Thursday, March 6, 2008
Administrative Center – Room 3220
7:30 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Doyle, Steve O’Malley, Don Brenengen, Joan Curran, Tara Johnson, Bill Shepherd, John Wettstein, Audrey Kader (arr @7:39), Gary Ingvalson (arr @7:44)
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Barry Bertelsen, Vicki Burke, George Hammes, J. Terry Hanson, Brad Pfaff, Mary Jo Werner
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Fukuda, Charlie Handy, Greg Flogstad, Jennifer Kuderer, Tim Kabat, Andrea Hansen, Jerry Hanoski, Cheryl Stephen
Being a quorum was not present at 7:36 a.m., Chairman Doyle requested Agency Reports be given as no action is needed; a quorum was present at 7:39 a.m.
AGENCY REPORTS
LADCO – Jennifer Kuderer distributed information relating to the upcoming Economic Forum, entitled “Public Education: Challenges and Benefits for the Entire Community” scheduled for March 27th at 7:00 a.m. in the Radisson Hotel Ballroom; the keynote speaker will be Jamie Vollmer, a nationally renowned public speaker who emphasizes the importance of education in partnership with the community.
Jennifer also distributed a brochure on “2008 Coulee Region Entrepreneurial Initiative” – a yearly business plan competition; deadline is June 6th and winners are eligible for cash awards up to $500, potential for rent deferral at the Coulee Region Business Center Small Business Incubator, and zero-interest loan awards up to $3,000.
Jennifer also shared information on Northwest Wisconsin Manufacturing Outreach Center (NWMOC); there is a conference planned for May 21 at UW-Stout entitled, “2008 Manufacturing Advantage: Resources for Innovation and Growth.” Another initiative of NWMOC is called, “Eureka! Winning Ways”; a system that reduces risk and increases sales.
Workforce Development – Jerry Hanoski and Andrea Hansen of UW-L Continuing Education & Extension addressed the board on the need for workforce diversity. Andrea noted a grant that she applied for and received from UW Extension in partnership with the County Personnel Dept. which will end on June 30, 2008. The grant pulled together a group of collaborative members, including those from public sector and health institutions. Project goals included: 1) design a collaborative workforce project that makes a difference, 2) discover and highlight existing diversity strategies and resource people, 3) identify best practices that increase workforce diversity, and 4) build and strengthen relationships within our community. Andrea also distributed a brochure on upcoming UW-L sponsored training sessions on “Workforce Diversity Initiatives: Strategies, Challenges & a World Café.” After the grant ends, would like to see continuation of a Diversity Committee. Chairman Doyle concurred and requested Corporation Counsel to prepare an ordinance that will include a Diversity Council that would report to the Executive Committee, as needed.
Jerry also distributed copies of 2006-2007 Annual Report by the Western Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, Inc.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Kader/Shepherd to approve minutes of February 7, 2008. Motion carried unanimously; excused: Bertelsen, Burke, Hammes, Hanson, Pfaff, Werner.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
APPROVE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS
One check requisition was presented and listed in the Staff Report. MOTION by Shepherd/Curran to approve payment of $4,733.26 to Schreiber Anderson Associates for services relating to County Farm Master Plan. Staff concurs with the payment. Motion carried unanimously; excused: Bertelsen, Burke, Hammes, Hanson, Pfaff, Werner.
COUNTY FARM MASTER PLAN INPUT
Brian Fukuda reviewed. A survey form was sent prior to the mailing of the agenda in order to give adequate time for the members to fill out. Each master plan concept is not exclusive; could build on a new concept that will include elements from any of the three as prepared by Schreiber Anderson. The 3 concept plans were presented to the Village of West Salem Board and also requested them to fill out the same survey. The 3 concept plans will be presented to the County Board next Monday, March 10th for their input. Supervisor Johnson asked for clarification on what committee or committees have jurisdiction on this matter, noting the Planning, Resources & Development Committee. Chairman Doyle said it’s before this board because this is county-owned land and because it relates to economic development. Board Chairman Doyle asked for comments relating to likes and dislikes of each of the 3 concepts. Discussion and personal views given on the 3 concepts; general agreement on the following criteria, though not a formal recommendation:
Chairman Doyle requested show of hands for eliminating concept #1; majority of the members approved of that elimination. Joan Curran liked concept #2 based on efficient use of space. Some others liked concept #3 due to commercial space.
LA CROSSE HERON PROJECT
Brian reviewed noting the Pump House has organized a public art project called the “Herons of La Crosse” which will feature 6-foot heron forms that will be decorated by local artists. The project is intended to increase tourism as well as celebrate the arts. The City of La Crosse has proposed that the County and City share in the cost of purchasing one (1) of the 35 herons that would be located at the Airport. Cost is $1,500 per heron and split between the County and City comes to $750 each. Tim Kabat noted the 35 herons will be located throughout the community; by sometime in April, walking tours will formed; the herons will be on display during the summer; by fall or early winter, the herons will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go to the Family & Children’s Center and the Pump House. MOTION by Curran/Kader to approve the purchase of a heron as shared purchase with City of La Crosse in amount of $750. Motion carried unanimously; excused: Bertelsen, Burke, Hammes, Hanson, Pfaff, Werner.
CONSIDERATION OF PAYMENT OF SUBCONTRACTOR WITH RETAINAGE
Charlie noted this is an issue where a subcontractor (Kelly Lambert Construction Company), under the main contractor of Badger Environmental, has not paid Kraemer Company for some of the rock/gravel as needed for the Lakeview Business Park project. Charlie was hoping that it would have been taken care of by today’s meeting, but not heard back as to status. Kraemer Company could put a lien on the county-property, but they really don’t want to do that. The County has held retainage funds of $25,000+ that could be used to pay this outstanding bill; the amount of outstanding bill is $19,720. MOTION by Shepherd/Wettstein to approve, if needed, payment up to $19,720 from retainage funds payable to Kraemer Company for the rock as purchased by Kelly Lambert Construction Company as the subcontractor for Badger Environmental who is the main contractor. Motion carried unanimously; excused: Bertelsen, Burke, Hammes, Hanson, Pfaff, Werner.
CONSIDERATION OF EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT WITH FOTH FOR ENGINEERING WORK
Referred to next month; members should keep the copy as sent with the agenda and bring to next month’s meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF RAIL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN CP RAIL, AMERHART, AND LA CROSSE COUNTY
Charlie reviewed. Copies of the rail agreements were sent with the agenda. They are very similar rail agreements to the ones completed for Select Trusses in 2004; only differences relate to insurance. MOTION by Brenengen/Curran to approve the rail agreements, as presented, between CP Rail, Amerhart, and La Crosse County Economic Development Fund, Inc., contingent upon review by Corporation Counsel. Motion carried unanimously; excused: Bertelsen, Burke, Hammes, Hanson, Pfaff, Werner.
CLOSED SESSION
(Pursuant to s. 19.85(1)(e) Wis. Stats. re: discuss negotiations with prospects in Lakeview Business Park )
Staff noted closed session was not needed.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
SCHEDULE JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF LA CROSSE RE AIRBORNE DATALINK LOAN
Thursday, March 20th at 8:00 a.m.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, April 3rd at 7:30 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Wettstein/Ingvalson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously; excused: Bertelsen, Burke, Hammes, Hanson, Pfaff, Werner. The meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder