HomeMy WebLinkAboutExecutive Committee - Minutes - 8/14/20251
Minutes of the
Bayfield County Executive Committee Meeting
4:00pm, August 14, 2025
Meeting was held Remotely through Microsoft Teams and in person in the Bayfield County
Board Room, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Dennis Pocernich, Mary Dougherty, Fred Strand, Marty Milanowski
Excused: Jan Lee, Madelaine Rekemeyer,
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison-County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-Human
Resources Director, Jeff Olson, Steve Gershman-BCEDC Director, Paul Houck-IT Director, Sue
Rosa (virtual), Gail Reha-Bookkeeper, Steve Sandstrom, Kim Mattson-Finance Director, Kelly
Westlund-Deputy County Administrator (virtual), Ryan VanLanduyt-Energy Specialist
Called to order at 4:00p.m. by Chairperson Dougherty
Motion Milanowski, Strand to approve minutes of the July 10, 2025 Executive Committee
meeting. Motion Carried (4-0)
Public Comment: None
Departments and Agencies Reporting to the Executive Committee for Budget 2026 Review:
Steve Gershman with Bayfield County Economic Development Corporation reviewed the 2026
budget request from BCEDC and shared accomplishments over the last 6 months.
Abeles-Allison reviewed expenses in the Interdepartmental Fund, which are expenses not
associated to a specific department. He advised the committee on anticipated increases or
decreases expected for 2026. A list of capital items that may be requested for 2026 was also
reviewed. 2026 valuation will increase 16%. If the mill rate were to remain the same, it would
increase borrowing capacity by $2.2 million. Wage study impact will not be known until later
this Fall.
Board Room Audio Visual Improvements and Inclusion in the 2025 Budget Resolution:
Houck explained that wireless microphones with speakers are being proposed for the boardroom.
Additional room speakers could be added later if needed. Potential for the project to be moved
from 2026 to 2025 was discussed. Estimate is currently about $150,000. The resolution proposes
to use fund balance for the cost to complete the project in 2025.
Motion Strand, Pocernich to approve the resolution to utilize fund balance to implement the
board room audio visual improvement project in 2025 and forward to the county board with
recommendation for approval. Motion Carried (4-0)
Land Records Budget Amendment Resolution:
Motion Milanowski, Pocernich to approve the resolution and forward to the county board with
recommendation to approve. Motion Carried (4-0)
2
Bayfield County Asset Tracking Policy: Policy modification would be to increase the value of
a capital item requiring a property tag from the current $5,000 to $10,000. Items will a value
between $500 and $10,000 would be tracked internally but would not require a property tag for
finance auditing purposes.
Motion Pocernich, Strand to approve the Bayfield County Capital Asset policy as presented.
Motion Carried (4-0)
Business Park Feasibility Study: Bayfield County Economic Development is taking care of
this.
Reports:
a. Cell Antenna Work on County Towers: Port Wing tower improvements will be
occurring in 2026.
b. Department of Energy Projects, County and Towns and Commercial Charger RFP,
https://bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1343: Energy grant is still in
place. County is a conduit. Projects will eventually be turned over to the respective
business that is sponsoring the site. Committee asked for clarification on what the
commitment term is for the business to maintain the charging site once they take control
of them.
c. Courthouse Microgrid Testing: Successful testing took place a couple weeks ago.
d. Land For Housing: Westlund reported that a couple of inquiries have been received
related to this RFP. Deadline for proposals is October.
https://bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19331/LAND-FOR-
HOUSING-RFP-FINAL?bidId=
e. Financial Reports end of July 2025: Report included in the meeting packet
f. Treasurer’s Report, end of July 2025: Report included in the meeting packet.
Closed session postponed until next meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 5:15pm.
Respectfully submitted by Kristine Kavajecz