EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Administrative Center – Room 3220
4:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Doyle, Tara Johnson, Tom Rauk, Vicki Burke, Charles Spiker, Don Meyer, Andrea Richmond, Sharon Hampson
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Roger Plesha
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF & GUESTS: Steve O’Malley, Gary Ingvalson, Bill Shepherd, Marion Naegle, Bob Taunt, Jim Speropulos, Charlie Handy, Brian Tippetts, Jane Klekamp, Mary Ellen Prinsen, Bryan Jostad, Sara Koopman, Ann Vogel, Jill Billings, Dan Springer (Tribune), Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Board Chairman Steve Doyle called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Burke/Richmond to approve minutes of July 9, 2008. Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Rauk/Meyer to accept the following Consent Agenda items:
Supervisor Rauk questioned stability of investment fund balances. Ingvalson noted monthly fluctuations.
Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
APPROVE/ACCEPT CDBG-EAP GRANT RE 2008 FLOOD ASSISTANCE
MOTION by Johnson/Richmond to approve/accept the CDBG-EAP grant in amount of $50,000 as part of the flood assistance for low to moderate homeowners in La Crosse County. Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused.
RESOLUTION RE AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH A SUSTAINABLE PROVISION WITHIN THE COUNTY PURCHASING POLICY
Bryan Jostad reviewed noting approval of the resolution will serve as a foundation for purchasing sustainable products and services; purchase of such products and services will be based on safety, price, performance and availability that meet sustainable standards established by third-party certifier or other similar and equivalent standards as determined by County staff. Supervisor Rauk suggested staff be aware of manufacturer oriented third-party certifiers. Bryan also noted the Joint Oversight Committee on Sustainability approved the resolution at their July 8th meeting. MOTION by Hampson/Rauk to approve the resolution. Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused.
RESOLUTION RE APPROVAL OF INITIAL 2009-2010 BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS
Steve O’Malley reviewed, noting the contents of the resolution is similar to what he presented at the
Page 2 – Executive Committee Minutes of August 13, 2008
County Board Policy Planning session on July 7th. The preliminary budget plan includes two-year budget projections for 2009 and 2010 that includes keeping the total gross tax levy increase to no more than 5.45% for 2009 and 5.31% for 2010. Recommendations for 2009 direct staff to implement the following actions, including bring forward specific resolutions and decisions as required:
1. Develop recommendations on program and budget cuts that would lower the percentages shown above.
2. Refinance the balance remaining of the 1998A and 1998B Law Enforcement Center bonds for the remaining six years, thereby saving an estimated $390,000 interest through the end of the term.
3. Divide the initial bond issue for the new LEC addition into no more than $10 million for sale before the end of 2008, and the balance of $19.5 million to be sold in early 2009.
4. Apply the budgeted 2008 debt levy payment for the LEC addition to payoff the Highway Shop debt three years early (up to $1,225,000 budgeted for first debt payment), saving an estimated $88,550 in interest.
5. Provide budget recommendations to meet Highway Capital project needs at a funding level of $2 million in each 2009 & 2010, partially funded through using the balance of the “Old Landfill” fund.
6. Provide detail budget recommendations including: utilize budgeted contingency fund and Health Insurance reserves to moderate the impact of increased premiums, consider appropriate increases in fees & charges and utilize targeted use of other fund reserves if necessary.
MOTION by Burke/Hampson to approve the resolution. Attached to the resolution was a schedule of events – current to end of 2008. Supervisor Kader asked if any of the fund balances/reserves could be used to help offset the budget. Steve noted that he will bring choices and/or options to the Board for consideration. Board Chairman Doyle noted that if there is any additional information that the Board wants or suggested changes, to let Gary know. Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused.
INITIAL RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING NOT EXCEEDING $8,200,000 BONDS OF THE COUNTY OF LA CROSSE
Ingvalson noted this initial resolution is part of the refinancing as stated in #2 above under budget recommendations; if approved, plan to sell bonds next month. MOTION by Johnson/Rauk to refer to the County Board with a recommendation for its approval. Ingvalson noted two resolutions coming forth in September as part of the refinancing process. Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused.
RESOLUTION RE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADOLESCENT CENTER IN THE JUVENILE JUSTICE FACILITY OF LA CROSSE COUNTY
Mary Ellen Prinsen was present to answer questions; she noted the Health & Human Services Board approved the resolution at last night’s meeting. Discussion and questions asked. Plan to hire seven new employees with one staff per shift. In 2007, started a Juvenile Reporting Center which closed February 2008, due mainly because it was used by the school districts for delinquent/truant youths. After further study, staff determined the need for a comprehensive Adolescent Center within the existing JDF that includes a licensed small group 8-bed shelter. Six counties will share in the purchase of these eight beds; four of those will be reserved for La Crosse County; three will be contracted between the remaining 6 counties and 1 for first come/first serve; cost per bed is $100/day at yearly cost of $36,500/year. Supervisor Spiker raised concern with hiring new employees now versus waiting until the 2009 budget process. Noted that if not in operation by October 2008, the County will lose its license. HHS Board
Page 3 – Executive Committee Minutes of August 12, 2008
Chair Hampson noted the HHS Board amended the Fiscal Note (last para. following $96,283), that included the words “which includes one-time start up costs.” MOTION by Hampson/Johnson to approve the resolution, including the noted amendment as made by the HHS Board. Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused.
RESOLUTION RE WOMEN’S COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAM
Jane Klekamp was present to answer questions of which several asked by Supervisor Spiker. Jane noted the north side location is the best location for short-term plan as well as lower cost option – less costly to rent and do not have to purchase as compared to the Cameron Avenue location. If approved, plan to start moving a few females in September; it would be a gradual process; YWCA is the contracted provider of services; the furnishings and security cameras will be paid from the La Crosse Community Foundation grant. Board Chairman Doyle noted there is a plan to hold a community meeting in about 3 weeks that includes key community leaders, residents, etc., and to start the process of looking for a permanent location. He also noted a follow-up north side neighborhood meeting 60 days following County Board approval in order to answer all questions/concerns. MOTION by Hampson/Johnson to approve the resolution. Motion carried on 7 to 1 vote; Spiker-no.
RESOLUTION RE APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER FOR FINAL COVER AND GAS SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION AT THE LA CROSSE COUNTY LANDFILL
Brian Tippets reviewed. In June 2008, the County Board approved the contract for final cover and gas system construction at the County landfill. Survey work for the project area is 1.5 to 2 acres larger than was originally stated in the bid, so based on bid increment amounts, this increased the contract price by approximately $225,000-$275,000. MOTION by Spiker/Richmond to approve the resolution. Brian noted the contractor proceeded with this work at his own risk without prior approval. Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused.
RESOLUTION RE RECOGNITION OF SEPTEMBER 2008 AS FOSTER PROVIDER APPRECIATION MONTH
MOTION by Hampson/Richmond to approve the resolution. Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused.
RESOLUTION RE AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER FUNDS FROM FUND BALANCE RESERVE-PARKS AND REVENUE ACCOUNT TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LAKE NESHONOC BOAT LANDINGS AND DOCKS
MOTION by Richmond/Burke to approve the resolution, which authorizes approval of the two low bids, being: Strupp Trucking in amount of $54,250 for doing the two boat landings and Waterworks, Inc. for providing the two portable boat docks, plus in addition, approve the account transfers of $20,796 from Parks Fund Balance Reserve and transfer $9,204 from Revenue-sale of dredge materials.. Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused.
RESOLUTION RE REFERENDUM QUESTIONS REQUIRING STATE LEGISLATIVE ACTION ON HEALTHCARE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT
MOTION by Johnson/Hampson to approve the resolution. Supervisor Johnson noted other counties and municipalities in the State have approved or in the process of approving similar resolutions and will proceed with referendum questions on this topic. Motion carried on 7 to 1 vote; Spiker-no.
Page 4 – Executive Committee Minutes of August 12, 2008
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Richmond/Meyer to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously; Plesha excused. The meeting adjourned at 5:04 p.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder