HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 4/2/2009Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:00 PM, April 2, 2009 Emergency Operations Center, Washburn, WI
Members Present: David Good, Marco Bichanich, Kenneth Jardine, Dee Kittleson, Brett
Rondeau, William Kacvinsky
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Craig Parks (AFSCME Local
1731), Linda Hardy, Craig Haukaas-District Attorney, Kris Kavajecz
Meeting called to order at 4:00 pm by Chairman Rondeau.
Motion Jardine, Bichanich to approve minutes of the March 12, 2009 Executive Committee
Meeting. Motion Carried.
Job Title Change: Linda Hardy currently holds the position of Victim/Witness Coordinator
(75% time) and District Attorney Office Assistant (25% time). District Attorney Haukaas
summarized his support of a request from Linda Hardy to create the position of Victim/Witness
Coordinator II at the Level 5, Grade 2 wage level. The Victim/Witness duties are currently
reimbursed at 53% by the state. Linda also implemented the restitution surcharge last year,
which also helps to offset her wage.
Motion Kacvinsky, Kittleson to receive the request and place on file, to authorize the County
Administrator to study the request. The request will be reviewed at the next Executive Committee
meeting and a recommendation forwarded to the Personnel Committee for consideration. Motion
Carried.
Northern Lights Bonding: Abeles-Allison provided a copy of an email from Gene Jordan
representing Northern Lights requesting a waiver of a lease covenant requiring the nursing home
to retain a designated fund reserve. The accountant conducting the single audit identified that the
facility is not currently meeting the covenant ratio test, which prompted the request for the
waiver. The request is for a 2-year waiver. The committee discussed the waiver as well as the
ratio requirement.
Motion Good, Kacvinsky to recommend to the full county board that they authorize a 2-year
waiver in specific increments for Northern Lights. The ratio in 2008 to be set at .56 and the
ration to be determined in consultation with Northern Lights in 2009. Motion Carried.
Economic Development Initiative in Cable: Abeles-Allison reported that Dr. Fogherty has
made an offer to purchase the old Chequamegon Telephone building in Cable, currently the
Cable Business Center. He plans to open an out-patient surgery center and pharmacy, employing
approximately 12 professionals. Rondeau requested that board members submit letters
supporting the project to the Cable Chamber in care of James Bolen.
2009 Budget: Abeles-Allison reviewed staffing adjustments that have been observed in 2009 to
help offset the anticipated shortfall of revenue. Adjustments included short-staffing the
maintenance department by ½ time position for 3 months, Replacing a FT with a PT position in
the Register of Deeds, and filling vacated positions in the Department of Human Services. These
staffing adjustments will result in approximately $25,000 savings.
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Departments have been invited to submit requests for summer staffing through the CEP Youth
program.
Review of the status of Capital Projects. Elevator project came in under estimate and it’s
anticipated that of the $80,000 planned for this project, only $36,000 will be needed. The state
has contacted the County Administrator regarding possible 50% funding of the Brownstone
Restoration project. This project and matching funds could be planned over 2 years.
Sales tax revenues were down in March. Permit volume is low in both the Planning & Zoning
and Register of Deeds offices.
Reports: Summary of projected 2008 Financials was reviewed. Current $147,000 deficit in the
General Funds should break even once late arriving funds are applied. Preliminary Highway
projects show 2008 a bit better than 2007. DHS preliminary estimates are in the black.
Wind Update: Mike Amman with the Forestry Department attended a seminar on state funding
for wind and solar projects. Bayfield County received a $10,000 Focus on Energy grant for the
wind project. The committee reviewed a draft letter to the Towns of Bayview and Bayfield
regarding a second SODAR trailer on county property.
ADRC Update: The Aging & Disability Resource Center is scheduled to open June 1st. A
temporary reception area will be set up in the office space next to the Tourism Department.
Committee suggested that an informational memo be distributed to employees regarding the
construction project timeline.
Health Insurance Utilization: A utilization summary was reviewed. Utilization for 2008 was up
significantly. Utilization for the beginning of 2009 was up over 2008.
Surveyor: Scott Galetka, Land Records Administrator has been working with Bob Mick, County
Surveyor on contract details.
Updates
Shadow Wood Lawsuit: A lawsuit was filed against the county. Copies were provided to each
County Board Supervisor.
Personnel Committee: Will meet on April 8th to conduct regular business and a grievance
hearing with AFSCME.
Next Executive Committee meeting scheduled for May 14 at 4:00pm.
Motion Kacvinsky, Jardine to adjourn. Motion Carried. Meeting Adjourned at 5:30pm