HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 3/12/2002117 East Fifth Street ▪ Washburn, WI 54891 ▪ markaa@bayfieldcounty.org
Phone 715-373-6181 ▪ FAX 715-373-6183
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2002, 9:00am, County Board Room
Members Present: John Blahnik, Verne Gilles, Bill Kacvinsky, Brett Rondeau, Roy Settgas,
Others Present: Tom Gordon, Mark Abeles-Allison, Kris Kavajecz
Members Absent: Kenneth Jardine
Meeting was called to order by Chairman, Brett Rondeau at 9:00am in the County Board Room.
Motion by Blahnik, Second by Kacvinsky to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2002
meeting. Motion Carried.
Department Updates:
Custodial: Mark Abeles-Allison Reported that the tile replacement project is underway. All
existing tile has been removed and installation of new tile will begin tonight and will be
completed during non-business hours. The project is anticipated to cost less than $20,000.
Informational Services: Mark Abeles-Allison reported that the new microwave tower has been
installed. The installation of the tower replaces the hardwire system that was previously used.
The microware provides higher quality internet service at a reduced cost.
2002 Budget Reduction Review: Mark Abeles-Allison provided a summary of proposed budget
reductions from each department. Abeles-Allison explained that each department was asked to
reduce their overall budgets by 1.5% in an effort to offset the anticipated loss of State Revenue
Sharing monies as well as anticipated shortfall on sales tax revenues. Discussion regarding
reductions of specific line items followed.
Motion by Blahnik, Second by Kacvinsky to take accept the suggested budget cuts and reflect the
reductions in the budget. It was further moved to allow the departments to determine which line
items would be affected.
Gilles questioned whether the budget cuts needed to go through the respective department
committees. Gilles questioned whether budgets reflected 2002 or 2001 payroll figures. Gordon
responded that budgets should reflect 2001 payroll figures and that monies were set aside in the
contingency fund to be transferred to each department in the amount of the 2002 payroll
increases, however, that the money would not be transferred until the end of the year so that an
accurate amount would be transferred. Gordon suggested that the budget cuts be made now
because it may be too late to make an impact if it is delayed too long. Settgas suggested that the
suggested budget cuts be sent to each committee before adjustments are made.
Office of the
Bayfield County Administrator
Mark Abeles-Allison
117 East Fifth Street ▪ Washburn, WI 54891 ▪ markaa@bayfieldcounty.org
Phone 715-373-6181 ▪ FAX 715-373-6183
Previous motion rescinded and amended by Blahnik. New motion by Blahnik to approve the
budget cuts for the departments as a whole and that the departments determine the specific line
items to be affected after reviewed by respective committees.
Roll Call Vote was requested by Blahnik: Yes-5, No-0 Motion Carried.
CDBG Funding for Joint Dispatch Efforts:
Abeles-Allison reported that while in Madison for Superior Days, he and Kacvinsky visited with
the Department of Commerce and explained the possibility of joint dispatch between Bayfield
and Ashland Counties, and the City of Ashland. Abeles-Allison reported that his office is
working on a proposal to the Dept of Commerce, which may provide significant funding for this
project. It was suggested by Kacvinsky that this money may provide the catalyst needed to jump-
start discussions on this topic. Settgas suggested that Ashland County be notified of Bayfield
County’s recommendation to house a joint dispatch center in the new Bayfield County Law
Enforcement Center.
Budget Policy for Line Item Transfers: Abeles-Allison proposed that minor changes be made
to the county’s policy for line item transfers. The policy modifications included:
-Increases in line items or shifting funds within a department form one line item to
another (no net department increase) be submitted to the County Administrator and respective
Committee for approval.
-Increases of the department budget will be submitted to the County Administrator,
respective Committee, and Executive Committee for approval.
-Increases over 10% of a department’s budget must be approved by the Board of
Supervisors as well as the County Administrator, and Executive Committee.
Wisconsin Rural Partners: Abeles-Allison reported that while this may be a worthwhile
endeavor at some point down the line, he does not feel that the County would benefit from their
services at this time.
Financial Update: Abeles-Allison provided handouts of revenues and expenditures from 2001
and YTD 2002. In addition, graphs of major funds were provided, which compared revenues and
expenditures from February of 2001 and 2002. Abeles-Allison explained that this information is
useful to identify immediate concerns and trends. Financial reports will be provided at each
meeting.
Review of Orientation Packet for Incoming County Board Members: Committee members
reviewed a draft copy of a table of contents for an Orientation Booklet being prepared by the
Administrator’s Office, which will be used to conduct an orientation of new and existing County
Board Members, following the April Election. Suggestions for additions or modifications were
solicited.
Other Business: Gilles asked for a status report on the WCC crew. Abeles-Allison stated that
due to the reduced funding for WCC, Patricia Thornton compiled a joint application for a “Super
Crew” to serve all entities in our county that previously maintained separate crews. The
application has been submitted and is being reviewed at the state level.
Motion by Kacvinsky, Second by Gilles to adjourn. Motion Carried. Meeting Adjourned at
10:55am, 3/14/02.
Respectfully submitted by Kris Kavajecz