Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

May 18, 2006

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 18, 2006 in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan.

Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Bolger, Miller, Moore, Segal, Solis, Strowbridge and Todd.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:

“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the May 18, 2006 agenda and addendum as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Comr. Bolger requested the March 16 and April 6 minutes be considered separately as he was not present at the April 6 Board Meeting.

“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the March 16, 2006 minutes as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the April 6, 2006 minutes as presented.”

Voice Vote: Yes - 6 (Comrs. Miller, Moore, Segal, Solis, Strowbridge and Todd)

Abstain - 1 (Comr. Bolger)

Motion CARRIED

ELECTED/APPOINTED COUNTY OFFICIALS’ COMMENTS:

County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell introduced exchange students Emily from Moldova and Olissa from Russia; and Miriam Fleming, Coordinator of the Center For Cultural Interchange.

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:

“Buckle Up America! Week” Proclamation

Chairman Miller read, and accompanied by Sheriff Byam, presented the following proclamation to Battle Creek Transportation Study Executive Director Patricia Karr.

Res. 85-2006

“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Segal, resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following proclamation:

WHEREAS, May 22-29, 2006 has been declared National “Buckle Up America! Week”; and

WHEREAS, motor vehicle crashes are the greatest single cause of death in the United States for American children; and

WHEREAS, when used, lap and shoulder safety belts reduce the risk of fatal or serious occupant injury to front seat passengers by 45 to 55 percent; and

WHEREAS, research has shown that if a driver is unbuckled, 70 percent of the time children in the vehicle are also unbuckled; and

WHEREAS, through continued public awareness, education and enforcement of safety belt laws and usage, death and serious injury should be significantly reduced.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Benjamin A. Miller, Chairman of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners, in recognition of this national life-saving opportunity, join with others across the country to proclaim our support for

“Buckle Up America! Week”

and encourage the community to support and endorse public education initiatives, public-private partnership efforts to ensure restraint use, and enforcement of current seat belt and child safety seat laws.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

Ms. Karr advised that Michigan has the highest safety belt usage in the country. Sheriff Allen Byam advised that there shall be additional patrols in Calhoun County and urged everyone to use their safety belts.

Phase II Clean Water Act Requirements Presentation

Drain Commissioner Blaine VanSickle introduced Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Analyst Sarah VanDelfzijl to provide a presentation regarding the duties and responsibilities of the Clean Water Act.

Ms. VanDelfzijl explained the history of the Act and advised of Phase I requirements for large municipalities. Ms. VanDelfzijl advised that Phase II is for smaller municipalities; e.g., the Battle Creek area, and addressed flooding and pollution issues of lakes and streams from storm water discharges.

Ms. VanDelfzijl stated that there are two options in Michigan; i.e., watershed basin permit and jurisdictional permit. Ms. VanDelfzijl advised that Battle Creek has chosen the watershed basin permit option. Ms. VanDelfzijl addressed the requirements for the permit; e.g., a public education plan, a watershed management plan, a storm water pollution prevention plan, discharge water elimination plan and payment of a permit fee.

Mr. Purcell inquired whether there are grants available for the program. Ms. VanDelfzijl responded that there are some grant monies available through the Clean Michigan Initiative.

Homer Lake Project Presentation

Drain Commissioner VanSickle introduced Randy Ramsey of Civil Engineers Inc., and advised that Mr. Ramsey is the lead engineer on the Homer Lake Project and assisted in securing a grant to help with paying for the Lake’s clean up. Mr. VanSickle advised that there is still four to six feet of sentiment in the Lake and that the next phase of the Project is dredging.

Mr. Ramsey provided a history of the Project, and addressed the creation and efforts of the Save Homer Lake Association and the creation of the Homer Lake Management Board under the authority of Public Act 451. Mr. Ramsey advised that Phase I of the Project was the re-routing of the storm sewer pipe from the northeast section of the Lake into a field to the south to create a new wetlands, and that in Phase II the ditches on the southeast side of the Lake were opened and widened to create a wetlands there also.

Mr. Ramsey advised that Phase III involves the northern end of the Lake which is shallower and has a problem with sentiments and seaweed that shall require dredging. Mr. Ramsey stated that he does not know the expense yet. Mr. Ramsey advised that the Board can create a revolving fund to make the improvements, which is reimbursable from the assessments that will be charged to the Lake residents.

Comr. Moore inquired whether the Homer Lake Management Board is in favor of the Project. Mr. Ramsey responded yes, that the Lake Board directed him to come before the Board of Commissioners. Comr. Solis advised that he represents the Board of Commissioners on the Lake Board, and that the Lake Board voted to approve Phase III and requests that the Board of Commissioners accept the recommendation presented.

Corporation Counsel Nancy Mullett advised that the Inland Lake laws allow the Board to establish a revolving lake fund to cover lake improvement costs. Ms. Mullett further advised that any cost of the Project is assessed back to the district, even if the project does not go forward.

Mr. Purcell advised that the money would have to come from the Contingency Fund, and that there are sufficient funds within the Contingency Fund to cover establishment of the revolving fund.

Res. 86-2006

“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners establish a Homer Lake Project Revolving Fund in an amount not to exceed $15,000 for the purpose of payment of preliminary costs of improvement projects at Homer Lake, pursuant to MCL 324.30905.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Presentation

Chairman Miller presented the plaque awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association for Calhoun County’s comprehensive annual financial report to Budget Analyst Pam Kline. Chairman Miller advised that this is the ninth consecutive year that the Finance Department has received the award.

Ms. Kline thanked the Board on behalf of the entire Finance Department staff.

Mother’s Day Recognition Resolution

Res. 87-2006

“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Bolger, resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the first mention of the idea of Mother's Day can be traced to Julia Ward Howe who suggested it in 1872. Julia Howe, who wrote the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic, saw Mother's Day as being dedicated to peace as mothers bore the loss of human life most keenly; and

WHEREAS, the first known observance of Mother's Day in America occurred in Albion, Michigan on the second Sunday in May, 1877; and

WHEREAS, Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia is credited with bringing about the official observance of Mother's Day. Her campaign to establish such a holiday began as a remembrance of her mother, who died in 1905 and who had, in the late 19th century, tried to establish "Mother's Friendship Days" as a way to heal the scars of the Civil War and had expressed her hope that a memorial would be established for all mothers, living and dead; and

WHEREAS, on May 10, 1908 a program was held at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, launching the observance of a general memorial day for all mothers, and for the first official Mother's Day service in 1908; and

WHEREAS, in 1914, the U.S. House and Senate approved a resolution proclaiming the second Sunday of May as Mother's Day. President Woodrow Wilson endorsed it, and Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan proclaimed it; and

WHEREAS, women, especially mothers, face new challenges in society today, but motherhood remains a lasting influence on us as individuals and as a nation.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners take this moment to honor and pay our respect to mothers for loving and supporting their children in becoming good citizens in our schools and communities, and join with each son and daughter everywhere in expressing our appreciation to our mother and all mothers.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

Comr. Todd advised that he shall be presenting the resolution to mothers in the District 2 area whom were recommended by Battle Creek School District educators.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 88-2006

“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following May 18, 2006 Consent Agenda as presented:

Petitions, Communications, Reports:

(1) Notice of a public hearing scheduled for May 16, 2006 regarding granting an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate to Musashi Auto Parts received from Battle Creek City. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Equalization Director David Lee)

(2) Notice received from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality advising that The Andersons, Inc. of Albion, Michigan has applied for a permit to construct a wastewater discharge pipe and detention pond that outlets to the Kalamazoo River. (Received and placed on file)

(3) Resolution received from Clinton County recommending the Michigan Legislature pursue 9-1-1 funding that is reliable and equitable across technology lines. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons, with a copy remitted to Emergency Telephone District Board Chairman Allen Byam)

(4) Resolution received from Oceana County supporting restoration of state revenue sharing. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons)

(5) Resolution received from Gratiot County requesting the Legislature pass appropriate legislation to impose a $25 fee to process Personal Protection Orders. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons)

(6) Resolution received from Osceola County supporting House Bill No. 5814 {PILT Payments and Purchases}. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons)

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:

Intergovernmental Cooperation Seminar

Comr. Bolger reported that yesterday he attended an Intergovernmental Cooperation seminar at Michigan State University, and offered to share the information he received.

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

County Administrator/Controller’s Report

Prosecutor’s FY 2006-2007 Title IV-D Cooperative Reimbursement Program Grant Application

Mr. Purcell advised that the grant amount for this year is $579,734; further, that there is an additional state supplement of $5,305. Mr. Purcell stated that the grant is funded 66 percent by the state and that a match of 35 percent is required from the county.

Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Buscher advised that the grant is used to fund the Cooperative Reimbursement Unit that is responsible for the establishment of paternity and obtaining orders for the payment of child support, confinement expenses, and handles the felony non-support criminal prosecutions. Atty. Buscher advised that there are currently seven employees funded under the grant.

Res. 89-2006

“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2007 Title IV-D Cooperative Reimbursement Program Grant Application in the amount of $579,734; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Grant Application for remittance to the Michigan Department of Human Services on behalf of the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

FY 2007 Crime Victims Services Program Grant Application

Mr. Purcell advised that the grant in the amount of $139,193 provides funding for four staff members.

Atty. Buscher advised that the fringe benefits for the four positions are funded by the General Fund.

Res. 90-2006

“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2007 Crime Victims Services Program Grant Application in the amount of $139,193, and authorize remittance of said Grant Application to the Michigan Department of Community Health on behalf of the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

April 2006 Financial Statements

Ms. Kline reported that there is a $775,872 deficit to the General Fund Balance for the first four months of 2006. Expenditures are at 32 percent. Ms. Kline advised that property taxes will not be levied until July. Ms. Kline stated that the budget will be monitored monthly for no surprises.

Comr. Strowbridge advised that over the past few months the local jail population has decreased, and inquired what impact the reduction shall have on revenues. Mr. Purcell responded that the Sheriff provided a memorandum to the Budget Committee which shows an increase of $200,000 to $280,000 if the local population remains at its current level.

Interim Finance Director Designation

Mr. Purcell advised that Mr. Latham resigned for personal reasons, and wished him well. Mr. Purcell advised that Ms. Kline will act as Interim Finance Director, which she has done in the past. Mr. Purcell stated that the Human Resource Department is working on posting the position, and requested that Chairman Miller appoint a Commissioner for the interview panel.

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Comr. Segal reminded everyone that the Youth Council is accepting applications for the 2006/2007 year. Comr. Segal stated that she looks forward to having another great year.

Comr. Segal thanked Ms. Kline for accepting the Interim Finance Director designation.

Comr. Todd thanked all that participated in the second Annual Future Leaders Award event last night, and all of the organizations that partnered with him in that endeavor, the contributors, and the educators in the Battle Creek School District.

Comr. Bolger requested that Administration consider whether there is an opportunity to do something different within the Finance Department before any positions are filled.

Comr. Bolger reminded everyone of the Prayer Breakfast and the Hospitality Classic on Saturday morning. Comr. Bolger advised that in the afternoon the museum in Marshall will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:

Res. 91-2006

“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Todd, 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 $709,171.89 for the week of May 2, 2006; further, approve payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount of $733,686.26 for the week of May 9, 2006.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

RECESS:

The Board recessed at 8:00 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

Click here to contact the webmaster at Calhoun County
with your comments/feedback on this website.

Click here to report technical problems with this website,
i.e., broken links, pages not found, etc.

Several photos included in this
web site were provided courtesy of Scene Magazine.

DHTML Menu By Milonic JavaScript

Site Use Policy

Site Design/Development by