HomeMy WebLinkAboutCounty Board of Supervisors - Minutes - 5/29/2012203
Minutes of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’ Meeting
Of May 29, 2012 – 4:00 p.m.
Bayfield County Board Room, Courthouse, Washburn, Wisconsin
The monthly meeting of the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors was called to
order by Chairman Miller at 4:00 p.m. Roll call was taken by Bayfield County Clerk, Scott
Fibert as follows: Kittleson-present; Bennett-pre-sent; Pocernich-present;Schultz-
present; Williams-present; Bichanich-ab-sent; Miller-present; Crandall-present;Rondeau-
present; Meyers-present; Bussey-present; Jardine-present; Maki-absent. Total 13: 12
present, 1 absent. There was a quorum present to conduct business. The following were
also present for the meeting: County Administrator, Mark Abeles-Allison; Deputy County
Clerk, Dawn M. Bellile; Tim Kane, UW-Extension Educator; Paul Susienka, Sheriff; Scott
Galetka, Land Records Admin; Richard Pufall, Reporter for The Daily Press; and community
residents.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance.
A motion was made by Pocernich/Crandall to dispense with the reading of and
approve the minutes of the April 17, 2012 Bayfield County Board of Supervisors’
meeting. The motion carried.
Welcome and Purpose. Chairman Miller welcomed the Supervisors to the budget planning
session for the County’s 2013 budget, and turned the meeting over to facilitator Tim Kane,
who commented that its purpose was to begin to plan and provide direction for the 2013
Bayfield County budget. Kane further commented that the meeting was intended to:
1) provide budget overview background;
2) identify important issues;
3) review County department head input;
4) identify County budget priorities; and
5) answer major budget policy questions.
Supervisor Bichanich arrived at 4:05 p.m.
Budget Overview
County Administrator Mark Abeles-Allison emphasized the importance of the budget as a
major policy document and spending plan for County government. That it would provide him
and the County department heads with direction on allocating County tax dollars. He
referred to and commented on several budget-related materials in the Supervisors’
packets dealing with the following: state levy limits; County revenues and expenditure
trends; state issues (consolidation) and budget law impacts (WRS); County capital project
expenditures; County financial picture and County valuations; and tax distributions in the
County.
Identify Most Important Issues Facing Bayfield County Government
In order to help the County focus its resources, Kane encouraged the Board to think about
the most important issues facing County government. He then distributed index cards and
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asked Board members to write down as concisely as possible the answer to the following
question:
“What are the most important issues facing Bay-field County government that
the County needs to address?”
Kane then in a round robin manner asked each Board member to share what they
thought was the single most important issue facing the County, which he recorded on a flip
chart. The following 17 issues were identified:
Most Important Issues Facing Bayfield County Government
1. Drop in property values, so where does money come from?
2. Maintain our emer-gency services.
3. Providing services to aging population.
4. Infrastructure, i.e., roads, bridges, culverts, etc.
5. How to curb juvenile crime in County.
6. Staff levels given funding.
7. Maintaining man-dated Human Services.
8. Raising County employee morale.
9. Waste in delivery of services.
10. Maintaining jobs.
11. Complaints about Zoning Department.
12. Keep levy the same.
13. Discourage additional public land acquisition.
14. Wages and benefits for County employees.
15. Need for additional veterans services.
16. Attracting additional jobs and industries.
17. Promoting area agri-culture.
Critical Issues Identified by County Department Heads Affecting Department Budgets
Mark Abeles-Allison referred to and reviewed a “Critical Budget Issues, 2013; Responses
From Departments May 2011” handout that listed issues submitted by the following
departments: Human Services, Sheriff, Emergency Management, Land Conservation,
Veterans Service, Planning & Zoning and County Admin-istration. Also he reviewed sepa-
rate handouts listing critical issues from the Health De-partment and County Treasurer.
Identify County Budget Priorities for 2013
The County Supervisors were asked to think about the most important issues facing
Bayfield County government that they identified earlier as well as the issues identified by
County Department Heads as they consider the County’s budget priorities for 2013. In
order to identify these priorities, Tim Kane asked the Board members to write down on an
index card as concisely as possible their answers to the following question:
“What do you consider to be the top County budget priority(ies) for 2013?”
He then asked in a round robin manner for each Supervisor to tell him what their top
budget priority is for 2013, which he recorded on a flip chart. The following ten County
budget priorities for 2013 were identified:
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2013 Budget Priorities for Bayfield County
1. Infrastructure, high-ways and roads.
2. Insurance.
3. Finding a way to provide quality services in all departments under
current budget restraints.
4. Maintain budget levy at current level or 1/2% increase allowed.
5. Try to project into 2015.
6. Wages, benefits and workload.
7. Spend County dollars within the County, don’t send them outside County.
8. Treat County employees fairly and give their concerns consideration.
9. Partner with other agencies where possible to provide services when
possible.
10. Look at subcon-tracting out some services, such as highway.
Kane reviewed the suggested top budget priorities with the Board, and asked if any
clarification was needed and if any of the priorities were duplicates. It was agreed by the
Board to combine the “Insurance” priority with the “Wages, benefits and workload”
priority. It was also agreed to combine the “Finding a way to provide quality services in all
departments under current budget restraints” priority with the “Maintain budget levy at
current level or 1/2% increase allowed” priority leaving eight identified priorities. Board
members were then asked to vote on their top three 2013 budget priorities.
The top budget priorities for 2013 in rank order were as follows (number of votes
received indicated in parentheses at the end of the budget priority):
Finding a way to provide quality services in all departments under
current budget restraints; maintain budget levy at current level or 1/2%
increase allowed. (10)
Infrastructure, high-ways and roads. (9)
Wages, benefits and workload; insurance. (6)
Treat County em-ployees fairly and give their concerns consideration.
(5)
Look at subcon-tracting out some services, such as highway. (3)
Partner with other agencies where possible to provide services when
possible. (2)
Try to project into 2015. (1)
Spend County dollars within the County, don’t send them outside County.
After the vote was taken on the above it was suggested by some of the Supervisors
that the third (Wages, benefits ….) and fourth (Treat County employees fairly ……) top
priority vote getters could possibly be combined.
Major Budget Policy Questions
A number of major budget policy questions were brought up by Abeles-Allison for the
Board to consider. He briefly discussed the following: revenue calculations, conservative
versus more optimistic; level of service (staffing, technology); fund balance (minimum
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balance review, utilization for 2013); organi-zational structure; alternative service delivery
methods (contracting, cooperative agree-ments, internet); services provided, mandatory
vs. discre-tionary; and Transition Committee policy recommendations.
Wrap-up
Kane commented that they were able to accomplish what they had set out to do and
thanked the County Board Supervisors for their participation and input.
Adjourn
At 5:50 pm the Board took a 10-minute recess before convening for the County Board
meeting’s regular business.
At 6:00 p.m. Chairman Miller called the meeting to order.
1. Public Comment
Derrick Lewis, a Bay-field County, was present to state that he addressed the
Board last month. He reiterated that the Board told him he needed to meet with the
Human Services Board. He stated that he did so, however, believed he was rudely shut
down before he could even state his concerns, was not heard, and basically sent on his way.
He is before the Board again this evening to ask him exactly what he is to do now. He has
jumped through the hoops that he was told to go through. He believes he is not being
treated fairly. He stated that he thought the Administrator had taken care of this issue,
and has found out that nothing has been done. The Board started to discuss the issue, and
Chairman Miller interrupted the conversation to state that this is public comment and hot
the place to discuss this. Discussion ended.
Denise Bailey, Bayfield County resident and employee. Bailey was present this
evening to address her concerns with the Board regarding the closed session meeting last
month. She has concerns now because she has knowledge that the information that she
shared with the Board last month was discussed outside of the meeting. She based this
finding on the fact that her manager knew almost everything that was discussed at the
meeting. A meeting was held later between her, the Dept. Director, Manager and the
County Administrator where a list of items was given to her as to what was being expected
of her. She stated that fingers are always pointing at her and never once has there been
any dialogue as to what she thinks could be the problem. She stated she is not being
treated fairly and grilled all the time as to where she is and what she is doing. Another
concern she addressed is the fact that in order to obtain her credentials from the State
of Wisconsin, she will have to pay $12,556. This is because of her being dismissed from
her position unjustly and for the County not dropping the decisions. She believes this fee
is unfair to her when it was not her fault in the first place. She believes the County and
herself need to sit down and discuss this issue as without the fee being paid, she will not
have her license. Bailey also stated that the County needs an Ethics Committee for
concerns such as this and especially for one in the Human Services Department.
Chairman Miller closed public comment.
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2. Report of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee Regarding
the Rezone of the Lisa Gordon Property in the Town of Russell. The Board dispensed
with the reading of the Report. A copy of the same is on file in the County Clerk’s office
for review.
A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to receive and place on file the Report
of the Bayfield County Planning and Zoning Committee regarding the rezone of the
Lisa Gordon property located in the Town of Russell, Bayfield County, WI. The
motion carried.
3. Bayfield County Amendatory Ordinance No. 2012-17, Regarding the
Rezone of the Lisa Gordon Property in the Town of Russell. The Board dispensed with
the reading of the Amendatory Ordinance, which reads as follows:
The Bayfield County Board of Supervisors ordains as follows:
That the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance, adopted June 1, 1976, be and the same,
is hereby amended as follows:
The Zoning of Lisa Gordon 2.08-acre parcel (ID#04-046-2-51-03-31-3-03-000-
2000) (Volume 539, Page 102), located in the South Half of the Northwest Quarter of the
Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter S½-NW-NE-
SW-SW), AND North One Hundred Ten Feet (N 110’) of the Southwest Quarter of the
Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SW-NE-SW-
SW), all in Section Thirty-One (31), Township Fifty-One (51) North, Range Three (03)
West, Town of Russell, Bayfield County, Wisconsin, be changed from Forestry-Two (F2) to
Residential-Recreational Business (R-RB).
Adopted this 29th day of May, 2012.
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Shawn Miller, Bayfield County Chair
A motion was made by Rondeau/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Zoning
Amendatory Ordinance No. 2012-17 Regarding the Rezone of the Lisa Gordon
Property in the Town of Russell. Discussion took place on whether or not the Town
Board approved this rezone. It is stated in the Zoning Committee Meeting minutes that
the rezone would be approved contingent upon Town Board approval. Abeles-Allison stated
that to his knowledge there has been no feedback from the Town of Russell one way or
another. Supervisor Schultz explained that he had looked at the property and said that it
is compatible with what is being requested. Further discussion took place on the fact that
we as a County Board should not assume the Town has or has not approved this rezone and
wait for their response. A motion was made by Pocernich/Bichanich to amend the
motion that the Ordinance would be approved contingent upon the Town Board’s
approval. Discussion took place on how long the Town has to respond. Further discussion
took place on the fact that the property is appropriate for the rezone and that the land
owner should not have to wait. A roll call vote was taken on the amendment as follows:
Ben-nett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Schultz-no; Williams-yes; Mil-ler-no; Crandall-no;
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Rondeau-no; Meyers-no; Bussey-no; Jardine-no; Maki-absent; Kit-tleson-no. The
amendment failed.
A motion was made by Bussey/Jardine to approve the rezone of the Lisa
Gordon property in the Town of Russell contingent upon Town Board approval, if we do
not get Town Board approval within thirty (30) days, the amendment will be approved.
The motion carried one vote in opposition.
The Board voted on the original motion which carried.
8. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Appoint-ments to the Board of
Adjustment. The current Board of Adjustment members who have terms that will expire
are Richard Compton and Frank Kostka. Chairman Miller stated that he would like to
appoint Tony Johanik to fill the seat of Richard Compton, reappoint Frank Kostka and
appoint Bill Kacvinsky as an alternate. He also asked that these be voted on individually.
A motion was made by Bichanich/Williams to appoint Tony Johanik to the Board of
Adjustment whose term will expire on June 30, 2013. Discussion took place by
Supervisor Bussey as to why Dick Compton was not extended another term on the Board.
He is our only Board member from Northern Bayfield County and has been a very good
Board member. He went into detail as to why he felt the Board should reconsider this
appointment and extend the courtesy to Dick as we have other existing Board members.
Supervisor Schultz asked for a background on Johanik and Bichanich provided this.
Supervisor Meyers also gave support for reappointing Dick. Bussey asked for a roll call
vote: A roll call vote was taken as follows: Pocernich-no; Schultz-yes; Williams-
yes; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-no; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-no; Bussey-no;
Jardine-yes; Maki-absent; Kittleson-no; Bennett-yes. Total: 13, 7 yes, 5 no, 1
absent. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Rondeau/Jardine to reappoint Frank Kostka to the Board
of Adjustment. Supervisor Schultz asked for a background on Kostka which Supervisor
Rondeau provided. Discussion took place. A roll call vote was taken as follows:
Schultz-yes; Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes; Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes;
Meyers-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-absent; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes;
Pocernich-no. Total: 13, 11 yes, 1 no, 1 absent. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Rondeau/Bichanich to appoint William Kacvinsky as an
alternate on the Board of Adjustment. The motion carried with one opposition.
9. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Appointment to the Bayfield
County Housing Authority. Abeles-Allison reported that there is an opening on the
Bayfield County Housing Authority Board. He stated that both he and Chairman Miller
would like to recommend that the Board appoint Rachel Coughtry to this position. The
term is for 5 years from June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2017. A motion was made by
Schultz/Crandall to appoint Rachel Coughtry to the Bayfield County Housing Authority
Board for a term of 5 years and to reappoint Carol DeMars for another 5 year term.
The motion carried.
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10. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Appointment to Scenic By-way
Committee. Abeles-Allison reported that Tim Kane serves as a facilitator for the Scenic
By-way Group, and the group is asking for both representatives and backup
representatives from the 9 municipalities and the County. Supervisor Jardine and Tourism
Director, Mary Motiff, had been very active with this group. Abeles-Allison is
recommending that the Board appoint Supervisor Jardine as the County Representative
and Mary Motiff as an alternate. A motion was made by Schultz/Bichanich to appoint
Jardine as the County Representative and Motiff as the alternate. The motion
carried.
11. Presentation of the Bayfield County UW-Extension Highlights 2011
Annual Report. Tim Kane, UW-Extension Educator, was present to give this report
which he passed out for the Board to review as he highlighted some of the more pertinent
articles. The Board thanked Kane for the good job that he does for Bayfield County. A
motion was made by Rondeau/Meyers to receive and place on file the Bayfield County
UW-Extension Highlights 2011 Annual Report. The motion carried.
12. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2012-28, Request to Amend 2012
Bayfield County UW-Extension Budget with Regard to the Bayfield County Fruit Crop
Diversification Grant. The Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which
reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Bayfield County applied for and has been awarded a Bayfield Fruit Crop
Diversification Grant from WDATCP and Lake Planning Grant from WDNR; and
WHEREAS, these grant projects will establish fruit crop variety trials in support
of fruit crop diversification in the Bayfield area, and develop and provide lake education
packets to new shoreland property owners in Bayfield County; and
WHEREAS, additional bud-get authority is required to carry out these two
projects.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 29th day of May, 2012 hereby approves the following 292
budget amendment to authorize revenues and expenditures necessary to facilitate the
implementation of these two grant projects.
Bayfield Fruit Crop Diversification Grant
Increase revenue account # 292-25-43570-007 by $29,000
Increase expense account # 292-25-55639-50290
Contractual Services by $18,147
Increase expense account # 292-25-55639-50340 Operating Supplies by $10,853
Lake Planning Grant
Increase revenue account # 292-25-43570-008 by $3,000
Increase expense account #292-25-55640-50290 Contractual Services by $105
Increase expense account #292-25-55640-50310 Office Supplies by $170
Increase expense account #292-25-55640-50311 Postage by $600
Increase expense account #292-25-55640-50313 Printing & Duplication by $975
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Increase expense account #292-25-55640-50348 Educational Supplies by $1,150
By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Shawn W. Miller, Chairman
A motion was made by Schultz/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2012-28, Request to Amend 2012 Bayfield County UW-Extension Budget with
Regard to the Bayfield County Fruit Crop Diversification Grant. Discussion took place
an Kane explained. A roll call took place as follows: Williams-yes; Bichanich-yes;
Miller-yes; Crandall-yes; Rondeau-yes; Meyers-yes; Bussey-yes; Jardine-yes; Maki-
absent; Kittleson-yes; Bennett-yes; Pocernich-yes; Schultz-yes. Total: 13, 12 yes,
0 no, 1 absent. The motion carried.
13. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2012-23, Honoring Larry Loch Upon His
Retirement from the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department. The Board dispensed with
the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Larry Loch has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and
dedication in the Sheriff’s Department for over 26 years,
WHEREAS, during those 26 years, Larry has touched the lives of numerous
employees and citizens of Bayfield County in a positive way and was a friend to many
residents and employees as well.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 29th day of May, 2012, honors Larry Loch for his 26 years of
public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him well
in the years ahead.
By Action of the
BAYFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Shawn W. Miller, Bayfield County Chair
A motion was made by Meyers/Pocernich to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2012-23, Honoring Larry Loch Upon His Retirement from the Bayfield County
Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff, Paul Susienka was present to speak about Larry. The
motion carried. It was noted that Loch had been given a plaque earlier upon his actual
retirement date.
14. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2012-24, Honoring Luzius Thoeny Upon
His Retirement from the Bayfield County Highway Department. The Board dispensed
with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Luzius Thoeny has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor and
dedication in the Highway Department for over 15 years,
WHEREAS, during those 15 years, Luzius has touched the lives of numerous
employees and citizens of Bayfield County in a positive way and was a friend to many
residents and employees as well.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 29th day of May, 2012, honors Luzius Thoeny for his 15 years
of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for his efforts, wishing him
well in the years ahead.
By Action of the
BAYFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Shawn W. Miller,
Bayfield County Chair
A motion was made by Bichanich/Rondeau to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2012-24, Honoring Luzius Thoeny upon his Retirement from the Bayfield County
Highway Department. Bichanich spoke on behalf of Thoeny. A plaque was also given to
Thoeny at an earlier date. The motion carried.
15. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2012-25, Honoring Holly Hemingway upon
her Retirement from the Bayfield County Land Records Department. Scott Galetka
was here earlier to speak but had to leave. Kane spoke on her behalf and stated what a
great job she always did for the county, for all of her time on the County’s mapping. The
Board dispensed with the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Holly Heming-way has served Bayfield County with distinction, honor
and dedication in the Departments of Human Services and Land Records for 13 years,
WHEREAS, during those 15 years, Holly has touched the lives of numerous
employees and citizens of Bayfield County in a positive way and was a friend to many
residents and employees as well.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 29th day of May, 2012, honors Holly Hemingway for her 13
years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses gratitude for her efforts,
wishing her well in the years ahead.
By Action of the
BAYFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Shawn W. Miller,
Bayfield County Chair
A motion was made by Crandall/Kittleson to adopt Bayfield County Resolution
No. 2012-24, Honoring Holly Hemingway upon her Retirement from the Bayfield
County Land Records Department. The motion carried.
16. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2012-26, Cooperation Agreement for
CDBG Program. Abeles-Allison explained that this is a major change as they are giving
funds out to districts versus going to the counties. Supervisor Bussey asked for an
explanation of how dollars will be spent and Fibert explained. The Board dispensed with
the reading of the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Bayfield County has an identified need in the Northwest Regional
Planning Housing County Consortium to provide decent housing; and
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WHEREAS, Bayfield County contemplates submitting jointly with the Counties of
Ashland, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Rusk, Sawyer and Washburn, an application for
funds under the Community Development Block Grant - (CDBG) housing program of the
Wisconsin Division of Housing (DOH) for the purpose of meeting those needs; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County and the Counties of Ashland, Burnett, Douglas, Iron,
Price, Rusk, Sawyer and Washburn desire to and are required to, enter into a written
cooperative agreement with each other to participate in such CDBG program; and
WHEREAS, Bayfield County and Counties of Ashland, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price,
Rusk, Sawyer and Washburn understand that Douglas County will act as the applicant and
will have the ultimate responsibility to assume all obligations under the terms of the grant
including assuring compliance with all applicable laws and program regulations and
performance of all work in accordance with the grant contract; and
WHEREAS, it is understood that the Department of Housing and Urban
Development and DOH have access to all participants' grant records and authority to
monitor all activities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 29th day of May, 2012, , pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes
66.0301, agrees to cooperate in the submission of an application for such funds, and agree
to cooperate in the implementation of the submitted CDBG program, as approved by the
Department of Administration.
Nothing contained in this agreement shall deprive any municipality of any power or
zoning, development control or other lawful authority which it presently possesses.
By Action of the
BAYFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Shawn W. Miller, Chair
A motion was made by Crandall/Meyers to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2012-26, Cooperation Agree-ment for CDBG Program. The motion carried.
17. Bayfield County Resolution No. 2012-27, Honoring Patricia M. Rantala
for her Dedicated Service to Bayfield County. The Board dispensed with the reading of
the Resolution, which reads as follows:
WHEREAS, Patricia M. Rantala of 73895 Blvd. Road, Iron River, Wisconsin, has
served Bayfield County with dedication and dignity for two (2) years; and
WHEREAS, during those two (2) years, Patti touched the lives of numerous citizens
of Bayfield County in a positive way and was a friend to many residents and employees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors assembled this 29th day of May, 2012, honors Patricia M. Rantala, for her
years of public service to Bayfield County and expresses their gratitude for her efforts,
and wishes her well in the years ahead; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this Resolution be
forwarded to Mrs. Patricia M. Rantala at 73895 Blvd. Road, Iron River, WI 54847.
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By Action of the
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
Shawn W. Miller, Chairman
A motion was made by Jardine/Schultz to adopt Bayfield County Resolution No.
2012-27, Honoring Patricia M. Rantala for her Dedicated Service to Bayfield County.
The motion carried.
18. Update, Discussion and Follow-Up on Transition Committee Meeting.
Abeles-Allison reported that the Committee meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
There were 2 key topics at the last meeting; pay and allowances. The County has a
number of additional pays for employees such as boots, uniforms, etc. The Committee
discussed how or whether these would be continued. Several options including eliminating
them and increasing wages to compensate for them; having the County provide them (as
done in several departments now) or providing compensation on each individual item. In
general, the Committee expressed a preference for simplifying the process and making at
least some of these items part of wages.
The Committee also discussed a wage study. A number of counties are getting
together to consider a joint wage study. The Transition Committee directed Abeles-
Allison to attend a meeting put on by WIPFLI, a statewide wage study group working with
the Counties Association. They are recommending working with other counties to get
common job descriptions (we have this for the most part) then to get a wage study on
those positions.
Discussion took place at the price WIPFLI is stating it would cost, which is
approximately $15,000 to do the wage study. Supervisor Schultz stated that you can’t
have one wage for everyone in the state as our areas are different. For example, what a
person makes in Milwaukee, doesn’t have anything to do with our wages here. Our areas
are not the same and yet every community has a similar workforce. He didn’t believe that
the amount of $15,000 justified the amount of work. Further discussion took place on the
hiring process, sick and vacation days.
Supervisor Schultz also recommended that the County Administrator send a memo
to department heads requesting from them any information they have on what services
they provide that could easily be contracted out, what would be more difficult to and what
would not be possible to do. The Administrator will look into this.
Abeles-Allison along with Chairman Miller encourage other Board members to
attend the Transition Committee meetings.
19. Administrator’s Report:
a) Change in June Meeting Date from 26th to 19th: Abeles-Allison reported
that due to conflicts he would like to move the meeting date. The Board was in agreement
with this. He also reported that District Attorney Craig Haukaas will be at this meeting to
discuss open meeting law issues.
b) Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for CNG on May 31st . The State Clean
Transportation Office will be here for a short grand opening of the Bayfield County CNG
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Station. Xcel Energy and Chequamegon Bay Engineering, who helped design the facility
will also be present.
c) Election Update: Fibert reminded everyone that the Recall Election is
scheduled for June 5th and to get out and vote. The Town of Eileen had some problems
with the heat not being turned on in the Ag Station building for May 8th election. Portable
heaters were found and a temporary solution was found. In looking at the lease, it says
that they can use the facility free of charge, however, it does not stay that the building
has to be heated year round.
d) Round-About Update: Construction is in full swing with the project ahead
of schedule. It is hopeful that September 15th will be the completion date.
e) Electronic Agendas. I-pads were set to arrive last Friday. They should be
ready for distribution this week. AJ Van Beest from the IT Department will be setting up
3 trainings sessions, 1 hour each before committee meetings.
We have an Emergency Heavy Storm Proclamation for the County Board Chair to
sign. We have signed this to tap into State funds when they become available for storm
damage.
There being no further business to come before the Bayfield County Board of
Supervisors, Chairman Miller adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully
Scott S. Fibert,
Bayfield County Clerk