[0:01] You're going to call a county board meeting  to order. Start with the pledge of allegiance.   [0:06] [music] Allegiance to the flag of the United  States of America and to the republic for which   [0:14] it stands. One nation under God, indivisible,  with liberty [clears throat] and justice for all. [0:32] Did you get any notice from here? [0:48] Roll call. Supervisors. [1:04] There are 22 supervisors present.  Supervisor Carol is absent. [1:12] Okay. I think for the first time  we're going to have the youth in   [1:15] governance introduce themselves here.  Start right on the end. Thank you. [1:27] It's on here right or is it gallery?  Which one is it? Kyle Prince,   [1:31] Sam Sheen. Bruno Gonzalez. Smota. Sean Hawkins. [1:42] Thank you. And then we'll move  on to uh citizens comments. [1:51] Okay. [1:54] Any citizens comments? Please  state your name and address. [2:01] Eric Meadows, 8320 82nd Street, Pleasant Prairie. [2:08] In 1774, the First Continental Congress, the  delegates of the First Continental Congress began   [2:14] their first meeting by inviting Reverend Jacob  Duché, an Anglican Anglican clergyman, to give   [2:19] an opening prayer. Some delegates initially  objected over denominational differences.   [2:25] Sam Adams however supported it saying he could  hear a prayer from any pious and virtuous man   [2:30] who is friend who is a friend to the country.  It was ultimately approved and the prayer was   [2:35] given. After the first meeting, John Adams wrote  a letter to his wife Abigail telling her it was   [2:40] a highly moving and unifying experience. Thus  started a tradition of beginning each session   [2:46] with a prayer. When the first Congress under  the current constitution convened in 1789,   [2:53] the practice was retained and has continued  ever since under both Democrat and Republican   [2:57] majorities. When the territory of Wisconsin  was formed in 1836, the Wisconsin territorial   [3:04] legislature followed suit and began all of their  meetings with a prayer. When we became a state in   [3:09] 1848, the state legislature again continued this  practice even though representatives differed in   [3:15] their religious beliefs. Every one of you on this  county board are here because you share the same   [3:20] goal to make Kosha County the best possible place  to live, a safe and a prosperous place. If you   [3:27] did not have that goal, you would not be sitting  here today. [snorts] Each of us should seek every   [3:31] possible avenue to achieve that goal. That is why  I submitted a proposed amendment to the municipal   [3:37] code of Kenosha County to follow the 250-year  long long-standing tradition of seeking divine   [3:43] guidance to help us achieve our shared goal.  That proposal would help us uh that proposal was   [3:50] presented to the legislative committee last month  where it was voted down though not unanimously.   [3:55] The [snorts] reasons given for voting against  it were a little outrageous to me. I was told   [4:00] that there needs to be a separation of church and  state, a statement that does not reside in either   [4:05] federal law nor state law. The very fact that  prayer has been given before every legislative   [4:10] session on both the federal and state levels  proves that notion incorrect. The first amendment   [4:15] of the United States Constitution prohibits  the government from establishing a religion   [4:19] and it prohibits the federal government from  interfering with its free exercise of religion   [4:24] even in public spaces. I was told that there are  a lot of legal cases that prove that prayer at a   [4:30] board meeting would not be a good idea. What  the committee failed to actually produce was   [4:35] any legal case that stopped prayer from happening  either on the federal level or the state level.   [4:41] That prayer continues to this day. I was told that  the logistics of managing the process of inviting   [4:47] people to pray would be difficult. Just because  it is hard does not mean that it is not worth   [4:52] doing. Nothing worth doing is easy. [snorts]  Lastly, I was told that giving prayers would   [4:57] be seen as a divisive experience and a cause  for people to offend others. I have far more   [5:03] faith in our community than that. Like the early  delegates to the first continental congress, such   [5:08] a practice of seeking divine help would be seen  as a unifying experience by the community. They   [5:13] would recognize what we are trying to achieve and  they would thank us for it. It would be an amazing   [5:18] opportunity for us as board members to lead by  example of showing unity despite differences   [5:23] in faith traditions in respecting each other's  beliefs. Hearing others pray differently than I   [5:29] do or would listening's repair when you yourself  don't pray is only offensive to you if you choose   [5:34] to let it be offensive. That is the choice we all  make. Are we one nation under God, indivisible, as   [5:41] we pledge before every one of our meetings, or are  we not? Are we one county under God, indivisible,   [5:47] or are we not? Should this come before the board  again in the future, as I expect it will, I hope   [5:52] you will recognize that while it may be hard, it  would be a net positive for our community as we   [5:57] use every avenue at our disposal to make Kenosha  County the best possible place to live. Thank you. [6:05] Are there any other citizens comments? [6:13] Justine Ham of Jones, 8456 Eastridge Drive,  Pleasant Prairie. Our freedom to vote and to have   [6:21] our votes counted is under threat. The federal  government is moving to interfere in how elections   [6:27] are run even though states have administered their  own elections since the founding. An April 27th,   [6:34] Reuters investigation, how Trump is moving  to control US elections, one state at a time,   [6:40] documented federal authorities, the Department  of Justice, and the Department of Homeland   [6:45] Security fanning out across the country, seeking  confidential records, pressing for access to   [6:52] voting equipment, and re-examining voter fraud  cases that courts in bipartisan reviews have   [6:59] already rejected. examples of federal interference  already this year. Baseless claims of stolen   [7:06] elections and investigations without charges into  organizations that run voter registration drives,   [7:13] especially in black and immigrant communities,  justice department officials seeking access to   [7:20] Dominion voting machines in Missouri. Demands for  voter roles and lists of voters flagged as likely   [7:27] non-citizens put on review by county clerks. The  flag names were all allegible eligible citizens.   [7:36] A March 31st executive order directing the  postal service to manage access to mail and   [7:42] ballots and directing DHS to build a list of who  may receive them, excluding others. Demands for   [7:50] 2020 voting records in jurisdictions across the  country. In Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Election   [7:57] Commission oversees the elections statewide,  but local elections are overseen by county and   [8:03] municipal clerks. County Clerk [clears throat]  Reggie Wigglea is ultimately responsible for   [8:08] ensuring the voter registration records are  properly kept, polling places are efficient,   [8:14] ballots are counted correctly and promptly, and  results are properly certified in Kenosha County.   [8:21] We are a part of the national faith in  us initiative and we would like Miss   [8:27] Wvagora to know that we support her.  But as the people who elected her,   [8:32] we will hold her accountable for protecting  the right of our legal voters to vote without   [8:38] interference or intimidation and to ens to ensure  that all votes are counted. We expect Miss Wiggora   [8:46] to pledge that she and the polling officers  of Kenosha County who answer to her will one   [8:52] abide by the US Constitution and state election  laws, two refuse to comply with any unlawful   [8:59] executive orders or data requests that seek to  restrict voting, and three faithfully play their   [9:07] role to certify and seat the rightfully elected  winners this November, regardless of the party.   [9:15] The right to vote is fundamental to all our other  rights. Our ability to make change at every level   [9:22] depends on the people getting to choose who  represents us. This call to action will be   [9:28] shared widely with the media outlets in Kenosha  County and beyond. Thank you for your time. [9:37] Any more citizens comments? Are  there any more citizens comments?   [9:43] Say no more citizens comments.  Citizens comments are now closed. [9:51] Okay. Um the only announcement I have  um would be just uh for those of you   [9:59] going to the 2026 annual conference uh some  information should be on your desks I believe.   [10:05] And uh if you have any questions,  concerns or anything like that,   [10:09] I think Reggie is a good resource or contact  the conference center itself. Um I believe   [10:16] that's it for me on that. Supervisor reports.  Any supervisors wishing to give a report? [10:27] Supervisor Tarson. I just want to let  everybody know. Um thank you, Chairman.   [10:34] Uh at the Kenosha Lakeshore Veterinary  Clinic, there's a mural being painted and   [10:41] the community is invited to paint that mural  uh this Saturday coming up um all day. So,   [10:48] please uh it be nice to support that,  pass the word on, let everybody know.   [10:54] Thank you. When is that? Saturday. This  Saturday coming Saturday. Okay. Thank you, [11:02] Supervisor Gray. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um,  as the liaison for the Primal Nature Center,   [11:09] I just want to um remind everybody that  the fall funfest is on uh September 26th,   [11:14] 11 to 3. And tomorrow afternoon,  I believe it's 5:30, 6:00.   [11:21] 6:00 there was a ceremonial signing of  the new agreement between the county   [11:25] and the priming nature center that extends  that relationship for another five years. [11:32] Okay. Thank you, Supervisor Gray. Supervisor  Gashki. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, as chair of   [11:39] the Kenosha Joint Services Board, I just wanted to  let the county board know that this coming Tuesday   [11:45] uh will be our monthly meeting. It's not our  typical uh week that we meet. and we'll also   [11:50] be discussing doing some initial uh discussions  about our upcoming budget. So, just wanted to make   [11:55] you aware of that if that's something that you're  interested in that we will be meeting this coming   [11:59] Tuesday. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Gashki.  Are there any more supervisors reports? Okay, see   [12:08] no more supervisor reports on we move. I'd like to  announce that supervisor Carol is in attendance. [12:18] Old business. Ordinance second  reading to required. Ordinance   [12:22] 11 from the legislative committee. An  ordinance to amend MCKC 2.133C related   [12:29] to standing committee assignments.  This passed unanimously at committee. [12:36] Okay. Supervisor Morrisy. I moved by Supervisor   [12:41] Morsy. Second by Supervisor  Decker. Supervisor Morsy. [12:47] Sorry. Hold on, hold on, hold on. Thank you.  Go ahead. This ordinance uh clarifies that the   [12:54] executive committee is not to be considered  one of the three standing committees that   [13:00] uh supervisors can be appointed to  and as stated it passed unanimously   [13:04] at the legislative committee  and I'd ask for your support. [13:10] Thank you, Supervisor Morsy.  Supervisor Nudo. Thank you.   [13:18] Uh I'm a little bit confused why  this ordinance even came out to [13:29] to be to take a vote on that to remove it. So  could I ask the reason why this come out as   [13:38] uh an ordinance to correct or to do something with   [13:44] the executive committee if  somebody can answer me that. [13:55] Um I'm going to have corp counsel  first to comment on that please. Jenn. [14:03] Yeah. Well, as of right now, uh, Mr.  Chairman, Mr. Chairman, as of right now,   [14:11] I would just like to know maybe from whoever,  uh, the sponsor of this ordinance why that   [14:21] was done. And then we can ask uh maybe  we can ask the...the county [14:35] Oh yeah. Okay. Uh since this resolution or  ordinance was put forth by myself, I'm handing   [14:41] the gavl over to Vice Chair Franco uh because  I will be commenting on this um as the I guess   [14:49] um presenter. Um but to answer supervisor  Nudo's questions in the past there have been   [14:57] um um oversightes where there have been more  supervisors. Uh let me hold on let me take   [15:05] that back. We have carved out for the executive  committee the um chairman of finance who's not   [15:13] supposed to sit on any other chairs to be able  to sit on the executive committee. We don't have   [15:20] that carve out for any other chairman for any  other committee. This simply is to put forth   [15:27] the fact that it this is a this isn't even a  working committee. It's not even a committee I   [15:32] would consider a standing committee. Uh I think  there's less than two or three meetings a year   [15:38] on average. Haven't even had one yet myself. But  the three committee rule for standing committees   [15:46] uh that would make a chairman who's on three  committees not eligible currently for the   [15:50] executive committee. And the executive committee  as I said it's really a leadership. It is not a   [15:57] working committee. Executive committee isn't  just um compos composed I won't say just of   [16:04] just supervisors. that's composed of the chairman  and therefore it should be considered an extension   [16:10] of their leadership responsibility rather than a  fourth committee assignment. Um it's kind about   [16:16] equal treatment too because you don't want to  make an exception for finance administration and   [16:20] ignore all the other standing committees. I think  that's important as well. Uh and it strengthens   [16:25] the executive committee. Uh if we're asking the  supervisor to lead committees, we should want the   [16:30] perspective when the chairs collectively discuss  countywide issues. Like I said, I've not had an   [16:35] executive committee yet. I haven't called one yet.  Don't know if I'm even going to have one, at least   [16:39] this year. I have no idea yet. But should it come  to be that executive committee does get put forth,   [16:47] the uh chairman, which currently is uh supervisor  Decker, it would be a fourth committee, but she   [16:57] is chairman of U. judiciary and law and therefore  should be allowed to sit on an executive committee   [17:06] which is not a real standing committee but not a  work committee for sure. Uh I don't know if corp   [17:13] council has anything more to add to that and I'll  I'm uh Mr. Chairman I'm satisfied with your answer   [17:20] for now but I'll have a a question for corporation  council maybe a little bit later. Uh the reason I   [17:28] don't know if you want to add something else or if  I can go on since I have the floor. No, go ahead.   [17:33] Okay. Well, that's the reason why I am so confused  because when I was chairman, I had the same   [17:42] problem. We had we had to work on this to make  sure uh in fact that some of the people on this   [17:50] board that were there when I was chairman that at  one point I made some changes with the chairman   [17:55] of some committees and I had to rework that and  I talked to the attorney. Actually my vice chair   [18:04] helped me out in setting up the committees at that  time and everything and this year was a standing   [18:10] committee. Now when I saw this the first time  that I saw this when uh you prepared the committee   [18:17] schedule I asked why there's one supervisor for  committees. My answer sorry my answer the answer   [18:27] I got it was well the executive committee is  not a standing committee. I said wait a minute   [18:36] what do you mean it's not a standing committee? We  talked about it before whatever it is a standing   [18:41] committee. We got the rules and regulation where  it shows what the standing committees are. And I   [18:47] say so that's what it is. I said so why didn't we  do that? And the other answer was well that's what   [18:53] the chairman wanted to do it. So that's why I am  uh I don't know who you're talking about. I talked   [19:00] to the attorney I talked to corporation. I'll  tell you this. I talked to S uh uh Joel Cardone,   [19:07] our our corp counsel. We both missed this when I  was planning. We both missed it. Okay. And this   [19:15] isn't the only reason to do it. But if we carve  out one, okay, I understand. But let me finish   [19:21] with and then you can make your comments. You  know, I'll let you make comments before when I   [19:25] had the floor. Oh, please. Uh, now going back just  on what you say, which I was going to bring it up   [19:31] later on. Now, at the committee level, that's what  uh I believe you say that or Joe say that both of   [19:40] you guys missed that. Okay. I don't believe it's  true. I think it's a flatout lie. And the reason   [19:47] I'm saying that is because if you missed it and  Joe missed it when I called when I called then   [19:55] you guys should have revised that and correct it.  while waiting for 4 months. And the only reason   [20:02] that you guys tried to correct that after that is  because I brought in the resolution, ordinance,   [20:09] whatever about changing the committees to seven  people and that's when you guys did it. Now also   [20:17] at the committee level. Okay. Everything just  like you tried to say before about the chairman   [20:24] or whatever uh the board chairman uh sorry the  committee chairman there are three there are   [20:31] three committees. This a standing committee. So  that should count as a standing committee. And the   [20:38] thing by saying oh well the chairman u committee  chairman should be on the executive committee.   [20:45] That's what they try to go around to make believe  that the only reason you're doing is otherwise the   [20:53] uh committee chairman cannot be on u on the  legis uh on the executive committee. Well,   [20:59] that's not true. They can be on everything on  the executive committee. In fact, in fact, on   [21:06] the rules, it says that's the only committee that  the chairman doesn't have a choice how to set it   [21:12] up because that includes the board chairman, the  board vice chair, and the uh chairman of the other   [21:19] committees. And in the event the board vice chair  is a chairman of a committee, then uh the chairman   [21:27] of the board can appoint another supervisor to  take his place. uh and uh it will be you know   [21:34] on um the executive executive committee and uh  the board chairman can appoint somebody else. So   [21:42] that was not I think all the discussion that was  done in committee to say we're doing this because   [21:48] the board we need we want the board chairman to be  or the committee chairman to be there or whatever   [21:55] that was just to distract the people to let them  believe that this thing was done to keep that   [22:03] that's as far as I'm concerned that's a complete  why. It's not even an excuse. It's a complete why.   [22:10] will let the court counsel speak here. Um she was  going to say something and address this issue. No,   [22:16] I can ask when I wanted to uh when I want  her to speak. Let me finish what I'm saying.   [22:20] I'm going back and forth quite a bit here. Let  Let her I'm not going back and forth. I'm just   [22:25] making my statement now. I'm not done with my  statement. What else do you need to say? Well,   [22:30] if you listen, you will hear it. Okay. All  right. Finish it up, please. Thank you. So,   [22:37] give me a second. Now I got to [clears throat]  I got to tell what I was going to say. Um [22:50] okay. Uh let's have you. Okay. I I want to  still have uh after what I hear from I will   [22:57] address the situation. Go ahead. You have the  floor. All right. Um thank you. And as you know,   [23:01] you guys will have to bear with me because I'm not  in this chair very often. But um there's been some   [23:06] statements made about any type of dishonesty or  falsehood, and I can say with certainty that on   [23:11] behalf of the corporation council's office and  the chair that that is not the case. Um I've   [23:16] spoken at length with attorney Joe Cardamone  about this situation and tried to get up to   [23:20] speed on it. And what my understanding is is that  historically the executive committee has not been   [23:27] treated as a standing committee by the various  chairs. If you look back at it, some chairs like   [23:32] supervisor Noodle when you were the chair you did  use it quite frequently but historically there was   [23:37] very little usage of the executive committee.  I think in 2016 2015 it was used four times.   [23:43] in 2016 zero times. In 2017, once 2018, zero. Um,  I can go through all the years, but there's very,   [23:51] very little usage with the executive committee.  So, what attorney Cardamone has explained to me   [23:56] is when we did the rules revision, it really  should have been modified at that time. We   [24:00] should have made it clear that it is not  a standing committee. It's how the chair   [24:04] determines how he wants to use it and it should  have been addressed at that point when we did the   [24:08] full total rules modification. Um to the there's  been no dishonesty or or falsehoods. I believe   [24:15] that attorney Cardamone has been very clear in his  opinions that this amendment is in accordance with   [24:22] our past practice and it's he's supportive of what  the chair is trying to do. Okay. Thank you. Well,   [24:33] you I passed the gavl back to him. Oh, do I still  have left the floor then? Back to him. Are you   [24:38] ready to finish up or you have Are you Yeah, go  ahead. I'm not trying to fill a buser or anything.   [24:43] I'm just trying to make my point. I can appreciate  uh what corporation uh Jen what you said it and   [24:50] uh but I want to make one thing clear. I never  say that anybody did it in a dishonest way. I   [24:58] say that I don't believe that's the true. Maybe  I did not use the right word. I said to me what   [25:03] the excuse that they said it was a lie because  it was not the reason because [snorts] if it was   [25:09] for something that they missed it when it was  brought up then they should have taken care of   [25:14] that time. Okay. And what they said that also I  say that at the committee level the thing that   [25:21] we're doing trying to make it believe that  the only reason should have this so all the   [25:28] committee chairs can be on the committee which  it's a fact the committee is set up who's going   [25:35] to be there or not. So that's the point I was uh  making. Well, if we don't believe we should not   [25:40] have the a committee in there, well, before we  changed, we should have uh take a vote to take   [25:47] it out and not making a stand extending committee.  That is my point. If we're going to do that, well,   [25:53] I guess it's fine. But to let it go after 4 months  to bring it up, I don't think it's right. And the   [26:01] only thing, but I did not say any dishonest way or  anything. I just say that I don't believe I think   [26:07] it's it's a lie. I don't think it's a mistake.  It's a lie. And uh for not having it. Well,   [26:16] I'll deal. I'll uh Okay. So, there's been a motion  by Supervisor Robinson. Call the question and   [26:26] seconded by Supervisor Meadows. Is this a uh roll  call vote? I believe it is. It's a roll call vote. [26:39] All right. All those want to call the question and  get to the vote, I guess, is what you're looking   [26:44] to. No more discussion. Correct. Okay. All those  in favor would vote. Oh, we got to wait till we   [26:51] get it up. Yeah. Two majority. Mhm. Right. But  to all those in favor of uh going of cancelling   [27:00] discussion, going to the vote, yes. And all  those who want to continue discussion, no. [27:15] Call the question um to end  discussion. Yes. 18. No. Five. [27:24] Okay. So, the question will be called and uh do I  need to pass this over back to John since it's my   [27:31] resolution? I think so. Not if there's no more  debate. Okay. Okay. Okay. Um then all those in   [27:39] favor of the ordinance uh do we need to read this?  Okay. Um 2/3. Roll call vote has been called.   [27:49] All those in favor of the uh resolution would  vote yes and all those against would vote no.   [27:55] And it requires two and it requires a twothirds  vote to pass since it is a change of the rules. [28:08] Speak the resolution. Supervisor Gre wants  to give a resolution stated. Yeah. Supervisor   [28:16] Gray. Okay. He ordinance 11, an ordinance to  amend MCKC chapter 2.133C related to standing   [28:26] committee assignments. Do you want me to read  the change? Okay. The Kenosha County Board of   [28:34] Supervisors does hereby ordain the Municipal  Code of Kenosha County Chapter 2.133C. The   [28:41] County Board rules of procedure is hereby amended  as follows. Three committee assignments. C. No   [28:49] supervisor shall serve on more than three standing  committees. For the purposes of this subsection,   [28:55] the executive committee shall not count  as one of the three standing committees. [29:13] The ordinance passes. 22 yes and one no. [29:21] New business. Resolution. One reading. Resolution  43 from the public works facilities committee. a   [29:28] resolution for Kenosha County to adopt the 2026  2030 comprehensive outdoor recreation plan. This   [29:36] passed unanimously at committee. Supervisor  Bellski was excused. Uh this was moved by   [29:43] Supervisor Meadows, second by Supervisor P.  Supervisor Meadows. Uh move resolution 43. [29:52] Uh I'm sorry. Move by Supervisor Meadows,  second by Supervisor P. Supervisor Meadows.   [29:56] Thank you. Thank you, chairman. Uh this was  a resolution to create a 5-year comprehensive   [30:01] plan for our parks division. Uh this gives  us some strategic planning to of how we're   [30:05] going to manage our parks over the next 5  years. Uh such a plan is is is necessary to   [30:11] receive grant money from the state and other  other people. Uh so this passed unanimously   [30:16] in committee and we ask for your support.  Uh if there are any questions, we do have   [30:20] uh the parks director uh Riot Moore here to answer  any questions. Thank you. Okay. Are there any   [30:28] questions or discussion on this ordinance? I'm  sorry. This resolution. Oh, it is an ordinance.   [30:33] Yeah. It's a resolution. I'm looking at the  other one. Sorry. One month off. [laughter] [30:43] Uh, okay. Seeing no discussion. All those in  favor vote. I I opposed. Motion carries. Ordinance   [30:51] first reading to required ordinance 12 from  supervisor Nudo an ordinance to amend MCKC2.133C [31:00] related to standing committee assignments.  Communications 35 communication from the   [31:07] human services committee. A resolution to modify  Kenosha County's Division of Health's budget to   [31:12] purchase new equipment. Refer to human services  and the finance administration committee. 36.   [31:19] A communication from supervisor Colonia and  supervisor Gearson. A resolution supporting   [31:24] the funding of W Parkside and the Universities of  Wisconsin workforce and innovation initiatives.   [31:31] Refer to legislative and human services committee.  The approval of the August 18th, 2026 minutes by   [31:38] Supervisor Gearson. Supervisor Gearson. Thank  you, Mr. Chairman. I move approval of the August   [31:45] 18th minutes. Is there a second? Second by  supervisor Robinson. Any discussion? All those   [31:54] in favor vote. I I I opposed. Motion carries.  Second. Move to adjourn by Supervisor Decker,   [32:03] seconded by Robinson. We'll go with We'll go with  Robinson. Keep it going. All those in favor vote.