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 Minutes Archive |
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Board of
Commissioners Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
February 19, 2004
The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
convened at 7:01 p.m., Thursday, February 19, 2004 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. Strowbridge, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve
the February 19, 2004 agenda as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
ELECTED/APPOINTED COUNTY OFFICIALS’ COMMENTS:
Prosecutor John Hallacy presented a Domestic Violence Information
Guide and advised that the Guide is the first item published under the
Domestic Violence Media Grant. Prosecutor Hallacy advised that in the
back of the Guide is a directory which is removable and is available
individually; further, that there is a emergency numbers card which was
published by Battle Creek Health Systems at no cost to the county.
Prosecutor Hallacy advised that if someone would like additional copies,
to contact him and he shall provide them or to stop in at the
Prosecutor’s Office.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Special Tribute to Dan Kesselring
Chairman Austin advised that the tribute has been presented to Mr.
Kesselring.
Res. 30-2004
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following tribute to
Dan Kesselring:
WHEREAS, for the past 37 years, Dan Kesselring has dedicated his
life to serving the people of Michigan through his work with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources Conservation Service; and
WHEREAS, for the past 30 years, Dan has worked specifically in
Calhoun County assisting farmers and private land owners with
conservation and education concerning wise use of soil, water and
natural resources; and
WHEREAS, Dan has been an ardent supporter of a balance between
growth and open space, which is necessary in maintaining a high
quality of life for county citizens; and
WHEREAS, under Dan’s leadership, Calhoun County experienced a
revolution in farming in the 1980's when over half of all farm
cropland went from conventional plowing to some form of conservation
tillage, thereby significantly reducing soil erosion; and
WHEREAS, through his direction during the 1980's and 1990's,
Calhoun County achieved over 25,000 acres set aside in the
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which virtually eliminated soil
erosion in those areas, while at the same time created a superb
habitat for wild turkey, sand hill cranes and a variety of other
wildlife; and
WHEREAS, through his efforts, over 800 acres of land have been
enhanced and/or restored to wetlands through the Wetland Reserve
Program, thereby improving and protecting our area’s water quality;
and
WHEREAS, Dan’s kind and gentle demeanor, commitment to excellence,
love of learning and willingness to assist others will be greatly
missed by those who have had the good fortune to work with him; and
WHEREAS, through his words and deeds, Dan has exemplified the
finest traits of a true public servant and person of character.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners, do
hereby honor and congratulate Dan Kesselring for his 37 years of
exemplary service to the citizens of Calhoun County and the State of
Michigan, and extend our best wishes for a happy, healthy and
well-deserved retirement.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Special Tribute to Denise Shepard and Laura Fryer
Chairman Austin read and presented the following tribute to Ms.
Shepard and Ms. Fryer.
Res. 31-2004
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following Special
Tribute to Denise Shepard and Laura Fryer:
WHEREAS, the Calhoun County Juvenile Home and Michigan Heartland
Goodwill Industries have served the local community for about a half a
century; and
WHEREAS, Michigan Heartland Goodwill Industries has adopted a
“Youth Services Initiative” serving youths with disabilities and
disadvantaged conditions, including adjudicated youths; and
WHEREAS, in the Fall of 2003, DENISE SHEPARD, Michigan Heartland
Goodwill Industries’ School-to-Work Program Manager, proposed to Laura
Fryer that the local Goodwill Organization develop a program to help
Calhoun County Juvenile Home residents enhance their career and life
planning skills so that Calhoun County Juvenile Home residents may
envision life beyond incarceration; and
WHEREAS, Denise Shepard and her Goodwill staff surveyed Calhoun
County Juvenile Home residents to learn their areas of interests, to
tailor the in-house program to their realities. Calhoun County
Juvenile Home residents indicated they craved further knowledge in the
following four areas:
Helping Others Through Work/The World of Work Politics and
Government: You Can Make a Difference Caring and Respecting the
Body/Health and Happiness Civic Involvement and Personal
Development/You Will Never Be Bored
WHEREAS, Denise Shepard outlined a program with these four topics,
one to be presented each quarter, each in three distinct parts: (a)
guest speakers addressing the residents, (b) residents deciding upon
and undertaking a real-life project relevant to the topic, and (c)
residents sharing their solutions and possibly implementing their
solutions with the appropriate community or agency organization(s);
and
WHEREAS, Denise Shepard and Michigan Heartland Goodwill Industries
secured a grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation to fund the “New
Directions” Program for its first year; and
WHEREAS, LAURA FRYER, Director of the Calhoun County Juvenile Home,
welcomed the proposed resources and speakers into the Calhoun County
Juvenile Home realizing that the Program shall allow the residents not
only to learn skills and knowledge to help themselves transition back
to their communities, but to also undertake real-life projects in the
areas of interest that will ultimately benefit others.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that DENISE SHEPARD AND LAURA FRYER are hereby honored
and thanked for launching the “New Directions” Program at the Calhoun
County Juvenile Home.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
School-to-Work Program Manager Denise Shepard advised that prior to
the holidays she took materials to the Juvenile Home and the residents
made sleeping bags for the homeless shelters. Ms. Shepard stated that
next the kids will be doing a political forum and then activities
related to health.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Res. 32-2004
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the following February 19, 2004 Consent Agenda as presented:
A. Petitions, Communications, Reports:
(1) Resolutions received from Lake County {1} supporting a
state-wide landfill surcharge, {2} requesting the State Legislature
review the court funding process, and {3} opposing collection of
State minimum fees. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons with a
copy of {1} remitted to Solid Waste Director Tiffany Seymore, and {2
& 3} remitted to Court Administrators Jeffrey Albaugh, Michelle Hill
and Michael Boltz.
(2) Resolution received from Gogebic County opposing collection
of State minimum fees. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons with a
copy of remitted to Court Administrators Jeffrey Albaugh, Michelle
Hill and Michael Boltz)
(3) Copy of a communication remitted to Mr. Doug Wildt, Homer
resident, requesting a copy of a Manure Management System Plan for
Mr. Wildt’s dairy facility received from the Michigan Department of
Agriculture. (Received and placed on file)
B. Resolutions:
(1) Summit Pointe Board of Directors Appointment (Term shall
expire March 31, 2007)
{a} Mary Mathieu”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP REPORTS:
Defined Benefit Plan Advisory Committee
Finance Director James Latham reported that the Committee has met
twice; an organizational session in January, and on February 13. The
Committee discussed at length whether the policy should be changed, and
if so, how. Mr. Latham stated that at the February 13 meeting Standard
Federal Bank representatives provided a detailed discussion of plan
investment performance, reviewed the investment policy, and concluded
that the current policy was the best thing to do given the performance
of the stock market over the past few years.
Board Retreat Discussion
Chairman Austin advised that the Board will be holding its Retreat
tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and has a very full agenda.
Chairman Austin stated that he has requested administrative staff
provide some updated information early in the day and the Board shall be
planning the remainder of the day. Chairman Austin stated that he is
looking forward to an interesting and hard working day tomorrow.
UNFINISHED AND OLD BUSINESS -- Amendment of County Policy No. 315
- Equal Employment:
County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that amendment
of the policy was delayed to change the title, which was the only
revision. Mr. Purcell stated that General Counsel has reviewed the
policy, and recommended the amended policy be approved.
Asst. County Administrator Wendee Woods stated that the policy is
very important to the county, especially to the Human Resource
Department to ensure compliance with the Federal Government.
Res. 33-2004
“Motion by Comr. Strowbridge, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners amend
County Policy No. 315 - Equal Employment as presented.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
Chairman Austin expressed appreciation to the Commissioners who
expressed their concern that the county be in compliance with the spirit
of equal employment opportunity to reflect the diversity of the
community and that he believes it is important that Calhoun County
Government lead that effort. Chairman Austin stated that he looks
forward to working with staff who are aggressively reaching out to the
community and places not normally contacted.
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
County Administrator/Controller’s Report
FY 2004-2005 Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant
Agreement
Mr. Purcell advised that the grant is for $73,863.
Family Court Administrator Michael Boltz advised that the grant
commences April 1. Mr. Boltz stated that this year the grant will again
be used to partially fund an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney position,
drug testing for all juveniles admitted to the Juvenile Home and those
placed on probation, and $25,000 for the web-based information system.
Mr. Boltz stated that ten percent provided for administering the grant
shall be used to offset the ten percent match requirement. Mr. Boltz
advised that the agreement has been reviewed by General Counsel.
Res. 34-2004
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Strowbridge, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the FY 2004-2005 Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant
Agreement between Calhoun County and the Michigan Family Independence
Agency for the period of April 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005 in the
amount of $73,863; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute
said Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
Chairman Austin inquired whether it is a grant requirement that ten
percent of the funds be utilized for drug testing. Mr. Boltz responded
Yes. Chairman Austin inquired whether there is a requirement for
parental notification of the testing. Mr. Boltz responded Yes, and
advised that the child and the parent have to sign a slip.
Vehicles Lease Bid Award
Administrative Services Director Bradley Wilcox recommended bid award
to Boshears Ford Sales for lease of five Ford Ranger trucks for the
Environmental Health Department. Mr. Wilcox advised that the lease shall
be for four years through Ford Motor Credit.
Res. 35-2004
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Strowbridge, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners award
the bid {RFB#101-04} for lease of five (5) new 2004 Ford Ranger trucks
to Boshears Ford Sales of Marshall; further, authorize the
Administrative Services Director to enter into a Lease Agreement with
Ford Motor Credit for the vehicles.”
Comr. Miller stated that he is pleased that the County is moving
from Nissan to Ford, and inquired whether the other bids were for
Dodge vehicles. Mr. Wilcox responded that one bid was for Dodge
vehicles and the other was for Ford Rangers. Comr. Miller inquired
whether the new vehicles shall be four-wheel drive. Mr. Wilcox
responded No. Comr. Miller inquired whether the trucks will meet the
Department’s needs. Mr. Wilcox responded Yes.
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
January Financial Statements
Mr. Latham advised that the county has completed one month in the new
fiscal year at slightly ahead of last year’s pace, however, that he
would not place any significance on that at this time.
E 9-1-1 Interlocal Agreement Update
Mr. Purcell reported that the agreement received unanimous approval
from all three cities Tuesday evening. Chairman Austin thanked everyone
involved and the cities for supporting the agreement.
COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:
Comr. Segal advised that the county was well represented at the third
annual Youth Forum at which 130 youth participated.
Comr. Moore announced that on February 25 at 7:00 p.m. at Wattles
Park Elementary School the Parks Department will be discussing the
Wattles Park bike path project. Funding has been secured and the project
is ready to commence.
CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
Res. 36-2004
“Motion by Comr. Segal, 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 $30,934.72 for the week of January 30, 2004; further,
approve payment of the list of claims against the county in the total
amount of $358,577.42 for the week of February 3, 2004; and finally,
approve payment of the list of claims against the county in the total
amount of $958,504.94 for the week of February 10, 2004.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
RECESS:
The Board recessed at 7:36 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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