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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:02 p.m., Thursday, May 20, 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. Segal. 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 May 20, 2004 agenda and addendum as presented.” Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED CITIZENS’ TIME: Rev. Pearl Gray-McWhorter, Battle Creek resident, addressed a complaint regarding early release from the hospital and commended the Nursing Clinic for requesting she receive blood testing. Mr. Jerry Keller, Battle Creek resident, questioned whether there has been consideration of constructing the proposed new E 9-1-1 Communications Center on the site originally proposed for the Jail in an effort to lower the proposed millage increase. Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Battle Creek resident, questioned why the taxpayers shall be requested to purchase the land proposed for the E 9-1-1 Communications Center, since the land already is owned by the taxpayers. Chairman Austin pointed out that the county does not own the land. Mr. Berezonsky pointed out that the taxpayers already purchased that land once. ELECTED/APPOINTED COUNTY OFFICIALS’ COMMENTS: Chairman Austin advised that this week is the 50th Anniversary of Brown versus the Board of Education. Chairman Austin stated that it is important that the case continues to be recognized as one of the most important Supreme Court decisions for the 20th Century. Chairman Austin stated that he is proud to say that he and many others represent the progress that was contemplated from the fight for that decision. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: “Buckle Up America! Week” Proclamation Chairman Austin read and presented the following proclamation to Battle Creek Area Transportation Study Executive Director Patricia Karr.
Water Quality Awareness Month Proclamation Chairman Austin read and presented the following proclamation to Solid Waste Director Tiffany Seymore.
Family Independence Agency Annual Report Family Independence Agency (F.I.A.) Director Gwaine McCree presented the Agency’s Annual Report pointing out the financial assistance programs, and advising regarding child, adult and family service programs available; program statistics; the Food Assistance Program, Low Income Energy Assistance Program; Medical Assistance Program; Supplemental Security Income Program and Child Day Care Services. Mr. McCree advised that a new program, Children’s Action Network, commenced in November 2003. The Program is a network of state agencies designed to better support and serve Michigan’s children through sharing information and ideas to improve service and delivery of services. Mr. McCree advised that the Program is located at Ann J. Kellogg Elementary School and is operated by two F.I.A. staff members. Mr. McCree further advised that the F.I.A. has applied for expansion of the Program. Mr. McCree reported that the Food Assistance Program is utilized by 76 percent of the people in Michigan with the value of food assistance issued being $13,261,368. Mr. McCree advised that the number of Child, Adult and Family Services Program cases is 1,326 with 56 community placements for delinquency. Mr. McCree advised that 60 adoptions were finalized in 2003, and addressed Title IV-E Foster Care placements. Mr. McCree addressed the summary of expenditures totaling $44,426,067, an increase of 4 percent. Mr. McCree stated that last year he addressed rent reductions, and advised that the Albion Office which handles 2,500 cases shall be closed near the end of July. An 800 telephone number for the Calhoun County area has been established. Mr. McCree stated that the F.I.A. has worked out an arrangement with the Michigan Works Board to use space to conduct face-to-face contacts. Mr. McCree stated that the Agency has a commitment to maintain a person in Albion and to continue to provide services as the people in that area are accustomed to. Comr. Frederick commended Mr. McCree for his dedication to the Albion area. Comr. Frederick advised that the decision to close the Albion office was not a decision of the County F.I.A. Board, that closures are occurring around the state due to the economic condition in Michigan presently. Comr. Frederick further commended Mr. McCree for his work with the Albion Initiative Committee, and thanked Representative Schauer’s Office for their effort also. Chairman Austin recognized State Representative Lorence Wenke. CONSENT AGENDA:
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report E 9-1-1 Communications Center Resolution Submitting Millage Proposal County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell stated that the Board conducted the public hearing at the last Board meeting, and advised that a list of governmental units have endorsed the project; e.g. the Cities of Battle Creek, Albion, Springfield and Marshall; Athens Village; Convis Township; and the Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Purcell offered to provide a complete listing of endorsements, and advised that he plans to go to each unit to acquire a resolution of support. Emergency Telephone District Board Chairman Allen Byam advised regarding the history of the project which led to the recommendation presented. Mr. Purcell presented a video explaining the need for the project.
TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE COUNTY OF CALHOUN:
Date: _______________________
This Notice is given by authority of the County Board of Commissioners of the County of Calhoun, Michigan.
Comr. Frederick stated that she has thought long and hard regarding
the proposed project. Comr. Frederick stated that she knows that the
center is needed; however has received a number of questions regarding
the economics of Albion, one being the cost currently to operate the
Albion Dispatch Center. Comr. Frederick pointed out that the Albion
Dispatch Center costs $139,000 to operate and if the Center were to be
replaced, the cost would be over $3 Million which the City of Albion
could not afford. Comr. Frederick continued that she believes the new
center and equipment shall save lives and that centralizing services
makes sense; further, that enhancements are not affordable for the
separate dispatch centers; i.e., equipment to locate Comr. Strowbridge stated that he is very honored to serve on the Emergency Telephone District Board. Comr. Strowbridge advised that he had been opposed to a tax increase and reviewed the different options for funding a new center, however, there were problems associated with the other options. Comr. Strowbridge stated that he believes the millage initiative is the most equitable manner to fund the project and advised that he shall support the millage initiative. Comr. Miller stated that he believes the merits of the project are clear and that the millage initiative shall enhance and improve public safety services. Comr. Miller advised that when the project was initially proposed it did not provide for on-going maintenance of the building, and now there is language in the proposal for that. Comr. Miller stated that he shall endorse the millage initiative. Comr. Moore pointed out that all the individual entities are working together on this project because it needs to be done. Comr. Moore stated that he is very proud of the work of the Emergency Telephone District Board and shall support the millage proposal. Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously Property Purchase Option Agreement Mr. Purcell advised that an option to purchase has been negotiated at $20,000 per acre for 5.3 acres owned by the Calhoun Intermediate School District (I.S.D.) for the proposed new E 9-1-1 Communications Center for a total expense of $106,000. Mr. Purcell stated that there will still be room for the state police post on the remainder of the 10 acre parcel. Mr. Purcell advised that the option is for $1 and that the purchase shall not be executed until the millage is approved. I.S.D. Superintendent Chris Wigent advised that the option to purchase was approved by the I.S.D. Board last night. Mr. Wigent stated that the county/I.S.D. has worked hard to be accountable to all the taxpayers regarding this issue. Mr. Wigent advised that when the property was purchased by the taxpayers it was the intent that it be used for educational purposes, therefore, I.S.D. came up with a reasonable amount for purchase which shall be set aside for educational purposes. Mr. Purcell pointed out that the site also has fiber optic which can be utilized as a back-up to the microwave.
Joint Workforce Development Agreement Extension Mr. Wigent stated that Barry County has approved the extension and that in a couple of weeks the agreement shall go before the Branch County Board. Mr. Wigent advised that since 1995 $36 Million has been received with zero in disallowed costs which the I.S.D. is very proud of; further, that the I.S.D. also received $1.6 Million in incentive funds which is awarded to the best programs. Mr. Wigent continued that since 1995 I.S.D. has opened five work centers and has provided service to over 66,000 individuals in the three-county service area. Mr. Wigent advised that the extension has been approved by the Workforce Development Chief Executive Officer Board, and introduced Finance Director Elaine Furu-Baker and Workforce Development Chief Executive Officer Board Chairperson Lynne Haley. Mr. Wigent requested the Board approve a two year extension of the agreement. Ms. Furu-Baker presented 2002 program statistics totaling $4,069,898 and addressed program highlights for 2002 and 2003. Ms. Furu-Baker reported that the Albion Michigan Works Program was consolidated with partners into a new location in downtown Albion which will also be shared with the Veteran’s Employment Service and Michigan Rehabilitation Services staff. F.I.A. will also be scheduled time in the center to meet with Albion area customers. Ms. Furu-Baker continued that the Battle Creek Service Center has been reconfigured after the Unemployment Agency vacated the premises in October 2003, and the Work First partner has been moved into the building along with the AARP Senior Employment Program. The State Department of Corrections will be moving into the vacant part of the building in the near future. Ms. Furu-Baker advised that the Battle Creek Michigan Works Service Center recorded 24,648 customer visits during 2003 and the Albion Michigan Works Service Center recorded 5,254; further the MWA earned an incentive award of $257,603 based on actual performance statistics during 2003, the fourth highest award in the state. Ms. Furu-Baker stated that the MWA’s 2003 Work First Program was recognized for achieving the lowest cost per entered employment in the state. Ms. Furu-Baker further reported that the Battle Creek Michigan Works Service Center worked with Kraft Foods to recruit, screen and refer applicants to fill vacancies, and that Denso Manufacturing, Hotset and Tokai Rika Manufacturing are three other significant employers who are now using Michigan Works for their recruitment/hiring needs. Ms. Furu-Baker advised that the program also conducted rapid response and worker orientations in response to the workers displaced from Eaton Manufacturing, Eimo Americas and Collins & Aikman, as well as continued to work with former employees of Harvard Industries and Midwest Metallurgical. Ms. Furu-Baker continued that the program actively collaborated in the Calhoun County Drug Court, Children’s Action Network and the Albion Area Adjustment Committee. Ms. Furu-Baker thanked Commissioners Frederick, Austin and Moore for serving on the Workforce Development Chief Executive Officer Board.
Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Title V Planning Grant Application Mr. Purcell advised that the application is not available tonight, however, that the budget detail has been provided. Title V Planning Grant Facilitator Dr. Joyce Brown thanked Mr. Purcell for his assistance and Board Aide/Deputy Clerk Barrett for faithfully attending each meeting and providing very inclusive minutes. Dr. Brown also thanked Policy Prevention Board Members Austin and Moore for taking to heart the Chin Report and addressing the issue of over-representation of minorities within the juvenile justice system. Dr. Brown advised that a 20 member group was organized to begin a year long review into the issues and risk factors that face young people, and that one of the issues is the early onset of violence for particularly African American youth and the early use of alcohol and drugs. The group identified information from the research areas which was supported by the youth in their own words during meetings with 40 young people. The youth also addressed isolation of families or families without adequate support to address the needs of their young people. Dr. Brown continued that the Michigan Family Independence Agency has presented various program models of best practice and the group decided that three things were needed in Calhoun County; e.g., creating stronger collaboration with the service agencies in the county that work with youth and families, strengthening of families, and creating prevention awareness. Dr. Brown advised that the group is reviewing a program under consideration by the family courts which will track young people that come into the juvenile justice system. Dr. Brown stated that the school systems will also be able to enter information into the system and community agencies will be added to lessen the fragmentation between the agencies. Dr. Brown advised that the system will not only report the young people in stress, but shall also track those that have “turned around.” Dr. Brown continued regarding strengthening families, that the group chose the Strengthening Multi-Ethnic Families model which is a train the trainers program who once trained can become a resource for the community. Dr. Brown advised that it does not cost the county any money to apply for the grant as in-kind services provided by Mr. Purcell and Ms. Barrett has been used as the match. Dr. Brown further advised that if the grant is approved, the partners will provide in-kind match in the amount of $45,000, also that in years two and three of the grant the group will have the opportunity to approach local foundations to acquire a cash match to continue the program.
Pennfield Township Law Enforcement Services Agreement Mr. Purcell advised that the Sheriff Department responded to a request for proposals from the Township and received the award. Sheriff Byam thanked the members of the Pennfield Township Board for their continued support, members of the Board of Commissioners who took the time to discuss the agreement with him, General Counsel Mullett for preparing the agreement, and Attorney McFarland. Sheriff Byam advised that it is the Department’s intent to deliver law enforcement services to the residents of Pennfield Township in a professional manner with courtesy that will make the county proud of the Department. Sheriff Byam requested the Board approve the agreement.
Pennfield Township Supervisor Judy Mackinder requested Township Board members stand and advised that the agreement was unanimously approved by the Township Board. Comr. Moore inquired regarding provision 8.2 of the agreement. General Counsel Mullett advised that the Township shall be paying for the prosecution of ordinance violations and traffic offenses, therefore, the fees generated by the process shall stay with the Township. Comr. Miller advised that he had some initial reservations regarding the Department entering into such an agreement from a policy perspective, however that after sitting down with the Sheriff and discussing the agreement, he is confident that the agreement is a self-sustaining contract and that since the county is not obligated beyond the requirements of the agreement he shall support the agreement. Comr. Strowbridge stated that as a law enforcement officer and a resident of Pennfield Township, and after reviewing all the proposals, he believes this agreement is the only thing that the Township could have done. Comr. Strowbridge advised that he shall support the agreement. Sheriff Byam introduced the Supervisor of the unit assigned to the Township, Sergeant Matt Saxton. Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously COPS In School Grant Application Mr. Purcell advised that the grant application is to provide a school liaison officer for the Pennfield Township High School. Mr. Purcell stated that the application was due May 17, therefore, the Sheriff and he signed and submitted it. Mr. Purcell advised that the grant would be for three years in the amount of $125,000. Sheriff Byam stated that having an officer in the school is an important issue to Pennfield Schools and the School Board passed a resolution of support. Sheriff Byam requested the Board approve the application.
April 2004 Financial Statements Mr. Purcell advised that the contribution to the general fund balance for the first four months of this year is $893,000 less than for the same period last year. Revenues are approximately $533,000 more and expenditures are approximately $1,426,000 more than in April 2003. Resolution to Minimize E 9-1-1 Communications Center Millage Costs for Capital Equipment Mr. Purcell thanked Commissioner Moore for suggesting the resolution. Mr. Purcell advised that the county has a number of grant applications submitted which may help with the capital costs of the proposed new E 9-1-1 Communications Center. Mr. Purcell stated that the resolution is a statement to the taxpayers that says that if the county receives grant funding, the Board will reduce the levy of overall millage. Mr. Purcell stated that the county does not have a commitment for funding at this point, however, that he is reasonably certain that the county will receive the grants in the future. Mr. Purcell recommended the Board approve the resolution.
COMMISSIONERS’ TIME: State Representative Wenke stated that he has had a challenging year and a half as Chairman of the House Tax Policy Committee and addressed the turmoil of the state’s budget. Mr. Purcell thanked Representative Wenke for personally returning his telephone calls, and inquired whether Rep. Wenke is aware of what might occur regarding revenue sharing. Rep. Wenke responded that he does not know the answer, however, that a 17 percent reduction has been proposed. Rep. Wenke advised that the state voted down a cigarette tax and voted in spending reductions; however, it was a preliminary vote and things are in flux. Rep. Wenke pointed out that the state is hundreds of millions of dollars “in the red,” and next year does not look any better. Mr. Purcell requested Rep. Wenke keep the counties in mind as he does his job pointing out that revenue sharing is very important to the county budgets. Ms. Gray-McWhorter thanked Rep. Wenke for signing her tribute from the Governor for her work with veterans, and the Board for providing funding for the Nursing Clinic. Mr. Keller stated that he believes the taxpayers should wonder why the county must spend all that money to create a video to sell the new E 9-1-1 Communications Center to the community. Mr. Keller further stated that any governmental unit that wants a sub-station in their community should pay for it their selves. Workforce Development Chief Executive Officer Board Chairperson Haley addressed the collaboration that exists on the Board, and stated that there needs to be collaboration at the State of Michigan to use the taxpayers’ money in the best way possible. COMMISSIONERS’ TIME: Comr. Segal announced that the Youth Council is accepting applications for the 2004-2005 school year. Applications shall be accepted until June 11 and are available on the county’s website or may be acquired through her. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Comr. Ivey announced that the Senior Services Department has created volunteer based training for seniors regarding Medicare cards and recommended seniors contact the Department for an appointment at 781-0846 or 1-877-645-5243. Comr. Ivey advised that volunteers shall assist seniors through a data base at Kellogg Community College in Albion on May 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Calhoun Intermediate School District in Marshall on May 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and at Davenport College in Battle Creek on May 27 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Comr. Moore announced that Representative Nick Smith shall be conducting two public town hall forums regarding social security on May 27. One at the Burnham Brook Center in Battle Creek at 2:30 p.m. and the other at the Franklin Center for Performing Arts in Marshall at 4:30 p.m. Comr. Moore invited everyone to attend a forum. Chairman Austin advised that Commissioner Segal conducted a forum two weeks ago Friday at the Burnham Brook Center regarding the new medicare cards. Chairman Austin stated that he appreciates the work Commissioners are doing to address this topic. Chairman Austin congratulated the Women’s Drug Court’s staff, and Ms. Julie Smith, Prosecutor Hallacy and Judge Garbrecht who took leadership roles in creating the Court. Chairman Austin advised that May 13 the Court had its first graduation ceremony. Chairman Austin stated that he is looking forward to the Men’s Drug Court, and that he understands that there is consideration of a Mental Health Court. Chairman Austin further congratulated those in the county involved in bringing businesses to Calhoun County, and the Kellogg Company. Chairman Austin stated that he was pleased for the opportunity to attend the press announcement with the Governor. CLOSED SESSION:
The Board met in Closed Session commencing at 9:15 p.m. until 9:28 p.m. with County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell, General Counsel Nancy Mullett, Assistant County Administrator Wendee Woods and Deputy Clerk Mary Lou Barrett present. OPEN SESSION -- RECESS: The Board reconvened into open session and recessed at 9:28 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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