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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-2014 Committee of the Whole Minutes MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE February 12, 2014 9:00 AM County Board Room - Government Center 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived Travis Schachtner St. Croix County Supervisor Absent Agnes Ring St. Croix County Supervisor Present Tim Hood St. Croix County Supervisor Present Daryl Standafer St. Croix County Chair Present Fred Yoerg St. Croix County Supervisor Present Buck Malick St. Croix County Supervisor Present Chris Kilber St. Croix County Supervisor Present Richard Ottino St. Croix County Supervisor Present Tom Hawksford St. Croix County Supervisor Absent Dave Ostness St. Croix County Supervisor Present Roger Larson St. Croix County Vice Chair Absent Fred Horne St. Croix County Supervisor Absent Ron Kiesler St. Croix County Supervisor Present Andy Brinkman St. Croix County Supervisor Present David Peterson St. Croix County Supervisor Present Joe Hurtgen St. Croix County Supervisor Absent Brian Hurtgen St. Croix County Supervisor Absent Duane Russett St. Croix County Supervisor Present William Peavey St. Croix County Supervisor Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. October 23, 2013 9:00 AM RESULT: ACCEPTED PUBLIC COMMENT* None BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Consultants Report on Dispatch Merger Chair Standafer indicated a resolution regarding the 911 Merger was on the preliminary agenda but removed per action of the Public Protection Committee to address. County Administrator Thompson introduced PSC Alliance (PSC) - Jeff Nelson, Brian Kyllonen and Steve Pott. Nelson provided a brief background of PSC and reviewed the scope of the project evaluation including operations, technology, staffing, venue, governance and cost. Nelson reported Pierce County receives approximately half the number of phone calls as St. Croix County. Nelson also reported a survey of public safety users was completed with several responses. Nelson reviewed in detail the project evaluations based on PSC’s on-site observations and comparisons between St. Croix and Pierce County dispatch centers. Questions from County Board members. Costs discussed noting the majority of recurring cost is staff. There are 24.5 fulltime employees aggregate for both counties in front line dispatch service delivery. PSC has estimated the work load for a merged service warrants 22 fulltime employees. Nelson reported there is $1.58 million capital investments required with a 12-year return on investment to savings. This amount includes replacing the phone system in St. Croix County. Challenges reported include the need for a consensus between Pierce and St. Croix County Boards; extensive investment of local staff resources required including internal support between counties; significant educational efforts for public safety users; clear communication and a uniform message to the public and other stakeholders needed. Nelson reviewed opportunities of a merger including: better capacity for large scale event with merged staff; consistency of methods and procedures for field personnel; information exchange; cost avoidance for capital purchases; creating a multi-agency service best positions the members for certain grant aid; and timing regarding end of life equipment replacement. River Falls Police Chief Roger LeQue and River Falls City Administrator Scot Simpson commented on the merger and the need to provide better service to the City of River Falls residents. Standafer summarized the Public Protection Committee will look at bringing a recommendation to the County Board meeting in March for continuing consideration or no longer interested in consideration. 2. Capital Projects Update Thompson reviewed the 911 expansion project with completion scheduled for February 18, 2014. The Emergency Operating Center (EOC) will be relocated and completed by April 2, 2014. Thompson reported construction on the St. Croix County Services Center in New Richmond has begun and is currently in the second week of deconstruction. They are on track to have staff relocated by the end of June 2014. Review of the Services Center construction budget noting a final estimated budget of $4,501,367 which includes use of Contingency Funds in the amount of $144,289. Review and discussion regarding cost reductions concerning construction, construction alternatives and furniture for a total of $658,000. Thompson reported routine inspections are being completed by Hoffman and followed through with Facilities Director Jim Elsbury. Thompson summarized 2014 bonding estimated needs with an anticipated bonding date of August 2014. Estimated costs for capital projects reviewed with an estimated bonding amount of $9,600,000 and an additional $10,000,000 for a Nursing Home and Assisted Living building which will be addressed at a later date. Malick recommended solar energy research. Discussion regarding 911 Infrastructure upgrade considered as Phase II with an estimated cost of $5,000,000 plus. Malick cautioned not to package all things in one bond issue. Review of County Board / Multi-Purpose Room which includes replacing technology, enhance audio visual capabilities, potential court room backup and improve public experience/access to discussion and materials, and improve security. Thompson reported the 2013 budget contained $340,000 for Government Center capital improvements. A portion of the 2013 budget was used for County Board Room upgrades. The 2014 budget contains $200,000 for Government Center capital improvements. Discussion regarding capital costs. ANNOUNCEMENTS & CORRESPONDENCE Standafer provided a copy of the PowerPoint presented at the WCA Legislative Update from 2013 - 2014. ADJOURN - 11:52 AM