WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Monday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Riverside Hall Ballroom A

 

When “Spirited Debate” Crosses the Line: What Can You Do?

County board meetings are supposed to be a forum for vigorous debate on significant policy issues. But what happens when the debate turns ugly? Is there any way to stop bad behavior? Join us as we explore the mechanisms available to enforce rules of decorum.

 

Speakers:

Ben Conard, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.​

Matt Thome, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.

 

​​Moderator: Vern Koch, County Board Supervisor, Sheboygan County

 

 

Monday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Riverside Hall Ballroom B

 

Strengthening Community Health: Strategies in State and Local Health Department Collaborations

Wisconsin’s state and local health departments play a critical role in the health, safety and economic prosperity of county government. Learn how they, along with other partners, have worked to invest in our public health workforce to support local community health initiatives that improve our health outcomes and better integrate initiatives and programming.

 

Speakers:

Barb Duerst, Workforce Director, Wisconsin Association of Local Health Departments and Boards

Jen Rombalski, Director, Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Office of Policy and Practice Alignment

Matthew Collie, Program Supervisor, Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Office of Policy and Practice Alignment

​

​​Moderator: Kari Ives, County Board Supervisor, Chippewa County

 

 

Monday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Riverside Hall Ballroom C

 

County Land and Water Conservation Districts: Professional, Proven and Pioneering

County land and water conservation departments are leaders in conserving Wisconsin's resources and enhancing communities. Learn how Wisconsin's county-led conservation structure is unique nationally and hear about selected projects and examples from around the state that highlight the invaluable work of these professionals.

 

Speaker: Matt Krueger, Executive Director, Wisconsin Land+Water

 

Moderator: Kurt Gibbs, County Board Chair, Marathon County

 

 

Monday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Riverside Hall Meeting Room AB

 

Town Withdrawal from County Zoning: What You Need to Know

Wait... what? Any town may now remove itself from county zoning? Yes, but the new law is intended to promote productive discussion and include safeguards and restrictions to ensure the proper zoning components are in place if a town opts out. Join us for an in-depth discussion of the implications of the new zoning law, possible challenges, and strategies to ensure a smooth transition.

 

Speaker: Rebecca J. Roeker, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.

 

Moderator: Dave Frohling, County Board Chair, Dodge County

 

 

Monday, 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Riverside Hall Meeting Room CD

 

The Role of Constitutional Officers: Why Does it Matter? (Hint: It Matters a Lot!)

Constitutional officers play an important role in Wisconsin's history and their importance continues to this day. But how constitutional officers fit into the county organizational structure is not always clear, which can lead to misconceptions and, at times, disputes. Join us for an in-depth look at the roles and responsibilities of constitutional officers in county government and the steps your county can take to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the important services they provide.

 

Speaker: Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.

 

Moderator: Staci Hoffman, Register of Deeds, Jefferson County

  

 

Monday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Riverside Hall Ballroom A

 

Parliamentary Procedure in Action, Part 1: Attend a “Nisnocsiw County” Board Meeting

In this three-part session, the presenters will provide a basic overview of parliamentary procedure rules. Then, it will be time to put that understanding to work as attendees view and participate in a "mock" meeting of the "Nisnocsiw County" Board of Supervisors. While the session is sure to entertain, it will also take the mystique out of parliamentary procedure and provide attendees with the tools they need to run effective meetings.

 

Speakers:

Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.

​James Braughler, County Board Supervisor, Jefferson County

 

Moderator: Lance Pliml, County Board Chair, Wood County

 

 

Monday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Riverside Hall Ballroom B

 

Long-Term Care Facilities: Building Sustainable Care in Counties

Building a sustainable, long-term care continuum entails carefully balancing nursing care and assisted living services to meet the diverse needs of local communities. By integrating both types of care in a comprehensive manner, communities can ensure accessibility and affordability while maintaining quality standards. Join us for a discussion on the future sustainability of long-term care.

 

Speakers:

Tina Osterberg, County Administrator, Monroe County

Linda Smith, Rolling Hills/Senior Living Administrator, Monroe County

 

Moderator: Alice Connors, Board Chair, Calumet County

 

 

Monday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Riverside Hall Ballroom C

 

Creating Leaders from Within: Why Leadership Development is Critical

The last of the baby boomers are closing in on retirement, taking their years of experience, local knowledge and community connections with them and leaving many communities struggling to find replacements for administrators, department heads and staff, especially in rural areas. The best strategy may be to grow your own talent and guide them on a leadership development journey. Join our panel of community and local government leadership educators as we discuss the benefits and strategies of investing in your local talent pool.

 

Speakers:

Lynn Wood, Strategic Communications and Leadership Development Consultant, Wood Communications Group

Elizabeth McCrank, Community Leadership Specialist, UW-Madison Division of Extension

 

Moderator: Ben Wehmeier, County Administrator, Jefferson County

 

 

Monday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Riverside Hall Meeting Room AB

 

The PFAS Crisis: How the State is Coping with the "Forever Chemical"

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources diligently provides updates to keep the public informed about ongoing efforts to tackle PFAS contamination throughout the state. Join us to get the latest update from the DNR about its commitment to safeguarding the environment and public health from the harmful effects of PFAS.

 

Speaker: Jim Zellmer, Environmental Management Division Administrator, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

 

Moderator: Jim Brey, County Board Supervisor, Manitowoc County

 

 

Monday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Riverside Hall Meeting Room CD

 

Exploring Wisconsin's Forest Sustainability: Insights from the County Forests Association

The Wisconsin County Forests Association serves the 30 counties in Wisconsin with public lands. Its mission is to provide leadership uniting the interests of Wisconsin county forests while ensuring long-term forest health and sustainability. This session will explore the work of WCFA as a collaborative platform and support network and an advocate for active, sustainable forest management.

 

Speaker: Rebekah Luedtke, Executive Director, Wisconsin County Forests Association

 

Moderator: Sara Koopman, Associate County Administrator, La Crosse County

 

 

Monday, 2:15-3:15 p.m.

Riverside Hall Ballroom A

 

Parliamentary Procedure in Action, Part 2: Attend a “Nisnocsiw County” Board Meeting

In this three-part session, the presenters will provide a basic overview of parliamentary procedure rules. Then, it will be time to put that understanding to work as attendees view and participate in a "mock" meeting of the "Nisnocsiw County" Board of Supervisors. While the session is sure to entertain, it will also take the mystique out of parliamentary procedure and provide attendees with the tools they need to run effective meetings.

 

Speakers:

Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.

James Braughler, County Board Supervisor, Jefferson County

 

Moderator: Lance Pliml, County Board Chair, Wood County

 

 

Monday, 2:15-3:15 p.m.

Riverside Hall Ballroom B

 

Addressing Child Care Shortages: Strategies and Solutions

Presenters will discuss creative ways to address child care needs in your county using examples and experiences from Sheboygan and Dodge counties.

 

Speakers:

Alayne Krause, County Administrator, Sheboygan County

Cameron Clapper, County Administrator, Dodge County

 

Moderator: Sue Smith, Health Department Director, Wood County

 

 

Monday, 2:15-3:15 p.m.

Riverside Hall Ballroom C

 

Workforce and Population Shifts: Adapting to a New Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s population is changing due to falling birth rates, shifting migration patterns, and an aging workforce. The presenters will discuss these changes and how they are affecting counties as well as the steps that might be taken to alleviate some of these challenges.

 

Speakers:

Mark D. O'Connell, President & CEO, Wisconsin Counties Association

Dale Knapp, Director, Forward Analytics

 

Moderator: Mark O'Connell, President & CEO, Wisconsin Counties Association

 

 

Monday, 2:15-3:15 p.m.

Riverside Hall Meeting Room AB

 

Preparing for Capital Improvement Projects: What Counties Should Know to Make Informed Decisions

Every county will need to tackle a capital improvement project at some point, whether it is replacing a highway maintenance facility, a county jail, or even a UW campus. This session will feature an open discussion on the value of professional design services and how to plan for success. The presenter will discuss what to include in requests for proposals, what outcomes to expect from a countywide master plan, and how to ensure your professional design services firm provides you with the right information to make informed decisions.

 

Speakers: Kyle R. Knop, Vice President and Senior Project Manager, Venture Architects; Jack Blume, Director of Operations, Venture Architects

 

Moderator: Marty Krueger, County Board Supervisor, Sauk County

 

Monday, 2:15-3:15 p.m.

Riverside Hall Meeting Room CD

 

Wisconsin Department of Revenue News and Updates

Join the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for a dynamic session discussing recent developments on Innovation Grants, insights into maintenance of effort reporting, and other relevant State and Local Finance Division updates. This session will equip attendees with a deeper understanding of these new programs and actionable strategies, as well as available resources.

 

Speakers:

David Casey, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Valeah Foy, State and Local Finance Division Administrator, Wisconsin Department of Revenue

 

Moderator: Jane Klekamp, County Administrator, La Crosse County

 

 

Monday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Riverside Hall Ballroom A

 

Parliamentary Procedure in Action, Part 3: Attend a “Nisnocsiw County” Board Meeting

In this three-part session, the presenters will provide a basic overview of parliamentary procedure rules. Then, it will be time to put that understanding to work as attendees view and participate in a "mock" meeting of the "Nisnocsiw County" Board of Supervisors. While the session is sure to entertain, it will also take the mystique out of parliamentary procedure and provide attendees with the tools they need to run effective meetings.

 

Speakers:

Andy Phillips, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.

James Braughler, County Board Supervisor, Jefferson County

 

Moderator: Lance Pliml, County Board Chair, Wood County

 

Monday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Riverside Hall Ballroom B

 

Child Support Program Innovative Partnerships and Practices

Join us as we delve into a broader understanding of the state's Child Support Program, focusing on innovative partnerships fostered through county collaboration. This session will spotlight a groundbreaking intergovernmental agreement and innovative work being done in several  counties.

 

Speakers:

Maria Lasecki, Child Support Director, Brown and Oconto Counties

Pamela Pipkin, Child Support Director, Monroe County, and, Past President, Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement Association

Cheryl Sandberg, Child Support Enforcement Specialist, Oconto County

Brent Vruwink, Child Support Director, Wood County, and Vice President, Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement Association

 

Moderator: Cedric Schnitzler, County Board Chair, Monroe County

 

 

Monday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Riverside Hall Ballroom C

 

Selling Tax-Deeded Lands: Understanding the Impact of 2023 WI Act 207

As a direct result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County, Wisconsin enacted 2023 Wisconsin Act 207, which makes changes to how counties must treat tax-deeded lands. This program will discuss the implications of the Tyler decision, how Act 207 ensures that Wisconsin law complies with that decision, and the changes the new law makes to the process for a county to sell tax-deeded properties.

 

Speaker: Matt Thome, Attorney, Attolles Law, s.c.

 

Moderator: Mike Schlaak, County Treasurer, Calumet County

 

 

Monday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Riverside Hall Meeting Room AB

 

Local Government Transportation Programs: Learn What is New

Hear updates on new transportation programs benefiting county and local governments, including the Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP), Local Road Improvement Program-Supplemental, and Under 20' Bridge Inventory Program. The session will provide an update and advice for applying to these programs.

 

Speaker: Joel Nilsestuen, Assistant Deputy Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Transportation

 

Moderator: Lance Leonhard, County Administrator, Marathon County

 

 

Monday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Riverside Hall Meeting Room CD

 

Creating a County Youth Commission: A Guide to Building Tomorrow's Leaders

The Milwaukee County Youth Commission makes advisory recommendations about policy and budgetary decisions, including those that impact youth, to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, and advances the county’s mission of achieving racial equity. The presenters will discuss how the commission provides a unique experience in community service, civic engagement, and policy and budget decision-making, as well as how other counties can encourage participation from youth in local governance.

 

Speakers:

Marcelia Nicholson, County Board Chair, Milwaukee County

Members of the Milwaukee County Youth Commission

 

Moderator: Cate Wylie, County Administrator, Green Lake County