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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 20, 2003 in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan. Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Austin, Frederick, Ivey, Miller, Moore, Segal and Strowbridge. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: A Moment of Personal Reflection was observed; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Miller. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM: “Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Strowbridge, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the February 20, 2003 agenda and addendum as presented.” Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Jerry Keller, Battle Creek resident, addressed an unfortunate experience he had with management at the Burnham Brook Center and advised that he had contemplated becoming a member as he enjoys playing pool with his friends, however after being told that he is not welcome, he would not even consider becoming a member even if the membership was free. Mr. Keller stated that he does not believe that county tax payers’ money should go to such an agency that disrespects those who go there. Ms. Pearl Gray-McWhorther, Battle Creek resident, concurred with Mr. Keller and voiced dismay for the manner in which he was treated. Ms. Gray-McWhorther advised that she went to Fort Custer National Cemetery to have memorial services in the chapel for her son, and was advised by Chaplain Charles Porter that only a long-term employee or those in the hospital may have services there. Ms. Gray-McWhorther stated that her son was a veteran and is entitled to a memorial service in the chapel. ELECTED/APPOINTED COUNTY OFFICIAL’S COMMENTS Health Department Accreditation Certificate Presentation Chairman Austin requested suspension of the Board Rules to add to the agenda presentation of the Health Department’s accreditation certificate.
Chairman Austin introduced Dr. David Johnson, Michigan Department of Community Health’s Chief Medical Executive and Deputy Director for Public Health, advising that Dr. Johnson is responsible for the medical aspects of the Department’s policies and programs and oversees the day to day operations of public health administration. Dr. Johnson advised that the Health Department’s accreditation process commenced in September 2000 with a week long on-site review process that involved many reviewers who reviewed over 200 essential indicators. Dr. Johnson continued that some corrections were required and the Health Department prepared and implemented a corrective action plan. Dr. Johnson stated that upon the State Health Department’s further review of the progress made, the State recommended that the Calhoun County Health Department receive full accreditation with commendation for their fine effort and remarkable progress in meeting the essential indicators. Dr. Johnson presented the Certificate of Accreditation to Health Officer Heidi Oberlin. Ms. Oberlin accepted the Certificate on behalf of the Department’s staff, with the support of the Board of Health and county administration. Chairman Austin extended the Board’s congratulations and thanked Ms. Oberlin for her leadership.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Emergency Services/Domestic Preparedness Presentation Emergency Services Director Gregory Babcock presented the Department’s vision and mission statements and goals and objectives, and advised regarding training programs; e.g., in-service for fire and law enforcement; awareness courses in terrorism, severe storm and incident command; hazardous materials training; and weather spotter training for department and civilian spotters. Mr. Babcock stated that he is in the process of updating the emergency action guidelines and the standard operating procedures for disaster plans around the county, and advised that a table top exercise has been scheduled for April and a full scale exercise in May. Mr. Babcock advised regarding the increased operational readiness of the Emergency Operations Center; i.e., new furniture, additional computers and software, map boards, and creation of a data base. Mr. Babcock addressed coordination and communication in the community, purchase of the new 800 system for command and control, increased participation of R.A.C.E.S. members, and his working relationship with the Fire Chiefs Association, townships and villages, Fifth District organizations, the Red Cross, churches and the Health Department. Mr. Babcock advised regarding equipment purchased with federal grant funds; e.g., Q-Rae gas monitors, Motorola radios, hazardous materials response kits and 3M7800 protective masks; further advised regarding actual responses and current priorities. Health Officer Heidi Oberlin advised regarding measures the Health Department is taking in regard to small pox, that workers and first responders are being vaccinated and key staff are being educated to provide assistance to other health care providers. Ms. Oberlin further advised that the Department’s registered nurses have received 23 hours of training and that 3 have received additional training in how to administer the vaccine. The Department has been working with the local health care agencies on their emergency plans and is providing them with resources and training. Ms. Oberlin advised that Michigan is starting the vaccination program for Phase I health care providers tomorrow in Lansing and that the Department of Defense has vaccinated 8,000 health care workers. Ms. Oberlin stated that if there should be a case of small pox in Calhoun County, the Department will be ready to vaccinate everyone in the county. Ms. Oberlin presented vaccine information. Mr. Babcock provided a website, www.ready.gov, to acquire information regarding a family preparedness plan and disaster kit. Comr. Strowbridge advised that he has been working with Mr. Babcock and stated that he is doing a wonderful job. Comr. Strowbridge stated that he noticed in the Police Department lobby a publication by F.E.M.A. published some time ago that addresses duct tape and plastic. Comr. Strowbridge inquired how long the vaccine works. Ms. Oberlin responded five years, ten at the most; however, pointed out that those who have been previously vaccinated have lower incidence of side effects. Comr. Moore addressed the Federal threat level, voicing concern regarding how much information is made available to the public and inquiring how dissemination of information is balanced. Mr. Babcock responded that awareness information is being provided to the public and that when events get to actual responses such information would stay within the Emergency Operations Center. CONSENT AGENDA:
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS: Chairman Austin reported that the Board had a good Retreat, and that he shall prepare a report for the next Board meeting. PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report January Financial Statements County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that the Finance Department is working on closing 2002 for the audit. Finance Director James Latham reported that the contribution to the General Fund Balance for the first month of 2003 is $321,000 greater than the contribution for the same period in 2002. Mr. Latham advised that he shall report regarding the un-audited end of 2002 by the second meeting in March. Mr. Purcell advised that the Governor’s final determination of the state budget is that revenue sharing will be spared any further reduction, however, pointed out that the state is on a different fiscal year and that the county’s fourth quarter will be the first quarter of the state’s fiscal year 2004. CITIZENS’ TIME: Ms. Gray-McWhorther again stated that her son was a veteran and is entitled to a memorial service in the chapel. Ms. Gray-McWhorther advised that she goes to the nursing homes and is finding that the pastors are not visiting those residing there. Ms. Gray-McWhorther stated that those people need to see and talk with those who are leading them. COMMISSIONERS’ TIME: Comr. Moore announced that the dead line for volunteer award nominations is March 3. Comr. Moore advised that there are 10 categories and encouraged those interested in nominating to contact the Volunteer Center or him at his office. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
RECESS: The meeting recessed at 8:02 p.m. at the call of the Chair. |
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