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HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 3/22/2006L:\COMMITTEES AND BOARDS\EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE\2006\Executive Committee Minutes 032206.doc Page 1 of 2 Minutes of the Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting Wednesday, March 22, 2006 9:00am Ashland Agricultural Research Station Members present: Verne Gilles, Harold Maki, Neil Paulson, John Blahnik, Brett Rondeau Others Present: William Kacvinsky-County Board Chairman, Ashland County Executive Committee in full, Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kris Kavajecz-Confidential Secretary, Thomas Kieweg-Ashland County Administrator, Lori Schmidt-Ashland County Administrative Secretary, Several representatives of the public and media. The Bayfield County Executive Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Rondeau at 9:00am. Introductions were made around the room. Motion by Maki, second by Blahnik to approve the minutes of the February 21, 2006 Executive Committee meeting. Motion carried. Ashland County Executive Committee meeting was called to order by Chairperson Kurilla. Ag Research Station: Abeles-Allison provided a background of activities related to the Ag Research Station to date. The University of Wisconsin has extended an offer to return the ownership of the property and facilities to the two counties. A list of the facilities and property was reviewed. The property encompasses approximately 260 acres and has approximately 33,000 square feet of building space, with 5 of the buildings currently heated. Abeles-Allison reviewed several suggestions on what the joint Executive Committees could consider with regard to disposal or use of the property and facilities. A presentation was made by Jason Fischbach representing the Chequamegon Institute. The presentation summarized the Fields, Waters and Woods Initiative, which is one option for use of a portion of the Ag Research Station. The presentation emphasized opportunities for the station that would make it self-sustaining, requiring no funding from the counties for its operation. Lengthy discussion was held related to the Counties’ potential ownership of the property and it’s uses. Concern was expressed regarding initial start-up and maintenance costs while viable projects were identified and established. A suggestion was made that all options for uses or return of the property to the tax roll should be evaluated. Motion by Neil Paulson, Second by John Blahnik to send a letter to the University of Wisconsin indicating Bayfield County’s interest in having the ownership of the Ag Research Station property and facilities returned to Ashland and Bayfield Counties and to forward this recommendation on to the respective County Boards for approval. Motion Carried. Ashland County duplicated the motion and adjourned their meeting at 10:40am. A 5-minute break was observed. Chairman Rondeau called the Bayfield County Executive Committee back to order at 10:45am. L:\COMMITTEES AND BOARDS\EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE\2006\Executive Committee Minutes 032206.doc Page 2 of 2 Engineering Proposals: Abeles-Allison reviewed a summary Proposals that were submitted by Architectural firms for four projects. A total of $193,000 has been included in the 2006 budget for the four projects. Motion by John Blahnik, second by Neil Paulson to select PTD, Inc. as engineers for the four projects identified. Motion Carried. Strategic Plan: This item will be discussed at the next meeting. Ag Station: A brief discussion was held regarding formation of an oversight committee for the Ag Station once the ownership of the property reverts to the counties. A suggestion was made that an intergovernmental agreement could be established, similar to the arrangement with the Tir-County Corridor. William Kacvinsky exited the meeting at 11:00am. Health Insurance Utilization: Abeles-Allison reported that the county’s insurance claims have currently exceeded premiums by $80,000 so far in 2005. A brief discussion was held regarding the pros and cons of going out to bid for Health Insurance coverage. Wisconsin County Mutual Performance Awards: The County Highway Department and Sheriff’s Department were recognized in 2005. Financial Report: The report was reviewed. Courtroom Renovation Project: Abeles-Allison reported that KKE Architects will be meeting with stakeholders this week to gain input in to the project. The panic button in the courtroom has been repaired. Motion by Gilles, second by Maki to adjourn. Motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:20 am.