Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
August 7, 2003

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 7, 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. Strowbridge.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the August 7, 2003 agenda, as amended, with deletion of Item 11.A. (8) - 2004 Board of Commissioners Salary.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

ELECTED/APPOINTED COUNTY OFFICIALS’ COMMENTS:

Comr. Segal introduced Calhoun County Youth Council Members Efrain Merchan, Jessica Biniecki, Eric Roth and Daniel Garland.

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS

Friend of the Court Computer System Conversion Update

Circuit Court Administrator Jeffrey Albaugh addressed the federal law requiring state-wide conversion to the state’s child support system and penalties for non-compliance. Mr. Albaugh stated that Calhoun County is one of eight counties in Michigan that are converting; and that the Court will be on the new system on September 2 and the other counties on September 30, one day ahead of the October 1 federal deadline.

Mr. Albaugh advised that all child support payments must now be paid to the new Michigan State Disbursement Unit that shall disburse payment to the recipients. There will no longer be separate data bases for each county Friend of the Courts, Prosecuting Attorney Offices, and the state. Mr. Albaugh continued that with the new system enforcement activities will automatically be started by the system.

Mr. Albaugh advised that training shall largely be conducted in-house, and there will be a specialist on site from the state on September 2. All employees have been through an overview of the system. Mr. Albaugh further advised that there will be a system down time at the closing of August 21 until September 2, during which recipients of support may experience a delay of 7 to 10 days in receiving their regular child support payments. Mr. Albaugh advised that the Court has been notifying child support recipients with all their checks during the past 3 months. Mr. Albaugh further advised that once there is conversion in September there will be another 7 to 10 day delay to Calhoun County recipients. Mr. Albaugh stated that should the delays result in a client being late for any rent, mortgage or utility payment, the Court can provide them with a letter signed by the Director of the Michigan Family Independence Agency addressing the problem which they can provide to the company(s) to avoid any problems. Mr. Albaugh advised that the letter can be requested by accessing the Court’s voice response system at 969-6415. Mr. Albaugh continued that the Friend of the Court Office will remain open during the down time and staff will still be able to view information, however, will not be able to update anything.

Mr. Albaugh advised regarding system benefits; i.e., provision of all information on all of a person’s cases state-wide, more interfaces with state data bases, automatic searches for non-custodial parents; and enhanced enforcement of child support orders, including suspension of driver’s licenses, professional licenses or recreational licenses. Mr. Albaugh stated that the Court shall continue to conduct investigations in custody, support and parental time matters, enforcement of support and medical orders, conduct show cause hearings, support reviews, and shall enter all Court order information into the system. Mr. Albaugh advised that the Court has worked with the Administrative Services staff to ensure that the Court’s phone capacity is what the Court anticipates shall be required and has been assured that the system shall handle the projected increased activity. The Court has also made plans to bring four additional individuals in to handle the telephone calls.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 129-2003

“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Miller, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following August 7, 2003 Consent Agenda as presented:

A. Petitions, Communications, Reports:

(1) Notice of a public hearing scheduled for August 5, 2003 regarding granting Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificates to Denso Manufacturing and Johnson Controls received from Battle Creek City. (Received and placed on file, with a copy provided to Interim Equalization Director Jeanne Cortright)

(2) Communication received from the Battle Creek National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People advising regarding the 67th Annual State Convention. (Received and placed on file)

(3) Resolution received from Isabella County urging all counties to request local government participation in the State’s pharmaceutical drugs purchasing program. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons)”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

County Administrator/Controller’s Report

First American Title Office Space Lease

County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that the lease extends the Title Office’s current lease for another year.

Administrative Services Director Bradley Wilcox stated that the lease is for renewal of a long-standing agreement for office space on the second floor of the Marshall County Building.

Res. 130-2003

“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Strowbridge, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the one {1} year Office Space Lease Agreement with First American Title for office space located on the Second Level of the Marshall County Building for the period of June 1, 2003 through May 31, 2004; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Lease Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Solid Waste Challenge Grant Agreements

Mr. Purcell advised that the agreement with Homer Recycling Center is for $5,000 and that there has been an amendment to include language on the first page of the agreement to specify that the funds will be used for warehouse safety equipment. The second agreement with the Scrounge Center for Reusable Art Parts/United Arts Council is in the amount of $3,570. Mr. Purcell recommended approval of both grant agreements.

Res. 131-2003

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Ivey, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the Solid Waste Challenge Grant Agreement between Calhoun County and the Homer Recycling Center in the amount of $5,000 and between Calhoun County and the Scrounge Center for Reusable Art Parts/United Arts Council in the amount of $3,570, as recommended by the Solid Waste Management Planning Advisory Committee; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Grant Agreements on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Non-Union Employees’ Salary Survey Consulting Services Agreement

Mr. Purcell stated that the county conducted a classification study in December 2000 for court and county non-union employees which was approved by the Board. Within Section 6., Item 8, the county is to conduct an annual pay schedule analysis based on market trends. Mr. Purcell advised that Mr. Wilcox has formed a committee that has gone out with a request for qualifications (R.F.Q.).

Mr. Wilcox advised that the Administrative Services Department issued a R.F.Q. and received five proposals. The proposals were reviewed by the committee and O. William Rye & Company was the unanimous selection as the most qualified consultant based upon the Company’s extensive expertise in providing comprehensive wage and salary projects for 21 Michigan counties. Mr. Wilcox stated that there was a lower proposal, however, the price reflected a lack of understanding of the county’s classification plan.

Res. 132-2003

“Motion by Comr. Ivey, supported by Comr. Frederick, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners award the bid {RFQ #21-03} for provision of Non-Union Employees Salary Survey Management Benefit Consulting Services to O. William Rye & Company of Okemos, Michigan in an amount not to exceed $8,925 plus expenses; further, authorize the Administrative Services Department to issue a purchase order in an amount not to exceed $8,925 plus expenses to O. William Rye & Company.”

Comr. Moore advised that the Michigan Association of Counties (M.A.C.) has a data base of different wages, and inquired whether the county can use information from that data base. Mr. Wilcox responded that the county has used the M.A.C. survey in the past, however, he believes it is good to have the study done externally as there is no perception of bias; further, that it is good to go out into the market places periodically to conduct a comprehensive study. Comr. Moore questioned whether M.A.C. is also considered an unbiased source for the information, and suggested that perhaps M.A.C.’s survey could be used in the interim two years prior to the next study.

Roll call vote: Yes - 6 (Comrs. Ivey, Moore, Segal, Strowbridge, Austin and Frederick)

No - 1 (Comr. Miller)

Motion CARRIED

Prosecutor’s 2004 Cooperative Reimbursement Program Application

Mr. Purcell advised that 66 percent of the funding is provided by the state and 34 percent from the county with a state supplement of $17,700 for 2004.

Prosecutor John Hallacy advised that the grant is an annual grant which funds the Office’s Child Support Establishment Unit.

Res. 133-2003

“Motion by Comr. Ivey, supported by Comr. Miller, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2004 Cooperative Reimbursement Contract Application (CRP) between the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office and the State Office of Child Support; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Application on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

District Court Remote Credit Card Service Agreement

Mr. Purcell advised that the agreement will allow for credit card payments for cash, bail, fines and fees on a 24 hour 7 day per week basis. Mr. Purcell pointed out that Civil Counsel’s legal review specifies that a 30-day termination clause needs to included within the agreement, and the agreement distributed tonight includes that provision. Mr. Purcell stated that this shall be a new service offered as a convenience to the public.

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved that the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the Agreement between Tenth District Court and Government Payment Service, Inc. (GPS) for the purpose of processing payments by credit card for cash, bail, fines, etc. This service will be provided from a remote location 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, for a period of one {1} year.”

Comr. Moore noted that no attachment for cash bail has been provided, and inquired whether cash bail has been deleted. Mr. Purcell stated that he believes the previously provided attachments have been consolidated into Attachment A. Comr. Moore pointed out that the schedule and definition is specifically for fines. Mr. Purcell recommended the agreement be tabled until the next Board meeting for clarification.

Comr. Miller withdrew his resolution and Comr. Segal withdrew her support.

Res. 134-2003

“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Ivey, adopt the following: Resolved that the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners table an Agreement between Tenth District Court and Government Payment Service, Inc. until the August 21, 2003 Board of Commissioners Meeting.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Calhoun County Security Committee Creation/Appointments

Mr. Purcell advised that Mr. Wilcox will be working with the committee to address on-going security issues in the county.

Res. 135-2003

“Motion by Comr. Ivey, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners create the Calhoun County Security Committee and appoint the following members, with terms to expire December 31, 2004:

Michelle Hill, District Court Administrator

Michael Boltz, Probate Court Administrator

Allen Byam, Sheriff

John Hallacy, Prosecutor

Ann Rosenbaum-Petredean, Treasurer

Toni Fritz, County Clerk/Appointed Representative

Heidi Oberlin, Health Officer

Greg Babcock, Emergency Services Coordinator

Laura Fryer, Juvenile Home Director

Steve Charron, Facilities Manager

Bradley Wilcox, Administrative Services Director

Scott Losey, Office of Veterans Affairs

Nancy Mullett, Civil Counsel

Rick Ozzello, Court Services Officer

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Register of Deeds 2003 Budget Amendment

Mr. Purcell stated that the amendment shall establish a Register of Deeds technology fund. Mr. Purcell advised that Public Act 698 of 2002 authorized increases in fees for the first page of a recorded document from $3 to $8 and for subsequent pages, an increase from $2 to $3. The $5 increase for the first page is dedicated to a technology fund and the $1 increase for subsequent pages is available to the General Fund. Mr. Purcell stated that the technology fund is to be used for upgrading technology within the Register of Deeds Office, with priority given to upgrading search capabilities. Mr. Purcell advised that the technology fund will be established in the amount of $84,815.

Res. 136-2003

“Motion by Comr. Strowbridge, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the 2003 Budget Adjustment (ATTACHMENT A) as presented by the Finance Director.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Comr. Moore invited the public to attend the Battle Creek International Festival on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., advising that there shall be entertainment show-casing the rich heritage of the community, including performances by the Board’s Clerk.

Comr. Moore further advised that Sexual Assault Services and the Child Advocacy Center are hosting a miniature golf outing at Crystal Falls Golf Land on Thursday, August 21, from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. The cost is $10 per person and there will be free beverages and food, a live remote from Live Rock 95.3, and a variety of entertainment. Comr. Moore advised that Prosecutor Hallacy has challenged him to a round.

Comr. Moore reported that he attended the change of command ceremony at the Battle Creek Federal Center.

Comr. Frederick reminded everyone of the Calhoun County Fair which starts Sunday with a parade and runs through August 16. Comr. Frederick advised that Friday morning is the 4-H auction for large animals.

Comr. Frederick further reminded everyone of the Festival of the Forks on the weekend of September 19, and the Blair Farm Celebration in Homer the following weekend.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:

Res. 137-2003

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Frederick, 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 $19,978.17 for the week of July 17, 2003; further, approve payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount of $163,139.88 for the week of July 22, 2003; and finally, approve payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount of $517,858.91 for the week of July 29, 2003.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

RECESS:

The meeting recessed at 7:56 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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