Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
July 10, 2003

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:04 p.m., Thursday, July 10, 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 Prayer was observed; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Ivey.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the July 10, 2003 agenda 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 June 5, 2003 minutes as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:

Memorial Tribute to Mary A. Warner

Chairman Austin read the tribute and advised that it was presented to Ms. Warner’s family by the Board of Canvassers.

Res. 109-2003

“Motion by Comr. Ivey, supported by Comr. Segal, resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following Memorial Tribute to Mary A. Warner:

Let it be known, that it is with great sadness that we offer this memorial as a tribute to the life of Mary A. Warner. With genuine respect for her legacy of accomplishment, we extend our condolences. She will be sincerely missed and long remembered.

As a loving wife and mother and a dear friend to many, Mary’s kind words and quiet demeanor were a comfort to all. Although not everyone was aware, Mary was quite the poet--penning verse to commemorate special occasions for family and friends. Not a meeting of the Board of Canvassers went by when Mary didn’t mention, with pride, what one of her children or grandchildren were doing. She regaled all in attendance with tales of exploits with dear family and close friends.

A dedicated friend and active member of the Democratic Party, Mary was a precinct delegate, National Delegate to the Democratic Convention in Atlantic City, and most recently, a member of the Electoral College. Mary’s dedication to and interest in the needs of her community and her civic involvement made our world a better place.

We all have a desire to be remembered by those we encounter along life’s journey, and that will surely be exactly the case for Mary. We all hold fond memories of her and, in paying homage to her life and memory, we also honor the people who were closest to her, including “Skip,” her loving husband of 52 years, and sons, Ronald, Kevin, Robert and James, and their families.

Therefore, this tribute is dedicated as a memorial for the life of Mary A. Warner. May her family know of our deepest sympathy.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

Calhoun County Consolidated Public Safety Communication Center Feasibility Study Presentation

County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell introduced Emergency Telephone District Board Vice Chairman Terry Travis.

Mr. Travis advised that Sheriff Byam had intended to be present, however, is out of town. Mr. Travis stated that Mr. Muladore will provide a presentation regarding the activities of the Emergency Telephone District Board over the past two years.

E 9-1-1 Coordinator Robert Muladore advised that in 1973 Battle Creek City and the townships formed the Area Metropolitan Services Agency with the goal to increase radio communication for those entities, which it did. In 1994 the existing central communications center was created which took on dispatching for 97 percent of the county. The Cities of Marshall and Albion are not covered. Mr. Muladore stated that last year he was hired to review emergency service communications for the county, and advised that his study was completed in March.

Mr. Muladore addressed the current structure and the need to replace existing equipment, pointing out that if a consolidated center is established, there shall be one central dispatch system; and addressed the state’s radio system. Mr. Muladore advised that presently three subcommittees are reviewing the various systems and the feasability of a four county consortium. Mr. Muladore addressed other considerations; i.e., location of the central dispatch center and funding sources. Mr. Muladore advised that he has contacted the Department of Justice who shall send a team to review the current system and provide recommendations; further, advised that also being reviewed is computer-aided dispatching, a records management system, automated vehicle location, G.I.S. and mobile digital computers.

Comr. Moore inquired regarding the time line for providing a recommendation to the Board. Mr. Muladore responded that he hopes to have a recommendation provided to the Emergency Telephone District Board by the end of the year.

Mr. Purcell addressed funding, advising that the County does not have the money to establish the center, that there will need to be a special funding source either by increasing the telephone surcharge or approval of a millage, pointing out that either would require a vote of the people. Mr. Purcell stated that there are still a lot of decisions to be made.

Mr. Muladore advised that he shall be providing more presentations; e.g., to the Emergency Telephone District Board, the City of Battle Creek, Tekonsha and Albion.

FY 2002 Audit Presentation

Finance Director James Latham introduced Auditors Stephen Blann and David Fisher of Rehmann Robson.

Mr. Fisher advised that the report reflects a clean opinion of the county’s FY 2002 financial statements. Mr. Fisher addressed general fund revenues and expenditures pointing out that there had been an excess of $1 Million in revenues over expenditures, which added to the beginning fund balance, left an ending fund balance of $3 Million. Mr. Fisher stated that the balance sounds large, however, pointed out that most of the funds are reserved. Mr. Fisher advised that the remaining fund balance amounts to approximately 11 percent over expenditures, which is within the county’s policy of keeping 8 to 12 percent.

Mr. Blann advised that the single audit report of federally-funded grant programs totaling $4.6 Million is a clean audit report. Mr. Blann stated that the management letter contains the Firm’s required disclosures, and advised that there are no issues to bring to the Board’s attention. Mr. Blann addressed Drain Commission subsidiary records, advising that the Lake Level and Revolving Lake Level funds have been reconciled to the general ledger and that the Finance Department is continuing to work with the Drain Commission to reconcile the remaining funds and plans to utilize a module of the county’s accounting system to ultimately maintain those records.

Mr. Blann further advised that GASB No. 34 implementation will be effective next fiscal year and that the county is “on track” for implementation.

Mr. Latham advised that most of the surplus is reserved, pointing out that a portion of the fund balance has been designated to balance the 2003 budget, and that there is a Board resolution to set aside money for future expenditures for 2004 and beyond.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 110-2003

“Motion by Comr. Ivey, supported by Comr. Miller, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following July 10, 2003 Consent Agenda as presented:

A. Petitions, Communications, Reports:

(1) Notice received from the State Tax Commission advising that real and personal property components of Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate No. 1999-546 for 80/20 Product Development Company and No. 2001-209 for Lam-Fab Inc. have been revoked. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Interim Equalization Director Jeanne Cortright)

(2) Notice of a public hearing scheduled for July 1, 2003 regarding granting an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate to Franklin Iron and Metal received from Battle Creek City. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Interim Equalization Director Jeanne Cortright)

(3) Copy of a communication remitted to Mr. Edward Crane of Eaton Proving Ground received from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality approving Eaton Proving Ground’s Permit to Install Application No. 34-98A, and advising that Permit to Install No. 34-98 has been voided as the equipment is now covered under Permit to Install No. 34-98A. (Received and placed on file, with a copy provided to Environmental Health Director Ted Havens)

(4) Resolution received from Osceola County urging legislators to address health care costs. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons)

(5) Communication received from Genesee County regarding importation of solid waste. (Received and placed on file, with a copy provided to Solid Waste Coordinator Whitney Goodnoe)”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

WORKSHOP/COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Calhoun County Agricultural Preservation Board

Comr. Moore reported that the Board is accepting applications for the Agricultural Preservation Board. Applications are available within the Community Development Department. Comr. Moore advised that the Agricultural Preservation Board will be comprised of seven members; three representing agricultural interests {farmers and processors within the industry}, one elected township official, one member representing real estate and/or development sector, one representing the natural resources/conservation sector and one Commissioner. Comr. Moore stated that applications will be accepted through September 30 and that hopefully appointments will be confirmed by the end of the year.

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

County Administrator/Controller’s Report

Southwest Enforcement Team Interlocal Agreement

Res. 111-2003

“Motion by Comr. Ivey, supported by Comr. Strowbridge, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the Interlocal Agreement for the Southwest Enforcement Team; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Calhoun County Youth Council Appointments

Mr. Purcell advised that there is an additional candidate to add.

Comr. Segal advised that she received an application from Emily Young who meets all the requirements, therefore, she would also like Ms. Young appointed to the Council. Comr. Segal advised that all the students were invited to the training which has been going very well.

Res. 112-2003

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Strowbridge, adopt the following, as amended: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners confirm the following appointments to the Calhoun County Youth Council:

Brian Rutledge, Lakeview High School
Morgan Davis, Harper Creek High School
Jessica Biniecki, Athens High School
Amy Baker, Marshall High School
Daniel Garland, Pennfield High School
Rachel Goheen, Tekonsha High School
Garrett Brown, Albion High School
Eric Roth, Battle Creek Christian School
Efrain Merchan, Lakeview High School
Nicholas Hildenbrand, Tekonsha High School
Emily Young, Battle Creek Central High School
Commissioner Kate Segal
Commissioner Benjamin Miller

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Employees’ Defined Benefit Plan Amendments

Mr. Purcell advised that the amendments are a series of technical changes which are highlighted within his July 3, 2003 memorandum.

Res. 113-2003

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the amendments to the Employees’ Defined Benefit Pension Plan, as presented by the County Administrator/Controller (ATTACHMENT A).”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Defined Benefit Plan Advisory Committee Creation/Appointments

Mr. Purcell stated that the committee will help manage the portfolio of the Defined Benefit Pension Plan. Mr. Purcell advised that currently there is $1 Million in the Plan, therefore, the committee is required to make investment decisions. Mr. Purcell continued that the county advertised for individuals, and that he does not anticipate that the appointment recommendations presented today will be the end of the appointments as individuals with special expertise within the community are being sought.

Res. 114-2003

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners create the Defined Benefit Plan Advisory Committee and appoint David Barnes, Roger Caswell, Thomas Whitesell and James Latham for a term or two {2} years.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Title V Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Grant Site Coordinator Services Agreement

Mr. Purcell requested the resolution presented be amended to contract Organizational Developmental Solutions rather than Joyce Brown, that the amount of the agreement be in an amount not to exceed $20,000, and that the term of the agreement be from July 1, 2003 through July 1, 2004.

Mr. Purcell advised that the county received a $25,000 grant to provide for the planning.

Res. 115-2003

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Frederick, adopt the following, as amended: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the Title V Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Grant Site Coordinator Personal Services Agreement between Calhoun County and Organizational Development Solutions LLC in an amount not to exceed $20,000 for the period of July 1, 2003 through July 1, 2004; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

FY 2002/2003 Health Department Budget Adjustments

Health Officer Heidi Oberlin advised that the adjustments reflect establishment of separate business units, budget reductions, actual revenues versus estimates, and additional funding for the W.I.C. Program and Bio-Terrorism.

Res. 116-2003

“Motion by Comr. Strowbridge, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2002-2003 budget adjustments for the Health Department (ATTACHMENT B), as presented by the Finance Director and as previously approved by the Board of Health.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Comr. Moore invited everyone to attend Athen’s Homecoming Parade and Pancake Breakfast, the proceeds of which assist in purchasing equipment for the fire department. Comr. Moore further encouraged everyone to attend a photo/voice exhibit in downtown Battle Creek. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is free to the public.

Chairman Austin invited everyone to attend Family Day at Claude Evans Park in Battle Creek hosted by the Urban League.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:

Res. 117-2003

“Motion by Comr. Strowbridge, supported by Comr. Moore, 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 $498,295.36 for the week of June 17, 2003; further, approve payment of the lists of claims against the county in the total amount of $35,972.13 and in the total amount of $685,042.92 for the week of June 24, 2003; and finally, approve payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount of $464,944.52 for the week of July 1, 2003.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

RECESS:

The meeting recessed at 8:05 p.m. at the call of the Chair.

Calhoun County
315 West Green Street
Marshall, MI 49068
Phone: (269) 781-0700
Fax: (269) 781-0140

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