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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS August 18, 2005 The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, Marshall County Building, 315 West Green Street, Marshall, Michigan. Roll call: Present: Comrs. Bolger, Miller, Moore, Segal, Solis and Todd. Excused: Comr. Strowbridge. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: A Moment of Personal Prayer was observed; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Moore. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, noted from the conclusions of the Health Officer Search Committee that one candidate is high maintenance and the other tells you what you want to hear, and requested an explanation. Environmental Health Sanitarian Bob Overley stated that the staff has some real concerns with the Health Officer appointment recommendation presented as the other candidate possesses 30 years of health experience; further advised that during the candidate interviews, the candidate recommended expressed a desire to cut services and programs to Albion; and does not appear to be concerned with delivery of direct services to the citizens of Calhoun County, being more concerned regarding paperwork. Mr. Overley pointed out that the Staff Selection Committee did not unanimously support the recommendation. Mr. Overley stated that the staff wants more than just someone with vision, and not just an administrator. Public Health Nurse Vincent Kempinski advised that he served on the staff committee that interviewed the candidates, and the Staff Selection Committee unanimously supported the other candidate who exuded leadership. Mr. Kempinski advised that morale within the Department is bad and that when he heard the recommendation he was sickened. Mr. Kempinski pointed out that the other candidate has more credentials and 15 to 20 strengths, no weaknesses; while the candidate recommended only has 8 strengths and 12 weaknesses. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Special Tribute to Heidi S. Oberlin Chairman Miller read and presented the following tribute to Board of Health Chairman Larry Anderson.
Tourism Study Presentation Greater Battle Creek/Calhoun County Visitor and Convention Bureau Director Dwight Butt stated that he is very happy to be present, and advised that the following presentation is to inform the Board of a countywide tourism study to determine how to bring in more visitors, conventions and events. Mr. Butt advised that the Bureau hired Ted Dearing as a consultant, and that he shall provide the presentation. Mr. Butt stated that he looks forward to working with the Board. Consultant Ted Dearing stated that he is administering and facilitating the study. Mr. Dearing advised that in 2004 the Kellogg Foundation made a significant investment for renovations at the Kellogg Arena and that the City of Battle Creek funded an assessment of the Arena and its long-term economic viability. The economic impact was determined to be $13 to $14 Million annually, and the consultant recommended a countywide tourism study and strategic plan. The Kellogg Foundation earmarked some funding for the study and Cereal City Development, that provides management to the Arena, turned the project over to the Visitor and Convention Bureau to handle the process of the study. Mr. Dearing stated that the desired outcomes of the study are to increase tourism and maximize the potential of existing programming, events and facilities to make recommendations for future growth; identify new programs, events and facilities; position the Bureau to take advantage of state-wide tourism activities; provide a future roadmap of tourism activities; and formulate strategies to maximize the benefit and use of county transportation corridors. Mr. Dearing advised regarding the program of work; e.g., to develop and employ an outreach and mobilization plan; inventory and analysis of assets and visitor characteristics; review of all physical and programming assets; establish baseline conditions; review regional and national trends; development of a countywide strategic plan with short, medium and long range goals; development of a plan for implementation and accountability; and development of a monitoring and evaluation plan. Mr. Dearing advised of the study’s expectations; i.e., to maximize the potential of existing assets, new product development, leverage private sector investment, and brand identity. Mr. Dearing advised that the six month vendor selection process should be near completion by August 30, the initial draft strategic plan should be presented by February 28, 2006, and the final report should be completed by March 30, 2006. Comr. Moore inquired how involved the Marshall and Battle Creek Chambers of Commerce and the Battle Creek Sports Promotion Committee will be in the process. Mr. Dearing responded that the Chambers and the Sports Promotion Committee shall be involved as resources and that the Bureau has made it clear to the vendors that the study is a countywide program. CONSENT AGENDA:
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report Michigan 2005 Homeland Security Grant Program Agreement County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell stated that the agreement is for the period of October 1, 2004 through January 31, 2007 and consists of two programs; i.e., Law Enforcement Terrorism Protection in the amount of $183,671, and State Homeland Security in the amount of $494,479. Mr. Purcell questioned whether grant match is required. Sheriff Department Fiscal Officer Rick Redman responded that no match is required. Mr. Redman advised that the grant funding shall be used to provide training, purchase of equipment for first responders, and some shall be earmarked for the City of Battle Creek.
FY 2004-2005 Nursing Clinic Budget Adjustment Mr. Purcell advised that the budget adjustment is an amendment to the Nursing Clinic budget and has been approved by the Board of Health. Interim Health Officer Ginger Hentz advised that the adjustment is for a new $160,000 federal grant to provide mental health and substance abuse services on site at the Nursing Clinic in Battle Creek. Ms. Hentz stated that the Department was pleased to receive the award letter.
Sheriff Department Food Service Management Bid Award Mr. Purcell advised that the award is for a seven year period. Mr. Purcell stated that Mr. Wilcox and the Sheriff Department staff did an exceptional job in negotiating the agreement. Administrative Services Director Bradley Wilcox recommended the bid be awarded to Aramark, that has done a good job in providing the service in the jail for the past five years. Mr. Wilcox advised that based on the current meal price compared with Aramark’s proposed price there shall be an estimated annual savings of $25,000.
Jail Commissary Services Bid Award Mr. Purcell stated that the bid recommendation is for a seven year agreement for commissary operations generating estimated revenue of $1.45 Million. Mr. Wilcox advised that Canteen has provided the service for over ten years and handles all the services for the inmates with little involvement from, and risk for, the Sheriff Department. Mr. Wilcox recommended bid award to Canteen advising that the commission rate has been increased to 33.5 percent, which is an increase of 5 percent from the last contract.
Sheriff Allen Byam thanked Mr. Wilcox for his work in preparing the agreements. July 2005 Financial Statements Mr. Latham reported that for the first seven months of 2005 the contribution to the General Fund is $429,000 less than for the same period in 2004. Mr. Latham stated that in general the difference is property tax collections are lower due to the timing of the receipts since the majority of revenues from the county’s summer tax levy will not be received until September 15 and that other revenues are lower because of decreased jail bed rental reimbursement. Mr. Latham further reported regarding expenditures, that other services and charges are higher, and operating transfers out are higher due to increased cost in the Child Care Fund. Mr. Latham advised that some meetings have been scheduled to address child care expenses. Mr. Latham stated that on the watch list is jail bed rental, the Child Care Fund, and Clerk’s fees. Mr. Purcell advised that the 2006 Budget Committee at it’s mid year budget review requested the departments to look at making up a $400,000 shortfall for this year; and the departments have met, or have come close to meeting, that shortfall. Mr. Purcell thanked the departments for their cooperative efforts. Mr. Purcell advised that a report shall be presented to the Board after meeting with the Committee. Comr. Moore noted under expenditures that increased indigent legal fees and the timing of inmate health care payments are higher. Mr. Latham explained that there was an extra monthly payment and that the issue shall reverse by next month. Prisoner Transport and Lodging Agreement Addendum No. 2 Mr. Purcell advised that the addendum is to the agreement with the City of Dearborn and provides the potential of an additional $50,000 in revenue. Mr. Purcell pointed out that the original request within the memorandum from the Sheriff Department was to set aside the increased revenue for boarding operations and development, and advised that the issue has been discussed, and that the revenue shall go directly to the General Fund and shall be addressed by the Sheriff during budget discussions. Sheriff Byam stated that the Department has been boarding for the City for a number of years. Sheriff Byam advised that Dearborn has had a mandatory vote from the people establishing a public safety level, and the City Council advised the police department that they would not be receiving an increase to accomplish that mandate, therefore, the police department entered into negotiations with the Department for boarding. Sheriff Byam advised that the Department shall house an average of 20 BICE detainees in Dearborn’s lock up facility and shall continue to house Dearborn prisoners in the county jail. Dearborn will process the detainees and hold them for pickup, which is a significant advantage over other boarding agencies in the federal boarding business. Sheriff Byam continued that the Department shall be able to pickup detainees quicker and make an extra $7.05 per day for the BICE detainees, compared to Dearborn prisoners.
Health Officer Appointment Mr. Purcell reported that the Board of Health recommended, and the Commission approved, a Health Officer Search Committee that identified nine candidates, interviewed four and narrowed selection down to two candidates. Mr. Purcell advised that two interviews of the candidates were conducted and the Health Department staff committee also interviewed the candidates and provided a report. Mr. Purcell stated that a public reception was held to meet the candidates which provided an opportunity to talk with them directly, after which another interview was conducted. The Search Committee, with a vote of five in favor, zero against and one abstention, recommends the appointment of Dottie-Kay Bowersox. Mr. Purcell advised that the recommendation was submitted to the Board of Health and on a vote of three to two voted to endorse the recommendation of the Search Committee.
Comr. Bolger stated that he has spent some time reviewing several issues and has come to the conclusion that both candidates are well qualified. Comr. Bolger thanked the Search Committee and the employees who took part in the selection process. Comr. Bolger stated that he has listened to all the view points and has met both candidates. Comr. Bolger continued that he believes in the search/selection process and believes in the people that were involved in the process. Comr. Bolger advised that he shall support the resolution. Chairman Miller read the following statement:
Comr. Moore requested clarification of whether the original resolution is being amended or whether the resolution offered is in substitution. Chairman Miller responded that the resolution offered by Commissioner Segal is a substitute motion. Comr. Moore stated that he believes both candidates are highly qualified and that the substitute resolution should not infer that both would not be a good candidate for the position. Comr. Moore advised that he believes Ms. Bowersox is the one for the position and does not see what purpose would be served by sending the recommendation back to the Board of Health. Comr. Moore advised that he heard from the Board of Health member that was absent, however, does not believe that the recommendation would change. Comr. Moore stated that either the Board should vote for one candidate tonight, or the process should be scraped. Comr. Moore further stated that he does not believe it would be well served to take the proposed action, at a time when another county that is close to Calhoun County is also searching for a health officer and can afford to pay more. Comr. Moore advised that he shall vote for the candidate recommended, not the substitute resolution. Comr. Bolger advised that he cannot support the substitute resolution for the reasons that Commissioner Moore stated. Comr. Bolger pointed out that there were no dissenting votes on the Board of Health. Comr. Bolger advised that he heard the employees’ concerns, which did generate further questions and reference checks. Comr. Bolger stated that he feels comfortable with the recommendation from the Board of Health and the Search Committee. Comr. Bolger inquired if the Board ignores the recommendation, how the Board expects future citizens to serve on such a committee and how the Board expects that future candidates shall apply. Chairman Miller advised that for the record, the Search Committee did not have a dissenting vote, that he was a Committee member and abstained as he was unwilling to make a commitment to either candidate. Chairman Miller further advised that those involved in the earlier process were not at the final meeting when the vote was taken. Chairman Miller pointed out that Ottawa County does not have as diverse a population as Calhoun County, and that to him, someone that would be interested in serving in Ottawa County is not someone that the county would want serving Calhoun County. Chairman Miller further pointed out that the position was only posted for three weeks. Chairman Miller stated that he believes if the county were to employ all posting methods and a new committee were to be composed, it would be incumbent upon the county to recruit. Comr. Moore pointed out that the comments he has heard regarding conducting a new search is not an option presented within the resolutions offered. Comr. Moore stated that the two candidates are highly qualified and voiced concern that the county may not find any more highly qualified candidates than the two identified, and does not believe that a new search would be in the county’s best interests. Comr. Moore stated that it disturbs him that this appointment has turned into a quagmire as the Commission should be focusing on the county’s health indicators. Comr. Solis stated that if the Board chooses to send the recommendation back to the Board of Health, it is not that the search process and the Board of Health was not working or that it was somehow defective. Comr. Solis stated that he is aware of the commitment that it took to go into the process and be involved in the interviews and does not believe that by sending the recommendation back that the Board is somehow degrading the Committee/Board of Health’s decision. Comr. Solis pointed out that if the Board hires a bad director, it will be laid on the Board’s doorstep. Comr. Solis advised that out of the process came some controversy which he believes should be explored, therefore, that he shall support the substitute resolution. Comr. Solis stated that he does not agree that it does not matter who the Board selects as long as the candidate is well qualified, as he believes the Health Department needs a person who is a proper fit for Calhoun County, which does not mean that the two candidates presented are not a proper fit. Comr. Solis stated that he believes the appointment should be taken slower to allow for the proper selection. Comr. Segal stated that she has talked with her fellow colleagues, and that she wants to make sure the Board makes the right appointment whereby the county moves forward which is the reason for her substitute resolution.
FY 2005-2006 Prosecutor’s Victim Services Grant Agreement Prosecutor John Hallacy advised that the agreement is for the Office’s annual victim services grant funding from fees paid by the perpetrators. Prosecutor Hallacy stated that the grant in the amount of $131,900 funds four positions. Prosecutor Hallacy pointed out that there is no match requirement, however, that the county funds the fringe benefits for all the positions. Prosecutor Hallacy advised that the Office had a grant from the City of Battle Creek which was used for printing costs; however the grant was terminated in July, and the Office shall attempt to address the loss from within other areas in the budget.
CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Overley stated regarding citizens stepping forward to serve on citizens committees, that it is difficult because of the time that the Board of Health meets; e.g., during the day when people work. Mr. Overley stated that he would like to see the Board of Health move their meetings to the evening to allow for public input. Mr. Overley further stated that he is very happy that the Board is slowing the hiring process down. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Comr. Solis announced that the Festival of the Forks is September 16 and 17 in Albion. Chairman Miller encouraged everyone to attend the Calhoun County Fair; further, reminded everyone that August 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Burnham Brook Center is the review of the environmental impact study for the casino. Comr. Moore advised that the decision regarding the 110th Air National Guard Wing shall likely be coming down by next week between the 24th and 27th on C-Span. CLOSED SESSION:
The Board convened in Closed Session commencing at 8:42 p.m. until 9:19 p.m. with County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell, Assistant County Administrator Wendee Woods, Prosecutor John Hallacy, Sheriff Allen Byam, and Deputy Clerk Mary Lou Barrett present. OPEN SESSION -- RECESS: The meeting recessed at 9:19 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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