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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:03 p.m., Thursday, March 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: Invocation was given by Comr. Ivey; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Segal. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: “Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the March 20, 2003 agenda as presented.” Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED APPROVAL OF MINUTES: “Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Frederick, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the February 20, 2003 minutes as presented.” Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Gardy Berezonsky advised that when he went to the Calhoun County Justice Center this week he was searched and he feels that his rights were violated. Mr. Berezonsky stated that he did not see any employee wearing the county identification cards which the county invested a lot of money for, not even the guard that searched him. Chairman Austin advised Mr. Berezonsky that he would check into the matter. Comr. Frederick stated that she believes the Sheriff should have employees within the Justice Center wearing their identification. State Representative Lorence Wenke introduced himself and advised that he is enjoying his experience in Lansing and is quite busy. Rep. Wenke advised that he has been appointed Chairman of the Tax Policy Committee and is a member on the Judiciary, Commerce and Local Government Committees. Rep. Wenke stated that the state budget has a $1 Billion shortfall, and that the primary task presently is to work with the Governor to shape the budget. Rep. Wenke invited Board Members to come to Lansing for a visit. Chairman Austin advised Representative Wenke that the Board looks forward to working with him. Ms. Pearl Gray-McWhorther, Battle Creek resident, advised that for the past three days she has been working with a homeless family and has discovered that emergency housing for families with children is only for 30 days. Ms. Gray-McWhorther stated that she needs a better understanding of where the money is going for emergency situations. CONSENT AGENDA:
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS: Board Retreat Chairman Austin presented a report outlining the events and discussion conducted at the February 8 Retreat, advising that he did not finish the action items on Page 3 and that he shall complete the report, attach the February 8 minutes and provide a copy to each Member. Chairman Austin advised that Pat Maliszewski of Character Unlimited facilitated a very informative session that identified each Member’s information preferences and leadership styles, and Ann Nieuwenhuis of Michigan State University Extension facilitated the remainder of the Retreat using a method of identifying the reality, needs, future and activities associated with each of the issues discussed. Chairman Austin stated that the Retreat agenda included discussion of the adult and juvenile justice systems, major projects; i.e., casino, farmland preservation, Juvenile Home, E 9-1-1 center and facility improvements; further health, internal operations and the budget. At the completion of the discussion each Commissioner identified the issues of their particular interest and priority. Key issues identified were the criminal justice system, employee benefits, senior millage and public health. Chairman Austin reported that there was considerable discussion regarding the casino and that the Board shall continue to work through the Casino Impact Mitigation Workshop. Chairman Austin advised that since the Retreat the county has received notice that there are no additional state revenue sharing cuts for 2003; however, the proposed revenue sharing reduction for FY 2004 is three percent or $89,000 and there may be a further reduction. Chairman Austin continued that the Commission and staff spent some time discussing the budget process, and advised that a budget workshop will be established in the near future to work with the Administrator/Controller to determine the process and budget priorities; further an education and communication workshop will also be established. Chairman Austin advised that the Board will be getting back together in four to six months to discuss progress. UNFINISHED AND OLD BUSINESS: Ordinance to Repeal the Calhoun County Metropolitan Planning Commission Ordinance
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report Community Action Agency’s 2003 Senior Millage Service Provider Agreement Amendment Senior Services Director Angela Wiseley stated that the amendment is for the Community Action Agency’s (C.A.A.) transportation dispatch program. Ms. Wiseley advised that during the request for proposal process, the C.A.A. provided a line-item budget and a unit rate and confirmed that they could be reimbursed on a line item/actual cost basis; however that during her absence this was not clearly communicated at the time the contracts were prepared, and the contract was prepared with unit rate reimbursement. Ms. Wiseley advised that the amendment will allow for line item reimbursement as it has been in prior years.
Marshall City Michigan Main Street Designation Resolution of Support County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that Commissioner Ivey has been involved with the project. Comr. Ivey stated that the City is very excited about have the opportunity to submit their application, and urged the Board to support the project. Comr. Ivey introduced Marshall Downtown Development Authority Member Janet Ostrum. Ms. Ostrum advised that she is a Marshall resident and business owner since 1985. Ms. Ostrum stated that Michigan Main Street was a national program that became a state program in 1980. Last August Michigan “came on board.” Ms. Ostrum advised that 21 communities have “tossed their hat in the ring” to be selected to receive funding to revitalize their central business districts. Ms. Ostrum stated that the City feels that it has terrific infrastructure and has collected funding towards the application.
Final 2002 Budget Adjustments Mr. Purcell advised that the adjustments are required to prepare the financial statements for the audit. Finance Director James Latham advised that the adjustments reflect the transactions for the year. Mr. Latham stated that the adjustments for the Courts, the Clerk’s Office and the Sheriff Department are due to greater expenditures than anticipated which were offset by additional revenue received.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Administrative Services Agreement Amendment Mr. Purcell stated that the amendment is to bring the county into compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 to protect employees’ privacy. Mr. Purcell advised that General Counsel has reviewed the amendment.
2002 Pre-Audited Financial Statements Mr. Purcell advised that the county ended the year with a surplus of over $930,000, which places the county in a good financial position for this year. Mr. Latham pointed out that the amount is very close to the number projected. Mr. Latham stated that the auditors have not blessed the numbers yet, therefore, the amounts could be subject to some adjustment. Mr. Latham advised that the Budget Stabilization Fund has been funded at the budgeted level of $343,200, and that the surplus shall be used within the 2003 budget. Mr. Latham continued that total revenues for the year were only $19,000 less than anticipated and total expenditures were $950,000 less than budgeted. Mr. Latham stated that expenditures were less than budget for the majority of departments, with the most notable being the operating transfer to the Child Care Fund, Public Safety and the Prosecutor’s Office. Mr. Latham advised that there are no deficits to report within the other funds; however, the Senior Millage Special Revenue Fund incurred expenditures in excess of revenues for the year of $799,666 leaving a fund balance of $410,216. Mr. Latham stated that he anticipates presenting the audit sometime in May. Comr. Miller inquired how much had been transferred from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund. Mr. Latham responded “Two Million Dollars this year [2002].” Comr. Miller inquired whether the surplus is a direct result of that transfer. Mr. Latham responded “Yes, plus additional jail bed revenues.” February 2003 Financial Statements Mr. Latham reported that the contribution to the General Fund Balance for the first two months of 2003 is $1,305,000 less than the contribution for the same period in 2002 with the significant differences attributed to the timing of revenue receipts, and due to the fact that the General Fund did not receive the transfer of $1 Million from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund until March 2003. CITIZENS’ TIME: Ms. Gray-McWhorther advised that she received a letter from Congressman Nick Smith advising her that her son is only entitled to a grave site service. Ms. Gray-McWhorther insisted that her son is entitled to a memorial service in the chapel, and advised that she will go to the ACLU to start a lawsuit and has requested under the Freedom of Information Act a copy of the guidelines for use of the chapel from the chaplain. Mr. Jerry Keller, Battle Creek resident, stated regarding the surplus, that he believes those funds should be placed back within the county’s “rainy day fund” where it came from. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
CLOSED SESSION:
The Board met in Closed Session commencing at 7:52 p.m. until 8:05 p.m. with General Counsel Nancy Mullett, County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell, Human Resource Coordinator Shelly Lehmann, Health Officer Heidi Oberlin, Assistant County Administrator Wendee Woods and Deputy Clerk Mary Lou Barrett present. OPEN SESSION: Michigan Nurses Association Labor Agreement Ratification
A.F.S.C.M.E. Health Department Employees Labor Agreement Ratification
I.U.O.E. Health Department Employees Labor Agreement Ratification
RECESS: The meeting recessed at 8:07 p.m. at the call of the Chair. |
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