Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

March 3, 2005

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:02 p.m., Thursday, March 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. Bolger; followed by Invocation, given by Comr. Segal.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the March 3, 2005 agenda, as amended, with deletion of Item 12.A. (2) - Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Planning Agreement.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the February 3, 2005 minutes as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

ELECTED/APPOINTED COUNTY OFFICIALS’ COMMENTS:

Treasurer Ann Petredean reported regarding the property forfeiture foreclosure procedure, that the last two days of February have been busy as 668 properties went to forfeiture for failure to pay 2003 taxes and 68 have gone into bankruptcy. Treasurer Petredean pointed out that the number reflects a 19 percent increase, and advised that in discussing this issue with other treasurers, the increase is a trend being seen by all, with some as high as a 40 percent increase.

Treasurer Petredean advised that the next critical date is in April when the title searches shall be conducted. A firm has been contracted to conduct the searches. Treasurer Petredean further advised that she is meeting with legal services tomorrow to establish the hardship extension policy. The extension will be for one year. Treasurer Petredean advised that the Office shall set up a web site and that she will provide another report to the Board this Summer.

Chairman Miller inquired whether there has been any word regarding the grant application. Treasurer Petredean responded that the application has been filed; however the Office has not heard anything final, only that the application was excellent.

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:

Calhoun County Health Plan Presentation

Health Management Associates Senior Consultant Kelly Johnson advised that county health plans provide an ambulatory benefit, some prescription drug coverage, and a primary care provider for the working poor who have no health insurance. Ms. Johnson advised that the plan’s service area comprises the Health Department’s service area, and that the Department is the impetus for starting the plan which is governed by a non-profit voluntary board of community representatives that can receive donations. Ms. Johnson advised that some counties have representation on the board.

Ms. Johnson advised regarding Michigan county health plan funding, that the Adult Benefit Waiver (Plan A) is currently operated by the State for individuals whose income is less than 35 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, and eligibility for receipt of funding for local programs is contingent upon the county health plan taking over responsibility for services under Plan A, with the state determining the amount of benefit. Ms. Johnson continued that county health plan funding for Plans B and C comes from two sources, local government funding for indigent health care, and federal funding in the form of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. By passing local funds from the county through the state as matching funds for Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments, for every dollar of local funds the federal government provides $1.21. The state pays the hospitals and the hospital transfers the money to the county health plan. Ms. Johnson stated that the county health plan will have an agreement with the Health Department to get that money to the Department. The Plan A funds received from the state would not be a part of that.

Ms. Johnson advised that when the state inquired regarding interest in the community health plan last Fall, a match of $500,000 was reserved for Calhoun County. Ms. Johnson stated that half of the counties in Michigan have a health plan and it is working very well; further, advised that no plan that has started has been discontinued.

Comr. Bolger inquired whether the county may opt out of the plan at any time. Ms. Johnson responded yes, with ninety day notice to the state.

Comr. Bolger inquired regarding the estimated amount of private funding. Health Officer Heidi Oberlin responded that she believes the amount from the Miller and Kellogg Foundations totals $600,000. Comr. Bolger inquired whether money is drawn out for administration of the plan. Ms. Johnson responded no.

County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell thanked Ms. Johnson for explaining the plan, and advised the Board that at a future meeting a budget adjustment shall be presented to implement the plan.

Greater Battle Creek/Calhoun County Visitor and Convention Bureau Activities Presentation

Executive Director Jill Vanden Heuvel advised that this shall be her seventh and final presentation as she has resigned to go west.

Ms. Vanden Heuvel stated that the Bureau is having a fantastic year. Ms. Vanden Heuvel advised that the Bureau has a new program, Michigan Southern Swing, a golf package that can be booked on-line. Ms. Vanden Heuvel stated that the Bureau spent a lot of time marketing the program and has booked more packages this year than in all the other years combined. Ms. Vanden Heuvel further advised that the Bureau is continuing the Michigan Southern Paradise Program, partnered with Kalamazoo County, who contributed $30,000 to the $60,000 campaign.

Ms. Vanden Heuvel addressed the Bureau’s billboard campaign, presented the Bureau’s new Visitor Guide; and advised that the Bureau has a print campaign that shall be going out, a new banner in the regional airport, and a sales staff that is concentrating on bringing in conventions.

Ms. Vanden Heuvel reported that this year the Bureau partnered with Battle Creek City to advertise the events at Bailey Park. Comr. Todd inquired whether amateur events are marketed. Ms. Vanden Heuvel responded yes, advising that the Bureau works closely with the amateur groups.

Comr. Segal wished Ms. Vanden Heuvel good luck in her future endeavors.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 27-2005

“Motion by Comr. Strowbridge, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following March 3, 2005 Consent Agenda as presented:

Petitions, Communications, Reports:

(1) Copy of a communication remitted to Mr. Doug Wildt, Homer resident, received from the Michigan Department of Agriculture acknowledging receipt of the updated MARI Summary of Mr. Wildt’s manure management system plan. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Environmental Health Director Ted Havens)

(2) Copy of a communication remitted to Mr. Stephen Cary, Battle Creek resident, received from the Michigan Department of Agriculture requesting rental agreements and soil tests for the additional acreage needed to complete the manure management system plan for Mr. Cary’s dairy facility. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Environmental Health Director Ted Havens)

(3) Resolution received from Newaygo County supporting the proper wearing of the United States flag. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons)

Resolutions:

(1) Potawatomi Resource Conservation and Development Council Appointments

(Terms Shall Expire December 31, 2006)

{a} Eric Tobin

{b} Gregory Moore -- Alternate

(2) Summit Pointe Board of Directors Appointments

{a} George Perrett – Term Expires March 31, 2008

{b} Paul Tackett – Term Expires March 31, 2008

{c} Nidia Wolf -- Term Expires March 31, 2008

{d} JoAnne Miller -- Term Expires March 31, 2007

{e} John Seita – Term Expires March 31, 2005 (Replacing Jane DeVries)

(3) Workforce Development Chief Elected Officers Board Appointments

(Terms Expire December 31, 2006)

{a} Gregory Moore

{b} Eusebio Solis

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:

Employee Recognition and Relations Committee

Committee Chairperson Segal advised that the March birthday luncheon at Cascarelli’s Restaurant in Albion is donated by Commissioner Solis, and requested he draw the winner.

Comr. Segal announced the winner to be Linda Nycum and wished her a Happy Birthday.

Chairman Miller announced that the Board Retreat shall be this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Human Resource Department conference room in the Marshall County Building, and advised that the public is welcome to attend.

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

County Administrator/Controller’s Report

FY 2005-2006 Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Agreement

Mr. Purcell advised that the grant is in the amount of $64,637.

Family Court Administrator Michael Boltz stated that this is the seventh year that the grant has been awarded. Mr. Boltz advised that the agreement represents a coalition between Calhoun County and the City of Battle Creek. Albion City is not participating this year. Mr. Boltz stated that the funding will be used to partially fund an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney (A.P.A.) and drug testing for all juveniles admitted to the Juvenile Home and those placed on probation; further, advised that costs to administer the grant shall be used to offset the ten percent match requirement. Mr. Boltz advised that the City shall fund the remainder of the A.P.A. position with Weed and Seed Program monies.

Res. 28-2005

“Motion by Comr. Strowbridge, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2005-2006 Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Agreement between Calhoun County and the Michigan Family Independence Agency for the period of April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006 in the amount of $64,637, and authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County; further, authorize the County Administrator/Controller to make any necessary budget adjustments consistent with the Agreement.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Southwest Enforcement Team Byrne Memorial Formula Grant Program Subcontract

Mr. Purcell stated that the grant is in the amount of $61,676.

Sheriff Allen Byam advised that the grant funds half of the personnel costs of the deputy and clerk to participate in the Southwest Enforcement Team.

Res. 29-2005

“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the Southwest Enforcement Team Byrne Memorial Formula Grant Program Subcontract between the Michigan Department of Community Health, Office of Drug Control Policy, and the Calhoun County Sheriff Department in the amount of $61,676; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Subcontract on behalf of Calhoun County and the Calhoun County Sheriff Department.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Chairman Miller advised that on March 10 he shall be visiting his family in Ireland, therefore, shall not be present at the March 17 Board Meeting.

Comr. Strowbridge advised that he also shall not be in attendance at the March 17 Board Meeting as he will be in Florida.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:

Res. 30-2005

“Motion by Comr. Moore, 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 $616,243.58 for the week of February 15, 2005; further, approve payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount of $773,916.85 for the week of February 22, 2005.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

RECESS:

The Board recessed at 7:45 p.m. at the call of the Chair.

Calhoun County
315 West Green Street
Marshall, MI 49068
Phone: (269) 781-0700
Fax: (269) 781-0140

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