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Board of
Commissioners Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
April 15, 2003
The Equalization Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
convened at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, 2003 in the Commissioners'
Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan.
Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Austin, Frederick, Ivey, Miller, Moore,
Segal and Strowbridge.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND/OR INVOCATION:
A Moment of Personal Prayer was observed; followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance, led by Comr. Strowbridge.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Frederick, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve
the April 15, 2003 agenda and addendum as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
“Motion by Comr. Ivey, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following:
Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the March
20, 2003 minutes as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
2003 Equalization Report
Interim Equalization Director Jean Cortright reported that the
agricultural real value is $284,419,051, the commercial real value is
$511,836,063, the industrial real value is $187,747,675, the residential
real value is $2,236,938,946, the developmental real value is
$4,070,600, the total real property value is $3,225,012,335, the
personal property value is $552,139,082, and the total real and personal
property value is $3,777,151,417 which represents a total overall
increase of 4.38 percent.
County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell thanked and commended
Ms. Cortright for completing the report. Mr. Purcell pointed out that
the total overall increase is a decrease from the 7.5 percent last year
which is due to a slow down in the economy. Mr. Purcell stated that the
decrease will have some impact upon the county’s revenue from property
taxes in 2004, and that the decrease combined with the reduction in
state local revenue sharing will make the preparation of the 2004 budget
more difficult.
Comr. Moore requested Ms. Cortright explain the change in the way
evaluations between personal and real property were conducted. Ms.
Cortright advised that all buildings on leased land which were
previously classified as personal property this year were assessed as
real property.
Res. 59-2003
“Motion by Comr. Frederick, supported by Comr. Strowbridge, adopt
the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
accept and adopt the 2003 County Equalization Report as presented by
the County Equalization Director for a total 2003 Equalized Value of
Real and Personal Property of $3,778,821,003 with the breakdown of
classes of property as follows:
Agricultural Real Property of $284,419,051
Commercial Real Property of $512,242,986
Industrial Real Property of $188,096,736
Residential Real Property of $2,237,852,548
Developmental Real Property of $4,070,600
Total Real Property of $3,226,681,921
Total Personal Property of $552,139,082
Total Real and Personal Property of $3,778,821,003
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board Chairman and the County
Clerk-Register are authorized to sign the Report; further that the
County Administrator/Controller and the Equalization Director are
authorized to represent the County of Calhoun at both Preliminary and
Final State Equalization Sessions, if deemed necessary.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
Equal Pay Day Proclamation
Chairman Austin read and presented the following proclamation to
Patricia Knight of the Business Professional Women of Michigan.
Res. 60-2003
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Frederick, resolved by
the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, forty years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act and
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, women and people of color continue
to suffer the consequences of inequitable pay differentials; and
WHEREAS, according to statistics released in September 2002 by the
U.S. Census Bureau, year-round, full-time working women earned only 76
percent of the earnings of year-round, full-time working men,
indicating little change or progress in pay equity since 1999; and
WHEREAS, according to a January 2002 report released by the General
Accounting Office (the investigative arm of Congress), women managers
in 7 of 10 industries surveyed actually lost ground in closing the
wage gap between 1995 and 2000; and
WHEREAS, according to an analysis of data in over 300
classifications provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics in
2001, women earn less in every occupational classification for which
enough data is available, including occupations dominated by women
(e.g., cashiers, retail sales, registered nurses and teachers); and
WHEREAS, higher education is not free from wage discrimination
according to a U.S. Department of Education analysis, reporting that,
after controlling for rank, age, credentials, field of study and other
factors, full-time female faculty members earn nearly 9 percent less
than their male counterparts; and
WHEREAS, over a working lifetime, this wage disparity costs the
average American woman and her family as estimated $250,000 in lost
wages, impacting Social Security benefits and pensions; and
WHEREAS, fair pay equity policies can be implemented simply and
without undue costs or hardship in both the public and private
sectors; and
WHEREAS, fair pay strengthens the security of families today and
eases future retirements costs, while enhancing the American economy;
and
WHEREAS, Tuesday, April 15th symbolizes the day on which the wages
paid to American women catch up to the wages paid to men from the
previous year.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners, do
hereby proclaim Tuesday, April 15, 2003:
EQUAL PAY DAY
in Calhoun County and urge the citizens of Calhoun County to
recognize the full value of women’s skills and significant
contributions to the labor force, and further encourage businesses to
conduct an internal pay evaluation to ensure women are being paid
fairly.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
CONSENT AGENDA:
Res. 61-2003
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Strowbridge, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the following April 15, 2003 Consent Agenda as presented:
A. Petitions, Communications, Reports:
(1) Resolution received from Arenac County requesting state and
federal elected officials address increasing health care costs.
(Referred to the Legislative Liaisons)
(2) Resolution received from Genesee County supporting amendment
of state laws regarding mobile home parks. (Referred to the
Legislative Liaisons, with a copy remitted to Health Officer Heidi
Oberlin)
(3) Resolutions received from Ottawa County {1} requesting the
Michigan Legislature and the Michigan Department of Environmental
Quality fully fund local government obligations under the NPDES
Phase II regulations, and {2} requesting the state commit to
allocating a minimum of 15 percent of the state’s annual net tax and
fee revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages to substance abuse
treatment and prevention services. (Referred to the Legislative
Liaisons, with a copy of {1} remitted to Drain Commissioner Blaine
Van Sickle)
(4) Notice received from the State Tax Commission advising that
Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate Nos. 2000-576 and
1993-104 for Collins & Aikman Carpet & Acoustics have been revoked.
(Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Interim
Equalization Director Jean Cortright)”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
UNFINISHED AND OLD BUSINESS -- Calhoun County Farmland
Preservation Ordinance:
Res. 62-B-2003
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Frederick, resolved by
the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners adopt the following:
WHEREAS, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners are permitted to
pass ordinances that relate to County affairs and that do not
contravene any general laws of this state MCL 46.11; and
WHEREAS, Calhoun County’s agricultural land is an economically
important resource that supports an important agricultural industry
that includes; dairy, livestock, food from grains, vegetables, and
nursery and greenhouse crops. Calhoun County’s climate, topography,
and accessibility make it well suited for the production, processing
and distribution of agricultural products on a regional, national and
international level; and
WHEREAS, Calhoun County’s economic base is also supported by a
variety of agriculturally related businesses including; farm
equipment, fuel, veterinarians, grain dealers, packaging plants, and
professional services; and
WHEREAS, in addition to its economic benefits, the county’s
farmland contributes significantly to the open space and natural
resource benefits, including rural character, scenic beauty, cultural
heritage, hunting and other recreational opportunities, and the
environmental benefits including watershed protection and wildlife
habitat. By enhancing the scenic beauty and rural character of the
county and providing other open space benefits, the county’s farmland
increases the overall quality of life and makes the county an
attractive place to live and work for all of the county’s residents;
and
WHEREAS, due to the county’s natural resources, productive farmland
and rural character, it has become a desirable place to live and work.
The population in Calhoun County has continued to increase. As the
population increases and people move out into the countryside,
agricultural land is converted to residential and other developed
uses. There has also been a corresponding increase in residential
parcels and loss of farmland; and
WHEREAS, land suitable for farming is an irreplaceable natural
resource with soil and topographic characteristics that have been
enhanced by generations of agricultural use. When such land is
converted to residential or other more developed uses that do not
require those special characteristics, a critical resource is
permanently lost. Residential development in agricultural areas also
makes farming more difficult by increasing conflict over farming
practices and increased trespass, liability exposure and property
damage. Because agricultural land is an invaluable economic and
natural resource, the county should make an effort to maintain
agricultural land in a substantially undeveloped state to ensure the
long-term viability of agriculture and to create a long-term business
environment for agriculture in the county; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State of Michigan and Calhoun
County to preserve and enhance productive farmland as evidenced by the
Calhoun County Comprehensive Plan and Township Master Plans, the State
Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act, the State Agricultural
Preservation Fund, the Conservation and Historic Preservation Easement
Act, portions of the County Zoning Act, and other state and local
statutes and policies. These measures by themselves, however, have not
effectively provided sufficient long-term preservation of farmland in
Calhoun County from the pressure of increasing residential and
commercial development; and
WHEREAS, generally, farmland has a greater market value for future
residential development than its market value for farming. The
features of good farmland, such as permeable soils and open space, are
also the features desired for residential home sites. This fact
encourages the speculative purchase of farmland at high prices for
future residential development, regardless of the current zoning of
such lands. Farmland which has a greater development potential and
market value than its agricultural value does not attract sustained
agricultural investment and eventually is sold to non-farmers and
removed from agricultural use; and
WHEREAS, the purchase of development rights and the placement of an
agricultural conservation easement on farmland through the Calhoun
County Farmland Preservation Program as provided for in this Ordinance
(ATTACHMENT A) is a public purpose of Calhoun County. Financing of
such purchases requires that the County enter into agreements with the
property owners to obtain such development rights. Properties on which
the County has purchased development rights and entered into an
agricultural conservation easement should remain substantially
undeveloped in order to remain viable for agricultural use.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners adopt the Calhoun County Farmland Preservation
Ordinance.”
Comr. Moore thanked the Farmland Preservation Work Group, Dr. David
Scarlin and Stacy Sheridan from the Midwest Land Legacies, and
Planning Director Jennifer Bomba for their work. Comr. Moore stated
that development of the ordinance was an extremely open process to
take into account all points of view.
Comr. Moore stated that there is no reason why farmland
preservation and growth and development cannot coexist in Calhoun
County. Comr. Moore addressed letters received citing information
provided by an economic development official from Lancaster,
Pennsylvania which states that their farmland preservation program
resulted in a loss of jobs and industry and pushed land values to the
point where working class people cannot find housing in their price
range in that area. Comr. Moore stated that if this were true, it
would be a major concern to this Board and everyone that worked in
this process; however upon checking further, four letters providing a
somewhat different perspective regarding the impact on Lancaster
County, especially as it relates to industrial loss and housing
availability, have been placed in the Board’s packet; i.e., from the
Chairman of the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners; from the
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce; from the Lancaster Building Industry
Association; and from the Supervisor of West Hempfield Township, the
location of one of the alleged industrial losses.
Comr. Moore read the letter from the Lancaster County Chairman of
the Board citing that the County’s farmland preservation efforts have
not stifled economic growth and expansion, that Lancaster County added
19,000 new jobs and built 24,000 housing units from 1990 to 2000;
further, that the National Association of Home Builders’ housing
opportunity index ranks Lancaster as the most affordable place to live
in Pennsylvania.
Comr. Moore addressed concerns discussed; i.e., whether market
place appraisals are allowed, funding options listed within the
ordinance, and perpetuity. Comr. Moore stated regarding appraisals,
that market place appraisals are allowed if the land owner elects to
have one conducted; and regarding funding options, that the Board
always has the ability to use the general fund and its revenues in any
lawful manner that it sees fit; therefore, to take one of the funding
options out serves no purpose because the state allows that option.
Comr. Moore stated that the public has this Board’s guarantee that it
is not looking to increasing taxes to fund the Farmland Preservation
Program; and pointed out that should a future Board wish to use some
form of tax increase to fund the program, the increase would have to
go to a vote of the people.
Comr. Moore stated regarding perpetuity, that the program is
voluntary and that those who have discomfort with tying up their land
forever can simply choose not to enroll in the program. Comr. Moore
encouraged the Board to support the program.
Comr. Frederick concurred with Commissioner Moore in supporting
farmland preservation.
Res. 62-2003
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
suspend the Board Rules to allow for public comment regarding the
proposed Calhoun County Farmland Preservation Ordinance.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Battle Creek Association of Home Builders President John Stetler
stated that the Association is not against the concept of planning and
preserving land for farming, however, is against the legislation from
the state as proposed. Mr. Stetler advised that the Association is
concerned regarding perpetuity for one purpose, and requested the
Board work with the State Legislature to refine the legislation.
Mr. Dan McFadden, Marshall resident, advised that he is a licensed
commercial and industrial real estate broker. Mr. McFadden questioned
the line item budget supporting the program. Mr. McFadden stated that
the Board to be fiscally responsible needs to have a one year, five
year, and ten year line item budget cost for the program whereby the
public can see the actual cost.
Ms. Kathy Perrett advised that she works for the Battle Creek Area
Chamber of Commerce and read the following communication from the
Chamber’s President and Board of Directors:
“The Board of Directors of the Battle Creek Area Chamber of
Commerce has reviewed Calhoun County’s proposed Farmland Preservation
Ordinance. After discussion, the Chamber Board identified the
following concerns:
• Holding the land for “perpetuity.” Making land unavailable
forever is too broad and too vague. Calhoun County needs to consider
remaining more flexible than the proposed ordinance would allow.
• The cost of the program is uncertain. Given the financial
constraints all units of government are facing, this ordinance should
not be considered until its full economic impact is known. The Chamber
recommends an analysis of the economic impact this program may have on
the County’s budget and the budgets of those local units of government
whose tax base may be affected.
• The funding sources of the program have not been clearly
established. Again, without adequate funding sources identified, the
Chamber recommends an economic analysis be completed before
implementing the proposed ordinance.
The Chamber Board can support the concept of ordinances of this
type that help control urban sprawl, and supports the concept of
preserving farmland. However, we urge more careful analysis of the
impact before any ordinance of this type is considered. We request the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners postpone the approval of the
proposed ordinance until these issues have been addressed.
As the largest business organization in Calhoun County, the Battle
Creek Area Chamber of Commerce represents approximately 800 members. A
significant number of our members are small business owners with less
than 10 employees. It is our mission to provide business
representation and advocacy to produce a positive economic
environment.
Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this matter.”
Convis Township Supervisor Mike Boyce urged the Board to support
the ordinance. Mr. Boyce pointed out that the ordinance has
bi-partisan support; further, that former Governor Engler’s task force
identified urban sprawl as Michigan’s number one threat. Mr. Boyce
stated that as a Calhoun County township supervisor he wants the
ordinance available as a tool for local municipalities to give the
public what they want. Mr. Boyce advised that Convis Township recently
sent out a survey, and overwhelmingly what the people want is to
maintain the rural atmosphere that they currently enjoy, and this
ordinance will help to ensure this for now and for a long time into
the future.
Mr. Boyce continued that as wildlife manager of the Michigan
Audubon Society’s 900 acre Baker Sanctuary, he wants the ordinance to
help ensure both farmland and open space protection that is crucially
essential in perpetuity for diversity in life.
Mr. Ken Blight, farmer of land between Albion and Marshall, urged
the Board to continue its course as he believes the program is an
important investment for the community and agriculture.
Mr. Marion Miller advised that he farms approximately 3,000 acres
with his three sons, and that he has been an agricultural lobbyist in
Washington, D.C. for approximately 14 years. Mr. Miller stated that he
has seen the problem of urban sprawl “kicked around” for a long time,
and it needs to be addressed. Mr. Miller stated that the funding needs
to be established now or a lot of agricultural land will be lost. Mr.
Miller urged the Board to support the program.
Mr. Don Franklin, Marshall Township resident, advised that he owns
agricultural land and serves on the Marshall Township Planning
Commission. Mr. Franklin stated that he supports the ordinance which
he believes shall help communities to plan in a more sensible manner.
Mr. Don Hasnik advised that he has farmed all his live, and stated
that if Calhoun County continues to follow the path being followed
presently, there will be blacktop over the entire county. There will
be no farms. Mr. Hasnik stated that there are other areas in the
county that are adaptable for housing.
Mr. Rick Pierson advised that he lives on his Great-Great
Grandparent’s farm in Clarence Township and works for the Calhoun
County Conservation District. Mr. Pierson pointed out, for those who
are concerned regarding perpetuity, that only ten percent of the
farmland in Calhoun County is likely to be preserved; further, that
the program is voluntary. Mr. Pierson stated that perpetuity is very
critical to long term agricultural security allowing farmers the
security to expand their operations and those businesses that support
the farmers to expand as they know that the industry will be there for
a long time. Mr. Pierson further pointed out that perpetuity is also
required to secure federal matching funds for farmland preservation.
Mr. Pierson encouraged the Board to approve the ordinance.
Metropolitan Planning Commission Chairman Larry Rizor stated that
he believes the ordinance is the right thing to do to control urban
sprawl and pointed out that it is consistent with other development
incentives; i.e., renaissance zones, brownfield development, tax
incremental financing authorities, industrial facilities exemptions,
zoning and master planning. Mr. Rizor stated that the government has
always been involved in planning the future and coming up with the
tools and means to maximize development and to preserve land for
public use.
Mr. Rizor pointed out that farmland preservation is supported by
both the federal and state government and responsible land use
supporters for future generations in the farming industry. Mr. Rizor
stated that the county needs an economic balance to unrestricted
development, that the “slice and dice” parceling of the countryside is
an inefficient use of land, and urged the Board to support the
ordinance.
Mr. Larry Leach, Kalamazoo County resident, advised that his
ancestors came from Newton Township and that he has lived his entire
life as a farmer. Mr. Leach stated that his family sold their
development rights to the state approximately two years ago to protect
the agricultural land. Mr. Leach addressed protection of the wildlife,
and the wetlands, to provide them a refuge. Mr. Leach stated that the
agricultural business is definitely an issue, and invited
Commissioners Moore and Frederick to come to Kalamazoo to discuss the
problem.
Mr. Todd Williams, Lee Township resident, stated that he was
surprised to hear that the Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce is opposed
to the ordinance. Mr. Williams stated that he heard the former
Michigan Farm Bureau President state that “If we want to save our
cities, we must save our farms;” which means that if we don’t put
emphasis on developing more cities through brownfields, etc., Battle
Creek will face the same thing as Albion. Mr. Williams stated that
farmland preservation is a tool to help farmers to protect their areas
of open space, which he believes is a good thing for perpetuity.
Chairman of the Calhoun County Conservation District and Secretary
of the Fredonia Township Planning Commission Ben Lark commended the
Board for attempting to protect Calhoun County’s farmlands. Mr. Lark
stated that this effort included the input of a diverse group of
community leaders who studied and researched this issue for 16 months,
that all sectors of the community were invited to participate and that
numerous opportunities were provided to organizations, stakeholders
and community citizens to provide input and feedback. Mr. Lark advised
that many members of the group visited communities in the east that
have been preserving their farmlands for more than 20 years.
Mr. Lark stated that some individuals would like the program to be
tabled for more study which he believes appears to be a tactic to
prevent Calhoun County from taking action. Mr. Lark pointed out that
seven other counties have already adopted this ordinance, and stated
that he believes it is time for Calhoun County to demonstrate the same
bold leadership.
Res. 62-A-2003
“Motion by Comr. Ivey, supported by Comr. Miller, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
reinstate the Board Rules.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Comr. Miller stated that as a Commissioner for the City of Battle
Creek, he would prefer expansion of development to occur within the
City. Comr. Miller pointed out that the program is completely
voluntary, that the county has no general funds for purchasing
development rights and will not be in the business of seeking out land
to purchase. Comr. Miller advised that state and federal government
funding will require local matching funds, therefore if a farmer
applies and if the county gets some funds, the county could consider
the purchase. Comr. Miller advised that he will support the program
because most of the economic development should be steered to the
urban areas that are depressed and need redevelopment, and because he
also believes the county needs to protect the farmland; however
stressed that the idea that the county will go out and buy a bunch of
PDR rights is not accurate, and that he hopes that those who support
the program realize that the county will not be going out and saving a
lot of farms next week.
Comr. Strowbridge advised that he voiced his reservations regarding
the program to the other Board Members, and then made some telephone
calls to the farmers. Comr. Strowbridge continued that he found that
not all of the farmers completely agree with all the provisions of the
ordinance, such as perpetuity or funding; and that they will never
agree, as there is no middle ground regarding the issue of perpetuity.
Comr. Strowbridge pointed out regarding funding sources within the
ordinance, that the county cannot remove any of the sources as the
sources are provided by state statute. Comr. Strowbridge advised that
he shall support the ordinance.
Mr. Purcell thanked Commissioners Miller and Strowbridge for their
comments regarding the budget, and advised that the county does not
have any money budgeted for the purpose of purchasing or implementing
PDR rights; and that he does not foresee in the near future of any
extra money the county will have. Mr. Purcell stated that overall he
believes the ordinance is a good tool if it is used in the correct
manner.
Roll call vote on Resolution 62-B-2003: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED
Unanimously
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
County Administrator/Controller’s Report
Senior Millage Prescription Program Additional Allocation
Senior Services Director Angela Wiseley presented the Senior Millage
Allocation Committee’s recommendation to increase the funding for the
2002-2003 Senior Prescription Program. Ms. Wiseley advised that the
Program was approved through July 31, 2003, there is a large number of
seniors currently enrolled in the Program and the Department is
receiving new enrollees each month; further, that prescription cost has
increased 20 percent. Ms. Wiseley advised that the Committee’s Senior
Prescription Program Workgroup reviewed the Program’s expenditures for
this year and determined that the original budget approved last year is
not sufficient to support the Program through July 31, and recommends
that an additional $95,000 from the senior millage fund balance be
budgeted to support the program through July 31, 2003.
Ms. Wiseley continued that the Workshop will also be reviewing what
will happen to the Program after July 31, and that the Department has
been conducting public forums in various locations throughout the
county. A survey requesting input regarding all the senior millage
programs has been developed which will be distributed to citizens
attending the forums and through other means. Once the surveys are
compiled the Workshop will provide its recommendation to the Committee
and the Committee shall finalize their recommendation for the Program
and present it at the June 5 Board Meeting.
Ms. Wiseley advised that the first forum will be conducted tomorrow
at 12:00 p.m. at the Tekonsha Township Hall; and that the next forums
shall be conducted Tuesday, April 22, one at the Burnham Brook Center at
11:00 a.m. and the other at Northpointe Woods at 6:00 pm. A forum will
be also conducted on Wednesday, April 23 at St. James Episcopal Church
in Albion at noon, and a forum will be held on Saturday, April 26 at the
Second Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m.
Comr. Segal inquired whether anything is being done to encourage more
generic drug usage. Ms. Wiseley responded that within the letter that
shall be going out with the survey card, generic drug usage is
encouraged.
Res. 63-2003
“Motion by Comr. Ivey, supported by Comr. Strowbridge, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve allocation of an additional $95,000 from the Senior Millage
Fund Balance for the FY 2002-2003 Senior Millage Prescription Program,
as recommended by the Senior Millage Allocation Committee.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
FY 2003 Budget Amendment
Mr. Purcell advised that the amendment is required because not enough
funds were transferred from the Delinquent Tax Fund to meet the
expenditures as projected within the budget.
Finance Director James Latham advised that within the Delinquent Tax
Fund there are a series of accounts established by years and that when
the transfer occurred a portion came from the Series 2001 account
instead of Series 2000 account, therefore, a budget amendment is
required.
Res. 64-2003
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Ivey, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the 2003 budget adjustment (ATTACHMENT B) as presented by the
Finance Director.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
FY 2003 Remonumentation Program Global Positioning System
Services, Surveyor and County Representative Agreements
Mr. Purcell advised that this is the 10th year of the 20-year
Remonumentation Program, and recommended approval of the agreements.
Res. 65-2003
“Motion by Comr. Strowbridge, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the FY 2003 Remonumentation Grant Program Global Positioning
System Services Agreement between Williams & Works, Inc. and Calhoun
County in the amount of $12,300; further, approve the 2003 Surveyor
Agreements with Kebs Inc., Carr & Associates Land Surveying, Crane
Land Surveying, P.C., and Frederick J. Cutcher, P.S.; and further,
approve the 2003 Remonumentation Program County Representative
Agreement between Calhoun County and Robert R. Carr; finally,
authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Agreements on behalf of
Calhoun County.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
I.U.O.E. Letter of Understanding
Asst. County Administrator Wendee Woods advised that last month the
Board approved the labor agreement, however, there were positions that
were inadvertently not corrected in Appendix A. The Letter of
Understanding will correct that Appendix. Ms. Woods further advised that
there is no budgetary impact to the change.
Res. 66-2003
“Motion by Comr. Ivey, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the Letter of Understanding between the Calhoun County Board
of Commissioners and International Union of Operating Engineers Local
547 which addresses changes to Appendix A of the 2003 -- 2005 Health
Department Employees’ Labor Agreement; further, authorize the Board
Chairman to execute said Letter of Understanding on behalf of the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
A.F.S.C.M.E. Letter of Understanding
Ms. Woods stated that a Letter of Understanding offering the new
insurance program was sent to all unions whose contracts did not expire
on December 31, 2002 and A.F.S.C.M.E. accepted the offer. Ms. Woods
advised that A.F.S.C.M.E. members have agreed to pay five percent of the
premium in 2004 and 2005 instead of ten percent in 2005.
Res. 67-2003
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Ivey, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the Letter of Understanding between the Calhoun County Board
of Commissioners and Calhoun County Supervisory Employees Local No.
2431, Michigan Council #25 AFSCME, AFL-CIO accepting the Beneflex
Health Insurance Plan, effective April 1, 2003; further, authorize the
Board Chairman to execute said Letter of Understanding on behalf of
the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
March 2003 Financial Statements
Mr. Latham reported that the budget is above last year’s pace by
$491,000 mostly due to timing differences. Property taxes were collected
at a faster pace and reimbursements for court costs have been received
earlier. Mr. Latham advised that charges for services increased due to
additional Clerk/Register of Deeds revenues and increase in the fee
structure. Mr. Latham continued that expenditures are higher in relation
to last year in the area of salaries and fringe benefits, however, that
the county is below budget for the year.
COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:
Comr. Frederick thanked the Board for supporting the Farmland
Preservation Ordinance.
CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
Res. 68-2003
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve payment of the list of claims against the county in the total
amount of $101,647.46 for the week of March 28, 2003; further, approve
payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount
of $2,520,575.53 for the week of April 1, 2003.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Comr. Segal announced that Saturday, May 3, is the Annual Junior
League of Battle Creek’s Kid Fest which will be held at the Kellogg
Museum. Comr. Segal stated that the event is to educate the community
regarding children’s health and is free.
RECESS:
The meeting recessed at 8:40 p.m. at the call of the Chairman.
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