EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Administrative Center – Room 3220
4:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: George Hammes, Tara Johnson, Vicki Burke, Charles Spiker, Ralph Geary, Roger Plesha
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Don Meyer, Jim Ehrsam, Steve Doyle
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF & GUESTS: Steve O’Malley, Gary Ingvalson, Marion Naegle, David Lange, Bob Taunt, John Parshall, Jerry Huber, Doug Mormann, Mary Meehan-Strub, Robert Matysik, Keith Butler, Charlie Handy, Jim Speropulos, Barb Kooiman, Sharon Hampson, John Medinger, Jason Gillett, Reid Magney, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
George Hammes, Vice Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Plesha/Spiker to approve minutes of July 11, 2007. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Plesha/Spiker to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDMENT TO REVENUE SHARING AGREEMENT BETWEEN LA CROSSE COUNTY, WISCONSIN AND THE VILLAGE OF WEST SALEM, WISCONSIN
Charlie Handy, County Planner, reviewed the purpose for amending the Municipal Revenue Sharing Agreement between the Village of West Salem and La Crosse County. If approved, the amendment will include additional acreage in order to develop Phase 2 of the Lakeview Business Park which will also be included in West Salem’s Tax Incremental District #1. Also noted that the Village had already held their public hearing and there was no opposition.
Vice Chair Hammes called three times for comments from the public. Hearing none, he declared the public hearing closed. MOTION by Geary/Plesha to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Municipal Revenue Sharing Agreement between the Village of West Salem and La Crosse County. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
RESOLUTION RE SUPPORT OF MOBILE PHONE BAN
Supervisor Gillett reviewed his request for the resolution, noting that it supports Assembly Bill 464 which would outlaw cell phone usage for drivers between the ages of 15-17 who possess instructional permits or probationary licenses and would also apply to motorcycle drivers under the age of 18. MOTION by Geary/Spiker to approve the resolution. MOTION by Geary/________ to amend the motion to include the banning of mobile cell phones from all drivers. Supervisor Spiker called for point of order, noting the resolution pertains to supporting AB 464 which only pertains to teenage drivers. Supervisor Spiker suggested the enforcement of banning mobile cell phones usage by teenagers should be included in the graduated drivers’ license requirements. Vice Chair Hammes agreed with banning the use of mobile cell phones from all drivers. MOTION FAILED on 1 to 5 vote; Geary yes; Hammes-no, Spiker-no, Plesha-no, Johnson-no, Burke-no; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused. Supervisor Geary will take to the County Board as a Minority Report.
DISCUSSION OF LIVING WAGE AND FAIR LABOR REQUIREMENT ORDINANCE
Supervisor Gillett reviewed noting the request came from him and Supervisor Gamroth. Living wage means an hourly wage equal to 100% of the poverty level divided by 2080; the State of WI and City of La Crosse have this in place, and the only county having it is Dane County. Lengthy discussion followed. Supervisor Johnson raised some concerns – the impact on County employees and on contracts. Supervisor Plesha concurred, including same for Hillview and Lakeview. Supervisor Spiker suggested the County Administrator and the Purchasing Manager review in more detail. Supervisor Medinger spoke in favor due to City of La Crosse having it in place and there’s been little adverse impact. MOTION by Johnson/Plesha to refer in order for staff to bring back an analysis. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
GRANT APPROVAL FOR CITIZEN CORPS GRANT
Keith Butler, Emergency Management Coordinator, reviewed the grant, noting the requirement of bringing this before a standing committee; previously, the Local Emergency Planning Committee had approved all grants. La Crosse County serves as the pass-thru for these funds; there are other counties and municipalities that will receive a portion of the funding for various projects. This $22,253 Homeland Security Citizen Corps Grant will be used for overtime hours for deputies to attend Local Neighborhood Watch meetings, citizen police academies, search training, etc. MOTION by Burke/Spiker to approve acceptance of the Citizen Corps Grant in amount of $22,253. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
GRANT APPROVAL FOR 2007 JC PENNEY AFTER SCHOOL FUND MINI GRANT
Mary Meehan-Strub reviewed. In continuing collaboration efforts over the past 6 years with the La Crosse School District and 26 other community agencies, this $20,000 grant will benefit middle-school age children. UW Extension 4-H Dept. will administrator the grant from August 1, 2007-June 30, 2008. MOTION by Burke/Johnson to approve the 2007 JC Penney After School Fund Mini Grant in amount of $20,000. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
RESOLUTION RE DESIGNATION OF PETTIBONE HARBOR AS A LA CROSSE COUNTY HISTORIC SITE
Barb Kooiman, as a member of the County Historic Sites Preservation Commission, was present to review the request and to answer questions. She reviewed the history of the boathouse, going back to very early 1900’s at which time there were many more of them. She also noted some of the DNR regulations relating to boathouses. The Preservation Alliance of La Crosse and the City are jointly going to look at all the boathouses within the City limits and beyond. An intern is putting together all of the historical data and a consultant will be hired. MOTION by Johnson/Burke to refer for 30 days. Lengthy discussion followed. Supervisor Johnson expressed several concerns; is this designation only for the protection from the DNR and why not do all at the same time? Supervisor Burke asked if the DNR was aware of this. Same question asked if City of La Crosse was made aware. Noted that a public hearing was held in which a large group attended; a certified letter was sent to the City Clerk and a member of the City Planning Dept. attended the public hearing, but no representative of DNR. Charlie Handy noted the Shoreland zoning ordinance. Motion to refer FAILED on 2 to 3 vote; Burke-yes, Johnson-yes, Spiker-no, Hammes-no, Geary-no, Plesha abstain; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused. MOTION by Geary/Spiker to approve the resolution. Supervisor Medinger raised concern that the City of La Crosse has jurisdiction within city limits. Barb Kooiman said the county commission is a certified local government (CLG) and has designated others within the city in order to give them availability to CLG programs. Steve O’Malley noted, on behalf of Supervisor Meyer, his concern with boathouse designation as it relates to the Joint Harbor Commission. Steve also relayed a concern regarding future land development near this area. MOTION by Burke/Johnson to table. Motion carried on 3 to 2 vote; Burke-yes, Johnson-yes, Hammes-yes, Spiker-no, Geary-no, Plesha abstain; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused. Steve O’Malley said he and other staff will further review and bring back to a future meeting.
RESOLUTION RE AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE A CITY/COUNTY MUNICIPAL TRANSIT COMMISSION
Steve O’Malley noted he and/or Gary Ingvalson attended all of the MTU study committee meetings; the resolution is asking to negotiate and provide $100,000, but unsure as to what will be accomplished. Supervisor Geary said the purpose is to expand MTU service. MOTION by Geary/Johnson to approve the resolution. Supervisor Medinger spoke in favor of approving the resolution; industries are expanding outside of city limits and need to get citizens to higher paying jobs; the plan is not to jeopardize shared ride service; the plan is to set the stage for a regional mass transit system. Noted that La Crescent and Town of Campbell already have a contract with MTU; other municipalities have the capability of doing the same. Motion carried on 4 to 2 vote; Geary-yes, Johnson-yes, Plesha-yes, Burke-yes, Spiker-no, Hammes-no; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
RESOLUTION RE AUTHORIZATION TO AMEND CARE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION 2007 BUDGET AND BUSINESS PLAN TO ADD STAFF
MOTION by Johnson/Burke to approve the resolution. Supervisor Johnson noted the resolution was amended by the HHS Board and a revised copy was distributed. In the last Whereas para., replace “a” with “is” and in the next para, it should be worded as NOW THEREFORE BE IT REVOLVED (not Be It Further Resolved). Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
RESOLUTION RE AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER OF WESTERN WISCONSIN HIRING OF NECESSARY STAFF
MOTION by Johnson/Plesha to approve the resolution. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
RESOLUTION RE START-UP COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REGIONAL EXPANSION OF FAMILY CARE
MOTION by Johnson/Burke to approve the resolution. Supervisor Johnson noted the resolution was amended by the HHS Board and a revised copy was distributed. In the 2nd Whereas para., deleted “of its”; in NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED para., include wording “at an estimated cost of $240,901”; changed the last para. to read as, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED (not Further Be It Resolved); and in the Fiscal Note, deleted “and is” and replaced with “which is”. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
RESOLUTION RE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL FUNDING ACCEPTANCE AND NEW POSITION APPROVAL
MOTION by Johnson/Burke to approve the resolution. Supervisor Johnson noted the resolution was amended by the HHS Board and a revised copy was distributed. In 3rd Whereas para., removed “5” referring to the number of school districts; in the BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED para., removed the word “until”. Doug Mormann noted this as a joint effort between the Health Dept., the school districts and municipalities. The purpose is education, including needed stop signs, adequate sidewalks, etc. Noted that La Crosse and Onalaska Schools already have their working models in place. Discussion on the amount of $137,120 from State DOT to be used for this purpose; some members thought the funds could be put to better use. Motion carried on 4 to 2 vote; Johnson-yes Burke-yes, Plesha-yes, Geary-yes, Spiker-no, Hammes-no; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
RESOLUTION RE AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER FUNDS FROM BUDGETED RESERVE TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A BATH/SHOWER FACILITY AT VETERANS MEMORIAL CAMPGROUND
Jim Speropulos reviewed, noting the project was budgeted in 2006, but not completed, so the funds were carried forward to 2007; when the bids came in, there were not enough funds to cover the cost of the project, so this resolution is requesting two account transfers as well as approving the low bid of RJ Jurowski Construction, Inc. MOTION by Spiker/Burke to approve the resolution which approves the low bid of RJ Jurowski Construction, Inc. in amount of $249,925, including the two account transfers, those being $50,000 from Park Maintenance Shop budgeted reserve and $62,000 from Campground Expansion budgeted reserve. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
ORDINANCE CHANGE RE CHAPTER 3 PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
Steve O’Malley noted most of the changes in Chapter 3, Personnel Administrative Rules, pertain to housekeeping, such as correcting committee names and title changes, replacing Presidents’ Day holiday with Martin Luther King Day, updates to funeral leave benefits (same as union settlements), layoff language modernized, authorizes up to 10 days of vacation carryover, and authorizes department heads over age 50 to convert up to 10 days of vacation to deferred compensation. MOTION by Spiker/Geary to approve the revisions, as presented, to Chapter 3 entitled “Personnel Administrative Rules” of the General Code of La Crosse County, Wisconsin. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
RESOLUTION RE SALE OF PROPERTY TO TOWN OF SHELBY
MOTION by Spiker/Geary to approve the resolution. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
REQUEST BY CITY OF LA CROSSE TO INTERVENE IN XCEL ENERGY RATE CASE
Steve O’Malley reviewed, noting Mayor Johnsrud is asking for joint effort (City, County, WTC and La Crosse Schools) to hire an attorney to review the Xcel Energy application filing regarding an increase in electric and natural gas rates effective January 2008. Once a recommendation is received from the attorney, then proceed with Public Service Commission. Apparently the city has been successful in the past in challenging Xcel Energy. MOTION by Geary/Johnson to authorize staff to draft a resolution, including an amount not to exceed $4,000 for the County share in the hiring of an attorney. Motion carried on 5 to 1 vote; Spiker-no; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused. General agreement to hold an Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, August 16th, at 5:45 p.m., prior to the County Board meeting.
RESOLUTION RE AUTHORIZATION FOR LA CROSSE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND INC TO ACT AS AGENT FOR LA CROSSE COUNTY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHASE 2 OF THE LAKEVIEW BUSINESS PARK
MOTION by Johnson/Geary to approve the resolution. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
RESOLUTION RE ACCEPTING IN PRINCIPLE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CAREY GROUP JUSTICE ASSESSMENT
Steve O’Malley noted Board Chairman Doyle wanted a formal motion to accept the Carey Group Report; to keep on file and be able to keep bringing in their recommendations. MOTION by Johnson/Plesha to approve the resolution Discussion followed. Supervisor Burke said this should have been presented first to Judiciary & Law Committee and the LEC Addition Committee. MOTION by Plesha/Johnson to refer to the committees as noted by Supervisor Burke. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
EMS MEDIATION COST SHARE
Steve O’Malley noted he, Chairman Doyle and Supervisor Burke have been involved in discussions/negotiations with the four parties (Tri-State, City, Franciscan Skemp, County). Each party has agreed to commit up to $5,000 for cost of a Mediator. Gary Ingvalson suggested a transfer from the General Fund to the Emergency Services budget. Supervisor Spiker noted per State Stats. the City Council has the final authority. MOTION by Burke/Spiker to authorize the transfer of $5,000 from the General Fund to the Emergency Services budget - Consulting account. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR CONTRACT
Steve O’Malley noted today as his 4-year anniversary with La Crosse County. Steve would like the three Chairs, Personnel Director, and himself, to look at his contract for consideration of longer commitment, possibly another four years.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Geary/Plesha to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously; Meyer, Ehrsam, Doyle excused. The meeting adjourned at 5:44 p.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder