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 Minutes Archive |
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Board of
Commissioners Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
April 13, 2004
The Equalization Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
convened at 7:04 p.m., Tuesday, April 13, 2004 in the Commissioners'
Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan.
Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Austin, Frederick, Miller, Moore, and
Segal. Excused: Comrs. Ivey and Strowbridge.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND/OR INVOCATION:
A Moment of Personal Prayer was observed; followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance, led by Comr. Moore.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve
the April 13, 2004 agenda and addendum as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve
the March 18, 2004 and the April 1, 2004 minutes as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
National County Government Week Proclamation
Res. 62-2004
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, Americans place great faith in the county form of
government, which traces its roots to the earliest days of the
republic; and
WHEREAS, county government truly supports the nation’s citizenry,
serving as their voice in town squares, state houses and the White
House; and
WHEREAS, America’s counties are proud to be among those providing
proof that local solutions can be applied throughout America to solve
many of the nation’s most challenging needs; and
WHEREAS, county government’s primary concern is to assure that
county leaders provide citizens with an environment that encourages
all people to build strong families and strong communities; and
WHEREAS, the quality of life for all Americans is dependent upon
choices that accommodate all citizens while preserving the community;
and
WHEREAS, by providing county citizens with safe, healthy
communities, which are necessary to ensure a high quality of life for
all, counties across the nation will continue to thrive and prosper;
and
WHEREAS, the arts, learning and community history go hand in hand
in providing stability and well-being to all Calhoun County citizens;
and
WHEREAS, community leaders, county leaders and all citizens should
take steps to recognize all that is good within Calhoun County, and
praise those programs and individuals who have made progress and
innovation available to all within the community; and
WHEREAS, this year’s theme is Transportation “Counties Move
America’s People and Products.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners hereby proclaim the week of April 18 - 24, 2004 National
County Government Week.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
2004 Equalization Report
Equalization Director Richard Gruber reported that real property
valuation increased 5.89 percent, or approximately $190 Million,
however, that personal property valuation decreased 2.69 percent, or
approximately $14.8 Million less than last year. Overall growth in
equalized value is $175 Million, an increase of 4.64 percent. Mr. Gruber
advised that there is a large loss of personal property this year and
that the Department shall evaluate what canvassing is being done. Mr.
Gruber continued that the agricultural class had a large increase this
year due to increase in land values.
Res. 63-2004
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners adopt the following:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
accept and adopt the 2004 County Equalization Report as presented by
the County Equalization Director for a total 2004 Equalized Value of
Real and Personal Property of $3,953,970,561 with the break down of
classes of property as follows:
| Agricultural Real Property |
$ 317,677,187 |
| Commercial Real Property |
$ 529,554,136 |
| Industrial Real Property |
$ 198,177,266 |
| Residential Real Property |
$ 2,365,270,634 |
| Developmental Real Property |
$ 6,004,030 |
| |
|
| Total Real Property |
$3,416,683,253 |
| |
|
| Total Personal Property |
$ 537,287,308 |
| |
|
| Total Real and Personal Property |
$3,953,970,561 |
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 - 5 (Comrs. Miller, Moore, Segal, Austin and
Frederick)
Excused - 2 (Comrs. Ivey and Strowbridge)
Motion CARRIED
Child Abuse Awareness Month, Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamations
Chairman Austin advised that the proclamations shall be presented
April 21 at the Sexual Assault Summit at the Kellogg Foundation.
Res. 64-2004
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Moore, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following three {3}
proclamations:
WHEREAS, since 1983, a Presidential Proclamation has designated
April as Child Abuse Prevention Month; and
WHEREAS, youths between the ages of 12 and 19 experience the
highest rate of violent victimization in the United States; and
WHEREAS, of the approximately 903,000 children found to be victims
of child maltreatment, 59 percent were neglected, 19 percent were
physically abused, 10 percent were sexually abused, and 7 percent were
psychologically maltreated; and
WHEREAS, of the approximately 1,300 children who died of abuse or
neglect in 2001, 41 percent of the children were under one year of age
and 85 percent of the children were younger than 6 years of age; and
WHEREAS, in America, the direct cost of mental health treatment to
abused children and their families annually is estimated to be $425
Million; and
WHEREAS, in America, the direct cost of medical treatment for
abused children annually is estimated at $9.1 Billion; and
WHEREAS, in America, the annual cost to Child Welfare, Law
Enforcement and Judicial Resources due to child abuse and neglect is
estimated to be nearly $15 Billion; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that April 2004 is recognized as Child Abuse Awareness
Month in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
thanks and recognizes Child Victims of Abuse and Neglect, members of
the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office, the Calhoun County Sheriff
Department and other Law Enforcement and Service Agencies, who,
through their cooperative effort in coordinating the events of Child
Abuse Awareness Month have helped give hope to the victims of child
abuse and neglect.
WHEREAS, the week of April 18 - 24, 2004 has been designated as
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, with the theme being “America’s
Values”; and
WHEREAS, youth between the ages of 16 and 19 experience the highest
rate of violent victimization in the United States; and
WHEREAS, in 2002, there were an estimated 23 million violent and
property victimizations nationwide; and
WHEREAS, of the approximately 1,300 children who died of abuse or
neglect in 2001, 41 percent of the children were under one year of age
and 85 percent of the children were younger than 6 years of age; and
WHEREAS, in America, the direct tangible cost to crime victims
annually are estimated to be $105 Billion in medical expenses, lost
earnings, and public program costs related to victim assistance, pain
and suffering and reduced quality of life increase the cost to $450
Billion annually; and
WHEREAS, the direct cost of medical treatment for battered women
annually is estimated at $1.8 Billion; and
WHEREAS, the annual cost of property crime to victims is more than
$11.8 Billion and vandalism costs households a total of $1.7 Billion
in damages annually.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that April 18 - 24, 2004 is recognized as Crime Victims’
Rights Week in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners thank and recognize those Victims of Crime, members of
the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office, the Calhoun County Sheriff
Department and other Law Enforcement and Service Agencies, who,
through their cooperative effort in coordinating the events of Crime
Victims’ Rights Week have helped preserve, protect and defend
“America’s Values.”
WHEREAS, the month of April 2004 has been nationally designated as
Sexual Assault Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, sexual assault is an intolerable violent crime with public
health implications for every person nationwide; and
WHEREAS, a person is raped in this nation every two minutes; and
WHEREAS, over 5,438 forcible rapes or attempted rapes were reported
to law enforcement during the year 2002 in the State of Michigan, and
it is estimated that less than half of all sexual assaults are
reported to the police; and
WHEREAS, in a recent eight-year period, 77 percent of the sexual
assaults committed by current or former husbands or boyfriends and 54
percent of the sexual assaults committed by friends or acquaintances
went unreported to the police; and
WHEREAS, an annual average of 140,990 completed rapes, 109,230
attempted rapes, and 152,680 completed and attempted sexual assaults
were committed against persons age 12 or older in the United States
between the years 1992 and 2000; and
WHEREAS, elimination of sexual assault must be achieved through
cooperation of individuals, organizations, and communities; Sexual
Assault Awareness Month provides a unique opportunity for citizens to
learn more about sexual assault and to support those who provide
critical advocacy, services and assistance to sexual assault
survivors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that April 2004 is recognized as Sexual Assault
Awareness Month in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners thanks and recognizes the Survivors of Sexual Assault,
the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office, the Calhoun County Sheriff
Department and other Law Enforcement and Service Agencies for their
combined efforts in battling this insidious crime.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Equal Pay Day Proclamation
Comr. Segal read, and along with Comr. Frederick, presented the
following proclamation to Albion Business and Professional Women’s
Association President Mary Lemardson.
Res. 65-2004
“Motion by Comr. Frederick, supported by Comr. Segal, 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 2003 by the U.S.
Census Bureau, year-round, full-time working women in 2002 earned only
77 percent of the earnings of year-round, full-time working men,
indicating little change or progress in pay equity; 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, national statistics rank the State of Michigan among the
lower one-third of all U.S. states in fair pay, citing that an average
of 68 cents is earned by women to every dollar their male counterparts
are paid – a gap of 32 cents; and
WHEREAS, over a working lifetime, this wage disparity costs the
average American woman and her family as estimated $500,000 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 20th symbolizes the time in the new year in
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 20, 2004:
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. 66-2004
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the following April 13, 2004 Consent Agenda as presented:
A. Petitions, Communications, Reports:
(1) Resolution received from St. Joseph, Washtenaw, Midland,
Oceana, Hillsdale, Berrien and Ingham Counties opposing Senate Bill
217 {Amendment of the Michigan Drain Code} (Referred to the
Legislative Liaisons, with copies remitted to Drain Commissioner
Blaine Van Sickle)
(2) Resolutions received from Antrim County {1} supporting the
nomination of Oakland County Commissioner Eric Coleman for the
Office of Second Vice-President of the National Association of
Counties, and {2} opposing House Bill 4234 {Personal Property Tax
Exemption for Businesses} (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons,
with a copy of {2} remitted to Treasurer Ann Petredean)
(3) Resolution received from Newaygo County opposing the State’s
proposal for PILT funding. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons)
(4) Copy of a communication remitted to Mr. Doug Wildt, Homer
resident, requesting a copy of the Manure Management System Plan for
his dairy facility received from the Michigan Department of
Agriculture. (Received and placed on file)”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:
Administrator’s Review Workshop
Workshop Chairman Moore reported that 22 evaluations were sent out
and that 12 were completed and returned. Comr. Moore advised that upon
evaluation of the responses, Mr. Purcell received a rating of 2.13 out
of a possible 3.00. Comr. Moore stated that the Workshop commends Mr.
Purcell and the management team for keeping the county on course and
financially sound despite another difficult budget year.
Comr. Moore addressed Mr. Purcell’s strengths and areas identified as
needing additional attention, advising that the items were addressed
during the review session and Mr. Purcell is working to develop
strategies for improvement in those areas, particularly those areas
involving increase in communication and visibility within the county.
The Workshop, however recognizes that in an organization as large and
widely dispersed as the county, communication and visibility will
continue to be a challenge.
Comr. Moore addressed the status of 2003 strategic priorities and
discussed proposed 2004 priorities.
Comr. Moore advised that Mr. Purcell has requested in lieu of
contingent compensation, 8 additional vacation days which is equivalent
to approximately 3 percent of the 4 percent contingent compensation
allowed in his employment agreement. Comr. Moore recommended the Board
approve the additional vacation days and the 2004 strategic priorities.
Res. 67-2004
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following, as amended: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners receive the County Administrator/Controller’s Evaluation
from the Administrator’s Review Workshop and approve an additional
eight {8} days of vacation time for the County
Administrator/Controller for calendar year 2004. The additional days
are equivalent to approximately 3% of the Administrator/Controller’s
compensation and is provided in lieu of the up to 4% contingent
compensation allowed in his employment contract; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following 2004 Strategic
Priorities for the County Administrator/Controller are approved:
1. Develop campaign for successful E 9-1-1 millage campaign and
implementation.
2. Implement Board priorities as part of 2005 budget.
3. Oversee implementation of action plan(s) for the Juvenile Home.
4. Enhance internal visibility and opportunities for interaction
with employees throughout organization.
5. Enhance strategic visioning to help anticipate challenges and
maintain long-term focus for County decision-making.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 5 (Comrs. Miller, Moore, Segal, Austin and
Frederick)
Excused - 2 (Comrs. Strowbridge and Ivey)
Motion CARRIED
Calhoun County Agricultural Preservation Board
Comr. Moore reported that the Board met in organizational session
this morning and established meetings for the next five months. The
Board will meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at the
Community Development Office. Comr. Moore advised that the Board will
focus on developing its bylaws and will choose its officers, then begin
to re-educate the public and the local municipalities regarding the
ordinance, the program and the workings of the Agricultural Preservation
Board. Comr. Moore stated that the Board is receiving a number of
inquiries regarding the program from farmers.
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
County Administrator/Controller’s Report
County Policy No. 373 - Paid Leave Time Subsidy Amendment
County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell expressed his
appreciation to Commissioner Moore and the members of the
Administrator’s Review Workshop.
Mr. Purcell advised that the amendment refines the policy.
Asst. County Administrator Wendee Woods stated that the proposed
amendment is to provide some additional flexibility and allow the
employees to receive leave time from other county employees who have
time on the books.
Res. 68-2004
“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve amendment of County Policy No. 373 - Paid Leave Time Subsidy
as presented.”
Comr. Miller thanked Ms. Woods for addressing the policy.
Roll call vote: Yes - 5 (Comrs. Moore, Segal, Austin, Frederick and
Miller)
Excused - 2 (Comrs. Strowbridge and Ivey)
Motion CARRIED
2004 Budget Adjustments
Mr. Purcell advised that the adjustments are required for the
delinquent tax funds and revenue enhancement.
Finance Director James Latham advised that the first adjustment is
correction of the Delinquent Tax Fund transfer from a different series
than what had been budgeted and that the second adjustment is to carry
over additional revenue received in the Enhanced Drug Enforcement Grant,
which will be used to purchase a vehicle for the K-9 unit.
Res. 69-2004
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the 2004 Budget Adjustments (ATTACHMENT A) as presented by the
Finance Director.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 5 (Comrs. Segal, Austin, Frederick, Miller
and Moore)
Excused - 2 (Comrs. Strowbridge and Ivey)
Motion CARRIED
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Investment Policy Amendment
Committee Chairman Latham reported that the Advisory Committee met
with Standard Federal Bank representatives to discuss investment
alternatives. The major change involves two areas, changing the policy
statement to invest in equities in the form of mutual funds, and adding
a provision to establish an asset allocation guideline with a goal of
maintaining a range of 40 to 60 percent equity investments. Mr. Latham
stated that the Committee believes the amendment will provide a balance
and hopefully which will result in a greater rate of returns.
Committee Member Tom Whitesell added that the representatives of
Standard Federal Bank assisted the Committee in reviewing what has
occurred historically by balancing investments, and the Committee
reviewed some investment objectives of other municipalities that utilize
equities in their investment mix.
Res. 70-2004
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Miller, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the Calhoun County Defined Benefit Plan Investment Policy
Statement (ATTACHMENT B) as recommended by the Defined Benefit Plan
Advisory Committee.”
Comr. Moore inquired whether the Committee requested input from the
Plan participants. Mr. Latham responded yes, and advised that only one
comment had been received and it addressed the issue of increasing the
multiplier.
Roll call vote: Yes - 5 (Comrs. Austin, Frederick, Miller, Moore
and Segal)
Excused - 2 (Comrs. Strowbridge and Ivey)
Motion CARRIED
Juvenile Home Psychiatric Services Agreement
Mr. Purcell stated that the agreement is with Dr. Thakur to provide
psychiatric services at the Juvenile Home, and thanked Atty. Mullett for
her work at the Juvenile Home.
General Counsel Nancy Mullett advised that the doctor provides
services through Summit Pointe. Atty. Mullett stated that during the
past year the present doctor’s time has been increasing limited and he
was struggling to get to the Home, therefore, he suggested that the
county contract with another child psychiatrist.
Res. 71-2004
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Frederick, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the one {1} year Psychiatric Services Agreement between Dr.
Anoop Thakur, M.D. and Calhoun County for provision of services at the
Calhoun County Juvenile Home for the period of April 15, 2004 through
April 15, 2005; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said
Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 5 (Comrs. Austin, Frederick, Miller, Moore
and Segal)
Excused - 2 (Comrs. Ivey and Strowbridge)
Motion CARRIED
March 2004 Financial Statements
Mr. Purcell advised that the General Fund Balance for the first three
months of 2004 is $168,000 more than for the same period in 2003.
Mr. Latham reported that of the $168,000 more in revenues, $500,000
was transferred in from the Delinquent Tax Fund. Mr. Latham advised that
expenditures are higher than the prior year due to wage and fringe
benefit increases and that other services and charges are higher due to
timing of inmate health and meal costs, and increased insurance costs.
Mr. Latham stated that the expenditure bench mark for this time of the
year is 25 percent and that 22 percent of the budget has been spent.
COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:
Comr. Moore advised that there shall be a special fund raiser this
Saturday at M-66 Bowl commencing at 3:00 p.m. to collect money for a
family with on-going very expensive cancer treatments at the University
of Michigan. Comr. Moore advised that the cost is $20 per person for
three games.
Comr. Segal announced that May 1 the Junior League is holding Kids
Fest at 10:00 a.m.
CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
Res. 72-2004
“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 $524,084.77 for the week of March 26, 2004; further, approve
payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount
of $774,896.80 for the week of March 31, 2004.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 5 (Comrs. Frederick, Miller, Moore, Segal and
Austin)
Excused - 2 (Comrs. Ivey and Strowbridge)
Motion CARRIED
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Prosecutor John Hallacy announced that the Crime Victims’ Rights
Celebration will be on April 19, and that the Sexual Assault Summit will
be held on April 21 and 22.
RECESS:
The meeting recessed at 7:56 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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Several photos included in this 
