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HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 9/8/2016Minutes of the Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting 4:00PM, September 8, 2016 EOC, Bayfield County Annex, Washburn, WI Members Present: Brett Rondeau, Jeff Silbert, Fred Strand, Shawn Miller, Harold Maki, William Bussey Members Excused: None Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Scottie Sandstrom -BCEDC, Kristine Kavajecz, Jason Bodine-County Forest Administrator, Kay Cederberg-Clerk of Court Meeting called to order at 4:00 pm by Chairman Rondeau. Public Comment: None Minutes of August 10, 2016: Motion Silbert, Strand to approve minutes of the August 10, 2016 Executive Committee meeting. Motion Carried. Motion Strand, Miller to approve closed session minutes of the August 10, 2016 Executive Committee meeting. Motion Carried. Forestry Land Acquisition: Bodine reported that the DNR is offering 198.4 acres near Ashwabay for sale to the county. The property is unique in that it contains about 1 mile of cross- country ski trail and connects to other trails on county land. The initial offer to Bayfield County is $134,000, $675 per acre. The Forestry Committee supports this purchase in 2016 if possible. The DNR may accept a 2.5% reduction in the price if it is purchased in 2016. The parcel would be enrolled in the County Forest program. There is some merchantable timber currently on the property. Motion Bussey, Silbert to support the Forestry committee recommendation to purchase this property in 2016. Recommendation will be made to the County Board for this purchase and utilization of fund balance. Motion Carried (6-0) Business Park Project Plan: Abeles-Allison reported that the committee has been meeting over the past couple of months with consultants with Cedar Corp. Sandstrom reviewed the plan developed by the Planning Committee. 2 documents were provided for the committee’s review. The first is a Development Analysis, identifying what needs to be done internally to prepare the property for development over time. The committee reviewed the contents of the planning document. Zoning related concerns were discussed. The county zoning code may need to be modified to allow agriculture in a commercial zone, with a special use permit. The purpose of this would be to allow short term hay cutting or field maintenance until parcels are sold or developed. The committee discussed the radius of the curves on the proposed roadway. Concern was expressed that salable property is lost by the gradual curves. The second document provided is a marketing tool that will be used to distribute to potential tenants. Sandstrom reported that land at the Business Park is currently advertised at about $2,000 per acre. The consultant suggests that a Write Down Policy (graduated scale) be developed to address various scenarios with potential tenants, possibly based upon the number of jobs created. The committee discussed whether it is necessary to hire Cedar Corp to develop a write down policy and Standard Development Agreement. The Planning Committee will continue to refine the Development Plan. Presentation of 2017 Proposed Budget: Budget books were provided to those supervisors present. Abeles-Allison reviewed the format/layout of the book. The large yellow sheet summarizes the financials. 4 requests were received for additional staff, which are included in the proposed budget. The positions are in the Health, Clerk of Court, Land Records and Human Services Departments. The committee held a brief discussion regarding Zoning’s request for a drone. There is $25,000 in the proposed budget for highway work for other county departments. Abeles-Allison reviewed items included in the Capital Improvement, Fund 430 budget. Total anticipated Fund Balance to be used is just under $3 million. It is anticipated that 3 budget meetings will be needed to review the proposed budget and refine the recommendation to the county board and for public hearing. Set Executive Committee Budget Meetings for the month of September. (Proposed: 13th, 20th, 22nd 4pm, EOC.) Publication due date for October 18 meeting is September 30: Conflict on the 22nd. Sept 13, 2:00pm. Sept 20, 4:00pm. Discussion on the 13th will include a discussion regarding fleet maintenance. Land Records, Human Services, Sheriff and Highway Departments will be invited for budget discussions. Rondeau exited the meeting at 6:00pm. Bussey assumed running the meeting. Naming Policy for County Properties: Jim Crandall is heading up this project. Supervisors should speak to Jim if they have specific questions or input. Once completed, the recommendation will be forwarded to the County Board. Reports: 1. Maintenance Project Update, moving of Dome Restoration to 2017: Funds were included in 2016 for dome repair, however, other more urgent matters have utilized these funds. 2. Washburn Tower Progress Update: Discussions with Duluth Superior Communications regarding the project. A Verizon rep will be at the County Board meeting to address this topic. 3. Property and Liability Insurance Review: No update at this time. 4. End of August 2016 Treasurer’s Report: Balances remain strong. Committee members suggested that modifications may need to be considered regarding the Health Insurance Coverage to address increasing premiums. Utilization through July 2016 is 126% average. 5. End of August Financial Report: Review of the end of August financial report. No significant deviations from the previous year were noted. 6. Supreme Court Visit Oct 25 (receptions) & 26 (hearings): Kay Cederberg provided an overview. Reception at the Pavilion in Bayfield. 3 Cases to be heard on the 26th. 7. September 29 Transportation Town Hall Meeting @ Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center: Reminder to attend. Coordinated by the Wisconsin Counties Association. 8. WCA Annual Conference-Milwaukee, Sept 25-27: 3 county board supervisors and the County Administrator will be attending. Meeting Adjourned at 6:26pm.