League Lens: Observations of Local Government

The League of Women Voters of Door County (League) monitors Door County local government in order to understand and shine a light on issues of importance to the League. This column, provided to the Peninsula Pulse as part of a Community Journalism project, shares a snapshot of what is happening in county, municipal and school government as observed through the lens of the League’s positions. 

Education: National Assessment Strategies

Sturgeon Bay Board of Education

At the Dec. 12, 2023 meeting, school administration shared how they are working to increase district ACT scores. Students now take pre-SAT tests in fall, and homeroom teachers meet individually with each student going over scores. The students then pick three goals for the year. An assigned homeroom teacher will stay with each student throughout their four years of high school, helping to track individual goals and academic progress.

Mental Health: Behavioral Health & Substance Use

County of Door Health and Human Services Board

At the Jan. 8 meeting, Director Joe Kresbach shared that promising conversations have been happening with a company out of Manitowoc that is interested in subcontracting with Health and Human Services (HSS) staff to operate a sober living program in Door County. Initial plans are to begin with a house for females, as this is where the largest need is currently, according to Krebsbach. There is also an opportunity to house males in one of two houses the county owns on the Justice Center property. The houses were built to house sex offenders returned to Door County from prison, but only one is currently occupied. The contracted provider would also staff that home. Krebsbach reported that he intends to cover most of the cost of operations with Medicaid revenue from the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) program. Residents would also be supported by HSS case managers and/or therapists. The first resident may move into the male house as early as February.

In addition, HHS is partnering with Door County Medical Center to offer an online mental health support resource for the community, entitled, Mental Health 360: Credible Mind. It should be available in March.

Natural Resources: Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Issues

Sturgeon Bay Common Council

At the Jan. 9 meeting, the Common Council held a second reading to repeal and recreate section 12.03 of the municipal code, which deals with compulsory connection to city sewer and water within the city limits. The council passed the new code unanimously, which now requires all buildings that generate sewage to connect to city sewer and water, further protecting water quality.

Energy Efficiency

Door County Highway and Facilities Committee

The committee saw a presentation at its Jan. 10 meeting on an initial fleet vehicle analysis across all sectors of county government. The Facilities and Parks Department worked with Wisconsin Clean Cities agent Matthew Christian out of Green Bay to complete the analysis. Recommendations from the Facilities and Parks Department, based on the review, was to continue to analyze opportunities to convert fossil fuel fleet vehicles to electric vehicles in situations that make economic sense in the form of a better return on investment. 

Education: Early Childhood Services –  Linking Community Partnerships with Effective Early Childhood Programs and Services.

Door County Finance Committee

In a voice vote on Jan. 16, the Finance Committee approved the United Way/Women’s Fund, nine-month, Child Care Benefit Pilot Program for county employees. Since the projected impact is under $10,000, Administrator Ken Pabich explained that the program will not have to go to the County Board for final approval. He said the pilot program is limited to 25 eligible families and will be provided on a first come, first served basis among all organizations enrolled in the pilot program.

Natural Resources: Water Quality, Great-Lakes Ecosystem

Door County Board of Supervisors

During the Jan. 23 meeting, the Door County Board unanimously approved two resolutions accepting a total of three grants to the Soil and Water Conservation Department (SWCD).

•A Surface Water Lake Monitoring and Protection Network grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in the amount of $12,371.23 to provide funding for aquatic invasive species (AIS) education, prevention and planning. It also received a Surface Water Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) grant from the DNR in the amount of $3,846 to provide AIS education and prevention to Door County boaters.

•An Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant subaward from the DNR in the amount of $9,250 to provide funding for European Frog-bit monitoring, control, prevention and outreach as part of a statewide effort.