HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 12/12/2013Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:00PM, December 12, 2013
Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Washburn, WI
Members Present: Brett Rondeau, Shawn Miller, Marco Bichanich, Kenneth Jardine
Members Excused: Dee Kittleson, Beth Meyers
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County Administrator, Dennis Pocernich,
Scottie Sandstrom-Bayfield County Economic Development Corporation, Rick Geissen-Bremer
Bank, Kristine Kavajecz-Confidential Secretary
Rondeau called the meeting to order at 4:00pm
Minutes of November 14, 2013: Motion Bichanich, Miller to approve the minutes of the
November 14, 2013 Executive Committee meeting. Motion Carried.
Review of Investments: Abeles-Allison reviewed the current bank balances as reported by the
County Treasurer’s office. He reported that approximately one quarter of the county’s cash
balance is invested in the Bremer Trust, currently about $3million dollars. Geisen reported on the
status of the trust. Copies of a summary of November and December monthly statements were
provided. The trust investments are receiving significantly more return than conventional
savings. Brief discussion was held regarding the amount of funds in trust and whether that
amount should be increased or decreased. Consensus of the committee is to remain status quo.
Geisen exited the meeting at this time.
Ag Station Discussion: Currently $34,000 in the Ag Station Fund. Budget this year is $31,000.
Additional revenues were brought in this year through the sale of 2 parcels. Additional expenses
were encountered due to land surveying related to the parcel sales. AERC lease is in place
through July, 2014. Lease for the Regional Food Co-op is in place for the next 4.5 years. 15.5
acres are in the Xcel Energy Woody Biomass trials until 2018. 40 acres are zoned commercial.
Superior Sauna has begun construction on their new facility.
Ashland Industries and Northern Clearing have both expressed interest in acquiring or leasing all
or portions of the property for various purposes.
Motion Miller, Bichanich to notify AERC that their lease will not be extended beyond July, 2014.
Renters in the houses will be allowed to continue renting the properties.
County Administrator to issue RFP for all of the tillable land, with up to 5-year lease, including
an option to remove the commercial land during the duration of the lease (with compensation to
the lessee if necessary for the land removed). Motion Carried.
Donations: Opinion of Corporation Counsel was reviewed with regard to donations that the
county may make. Several committee members expressed concern with making donations of any
kind to any organization.
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Motion Jardine, Bichanich to enter in and out of closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats.
19.85(1)(c,e,f,g) for discussion and possible action regarding approval of closed session minutes
from November 14, 2013. Motion Carried. Entered closed session at 4:55 pm.
Motion Bichanich, Jardine to return to open session. Motion Carried. Entered open session at
4:59pm. Motion Carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 4:59 pm