EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Administrative Center – Room 3220

4:00 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Steve Doyle, George Hammes, Tara Johnson, Vicki Burke, Don Meyer, Charles Spiker, Ralph Geary, Roger Plesha, Jim Ehrsam     

MEMBERS EXCUSED:  None    

MEMBERS ABSENT:  None 

STAFF & GUESTS:  Steve O’Malley, Gary Ingvalson, Bill Shepherd, Bob Taunt, Marion Naegle, John Parshall, Jim Speropulos, Christine McArdle Rojo, Jeff Gloyd, Brian Tippetts, Don Neitzel, Doug Mormann, Bryan Jostad, Barbara Kooiman, Cheryl Stephen

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Steve Doyle, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Ehrsam/Hammes to approve minutes of April 9 and 11, 2007.  Motion carried unanimously.         

CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION by Plesha/Burke to approve the following Consent Agenda items:

• April 2007 Investment Report (handout by County Treasurer)
• May 2007 Account Transfers/Adjustments

Motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None requested.  At this time, Jim Speropulos gave an update on a building evacuation (today at around 2:30 p.m.) that took place at the Health & Human Services Bldg.; a suspicious package was found on a railing in the elevator.  It was reported to 9-1-1 as a suspicious package and the Fire Dept. was called and they evacuated the building.  The suspicious package was a piece of folded school work from one of the JDF clients.

UPDATE ON VOIP PROJECT – CONSORTIUM INTENT TO ISSUE RFI

John Parshall reviewed.  Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows one to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line.  John requested permission to join a consortium that includes La Crosse School District and WTC to pursue request for interest (RFI) for the VoIP.  It has the potential of reducing costs, but at the same time costs could increase due to increase in services.  Informational.

RESOLUTION RE DIRECTION TO THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR ON THE 2008 ANNUAL BUDGET

Steve O’Malley reviewed.  He noted the previous tax levy freeze had expired, and the Governor’s proposed budget would require the annual county tax levy capped at no more than 4% increase per year.  He also noted recently adopted County ordinance with a self-imposed limit on the debt levy mill rate of .52.  Plus the need to include law enforcement building/remodeling as well as consider options and issues as identified by committees.  Based on the 2007 County tax levy and if the operating levy is increased by 4%, that would generate approximately $890,000.  Chairman Doyle noted the word “or” should added in

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the first Be It Further Resolved paragraph, and should read:  ……….that the prepared budget includes options for remodeling and/or construction of an addition to the Law Enforcement Center.  MOTION by

Burke/Meyer to approve the resolution, including the noted correction by Chairman Doyle.  Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION RE APPROVAL OF SOFTWARE LICENSE & SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH DATA RESOURCE, INC.

MOTION by Johnson/Hammes to approve the resolution.  Bill Shepherd and John Parshall reviewed.  DRI is the current software provider for Human Services.  Jointly, DRI and the County would work to complete an improved software product called HS Connect; County staff will rewrite the software with the assistance of DRI.  The County will benefit by obtaining the knowledge and the code information from the software provider and will be able to integrate the new software into a new system to better serve the needs of Human Services and the County.  DRI benefits by being able to market the new software without payment to the County.  The County also retains the software license and maintenance without future fee charges – basically free rights to it forever.  Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION RE MEDICATION DISPOSAL PROGRAM

Jeff Gloyd reviewed, noting the biggest impact of unused medications is poisoning, abuse and negative environmental impact.  In 2000, WI waterways were tested and medication related contaminants were found.  La Crosse County wants to offer satisfactory disposal by utilizing the Household Hazardous Materials (HHM) Program.  The Solid Waste Dept. and Sheriff’s Department will develop and implement medication collection and a disposal program that meets local, state and federal regulations.  Estimated start-up costs are $25,000 and a fundraising campaign will be led by program partners who will see that these costs are covered; any future funding will be covered by existing and future HHM budgets.  Supervisor Johnson noted the Health & Human Services Board has been discussing this issue for the past two years and commended Jeff and the Solid Waste Dept. for pursing it.  Discussion on the charges.  Jeff noted $2/lb. for businesses including non-profits and free to County residents.  He also noted security measures and disposal methods.  MOTION by Spiker/Hammes to approve the resolution.   Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION RE DESIGNATION OF SCHMALTZ ROAD BRIDGE AS A LA CROSSE COUNTY HISTORIC STRUCTURE and

RESOLUTION RE DESIGNATION OF IRON OVERHEAD TRUSS BRIDGE ON OLD COUNTY TRUNK HIGHWAY B AS A LA CROSSE COUNTY HISTORIC STRUCTURE and

RESOLUTION RE DESIGNATION OF VAN LOON TRUSS BRIDGES AS A LA CROSSE COUNTY HISTORIC STRUCTURE

Barbara Kooiman, as a member of the La Crosse County Historic Sites Preservation Commission, briefly reviewed noting the main reason for adoption by resolution is due to housekeeping.  The commission had accepted the nominations, held the required public hearings, but had not followed up with resolutions and  County Board approval that is needed for recording them in the Register of Deeds Office.  MOTION by Burke/Plesha to approve the above 3 noted resolutions as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

LIBRARY FUNDING FOR TOWN OF FARMINGTON

Christine McArdle Rojo distributed informational sheets.  She reviewed “action” needed:

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• Town of Farmington must acquire a furnished facility, including ongoing support and maintenance.  Noted that the town has agreed to set aside a special fund to collect funds and seek grants in order to move forward; also looking at adjacent land next to the elementary school.  Citizens have organized a group called “Friends of Mindoro Library” and are seeking community

support.  Christine also noted that Brian Fukuda is seeking grants, but noted very limited and not much available as compared to years ago.

• La Crosse County would need to consider supporting an increase to current Library tax levy.  Estimated minimum start up cost is $60,000 that would include 20/hour week person.  This budget increase would affect the overall County tax levy and possibly place limitations on other areas.

Discussion on what further action the county needs to take.  Chairman Doyle said the Town of Farmington needs to submit a resolution and request the same of the County Board.

FOLLOW UP FROM COUNTY BOARD RETREAT – WHAT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHOULD COME BEFORE THE COMMITTEE

Steve O’Malley said this came about from the County Board Retreat, and that some Board Members would like more information.  Supervisor Spiker said he’s been very happy on what the department heads and other Supervisors bring and share at committee meetings; the key is to have items sent with the agenda.  Supervisor Johnson questioned why monthly Treasurer’s Report is always handed out at the Executive monthly meetings; if timeline does not allow to be sent with the agenda packet, she suggested it be a month late.  Supervisor Johnson also questioned how it’s determined what committees get resolutions for required action.  Steve O’Malley said it’s basically staff judgment call and sometimes input from the Board Chair.

REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF BUDGETED INDIRECT COST CHARGES

Sent with the agenda was an informational sheet, “Summary of Indirect Cost Charges – 2006 & 2007 Budgets”.  Gary noted the determination is made by MAXIMUS, the County’s indirect cost consultant/auditor.  The affected departments are those who have capability of additional revenue sources.  The full recovery is the full cost of a particular department’s share of their usage of central service departments.  Supervisor Johnson said it would be helpful to see what those direct costs are actually for, especially for Human Services and how it may affect the regional managed care consortium.

REPORT AND APPROVAL – EXPANSION OF COUNTY OWNED FLEET WITH PLANNED USAGE OF TWO HYBRID CARS

Gary Ingvalson noted a team of employees has been working on this.  Per an informational sheet sent with the agenda, it noted the Health Dept. pays out more mileage reimbursement and car rental costs per employee than any other department.  For 2005, 147,000+ miles claimed for using personal vehicles plus an average of 10 vehicles on the road every weekday as part of routine Health Dept. services/duties.  Based on this, the team recommends utilizing four used squad cars and the purchase of two used hybrid cars.  The vehicles would be used primarily by the Health Dept. and would be shared with other departments if available.  Bryan Jostad and Don Neitzel reviewed in more detail.  Questions asked regarding vehicle maintenance.  Noted that each department seeks maintenance for their own county-owned vehicles.  There was a suggestion to seek RFP on maintenance of County owned vehicles, or look at other feasible options for maintenance.  MOTION by Johnson/Burke to approve the recommendation of expanding the fleet for the Health Dept., including the purchase of two used hybrid cars.  Motion carried unanimously.

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Steve O’Malley said Health and Finance staff will continue to keep data on costs, etc., on Enterprise rental, personal use, hybrid cost and maintenance costs, and look into if the Sheriff’s Dept. could use less expensive autos for other purposes other than squad cars.

DISCUSSION OF “UNAUDITED” YEAR END 2006 FINANCIAL REPORTS.

The report was previously distributed.  The final audit report will be presented in July.  Steve O’Malley will also be reviewing at the May 17^th County Board meeting under his monthly report.

LAKEVIEW FARM MASTER PLAN FUNDING

Steve O’Malley displayed a large map showing suggested layout of the Lakeview farm land and noted the success of the Economic Development Fund in relation to the Lakeview Business Park.  At previous County Board Retreats there was discussion on Lakeview farm master plan and the need for traditional neighborhood and the development of lots; high density residential will generate the most taxes.  In the development of a master plan, need to involve the community, Lakeview, the County and Village of West Salem.  The plan is to do an RFP for master plan consultant services with costs estimated at $50,000.  Some of the expenses will be TIF eligible and also plan to ask the village if they are interested in being a partner and help with the funding.  Miscellaneous questions and answers.  General agreement that a plan is needed, even though it may change.  This is work in progress and will bring more information to future meeting(s).   

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

• Supervisor Johnson will give an update on the paperless agenda packet for the Health and Human Services Board  

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION by Meyer/Geary to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 5:27 p.m.

Disclaimer:  The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.

Cheryl Stephen, Recorder