04:47
	And.	00:04:49
	I'm quite happy to see him be here.	00:04:51
	I think he's got plenty of qualifications.	00:04:54
	He will certainly compliment.	00:04:57
	Cameron and Cameron's responsibilities and.	00:05:00
	Given the fact that we've been without a finance director now since February.	00:05:04
	Of 2022.	00:05:09
	That's 3 1/2 years.	00:05:11
	I know, I joked.	00:05:15
	Frequently that any warm body.	00:05:16
	Would fill the chair in my opinion.	00:05:19
	I'm really pleased to see.	00:05:22
	Nathan here.	00:05:26
	And I look forward to great things from him and.	00:05:27
	Cameron working together with Nathan.	00:05:31
	Thank you, Supervisor Burnett.	00:05:35
	Thanks.	00:05:37
	I'm all in favor of Nathan.	00:05:38
	I've worked with him for.	00:05:42
	Last few years in the city of Beaver Dam and I thought he did a great job on our budget over there.	00:05:44
	His daughter was always open.	00:05:50
	Whenever I had an issue with anything that was going on.	00:05:53
	Pertaining to the.	00:05:56
	Budget.	00:05:58
	I could go to Nathan and we'd work it out.	00:06:00
	And that's all I could ask for. I mean, I thought he did a great job.	00:06:03
	Supervisor Breslow.	00:06:09
	Thank. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.	00:06:12
	Two questions I would have.	00:06:14
	Would be.	00:06:17
	One what?	00:06:18
	I don't see anything anywhere about our compensation package.	00:06:20
	And being a new hire.	00:06:23
	Are we going to do like we have in the past? Turn off like they've got 20 years with us?	00:06:25
	And the other is.	00:06:30
	Given that we have been.	00:06:32
	For a good amount of time without a director.	00:06:33
	When is our new candidate?	00:06:36
	I'm going to start.	00:06:37
	So.	00:06:39
	Our new candidate started last Thursday, had his orientation, so he's already working for Dodge County.	00:06:41
	I haven't introduced him far and wide as our.	00:06:48
	Director of Finance, but.	00:06:51
	That's because I want to have this meeting, so he's ready to go and going.	00:06:53
	Yes, yes.	00:07:00
	It was. Thank you for bringing that up.	00:07:02
	So because of our need to get going on the budget.	00:07:05
	There's a matter urgency with bringing that.	00:07:08
	In case anyone wondered, that's part of the reason.	00:07:10
	The other piece compensation, so we have a.	00:07:13
	A step A grade, pay grade for finance director and he's in that.	00:07:17
	He's in that grade.	00:07:22
	Did I did he get adjustments because he has some experience? Yes.	00:07:23
	But he's not at the top of that grade. He's just not a step one. I can't honestly right now remember what step it is, but it's not	00:07:27
	the top one and it's not the bottom one.	00:07:31
	Yeah, I don't know if that answers everything for you.	00:07:38
	Supervisor Beale.	00:07:43
	Cameron, can you just touch on?	00:07:44
	The job description.	00:07:47
	Where you talk about finance director slash?	00:07:49
	Administration.	00:07:53
	Yes. And touch on that part so that everybody knows what.	00:07:54
	We're hiring Nathan for yes, thank you very much. I should do that so.	00:07:58
	The finance director position.	00:08:04
	Was modified.	00:08:06
	Not sufficient to go into a class change.	00:08:08
	Of the.	00:08:11
	The position in our classification schedule.	00:08:12
	But was modified to be finance director of Finance and Administration.	00:08:15
	Now perhaps you are thinking as I've wondered if.	00:08:19
	People might.	00:08:23
	Don't we have a county administrator? Well, yes. So I'm still doing kind of county administrator responsibilities.	00:08:24
	But there are other.	00:08:30
	Other responsibilities that have been over the last few years allocated elsewhere.	00:08:31
	Because of the lack of a finance director and.	00:08:37
	Other reasons so the.	00:08:39
	Purchasing and procurement.	00:08:42
	Will be beginning next year, 2026 will be back in our finance department.	00:08:44
	Nathan will be responsible for that. In this position would be responsible for that.	00:08:49
	The.	00:08:53
	Role of risk management to risk manager for Dodge County taking care of our insurance and making sure that.	00:08:54
	Trainings that are required are happening and there's follow up with our departments and making sure that they're doing the things	00:09:02
	that are required annually or every other year.	00:09:07
	For safety reasons, that is also included in addition.	00:09:12
	The role serves more as someone that is responsible for special projects with.	00:09:19
	With the administrator so.	00:09:25
	Nathan mentioned earlier strategic planning and priority. Well, he didn't mention priority based budgeting, but we've talked about	00:09:27
	needs and wants in this group before. So he and I had experience in previous roles with other communities, other municipalities	00:09:33
	with priority based budgeting at least looking into it and wanted to get it started. That is something that will be addressing	00:09:40
	some of our.	00:09:46
	Needs and wants, concerns, and we'll take a deeper dive in that in the future. Those are projects that really fall into the	00:09:53
	responsibility of the administrator, but I don't have enough hands to do it all on a daily basis. He'll be helping with some of	00:09:57
	those things as well.	00:10:01
	So I plan to utilize his skills to the fullest.	00:10:06
	Point possible.	00:10:11
	Because of his experience.	00:10:12
	Elsewhere.	00:10:14
	Because he also comes from a municipality and not from another county.	00:10:15
	There's also a need to have.	00:10:20
	Some probably a little more of the front end of learning about some of the differences between a municipality and a county when it	00:10:23
	comes to.	00:10:26
	Statutory requirements with budgeting and with accounting itself.	00:10:30
	But we are fortunate to have a number of.	00:10:35
	Professional staff that handle that on a daily basis.	00:10:38
	So his thankfully then he'll need to learn those things, but he'll also be able to help mentor the people we have.	00:10:42
	So that they are prepared to move on.	00:10:49
	To similar roles either someday if.	00:10:52
	He wins the lottery or.	00:10:55
	If they choose to move on, they'll be well equipped.	00:10:58
	Hitting big by bus? Yeah, no, we don't want to hit anybody a bus.	00:11:02
	But uh.	00:11:05
	Is that are you thinking of anything else, Supervisor Bill that I'm forgetting?	00:11:05
	I feel like I'm forgetting something, but that covers most of it.	00:11:10
	So thank you.	00:11:15
	Supervisor Belt.	00:11:16
	All right. Thank you, Chairman.	00:11:19
	The question I have is that.	00:11:22
	Since we're creating this.	00:11:23
	New position, right? That's what this is. It's not a finance director, it's a finance and administrator position.	00:11:25
	It is.	00:11:31
	Yes, but.	00:11:33
	Its name and some other changes within the language, but.	00:11:34
	Not sufficient to change the.	00:11:38
	The meat and.	00:11:41
	Purpose of the position.	00:11:42
	Some things have been expanded when this.	00:11:43
	New classification have to bring on a new job description.	00:11:46
	For approval along with the pay scale.	00:11:50
	According to our policy, if something is not going to impact our budget, we don't worry about bringing forward the.	00:11:52
	The job description or those changes, it's when there's going to be a budget impact. So at this time.	00:11:59
	There I worked with.	00:12:05
	Human Resources and prepared the job description, but we did not.	00:12:07
	Bring that.	00:12:11
	To a broader discussion, because our policy does not require that.	00:12:12
	And the fundamental duties of the position haven't changed, they've only been added to.	00:12:19
	So Supervisor Houchin.	00:12:24
	Thank you. I had a question about the highway department.	00:12:27
	Will he be in?	00:12:30
	Because it is a special enterprise now.	00:12:31
	Is he going to be over that or they do they have their own whatever? How is that going to work with highway?	00:12:35
	Well, so that the finance personnel within the highway department.	00:12:42
	Department are members of the Finance Department.	00:12:45
	That is still.	00:12:48
	A function of the finance department.	00:12:49
	It's not going to be changing. There is.	00:12:52
	I will say we were just talking about this earlier today. There are annual trainings for.	00:12:55
	Better understanding of the system that is used in the highway department to report to the state.	00:13:01
	And track financials.	00:13:06
	He'll be going to the training.	00:13:08
	Forget whether it's October, but we're getting that lined up because yes, this position still.	00:13:10
	Overseas those personnel.	00:13:16
	Any other questions?	00:13:21
	Anything else you mind the same?	00:13:25
	Just.	00:13:28
	I guess I I stand by this opportunity. I think it really is an opportunity.	00:13:29
	We, as I've mentioned earlier, we have and I don't see any of them here tonight.	00:13:34
	But.	00:13:39
	We have some excellent individuals in our finance department currently.	00:13:41
	But what they have, what they have been lacking in with the absence of a full time finance director.	00:13:45
	Is some of the leadership.	00:13:53
	That would be advantageous for them, as well as the connection between that group of individuals that are primarily focused on the	00:13:55
	accounting function in Dodge County.	00:14:00
	And a good connection with an administrator through someone that can be a mentor and a leader.	00:14:05
	And a teacher and a guide.	00:14:11
	For those individuals and so.	00:14:13
	Those are strengths. I know that Mister Teal has so.	00:14:15
	I'm very pleased to present him tonight for confirmation. Thank you very much for your questions.	00:14:19
	And please feel free to reach out to him anytime.	00:14:24
	He anytime you have questions on anything related to finance function.	00:14:28
	We have another questions. Supervisor my now.	00:14:32
	So I'll keep it brief. This is directed directly to Nathan. Why did you resign at Beaver Dam before?	00:14:35
	Seeking this position.	00:14:43
	Yeah, so.	00:14:51
	The intent in resigning wasn't necessarily because of this position, right?	00:14:53
	So not to delve in too much I think.	00:15:00
	In.	00:15:06
	My work with Beaver Dam. I came to Beaver Dam as as their first city administrator.	00:15:08
	It was an excellent opportunity, really enjoyed working.	00:15:14
	With the staff were were phenomenal with with the council members. Kevin Burnett's one of them.	00:15:17
	Had the opportunity to rub shoulders.	00:15:23
	I think.	00:15:26
	For me personally, it was just a personal decision. I think that.	00:15:28
	I was. I'm hopeful for.	00:15:32
	The city of Beaver Dam to have an opportunity to.	00:15:34
	Basically go out and and recruit somebody that.	00:15:38
	Fits.	00:15:42
	Their their desired role and I think because it was a first time position.	00:15:44
	The Council.	00:15:50
	Was working on trying to figure out what that role should look like and who should be in that role.	00:15:51
	And.	00:15:57
	You know personally.	00:15:59
	I had enough support that I could have stayed at Beaver Dam.	00:16:00
	For for.	00:16:04
	Longer.	00:16:06
	But I think for the good of the community.	00:16:07
	And for the city, it gave them an opportunity to.	00:16:11
	Have a fresh start and to be able to advance, so to be.	00:16:15
	Candid.	00:16:19
	It wasn't, it was. It was a very selfless.	00:16:20
	A reason for for resigning, it wasn't there was no.	00:16:24
	Agenda on my part, it was just.	00:16:28
	It was time.	00:16:31
	And I was excited. Plus it was summer, so I got to spend time with my family and stuff like that, so.	00:16:33
	Not to get into too much.	00:16:40
	Of the details, but that was.	00:16:43
	That's a good overview I think. Hopefully I answered your question.	00:16:47
	I think it was fortunate. I'm very grateful for this opportunity to work in Dodge County. It makes things easier for for me and my	00:16:51
	family.	00:16:54
	But I also knew that.	00:17:01
	I still needed to come before you all. I knew the executive committee was going to need to interview me, and so there.	00:17:03
	Yeah, it worked out.	00:17:11
	So that's what I guess I would say.	00:17:14
	To the question.	00:17:16
	Do you feel that I answered? You have any follow up I guess?	00:17:18
	OK. Anyone else?	00:17:23
	And we have a motion and a second to.	00:17:26
	Ratify the appointment.	00:17:28
	All in favor signify by aye.	00:17:30
	Aye, opposed.	00:17:34
	That motion is carried.	00:17:36
	Thank you.	00:17:37
	Next we have appointments by County Board Chair. I want to appoint Supervisor Cavazonjian.	00:17:42
	To replace Supervisor Benter on the Taxation Committee.	00:17:49
	Have a motion by Supervisor Guggenberger.	00:17:52
	In a second by supervisor bubbles.	00:17:56
	Any questions?	00:17:59
	If you agree with the Super with my recommendation, please vote yes.	00:18:03
	If you don't, please vote no.	00:18:08
	All in favor.	00:18:11
	Yes.	00:18:12
	Opposed.	00:18:15
	That is scary. Thank you.	00:18:17
	Reappoint William Nass and Mark Othmer to the Board of Adjustment for three-year terms to expire July 1st, 2028.	00:18:20
	Have a motion by supervisor Stagger second by supervisor Beale.	00:18:32
	All in favor signify by.	00:18:38
	Opposed.	00:18:41
	That is carried.	00:18:42
	And confirm appointments by the County Administrator to Cindy Burkholtz and Don Bowman to the Nutrition Advisory Council for	00:18:49
	three-year terms expiring July 1st, 2028.	00:18:55
	Have a motion by Supervisor Hedrick and a second by Supervisor Miller.	00:19:01
	All in favor signify by.	00:19:06
	Aye, opposed.	00:19:08
	That is scary.	00:19:10
	All right, at this point I would like to introduce.	00:19:15
	Morgan, Mookie.	00:19:20
	And talk about our intern program.	00:19:22
	Hello, I'm Morgan Mookie. As Dave mentioned, I work in community development with Nate Olson.	00:19:43
	We are presenting kind of an update on our Dodge County exploration internship.	00:19:49
	For exec committee, this is kind of going to be a refresh.	00:19:55
	For those that.	00:19:58
	Don't know what it is. You do have a handout.	00:20:00
	That was placed at your desk.	00:20:02
	This is a new internship program that we put on this year. We've been working on it with numerous departments throughout.	00:20:05
	Throughout Dodge County.	00:20:13
	We have 9 participating departments.	00:20:14
	This internship program.	00:20:18
	Has.	00:20:21
	Interns such as Mary from Horicon High School and Lawrence from Dodgeland.	00:20:22
	We also have Ava, who is not in attendance with us tonight. She is from Lomira.	00:20:28
	These interns get the opportunity to rotate through the departments at Dodge County.	00:20:33
	It is a very unique experience. They get to have a couple days.	00:20:38
	To a week and 1/2.	00:20:42
	With these departments doing hands on activities, job shadowing and really learning.	00:20:44
	The different careers that we have at Dodge County.	00:20:50
	So far, all of our nine departments that we hosted.	00:20:54
	Are have hosted an intern besides Clearview?	00:20:58
	Mary will be going there next week or the week after.	00:21:02
	But other than that, all departments have hosted at least one intern so far.	00:21:05
	We have heard great things from our interns about the experience.	00:21:09
	This is something that.	00:21:14
	They didn't know what they were going into.	00:21:16
	Because this is a first time internship.	00:21:18
	That you don't really see around.	00:21:20
	The counties or states?	00:21:23
	With government.	00:21:25
	Much less county government.	00:21:26
	So we've heard great things through them.	00:21:27
	They do work five days a week, with half days on Fridays.	00:21:30
	Fridays are meant to be more of a mentor ship with us.	00:21:34
	Umm, and kind of giving them a.	00:21:39
	Experience what we do.	00:21:43
	With community development.	00:21:45
	We work with.	00:21:47
	Different partners throughout the county. So the other week we took two of our interns to meet with the Beaver Dam Chamber.	00:21:49
	They got to meet with local downtown businesses and kind of see.	00:21:56
	The opportunities and the struggles that these small town.	00:22:00
	Businesses have.	00:22:04
	And.	00:22:06
	What the chambers kind of do to help them out?	00:22:07
	So it's been a very.	00:22:09
	Unique experience. We are on Week 5. We are going to be wrapping up the internship shortly.	00:22:11
	But it has been a very.	00:22:17
	Unique effort, unique opportunity.	00:22:20
	Having these high schoolers, they are juniors going into senior year.	00:22:23
	Being able to participate in this program.	00:22:27
	So yeah, they are.	00:22:31
	They have come to exec committee meeting to see how that.	00:22:34
	Has been run and then we invited them tonight to county board.	00:22:37
	You are also welcome to join us in the August Executive Committee meeting. They will be doing a presentation on how.	00:22:41
	Experience has been.	00:22:49
	And then that will be like their last final project of the internship.	00:22:51
	Have you got any questions that you would like to ask?	00:22:56
	Morgan.	00:22:59
	You got off pretty easy, Morgan.	00:23:04
	Thank you.	00:23:06
	At this point, I would like Supervisor Johnson to.	00:23:14
	Introduce our.	00:23:18
	Next president, Presenter.	00:23:20
	As Chairman of the Extension Committee, I'm proud to present our director, Cindy Sarkaty. He's going to come up here.	00:23:25
	And she's going to talk about community forums that we had earlier this year. And what that is, is that so we invite members of	00:23:33
	the public and the professional community to come to our county.	00:23:38
	And give direction towards what we're heading.	00:23:43
	What we're heading for?	00:23:46
	I would like to say something, I'm very proud I am or hers is not on the script, but what she did here in Dodge County is going to	00:23:47
	be used as a model.	00:23:51
	Throughout the state for all countries.	00:23:55
	All the other 71 counties. So we're very proud of her. She's also being recognized nationally, I believe.	00:23:57
	For her effort.	00:24:02
	Dodge so.	00:24:03
	Wow, that was.	00:24:08
	Like the best introduction I've ever gotten. That was so nice.	00:24:09
	Is I'm not screaming now?	00:24:14
	There it goes.	00:24:25
	All right. Well, we appreciate the opportunity to see the whole teams here. It's not just going to be me talking and we're going	00:24:27
	to really condense. So if you have questions, we'll be able to answer it.	00:24:31
	At the end.	00:24:36
	When my first, I'm going to go over a little bit about extension, just so you know, and then I'll talk about the.	00:24:38
	Community needs for.	00:24:44
	As you know, extension is an extension of the university.	00:24:46
	We are the Wisconsin Idea. We bring research out to communities as well. If you don't know, we also do research out in the	00:24:51
	communities and bring it back to Madison.	00:24:56
	We don't read the PowerPoint, so you have the slides, I think, in front of you.	00:25:01
	In the extension office in Dodge County, we have 6 full-time educators and staff. We have two regional our AG educators.	00:25:06
	We work with the.	00:25:13
	158 volunteers and what we look.	00:25:14
	That is the hours, but what but?	00:25:17
	What's really important is the value we have to pay the volunteers in Dodge County.	00:25:18
	We'd have to pay him a lot of money that's not in our budget.	00:25:23
	So they are very valued. Of course, you know 4H volunteers. So I just want to share that overview.	00:25:26
	So I'll talk a little bit.	00:25:34
	About the Community needs Forum, how this came to be is the Wisconsin Counties Association Extension. They work together. They	00:25:36
	created this MOU and in the MOU.	00:25:41
	They really wanted to be heard. The counties I wanted to be heard, so they said you need to do some kind of needs assessment now	00:25:46
	Extension does needs access.	00:25:51
	Assessments all the time, especially when new educators come out. That's what they they do. They go out and they do a community	00:25:55
	scan to find out what are the priorities in the in the county.	00:26:01
	But the really?	00:26:08
	Asked for more than that, they wanted to have their voices heard in the partners, so we did this.	00:26:10
	And I was very fortunate. I've worked in extension in three states, and a colleague in Illinois who was my mentor, they did a	00:26:16
	community needs forum in the collar counties of Chicago. So it was wonderful because I started as an interim.	00:26:22
	End of December.	00:26:29
	And I think I met with Andrew and Cameron within January, right after the holidays.	00:26:31
	And we put.	00:26:37
	This needs assessment.	00:26:39
	Forum together and we did it in February.	00:26:41
	Educators all were part of this process county, you know, to get get their county partners to be able.	00:26:44
	Be invited. So we invited 305.	00:26:51
	Community partners and potential partners. It wasn't just who we worked with. 38 attended, which may not sound great, but it	00:26:54
	really is because the Keller counties of Chicago had a million and people in their county and they only had 38 people. So I	00:27:00
	thought we did pretty good here.	00:27:06
	Umm, if they couldn't attend, they had an opportunity to answer the questions that we were going to have a discussion on online.	00:27:12
	So they did have that up.	00:27:17
	Opportunity.	00:27:22
	From that.	00:27:24
	Data that was collected, all the conversations, the educators facilitated, the great conversations and super some supervisors	00:27:25
	there, of course Cameron was there.	00:27:30
	Umm. Then we looked at.	00:27:35
	From all the data we collected.	00:27:36
	We synthesize the data, the priorities.	00:27:38
	From that.	00:27:42
	We developed a work plan and they're going to talk about the work plan specifically. We use the data from the Community Needs	00:27:42
	Forum.	00:27:46
	But we also use other data to pull in.	00:27:50
	To create these priorities.	00:27:53
	In addition to those priorities that aren't all the priorities, but we really focused on three and then the opportunities for	00:27:57
	expansion. A lot of the things that we heard we were already doing or other community partners were doing them, but there was room	00:28:04
	for expansion and the educators will talk about that. And one of the things that Dodge County.	00:28:11
	You know, stress that it should line with the county priorities and we did. We made sure that we looked at the county priorities	00:28:18
	and that is on I think it's in your packet these work plans.	00:28:24
	That was a lot.	00:28:31
	So we're gonna.	00:28:33
	Had the educators come up and they're going to talk about.	00:28:34
	The themes that came up.	00:28:38
	And then what the opportunities for expansion they're going to work on?	00:28:40
	So what you see there is a copy of what the report looks like.	00:28:44
	And in your packet? I'm sorry, Cindy. Yep, go ahead.	00:28:49
	In your packet there is a report from each.	00:28:51
	Program area each educator.	00:28:55
	So if you want to pull out the one for human development.	00:28:57
	And relationships.	00:29:00
	That's the one I'm going to be focusing on.	00:29:02
	So hello everyone.	00:29:05
	Chairman Rolling.	00:29:06
	County Board supervisors.	00:29:08
	And all of the guests, thank you for having us. Thank you for letting us.	00:29:10
	Giving us this opportunity to speak with you tonight.	00:29:14
	My name is Patty.	00:29:17
	And I'm a human development and relationships educator.	00:29:19
	Here in Dodge County.	00:29:22
	Since the Community Needs Forum in February.	00:29:24
	I've been working really hard.	00:29:28
	To address the priorities that were identified, as Cindy said, we used the listening session, but we also use other data.	00:29:30
	To figure out what are the priorities and how can I be of service.	00:29:38
	To our Dodge County communities.	00:29:43
	I'm going to sum up.	00:29:45
	The three areas.	00:29:47
	In in human development.	00:29:49
	So things that emerged were supporting parenting skills and supporting early childcare education.	00:29:52
	Which is a primary focus for me and always has been, and you can see some of the things I've been working on in that report.	00:29:59
	But something else came up.	00:30:07
	Promoting mental Wellness.	00:30:08
	Which is also one of your strategic plans.	00:30:11
	Another thing came up in my area was building trust and connection within families and communities and the agencies that serve	00:30:14
	them, so I've been working hard at addressing that.	00:30:21
	Recently, I participated in the Human Services and Health Department's Family Fest.	00:30:27
	I saw Jennifer there.	00:30:33
	And I was able to engage with over 200 attendees and connect with many family serving agencies.	00:30:34
	These events are vital.	00:30:41
	For building awareness and trust in the resources available for Dodge County families.	00:30:43
	There's also this need to connect with other partners, so I'm working with.	00:30:50
	Dodge County human Resources.	00:30:54
	To provide financial and mental Wellness.	00:30:57
	Financial Workplace.	00:31:00
	Wellness Luncheon Learns will launch in September and I'm working hand in hand with Tonya to offer this for our Dodge County	00:31:02
	employees and Cameron.	00:31:07
	Trying to provide something.	00:31:12
	Scene for our county employees to help them with financial Wellness and mental Wellness.	00:31:14
	And then I'm also working with.	00:31:19
	Director.	00:31:21
	Becky Bell to provide and these are all the new emerging opportunities to provide some mental Wellness training, she identified.	00:31:22
	A Co facilitator.	00:31:31
	And that Co facilitator and I will be providing a mental Wellness program here in Dodge County. So you can see.	00:31:32
	Extension leverages.	00:31:40
	Already the assets in our community and we can leverage that.	00:31:44
	My role is to serve as a connector and educator.	00:31:48
	An advocate and to bring evidence based.	00:31:52
	Programs in my expertise to Dodge County to support families.	00:31:55
	To reduce adversity.	00:32:00
	And to promote lifelong well-being.	00:32:02
	I connect these families and professionals and agencies with resources from the university but also from the county.	00:32:05
	Right. I believe this work directly supports.	00:32:13
	Two of Dodge County's strategic plans, and that is the strategic plan to support early childcare or daycare.	00:32:17
	And the strategic goal or plan?	00:32:26
	To work on mental Wellness and reduction of substance abuse.	00:32:28
	And that is my commitment.	00:32:34
	So thank you.	00:32:36
	Turn it over to the next educator.	00:32:37
	Good evening, folks.	00:32:47
	Oh wait, do I have to get really close?	00:32:49
	Can you hear me?	00:32:51
	Yeah. All right.	00:32:52
	Good evening. My name is Willful Wider. I'm the regional crops educator for Dodge County. I also covered.	00:32:53
	Dane County.	00:32:59
	And work with Roe and forge crop producers in those two counties.	00:33:00
	Hello everyone.	00:33:06
	My name is Manuel Pena. I'm the dairy educator. I work for Dutch County. I also do work for Fond du Lac, Sheboygan.	00:33:07
	On Osaka counties.	00:33:15
	And I'm going to do a briefing.	00:33:17
	Introduction. So in the community forum, we, as Cindy was mentioning we.	00:33:19
	Highlighted 3 topics, so the first of them was succession planning.	00:33:24
	Many of the farmers.	00:33:30
	Are very concerned about how.	00:33:32
	The future of their own farms, or even.	00:33:34
	Farming in general.	00:33:37
	The lower participation of young generations.	00:33:39
	The second one was supporting the needs of the immigrants as.	00:33:43
	We know that they are.	00:33:48
	Very large part of the workforce of the dairy industry in Wisconsin, and not only Wisconsin, but in the country.	00:33:51
	On the third one was.	00:33:58
	Help to improve.	00:34:00
	What not farming people know?	00:34:02
	About farming in general.	00:34:05
	Yes, those are the three topics we've found out.	00:34:08
	So the first one farm succession, this is actually a program or a subject that is.	00:34:13
	Covered on a statewide level with an extension. We have a farm management team.	00:34:18
	Across the state that works in farm succession, there's one person specifically working on this.	00:34:22
	Joy Kirkpatrick.	00:34:28
	And they have a suite of different programs and.	00:34:30
	Workshops.	00:34:33
	And can also work one-on-one with producers. We've had several producers in Dodge County that have worked one-on-one with Joy.	00:34:34
	On farm succession planning. So that's not something that Manuel or I do personally in our roles, but it is we serve as a	00:34:41
	connector just as Patty was saying to that statewide person that is very skilled in working on farm succession.	00:34:48
	And conflict management and all the things that arise when we're trying to pass a farm off from one generation to the next.	00:34:54
	According to the second point which is supporting the needs of the.	00:35:02
	Immigrants. Most of them are.	00:35:06
	They speak Spanish and that gives me like a.	00:35:09
	Bigger reason to work for extension since I.	00:35:12
	Speak Spanish.	00:35:16
	So the way we are starting to support them is to provide the information that we think is relevant.	00:35:18
	Research based to improve their skills.	00:35:26
	Their job. The job they do.	00:35:30
	This is very important and it's just the first step.	00:35:33
	And I started very, very recently.	00:35:36
	But it's the very step to make them feel.	00:35:39
	Or let them know.	00:35:42
	What, why what they do matters so much for the industry in general, which is a.	00:35:43
	Huge part of the economy of Wisconsin.	00:35:49
	Last switch.	00:35:54
	All right, so the last point there is the.	00:35:55
	Public perception of agriculture.	00:35:58
	And one of the things that we do is a lot of Dodge County based research.	00:36:00
	We are taking information, working with farmers, trying to see what is the effect of the practices that they're doing on the on	00:36:05
	the larger environment and within their farming systems. So continuing to do research in this county that provides local	00:36:11
	information to folks about the good work that farmers are doing in the county.	00:36:17
	To affect water quality.	00:36:23
	And promoting those results at the county level will help.	00:36:24
	People to understand.	00:36:28
	The role that agriculture plays.	00:36:29
	In the county and also the.	00:36:31
	The some of these different practices, such as cover crops, can have an effect on water quality and making sure that we have that	00:36:34
	local information to provide that.	00:36:37
	Yeah. Thank you.	00:36:45
	Gonna head to the next.	00:36:47
	Good evening for those of you that I haven't had the opportunity to meet in the past.	00:36:58
	I'm Marie Witzel.	00:37:03
	Positive youth development educator in the office.	00:37:04
	And I just wanted to share some things that may or may not be of a surprise to some of you. Mental health continues to be a	00:37:07
	priority.	00:37:11
	For the families in our county especially, supporting children emotionally and addressing their self worth and communication	00:37:16
	skills.	00:37:20
	With adults is really critical.	00:37:24
	Investing in youth education and I know that you all have done that and I was excited to see Megane presentation earlier having	00:37:27
	young people.	00:37:30
	In the county, but also we do that in our office. I have a couple of AmeriCorps members who will be out and about. So if you	00:37:35
	haven't seen great programs that are happening in the county this summer, the AmeriCorps members are busy at work offering	00:37:39
	programs throughout the county.	00:37:44
	And also learning about conflict resolution.	00:37:49
	Communication and self regulation. And then the third one is to create an educational support networks, including mentoring	00:37:53
	programs for older youth so that they can mentor some of the younger youth in the in the community. And if you've seen that in.	00:37:59
	4H programs in the past and hopefully we'll have keywords back at your county board meeting sometime in the.	00:38:07
	Late fall or?	00:38:13
	January.	00:38:15
	You'll have some opportunities to see what our young people are doing in the communities that they were they live in.	00:38:17
	So from that a couple of things and I even have an addition for you. So mental health, we have been offering some educational	00:38:23
	activities, some make and take activities. The AmeriCorps were at the Family Fun Fest doing that.	00:38:30
	They will be at the National Night Out, probably in Horicon now that I've confirmed that they're having one this year and also	00:38:38
	during the County Fair. Just talking about.	00:38:43
	Youth mental health. But another thing that we have done is that I have offered programs in a variety of different places, so.	00:38:47
	We had one at our family learning day. We did a couple of of sessions at our summer camp programs.	00:38:53
	All focusing on mental health and helping young people learn about self regulation because that is such a such a need they just	00:38:59
	say whatever they want, especially on social media. So giving them a chance to actually think about what they're saying is really	00:39:05
	helpful and then the youth education offering some.	00:39:11
	Volunteer training opportunities for other organizations. They have talked about having a need for some of their adults that want	00:39:16
	to mentor young people, not knowing, you know, maybe about ages and stages and things that we teach. Volunteer protection in the	00:39:22
	4H program. And then the third one, youth mentors, teaching young people about projects and programs. And for those of you that	00:39:29
	had a chance to visit us at Power Sports in May.	00:39:35
	Those were three of the 4H members that were teaching safety and some of the different activities that we had.	00:39:41
	Out at the power sports company. So now I think we're jumping to community development.	00:39:47
	Good evening. I'm sure that for many of you.	00:40:01
	It's the first time you've gotten.	00:40:05
	Meet me.	00:40:07
	My name is Pat Malone.	00:40:08
	And I'm the community economic development educator for Dodge County, and I'm new here.	00:40:10
	And I am so pleased to be here.	00:40:17
	When we did the community forum, I had already been doing needs assessment.	00:40:20
	That's one of the first things we ask people to do.	00:40:25
	And after that needs assessment.	00:40:28
	They wanted me to take a deeper dive, which is totally justified. So in addition to the forum.	00:40:32
	I did key informant surveys, did a lot of data research.	00:40:38
	But the hallmark of what I did, and I just finished it up at the end of June.	00:40:43
	Is a series of community economic development conversations.	00:40:49
	These I did not use the word focus groups because they were conversations.	00:40:54
	But we invited 62.	00:41:01
	Local officials. These were elected officials. These were appointed officials.	00:41:04
	And business owners and we had 27 participants and we held the conversations across the county.	00:41:09
	So that we could make it easy for people to participate.	00:41:17
	A number of themes have emerged.	00:41:22
	Most of them were.	00:41:25
	Similar to the other things that I heard, but they included things like.	00:41:26
	Workforce challenges and opportunities.	00:41:31
	Any of you have had to try and hire somebody lately?	00:41:34
	It's challenging.	00:41:38
	Housing.	00:41:41
	Affordable.	00:41:44
	Available.	00:41:45
	What was new and interesting was infrastructure, and if you think about how prices have increased and how important infrastructure	00:41:47
	is.	00:41:51
	When you're thinking about.	00:41:56
	Housing or other kinds of development issues.	00:41:57
	Not a big surprise.	00:42:00
	And the fourth one.	00:42:02
	Is downtown development.	00:42:04
	People are viewing their downtown's as resources, those of you from Beaver Dam and some of the other places.	00:42:06
	Maybe they'll know what a big difference that makes, as one of the people in Beaver Dam says.	00:42:14
	The the downtown is the heart.	00:42:21
	Of the community.	00:42:24
	And that's very true.	00:42:25
	Now.	00:42:27
	We didn't have that same kind of opportunities for expansion since I'm new and you haven't had.	00:42:29
	Community economic development educator in a long time.	00:42:34
	Anything I do is an expansion.	00:42:38
	So the priorities I have coming up that are in process is a housing survey that will be going out to local officials.	00:42:41
	So if you get an e-mail or a.	00:42:51
	Letter from me, please fill it out. That helps. We are starting to work on a regional housing summit. They've had these across the	00:42:54
	state.	00:42:58
	But we haven't had.	00:43:02
	Anyone down here? So we're getting the counties together.	00:43:04
	I just.	00:43:09
	Finished the first impressions visit. That's like an exchange between two communities.	00:43:10
	We partnered up Columbus with Dodgeville and right now we're preparing the report.	00:43:16
	To It's a great tool for downtown's to figure out where they need to put their energy if they're really going to make a	00:43:22
	difference.	00:43:25
	And the last thing and.	00:43:29
	Goes back to the forum.	00:43:31
	Is I have invited as many people as I knew and we put it out on on our.	00:43:34
	Social media and a series of nonprofit management classes. And I think you have until like the 22nd to sign up. So if you go out	00:43:40
	to our web page, you'll find it and it's specially designed.	00:43:46
	For those new.	00:43:53
	Nonprofits or smaller nonprofits?	00:43:55
	And that's the work that we're doing in that part of what we're committed to. And I'll turn it back to Cindy who'll take us out.	00:43:59
	Well, we really appreciate the opportunity to get in front of you and explain about the community needs form what we did here in	00:44:12
	Dodge County. You are the first county in Wisconsin that did this. So we've learned a lot and like understood that that is now at	00:44:19
	the state level. We're creating toolkits for other counties, the area directors, so they'll be prepared to do similar.	00:44:26
	And have all the resources that, like I said, I was lucky that I had Illinois that gave us a lot of the stuff and we really just	00:44:34
	ran with it and now we're kind of tweaking a little bit.	00:44:39
	So do you have any questions? We have all the educators here. This is a great opportunity.	00:44:43
	Any questions?	00:44:48
	This is speaking up but my only question would be.	00:44:56
	Pat said she was new and she's piqued my curiosity. I really this is you touched some points that are near and dear to me so.	00:45:00
	Her numbers readily available if I want to call her OK, that's all I needed to know. Make sure I can get in touch with her.	00:45:09
	OK.	00:45:15
	Anyone else?	00:45:18
	Don't see any, so thank you very much.	00:45:21
	Supervisor Hedrick.	00:45:30
	Another presentation.	00:45:46
	I have the great pleasure to introduce to you Caitlin Reiner, our Director of Veterans Services.	00:45:48
	Veteran Services was put under the auspices of the Human Services and Health Committee. When we combine committees the beginning	00:45:56
	of this term.	00:46:00
	And so we on the committee have been hearing about.	00:46:04
	The status of veterans.	00:46:08
	Umm needs.	00:46:11
	In Dodge County.	00:46:12
	And all of the creative ways that are too.	00:46:14
	Our Veteran Services Officer and Director Caitlin and the specialist benefits specialist Jessica Bull have been creatively trying	00:46:19
	to problem solve this.	00:46:23
	The statistics and we've just learned so much and Caitlin is here to share some of that with you. So you're all.	00:46:28
	Aware of what's going on?	00:46:34
	Just pass.	00:46:47
	OK, so can everyone hear me?	00:47:52
	I talk kind of quiet.	00:47:54
	So hi, my name is Caitlin.	00:47:57
	I am the director of Veterans Services and since we have such a small department, there's only two of us.	00:47:59
	There's not.	00:48:06
	A lot of people know.	00:48:07
	Of like the full scope of work that we do in our office.	00:48:08
	So what is our role within the county?	00:48:11
	We are required under Chapter 45.8 of the state statute, so every county in Wisconsin has our office.	00:48:14
	And we are one of like 27 states that does that.	00:48:22
	We are all accredited representatives, so we're able to legally represent veterans for their disability claims, their pension	00:48:25
	claims, any VA benefit that they need.	00:48:30
	We can represent them.	00:48:34
	We are also a resource for veterans in crisis, whether that be financial or mental.	00:48:36
	And then we're able to connect.	00:48:42
	Veterans, through the benefits and resources they earn through their service, that's the most important thing that we do.	00:48:43
	And if there's a benefit that we don't, do we?	00:48:49
	Will know the people to get the veteran in contact with like we don't do DoD retirement benefits. It's not something that we're	00:48:52
	trained in, but we have.	00:48:56
	Contacts at the retirement office at Fort McCoy.	00:49:00
	We also work with local, state and federal representatives on needs of the veteran population with legislation change.	00:49:04
	Recently there's been some big updates with state cutting a couple.	00:49:10
	Veteran programs for our needy veterans who are homeless.	00:49:16
	So when that impacts some Dodge County veterans that are living up at the Chippewa Falls.	00:49:20
	Location. Umm.	00:49:25
	So why veterans should come to us?	00:49:27
	Veterans and their families don't know what they don't know.	00:49:29
	There's so many benefits that they can be eligible for that they've just heard maybe.	00:49:32
	A small portion and everything we do in our office is free.	00:49:37
	So veterans can go file an acclaim.	00:49:41
	An attorney if they want to.	00:49:44
	But that attorney is going to take 30% of their benefit, 30% of the back pay and then a small portion going forward for a certain	00:49:46
	number of months.	00:49:50
	We do that for free.	00:49:54
	And in our office, every person is a veteran as long as they wore that uniform, whether it's.	00:49:56
	Active combat Peacetime.	00:50:00
	Reserve Guard.	00:50:03
	We don't discriminate based on your type of service.	00:50:04
	And every veteran is unique. No2 veterans will be eligible for all the same benefits, so someone can serve during the same time,	00:50:09
	same branch.	00:50:13
	And they could be eligible for.	00:50:17
	Two different kinds of benefits.	00:50:19
	So our team, since we are small, I'm Caitlin. Like I said, I've been the CBSO since September of 23.	00:50:21
	I am an Army veteran and currently serving in the Wisconsin Army National Guard.	00:50:28
	Previously before this I was with Outegamy County Veterans Services and then before that I was with UW Oshkosh Veteran Resource	00:50:32
	Center.	00:50:36
	Jessica. She is a Marine Corps veteran and.	00:50:40
	Currently, she is working on her national accreditation, but.	00:50:44
	We also have Poe in our office. That's Jessica, service dog, so.	00:50:47
	Just how everyone knows that they're a team.	00:50:51
	Some of the different benefits that we help with, I know it looks like a long list, I'm not going to read through all of them, but	00:50:54
	the big one that we help with is disability compensation. So that can range from just.	00:50:58
	Somebody suffering from hearing loss all the way up to PTSD related to trauma and service.	00:51:03
	We do a veteran pension which is not the same as do D retirement.	00:51:10
	And then there are also.	00:51:14
	Survivor Pensions.	00:51:16
	Burial allowances, different death benefits, different caregiver benefits, and a lot of these benefits will bring federal dollars	00:51:18
	into the county.	00:51:21
	Which?	00:51:25
	Will help our systems like.	00:51:27
	Less people need to go to the ADR.	00:51:29
	I'm going to go back actually. So I wanted to highlight our veteran emergency Relief Fund.	00:51:35
	Previously.	00:51:39
	This fund was not used that much.	00:51:41
	Like 5 years ago there's maybe $6000 that were given back to veterans in the county.	00:51:43
	This year.	00:51:48
	Given back 11,000.	00:51:49
	And that'll be.	00:51:51
	Help with security deposits if their electric is going to be shut off.	00:51:52
	If they can't pay their rent, that.	00:51:56
	Month last year we did just over $12,000.	00:51:57
	So last year for our services provided since last year was the first year.	00:52:02
	That.	00:52:07
	There was 2 full time accredited representatives since like 2019. We had almost 10,000 points of communication.	00:52:08
	So that would be.	00:52:16
	A phone call. An office visit.	00:52:17
	Checking in on somebody's claim.	00:52:20
	We had 702.	00:52:22
	Office visits and walk insurance and.	00:52:24
	There's two of us, some appointments take two hours depending on the veterans needs.	00:52:26
	And we served 1300 individual veterans. That's not including their family. That's not including the ones who came to see us	00:52:33
	multiple times.	00:52:37
	So the benefits that we completed in 2024, we saw a 38% increase in compensation compared to 2019.	00:52:43
	We were able to close 314 federal claims, which the average claim time is about four months.	00:52:51
	From start to finish once it's in the VA's hands.	00:52:57
	And we did 351.	00:53:00
	Local.	00:53:02
	Or state benefits.	00:53:03
	So the big numbers that we had for the reoccurring payments that is federal dollars coming into Dodge County every month from the.	00:53:06
	Claims we.	00:53:15
	And the one time payments that would be any retroactive benefits that they should get or any burial allowances and we were able to	00:53:17
	get one veterans debt of $151,000 waived.	00:53:22
	So our financial impact for the county.	00:53:29
	Is so if you take the.	00:53:32
	$307,000 that we won.	00:53:35
	And then multiply that by 12.	00:53:38
	Because it's a reoccurring monthly benefit.	00:53:40
	We're up just over $3.6 million just from our claims and 1.1 million for one time.	00:53:42
	Payments.	00:53:48
	So we are.	00:53:49
	.1% of the county's budget.	00:53:52
	But our claims brought in 28 times the amount.	00:53:55
	Dodge County spends in our office.	00:53:58
	And in 2023, according to the geographic distribution of expenditures from the VA, they spend 59 million in Dodge County through.	00:54:02
	Benefits.	00:54:11
	Health care.	00:54:12
	So how is this year going so far? So far we've done.	00:54:15
	435 walk-ins.	00:54:19
	And office visits.	00:54:21
	We've served 970 individuals and we've had over.	00:54:23
	77 requests for assistance, so that would be.	00:54:27
	The rental assistance.	00:54:31
	A gas card? Food card.	00:54:32
	They're not able to pay their bills, so they come to us for help. We've closed 181 federal claims.	00:54:34
	And 174.	00:54:39
	State or local?	00:54:41
	Or non payment benefits.	00:54:42
	And so far we've had.	00:54:44
	A total of 889.	00:54:45
	$1000 brought into.	00:54:48
	The county just with our claims alone and we have 249 open claims which we.	00:54:51
	Average between 225 to 250.	00:54:57
	At any given time.	00:55:00
	So the trends, we picked 2019 because that was the last time there was 2.	00:55:02
	Accredited representatives with.	00:55:06
	The county.	00:55:09
	And it was right before COVID, so we had a 65% increase in the individuals that we served.	00:55:10
	Since 2019, and this is because there's two major bills that went through. They had the PACT ACT and Blue Water Navy, which	00:55:15
	impacted.	00:55:19
	A significant amount of veterans which increased compensation eligibility.	00:55:24
	And then our.	00:55:29
	So there was a 5% increase in veteran population using federal benefits, but we saw 102% increase in office visits, walk insurance	00:55:31
	and home visits compared to 2019.	00:55:37
	So how do we compare with other?	00:55:44
	CVSO.	00:55:47
	So looking at the other.	00:55:49
	CBS OS with the similar veteran population we have 5880.	00:55:51
	Veterans that are using federal benefits, so that's not counting those family members.	00:55:55
	The National Guard members that may not be eligible for VA health care, it's not including any of those.	00:56:01
	Veterans.	00:56:07
	We have.	00:56:08
	Two staff members, which would put our ratio of one staff to every 2900 veterans.	00:56:09
	Fond du Lac has.	00:56:16
	Three staff and they have the closest amount of veterans to us. There's only four veteran difference.	00:56:17
	And they have.	00:56:22
	One staffed every 1900 veterans.	00:56:24
	Jefferson has 3.5.	00:56:27
	You guys have all these numbers. I'm not going to go through and read all of them.	00:56:29
	But right now, that is our staff.	00:56:33
	To veteran ratio.	00:56:35
	So how do we compare with our surrounding counties?	00:56:38
	Like I said, we have one staff to every 2900 Veterans Jefferson's.	00:56:41
	One to everything.	00:56:45
	1300.	00:56:46
	The bigger county, so Washington County, Dane County and Waukesha County.	00:56:48
	They have different resources. They have Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs that's located within their county or right next	00:56:52
	to their county.	00:56:56
	And they also have the VA regional office.	00:57:00
	So they have.	00:57:04
	Different offices that.	00:57:06
	Will do the same type of work.	00:57:07
	So updates with our office different things that we've implemented to help with.	00:57:12
	The.	00:57:17
	Traffic in our office because there's not enough of us to go around, so we have walk in hours every Wednesday from 9:00 to 3:00.	00:57:18
	So this has helped a lot with our wait time. We used to book out six plus weeks and now we're booking out about four weeks. So	00:57:24
	people that.	00:57:28
	Can't wait for a benefit. They can come in and talk to us, or if it's an easy benefit like a driver's license identifier, we can	00:57:33
	take care of that right away in 15 minutes instead of.	00:57:37
	Them holding up a whole 90 minute appointment. We also have meeting requests available on our website so if people don't want to	00:57:43
	leave a voicemail and wait for us to return.	00:57:48
	A call, they can just go right to our website and put the information that they need and then we'll reach out to them and schedule	00:57:53
	an appointment.	00:57:56
	We have monthly newsletters that go out every month for benefit updates if there's any legislation changes or any events going on	00:58:00
	in the area. And that gets sent out to over 1500 veterans. And we have about a 50% open rate, which is.	00:58:07
	That's pretty good.	00:58:14
	We also have implemented automatic appointment reminders, so two days before every appointment, veterans or their family will get	00:58:15
	a text message reminder and a phone call saying, hey, you have an appointment.	00:58:20
	This day, this time.	00:58:25
	This is really cut down on the amount of no shows or any.	00:58:27
	Miscommunications about times so we're able to serve more veterans.	00:58:30
	We also now have assistance with Human Services for reception support, so they're able to listen to our voicemails and we can	00:58:34
	triage a little bit better instead of.	00:58:39
	Me sitting listening to voicemails.	00:58:44
	For 8 hours a day.	00:58:47
	Because that's how much it would take.	00:58:48
	And then we also have the Dodge County Patriot Project.	00:58:51
	They were previously tracking better deceased veterans on an Excel spreadsheet. Now we have opened it up to the community and it's	00:58:55
	all Geo located and it's on a map and it's a searchable database that's on our website.	00:59:01
	OK. Do you guys have any questions?	00:59:10
	For me or what our office does.	00:59:12
	Supervisor Molly.	00:59:18
	Caitlin, you you've mentioned claims. What kind of claims do you process?	00:59:22
	So we process compensation claims.	00:59:27
	Pension claims DAC, so everything that's like associated with a.	00:59:31
	A VA payment is called a claim.	00:59:36
	OK, so but majority of them are compensation claims. So somebody was injured in the military and now?	00:59:38
	They would like to be compensated for that or to get it covered for their health care.	00:59:46
	OK, one thing that.	00:59:50
	That I was.	00:59:53
	Hoping that you would mention because I know it is something that.	00:59:55
	I don't think a lot of people are aware of.	00:59:59
	But it's the hours that you put in. You don't work. Let's just say from 8:00 to 5:00 or 8:00 to 4:00, whatever your hours are.	01:00:02
	You work nights too. You go out to to veteran organizations to.	01:00:08
	Spread the word and to answer questions and to.	01:00:13
	Do whatever you need to do to keep the vets informed of what's going on. Can you talk a little bit about that?	01:00:17
	Yeah. So we go to local Legion, VFW's, anybody that wants us to come speak at their meetings, we will get out there and then give	01:00:24
	them any legislation changes or?	01:00:29
	Benefit updates.	01:00:35
	We will hold.	01:00:37
	Later office hours for veterans that need it.	01:00:38
	There are some restrictions to that.	01:00:42
	But we don't want veterans to have to take PTO to get their their benefits.	01:00:45
	But yeah, it's a lot more than just 8 to 4:30.	01:00:50
	Thank you.	01:00:55
	Supervisor Steger.	01:00:56
	Thank you, Mr. Chairman.	01:00:58
	I just want to thank.	01:01:00
	Both of you for doing such a fantastic job with the veterans.	01:01:01
	I've heard a lot of positive feedback and a lot of positive comments.	01:01:05
	On how happy they are when they come over.	01:01:09
	By you and you answer all their questions. So thank you very much for what you both.	01:01:12
	Do thank you, that means a lot.	01:01:17
	Supervisor.	01:01:20
	Supervisor Beale.	01:01:26
	What the hype of the media.	01:01:29
	What the passage of the big Bill?	01:01:32
	At the federal level.	01:01:35
	Are you seeing anything that's being sent to you?	01:01:38
	That that's going to hurt our veterans as far as services.	01:01:42
	That are currently provided that may not be.	01:01:48
	Or is that just the media blowing this up?	01:01:52
	To cause dismay throughout our country.	01:01:55
	So that is just the media. So this week I'm actually in my national accreditation conference and we had the Under Secretary of the	01:02:00
	VA, so he addressed this.	01:02:05
	And they're not cutting any benefits.	01:02:10
	For veterans, the cuts within the VA have been.	01:02:13
	Somebody like the interior designers or anybody that's not.	01:02:17
	Outward facing just the internal.	01:02:21
	Positions that they.	01:02:24
	Don't need.	01:02:25
	So those have been the only cuts.	01:02:28
	So far.	01:02:29
	Any other questions?	01:02:32
	Thank you.	01:02:36
	OK, resolutions on file.	01:02:45
	Resolution 25.	01:02:52
	18.	01:02:55
	Commendation of Rebecca Hodgson.	01:02:56
	WHEREAS, Rebecca Hodgson has contributed 26 years of dedicated service to Dodge County and the citizens of Dodge County.	01:03:00
	And whereas Dodge County and its citizens have benefited from the services she has provided.	01:03:08
	And whereas Rebecca Hodgson has chosen to resign from her present position of household assistant to with Clearview.	01:03:13
	And now therefore be it result.	01:03:21
	That we, the Dodge County Board of Supervisors, pause in its deliberations to recognize and commend Rebecca Hodgson for her 26	01:03:24
	years of meritorious service.	01:03:29
	And be it further resolved, that on behalf of the citizens of Dodge County.	01:03:34
	This board does herewith extend to her appreciation.	01:03:39
	For her many accomplishments and successes over the 26 years of service.	01:03:42
	And be it finally resolved.	01:03:47
	That a copy of this resolution be entered into the official records of.	01:03:49
	The Dodge County Board of Supervisors and then a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Rebecca Hudson as a token of appreciation	01:03:53
	on the part.	01:03:57
	On the part of this board.	01:04:02
	All of which is respectfully submitted this 15th day of July, 2025, signed by four members of the Human Resources Committee.	01:04:04
	Please rise, if you are able, for a standing vote of acceptance.	01:04:13
	Thank you.	01:04:24
	Next resolution 25.	01:04:36
	19.	01:04:40
	A man Town zoning ordinance, Town of threes.	01:04:41
	We are.	01:04:48
	Umm, we, the Dodge County Land Resources and Parks Committee, hereby report favorably.	01:04:49
	On the petition of Lichtenberg Bros, Inc.	01:04:55
	Requesting.	01:04:58
	Amendment of the zoning ordinance, Town of Theresa.	01:05:00
	Respectfully submitted this 15th day of July, 2025. Signed by six members of The Landry.	01:05:03
	Four members of the Land, Resources and Parks Committee.	01:05:11
	I have a motion by Supervisor Klobuchar and a second by supervisor.	01:05:14
	Guggenberger.	01:05:18
	Any questions or comments on this?	01:05:19
	Resolution.	01:05:22
	Any questions?	01:05:26
	If you agree with the recommendation of the committee, please vote yes. If you do not, please vote no.	01:05:28
	All having voted, it passes 27 to 0.	01:05:39
	Resolution.	01:05:49
	2520.	01:05:50
	Amend town zoning ordinance.	01:05:53
	Town of Thoresa.	01:05:55
	We, the Dodge County Land, Resources and Parks Committee, hereby report favorably.	01:05:58
	On the petition of Dennis and Noah.	01:06:03
	Fleischer requesting amendment of the zoning ordinance, Town of Thresa.	01:06:06
	Respectfully submitted this 15th day of July, 2025.	01:06:10
	Signed by four members of the Land, Resources and Parks Committee.	01:06:14
	I have a motion by Supervisor Gutenberger, second by Supervisor Molly.	01:06:18
	Any questions on this resolution?	01:06:23
	Any questions?	01:06:28
	If you agree with the recommendation, please vote yes. If you do not, please vote no.	01:06:31
	All having voted, it passes 27 to 0.	01:06:47
	Resolution.	01:06:53
	25.	01:06:54
	21.	01:06:56
	Amend town zoning ordinance, Town of Thoressa.	01:06:57
	We, the Dodge County Land, Resources and Parks Committee, hereby report favorably on the petition of David and Christine Stager.	01:07:02
	Requesting amendment of the zoning ordinance, Town of Teresa.	01:07:10
	Respectfully submitted this 15th day of July, 2025. Signed by four members of the Land, Resources and Parks Committee.	01:07:14
	I have a motion by Supervisor Klobuchar and a second by Supervisor Miller.	01:07:22
	Any questions on this one?	01:07:26
	Any questions?	01:07:30
	If you agree with their recommendation, please vote yes. If you do not, vote no.	01:07:32
	All having voted, it passes 27 to 0.	01:07:43
	Resolution 25.	01:07:49
	22.	01:07:51
	A man town zoning ordinance.	01:07:53
	Town of Teresa.	01:07:55
	We, the Dodge County Land, Resources and Parks Committee, hereby report favorably on the petition of David and Richard Steger	01:07:59
	requesting amendment.	01:08:03
	Of the zoning ordinance, Town of Thresa.	01:08:08
	All of which is respectfully submitted this 15th day of July, 2025, signed by four members of the Land, Resources and Parks	01:08:10
	Committee.	01:08:14
	I have a motion by Supervisor Steger and a.	01:08:19
	Second by Supervisor Gutenberger.	01:08:21
	Any questions?	01:08:24
	And this.	01:08:26
	Resolution.	01:08:29
	Any questions?	01:08:30
	If you agree with the recommendation, please vote yes. If you do not, please vote no.	01:08:32
	All having voted.	01:08:42
	Passes 27 to 0.	01:08:44
	Do we have on the desk tonight, Danielle?	01:08:49
	And the desks you have a Dodge County exploration internship information sheet.	01:08:52
	And then also.	01:08:59
	You have an invite from the Juno's downtown gathering space.	01:09:01
	Hosted by the Juno Chamber, it's the ribbon cutting for the gathering area that you approved outside.	01:09:06
	Supervisor Johnson.	01:09:13
	I have a second by Supervisor Miller. All in favor signify by aye.	01:09:24
	Aye, opposed.	01:09:28
	That is carried. Thank you.	01:09:29

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Event transcript
	Yep.	00:00:02
	OK. I have a motion by Supervisor Guggenberger and a second by Supervisor Burnett.	00:00:05
	To approve the appointment.	00:00:11
	Any questions, comments?	00:00:14
	Jody Steger.	00:00:20
	Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just have a couple concerns.	00:00:22
	Do we know his educational background at all?	00:00:27
	Or the other concern I have too is that he's.	00:00:31
	Good friends with our county administrator.	00:00:35
	Yeah, we we did interview and.	00:00:38
	And Cameron went through all of that and.	00:00:44
	Think we he answered those questions.	00:00:46
	Cameron, do you want to enter?	00:00:50
	Sure. Would you come?	00:00:51
	Yeah, come on up.	00:00:57
	I'll bring him with me too.	00:00:59
	I think it's on.	00:01:06
	OK, so.	00:01:07
	Regarding credentials and experience, I know that Nathan can answer questions and share, but I will certain I will just write off.	00:01:09
	Umm state with to all of you this this recommendation is coming.	00:01:17
	Because one.	00:01:22
	We need a finance director and two.	00:01:23
	We have, I think, a golden opportunity with Nathan Teal so.	00:01:26
	They will share his former work with the City of Beaver Dam.	00:01:32
	I've been colleagues with Nathan for a number of years.	00:01:36
	Professionally, not just knowing him outside of work.	00:01:40
	So, umm.	00:01:43
	I'll let him speak to some of his experience.	00:01:45
	And then?	00:01:48
	Any other questions that anyone has?	00:01:49
	Regarding this recommendation for confirmation.	00:01:52
	Please feel free to ask them of either Nathan or me, so I'll let him introduce himself and maybe share to answer that question.	00:01:55
	Thank you.	00:02:02
	Yeah, so just a brief introduction, Nathan Teal.	00:02:05
	I've been in local government going on 20 years.	00:02:10
	I have served in a variety of of communities.	00:02:14
	My educational background. I'm an MPA or a Master's in public administration from From.	00:02:19
	One of the well, the number one.	00:02:24
	School in the nation, Syracuse or the Maxwell School.	00:02:27
	I have been an administrator of some form or fashion for the past 15 years.	00:02:32
	In communities.	00:02:39
	As small as 5000. As large as 20,000.	00:02:42
	Probably my most extensive financial background was serving in.	00:02:46
	Budget and management office in Sugar Land, TX.	00:02:51
	A community of about.	00:02:54
	Well, now it's over 100,000, but at the time 80,000.	00:02:56
	And so.	00:03:00
	Served there for two years, heavily involved in.	00:03:02
	Financial forecasting, particular sales tax, was kind of Texas's main source of income.	00:03:06
	As well as.	00:03:14
	Budget and capital planning.	00:03:15
	And so.	00:03:19
	That's basically a general overview I've.	00:03:20
	Served as.	00:03:25
	The Treasurer.	00:03:26
	When I was at the city of Austin.	00:03:28
	But have always been heavily involved in financial management, strategic planning and so forth. So anyway, glad to be here,	00:03:31
	Grateful for this opportunity.	00:03:36
	Enjoyed very much meeting with the Executive Committee and.	00:03:41
	Kind of reviewing their thoughts or questions and concerns and.	00:03:45
	Hopefully we were able to address those.	00:03:50
	And maybe, maybe before you start asking questions, I'll just add supervisor sticker you'd asked about.	00:03:53
	The fact that umm.	00:03:59
	I know, Nathan.	00:04:01
	If there's a question about whether or not I can tell him, no.	00:04:02
	We we have we have a high level of professional respect for one another.	00:04:06
	And thus I would expect him to come.	00:04:12
	To me with all of his opinions and thoughts and I don't have a problem sharing mine with him. And at the end of the day.	00:04:14
	We're both well aware of his role as Finance and Administrative Director of Finance and Administration and my role as.	00:04:21
	County Administrator.	00:04:29
	So if that's helpful answering the question.	00:04:30
	But if anyone has any other questions, Supervisor Gruck Burger.	00:04:34
	Thank you, Mr. Chairman.	00:04:38
	I was, I guess.	00:04:41
	Blessed to be able to participate in the.	00:04:42
	Interview of.	00:04:46
	Nathan.	00:04:47
	And.	00:04:49
	I'm quite happy to see him be here.	00:04:51
	I think he's got plenty of qualifications.	00:04:54
	He will certainly compliment.	00:04:57
	Cameron and Cameron's responsibilities and.	00:05:00
	Given the fact that we've been without a finance director now since February.	00:05:04
	Of 2022.	00:05:09
	That's 3 1/2 years.	00:05:11
	I know, I joked.	00:05:15
	Frequently that any warm body.	00:05:16
	Would fill the chair in my opinion.	00:05:19
	I'm really pleased to see.	00:05:22
	Nathan here.	00:05:26
	And I look forward to great things from him and.	00:05:27
	Cameron working together with Nathan.	00:05:31
	Thank you, Supervisor Burnett.	00:05:35
	Thanks.	00:05:37
	I'm all in favor of Nathan.	00:05:38
	I've worked with him for.	00:05:42
	Last few years in the city of Beaver Dam and I thought he did a great job on our budget over there.	00:05:44
	His daughter was always open.	00:05:50
	Whenever I had an issue with anything that was going on.	00:05:53
	Pertaining to the.	00:05:56
	Budget.	00:05:58
	I could go to Nathan and we'd work it out.	00:06:00
	And that's all I could ask for. I mean, I thought he did a great job.	00:06:03
	Supervisor Breslow.	00:06:09
	Thank. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.	00:06:12
	Two questions I would have.	00:06:14
	Would be.	00:06:17
	One what?	00:06:18
	I don't see anything anywhere about our compensation package.	00:06:20
	And being a new hire.	00:06:23
	Are we going to do like we have in the past? Turn off like they've got 20 years with us?	00:06:25
	And the other is.	00:06:30
	Given that we have been.	00:06:32
	For a good amount of time without a director.	00:06:33
	When is our new candidate?	00:06:36
	I'm going to start.	00:06:37
	So.	00:06:39
	Our new candidate started last Thursday, had his orientation, so he's already working for Dodge County.	00:06:41
	I haven't introduced him far and wide as our.	00:06:48
	Director of Finance, but.	00:06:51
	That's because I want to have this meeting, so he's ready to go and going.	00:06:53
	Yes, yes.	00:07:00
	It was. Thank you for bringing that up.	00:07:02
	So because of our need to get going on the budget.	00:07:05
	There's a matter urgency with bringing that.	00:07:08
	In case anyone wondered, that's part of the reason.	00:07:10
	The other piece compensation, so we have a.	00:07:13
	A step A grade, pay grade for finance director and he's in that.	00:07:17
	He's in that grade.	00:07:22
	Did I did he get adjustments because he has some experience? Yes.	00:07:23
	But he's not at the top of that grade. He's just not a step one. I can't honestly right now remember what step it is, but it's not	00:07:27
	the top one and it's not the bottom one.	00:07:31
	Yeah, I don't know if that answers everything for you.	00:07:38
	Supervisor Beale.	00:07:43
	Cameron, can you just touch on?	00:07:44
	The job description.	00:07:47
	Where you talk about finance director slash?	00:07:49
	Administration.	00:07:53
	Yes. And touch on that part so that everybody knows what.	00:07:54
	We're hiring Nathan for yes, thank you very much. I should do that so.	00:07:58
	The finance director position.	00:08:04
	Was modified.	00:08:06
	Not sufficient to go into a class change.	00:08:08
	Of the.	00:08:11
	The position in our classification schedule.	00:08:12
	But was modified to be finance director of Finance and Administration.	00:08:15
	Now perhaps you are thinking as I've wondered if.	00:08:19
	People might.	00:08:23
	Don't we have a county administrator? Well, yes. So I'm still doing kind of county administrator responsibilities.	00:08:24
	But there are other.	00:08:30
	Other responsibilities that have been over the last few years allocated elsewhere.	00:08:31
	Because of the lack of a finance director and.	00:08:37
	Other reasons so the.	00:08:39
	Purchasing and procurement.	00:08:42
	Will be beginning next year, 2026 will be back in our finance department.	00:08:44
	Nathan will be responsible for that. In this position would be responsible for that.	00:08:49
	The.	00:08:53
	Role of risk management to risk manager for Dodge County taking care of our insurance and making sure that.	00:08:54
	Trainings that are required are happening and there's follow up with our departments and making sure that they're doing the things	00:09:02
	that are required annually or every other year.	00:09:07
	For safety reasons, that is also included in addition.	00:09:12
	The role serves more as someone that is responsible for special projects with.	00:09:19
	With the administrator so.	00:09:25
	Nathan mentioned earlier strategic planning and priority. Well, he didn't mention priority based budgeting, but we've talked about	00:09:27
	needs and wants in this group before. So he and I had experience in previous roles with other communities, other municipalities	00:09:33
	with priority based budgeting at least looking into it and wanted to get it started. That is something that will be addressing	00:09:40
	some of our.	00:09:46
	Needs and wants, concerns, and we'll take a deeper dive in that in the future. Those are projects that really fall into the	00:09:53
	responsibility of the administrator, but I don't have enough hands to do it all on a daily basis. He'll be helping with some of	00:09:57
	those things as well.	00:10:01
	So I plan to utilize his skills to the fullest.	00:10:06
	Point possible.	00:10:11
	Because of his experience.	00:10:12
	Elsewhere.	00:10:14
	Because he also comes from a municipality and not from another county.	00:10:15
	There's also a need to have.	00:10:20
	Some probably a little more of the front end of learning about some of the differences between a municipality and a county when it	00:10:23
	comes to.	00:10:26
	Statutory requirements with budgeting and with accounting itself.	00:10:30
	But we are fortunate to have a number of.	00:10:35
	Professional staff that handle that on a daily basis.	00:10:38
	So his thankfully then he'll need to learn those things, but he'll also be able to help mentor the people we have.	00:10:42
	So that they are prepared to move on.	00:10:49
	To similar roles either someday if.	00:10:52
	He wins the lottery or.	00:10:55
	If they choose to move on, they'll be well equipped.	00:10:58
	Hitting big by bus? Yeah, no, we don't want to hit anybody a bus.	00:11:02
	But uh.	00:11:05
	Is that are you thinking of anything else, Supervisor Bill that I'm forgetting?	00:11:05
	I feel like I'm forgetting something, but that covers most of it.	00:11:10
	So thank you.	00:11:15
	Supervisor Belt.	00:11:16
	All right. Thank you, Chairman.	00:11:19
	The question I have is that.	00:11:22
	Since we're creating this.	00:11:23
	New position, right? That's what this is. It's not a finance director, it's a finance and administrator position.	00:11:25
	It is.	00:11:31
	Yes, but.	00:11:33
	Its name and some other changes within the language, but.	00:11:34
	Not sufficient to change the.	00:11:38
	The meat and.	00:11:41
	Purpose of the position.	00:11:42
	Some things have been expanded when this.	00:11:43
	New classification have to bring on a new job description.	00:11:46
	For approval along with the pay scale.	00:11:50
	According to our policy, if something is not going to impact our budget, we don't worry about bringing forward the.	00:11:52
	The job description or those changes, it's when there's going to be a budget impact. So at this time.	00:11:59
	There I worked with.	00:12:05
	Human Resources and prepared the job description, but we did not.	00:12:07
	Bring that.	00:12:11
	To a broader discussion, because our policy does not require that.	00:12:12
	And the fundamental duties of the position haven't changed, they've only been added to.	00:12:19
	So Supervisor Houchin.	00:12:24
	Thank you. I had a question about the highway department.	00:12:27
	Will he be in?	00:12:30
	Because it is a special enterprise now.	00:12:31
	Is he going to be over that or they do they have their own whatever? How is that going to work with highway?	00:12:35
	Well, so that the finance personnel within the highway department.	00:12:42
	Department are members of the Finance Department.	00:12:45
	That is still.	00:12:48
	A function of the finance department.	00:12:49
	It's not going to be changing. There is.	00:12:52
	I will say we were just talking about this earlier today. There are annual trainings for.	00:12:55
	Better understanding of the system that is used in the highway department to report to the state.	00:13:01
	And track financials.	00:13:06
	He'll be going to the training.	00:13:08
	Forget whether it's October, but we're getting that lined up because yes, this position still.	00:13:10
	Overseas those personnel.	00:13:16
	Any other questions?	00:13:21
	Anything else you mind the same?	00:13:25
	Just.	00:13:28
	I guess I I stand by this opportunity. I think it really is an opportunity.	00:13:29
	We, as I've mentioned earlier, we have and I don't see any of them here tonight.	00:13:34
	But.	00:13:39
	We have some excellent individuals in our finance department currently.	00:13:41
	But what they have, what they have been lacking in with the absence of a full time finance director.	00:13:45
	Is some of the leadership.	00:13:53
	That would be advantageous for them, as well as the connection between that group of individuals that are primarily focused on the	00:13:55
	accounting function in Dodge County.	00:14:00
	And a good connection with an administrator through someone that can be a mentor and a leader.	00:14:05
	And a teacher and a guide.	00:14:11
	For those individuals and so.	00:14:13
	Those are strengths. I know that Mister Teal has so.	00:14:15
	I'm very pleased to present him tonight for confirmation. Thank you very much for your questions.	00:14:19
	And please feel free to reach out to him anytime.	00:14:24
	He anytime you have questions on anything related to finance function.	00:14:28
	We have another questions. Supervisor my now.	00:14:32
	So I'll keep it brief. This is directed directly to Nathan. Why did you resign at Beaver Dam before?	00:14:35
	Seeking this position.	00:14:43
	Yeah, so.	00:14:51
	The intent in resigning wasn't necessarily because of this position, right?	00:14:53
	So not to delve in too much I think.	00:15:00
	In.	00:15:06
	My work with Beaver Dam. I came to Beaver Dam as as their first city administrator.	00:15:08
	It was an excellent opportunity, really enjoyed working.	00:15:14
	With the staff were were phenomenal with with the council members. Kevin Burnett's one of them.	00:15:17
	Had the opportunity to rub shoulders.	00:15:23
	I think.	00:15:26
	For me personally, it was just a personal decision. I think that.	00:15:28
	I was. I'm hopeful for.	00:15:32
	The city of Beaver Dam to have an opportunity to.	00:15:34
	Basically go out and and recruit somebody that.	00:15:38
	Fits.	00:15:42
	Their their desired role and I think because it was a first time position.	00:15:44
	The Council.	00:15:50
	Was working on trying to figure out what that role should look like and who should be in that role.	00:15:51
	And.	00:15:57
	You know personally.	00:15:59
	I had enough support that I could have stayed at Beaver Dam.	00:16:00
	For for.	00:16:04
	Longer.	00:16:06
	But I think for the good of the community.	00:16:07
	And for the city, it gave them an opportunity to.	00:16:11
	Have a fresh start and to be able to advance, so to be.	00:16:15
	Candid.	00:16:19
	It wasn't, it was. It was a very selfless.	00:16:20
	A reason for for resigning, it wasn't there was no.	00:16:24
	Agenda on my part, it was just.	00:16:28
	It was time.	00:16:31
	And I was excited. Plus it was summer, so I got to spend time with my family and stuff like that, so.	00:16:33
	Not to get into too much.	00:16:40
	Of the details, but that was.	00:16:43
	That's a good overview I think. Hopefully I answered your question.	00:16:47
	I think it was fortunate. I'm very grateful for this opportunity to work in Dodge County. It makes things easier for for me and my	00:16:51
	family.	00:16:54
	But I also knew that.	00:17:01
	I still needed to come before you all. I knew the executive committee was going to need to interview me, and so there.	00:17:03
	Yeah, it worked out.	00:17:11
	So that's what I guess I would say.	00:17:14
	To the question.	00:17:16
	Do you feel that I answered? You have any follow up I guess?	00:17:18
	OK. Anyone else?	00:17:23
	And we have a motion and a second to.	00:17:26
	Ratify the appointment.	00:17:28
	All in favor signify by aye.	00:17:30
	Aye, opposed.	00:17:34
	That motion is carried.	00:17:36
	Thank you.	00:17:37
	Next we have appointments by County Board Chair. I want to appoint Supervisor Cavazonjian.	00:17:42
	To replace Supervisor Benter on the Taxation Committee.	00:17:49
	Have a motion by Supervisor Guggenberger.	00:17:52
	In a second by supervisor bubbles.	00:17:56
	Any questions?	00:17:59
	If you agree with the Super with my recommendation, please vote yes.	00:18:03
	If you don't, please vote no.	00:18:08
	All in favor.	00:18:11
	Yes.	00:18:12
	Opposed.	00:18:15
	That is scary. Thank you.	00:18:17
	Reappoint William Nass and Mark Othmer to the Board of Adjustment for three-year terms to expire July 1st, 2028.	00:18:20
	Have a motion by supervisor Stagger second by supervisor Beale.	00:18:32
	All in favor signify by.	00:18:38
	Opposed.	00:18:41
	That is carried.	00:18:42
	And confirm appointments by the County Administrator to Cindy Burkholtz and Don Bowman to the Nutrition Advisory Council for	00:18:49
	three-year terms expiring July 1st, 2028.	00:18:55
	Have a motion by Supervisor Hedrick and a second by Supervisor Miller.	00:19:01
	All in favor signify by.	00:19:06
	Aye, opposed.	00:19:08
	That is scary.	00:19:10
	All right, at this point I would like to introduce.	00:19:15
	Morgan, Mookie.	00:19:20
	And talk about our intern program.	00:19:22
	Hello, I'm Morgan Mookie. As Dave mentioned, I work in community development with Nate Olson.	00:19:43
	We are presenting kind of an update on our Dodge County exploration internship.	00:19:49
	For exec committee, this is kind of going to be a refresh.	00:19:55
	For those that.	00:19:58
	Don't know what it is. You do have a handout.	00:20:00
	That was placed at your desk.	00:20:02
	This is a new internship program that we put on this year. We've been working on it with numerous departments throughout.	00:20:05
	Throughout Dodge County.	00:20:13
	We have 9 participating departments.	00:20:14
	This internship program.	00:20:18
	Has.	00:20:21
	Interns such as Mary from Horicon High School and Lawrence from Dodgeland.	00:20:22
	We also have Ava, who is not in attendance with us tonight. She is from Lomira.	00:20:28
	These interns get the opportunity to rotate through the departments at Dodge County.	00:20:33
	It is a very unique experience. They get to have a couple days.	00:20:38
	To a week and 1/2.	00:20:42
	With these departments doing hands on activities, job shadowing and really learning.	00:20:44
	The different careers that we have at Dodge County.	00:20:50
	So far, all of our nine departments that we hosted.	00:20:54
	Are have hosted an intern besides Clearview?	00:20:58
	Mary will be going there next week or the week after.	00:21:02
	But other than that, all departments have hosted at least one intern so far.	00:21:05
	We have heard great things from our interns about the experience.	00:21:09
	This is something that.	00:21:14
	They didn't know what they were going into.	00:21:16
	Because this is a first time internship.	00:21:18
	That you don't really see around.	00:21:20
	The counties or states?	00:21:23
	With government.	00:21:25
	Much less county government.	00:21:26
	So we've heard great things through them.	00:21:27
	They do work five days a week, with half days on Fridays.	00:21:30
	Fridays are meant to be more of a mentor ship with us.	00:21:34
	Umm, and kind of giving them a.	00:21:39
	Experience what we do.	00:21:43
	With community development.	00:21:45
	We work with.	00:21:47
	Different partners throughout the county. So the other week we took two of our interns to meet with the Beaver Dam Chamber.	00:21:49
	They got to meet with local downtown businesses and kind of see.	00:21:56
	The opportunities and the struggles that these small town.	00:22:00
	Businesses have.	00:22:04
	And.	00:22:06
	What the chambers kind of do to help them out?	00:22:07
	So it's been a very.	00:22:09
	Unique experience. We are on Week 5. We are going to be wrapping up the internship shortly.	00:22:11
	But it has been a very.	00:22:17
	Unique effort, unique opportunity.	00:22:20
	Having these high schoolers, they are juniors going into senior year.	00:22:23
	Being able to participate in this program.	00:22:27
	So yeah, they are.	00:22:31
	They have come to exec committee meeting to see how that.	00:22:34
	Has been run and then we invited them tonight to county board.	00:22:37
	You are also welcome to join us in the August Executive Committee meeting. They will be doing a presentation on how.	00:22:41
	Experience has been.	00:22:49
	And then that will be like their last final project of the internship.	00:22:51
	Have you got any questions that you would like to ask?	00:22:56
	Morgan.	00:22:59
	You got off pretty easy, Morgan.	00:23:04
	Thank you.	00:23:06
	At this point, I would like Supervisor Johnson to.	00:23:14
	Introduce our.	00:23:18
	Next president, Presenter.	00:23:20
	As Chairman of the Extension Committee, I'm proud to present our director, Cindy Sarkaty. He's going to come up here.	00:23:25
	And she's going to talk about community forums that we had earlier this year. And what that is, is that so we invite members of	00:23:33
	the public and the professional community to come to our county.	00:23:38
	And give direction towards what we're heading.	00:23:43
	What we're heading for?	00:23:46
	I would like to say something, I'm very proud I am or hers is not on the script, but what she did here in Dodge County is going to	00:23:47
	be used as a model.	00:23:51
	Throughout the state for all countries.	00:23:55
	All the other 71 counties. So we're very proud of her. She's also being recognized nationally, I believe.	00:23:57
	For her effort.	00:24:02
	Dodge so.	00:24:03
	Wow, that was.	00:24:08
	Like the best introduction I've ever gotten. That was so nice.	00:24:09
	Is I'm not screaming now?	00:24:14
	There it goes.	00:24:25
	All right. Well, we appreciate the opportunity to see the whole teams here. It's not just going to be me talking and we're going	00:24:27
	to really condense. So if you have questions, we'll be able to answer it.	00:24:31
	At the end.	00:24:36
	When my first, I'm going to go over a little bit about extension, just so you know, and then I'll talk about the.	00:24:38
	Community needs for.	00:24:44
	As you know, extension is an extension of the university.	00:24:46
	We are the Wisconsin Idea. We bring research out to communities as well. If you don't know, we also do research out in the	00:24:51
	communities and bring it back to Madison.	00:24:56
	We don't read the PowerPoint, so you have the slides, I think, in front of you.	00:25:01
	In the extension office in Dodge County, we have 6 full-time educators and staff. We have two regional our AG educators.	00:25:06
	We work with the.	00:25:13
	158 volunteers and what we look.	00:25:14
	That is the hours, but what but?	00:25:17
	What's really important is the value we have to pay the volunteers in Dodge County.	00:25:18
	We'd have to pay him a lot of money that's not in our budget.	00:25:23
	So they are very valued. Of course, you know 4H volunteers. So I just want to share that overview.	00:25:26
	So I'll talk a little bit.	00:25:34
	About the Community needs Forum, how this came to be is the Wisconsin Counties Association Extension. They work together. They	00:25:36
	created this MOU and in the MOU.	00:25:41
	They really wanted to be heard. The counties I wanted to be heard, so they said you need to do some kind of needs assessment now	00:25:46
	Extension does needs access.	00:25:51
	Assessments all the time, especially when new educators come out. That's what they they do. They go out and they do a community	00:25:55
	scan to find out what are the priorities in the in the county.	00:26:01
	But the really?	00:26:08
	Asked for more than that, they wanted to have their voices heard in the partners, so we did this.	00:26:10
	And I was very fortunate. I've worked in extension in three states, and a colleague in Illinois who was my mentor, they did a	00:26:16
	community needs forum in the collar counties of Chicago. So it was wonderful because I started as an interim.	00:26:22
	End of December.	00:26:29
	And I think I met with Andrew and Cameron within January, right after the holidays.	00:26:31
	And we put.	00:26:37
	This needs assessment.	00:26:39
	Forum together and we did it in February.	00:26:41
	Educators all were part of this process county, you know, to get get their county partners to be able.	00:26:44
	Be invited. So we invited 305.	00:26:51
	Community partners and potential partners. It wasn't just who we worked with. 38 attended, which may not sound great, but it	00:26:54
	really is because the Keller counties of Chicago had a million and people in their county and they only had 38 people. So I	00:27:00
	thought we did pretty good here.	00:27:06
	Umm, if they couldn't attend, they had an opportunity to answer the questions that we were going to have a discussion on online.	00:27:12
	So they did have that up.	00:27:17
	Opportunity.	00:27:22
	From that.	00:27:24
	Data that was collected, all the conversations, the educators facilitated, the great conversations and super some supervisors	00:27:25
	there, of course Cameron was there.	00:27:30
	Umm. Then we looked at.	00:27:35
	From all the data we collected.	00:27:36
	We synthesize the data, the priorities.	00:27:38
	From that.	00:27:42
	We developed a work plan and they're going to talk about the work plan specifically. We use the data from the Community Needs	00:27:42
	Forum.	00:27:46
	But we also use other data to pull in.	00:27:50
	To create these priorities.	00:27:53
	In addition to those priorities that aren't all the priorities, but we really focused on three and then the opportunities for	00:27:57
	expansion. A lot of the things that we heard we were already doing or other community partners were doing them, but there was room	00:28:04
	for expansion and the educators will talk about that. And one of the things that Dodge County.	00:28:11
	You know, stress that it should line with the county priorities and we did. We made sure that we looked at the county priorities	00:28:18
	and that is on I think it's in your packet these work plans.	00:28:24
	That was a lot.	00:28:31
	So we're gonna.	00:28:33
	Had the educators come up and they're going to talk about.	00:28:34
	The themes that came up.	00:28:38
	And then what the opportunities for expansion they're going to work on?	00:28:40
	So what you see there is a copy of what the report looks like.	00:28:44
	And in your packet? I'm sorry, Cindy. Yep, go ahead.	00:28:49
	In your packet there is a report from each.	00:28:51
	Program area each educator.	00:28:55
	So if you want to pull out the one for human development.	00:28:57
	And relationships.	00:29:00
	That's the one I'm going to be focusing on.	00:29:02
	So hello everyone.	00:29:05
	Chairman Rolling.	00:29:06
	County Board supervisors.	00:29:08
	And all of the guests, thank you for having us. Thank you for letting us.	00:29:10
	Giving us this opportunity to speak with you tonight.	00:29:14
	My name is Patty.	00:29:17
	And I'm a human development and relationships educator.	00:29:19
	Here in Dodge County.	00:29:22
	Since the Community Needs Forum in February.	00:29:24
	I've been working really hard.	00:29:28
	To address the priorities that were identified, as Cindy said, we used the listening session, but we also use other data.	00:29:30
	To figure out what are the priorities and how can I be of service.	00:29:38
	To our Dodge County communities.	00:29:43
	I'm going to sum up.	00:29:45
	The three areas.	00:29:47
	In in human development.	00:29:49
	So things that emerged were supporting parenting skills and supporting early childcare education.	00:29:52
	Which is a primary focus for me and always has been, and you can see some of the things I've been working on in that report.	00:29:59
	But something else came up.	00:30:07
	Promoting mental Wellness.	00:30:08
	Which is also one of your strategic plans.	00:30:11
	Another thing came up in my area was building trust and connection within families and communities and the agencies that serve	00:30:14
	them, so I've been working hard at addressing that.	00:30:21
	Recently, I participated in the Human Services and Health Department's Family Fest.	00:30:27
	I saw Jennifer there.	00:30:33
	And I was able to engage with over 200 attendees and connect with many family serving agencies.	00:30:34
	These events are vital.	00:30:41
	For building awareness and trust in the resources available for Dodge County families.	00:30:43
	There's also this need to connect with other partners, so I'm working with.	00:30:50
	Dodge County human Resources.	00:30:54
	To provide financial and mental Wellness.	00:30:57
	Financial Workplace.	00:31:00
	Wellness Luncheon Learns will launch in September and I'm working hand in hand with Tonya to offer this for our Dodge County	00:31:02
	employees and Cameron.	00:31:07
	Trying to provide something.	00:31:12
	Scene for our county employees to help them with financial Wellness and mental Wellness.	00:31:14
	And then I'm also working with.	00:31:19
	Director.	00:31:21
	Becky Bell to provide and these are all the new emerging opportunities to provide some mental Wellness training, she identified.	00:31:22
	A Co facilitator.	00:31:31
	And that Co facilitator and I will be providing a mental Wellness program here in Dodge County. So you can see.	00:31:32
	Extension leverages.	00:31:40
	Already the assets in our community and we can leverage that.	00:31:44
	My role is to serve as a connector and educator.	00:31:48
	An advocate and to bring evidence based.	00:31:52
	Programs in my expertise to Dodge County to support families.	00:31:55
	To reduce adversity.	00:32:00
	And to promote lifelong well-being.	00:32:02
	I connect these families and professionals and agencies with resources from the university but also from the county.	00:32:05
	Right. I believe this work directly supports.	00:32:13
	Two of Dodge County's strategic plans, and that is the strategic plan to support early childcare or daycare.	00:32:17
	And the strategic goal or plan?	00:32:26
	To work on mental Wellness and reduction of substance abuse.	00:32:28
	And that is my commitment.	00:32:34
	So thank you.	00:32:36
	Turn it over to the next educator.	00:32:37
	Good evening, folks.	00:32:47
	Oh wait, do I have to get really close?	00:32:49
	Can you hear me?	00:32:51
	Yeah. All right.	00:32:52
	Good evening. My name is Willful Wider. I'm the regional crops educator for Dodge County. I also covered.	00:32:53
	Dane County.	00:32:59
	And work with Roe and forge crop producers in those two counties.	00:33:00
	Hello everyone.	00:33:06
	My name is Manuel Pena. I'm the dairy educator. I work for Dutch County. I also do work for Fond du Lac, Sheboygan.	00:33:07
	On Osaka counties.	00:33:15
	And I'm going to do a briefing.	00:33:17
	Introduction. So in the community forum, we, as Cindy was mentioning we.	00:33:19
	Highlighted 3 topics, so the first of them was succession planning.	00:33:24
	Many of the farmers.	00:33:30
	Are very concerned about how.	00:33:32
	The future of their own farms, or even.	00:33:34
	Farming in general.	00:33:37
	The lower participation of young generations.	00:33:39
	The second one was supporting the needs of the immigrants as.	00:33:43
	We know that they are.	00:33:48
	Very large part of the workforce of the dairy industry in Wisconsin, and not only Wisconsin, but in the country.	00:33:51
	On the third one was.	00:33:58
	Help to improve.	00:34:00
	What not farming people know?	00:34:02
	About farming in general.	00:34:05
	Yes, those are the three topics we've found out.	00:34:08
	So the first one farm succession, this is actually a program or a subject that is.	00:34:13
	Covered on a statewide level with an extension. We have a farm management team.	00:34:18
	Across the state that works in farm succession, there's one person specifically working on this.	00:34:22
	Joy Kirkpatrick.	00:34:28
	And they have a suite of different programs and.	00:34:30
	Workshops.	00:34:33
	And can also work one-on-one with producers. We've had several producers in Dodge County that have worked one-on-one with Joy.	00:34:34
	On farm succession planning. So that's not something that Manuel or I do personally in our roles, but it is we serve as a	00:34:41
	connector just as Patty was saying to that statewide person that is very skilled in working on farm succession.	00:34:48
	And conflict management and all the things that arise when we're trying to pass a farm off from one generation to the next.	00:34:54
	According to the second point which is supporting the needs of the.	00:35:02
	Immigrants. Most of them are.	00:35:06
	They speak Spanish and that gives me like a.	00:35:09
	Bigger reason to work for extension since I.	00:35:12
	Speak Spanish.	00:35:16
	So the way we are starting to support them is to provide the information that we think is relevant.	00:35:18
	Research based to improve their skills.	00:35:26
	Their job. The job they do.	00:35:30
	This is very important and it's just the first step.	00:35:33
	And I started very, very recently.	00:35:36
	But it's the very step to make them feel.	00:35:39
	Or let them know.	00:35:42
	What, why what they do matters so much for the industry in general, which is a.	00:35:43
	Huge part of the economy of Wisconsin.	00:35:49
	Last switch.	00:35:54
	All right, so the last point there is the.	00:35:55
	Public perception of agriculture.	00:35:58
	And one of the things that we do is a lot of Dodge County based research.	00:36:00
	We are taking information, working with farmers, trying to see what is the effect of the practices that they're doing on the on	00:36:05
	the larger environment and within their farming systems. So continuing to do research in this county that provides local	00:36:11
	information to folks about the good work that farmers are doing in the county.	00:36:17
	To affect water quality.	00:36:23
	And promoting those results at the county level will help.	00:36:24
	People to understand.	00:36:28
	The role that agriculture plays.	00:36:29
	In the county and also the.	00:36:31
	The some of these different practices, such as cover crops, can have an effect on water quality and making sure that we have that	00:36:34
	local information to provide that.	00:36:37
	Yeah. Thank you.	00:36:45
	Gonna head to the next.	00:36:47
	Good evening for those of you that I haven't had the opportunity to meet in the past.	00:36:58
	I'm Marie Witzel.	00:37:03
	Positive youth development educator in the office.	00:37:04
	And I just wanted to share some things that may or may not be of a surprise to some of you. Mental health continues to be a	00:37:07
	priority.	00:37:11
	For the families in our county especially, supporting children emotionally and addressing their self worth and communication	00:37:16
	skills.	00:37:20
	With adults is really critical.	00:37:24
	Investing in youth education and I know that you all have done that and I was excited to see Megane presentation earlier having	00:37:27
	young people.	00:37:30
	In the county, but also we do that in our office. I have a couple of AmeriCorps members who will be out and about. So if you	00:37:35
	haven't seen great programs that are happening in the county this summer, the AmeriCorps members are busy at work offering	00:37:39
	programs throughout the county.	00:37:44
	And also learning about conflict resolution.	00:37:49
	Communication and self regulation. And then the third one is to create an educational support networks, including mentoring	00:37:53
	programs for older youth so that they can mentor some of the younger youth in the in the community. And if you've seen that in.	00:37:59
	4H programs in the past and hopefully we'll have keywords back at your county board meeting sometime in the.	00:38:07
	Late fall or?	00:38:13
	January.	00:38:15
	You'll have some opportunities to see what our young people are doing in the communities that they were they live in.	00:38:17
	So from that a couple of things and I even have an addition for you. So mental health, we have been offering some educational	00:38:23
	activities, some make and take activities. The AmeriCorps were at the Family Fun Fest doing that.	00:38:30
	They will be at the National Night Out, probably in Horicon now that I've confirmed that they're having one this year and also	00:38:38
	during the County Fair. Just talking about.	00:38:43
	Youth mental health. But another thing that we have done is that I have offered programs in a variety of different places, so.	00:38:47
	We had one at our family learning day. We did a couple of of sessions at our summer camp programs.	00:38:53
	All focusing on mental health and helping young people learn about self regulation because that is such a such a need they just	00:38:59
	say whatever they want, especially on social media. So giving them a chance to actually think about what they're saying is really	00:39:05
	helpful and then the youth education offering some.	00:39:11
	Volunteer training opportunities for other organizations. They have talked about having a need for some of their adults that want	00:39:16
	to mentor young people, not knowing, you know, maybe about ages and stages and things that we teach. Volunteer protection in the	00:39:22
	4H program. And then the third one, youth mentors, teaching young people about projects and programs. And for those of you that	00:39:29
	had a chance to visit us at Power Sports in May.	00:39:35
	Those were three of the 4H members that were teaching safety and some of the different activities that we had.	00:39:41
	Out at the power sports company. So now I think we're jumping to community development.	00:39:47
	Good evening. I'm sure that for many of you.	00:40:01
	It's the first time you've gotten.	00:40:05
	Meet me.	00:40:07
	My name is Pat Malone.	00:40:08
	And I'm the community economic development educator for Dodge County, and I'm new here.	00:40:10
	And I am so pleased to be here.	00:40:17
	When we did the community forum, I had already been doing needs assessment.	00:40:20
	That's one of the first things we ask people to do.	00:40:25
	And after that needs assessment.	00:40:28
	They wanted me to take a deeper dive, which is totally justified. So in addition to the forum.	00:40:32
	I did key informant surveys, did a lot of data research.	00:40:38
	But the hallmark of what I did, and I just finished it up at the end of June.	00:40:43
	Is a series of community economic development conversations.	00:40:49
	These I did not use the word focus groups because they were conversations.	00:40:54
	But we invited 62.	00:41:01
	Local officials. These were elected officials. These were appointed officials.	00:41:04
	And business owners and we had 27 participants and we held the conversations across the county.	00:41:09
	So that we could make it easy for people to participate.	00:41:17
	A number of themes have emerged.	00:41:22
	Most of them were.	00:41:25
	Similar to the other things that I heard, but they included things like.	00:41:26
	Workforce challenges and opportunities.	00:41:31
	Any of you have had to try and hire somebody lately?	00:41:34
	It's challenging.	00:41:38
	Housing.	00:41:41
	Affordable.	00:41:44
	Available.	00:41:45
	What was new and interesting was infrastructure, and if you think about how prices have increased and how important infrastructure	00:41:47
	is.	00:41:51
	When you're thinking about.	00:41:56
	Housing or other kinds of development issues.	00:41:57
	Not a big surprise.	00:42:00
	And the fourth one.	00:42:02
	Is downtown development.	00:42:04
	People are viewing their downtown's as resources, those of you from Beaver Dam and some of the other places.	00:42:06
	Maybe they'll know what a big difference that makes, as one of the people in Beaver Dam says.	00:42:14
	The the downtown is the heart.	00:42:21
	Of the community.	00:42:24
	And that's very true.	00:42:25
	Now.	00:42:27
	We didn't have that same kind of opportunities for expansion since I'm new and you haven't had.	00:42:29
	Community economic development educator in a long time.	00:42:34
	Anything I do is an expansion.	00:42:38
	So the priorities I have coming up that are in process is a housing survey that will be going out to local officials.	00:42:41
	So if you get an e-mail or a.	00:42:51
	Letter from me, please fill it out. That helps. We are starting to work on a regional housing summit. They've had these across the	00:42:54
	state.	00:42:58
	But we haven't had.	00:43:02
	Anyone down here? So we're getting the counties together.	00:43:04
	I just.	00:43:09
	Finished the first impressions visit. That's like an exchange between two communities.	00:43:10
	We partnered up Columbus with Dodgeville and right now we're preparing the report.	00:43:16
	To It's a great tool for downtown's to figure out where they need to put their energy if they're really going to make a	00:43:22
	difference.	00:43:25
	And the last thing and.	00:43:29
	Goes back to the forum.	00:43:31
	Is I have invited as many people as I knew and we put it out on on our.	00:43:34
	Social media and a series of nonprofit management classes. And I think you have until like the 22nd to sign up. So if you go out	00:43:40
	to our web page, you'll find it and it's specially designed.	00:43:46
	For those new.	00:43:53
	Nonprofits or smaller nonprofits?	00:43:55
	And that's the work that we're doing in that part of what we're committed to. And I'll turn it back to Cindy who'll take us out.	00:43:59
	Well, we really appreciate the opportunity to get in front of you and explain about the community needs form what we did here in	00:44:12
	Dodge County. You are the first county in Wisconsin that did this. So we've learned a lot and like understood that that is now at	00:44:19
	the state level. We're creating toolkits for other counties, the area directors, so they'll be prepared to do similar.	00:44:26
	And have all the resources that, like I said, I was lucky that I had Illinois that gave us a lot of the stuff and we really just	00:44:34
	ran with it and now we're kind of tweaking a little bit.	00:44:39
	So do you have any questions? We have all the educators here. This is a great opportunity.	00:44:43
	Any questions?	00:44:48
	This is speaking up but my only question would be.	00:44:56
	Pat said she was new and she's piqued my curiosity. I really this is you touched some points that are near and dear to me so.	00:45:00
	Her numbers readily available if I want to call her OK, that's all I needed to know. Make sure I can get in touch with her.	00:45:09
	OK.	00:45:15
	Anyone else?	00:45:18
	Don't see any, so thank you very much.	00:45:21
	Supervisor Hedrick.	00:45:30
	Another presentation.	00:45:46
	I have the great pleasure to introduce to you Caitlin Reiner, our Director of Veterans Services.	00:45:48
	Veteran Services was put under the auspices of the Human Services and Health Committee. When we combine committees the beginning	00:45:56
	of this term.	00:46:00
	And so we on the committee have been hearing about.	00:46:04
	The status of veterans.	00:46:08
	Umm needs.	00:46:11
	In Dodge County.	00:46:12
	And all of the creative ways that are too.	00:46:14
	Our Veteran Services Officer and Director Caitlin and the specialist benefits specialist Jessica Bull have been creatively trying	00:46:19
	to problem solve this.	00:46:23
	The statistics and we've just learned so much and Caitlin is here to share some of that with you. So you're all.	00:46:28
	Aware of what's going on?	00:46:34
	Just pass.	00:46:47
	OK, so can everyone hear me?	00:47:52
	I talk kind of quiet.	00:47:54
	So hi, my name is Caitlin.	00:47:57
	I am the director of Veterans Services and since we have such a small department, there's only two of us.	00:47:59
	There's not.	00:48:06
	A lot of people know.	00:48:07
	Of like the full scope of work that we do in our office.	00:48:08
	So what is our role within the county?	00:48:11
	We are required under Chapter 45.8 of the state statute, so every county in Wisconsin has our office.	00:48:14
	And we are one of like 27 states that does that.	00:48:22
	We are all accredited representatives, so we're able to legally represent veterans for their disability claims, their pension	00:48:25
	claims, any VA benefit that they need.	00:48:30
	We can represent them.	00:48:34
	We are also a resource for veterans in crisis, whether that be financial or mental.	00:48:36
	And then we're able to connect.	00:48:42
	Veterans, through the benefits and resources they earn through their service, that's the most important thing that we do.	00:48:43
	And if there's a benefit that we don't, do we?	00:48:49
	Will know the people to get the veteran in contact with like we don't do DoD retirement benefits. It's not something that we're	00:48:52
	trained in, but we have.	00:48:56
	Contacts at the retirement office at Fort McCoy.	00:49:00
	We also work with local, state and federal representatives on needs of the veteran population with legislation change.	00:49:04
	Recently there's been some big updates with state cutting a couple.	00:49:10
	Veteran programs for our needy veterans who are homeless.	00:49:16
	So when that impacts some Dodge County veterans that are living up at the Chippewa Falls.	00:49:20
	Location. Umm.	00:49:25
	So why veterans should come to us?	00:49:27
	Veterans and their families don't know what they don't know.	00:49:29
	There's so many benefits that they can be eligible for that they've just heard maybe.	00:49:32
	A small portion and everything we do in our office is free.	00:49:37
	So veterans can go file an acclaim.	00:49:41
	An attorney if they want to.	00:49:44
	But that attorney is going to take 30% of their benefit, 30% of the back pay and then a small portion going forward for a certain	00:49:46
	number of months.	00:49:50
	We do that for free.	00:49:54
	And in our office, every person is a veteran as long as they wore that uniform, whether it's.	00:49:56
	Active combat Peacetime.	00:50:00
	Reserve Guard.	00:50:03
	We don't discriminate based on your type of service.	00:50:04
	And every veteran is unique. No2 veterans will be eligible for all the same benefits, so someone can serve during the same time,	00:50:09
	same branch.	00:50:13
	And they could be eligible for.	00:50:17
	Two different kinds of benefits.	00:50:19
	So our team, since we are small, I'm Caitlin. Like I said, I've been the CBSO since September of 23.	00:50:21
	I am an Army veteran and currently serving in the Wisconsin Army National Guard.	00:50:28
	Previously before this I was with Outegamy County Veterans Services and then before that I was with UW Oshkosh Veteran Resource	00:50:32
	Center.	00:50:36
	Jessica. She is a Marine Corps veteran and.	00:50:40
	Currently, she is working on her national accreditation, but.	00:50:44
	We also have Poe in our office. That's Jessica, service dog, so.	00:50:47
	Just how everyone knows that they're a team.	00:50:51
	Some of the different benefits that we help with, I know it looks like a long list, I'm not going to read through all of them, but	00:50:54
	the big one that we help with is disability compensation. So that can range from just.	00:50:58
	Somebody suffering from hearing loss all the way up to PTSD related to trauma and service.	00:51:03
	We do a veteran pension which is not the same as do D retirement.	00:51:10
	And then there are also.	00:51:14
	Survivor Pensions.	00:51:16
	Burial allowances, different death benefits, different caregiver benefits, and a lot of these benefits will bring federal dollars	00:51:18
	into the county.	00:51:21
	Which?	00:51:25
	Will help our systems like.	00:51:27
	Less people need to go to the ADR.	00:51:29
	I'm going to go back actually. So I wanted to highlight our veteran emergency Relief Fund.	00:51:35
	Previously.	00:51:39
	This fund was not used that much.	00:51:41
	Like 5 years ago there's maybe $6000 that were given back to veterans in the county.	00:51:43
	This year.	00:51:48
	Given back 11,000.	00:51:49
	And that'll be.	00:51:51
	Help with security deposits if their electric is going to be shut off.	00:51:52
	If they can't pay their rent, that.	00:51:56
	Month last year we did just over $12,000.	00:51:57
	So last year for our services provided since last year was the first year.	00:52:02
	That.	00:52:07
	There was 2 full time accredited representatives since like 2019. We had almost 10,000 points of communication.	00:52:08
	So that would be.	00:52:16
	A phone call. An office visit.	00:52:17
	Checking in on somebody's claim.	00:52:20
	We had 702.	00:52:22
	Office visits and walk insurance and.	00:52:24
	There's two of us, some appointments take two hours depending on the veterans needs.	00:52:26
	And we served 1300 individual veterans. That's not including their family. That's not including the ones who came to see us	00:52:33
	multiple times.	00:52:37
	So the benefits that we completed in 2024, we saw a 38% increase in compensation compared to 2019.	00:52:43
	We were able to close 314 federal claims, which the average claim time is about four months.	00:52:51
	From start to finish once it's in the VA's hands.	00:52:57
	And we did 351.	00:53:00
	Local.	00:53:02
	Or state benefits.	00:53:03
	So the big numbers that we had for the reoccurring payments that is federal dollars coming into Dodge County every month from the.	00:53:06
	Claims we.	00:53:15
	And the one time payments that would be any retroactive benefits that they should get or any burial allowances and we were able to	00:53:17
	get one veterans debt of $151,000 waived.	00:53:22
	So our financial impact for the county.	00:53:29
	Is so if you take the.	00:53:32
	$307,000 that we won.	00:53:35
	And then multiply that by 12.	00:53:38
	Because it's a reoccurring monthly benefit.	00:53:40
	We're up just over $3.6 million just from our claims and 1.1 million for one time.	00:53:42
	Payments.	00:53:48
	So we are.	00:53:49
	.1% of the county's budget.	00:53:52
	But our claims brought in 28 times the amount.	00:53:55
	Dodge County spends in our office.	00:53:58
	And in 2023, according to the geographic distribution of expenditures from the VA, they spend 59 million in Dodge County through.	00:54:02
	Benefits.	00:54:11
	Health care.	00:54:12
	So how is this year going so far? So far we've done.	00:54:15
	435 walk-ins.	00:54:19
	And office visits.	00:54:21
	We've served 970 individuals and we've had over.	00:54:23
	77 requests for assistance, so that would be.	00:54:27
	The rental assistance.	00:54:31
	A gas card? Food card.	00:54:32
	They're not able to pay their bills, so they come to us for help. We've closed 181 federal claims.	00:54:34
	And 174.	00:54:39
	State or local?	00:54:41
	Or non payment benefits.	00:54:42
	And so far we've had.	00:54:44
	A total of 889.	00:54:45
	$1000 brought into.	00:54:48
	The county just with our claims alone and we have 249 open claims which we.	00:54:51
	Average between 225 to 250.	00:54:57
	At any given time.	00:55:00
	So the trends, we picked 2019 because that was the last time there was 2.	00:55:02
	Accredited representatives with.	00:55:06
	The county.	00:55:09
	And it was right before COVID, so we had a 65% increase in the individuals that we served.	00:55:10
	Since 2019, and this is because there's two major bills that went through. They had the PACT ACT and Blue Water Navy, which	00:55:15
	impacted.	00:55:19
	A significant amount of veterans which increased compensation eligibility.	00:55:24
	And then our.	00:55:29
	So there was a 5% increase in veteran population using federal benefits, but we saw 102% increase in office visits, walk insurance	00:55:31
	and home visits compared to 2019.	00:55:37
	So how do we compare with other?	00:55:44
	CVSO.	00:55:47
	So looking at the other.	00:55:49
	CBS OS with the similar veteran population we have 5880.	00:55:51
	Veterans that are using federal benefits, so that's not counting those family members.	00:55:55
	The National Guard members that may not be eligible for VA health care, it's not including any of those.	00:56:01
	Veterans.	00:56:07
	We have.	00:56:08
	Two staff members, which would put our ratio of one staff to every 2900 veterans.	00:56:09
	Fond du Lac has.	00:56:16
	Three staff and they have the closest amount of veterans to us. There's only four veteran difference.	00:56:17
	And they have.	00:56:22
	One staffed every 1900 veterans.	00:56:24
	Jefferson has 3.5.	00:56:27
	You guys have all these numbers. I'm not going to go through and read all of them.	00:56:29
	But right now, that is our staff.	00:56:33
	To veteran ratio.	00:56:35
	So how do we compare with our surrounding counties?	00:56:38
	Like I said, we have one staff to every 2900 Veterans Jefferson's.	00:56:41
	One to everything.	00:56:45
	1300.	00:56:46
	The bigger county, so Washington County, Dane County and Waukesha County.	00:56:48
	They have different resources. They have Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs that's located within their county or right next	00:56:52
	to their county.	00:56:56
	And they also have the VA regional office.	00:57:00
	So they have.	00:57:04
	Different offices that.	00:57:06
	Will do the same type of work.	00:57:07
	So updates with our office different things that we've implemented to help with.	00:57:12
	The.	00:57:17
	Traffic in our office because there's not enough of us to go around, so we have walk in hours every Wednesday from 9:00 to 3:00.	00:57:18
	So this has helped a lot with our wait time. We used to book out six plus weeks and now we're booking out about four weeks. So	00:57:24
	people that.	00:57:28
	Can't wait for a benefit. They can come in and talk to us, or if it's an easy benefit like a driver's license identifier, we can	00:57:33
	take care of that right away in 15 minutes instead of.	00:57:37
	Them holding up a whole 90 minute appointment. We also have meeting requests available on our website so if people don't want to	00:57:43
	leave a voicemail and wait for us to return.	00:57:48
	A call, they can just go right to our website and put the information that they need and then we'll reach out to them and schedule	00:57:53
	an appointment.	00:57:56
	We have monthly newsletters that go out every month for benefit updates if there's any legislation changes or any events going on	00:58:00
	in the area. And that gets sent out to over 1500 veterans. And we have about a 50% open rate, which is.	00:58:07
	That's pretty good.	00:58:14
	We also have implemented automatic appointment reminders, so two days before every appointment, veterans or their family will get	00:58:15
	a text message reminder and a phone call saying, hey, you have an appointment.	00:58:20
	This day, this time.	00:58:25
	This is really cut down on the amount of no shows or any.	00:58:27
	Miscommunications about times so we're able to serve more veterans.	00:58:30
	We also now have assistance with Human Services for reception support, so they're able to listen to our voicemails and we can	00:58:34
	triage a little bit better instead of.	00:58:39
	Me sitting listening to voicemails.	00:58:44
	For 8 hours a day.	00:58:47
	Because that's how much it would take.	00:58:48
	And then we also have the Dodge County Patriot Project.	00:58:51
	They were previously tracking better deceased veterans on an Excel spreadsheet. Now we have opened it up to the community and it's	00:58:55
	all Geo located and it's on a map and it's a searchable database that's on our website.	00:59:01
	OK. Do you guys have any questions?	00:59:10
	For me or what our office does.	00:59:12
	Supervisor Molly.	00:59:18
	Caitlin, you you've mentioned claims. What kind of claims do you process?	00:59:22
	So we process compensation claims.	00:59:27
	Pension claims DAC, so everything that's like associated with a.	00:59:31
	A VA payment is called a claim.	00:59:36
	OK, so but majority of them are compensation claims. So somebody was injured in the military and now?	00:59:38
	They would like to be compensated for that or to get it covered for their health care.	00:59:46
	OK, one thing that.	00:59:50
	That I was.	00:59:53
	Hoping that you would mention because I know it is something that.	00:59:55
	I don't think a lot of people are aware of.	00:59:59
	But it's the hours that you put in. You don't work. Let's just say from 8:00 to 5:00 or 8:00 to 4:00, whatever your hours are.	01:00:02
	You work nights too. You go out to to veteran organizations to.	01:00:08
	Spread the word and to answer questions and to.	01:00:13
	Do whatever you need to do to keep the vets informed of what's going on. Can you talk a little bit about that?	01:00:17
	Yeah. So we go to local Legion, VFW's, anybody that wants us to come speak at their meetings, we will get out there and then give	01:00:24
	them any legislation changes or?	01:00:29
	Benefit updates.	01:00:35
	We will hold.	01:00:37
	Later office hours for veterans that need it.	01:00:38
	There are some restrictions to that.	01:00:42
	But we don't want veterans to have to take PTO to get their their benefits.	01:00:45
	But yeah, it's a lot more than just 8 to 4:30.	01:00:50
	Thank you.	01:00:55
	Supervisor Steger.	01:00:56
	Thank you, Mr. Chairman.	01:00:58
	I just want to thank.	01:01:00
	Both of you for doing such a fantastic job with the veterans.	01:01:01
	I've heard a lot of positive feedback and a lot of positive comments.	01:01:05
	On how happy they are when they come over.	01:01:09
	By you and you answer all their questions. So thank you very much for what you both.	01:01:12
	Do thank you, that means a lot.	01:01:17
	Supervisor.	01:01:20
	Supervisor Beale.	01:01:26
	What the hype of the media.	01:01:29
	What the passage of the big Bill?	01:01:32
	At the federal level.	01:01:35
	Are you seeing anything that's being sent to you?	01:01:38
	That that's going to hurt our veterans as far as services.	01:01:42
	That are currently provided that may not be.	01:01:48
	Or is that just the media blowing this up?	01:01:52
	To cause dismay throughout our country.	01:01:55
	So that is just the media. So this week I'm actually in my national accreditation conference and we had the Under Secretary of the	01:02:00
	VA, so he addressed this.	01:02:05
	And they're not cutting any benefits.	01:02:10
	For veterans, the cuts within the VA have been.	01:02:13
	Somebody like the interior designers or anybody that's not.	01:02:17
	Outward facing just the internal.	01:02:21
	Positions that they.	01:02:24
	Don't need.	01:02:25
	So those have been the only cuts.	01:02:28
	So far.	01:02:29
	Any other questions?	01:02:32
	Thank you.	01:02:36
	OK, resolutions on file.	01:02:45
	Resolution 25.	01:02:52
	18.	01:02:55
	Commendation of Rebecca Hodgson.	01:02:56
	WHEREAS, Rebecca Hodgson has contributed 26 years of dedicated service to Dodge County and the citizens of Dodge County.	01:03:00
	And whereas Dodge County and its citizens have benefited from the services she has provided.	01:03:08
	And whereas Rebecca Hodgson has chosen to resign from her present position of household assistant to with Clearview.	01:03:13
	And now therefore be it result.	01:03:21
	That we, the Dodge County Board of Supervisors, pause in its deliberations to recognize and commend Rebecca Hodgson for her 26	01:03:24
	years of meritorious service.	01:03:29
	And be it further resolved, that on behalf of the citizens of Dodge County.	01:03:34
	This board does herewith extend to her appreciation.	01:03:39
	For her many accomplishments and successes over the 26 years of service.	01:03:42
	And be it finally resolved.	01:03:47
	That a copy of this resolution be entered into the official records of.	01:03:49
	The Dodge County Board of Supervisors and then a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Rebecca Hudson as a token of appreciation	01:03:53
	on the part.	01:03:57
	On the part of this board.	01:04:02
	All of which is respectfully submitted this 15th day of July, 2025, signed by four members of the Human Resources Committee.	01:04:04
	Please rise, if you are able, for a standing vote of acceptance.	01:04:13
	Thank you.	01:04:24
	Next resolution 25.	01:04:36
	19.	01:04:40
	A man Town zoning ordinance, Town of threes.	01:04:41
	We are.	01:04:48
	Umm, we, the Dodge County Land Resources and Parks Committee, hereby report favorably.	01:04:49
	On the petition of Lichtenberg Bros, Inc.	01:04:55
	Requesting.	01:04:58
	Amendment of the zoning ordinance, Town of Theresa.	01:05:00
	Respectfully submitted this 15th day of July, 2025. Signed by six members of The Landry.	01:05:03
	Four members of the Land, Resources and Parks Committee.	01:05:11
	I have a motion by Supervisor Klobuchar and a second by supervisor.	01:05:14
	Guggenberger.	01:05:18
	Any questions or comments on this?	01:05:19
	Resolution.	01:05:22
	Any questions?	01:05:26
	If you agree with the recommendation of the committee, please vote yes. If you do not, please vote no.	01:05:28
	All having voted, it passes 27 to 0.	01:05:39
	Resolution.	01:05:49
	2520.	01:05:50
	Amend town zoning ordinance.	01:05:53
	Town of Thoresa.	01:05:55
	We, the Dodge County Land, Resources and Parks Committee, hereby report favorably.	01:05:58
	On the petition of Dennis and Noah.	01:06:03
	Fleischer requesting amendment of the zoning ordinance, Town of Thresa.	01:06:06
	Respectfully submitted this 15th day of July, 2025.	01:06:10
	Signed by four members of the Land, Resources and Parks Committee.	01:06:14
	I have a motion by Supervisor Gutenberger, second by Supervisor Molly.	01:06:18
	Any questions on this resolution?	01:06:23
	Any questions?	01:06:28
	If you agree with the recommendation, please vote yes. If you do not, please vote no.	01:06:31
	All having voted, it passes 27 to 0.	01:06:47
	Resolution.	01:06:53
	25.	01:06:54
	21.	01:06:56
	Amend town zoning ordinance, Town of Thoressa.	01:06:57
	We, the Dodge County Land, Resources and Parks Committee, hereby report favorably on the petition of David and Christine Stager.	01:07:02
	Requesting amendment of the zoning ordinance, Town of Teresa.	01:07:10
	Respectfully submitted this 15th day of July, 2025. Signed by four members of the Land, Resources and Parks Committee.	01:07:14
	I have a motion by Supervisor Klobuchar and a second by Supervisor Miller.	01:07:22
	Any questions on this one?	01:07:26
	Any questions?	01:07:30
	If you agree with their recommendation, please vote yes. If you do not, vote no.	01:07:32
	All having voted, it passes 27 to 0.	01:07:43
	Resolution 25.	01:07:49
	22.	01:07:51
	A man town zoning ordinance.	01:07:53
	Town of Teresa.	01:07:55
	We, the Dodge County Land, Resources and Parks Committee, hereby report favorably on the petition of David and Richard Steger	01:07:59
	requesting amendment.	01:08:03
	Of the zoning ordinance, Town of Thresa.	01:08:08
	All of which is respectfully submitted this 15th day of July, 2025, signed by four members of the Land, Resources and Parks	01:08:10
	Committee.	01:08:14
	I have a motion by Supervisor Steger and a.	01:08:19
	Second by Supervisor Gutenberger.	01:08:21
	Any questions?	01:08:24
	And this.	01:08:26
	Resolution.	01:08:29
	Any questions?	01:08:30
	If you agree with the recommendation, please vote yes. If you do not, please vote no.	01:08:32
	All having voted.	01:08:42
	Passes 27 to 0.	01:08:44
	Do we have on the desk tonight, Danielle?	01:08:49
	And the desks you have a Dodge County exploration internship information sheet.	01:08:52
	And then also.	01:08:59
	You have an invite from the Juno's downtown gathering space.	01:09:01
	Hosted by the Juno Chamber, it's the ribbon cutting for the gathering area that you approved outside.	01:09:06
	Supervisor Johnson.	01:09:13
	I have a second by Supervisor Miller. All in favor signify by aye.	01:09:24
	Aye, opposed.	01:09:28
	That is carried. Thank you.	01:09:29