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HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 10/5/20231 Minutes of the Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting 4:00pm, October 5, 2023 Meeting was held Remotely through Microsoft Teams and in person in the Bayfield County Board Room, Washburn, WI Members Present: Dennis Pocernich, Brett Rondeau, Jeff Silbert, Mary Dougherty, Jeremy Oswald, Fred Strand Members Excused: Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kris Kavajecz-Human Resources Director, Kim Mattson-Accountant, Ruth Hulstrom-Zoning Administrator, Lynn Divine-County Clerk, Marty Milanowski, Steve Sandstrom, Meagan Quaderer-Emergency Management Director, Franki Gross-Zoning Clerk, Kim Mattson-Finance Director, Madeline Rekemeyer, Charly Ray, Scott Galetka-Land Records Administrator, Gail Reha-Bookkeeper Called to order at 4:00p.m. by Chairman Rondeau. Public Comment: None Motion Pocernich, Silbert to approve minutes of the September 14, 21, 26, 2023 Executive Committee Meeting. Motion Carried (6-0 ) 2024 Budget a. Final Department Discussions Meagan Quaderer, Emergency Management provided information on an EMS Strategic Plan Study. The cost is estimated at $35,000. Ruth Hulstrom, Zoning Administrator provided information on the request for an increase of a PT to FT Support Staff position. Franki Gross explained the challenges in the office. Hulstrom reviewed the trend for application numbers. Both emphasized that they strive for the best service for citizens. The additional cost for a full-time position would be approximately $37,000. Scott Galetka, Land Records Administrator provided information on funding for a Culvert Inventory project. The data would also be available to the public. Question was asked what the department does with incidental information they obtain when using the drone as it would be a public records at that time. Galetka explained that most drone flights are on public property. Some private property may be flown in search and rescue operations and certain other circumstances. Some flights are observed in real time, not recorded. Some flights are infrared, so occur at night and the imagery will only depict “hot spots”. 2 It was noted that the Highway Department 5-year plan had a typo. A revised 5-year plan was reviewed. CTH B will be reconstructed in 2026 rather than 2025. The committee reviewed the most recently received PACER study, which indicates a ranking condition of roads. b. Items not included in the budget. Approximately $1.5 million in requests were not included in the proposed budget. Items that were excluded: Budget preparation software, MUNIS Accounting software c. Personnel Summary, p 49 Staffing budget is approximately $2million over the previous year. The detail included in the budget book related to requested new staff and recommendation of positions to be funded was reviewed. As the result of a market analysis, the wage schedule was adjusted in 2022 to remain competitive. Consensus of the committee was to support a full-time Clerk position in the Zoning Office. Discussion took place regarding the request for Recreation Officer. General support depending upon the overall budget final discussion. d. Fund Balance Summary, p 19 Fund balances in the Highway Fund will be spent down in 2024. $6.2 million in unspent/unassigned fund balance at the end of 2022 per the audit. A list of recommended assignments will be considered by the County Board prior to the end of 2023. e. Budget Changes Spreadsheet Remove $90k for Supplemental EMS funds. Add $35k for EMS Study. Increase Zoning Staffing to FT $25k. Increase Tourism FT staff from 37.5 to 40 hrs per week $4,737. FT Rec Forester for second half of the year $46,376. Reduce CIP WIFI $25k. UW extension misc costs $2,500. Cemetery Repairs for veteran graves $2,500. Short term bond $500k for nursing home improvements. There is $45,000 in Fund balance budgeted to balance the budget. It is not recommended to use fund balance for ongoing operational costs. There is a reduction in the “Highway work for departments” line item. There is a -$100,000 for anticipated attrition savings (negatives not normally budgeted). The WIFI support for town halls to enhance public WIFI access was discussed. Discussion regarding the pros and cons of funding an EMS Study. 3 NGLVC is reducing their public hours. Conference rooms are available for reservations for public entities. Executive Committee would need to give authorization to issue payment to the NGLVC. BCEDC requested a substantial increase. A 3% increase is included in the budget proposal. Brief discussion took place regarding Superior Days. Approving 2024 Budget and Levy and Recommendation to County Board October 31 meeting. Motion Pocernich, Silbert to approve the budget as presented with modifications and forward to the full county board for approval. Motion Carried (6-0) Meeting adjourned at 6:20 pm. Respectfully submitted by Kristine Kavajecz.