HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 12/8/20221
Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:00pm, December 8, 2022
Meeting was held Remotely through Microsoft Teams and in person in the
Bayfield County Board Room, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Fred Strand, Dennis Pocernich, Brett Rondeau, Jeff Silbert, Jeremy Oswald
(4:20)
Members Excused: Mary Dougherty
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-Human
Resources Director, Jason Bodine-Forest Administrator, Bill Bailey, Paul Houck-IT Director,
Meagan Quaderer-Emergency Management Director, Madeline Rekemeyer, Stacy Banker,
Charly Ray, Marty Milanowski, Kim Mattson, Scott Galetka-Land Records Administrator, Bill
Bussey
Called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Rondeau.
Approval of Minutes of November 10, 2022: Motion Strand, Silbert to approve minutes of the
November 10, 2022 Executive Committee meeting. Motion carried (4-0)
Public Comment:
Bill Bussey shared comments supporting Carbon Credits program.
Presentation and Report, 911 Joint Dispatch Presentation, Stacy Banker, Mission Critical
Partners: MCP was hired to conduct a feasibility study for a consolidated dispatch with Ashland
and Bayfield Counties. Banker reviewed result of the feasibility report. The report is retained on
file. County expects to hear a determination on the 911 grant in December. Abeles-Allison stated
that Bayfield County is currently operating under recommended staffing level of 2 dispatchers on
duty and providing EMD services.
Bridge Aid to Town of Kelly and Town of Pilsen: Both resolutions for bridge aid have been
recommended by the Highway Commissioner. There are sufficient funds available in the bridge
aid fund. It was noted that the Town of Pilsen resolution authorizes use of Contingency Funds to
assist the Town of Pilsen prior to approval by the County Board for access to Bridge Aid funds.
Motion Pocernich, Strand to approve both bridge aid resolutions as presented and forward to
the county board for approval. Motion Carried (5-0)
Coroner Budget Amendment Resolution : Coroner department have experienced higher than
anticipated autopsies in 2022. The budget amendment will cover these additional expenses.
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Motion Pocernich, Silbert to forward the coroner budget resolution to the County Board for
approval. Motion Carried (5-0)
2022 Year End Squad Car Fund Budget Amendment – Sheriff’s Office Resolution
Motion Pocernich to approve the Squad Car Fund budget amendment in the amount of $73,613
and forward to the county board for approval. Motion Carried (5-0)
County Carbon Offset Reserve (CCOR) and Forestry Carbon Offset Reserve (FCOR)
Draft Proposals : Bodine reported that the project is still in the verification phase. Once that is
completed, the county will begin receiving payments. This is anticipated to be 3-4 months out.
Abeles-Allison reviewed Fund Distribution Conceptualization plans for consideration. Five
focus areas were identified for fund utilization: County Facility Upgrades, Workforce Housing,
Recreation, Forest Consolidation, Forest Management. Abeles-Allison recommends treating
revenues as one-time funding rather than ongoing revenues because the funding is uncertain on
an annual basis. Funds would be placed into a dedicated fund, not the general fund, not to be
used for general operational expenses.
Several comments were received including: funding should also consider private properties and
agricultural endeavors.
LATCF Project Prioritization: Bayfield County will receive Local Assistance and Tribal
Consistency Funds in the amount of $1.04 million. Abeles-Allison reported that he solicited
ideas from departments for use of these funds. Two major projects recommended include:
Replacement of Cable Highway Garage and replacing the previous Grandview Highway Garage
for outreach office space and storage for multiple departments. Additional projects proposed:
Fair Exhibitor Fee Waiver for 2023, Department relocation/upgrade expenses for the Annex
Building, Pigeon Lake Camp Condition/Feasibility Report and Sheriff’s office mobile/portable
radio upgrade.
Recommendation was made to add the Pigeon Lake Camp discussion to the County Board
Agenda to determine the Board’s interest in pursuing this study.
Comment was shared to consider adding UW Youth Program storage to the Grandview garage
replacement building.
UW / UMN Research at Business Park: Reviewed a request for additional 5 years lease for 1
acre parcel for poplar trial at no cost.
Motion Silbert, Strand to authorize the County Administrator to work with Corporation Counsel
to develop an agreement authorizing a 5-year lease to UW for the poplar trial at no cost. Motion
Carried (5-0)
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a. Reports:
a. Financial Report, end of November 2022: Revenues and Expenditures overall looking
good, no concerns.
b. Treasurer’s Report, end of November 2022: A couple of accounts have been added to
the Treasurer Report: LATCF Funds and Opioid Funds. Balances at $29.2 million.
Interest rates for CD’s have increased dramatically.
c. Child Care Facility Updates: Contribution was made to EverGrow Learning Facility. St
Louis School is in negotiation with Washburn School for lease of space for childcare.
Motion Pocernich, Strand to move into Closed Session pursuant to §19.85(1) (c) Considering
employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee
over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility: November 10, 2022
Closed Session Minutes, Administrator Evaluation. Motion Carried (5-0) Entered closed session
at 5:56pm.
Motion Pocernich, Silbert to return to open session. Motion Carried (5-0). Returned to open
session at 6:02pm.
Meeting adjourned at 6:02p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Kristine Kavajecz.