HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 9/14/20211
Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
2:00pm, September 14, 2021
Meeting was held Remotely through Microsoft Teams and in person in the
Bayfield County Board Room, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Brett Rondeau, Jeff Silbert, Dennis Pocernich, Fred Strand, Mary
Dougherty
Members Excused: Larry Fickbohm
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-Human
Resources Director, Elizabeth Skulan-Human Services Director, Stephanie Eder-DHS Financial
Manager, Judge John Anderson, Marty Milanowski, Jim Crandall, Paul Johanik-Highway
Commissioner, Bob Anderson-Highway Superintendent, Charly Ray, Kim Mattson, Lynn
Divine, Scott Galetka-Land Records Administrator, Sheriff Paul Susienka, Jeremy Oswald, Gail
Reha-Bookkeeper
Meeting Called to Order at 2:00pm by Rondeau.
Public Comment: None Received
Approval of Minutes of September 9, 2021: Minutes postponed until the next meeting.
Budget Amendment Work Sheet / Process: A budget changes worksheet is kept
throughout the budget meetings and then the list is reviewed for final action at the final
budget meeting. The 3 largest departments, which make up over 80% of the total budget,
will make presentations at this meeting.
Budget Review:
a. Human Services, page 316: Elizabeth Skulan reviewed the proposed 2022 budget.
The proposed budget reflects approximately a $400,000 decrease. This is related
to the CCS program. 0% levy increase. Also receiving ARPA funding to increase
the meal delivery routes from 2 to 5 and to add an Aging Services Specialist
position. A number of senior staff retired in 2021, which will result in a nearly flat
budget for wages and benefits because the inflation is offset by lower starting
wages for new staff. The risk reserve fund currently has $430,000 balance.
Currently in need of 2 Social Workers.
b. Highway, page 348: Paul Johanik reviewed that CTH M, 10.9 miles is being
completed at this time. In 2022, CTH J will be completed in addition to CTH I.
Machinery budget was increased by about $15,000 due to cost of equipment.
Continuing to take on work for the state and townships as requested. Average 8.5-
9 miles of reconstruction per year will maintain the 20-year schedule. CTH N, a
consultant has been hired to design. Temporary overlays are being placed on the 3
2
gravel patches currently on CTH N by Pigeon Lake. Anticipated funding for CTH
N in 2023. Anticipating reduced hours for mechanical work and possibly moving
a patrolman to a combined position.
c. Sheriff, page 167: Sheriff Susienka discussed the department’s request for 2 FT
Jailers and 1 FT Deputy. Jail remodel has been a phenomenal improvement.
Abeles-Allison explained that the recommendation includes replacing 2 PT
positions with one FT position and the maintaining one male and one female PT
position to allow for scheduling flexibility. Susienka explained that the addition of
a Deputy would provide for 3 officers on each shift. Sheriff’s office list of Capital
Improvements was reviewed.
The committee discussed that WISCOM radios were purchased in 2021.
Employees in the Highway Department report significantly improved
communications and safety related to the new radios.
Personnel Review, page 36: The proposed Health insurance premium decrease will
result in a reduction in the proposed budget figures. Review of positions that were
proposed by departments and what was recommended by the County Administrator in the
proposed budget.
Galetka provided a handout supporting a request for a part-time addressing technician in
the Land Records office.
The committee discussed the Capital Improvement request for LIDAR funding.
Capital Improvement Review, page 379: Abeles-Allison reviewed the CIP proposal
listed in the budget book.
Motion Pocernich to adjourn the meeting. Motion failed for lack of a second.
Committee members discussed that several large dollar projects are included in the Capital
Improvement Budget that will also have offsetting revenues. There are a handful of discretionary
projects/items that could be reduced or eliminated. It was also noted that additional
projects/purchases were requested by departments but are not included in the administrator’s
proposed budget. The committee asked that a list be provided that removes the items with
offsetting revenues, and also identifies discretionary projects versus projects/purchases that are
needed for the operation.
Meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Kris Kavajecz.