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 Minutes Archive |
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Board of
Commissioners Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
February 3, 2005
The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
convened at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 3, 2005 in the Commissioners'
Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan.
Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Bolger, Miller, Moore, Segal,
Solis, Strowbridge and Todd.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Comr. Solis; followed by
Invocation, given by Comr. Todd.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following:
Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the
February 3, 2005 agenda and addendum, as amended, with deletion of Item
8.B. (23) - Potawatomi Resource Conservation and Development Council
Appointments.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
CITIZENS’ TIME:
Mr. Jerry Keller, Battle Creek resident, addressed delay in plowing
the roads.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
“Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week” Proclamation
Chairman Miller read and presented the following proclamation to
Battle Creek Area Transportation Study Executive Director Patricia Karr.
Res. 13-2005
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Segal, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, February 13-19, 2005 has been declared National Child
Passenger Safety Awareness Week; and
WHEREAS, the best thing families can do to safeguard the health and
well being of their children is to establish safety habits that set a
pattern for safety for the rest of their lives; and
WHEREAS, even though child passenger protection laws in Michigan
and all other states and the District of Columbia require proper
restraints and safety belt use for children, many children are still
not properly restrained; and
WHEREAS, Michigan has more stringent child restraint laws requiring
children to be in child seats until 4 years of age, and buckled up
regardless of where they sit in the vehicle until 16 years of age; and
WHEREAS, parents, guardians and care-givers must make sure that
children under age 13 always ride in the back seat of vehicles,
buckled up or properly installed in child safety seats/booster
seats/seat belts, as appropriate, away from front seat air bags.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Benjamin A. Miller, Chairman of the Calhoun
County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim support for National
Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week, and urge all citizens to buckle
up every child properly in an approved restraint, or seat belt, as
applicable, every time a child rides in a vehicle. Let us all help
spread these important child safety messages. The Board of
Commissioners calls upon all citizens, government agencies, public and
private institutions, businesses, hospitals and schools in Calhoun
County to observe this week with appropriate resolutions and
ceremonies.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Ms. Karr advised that the focus this year is for increased and proper
usage of booster seats.
“Wear Red For Women Day” Proclamation
Comr. Segal read the following proclamation into the record.
Res. 14-2005
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Solis, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners celebrates the
extraordinary progress in women’s heart health and recognizes that
more needs to be done in Calhoun County to safeguard women’s health
for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, heart disease is the #1 killer of women and one in three
American women die of heart disease; and
WHEREAS, most women do not know that heart disease is a women’s
problem and they do not take it seriously; and
WHEREAS, the risk factors for heart disease are smoking, high blood
pressure, high cholesterol, overweight/obesity, physical inactivity,
diabetes, a family history of early heart disease, and age; and
WHEREAS, women can promote their own heart health and prevent
disease and illness by taking steps to prevent and control the heart
disease risk factors; and
WHEREAS, keeping women healthy and promoting awareness of women’s
health issues, including heart health, is an important responsibility
and depends on the actions of many organizations and groups in our
community; and
WHEREAS, women’s health remains a priority for families,
communities, and government, and our commitment to keeping women
healthy is stronger than ever; and
WHEREAS, The Heart Truth Campaign and its Red Dress Symbol are
building awareness of women’s heart disease risk and empowering them
to reduce their risk and prevent heart disease.
THEREFORE, Calhoun County women need to take action to make heart
health a priority for themselves and their families, become aware of
their heart disease risk, and take action to control their risk.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Chairman Ben Miller, do hereby proclaim Friday,
February 4 as “Wear Red for Women Day” and encourage all citizens to
work together to promote and improve the health of women and increase
awareness and understanding of women and heart disease.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Comr. Segal advised that tomorrow the Minority Health Partnership
shall commence a month long awareness campaign; further, that today in
Lansing was Wear Red Day and tomorrow there shall be a press conference
at the Burnham Brook Center to start the awareness month in Calhoun
County.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Res. 15-2005
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the following February 3, 2005 Consent Agenda, as amended,
with deletion of Item B. (23) - Potawatomi Resource Conservation and
Development Council Appointments:
- Petitions, Communications, Reports:
| (1) |
Resolution received from Newaygo
County supporting Rosswell Fulton for the Director at Large
position on the Michigan Association of Counties Board of
Directors. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons) |
- Resolutions:
| (1) |
Administrator’s Review
Workshop Appointments |
| |
(Terms Shall Expire
December 31, 2005) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Gregory Moore, Chairman |
| |
{b} |
Jase Bolger |
| |
{c} |
Kate Segal |
| |
|
| (2) |
Area Agency on Aging
Governing Board of Directors Re-appointment |
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(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2005) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Kate Segal |
| |
|
| (3) |
Battle Creek Area
Transportation Study Policy Committee Appointments |
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(Terms Shall Expire
December 31, 2005) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Terris Todd |
| |
{b} |
Gregory Moore -- Alternate |
| |
|
| (4) |
Board Parliamentarian
Appointment |
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(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2006) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Eusebio Solis |
| |
|
| (5) |
2006 Budget Committee
Appointments |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Kate Segal, Chairperson |
| |
{b} |
Eusebio Solis |
| |
{c} |
Gregory Moore |
| |
|
| (6) |
Calhoun/Barry Voluntary
Mortgage Review Board Appointments |
| |
(Terms Shall Expire
December 31, 2006) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Jerry Robinson |
| |
{b} |
Jase Bolger |
| |
|
| (7) |
Calhoun County
Agricultural and Industrial Society Liaison Appointment |
| |
(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2006) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Eusebio Solis |
| |
|
| (8) |
Calhoun County
Agricultural Preservation Board Re-appointment |
| |
(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2005) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Gregory Moore |
| |
|
| (9) |
Calhoun County
Retirement Committee Appointments |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Daniel Strowbridge -- Term Shall
Expire December 31, 2005 |
| |
{b} |
Gregory Moore -- Alternate (Term
Shall Expire December 31 2005) |
| |
{c} |
Reggie LaGrand – Appointed
Officials’ Representative |
| |
|
| (10) |
Community Action Agency
of South Central Michigan Governing Board of Directors
Re-appointment |
| |
(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2006) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Benjamin Miller |
| |
|
| (11) |
Community Corrections
Advisory Board Appointments |
| |
(Terms Shall Expire
December 31, 2005) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Daniel Strowbridge -- Board of
Commissioners Representative |
| |
{b} |
Eusebio Solis -- Alternate |
| |
|
| (12) |
Downtown Development
Authority (Battle Creek) Appointment |
| |
(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2005) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Terris Todd -- Alternate |
| |
|
| (13) |
Drainage Board
Appointment |
| |
(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2006) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Eusebio Solis |
| |
|
| (14) |
Emergency Telephone
District Board Appointments |
| |
(Terms Shall Expire
December 31, 2005) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Daniel Strowbridge -- County
Commissioner Representative |
| |
{b} |
Jase Bolger -- Alternate |
| |
|
| (15) |
Emmett Township Local
Development Financing Authority Re-appointment |
| |
(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2006) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Gregory Moore |
| |
|
| (16) |
Employee Recognition
and Relations Committee Appointments |
| |
(Terms Shall Expire
December 31, 2005) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Kate Segal |
| |
{b} |
Gregory Moore |
| |
{c} |
Benjamin Miller |
| |
|
| (17) |
Friends of the Ott
Committee Executive Board Re-appointment |
| |
(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2005) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Gregory Moore |
| |
|
| (18) |
Goguac Lake Board
Re-appointment |
| |
(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2005) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Kate Segal -- County Commission
Representative |
| |
|
| (19) |
Homer Lake Management
Board Appointment |
| |
(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2005) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Eusebio Solis |
| |
|
| (20) |
Legislative Liaisons
Appointments |
| |
(Terms Shall Expire
December 31, 2005) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Kate Segal, Chairperson |
| |
{b} |
Greg Purcell |
| |
{c} |
Wendee Woods -- Alternate |
| |
{d} |
Terris Todd |
| |
{e} |
Gregory Moore |
| |
|
| (21) |
Metropolitan Planning
Commission Appointment |
| |
(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2006) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Gregory Moore |
| |
|
| (22) |
Mid-South Substance
Abuse Commission Appointments |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Kenneth Ponds - Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2006 |
| |
{b} |
Benjamin Miller - Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2006 |
| |
{c} |
Allen Garbrecht -Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2005 |
| |
|
| (23) |
United Way FEMA Board
Appointments |
| |
(Terms Shall Expire
December 31, 2006) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Terris Todd |
| |
{b} |
Benjamin Miller |
| |
|
| (24) |
Information Technology
Executive Committee Appointment |
| |
(Term Shall Expire
December 31, 2006) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Jase Bolger -- Board of
Commissioners’ Representative” |
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:
Employee Recognition and Relations Committee
Committee Chairperson Segal advised that the February birthday
luncheon at Pastrami Joe’s in Marshall is donated by Commissioner
Bolger, and requested he draw the winner.
Comr. Segal announced the winner to be Ivan Head.
Senior Millage Allocation Committee
Comr. Bolger reported that he attended his first Senior Millage
Allocation Committee meeting and was very impressed with the Committee.
Comr. Bolger stated that he looks forward to learning more with the
Committee and thanked the Chairman for appointing him to the Committee.
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
County Administrator/Controller’s Report
Calhoun County Master Land Use Plan
County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that Ms. Bomba,
Mr. Russ Wicklund and Planning Commission members are present to address
the Plan.
Planning Director Jennifer Bomba advised that the Planning Department
and the Planning Commission have been working on the Plan for the past
18 months to 2 years. Ms. Bomba introduced Consultant Russ Wickland to
address the process involved; and Planning Commission Members present,
Larry Rizor, Clarence Millard and Daniel Kesselring.
Mr. Wickland advised that in 2001 there were amendments to the County
Planning Act which changed the process for adoption and amendment of
master plans. The intent of the amendments was to provide for a 20 year
plan which is to be reviewed every 5 years, and to provide for increased
cooperation between local units of government regarding land use
planning. Public Act 264 requires that the County Planning Commission
develop the Plan and the County Board of Commissioners review the draft
plan and approve it for distribution to all local units of government
within and adjacent to Calhoun County for review and comment. Mr.
Wicklund stated that a 65 day comment period is provided, after which
the Planning Commission will address any comments received and hold a
public hearing. After the hearing, the Planning Commission is charged
with the final adoption of the Master Plan.
Ms. Bomba addressed the maps; e.g., regional, county and
neighborhood, advising that at the neighborhood level a series of
meetings have been conducted with local officials and stakeholders. Ms.
Bomba stated that the Plan looks at the resources available; i.e.,
wetlands, flood plains and wood lands, and establishes some policies
regarding zoning of resource areas. Ms. Bomba continued that in
reviewing the resources the Planning Commission looked at how they
relate to what the local units of government have for zoning and feels
confident that the local plans are fairly consistent with the Master
Plan.
Comr. Bolger advised that he serves on the Marshall Airport Board
which is considering a runway extension, and inquired how such an
extension would interact with the Master Plan. Ms. Bomba responded that
the detail of that issue may be too specific for the county Plan, which
is a broad-vision plan; however, that the Planning Department can study
that area.
Comr. Moore thanked Ms. Bomba, the Community Development Department
and Planning Commission members for working on the Plan, stating that he
appreciates all the work, the detail and the focus of the Plan.
Mr. Purcell asked Ms. Bomba whether she is available to provide
presentations regarding the Plan to service organizations. Ms. Bomba
responded Yes.
Ms. Bomba advised that the Plan shall be going out in CD format;
however, that a hard copy can be acquired by contacting the Department
or can be accessed on the Department’s website.
Res. 16-2005
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the Draft Calhoun County Master Land Use Plan for
dissemination to all necessary local units of government for review
and comment per the County Planning statute, as recommended by the
Calhoun County Metropolitan Planning Commission.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
Road Commission, Board of Public Works, and Park Trustees FY
2004, 2005 and 2006 Financial Auditing Services Bid Award
Mr. Purcell stated that Ms. Tabiadon is present to address a
three-year auditing services agreement.
Road Commission Deputy Managing Director Carol Tabiadon advised that
the Road Commission Board has approved the award recommendation. Ms.
Tabiadon reported that the Road Commission received one bid refusal, and
a bid from the Michigan Department of Treasury; however, that the
State’s bid did not include any work for the Board of Public Works or
the Park Trustees. Ms. Tabiadon advised that the only audit firm that
bid on all three components was Rehmann Robson Certified Public
Accountants who have performed the audit for the previous seven years.
Res. 17-2005
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners award
the bid for FY 2004, 2005 and 2006 Financial and Compliance Audits for
the Calhoun County Road Commission, the Calhoun County Board of Public
Works, and the Calhoun County Board of Park Trustees to Rehmann Robson
Certified Public Accountants, as recommended by the Calhoun County
Road Commission Board.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
2004 and 2005 Remonumentation Program Agreements
Mr. Purcell advised that the Planning Department was able to secure
some supplemental funding under the 2004 grant.
Res. 18-2005
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the 2004 Supplemental Remonumentation Grant Program Agreements
between Calhoun County and Robert R. Carr; Crane Land Surveying, P.C.;
Kebs Inc.; Frederick J. Cutcher, P.S.; and Carr & Associates Land
Surveying; also the 2005 Remonumentation Grant Program Agreements
between Calhoun County and Robert R. Carr; Williams & Works, Inc.;
Carr & Associates Land Surveying; Brian Reynolds, P.S.; Frederick J.
Cutcher, P.S.; Kebs Inc.; and Crane Land Surveying, P.C.; further,
authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Agreements on behalf of
Calhoun County.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
Employees’ Life Insurance Joinder Agreement Amendment
Human Resource Coordinator Jennifer Bucienski advised that on
December 16, 2004 the Board approved the Command Officer’s Association
of Michigan labor agreement, and that one of the changes to the
agreement had been a change in the amount of life insurance; therefore,
the insurance joinder agreement requires amendment.
Res. 19-2005
“Motion by Comr. Todd, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the Amendment to the Joinder Agreement for Group Life
Insurance through Lafayette Life Insurance Company to be effective
January 1, 2005, as recommended by the Human Resource Department;
further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Amendment on
behalf of Calhoun County.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
Conservation Partnership Initiative Project Grant Application
Mr. Purcell advised that the grant application is in the amount of
$320,000.
Manure Management Specialist Natalie Rector advised that the grant
application for remittance to the United States Department of
Agriculture is for funding to continue the manure management work the
Extension Office conducts. Ms. Rector further advised that the focus of
the project shall be on the St. Joseph Watershed to network local farm
partners for improved land application practices for livestock manure.
Res. 20-2005
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the Conservation Partnership Initiative Project Grant
Application in the amount of $320,000 for remittance to the U.S.
Department of Agriculture; further authorize the Board Chairman to
execute said Grant Application on behalf of Calhoun County.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
CITIZENS’ TIME:
Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, advised that he
attended a Township meeting where there had been discussion regarding
expenditure of $12,000 for dispatching through a national grant with the
City of Battle Creek.
Comr. Strowbridge advised that he attended the meeting, however,
believes the discussion pertained to a $750,000 homeland security grant
which was acquired through the Calhoun County fire departments. Comr.
Strowbridge stated that the grant requires a 30 percent match and where
the funding shall go has not been determined yet. Comr. Strowbridge
advised that if the Township uses some of those funds, the Township must
come up with some match.
Mr. Berezonsky stated that he is curious how those funds shall be
spread between the jurisdictions, and inquired whether Commissioner
Strowbridge believes a determination regarding how the funds shall be
distributed will be determined by the end of April. Comr. Strowbridge
responded “Probably.”
Planning Commission Member Larry Rizor expressed appreciation to the
Board for approving the draft Master Plan. Mr. Rizor stated that he
believes it is important to determine ways to provide incentives to
support farmland and open space preservation. Mr. Rizor advised of an
attempt to pass a millage for funding for a farmland preservation
program in Barry County, which was defeated, although supported by 40
percent of the voters. Mr. Rizor further advised of a Cool County grant,
and stated that Calhoun County is in a position where it could partner
with Albion, Marshall and Battle Creek on a joint grant application for
a Cool County grant to get the linear park trailways linked to the
Lakes. Mr. Rizor urged the Board to pursue these initiatives and put the
issues before the voters.
COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:
Comr. Todd reminded District 2 residents having a birthday in
February to send him their name, address and date of birth for the
birthday drawing this month whereby he can take someone out to lunch.
CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
Res. 21-2005
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Bolger, 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 $424,698.08 for the week of January 21, 2005; further,
approve payment of the lists of claims against the county in the total
amounts of $562,062.41 and $256,549.35 for the week of January 25,
2005.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Chairman Miller announced that February 11 is Sheriff Byam’s
birthday. Asst. County Administrator Wendee Woods advised that
Commissioner Segal also has a birthday in February.
RECESS:
The Board recessed at 7:52 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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Several photos included in this 
