Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

July 1, 2004

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:03 p.m., Thursday, July 1, 2004 in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan.

Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Austin, Frederick, Miller, Moore, Segal and Strowbridge. Temporarily Excused: Comr. Ivey (Arrived at 7:08 p.m.).

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

A Moment of Personal Prayer was observed; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Miller.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:

“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Miller, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the July 1, 2004 agenda and addendum as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Battle Creek resident, addressed Item 10.A. (3) inquiring whether the firm pays its employees a decent wage and provides them with health benefits. Chairman Austin advised Mr. Berezonsky that his inquiry shall be discussed at the time the bid award is addressed upon the agenda.

Mr. Berezonsky inquired how much the county currently pays for dispatch services and where the money presently budgeted for that service shall go should the millage proposal be approved. Mr. Berezonsky stated that the funds already budgeted for the service should not be placed within the Sheriff Department’s budget as a windfall, but should be used towards payment of the bonds.

ELECTED/APPOINTED COUNTY OFFICIALS’ COMMENTS:

Chairman Austin advised that the special tribute to the Homer Varsity Baseball State Champions shall be postponed until the July 15 Board Meeting.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 113-2004

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following July 1, 2004 Consent Agenda as presented:

A. Petitions, Communications, Reports:

(1) Copy of a communication remitted to Cary Dairy received from the Michigan Department of Agriculture requesting copies of rental agreements and soil tests for all acquired acreage. (Received and placed on file)

(2) Resolutions received from Newaygo County supporting House Joint Resolution Y {Guarantee of State Revenue Sharing}. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons)

(3) Copies of communications remitted to Guardian Fiberglass, Incorporated approving Permit to Install No. 282-02A, and voiding Permit to Install No. 282-02 received from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. (Received and placed on file)

(4) Notice of a public hearing scheduled for July 6, 2004 regarding granting Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate Applications to the Kellogg Company received from Battle Creek City. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Equalization Director Richard Gruber)

(5) Travel Review Committee Report

(6) Calhoun County Security Committee Bylaws”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:

Calhoun County Security Committee

Adoption of County Policy No. 290 - Workplace Violence

County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that Mr. Wilcox is the Committee Chairman and that the Committee has been working on the policy for some time.

Committee Chairman Bradley Wilcox reported that the policy is a result of a risk assessment by the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority who has recommended that the county adopt such a policy acknowledging the need to provide for the security of its employees and visitors on the county’s properties. Mr. Wilcox advised that the Committee shall be working on a training schedule for the employees over the next 30 days.

Res. 114-2004

“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Miller, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners adopt new County Policy No. 290 - Workplace Violence, as recommended by the Calhoun County Security Committee.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Employee Recognition and Relations Committee

Committee Chairperson Segal wished all employees having a birthday in July a happy birthday. Comr. Segal advised that lunch this month is sponsored by Commissioner Moore at the Moonraker Restaurant and Lounge and requested he draw the winner. Comr. Moore announced the winner to be Julie Dickerson of the Friend of the Court.

2005 Budget Committee

Committee Chairman Moore reported that an extra step has been added to the budget process; i.e., the Committee has met twice with elected/appointed officials to discuss priorities. Comr. Moore advised that the Committee has met with one third of the department heads and will be meeting with more tomorrow morning, and shall conclude these meetings prior to the budget kick-off meeting.

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

County Administrator/Controller’s Report

Prosecutor’s Request to Hire Above the Start Salary Level

Mr. Purcell advised that the request is to hire a Criminal Investigator at Step Six of the pay scale rather than at Step One.

Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Buscher advised that Attorney Drewry possesses 31 years of experience and expertise in law enforcement, the last two years with the Battle Creek Police Department. Atty. Buscher stated that the position is currently funded at Level Six, that Atty. Drewry is simply replacing the previous investigator at the Step Six level.

Res. 115-2004

“Motion by Comr. Strowbridge, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve, pursuant to 19.2 of the contract between the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners and the Government Employees Labor Council, a change in pay scale assignment for Robert Drewry, Criminal Investigator, from Step One {1} to Step Six {6} (Pay Range M), with said change to be effective upon Mr. Drewry’s date of hire, May 4, 2004.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Prosecutor’s Cooperative Reimbursement Title IV-D Program Grant Application

Mr. Purcell advised that the annual grant application is in the amount of $442,797.52, 66 percent funding provided by the grant, 34 percent from the county and a state supplement of $18,771 which provides funding for 8 full time employees.

Atty. Buscher stated that the Child Support Establishment Unit funded by the grant generates funding for the children in Calhoun County. Atty. Buscher pointed out that the state supplement has increased by $1,000 and that personnel shall be kept at the same level, therefore, no additional costs are associated with the Program.

Res. 116-2004

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Frederick, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the one-year FY 2005 Cooperative Reimbursement Title IV-D Program Grant Application for the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Grant Application for remittance to the State Office of Child Support.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Janitorial Services Bid Award

Mr. Purcell advised that the Purchasing Division requested bids which Mr. Wilcox shall address and shall respond to the inquiry regarding the employee wage scale paid by the vendor.

Mr. Wilcox stated that this is the fourth time the services have been placed out for bids. The evaluation committee unanimously recommends bid award to A & B Quality Cleaning Services, currently providing the service. The Firm has been providing the service since July 2002 and provided the most responsible proposal, consistently productive employees, and professional and responsive management. Mr. Wilcox advised that A & B Quality Cleaning Service provides a solid and competitive pay scale, benefits, and an incentive program to their employees.

Res. 117-2004

“Motion by Comr. Strowbridge, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners award the bid {RFP# 109-04} to A & B Quality Cleaning Services, Inc. of Battle Creek to provide janitorial services to the following county facilities: Justice/Correctional Center, Toeller Building, Marshall Building and the Albion Human Services Building; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute a two {2} year Agreement with A & B Quality Cleaning Services, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $382,790.00 on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Revised FY 2003-2004 Health Department Budget

Mr. Purcell stated that there has been a number of adjustments in a variety of areas which Ms. Oberlin shall address. Mr. Purcell advised that the adjustments have been approved by the Board of Health.

Health Officer Heidi Oberlin stated that the Health Department creates bulk budget adjustments annually in mid-year to account for changes in funding received and expenditures anticipated. Ms. Oberlin advised that the adjustments do not reflect any full time employee changes. Ms. Oberlin reported that the Department was awarded approximately $47,000 in additional state funds for the Womens, Infants and Childrens Program (W.I.C.) and an additional $3,150 for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention Program. Ms. Oberlin continued that the Network for Young Children Program due to end on June 30 has been extended for another two years, and CDBG has agreed to re-fund the Lead Program starting July 1; further, that the Susan G. Komen Foundation has agreed to fund the Breast and Cervical Program with an $11,000 grant.

Ms. Oberlin advised that the Department discontinued the Senior Millage Health Screening and Dental Programs resulting in a loss of approximately $150,000 in anticipated revenues, and W.I.C. lost a minor contract for $10,000. Lower revenues are also anticipated from the Healthy Communities Access Program Grant, however, the Department anticipates being able to carry funds forward to the next fiscal year. Ms. Oberlin further reported that a budget adjustment must also be made to pay the county $150,000 from the Department’s fund balance.

Res. 118-2004

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2003/2004 Health Department budget adjustments (ATTACHMENT A), as recommended by the Board of Health.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Revised Calhoun County Sanitation Code

Mr. Purcell stated that Mr. Havens has done an exemplary job in revising the Code; further, advised that several special meetings were conducted throughout the county to allow for comment and feedback from the developers and contractors.

Ms. Oberlin stated that the process commenced months ago with public hearings conducted in May in Battle Creek, Marshall and Albion. The revisions relate to septic system installation or well drilling and there were some other minor revisions. No fees were changed.

Res. 119-2004

“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Miller, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the revised Calhoun County Sanitation Code, as recommended by the Board of Health.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

2005 Budget Calendar

Mr. Purcell stated that the calendar is an aggressive schedule and pointed out that the budget kick-off meeting is scheduled for July 9 at 9:00 a.m. in the Human Resource Department conference room. Mr. Purcell advised that a quorum of Board members shall be attending, therefore, the meeting shall be publically noticed.

“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the 2005 Budget Calendar; further, authorize the 2004 Budget Committee to approve amendments to said calendar as necessary.”

Chairman Austin inquired whether the budget meetings with elected/appointed officials could be included with the calendar to provide documentation of the process. Comr. Moore responded Yes. Chairman Austin requested friendly amendment of the resolution to approve a supplement to the calendar. Comrs. Moore and Segal accepted the friendly amendment of the resolution.

Res. 120-2004

“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following, as amended: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the 2005 Budget Calendar and Supplement (ATTACHMENT B); further, authorize the 2004 Budget Committee to approve amendments to said calendar as necessary.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Area Agency on Aging, Region IIIB 2005 Area Implementation Plan

Mr. Purcell advised that he requested Ms. Wiseley review the Plan and questions were posed to Mr. Tim McIntyre.

Comr. Segal advised that the Area Agency on Aging goes through its planning process every three years and submits the Plan to each county Board of Commissioners in the service district for review and approval. Comr. Segal pointed out that the Agency now has the Senior Meal Program whereby seniors can acquire meals at participating restaurants. Comr. Segal recommended the Board approve the Plan.

Res. 121-2004

“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Frederick, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2005 Region IIIB Area Agency on Aging Area Implementation Plan, as presented by the Burnham Brook Center that serves the planning and service areas of Barry and Calhoun County.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Resolution of Support for Returning Calhoun County to the Kalamazoo Metropolitan

Statistical Area for Medicare/Medicaid Services

Mr. Purcell advised that copies of the Enquirer and News article addressing the issue were distributed this morning. Mr. Purcell further advised that the Board of Health approved a resolution requesting that Calhoun County be included in the Kalamazoo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and Oaklawn Hospital Director Rob Covert is present to address what removal of Calhoun County from the MSA might do if approved.

Mr. Covert advised that he is also representing Battle Creek Health Systems. Mr. Covert stated that if the county is removed from Kalamazoo’s MSA, it shall result in the county’s health care providers losing more than $7 Million in medicare/medicaid reimbursements annually which shall seriously impact community programs such as immunization clinics and school nurse programs. Mr. Covert continued that the removal from the MSA will force health care costs to increase and coverage to decrease not only for employers, but also their employees; further, hospitals shall be limited in how much they can invest in new equipment and technology.

Mr. Covert stated that jobs will also be lost in and out of health care affecting all the residents, not just those covered by medicare and medicaid. Mr. Covert advised that Calhoun County has been included in the Kalamazoo MSA for 15 years pointing out that Calhoun County’s health care providers offer a lot of services in common with a lot of the County’s residents referred to the Kalamazoo hospitals.

Mr. Covert continued that 6 months ago the Federal Government reviewed the hospitals and decided that 12 should be included in the Kalamazoo MSA. Calhoun County was left out of that review. Mr. Covert advised of the hospitals now included in the MSA. Mr. Covert stated that the hospitals believe there is justification for the County to be returned to the Kalamazoo MSA and have requested assistance from US Representative Nick Smith and Senator Debbie Stabenow. Mr. Covert advised that the decision shall go into effect October 1 and that all 3 cities and the 3 Chambers of Commerce have taken action urging the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (C.M.S.) to keep Calhoun County in its Kalamazoo/Battle Creek MSA.

Res. 122-2004

“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Miller, resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners adopt the following:

WHEREAS, the proposed decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to remove Calhoun County from the Kalamazoo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) will result in the county health care providers losing more than $7 Million in reimbursements annually; and

WHEREAS, the loss of that revenue will seriously impact the already fragile health care system in general and community programs such as immunization clinics and school nurse programs in particular; and

WHEREAS, the removal of the county from the Kalamazoo MSA will force health care costs to go up and coverage to go down for not only employers, but also their employees; and

WHEREAS, Calhoun County hospitals will be limited in how much they can invest in new equipment and technology; and

WHEREAS, if costs go up and services go down, jobs will also be lost in and out of health care affecting all residents, not just those who are covered by Medicare and Medicaid; and

WHEREAS, the Calhoun County Health Department has already passed a resolution in support.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners resolve that Calhoun County should remain in the Kalamazoo MSA and strongly urge the CMS to keep Calhoun County in its Kalamazoo/Battle Creek MSA.”

Mr. Purcell inquired whether Calhoun County’s removal from the Kalamazoo MSA was an act of omission or whether someone singled out Calhoun County to the county’s detriment. Mr. Covert responded that he cannot precisely say; however that the first probable reason is that the Federal Government developed a new classification method based on the new census figures, and the second theory is that when the Federal Government reclassified the 12 hospitals they stated that the reclassification had to be revenue neutral. Calhoun County’s hospitals were already in the Kalamazoo MSA, therefore, no application was made.

Comr. Moore thanked the leadership of Oaklawn Hospital and Battle Creek Health Systems for addressing the issue and bringing it to the attention of the citizens and advised that the congressional delegation is working to attempt to mitigate the situation. Comr. Moore encouraged the citizens to write letters to the C.M.S. urging the return of Calhoun County to the Kalamazoo MSA advising that the deadline is July 12 for receipt of such letters.

Comr. Segal pointed out that the reclassification would hurt not only the hospitals, but also economic development and advised Mr. Covert that he has her full support.

Chairman Austin inquired what the proposed reclassification shall mean to those on Medicare/Medicaid. Mr. Covert responded “Nothing, there shall be no direct impact.” Mr. Covert advised that neither Battle Creek Health Systems or Oaklawn Hospital will stop taking care of those on Medicare/Medicaid, however, that everyone else shall have to make-up that loss of reimbursement.

Chairman Austin inquired whether the reclassification shall affect the hospitals’ ability to provide community outreach. Mr. Covert responded Yes. Chairman Austin stated that the county’s hospitals certainly need the $7.1 Million and that there should be some rational process for whether Calhoun County is included or not included in the MSA. Chairman Austin inquired how the hospitals are working to improve services to those that have been under-served. Mr. Covert responded that when the hospital closed in Albion Battle Creek Health Systems and Oaklawn Hospital made a grant to the City of Albion to open a clinic. Battle Creek Health Systems provided $105,000 and Oaklawn Hospital provided $155,000 and some equipment to assist. Mr. Covert further pointed out that the cost of operating the building is not covered by any reimbursement because the hospitals are not charging any rent.

Chairman Austin stated that he appreciates the efforts being made, however, would like to discuss in some other forum the use of funding for those that have not received proportionate services.

Mr. Covert further pointed out that the county has never had a specialist in diabetes, and now the hospitals subsidize one who makes his services available in Albion and Battle Creek.

Comr. Frederick stated that she is from the area that lost the hospital in Albion and she knows that Oaklawn Hospital has been a major provider of funding and assistance to open the clinic.

Roll call vote: Yes - 6 (Comrs. Strowbridge, Frederick, Ivey, Miller, Moore and Segal)
Abstain - 1 (Comr. Austin)

Motion CARRIED

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Comr. Miller stated that in his personal opinion, the reclassification of Calhoun County’s hospitals from the Kalamazoo MSA is a shockingly bad idea by the Federal Government. Comr. Miller stated that if the Federal Government believes that the removal from the MSA shall not impact each and every member of the communities in Battle Creek, Marshall and Albion, then they are deluding themselves. Comr. Miller encouraged everyone to contact their legislative representatives, US senators and their staff.

Comr. Strowbridge announced that Commissioner Moore and he shall be hosting two public forums regarding the proposed E 9-1-1 consolidated dispatch center millage; July 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Harper Creek High School Cafeteria and July 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pennfield Middle School Cafeteria.

Comr. Moore invited everyone to attend the parade in Newton Township at 1:00 p.m. and hotdogs and drinks at the Grange Hall after. Comr. Moore further advised that each year the Substance Abuse Council has a breakfast at which those that have done great things in the community are recognized. Comr. Moore stated that if anyone wishes to nominate an individual or an organization, to either contact the Council or him for an application.

Comr. Segal wished Wendee Woods a Happy Birthday on July 4.

Comr. Ivey reminded everyone of the annual Cruise to the Fountain on July 2, 3 and 4 and of the annual chicken barbeque on July 3 at the fountain.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:

Res. 123-2004

“Motion by Comr. Miller, supported by Comr. Strowbridge, 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 $255,703.90 for the week of June 17, 2004; further, approve payment of the lists of claims against the county in the total amounts of $361,647.25 and $488,094.68 for the week of June 22, 2004.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

RECESS:

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

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