Jefferson County Board meet to discuss a number of different topics.

Beginning in July of this year, Crawfish Solar, LLC plans to develop, construct and operate an up to 75 megawatt solar photovoltaic electrical generating facility with necessary associated facilities such as underground power collection lines, access roads, operating and maintenance facilities, electrical substations and overhead transmission line connections in Jefferson County, which includes Jefferson Township. 

Crawfish River will document pre-construction conditions of all anticipated road crossings and anticipated impact on traffic during construction, which include, County Road G, County Road J, Highway 89, and Highway 18. 

Crawfish River and the Local Governments agree to communicate and cooperate in good faith concerning the safe construction and operation of the project and preventing or correcting any adverse conditions that may be created by the project. 

Based on the Wisconsin Utility Shared Revenue Program, the parties estimate the project will generate approximately $300,000 annually over its useful life in general, unrestricted aid that may be used for any activity approved by the local governing body.  

The facility will be monitored and looked at regularly by Crawfish Solar to ensure it remains efficient. For now, Crawfish River’s full time operations team will be the Project contact. If there are any complaints or concerns after construction is completed, they should be submitted through the project website and the Local Governments will be provided with the operation team’s contact information. 

The Badger State Solar site application was submitted to the Commission on May 13, 2019. The proposed construction schedule for this project is to begin in July of 2021, and construction is projected to be completed in November of 2022.

Another resolution discussed was renovation of the courthouse. There has been an increasing failure rate related to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. The Courthouse also doesn’t meet current building codes, and provide for basic life/safety measures for the Ameicaans with Disabilities Act requirements. 

The Courthouse, including the Sheriff’s office and jail are most in need of renovations and upgrades. In February, a joint meeting of the Executive, Finance and Building & Grounds Committees, determined it was appropriate to continue to evaluate the Courthouse renovation project, and also that additional design services were needed to finalize the scope of the project. 

In October of 2020, a report that included a mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems analysis and new space configuration to include three primary additions to the Courthouse was presented to the County Board. The total project cost at that time was estimated at $33 million with $17 million to replace the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

This Resolution approves the on-going efforts to review and further define the scope of the Courthouse Facility renovation project and provide funding authorization for continued design work by amending the existing contract with Potter Lawson to provide additional services not to  exceed $150,000, for which funding has been designated in the 2021 budget. 

There was a claim that was filed against Jefferson County by resident John Ebbot. 

• His mailbox was allegedly dismantled by a snowplow operator
• Seeked to claim $250 for damages and time it will take him to repair it
• The claim was denied and if Ebbot wants to continue to try and seek compensation, he can do so by talking to insurance if he feels it’s necessary. 

The month of April was proclaimed to be Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.

• Communities are stronger when all citizens become aware of child maltreatment  prevention and become involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe and nurturing environment.

The Lake Mills High School Girls basketball team also made it in the agenda for the meeting. 

• The board of supervisors extended their hearty congratulations to the girls for winning the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division three State Basketball Championship.