HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 11/8/2005L:\COMMITTEES AND BOARDS\EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE\2005\Executive Committee Minutes 110805.doc
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Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday November 8, 2005 4:00pm
County Board Room, Bayfield County Courthouse
Members present: John Blahnik, Verne Gilles, Brett Rondeau, Harold Maki, Neil Paulson
Members excused: Kenneth Jardine
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Scott Fibert, Kris Kavajecz. Also present were Jim
Adams of Bremer Bank, Scott Ogren of Security State Bank
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Rondeau at 4:00pm.
Motion by Blahnik , second by Maki to approve minutes of the September 30, 2005 Executive
Committee meeting. Motion carried.
Banking Presentations, Discussion & Possible Action: Abeles-Allison explained that Bayfield
County has solicited the financial institutions within the county to provide banking services for
checking accounts. Scott and Greg Ogren from Security State Bank and Jim Adams from
Bremer Bank made presentations to the committee.
Summaries: Security State provides interest immediately upon deposit. The bank employs appx
35 full-time employees. All processing is done in-house. Our account would represent
approximately one ¾ time employee. They have historically been highest bidder for investment
funds 55% of the time over the past 5 years. Security State Bank suggested that a 2 or 3 year
rotation of money would be more efficient. Emphasized keeping jobs in Bayfield County and
Economic Development.
Bremer Bank explained that the details of their proposal will be identified when the proposals are
opened tomorrow. Emphasized interest immediately upon deposit, quality customer service,
longevity of employees, will have automatic teller service available in January, very experienced
working with Bayfield County and other municipalities. Provided the background/history of
Bremer Bank, which has been in business for over 70 years. Granted over 1.5 million dollars
through the Bremer Foundation last year.
The committee thanked the bank representatives for making presentations.
Discussion and Possible Action regarding Voluntary Universal Life Insurance Policy-Scott
Fibert: Fibert explained that the life insurance policy for employees currently ends when the
employee retires. Scott has investigated employee paid, optional life insurance that could be
carried past retirement. This item will be brought to the committee later next year.
Motion by Blahnik, second by Maki to allow Fibert and Abeles-Allison to investigate life
insurance options. Motion carried.
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Courtroom Improvements-Judge John Anderson &
District Attorney Craig Haukaas: Judge Anderson, Kay Cederberg and District Attorney Haukaas
spoke to the committee about sending out an RFP for a courtroom renovation consultant. There
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are current problems with the heating and cooling system at the west end of the courthouse. A
lengthy discussion was held regarding the heating and electrical issues.
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Court Fee Modifications, Clerk of Courts Office:
Kay Cederberg reported that there are two statutes applicable to collecting fines/forfeitures due
the county. Bill Bussey is currently researching whether the county can legally forgive unpaid
amounts up to $10 rather than placing the delinquent amounts as liens.
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Deductible choice for liability insurance: Abeles-
Allison explained that there is currently at $2,500 deductible per occurrence for liability
insurance. The committee considered the impact of a higher deductible on premiums.
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding modifications to the Bayfield County Policies and
Procedures Manual: The County Clerk’s office revised a specific section of the Policies and
Procedures Manual to reflect current process which coincides with the new accounting software
and account processes. Two minor corrections were noted.
Motion by Paulson, second by Gilles to approve the modifications to the Policies and
Procedures manual with the changes recommended. Motion carried.
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Northwest Regional Economic Development
Fund.: Two handouts were received, which explain the proposed Regional Revolving Loan
Fund and the reasoning behind creating the Regional Loan Fund. Various discussion items were
addressed. This item will be discussed further at the County Board meeting.
Administrator’s Report: Health Insurance RFPs were sent out with a Nov 22nd deadline for
responses. RFPs for HRA administration were also sent out. The committee reviewed the Year-
to-date financials through October 31, 2005. The smoking policy has been a hot topic with the
Labor-management committee.
Motion by Gilles, second by Paulson to adjourn. Motion Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 5:50pm