HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance 06-08-06 NOTICE OF COMMITTEE MEETING AND AGENDA
ST. CROIX COUNTY
FINANCE COMMITTEE
DATE AND TI IE: Thursday June 8, 2006 — 8:00 A.M.
LOCATION: Room 1281, St. Croix County Government Center,
1101 Carmichael Road Hudson, Wisconsin
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: July 13, 2006
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: May 8, 2006
OLD AND NEW BUSINESS:
1. Review of Vouchers
2. Treasurer Report
a. April Bank Reconciliation
b. Update on Ag Use Penalty Collection
c. Treasurer Mission and Business Responsibility Statement **
3. County Clerk Report
a. County Clerk Mission and Business Responsibility Statements
c. ADA- Voting System Funding Status
4. Clerk of Court Report
a. Request to Exceed Hotel Allowance
5. Information Services Report
a. Image Server Upgrade
6. Finance Director Report
a. Financial Reports
b. State Trust Fund Borrowing Resolution for June 20 County Board meeting
c. 2007 Budget Instructions
7. Request from Judges for Drug Court Coordinator Position — 9:00 a.m.
8. Administrative Coordinator Report
a. Land Disposition
b. "Plan for a Plan" Next Step — Review of Government Center Property Survey
c. Notice from WisDoT to Appraise County Property in Baldwin for Highway 63 Project
d. Contingency Fund Request — County Board Room Computer and Projector
e. Employee Picnic Dates
9. Status of Springsted Project
a. Approval of Position Descriptions
b. Formation of Position Administration Work Group
c. Policy on Having County Board Approve New Positions
d. New Position Request — Planning & Zoning Department*
10. Follow Up to Goal Setting Session Action Items
11. 2007 Budget Discussion — Joint Meeting with County Committee Chairs — 10:00 a.m.
12. Farm Properties Lease Agreements
13. Review of Developer's Proposal Plan for County Land Parcel in New Richmond
14. Closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. sec. 19.85(1)(b) to consider discipline of a public employee.
Reconvene in open session.
ADJOURN
(Items may be taken in different order)
* *Additions /Changes /Corrections
Items for County Board approval must be submitted to the County Clerk's office by Wednesday morning
preceding a County Board meeting.
4:42 PM 6/6/2006
UNOFFICIAL
MINUTES OF THE ST. CROIX COUNTY FINANCE COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting June 8, 2006
Meeting called to order by Chair Krueger at 8:02 a.m. Present: Clarence Malick, Esther Wentz,
Daryl Standafer, Stan Krueger and Tom Caflisch. Staff present: Administrative Coordinator Chuck
Whiting, Finance Director Michelle Pietrick, Corporation Counsel Greg Timmerman and County
Clerk Cindy Campbell. Others present: Bill Crammer. Media: Judy Wiff.
Motion by Malick, 2nd by Standafer to adopt the agenda. Carried unanimously. Motion by Malick,
2 by Wentz to approve the May 8, 2006 minutes. Carried unanimously.
1. Review of Vouchers. Malick reported he did not find anything to bring to the committee's
attention regarding voucher review.
2. Treasurer's Report.
a. April Treasurer's Reconciliation. April reconciliation reports were reviewed.
Krueger highlighted Health Insurance claims paid in the amount of $1,010,958. There were no
other questions or comments.
b. Update on Ag Use Penalty Collection. Slind reported the result of offering a five
percent incentive from the county and municipality encouraging ag -use penalty has resulted in
sixteen municipalities not participating, ten participating and no responds from eight municipalities.
Slind stated the tax and assessment software has a report that will report G4 changes to any other
use. The report would show potential ag -use. Malick stated he had a discussion with the
Springfield Town Chair who feels it's a bad policy for the county to offer an incentive. Malick does
not recommend a change. Krueger thanked Slind for her work.
C. Treasurer Mission and Business Responsibility Statement. Slind stated she has
minor changes to the Treasurer's statements. This will be reviewed at budget time.
3. County Clerk Report.
a. County Clerk Mission and Business Responsibility Statements. Campbell
distributed revised Mission and Business Responsibility Statements highlighting the changes.
Motion by Malick, 2 by Wentz to approve. Carried unanimously.
b. ADA- Voting System Funding Status. Campbell reported the agreements have
been sent to the municipalities. She has received about half back to date. The voting equipment
should be arriving at the end of July.
Campbell highlighted 2005 Wisconsin Act 451 containing several election law changes.
4. Clerk of Court Report.
Finance Committee
June 8, 2006
Page 2 of 7
a. Request to Exceed Hotel Allowance. Whiting stated Register in Probate Ericka
Nelson is requesting to exceed the $62.00 per night authorized room rate for a conference she is
attending. The lodging rate for this particular conference is $72.00 per night. Motion by Malick,
2nd by Standafer to approve. Carried unanimously.
5. Information Services Report.
a. Image Server Upgrade. IT Director Tom Boron and Register of Deeds Kay Walsh
were present. Boron stated the Register of Deeds office has come across an unexpected cost for an
imaging server upgrade because Fidlar does not support the current software under Windows 2003
and recommends St. Croix County switch to the image storage software. Walsh stated she budgeted
to digitize aperture cards back to 1974 in the amount of $90,000. The bid came in at $45,625
leaving $44,000 available. Discussion regarding potential additional costs involved for software
and the conversion process. Walsh indicated the funds come from the Land Records Fund
generated by recording fees. Questions regarding software support. Fidlar will not support the
current software on the new image server. Motion by Malick, 2 by Wentz to approve the
transaction to make the purchase as requested of the imaging software upgrade. Carried
unanimously.
6. Finance Director Report.
a. Financial Reports. General Fund Cash and investments balance as of April 30,
2006 was $27,788,528.65. Brief discussion regarding investments. 2006 Contingency Fund
balance, is $250,000. 2006 Sales Tax received in May 2006 for March 2006 sales are $396,966.13.
No questions or comments regarding the Expenditure and Revenue Summary Reports. Whiting
stated at the goal setting session a pre -audit report to the County Board was requested. Malick
suggested attaching the Finance Committee Monthly Report along with the expense and revenue
reports to Whiting's monthly report to the County Board. Whiting suggested attaching the reports
to the unofficial minutes of the Finance Committee meeting. The Finance Committee agreed to
have the reports attached to the unofficial minutes.
b. State Trust Fund Borrowing Resolution for June 20 County Board Meeting.
Pietrick distributed the State Trust Fund Application including resolution and stated the documents
must be approved in its form. The amount was reduced to $663,274.00 because centerline mapping
will be done at no cost. The original amount requested was approximately $715,000. Motion by
Malick, 2nd by Wentz to recommend approval to the County Board. Carried unanimously.
C. 2007 Budget Instructions. Pietrick distributed the 2007 Budget Instructions.
Whiting highlighted instructions to the Department Heads. Malick suggested we recognize the
mileage rate may change. Motion by Malick, 2 by Wentz to finalize as is. Carried unanimously.
7. Request from Judges for Drug Court Coordinator Position — 9:00 a.m. Judge Lundell
and Judge Needham were present. Judge Lundell stated the Drug Court is up and running but there
is a lack of coordination between the parties involved and requested a Drug Court Coordinator,
which is a key position to get this system running smoothly. Judge Lundell stated this position will
be requested in the 2007 budget process but would like to see it start earlier. Judge Lundell stated
Finance Committee
June 8, 2006
Page 3 of 7
they will be applying for a grant through the State Office of Justice Assistances, Department of
Correction and Family Services. There are three grant proposals which they feel will be able to
fund the Drug Court Coordinator position. The application is due July 19 for a twelve month grant
for 2007. Judge Lundell stated the position description was drafted and submitted last year. This
position was not previously approved by the Personnel Committee. Questions regarding where this
person will be housed. Malick suggested working the process as though it would be fully on the
county levy and working the process as though it were on the grant. Wentz stated the Meth
Advisory Committee would like to see the drug court go forward. Judge Lundell asked if the grant
is approved could county funds be used to start the position early. Malick stated he is open to that
but wants to see specifics and details, and to continue with the study of this position.
8. Administrative Coordinator Report.
a. Land Disposition. Whiting reported the only piece of land for disposition is
property in the town of Cylon. He stated Bob Heise is talking to the DNR and U.S. Fish and
Wildlife. Whiting stated he is unable to get to this project. Malick suggested the County advertise
for a consultant or contractor to be put in charge with the assumption we will make enough revenue
to pay for this. Discussion regarding which committees have an interest in retaining parcels and the
disposal of the low value parcels. Motion by Standafer, 2 °a by Caflisch to send out a request for
proposal on land disposition to see who is out there and has interest, capacity and ability to do land
disposition. Carried unanimously.
b. "Plan for a Plan" Next Step — Review of Government Center Property Survey.
Whiting went through a process of using the Highway Surveyor to survey the Government Center
property. The survey will be done complete with easements. Discussion regarding the county
completing the survey and processing through rezoning. Malick proposed the County handle as a
staff function rather then having the Finance Committee Chair meet with City of Hudson officials.
No action.
C. Notice from WisDoT to Appraise County Property in Baldwin for Highway 63
Project. Whiting stated he received a letter from the Wisconsin DOT regarding reconstructing
Highway 63 in the Baldwin area where County property will be affected by this project. The DOT
appraiser has contacted Whiting and will get back to him. No action.
d. Contingency Fund Request — County Board Room Computer and Projector.
Whiting asked Boron to follow up on an audio and video upgrade for the County Board Room
including a computer and projector for presentations. Boron has contacted a River Falls vendor but
Finance Committee
June 8, 2006
Page 4of7
9. Status of Springsted Project.
a. Approval of Position Descriptions. Whiting stated the Liaison Committee
continues to meet. Whiting suggested the job descriptions not be approved until July and added the
pointing is nearing completion. The Liaison Committee will meet again on June 2I
b. Formation of Position Administration Work Group. Whiting is requesting
membership be modified to include Department Heads who manage the most people and are at the
top of the pay scale. Whiting proposed the following membership: Administrative Coordinator
Chuck Whiting, Corporation Counsel Greg Timmerman, Finance Director Michelle Pietrick,
Highway Commissioner Tim Ramberg, Health and Human Services Director Fred Johnson,
Planning and Zoning Director Dave Fodroczi, Sheriff Dennis - Hillstead, Information Technology
Director Tom Boron, Finance Committee Member Esther Wentz. Motion by Caflisch, 2 nd by
Standafer to approve the new members for the Position Administration Work Group effective
immediately. Carried unanimously.
C. Policy on Having County Board Approve New Positions. Discussion regarding
the requirement to have County Board approval for reclassifications vs. new position requests and
what constitutes a change in a position. Timmerman distributed the current policy. Timmerman
stated a situation has arisen during the Springsted work regarding new positions vs. reclassification
of positions. Timmerman requested the Finance Committee accept his interpretation that a
reclassification is the changing of a job description reflecting actual changes in the work being done
and that the work has been done for at least 6 months previous. Any thing else is a new position.
Motion by Caflisch, 2 nd by Standafer to accept Timmerman's interpretation of reclassifications vs.
new positions. Carried unanimously.
Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Habhegger and Planning and Zoning Director Dave
Fodroczi were present. Whiting stated the Land Information Manager and Senior Planner job
descriptions were approved by the Personnel Committee as part of the Hay system. The job
descriptions were not approved by the Finance Committee or the County Board. Timmerman stated
he feels the job descriptions need County Board approval. Fodroczi stated the job descriptions of
Senior Planner and Land Information Manager were submitted as reclassifications of the Planner
and Planner /GIS Technician positions last June. He added the process was done with Human
Resource staff at that time and supported by the Planning and Zoning Committee. Fodroczi stated
there was no intention or expectation that these actions would put the Planning and Zoning
Department in a position where it would have four staff positions out of two. There is no record of
specific action by the Personnel Committee. Fodroczi stated he received notice after the September
Personnel Committee meeting indicating the reclassifications were approved. Whiting
recommended removing two positions and clarification of the existing positions (Land Information
Manager and Senior Planner) and review those positions with the Springsted system. Discussion
regarding supervisory positions. Motion by Malick, 2 nd by Caflisch providing under new authority,
acting in Personnel capacity, the Finance Committee give recognition to the revised position
descriptions as being the ones in effect and one being a supervisory position of nobody which will
be picked up in the Springsted system. This will need to go to the County Board for approval.
Fodroczi stated he thought the positions were a reclassification eight months ago. Malick would
like to see how the Springsted study group analyzes these positions. Whiting confirmed the initial
Finance Committee
June 8, 2006
Page 5 of 7
process be completed by getting it to the County Board. Malick wanted to be sure the current
staffing is what the department needs. Motion by Malick to table his motion and give a month's
delay waiting for the Liaison Committee recommendation. Motion to table failed due to lack of a
2nd Action on main motion carried; Malick voted no.
d. New Position Request — Planning & Zoning Department. Whiting distributed
new job description for the Office Manager in Planning and Zoning Department and stated this was
approved by the Planning and Zoning Committee. Motion by Malick, 2 by Wentz to approve.
Carried unanimously.
10. Follow Up to Goal Setting Session Action Items. Krueger stated he would like to see the
Finance Committee continue with follow up on the goals. Malick suggested sending a letter to all
legislative candidates regarding state mandated court funding. The Finance Committee directed
Whiting to send a letter requesting an introduction of state mandated court funding into legislation
on behalf of the County Board. Malick suggested Facilities Manager Ralph Robole initiate the
steps regarding an energy policy. Whiting has searched for energy policies on the web. Malick
suggested he forward them to Fodroczi.
11. 2007 Budget Discussion — Joint Meeting with County Committee Chairs — 10:00 a.m.
Krueger welcomed the committee chairs and department heads attending. (Present: Chuck Mehls,
Tim Ramberg, Katy Kapaun, Wallace Habhegger, Dick Sullwold, Ron Raymond, Julie Speer,
Sheriff Hillstead, Greg Timmerman). Handouts relating to St. Croix County Levy History and 2007
Scenarios were distributed. Pietrick indicated she put the scenarios together. Known and unknown
expenditures and revenues were highlighted. Whiting reviewed the levy history and capital
improvement planning items and amounts. Discussion regarding storage at the Government Center.
Whiting highlighted salary and fringes and anticipates some new position requests. Malick stressed
the need to remind everyone of the risk of overrunning the 2006 budget because of the ultimate
wage contracts settlements and something may need to be done in order to make if fit within the
budget such as days off without pay for both represented and non - represented employees.
Each committee chair or department head were asked to highlight anticipated 2007 budget issues
for their department.
Mehls handed out a plan regarding Emergency Communications highlighting a decrease in
Emergency Communications capital outlay. Mehls stated 2013 is the deadline to go with
narrowband. The plan is to replace any radios without narrowband capability by 2010. The plan is
to make three payments beginning in 2007 in amounts of $142,000 so equipment can be ordered
and installed in 2010. Storage shed update by Mehls.
Ramberg highlighted increases in supplies and services for the Highway Department. Ramberg
stated most of the highway's projects are material- based.
Katy Kapaun stated revenue has been cut at the federal level. Her department can no longer claim
66% of the money which are performance incentives. Kapaun is guessing $15,000 in 2007 and
$50,000 in 2008. Kapuan is looking for monies to restore the funds. Employment and training
program will be implemented by the Child Support office.
Finance Committee
June 8, 2006
Page 6 of 7
Habhegger stated the remodeling in the Planning and Zoning Department will likely be brought
back.
Dick Sullwold representing the Fair Board stated they are catching up with capital improvements at
the fairgrounds. The revenues have also increased. Malick highlighted insurance issues with the
sale of beer and emergency services available during the fair. Sullwold stated they will look into
this.
Sheriff Hillstead reported on rough drafts of estimates for 2007. He stated the jail funds depend on
what happens with the drug court. There has been a drop in the daily population of the jail part due
to the education provided and the awareness of the meth problems. Diversion programs offered
have an impact. They have taken offers from different companies that provide medical care within
jails and the prices have decreased from previous years. He stated there will be no personnel
increases in the jail. The Sheriffs Department is reviewing time savings if one staff position were
added to specifically transcribe reports dictated by deputies rather then having the officer type the
reports. Patrol officers will then be more available on the road. Hillstead stated another position
which may be sought is an IT person in the Sheriff s Department. Discussion regarding equipment
upgrades and space needs because of the requirement to record all interrogations.
Ron Raymond represented the Land and Water Conservation Department and the Ag- Extension
Office. Raymond stated Land and Water will likely hold a constant budget and capital outlay is
nominal. Staffing shifts are being made. Raymond added the capital items deferred last year in the
Parks Department will likely come forward for 2007. Ag- Extension will likely see a slight decrease
partly because of Jim Janke's retirement.
Wentz indicated budget has been reviewed at Health and Human Services.
Speer distributed preliminary projections for the District Attorney and Victim Witness departments
for 2007 budget.
Whiting highlighted considerations when preparing the budgets — i.e. energy policies, land uses.
Whiting stated the levy will likely end up to the maximum because of constraints and levy
shortfalls.
12. Farm Properties Lease Agreements. Whiting stated he received two bids for lease on the
farmland and one bid on for the lease of the barn. Discussion regarding bids. Whiting recommended
two -year agreements pending Timmerman's satisfaction. Malick suggested having the Highway
Department use it for storage. Whiting will check with the Highway Department.
13. Review of Developer's Proposal Plan for County Land Parcel in New Richmond.
Wentz stated Fred Katter from Pineapple Management submitted a plan to the City of New
Richmond. Pineapple made another proposal $50,000 to $65,000 per acre. Discussion regarding
the property being in a TIF district and the parcels location which is separated because of the new
highway. Wentz stated Pineapple needs to provide concrete plans. Whiting suggested 20% after
public improvement is completed. Malick suggested a storm water analysis, appraisal of property,
Finance Committee
June 8, 2006
Page 6 of 7
Habhegger stated the remodeling in the Planning and Zoning Department will likely be brought
back.
Dick Sullwold representing the Fair Board stated they are catching up with capital improvements at
the fairgrounds. The revenues have also increased. Malick highlighted insurance issues with the
sale of beer and emergency services available during the fair. Sullwold stated they will look into
this.
Sheriff Hillstead reported on rough drafts of estimates for 2007. He stated the jail funds depend on
what happens with the drug court. There has been a drop in the daily population of the jail part due
to the education provided and the awareness of the meth problems. Diversion programs offered
have an impact. They have taken offers from different companies that provide medical care within
jails and the prices have decreased from previous years. He stated there will be no personnel
increases in the jail. The Sheriffs Department is reviewing time savings if one staff position were
added to specifically transcribe reports dictated by deputies rather then having the officer type the
reports. Patrol officers will then be more available on the road. Hillstead stated another position
which may be sought is an IT person in the Sheriff s Department. Discussion regarding equipment
upgrades and space needs because of the requirement to record all interrogations.
Ron Raymond represented the Land and Water Conservation Department and the Ag- Extension
Office. Raymond stated Land and Water will likely hold a constant budget and capital outlay is
nominal. Staffing shifts are being made. Raymond added the capital items deferred last year in the
Parks Department will likely come forward for 2007. Ag- Extension will likely see a slight decrease
partly because of Jim Janke's retirement.
Wentz indicated budget has been reviewed at Health and Human Services.
Speer distributed preliminary projections for the District Attorney and Victim Witness departments
for 2007 budget.
Whiting highlighted considerations when preparing the budgets — i.e. energy policies, land uses.
Whiting stated the levy will likely end up to the maximum because of constraints and levy
shortfalls.
12. Farm Properties Lease Agreements. Whiting stated he received two bids for lease on the
farmland and one bid on for the lease of the barn. Discussion regarding bids. Whiting recommended
two -year agreements pending Timmerman's satisfaction. Malick suggested having the Highway
Department use it for storage. Whiting will check with the Highway Department.
13. Review of Developer's Proposal Plan for County Land Parcel in New Richmond.
Wentz stated Fred Katter from Pineapple Management submitted a plan to the City of New
Richmond. Pineapple made another proposal $50,000 to $65,000 per acre. Discussion regarding
the property being in a TIF district and the parcels location which is separated because of the new
highway. Wentz stated Pineapple needs to provide concrete plans. Whiting suggested 20% after
public improvement is completed. Malick suggested a storm water analysis, appraisal of property,
Finance Committee
June 8, 2006
Page 7 of 7
do an RFP or bid, negotiate with the City of New Richmond, keeping in mind tax payer
amendments and TABOR considerations. Malick would like to see us move ahead. Whiting stated
he will meet with the City of New Richmond officials and return with a report for the July Finance
meeting and ask Bob Heise to look at a storm water analysis.
14. Closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. § 19.85(1)(b) to consider discipline of a public
employee. Motion by Caflisch, 2nd by Wentz to go into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats.
§19.85 to consider discipline of a public employee. Roll call vote — all aye. Carried unanimously
(12:30 p.m.). Reconvened to open session at 12:50 p.m. Motion by Malick, 2 by Wentz to affirm
the Sheriff's denial of the grievance. Carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 1:38 p.m. Esther Wentz, Secretary
Cindy Campbell, Recording Secretary