HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 4/10/2014Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:00PM, April 10, 2014
Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Washburn, WI
Members Present: Brett Rondeau, Shawn Miller, Beth Meyers, Marco Bichanich,
Members Excused: Kenneth Jardine, Dee Kittleson
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-
Assistant . Dennis Pocernich, Kay Cederberg-Clerk of Court, Patricia Olson-Register of Deeds
Rondeau called the meeting to order at 4:00pm
Minutes of March 13, 2014: Motion Bichanich, Meyers to approve minutes of the March 13,
2014 Executive Committee meeting. Motion Carried.
Bayfield County Economic Development Corporation Quarterly Report-Scottie
Sandstrom: Sandstrom reviewed the quarterly report compiled by him and APEX. Sandstrom
reviewed current business related activities and outreach. He reported on the potential for Natural
Gas and 3-phase power extension to the Ag Station property. The medical group project will not
move forward at this time. Several handouts were provided promoting broadband services and
entrepreneur opportunities. Sandstrom provided a summary of the various businesses and
activities the BCEDC has been working on that will occur over the next several months.
Ag Station RFP Submittals: Abeles-Allison referred to a summary of the proposals that were
received. The committee received the summary in their packets. Comment was received that 40
or so acres should be retained and the remainder of the land and buildings should be sold.
Motion Miller, Bichanich to reject all proposals received. Discussion: current leases would not
be impacted until the end of their lease. Motion Carried. The committee will continue to review
the proposals that were received and is open to further discussion with the interested parties.
Memorandum of Understanding with the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Gaming Compact: Abeles-Allison explained that once the tribe meets a certain revenue point, a
portion of revenues that exceed that point are submitted to the state. The compact allows for the
monies to come to the county rather than the state. Abeles-Allison reviewed comments from
Corporation Counsel regarding the proposed MOU provided by Red Cliff. Recommendation was
made to remove the provision for binding arbitration. Suggestion in the MOU is to focus the
funds toward Land and Human Services programs. A remedy would also need to be discussed if
there were to be a violation of the MOU. Abeles-Allison suggested further review and
discussion on this topic. Meyers suggested adding this to the Tribal Relations Committee agenda
for discussion.
2015 Budget Survey: 2013 was the first year that a budget survey was utilized to gain input on
2014 budget planning. The survey encompassed most departments and services. The suggestion
for the 2015 budget is to focus the survey on specific departments/programs. A draft of the
survey questions was reviewed. The survey will be available in paper and electronically.
Suggestion was made to add an introduction providing an overview of the current county budget.
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Forestry Budget Amendment: Resolution has been reviewed and passed by the Forestry
Committee for monies to be used by towns that have roads accessing county forest lands.
Motion Meyers, Bichanich to approve the Forestry budget amendment resolution as presented.
Motion Carried.
Reports
a. 2014 Budget, March 2014: First quarter 2014 financials were reviewed. Treasurers
receipts are up over last year. Forestry revenues exceeded $1 million for the first time
ever during the first quarter. Coroner expenses are elevated due to the homicide related
expenses. Overall, the general fund is within budget. Summary of all funds show that all
major funds are within budget at this point. One additional vehicle was added to the fleet
due to an additional employee in Forestry. Motor pool expenses will be tight in 2014.
b. County Treasurer Report, March 2014: All time high balance for this time of year.
Sales tax figures that were posted in March showed no change from the previous year.
Sales tax figures for the second quarter are expected to be much higher due to the Sea
Cave activities.
c. Northern Lights Financials: Northern Lights reported a second positive month in
February. Financials are moving in the right direction.
Motion Miller, 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 March 13, 2014 and to conduct the County Administrator Performance Evaluation.
Motion Carried. Entered closed session at 4:55pm. Olson and Cederberg exited the meeting at
this time.
Motion Bichanich, Meyers to return to open session. Motion Carried. Returned to open session
at 5:40pm.
Meeting Adjourned at 5:40pm
Respectfully Submitted by Kristine Kavajecz