HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 9/29/20201
Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:00pm, September 29, 2020
Meeting was held in the County Board Room and Remotely, with phone
and/or video access for members and the public.
Members Present: Brett Rondeau, Jeff Silbert, Dennis Pocernich, Fred Strand, Mary
Dougherty, Larry Fickbohm
Members Excused:
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-Human
Resources Director, Steve Sandstrom, Dave Zepczyk, Mike Carriveau-Bayfield Wireless, Kim
Mattson-Accountant, Charly Ray, Marty Milanowski, Jim Crandall
Meeting Called to Order at 4:00pm by Rondeau.
Public Comment: None Received
Motion Pocernich, Strand to approve minutes of the September 23, 2020 Executive
Committee meeting. Motion Carried (6-0).
Utilization of Routes to Recovery Funding (if available) or Contingency Fund
Expenditure for Laptop Computers in 2020: Information Technology has provided an
estimate of $39,460 to obtain 20 laptops and associated software in 2020 to assist with
the current telecommuting needs. Additional laptops will
Motion Pocernich, Strand to purchase 20 laptops and Net Motion licenses in 2020
utilizing either Routes to Recovery or Contingency Funds, or a combination of the two.
Motion Carried (6-0).
Broadband Expansion Information, Mike Carriveau, Bayfield Wireless: Carriveau
reported that they are struggling to find the time to recruit, hire and train staff. Moving
full speed ahead, prepared to turn on additional frequencies very soon that will not
require line of site for service. Refining the design for the next State of Wisconsin grant
opportunity, application due December 1. Will be asking the County Board to again
consider partnering with municipalities for the grant application. Maple Hill Tower
project planning in nearing completion. Carriveau reported they currently have a couple
hundred subscribers.
Abeles-Allison stated that this item was on the agenda because Broadband is the number
one item identified in the budget planning survey as a priority of citizens.
2
Department Of Justice Supplemental COVID Funding: County was notified 10 days
ago about a $50,000 grant specific to court and law enforcement safety. A list of
suggested items proposed for the grant was reviewed.
2021 Budget:
a. Department Budget review: Abeles Allison reviewed a list of possible budget
changes that have been discussed during the budget meetings. Monies for the
Pigeon Lake Floodplain mapping is not identified in the list of changes. A brief
discussion was held regarding Health Department staffing during the pandemic
and the potential for short-term assistance.
Phase in strategy for WISCOM radios for highway was suggested rather than a bulk
purchase. The committee reviewed details that were provided by the Highway
Department.
The current unassigned fund balance of $9.1 million was reviewed along with the
items that the unassigned fund balance would/could be used for if needed. These
items include: balance to cover tax commitments to towns, funds planned for 5-year
highway projects, 25% reserve for county operations, and 2021 fund balance planned
to be spent.
b. Budget Changes Review
c. Recommendation to Board
Motion Silbert, Dougherty to forward the proposed budget with changes discussed to the
county board with the exclusion of the Pigeon Lake Floodpain map. Motion Carried (6-0)
Abeles-Allison stated that he recommends that Departments draft plans that could be
implemented to reduce overall levy by 2%, 5% and 7% for 2022. This information would be
used for planning purposed if revenues continue to fall.
Motion Pocernich, Dougherty to recommend to the county board that they direct department to
compile plans to Maintain or reduce Levy and search for new revenue sources for the 2022
budget. Motion Carried.
Reports: Financial Report: General Fund Revenues are down about $300,000 as a result of
decreased forestry revenue. Transfers are down significantly from the previous year. Human
Services expenditures are very similar to the previous year. Note that ADRC of the North will no
longer be in the County Financials in 2021 as the financial duties will transfer to another county.
Capital Improvement Fund was reviewed. Highway Department revenues are down a half
million from last year, expenditures are up approximately one million dollars due to a large
highway project. Bids for CTH E came in within budget and will be paved by the end of
October.
Meeting adjourned at 5:50pm. Respectfully submitted by Kris Kavajecz.