PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Administrative Center – Room 3220
4:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Spiker, Andrea Richmond, Jeff Schroeder, Jai Johnson, Leon Pfaff, Ralph Geary (exc/arr @4:03), Jim Berns (exc/arr @4:05)
MEMBERS EXCUSED: None
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF & GUESTS: Dennis Osgood, Keith Back, Jim Speropulos, Mary Kaufmann, Brian Tippetts, Steve O’Malley, Gary Ingvalson, Mary Powell, David Lange, Liana Escott, Maureen Freedland, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Charles Spiker called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Richmond/Johnson to approve minutes of September 10, 2007. Motion carried unanimously; Geary and Berns excused.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Richmond/Johnson to accept the following Consent Agenda items:
Motion carried unanimously; Geary and Berns excused.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
APPROVE CHECK REQUISITIONS OVER $20,000
Copies of the Highway Department check requisitions were distributed. MOTION by Pfaff/Richmond to approve the following check requisitions as presented:
Motion carried unanimously; Geary and Berns excused.
REFERRED FROM SEPTEMBER COUNTY BOARD:
RESOLUTION RE APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN LA CROSSE COUNTY AND NORTHERN STATES POWER COMPANY REGARDING SALE OF FERROUS MATERIALS
David Lange reviewed. The 4th Whereas para. was revised and reads as, “Whereas, the Amendment will also provide that if the costs incurred for the sale of ferrous recovered materials exceeds the revenues, the County will pay such costs only up to the amount the County would pay for landfilling the material, so there will be no additional cost incurred by the County.” He noted the “net” revenue will be split between the County and Northern States Power. MOTION by Spiker/Johnson to approve the resolution. More discussion by the committee and clarification given by the staff. Motion carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION / DIRECTION RE HIGHWAY SHOP SECOND ENTRANCE
Dennis Osgood reviewed his comments as stated in a memo addressed to the committee that relates to the nine (9) provisions as stated a letter from Jeff Schmidt, Ag Society President, dated August 9, 2007 (per fax). Dennis noted per Corporation Counsel, the County should take ownership as needed for the road and a quit claim deed be provided by the Ag Society. Additional comments by Dennis per the 9 provisions as stated in both letters based on an easement agreement:
1. Disagree with the County holding Ag Society harmless for “any” damage caused by the use of the roadway to “any” parked or camped vehicles; the County would only be liable for its own vehicles and/or damage caused by its employees. County should not provide blanket liability.
2. The County cannot impose an assessment on road improvements; this can only be done by the Village of West Salem and Town of Hamilton.
3. The Village of West Salem will be granted a permit to construct utilities.
4. The chain-link fence will remain at current location.
5. Any excess fill off of Ag Society land is Ag Society owned, but need to determine prior to construction on whether or not Ag Society wants it, and if not, determine yardage based on engineer’s calculations.
6. The maintenance of road will be County responsibility. The curb and gutter will handle the surface water. The County will not be responsible for erosion on Ag Society land that is not affected by the roadway.
7. Any entrances into the fairgrounds will be blacktopped and blended into.
8. Language can be on the deed as to where the land goes, if vacated.
9. Final agreement will be approved by all involved parties.
Committee Chair Spiker asked for direction from the committee. More discussion followed. Pointed out that this project will be an improvement to the Ag Society land. Also pointed out that the County contributes $2,500 yearly to the Fair. Dennis noted such alternate entrance is needed, but at what price? General agreement by committee members to authorize the Highway Commissioner to send a response letter to the Ag Society based on his and Corporation Counsel’s recommendations.
REQUEST TO EXTEND GOOSE ISLAND CAMPING SEASON
Jim Speropulos reviewed. There is a new park manager at Goose Island who agrees with extending the camping season on 5 spots on the main road across from the beach area and near the manager’s mobile home. It would be done by self-registration, but the manager would be checking the box and overseeing the sites as needed. The County would maintain the 5 spots, but there would be no water, toilet or sanitary dumping accommodations – only electricity. Jim recommended on a trial basis. He noted per current County ordinance, the camping season is from May through September, but based on previous director’s decision many years ago, the camping season was moved to earlier and later dates (mid April to mid/late October) based on need for extra revenue, so the ordinance needs to be revised anyway. Steve O’Malley suggested no specific camping season dates in the revised ordinance and suggested leaving it up to management/administration or as determined by the governing committee. MOTION by Schroeder/Johnson to approve the extension of the camping season at Goose Island for 5 spots near the manager’s home, including discretion of the Facilities Director to close those sites if deemed unfeasible for the winter months, and direct staff to bring a revised ordinance to the committee for future consideration. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION RE AUTHORIZATION TO SELL LOT TO CITY OF LA CROSSE
MOTION by Richmond/Johnson to approve the resolution, which would sell Lot 3, except the west 6 feet, Block 23 of Clinton & Blackwell Addition, to City of La Crosse at fair market value in amount of $23,800. Jim briefly reviewed, noting this as one of the 2 lots that the committee authorized staff to negotiate with the city. The fair market price includes reimbursement to the County for the taxes and charges, except penalty. Liana Escott of the City of La Crosse Planning Dept. reviewed the proposed project for that site; a home will be built and with the assistance of CouleeCap, a homeowner will be determined, and it will be back on the tax roll. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION RE AUTHORIZATION TO DEMOLISH HUBER CENTER
MOTION by Johnson/Richmond to approve the resolution, which approves the demolition of the Huber Center and remediation of any environmental conditions found at a cost not to exceed $75,000, with these funds coming from the Jail Assessment Fees account. Jim noted per the previous approved resolution that authorization was contingent upon new LEC project. He also noted savings from the 2008 budget due to elimination of maintenance costs for the building. Motion carried unanimously.
REVIEW 2008 BUDGETS FOR FACILITIES/PARKS, SOLID WASTE, HIGHWAY
Steve O’Malley reviewed. He noted biggest challenges were wages, benefits, and health insurance in particular, plus the addition and remodeling of the Law Enforcement Center.
Facilities/Parks – Noted certain capital improvements to various buildings. Included is a “placement holder” of $100,000 for wind turbine or other alternative energy projects that would require committee and County Board approval. Jim noted an increase in permit fees and park revenue totaling $30,000 of additional revenue.
Solid Waste – Progress is planned for landfill renovation. The DNR will approve a letter of credit vs. having an escrow. Steve recommends a joint meeting of the Solid Waste Policy Board and this committee to review goals and objectives, and an overview with the entire County Board relating to tipping fees, rates, reserves, construction, etc. Also included in the budget are two new positions with no tax levy impact; one seasonal and one other as Special Waste Technicians. A third position for Public Relations/Marketing paid from tipping fees was turned down; this will be reviewed at a later date for future consideration. Some discussion on effects of State budget relating to Solid Waste; noted that municipalities could possibly be affected. Question asked, if all the waste had to be landfilled, are there funds available for such? Brian noted there are certain obligations per the contact; Solid Waste has a reserve fund balance that is equal to one year of expenses; suggestion to have future discussion on this matter.
Highway – County Road V project is proposed to be paid from excess sales tax funds vs. short-term bonding as done in 2007. On Monday, October 15th, the county Board will receive the 2nd study from Kimley-Horn & Associates regarding future road needs; this will be challenging for future years. Jackson County has chosen not to keep their roads up and will let some go back to gravel; some counties are considering wheel tax which additional tax on the registration fee.
Question asked as to what revenues did the County Administrator count on when preparing the 2008 budget. Steve O’Malley noted his anticipation on two items; one being 2% increase for the nursing homes and the other is $90,000 in Child Support.
APPROVE 2008 HIGHWAY DEPT. EQUIPMENT LIST
Denny answered questions pertaining to the 2008 Highway Dept. equipment list as sent with the agenda. Noted all equipment expenses are paid from the Machinery Fund. Supervisor Johnson suggested consideration of smaller engines, use of flex fuel, or possibly consider hybrid for the commissioner’s replacement vehicle. Dennis noted for the trucks, smaller engines not feasible, but he’s willing to check into hybrid or smaller engine vehicle for the commissioner’s vehicle. Some discussion on purchasing policy; noted items over $20,000 come back to committee; if the committee is not happy with the specifications and bids, they can reject any and all bids. MOTION by Berns/Pfaff to approve as presented the 2008 Highway Dept. equipment list. Motion carried unanimously. (List available upon request.)
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
Representative from Xcel RDF plant regarding regulatory issues; suggestion to also have representatives from DNR and/or EPA to review frequency of tests and testing procedures.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Pfaff/Richmond to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:21 p.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder