Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 8/10/2016Minutes of the Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting 4:00PM, August 10, 2016 EOC, Bayfield County Annex, Washburn, WI Members Present: Brett Rondeau, Jeff Silbert, Fred Strand, Shawn Miller (via telephone), Harold Maki Members Excused: William Bussey Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, James Crandall, Scottie Sandstrom and Jane Bucy-BCEDC, Scott Fibert-County Clerk, Kay Cederberg, John Anderson. Meeting called to order at 4:00 pm by Brett Rondeau. Public Comment: None Minutes of July 14, 2016: Motion Strand, Silbert to approve minutes of the July 14, 2016 meeting. Motion Carried. 2017 Budget Presentations: Bayfield County Economic Development Corporation: Jane Bucy presented the 2017 budget which includes a county budget request of $85,405, for a total budget of $98,950. Bucy reviewed the rationale, showing an increase in contributions from donors and a need to be competitive in light of an upcoming retirement of the Executive Director in three years and industry comparison. Increases were justified based on costs for retirement and health insurance. Three attachments were presented including a budget request and accomplishment report. Besides the consultant category increases were requested in the area of advertising and conferences. Maki urged that BCEDC address the employee and education side of the equation. Sandstrom concurred and noted efforts underway. Bucy noted that demographics will impact the region as well with a smaller workforce. Silbert inquired about hours worked per week, Sandstrom noted it was in the 40-50 hour range. County Clerk: Scott Fibert presented the Office's budget for 2017 which included a $27,000 reduction due to changes in personnel and it being a non-election year. Highlights included in increases in Wisconsin Retirement and Changes in disability insurances. Fibert reviewed 2016 accomplishments and 2017 goals from the proposed budget. Clerk Of Court: Kay Cederberg noted that current workload warrants an additional half time staff person. While caseload is down, transactions handled by staff are increasing. A steady increase from 2013 was shown, increasing from 37,000 to 57,000 in 2015. E-filing will be mandatory in early 2017. A transaction is generated as the documents are entered. E filing will save time for printing documents as they will be available electronically as opposed to going to the files. Overall the office will be more efficient but in a different way. In-court (electronic) processing will be an option in the future. The Clerk of Court issues passports for Bayfield County residents. This is not a requirement but the courthouse is the only location in the county where this can be done. The next closest spot is the post office in Ashland. Jail Assessment figures were also reviewed. Numbers have decreased from 77% to 54% of Jail Assessment captured. Pending criminal cases were reviewed noting an increase in pending cases. This occurs because attorneys have delayed cases. Judge Anderson reported that jury trials are now scheduled through March of 2017. County assessments over the past 10 years were also reviewed showing a continuing trend of a 90% + collection rate after 10 years. The Clerk of Court recommended a Space Study to ensure the Clerk of Court office is situated most efficiently and securely. The Committee responded with questions regarding space needs and security. County Treasurer and Register of Deeds: Brief reports for the Treasurer and Register of Deeds were made by the County Administrator. The Register of Deeds is planning a capital project involving back scanning. There may be some insurance adjustments with changes in staff. The Treasurer’s Office noted no changes anticipated. Highway Flood Closure and Related Expenses: The Committee reviewed the August 4, 2016 letter from the Highway Commissioner to the Wisconsin DOT noting over $632,000 in flood related expenses. Many of these expenses will be reimbursed but not all. Motion Maki, Miller to receive and place the Highway report on file. Motion carried (5-0). Highway Department Resolution: The Committee discussed recent action taken by the Highway Department as it relates to the culvert washout and recommended bridge construction decision of the Committee. Motion Miller, Maki to approve the land purchase resolution. Motion carried, 5-0. County Facility/Road Naming Policy: The committee discussed the draft naming policy. Many questions were identified including what the policy is in the event of a corporate sponsor and what was meant by the “core purpose” wording. The Committee reviewed the cost to obtain, install and maintain signage. The topic of recreational trails maintained by clubs came up and special concerns with naming trails. The Committee authorized the County Administrator to work with Jim Crandall and bring back another draft at the next meeting. Donation to Chequamegon Humane Association (CHA) for the new Animal Shelter: The CHA is in the process of building a new structure in Ashland that will serve the region. A donation request was received. The committee discussed whether the County should contribute or not. The Consensus of the committee is to include this in the draft budget for 2017. Board members discussed how big of a priority this was in light of many other human suffering issues. City of Washburn Tower Land Lease Agreement/ Communications Tower Construction Project in the City of Washburn: The Committee reviewed the modified land lease agreement with the City of Washburn. The Board approved this in 2015 based on Verizon constructing the tower. This has changed and Verizon is no longer willing to front the cost of the tower. This new lease includes county expenses for tower construction and maintenance of emergency service communications. Board members questioned if this would be a long term solution for cellular communications or if satellites would replace cell towers. Board members inquired about the 50% sharing with the City even though expenses were born initially by the county. It was noted that 100% of revenues received would be available to offset all costs associated with the tower and emergency communications which will be significant. Silbert noted current zones in the City that receive no coverage, especially in buildings including Northern Lights. Other stories of Deputies not being able to call for help in the City came up. Silbert made a motion, that based on needs for emergency service personnel, to make them safer and the public common good, to make a recommendation to the full board that they approve the attached agreement and recommend it onto the full board, seconded by Strand. Motion carried, 4-1. Miller dissent due to concern about fund distribution. Reports: Property and Liability Insurance Review: No changes in deductible levels are proposed this year. End of July 2016 Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s report shows a $900,000 decrease from last year at this time. End of July Financial Report: A summary of the financial report was made by the county administrator. Motion Strand/Maki to enter in and out of closed session pursuant to Wis. Statutes 19.85(1) (e) to approve closed session Minutes of July 14, 2016. Motion Carried. Entered Closed Session at 5:45pm. Miller left the meeting via tele-conference at this time. Motion Silbert, strand to return to open session. Motion Carried 4-0. Returned to open session at 5:46pm. Meeting Adjourned at 5:46 pm.