HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 12/13/2012Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:00PM, December 13, 2012
Emergency Operations Center, Bayfield County Annex, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Brett Rondeau, Marco Bichanich, Shawn Miller, Beth Meyers, Dee Kittleson
Members Excused: Kenneth Jardine
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-Bayfield County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-
Confidential Secretary, Neil Schultz, Scottie Sandstrom-Bayfield County Economic
Development, Gene Jordan & Jennifer Augustine-Northern Lights Healthcare, Chuck Porter-
Superior Sauna
Rondeau called the meeting to order at 4:00pm
Minutes of November 8, 2012: Motion Bichanich, Miller to approve the minutes of the
November 8, 2012 Executive Committee meeting. Motion Carried.
Northern Lights Presentation: Abeles-Allison introduced Northern Lights representatives.
Gene Jordan will be retiring in January, 2013. Jennifer Augustine has been named Executive
Director. Augustine will assume her new position on February 1, 2013. Carriage Healthcare will
provide contracted management services to assist the facility in management functions. Plan is to
fine tune current services and then continue growing the company slowly as need is identified
with home health as well as assisted living and therapy services. Bayfield County approved two
financial measures in October to assist Northern Lights. These measures have been implemented.
Abeles-Allison reported that the county’s financial consultant has reported that if the county
wanted to, they could refinance the 2007 bonds totaling a potential $200,000 savings over the
life of the bonds (approximately $10,000-$13,000 per year savings). This option is being
investigated with a recommendation to be made in the near future. Miller expressed concern with
the rapid expansion of Northern Lights which has put them in a tight financial situation.
Presentation by Superior Sauna-Charles Porter: Scottie Sandstrom introduced Superior
Sauna representatives who are interested in expanding their business to the Ag Station Property.
Chuck Porter, majority owner, provided an overview of the proposed project. Superior Sauna is
interested in purchasing approximately 7 acres along State Farm Road just to the south of the
existing facilities. Samples of the product were shown on the screen. Currently operating from
multiple sites, would like to condense to one site. Plan is to add approximately 6-8 jobs over the
next 2 years. Have been in business for 8 years. One of the top 10 sauna manufacturers in the
country and the number one sauna parts seller. Porter reviewed the estimate for the project,
which is $1 million. Bank has provided pre-approval for the loan. Discussion of the location of
the parcel that is proposed for purchase. Concern by Superior Sauna is that access to the well be
included and their primary purpose for the location is exposure along US Highway 2.
Terry Torkko, Town of Eileen explained that State Farm Road is a Town Road, with a weight
limit of 24 ton. There is concern with the ability of the road to withstand semi-truck traffic. He
suggested that a stub road may need to be constructed to reduce/eliminate traffic on the town
road.
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Sidewalk/Concrete Project Proposals: Bid tabulation summarizing proposals for concrete
work and sidewalks was reviewed. Consensus of the committee is to bring this back to the
committee in April and confirm where the project was advertised and what local concrete
specialists were notified of the projects.
Budget Amendment for District Attorney Budget and Motor Pool Fund: Motion Kittleson,
Meyers to approve the use of $8000 from contingency to cover contractual services in the
District Attorney’s Office. Roll Call Vote: All-Yes, Motion Carried.
Motion Kittleson, Meyers, to approve the Motor Pool Budget Amendment as presented and
forward to the full county board for approval. Motion Carried.
Superior Days Issues: Review of the primary issues that will be the focus of Superior Days in
February.
Uniform Reimbursements: Input has been solicited from departments regarding uniform and
tool allowances that should be included in the Personnel Manual. The county is considering
including some of the current allowances within the base wage rather than as a separate item.
Recommendation is to wait until after the wage study is completed to make a determination on
the uniform allowances. Bichanich will look into the cost of a service to provide
coveralls/cleaning rather than laundering coveralls in the Highway Department.
Financial Reports:
1. YTD 2012 Budget Performance: Review of Year to Date Financials. Revenues are
currently at about 90% of total budget. Human Services is projecting a shortfall and may
need to tap into the risk reserve fund. Overall, budget is doing well.
2. County Treasurer Report: Review of Northern Lights accounts and balances. Review of
overall county funds. Approximately $1.2 million down from the same point in 2011.
Motion Meyers, Bichanich to enter in and out of executive session pursuant to Wis. Stats.
19.85(1)(c,e,f,g) for discussion and possible action regarding approval of minutes from the
November 8, 2012 Executive Committee Meeting, to discuss wages, Economic development and
Union negotiations, discussion and possible action regarding County Administrator Contract
and Performance Evaluation. Motion Carried. Entered Executive Session at 5:47pm.
Motion Kittleson, Bichanich to return to open session. Motion Carried. Returned to Open
Session at 6:15pm.
Motion Miller, Kittlseson to adjourn. Motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:15pm.