HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 12/9/2010Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:00 PM, December 9, 2010, Emergency Operations Center (EOC),
Annex Building, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Beth Meyers, Brett Rondeau, Dee Kittleson, William Kacvinsky, Marco
Bichanich, Kenneth Jardine
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-Confidential
Secretary, Rich Lavigne-AERC, individuals requesting sub-leases at the Ag Station.
Meeting called to order at 4:00 pm by Rondeau.
Motion Jardine, Bichanich to approve minutes of the November 12, 2010 Executive Committee
Meeting. Motion Carried.
Investment Policy:
Motion Bichanich, Kittleson to postpone this discussion.
Meyers will provide the name of an investment advisor to Abeles-Allison. Abeles-Allison
explained the type of investment that is being considered. Motion Carried.
AERC Sub-Leases: Rich Lavigne, President of AERC, provided a powerpoint presentation
clarifying questions the committee previously had regarding the animal operations being
proposed. 3 separate sub-leases are under consideration: Horse Boarding (6 horses), Rotational
Cattle Grazing (16 cows), Broiler Chickens (up to 10,000 per month). Lengthy discussion was
held regarding the process and techniques to be used.
Cows will be rotational grazed in approximately 1 acre area, moved daily. Up to 70 “chicken
tractors”, 10’ x12’ in size, would house 75-95 birds each. The “tractors” are moved 10 feet daily
over the area previously grazed by the cows. The birds eat larvae and bugs and break down the
manure. They also deposit nitrogen back into the soil. A grazing plan diagram was reviewed.
Discussion took place regarding the amount of chicken litter and manure that would be
generated. Lavigne provided data that only the litter/manure from the animals in buildings would
need to be composted. With the use of Black Soldier Flies, an area 20’x20’ would be sufficient
for a year’s worth of chicken litter. Demonstration video and discussion regarding Black Soldier
flies. The flies are used to eliminate waste and deceased animals. They would be contained in
the greenhouse. Larvae would be used as supplemental feed for the chickens. The flies are not
cold hardy, so could not become invasive, although are native in the southern part of the country.
These flies are commonly shipped commercially throughout the United States for feed for pets
such as lizards etc..
Review of the proposed use of buildings for the various animal operations.
The sub-leases would be for 3 years, ending at the same time as the AERC contract.
It was noted that Ashland County would also need to consider and approve any sub-leases.
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Motion Jardine, Bichanich to approve sub-leases through AERC contingent upon approval of
Ashland County, authorizing Abeles-Allison to work out the details of the contracts. Motion
Carried.
Highway Ordinance Amendment:
Motion Bichanich, Jardine to approve the revised Highway Ordinance, removing item 3-1-6,
item (b) and removing the strike through of item (a). Motion Carried
Budget Amendment Resolution: Abeles-Allison reviewed a budget amendment resolution that
will come before the County Board correcting anticipated overage in the Clerk of Court Office
and reflecting new grant funding in the UW Extension Department.
Motion Jardine, Kittleson to approve the budget amendment as presented and forward to the
County Board for consideration. Motion Carried.
Health Insurance Bids: Abeles-Allison reported that no bids from new vendors were received.
A modified plan was provided by our current carrier, WCA GHT. The proposal includes a
change in network provider as well as coverage changes. Abeles-Allison explained these types of
changes would require approval by the unions. He will investigate doubling deductibles,
offsetting costs for employees through the HRA.
Superior Days Issues: Motion Kacvinsky, Bichanich to direct Abeles-Allison to press for the
expansion of Highway 2 be included as a Superior Days Legislative Issue in 2011. Specific
request should be to include the expansion in the 2030 Highway Plan and supporting a
legislative study of the feasibility. Motion Carried.
Reports:
County Treasurer’s report was reviewed. It was noted that the funds in the HRA account should
not be considered in the total balance because these are employee dollars being maintained in the
county’s name until ready for disbursement.
2010 year-to-date budget reviewed. Overall, good.
County/Tribal Law Enforcement Agreement: Abeles-Allison provided progression of recent
events. A meeting with County and Tribal representatives on this topic will take place on
December 10th.
Park & Ride: No recent action on this item.
CNG Project: Considering contractor to be selected.
Energy Conservation Project: Contractor beginning work on heating control modifications in the
courthouse.
Motion Jardine, Kacvinsky to enter in/out of Executive Session Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute
19.85(1) (c, e, g): Approval of the November 10, 2010 Executive Session minutes;
Discussion/possible action regarding employee compensation and performance, including
setting non-represented wages; Deliberate or negotiate the purchase of public properties;
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Consider oral or written advice from legal counsel with regard to litigation and/or potential
litigation.Roll Call Vote: All-Yes, Motion Carried. Entered Executive Session at 5:45pm
Motion Meyers, Kacvinsky to return to open session. Motion Carried. Returned to open session
at 6:00pm.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:00pm