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HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 12/9/20211 Minutes of the Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting 4:00pm, December 9, 2021 Meeting was held Remotely through Microsoft Teams and in person in the Bayfield County Board Room, Washburn, WI Members Present: Jeff Silbert, Dennis Pocernich, Fred Strand, Brett Rondeau, Mary Dougherty, Larry Fickbohm Members Excused: Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-Human Resources; Jason Maloney, Elizabeth Skulan-Human Services, Jennifer Jones-Child Support, Tom Renz-Coroner, Marty Milanowski, Sara Wartman-Heath Director, Richard Avol, Kellie Pederson, Lynn Divine Called to order at 4:00 by Chairman Rondeau. Public Comment: None Received Approval of Minutes of November 18, 2021: Motion Silbert, Fickbohm to approve minutes of the November 18, 2021 Executive Committee meeting. Motion Carried (6-0) Public Health Report: Sara Wartman, Health Director reviewed the current status of COVID activity. Every school currently has outbreaks in the county. There were 5 deaths in the county in the last 2.5 weeks of November, primarily unvaccinated and partially vaccinated, and who have underlying health conditions. 370 cases confirmed since November 1. The Health Department is in Crisis stage, where they are only contacting positive cases, not close contacts. They are also unable to keep the current outbreaks page of the website updated. The nursing home has also been experiencing an outbreak over the past 3 weeks. State has been unable to assist with contact tracing. 10-20 new cases being reported daily. Anticipating an increase in hospitalizations over the next several weeks. The healthcare system is unable to accept transfers currently for at least 4 days, which is of concern. MMC reported conducting over 400 covid tests last week with over 10% testing positive. Test supplies are dwindling. Health Department disease investigation, vaccinations and testing are the 3 priorities right now. National Guard testing may be renewed after the holidays. Able to test internally for employees right now. Conducting testing for the public as able, outside of the facility. Will be conducting clinics for vaccinations and boosters on Dec 29 and January 19 in Iron River. Coroner Presentation, Tom Renz: Renz reported that there have been 10 suicides so far in 2021. Previous year have been typically 3-6. Other counties are also experiencing increases in suicides. Renz reported that there will be an increase in the coroner expenditures this year due to the increase in suicides. Renz reviewed some statistics. Bayfield County Housing Authority Update, Jason Maloney: Jason Maloney, Richard Avol City of Washburn and Bayfield County Housing Authorities work collaboratively to provide 182 2 housing units throughout the county. Current waiting list is 84. On average 34 units become available annually. Approximately 8 vouchers become available annually for subsidized housing. Some of the housing is nearly 50 years old. The newest building is 20 years old. A scope of work has been developed to upgrade many of these facilities. The total cost is estimated at $28- $38 million dollars. A consultant has been retained to assist with application to the tax credit program. Additional housing needs exist throughout the county. Iron River and Cable are viable building locations for additional housing. As ARPA funds become available, Infrastructure Funding and Build Back Better plan are all applicable for housing projects. Request that the county share any funding opportunity ideas with the housing authorities to aid them in the goal of expanding housing options in the county. Strategic Planning and Applications for Federal Fund Discussion: Abeles-Allison explained that several consultants are available to assist with strategic planning and grant applications. The County’s audit company, Baker Tilly has provided some estimates for services over the next six months, related to grants. Estimates were also received from TFG Group. Budget 2021 Projects and Accomplishments to date: Abeles-Allison reviewed the list of capital improvements that were included in the 2021 budget and the status of each. Year End Budget Amendments: County Clerk accounting modification to reflect. County Admin staffing modification, Squad Fund expenses, CIP NextGen and Jail remodel expenses in 2021 instead of 2022. Resolutions were reviewed. Motion Fickbohm, Silbert to forward the resolutions to the full county board for approval. Motion Carried (6-0) Contingency Fund allocation: Recommendation from the County Administrator to consider an agreement with Baker Tilly for grant consultant. EMS contributions could be considered as was done a couple of years ago. There are 9 EMS services in the county. Motion Silbert, Fickbohm to award each of the nine EMS services in Bayfield County $1,000 from the contingency fund. The funds may be used at the EMS service’s discretion. Motion Carried (6-0) Motion Pocernich, Silbert to allocate up to $15,000 from the contingency funds for an agreement with Baker Tilly for grant assistance. Motion Carried (6-0) Reports: a. Courthouse Clerk of Court, Child Support and ROD Office Redesign Plans: The committee viewed the draft plans for the Child Support and Clerk of Court offices. One component of the plan is to allow or all offices on the north side of the hallway to have connection doors which would allow for safety exit. b. ARPA Project Updates: A list of projects and their status was reviewed. c. Financial Report, end of November 2021: Provided in the packet. d. Treasurer’s Report, end of November 2021: Provided in the packet. e. WCA Resolution Ideas to work on: Tabled 3 f. Superior Days, Issue ID Meeting: Stand attending a meeting tonight and will report back. No youth or community collaboration will take place this year. g. Grant Report: Highway generator grant was approved. Still waiting to hear back on several other grant applications Meeting adjourned at 5:35p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kris Kavajecz.