Marc Alan DeVries

The agenda for the meeting included the call to order, roll call, and public comment. Key items for discussion and possible action included the election of officers (Vice Chair and Secretary), review of the census data, a financial presentation covering the current financial status, the 2022 preliminary budget, and long-range capital plans. Additionally, the committee was scheduled to set the 2022 Assessment Rate and review the Annual Independent Audit report.

Key discussions during the meeting included a motion to approve sending a recommendation to the ADRC advisory committee and Human Services Board regarding Bonnie Bull joining the Nutrition Project Council for a first-term appointment. The Council also approved the existing By-Laws without changes. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, where the five-step update process was reviewed, and details about public comment opening and virtual meetings were announced. Action items included an agreement for a letter about National Nutrition Month in March and a plan for Swanson and Schmidt to meet with the food vendor to discuss menu options featuring other cultures and meatless selections. The session concluded with a training and group discussion on the importance of using inclusive language and a review of the 2023 Senior Nutrition Program Goals, which included key outcome indicators for home-delivered meal participant assessment and volunteer recruitment.

The committee addressed compliance with open meetings law and reviewed minutes from the previous session. Key discussions focused on the enforceability of mask policies within the courthouse, with deputies offering masks to attendees. A significant portion of the meeting involved establishing evidenced-based criteria for reinstating jury trials and personal appearances, where the committee recommended using the 7-day average case rate to determine operational phases and implementing a 2-week waiting period before phase transitions. Other topics included public access to court proceedings via YouTube Livestream, and addressing the limited occupancy of the Branch 1 courtroom for jury trials.

Key discussions during the meeting included addressing access issues to data from the State Historical Society website, which will require collaboration between staff and Madison personnel. There was extensive discussion regarding potential Historic Property Applications, target launch dates, the Historic Sites Application Form, and the Submittal/Nomination Process, including the Application Score Card, resulting in edits to match ordinance language and considerations for reviewer names and privacy redactions. The Council also discussed necessary changes to the Historic Sites Preservation Council Ordinance regarding property removal mechanisms and decided to bring edits back for formal approval next month. Furthermore, the group reviewed insurance disclaimers related to historic property tours and discussed the possibility of funding student interns despite no new positions being approved.

The meeting included a significant discussion and potential action regarding the Incinerator Ordinance, involving presentations on proposed revisions, feedback from the public and workers regarding DNR regulations, efficiency, and necessary safeguards like training and setbacks. The committee ultimately decided to seek further input from staff regarding the current proposal, especially concerning alignment with DNR regulations. Other topics covered included updates on recycling programs from Ixonia (focusing on bicycle donation and recycling education), discussion on Appliance Recycling site locations, planning for an August Electronic Recycling Event and September Clean Sweep event, providing financial assistance for the October Drug Take Back event, and initial planning for the 2020 budget and Clean Sweep dates. An update on the Deer Track Park Landfill was expected but the representative was absent.