HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 1/16/2007Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
12:00 Noon, January 16, 2007
Agriculture Research Station
Members Present: Brett Rondeau, John Blahnik, Bill Kacvinsky, Thomas Gordon, Kenneth
Jardine
Members Excused: Dee Kittleson
Other Present, Mark Abeles-Allison, Kris Kavajecz
Meeting called to order at 12:10pm by Chairman Rondeau.
Motion Blahnik, Kacvinsky to approve the December 21, 2006 Executive Committee meeting.
Motion Carried.
County Administrator evaluation will be addressed at the next meeting. Motion Gordon, Blahnik
to postpone this item until the next meeting. Motion Carried.
Sheriff’s Department Basement Project: A handout of the proposed lay-out was reviewed along
with a cost estimate with options from the architect. Discussion was held regarding work to be
completed now and what to hold off on until office space is needed. Motion by Gordon,
Kacvinsky to move forward with Concept 1 presented by Larry Beyer, and discuss cost estimates
with local contractors. Motion Carried.
Reports: A financial status handout was provided by the Treasurers office. Abeles-Allison
reviewed the budget report summary from 2006. The prescription drug program is being utilized
and is showing positive results. Health Department has moved their offices to the Annex
building. Agency issues for Superior Days were reviewed.
A 5-minute break was observed.
Ashland County representatives and interested citizens joined the meeting at 1:00pm.
Others joining the meeting included: Peg Kurilla, Myron Schuster, Rick Olivo, Marian Vaughn
Donna Williamson, Bud Holt, Joyce Kobasa, Mike Hamm, Zander Waters, Ben Wolian.
Abeles-Allison provided a background on the Ag Station, including the transfer of ownership to
the two counties and proposed uses for the station. A list of the 39 proposals was read.
Since the two counties took possession, the monies contributed by the City of Ashland were
returned to the City.
Suggestion by Gordon that a sub-committee comprised of the two counties be formed to develop
a short and long-term plan for the station.
Schuster expressed interest in working with the counties on the planning and suggested that a
committee would be a good idea. Infrastructure needs and vision will be foundations to begin
with. Funding for various economic development projects is available through USDA/NW
Regional Planning Commission and possibly other avenues.
Discussion regarding what the first step should be. Various ideas were discussed to address short
term funding for the site.
Bayfield and Ashland County Chairs will appoint two representatives each to serve on an Ad-
Hoc committee along with the Chairs and County Administrators.
The committees considered a list of immediate action items. Discussion regarding contacting
Community Gardens to request use of the station for 2007 and to sign a liability waiver.
The committee gave consensus to rent the ranch house for 12 months.
Motion Blahnik, Gordon to adjourn. Motion Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 2:20pm.