HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 1/12/2017Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:40PM, January 12, 2017
Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Bayfield County Annex Building, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Brett Rondeau, Jeff Silbert, William Bussey, Harold Maki, Shawn Miller
(via telephone)
Members Excused: Fred Strand
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-Assistant,
Craig Parks-Maintenance Supervisor, Scottie Sandstrom-BCEDC, Sheldon Johnson-Northwest
Regional Planning, James Crandall, Larry Fickbohm, Jeremy Oswald, Dennis Pocernich, Kim
Lawton-District Attorney
Meeting called to order at 4:45pm by Chairman Rondeau.
Public Comment: None
Minutes of December 7, 2016: Motion Maki, Bussey to approve minutes of the December 7,
2016 Executive Committee meeting. Motion Carried (5-0).
CDBG READI Presentation, Sheldon Johnson, Northwest Regional Planning: Johnson
explained new funding that is available. The funding is for: Economic Development (loans to
business), Workforce Housing (refurbish existing structures), Job Training. Applicants may
apply for up to $1million. Application requires Economic Development and Workforce Housing
components. These are loans, not grants. Business must have 50% project match. Johnson
reported that this is a very new program and there are many unknowns. He intends to share
answers to many questions in the near future. The application must be made by at least 3
counties together and by submitting a letter of intent. Crandall exited the meeting at this time.
CDBG READI Application: Motion Bussey, Silbert to postpone this discussion until the next
Executive Committee meeting. Motion Carried (5-0)
Introduction, Kim Lawton, District Attorney: District Attorney Kim Lawton introduced
herself and explained her initial efforts to increase communication directly with officers. Her
office is moving toward a paperless system, which has been mandated by the state. Working with
Ashland County on a joint Treatment, Alternatives and Diversion Program. Lawton thanked the
Maintenance Department for the office face-lift. Introductions were made around the room.
BCEDC Quarterly Report: Scottie Sandstrom presented the BCEDC quarterly report. 206 total
business retention visits were made in 2016. Miller exited the meeting at this time.
Business Park Road Projects Design RFP: The Business Park Advisory Committee is
requesting authorization to request proposals for the design of a road for the business park.
Motion Bussey, Rondeau to authorize the Business Park Planning Committee to develop a Road
Design RFP in conjunction with the County Highway Department and bring the proposals back
to the Executive Committee for approval. Motion Carried (4-0)
Fraud Committee Report: A draft fraud prevention policy was included in the meeting packet
for consideration.
Motion Bussey, Silbert to forward the proposed fraud prevention policy to the County Board for
consideration. Motion Carried (3-1)
Indigenous Peoples Day: Draft resolution was reviewed. This item was introduced by
Supervisor Silbert. Discussion took place regarding the purpose and necessity of the resolution.
Motion Silbert, Bussey to forward the resolution to the County Board for consideration. Roll
Call Vote was taken: Bussey-Yes, Silbert-Yes, Rondeau-No, Maki-No. Motion Fails (2-2)
Bremer Trust, Organization Resolution Signature Form Update: Abeles-Allison reviewed a
document required by Bremer. The document outlines that 3 designated individuals must give
approval before funds with the trust can be withdrawn, and outlines the disbursement method.
Motion Bussey, Maki to forward this resolution to the county board for approval. Motion
Carried (4-0)
NACO Policy Resolutions: Health Department has submitted a resolution for consideration
requesting funding for communicable disease monitoring, which is a mandated service.
Motion Silbert, Bussey to approve the Health Department Communicable Disease Funding
Request resolution and forward to NACo for consideration. Motion Carried. (4-0)
County policy regarding old and obsolete property: Abeles-Allison explained that the county
does not currently have a formal policy for the disposal of old or obsolete property that may have
some monetary value. Suggestion was made to have an annual public sale.
Reports:
a. Transportation Bonding, 2018 Budget considerations: Abeles-Allison explained that
this topic is intended to start a discussion regarding plans to fund highway reconstruction
projects in future years.
b. Budget Survey 2018 topics: Suggestions for topics are welcome.
c. Superior Days topics: Topics will include .5% sales tax for roads, conference district
tax, PILT. Superior Days will take place on Feb 21 & 22
d. End of year Budget 2016 report: Abeles-Allison reviewed the highlights. Budget
amendments will be coming in the near future for departments that exceeded their
budgeted expenditures. Most have also received additional offsetting revenues.
e. USDA Pipeline Comments : Existing Enbridge Line is being reviewed for potential
impacts of continued use. Bayfield County is being asked for any comments regarding
this line. Silbert requested Enbridge and US Forest Service plans for any leak that could
occur.
f. Treasurer Report for December, 2016: Bank balance at the end of December was just
over $20 million. Forestry sales have plateaued.
g. Space and Security Study RFP, 2017: Proposals were received on January 11th. There
were 4 submittals. All proposals came in over the budgeted amount. BKV’s proposal was
provided to the committee for review. This proposal will be recommended to the county
board for consideration later this month. A budget amendment may be needed to fund the
balance of the project.
h. Surveyor Job Description: Draft job description was reviewed. Would like to begin
advertising the position in the near future. Discussion was held on whether this needs to
be a full-time position, which was included in the 2017 budget.
i. Northern Lights Updates: No update on the refinance. Maki will be attending a
Northern Lights Board meeting next week.
j. Fleet Policy: Draft plan for a modified fleet replacement/use policy was reviewed. The
policy will replace vehicles sooner, getting higher resale value and keeping maintenance
costs low.
The committee did not go into closed session.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:58pm