HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 9/13/2005L:\COMMITTEES AND BOARDS\EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE\2005\Executive Committee Minutes 091305.doc
Page 1 of 2
Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 13, 2005 4:00pm
Bayfield County Board Room
Members present: Kenneth Jardine, John Blahnik, Neil Paulson, Verne Gilles, Brett Rondeau,
Member Excused: Harold Maki
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Scott Fibert, Richard Compton, Dee Kittleson, David
Good, William Kacvinsky and Kris Kavajecz
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Rondeau at 4:00pm.
Motion Regarding Minutes of the August 16, 2005 Executive Committee Meeting;
Motion by Jardine, second by Gilles to approve the minutes of the August 16, 2005 meeting as
presented. Motion Carried.
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding County Strategic Planning Process: Abeles-
Allison reported that most Strategic Planning information has been collected in draft form.
Information that is available will be shared during the budget planning process as applicable.
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding line item transfers in the 2005 Budget: Abeles-
Allison reported that a budget amendment request will be presented at a future meeting regarding
repairs to the parking areas on sixth street in the amount of $9300.
Motion by Blahnik, second by Jardine to approve an expenditure in the amount of $9300 for
repairs to the parking area. Roll Call Vote: All-Yes, Motion Carried.
Michelle Ochsner was presented with a certificate recognizing her 20 year employment
anniversary with Bayfield County.
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding 2006 Budget Planning. Abeles-Allison reported
that budget meetings are scheduled over the next 2 days and that several Department Heads will
be addressing the committee.
The introductory statement of the budget document was reviewed. The summary includes details
regarding specific changes and recommendations in the Draft 2006 budget.
Several recommendations were suggested to the committee for consideration in the future.
Attrition and replacement of vacant positions was discussed.
Jardine suggested that a specified dollar increase be proposed for wage increases rather than a %
increase. This will be considered during the 2006 collective bargaining negotiations.
A recommendation was made to combine several committees to reduce per diem, mileage and
related expenses. Jardine suggested holding more committee meetings during the day rather than
in the evening. A concern was raised that combining the Health and Human Services Board
L:\COMMITTEES AND BOARDS\EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE\2005\Executive Committee Minutes 091305.doc
Page 2 of 2
meetings would create excessively long meetings.
A discussion was held regarding the feasibility of Northern Lights Health Care to eventually take
on the Home Health program. Input from the board was that they were in favor of this concept
provided that quality service is available to all citizens in all areas of the county.
Brief discussion was held regarding the necessity to retain Bill Lewis and Ken Hebbe to support
the HP3000. Good questioned if there is any recourse with Headwaters Resources as a result of
the delayed implementation of the new tax system, resulting in additional expenses to the county
beyond what was originally agreed upon. Suggestion was made to determine a specific end date
for the HP3000 system and end date for contract with Hebbe and Lewis.
Discussion was held regarding the Shoreland Restoration activities and associated costs/fees
needed to complete the requirements of the Shoreland Mitigation plans.
Abeles-Allison explained a proposal to generate the county plat book internally rather than
outsourcing it.
A brief overview of Highway Department budget proposals was provided. Overall an 18%
increase in expenditures, with a net 0 increase in levy is currently proposed. Highway Committee
members expressed their support of moving to a single fleet of large trucks in place of a dual
fleet of small and large trucks used seasonally.
Abeles-Allison provided an overview of excess revenue and fund balances. An overview was
provided of what excess revenues are proposed to be used for in 2006.
Jardine asked about the status of the agreement with the unions to offer health insurance to new
employees after one month of employment versus six months of employment. Abeles-Allison
explained that he is working with all 3 unions to implement side letters related to this topic
simultaneously to keep the county policy consistent.
Abeles-Allison briefly reviewed the format of the master budget spreadsheets.
Jardine asked about the status of the Courtroom renovation project. It was reported that the grant
was denied. $70,000 was included in the budget for security upgrades to the courtroom.
A brief discussion was held regarding funding for Bayfield County Economic Development
Corporation. Bill Devries will be invited to address the committee at some point over the next
two days. Comments supporting and opposing the Corporation were presented.
Motion by Jardine, second by Paulson to adjourn. Motion Carried.
Abeles-Allison explained that a binder is available for board member to review. The binder
contains all budget requests for 2006.
Meeting adjourned at 6:05 pm.