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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS June 1, 2006 The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:02 p.m., Thursday, June 1, 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. Todd. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 2004-2005 Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation Activity Report Presentation Corporation President William Stoffer advised that the Corporation was established over 20 years ago to retain and bring new jobs into the county. Mr. Stoffer thanked the Board for the support given to the Corporation which has allowed the Corporation to work with the businesses in Calhoun County, and expressed the Corporation’s appreciation for the annual joint meetings with the Board. Mr. Stoffer advised of projects which the Corporation considered in 2004 and 2005; e.g., Southwestern Michigan Rehabilitation, Progressive Dynamics, Oaklawn Hospital Expansion, BRAC Commission Meeting Trip, and Guardian Expansion Project. Mr. Stoffer reported that the Corporation worked with Jim Hettinger and donated $5,000 to get Calhoun County representatives to the BRAC Commission hearings to show the county’s support for the bases. Mr. Stoffer stated that Calhoun County was really the only group that attended in mass. Mr. Stoffer continued that the Guardian Expansion Project resulted in the addition of 100 jobs and $19 Million in equipment. Mr. Stoffer advised that in 2005 the Corporation executed the property warranty deed for Anderson Grain, and addressed the history of the Company’s bonding during the mid 1980's. Mr. Stoffer stated that the County Economic Development Forum completed its assignment and the remaining funds were passed through to the Corporation. Mr. Stoffer advised regarding the history of the Forum and community initiatives; e.g., the I-69 Corridor and various issues which led to inter-cooperation. Mr. Stoffer advised that at the first joint meeting with the Board the Corporation and Board discussed ways to make the Corporation a more visible entity in county and ways to include both business and perhaps the Upjohn Institute to develop a survey to identify county impediments to helping business survive and grow. All seemed to feel the joint session was helpful and determined to conduct such a session each year to allow for improved communication. Mr. Stoffer stated that at this year’s joint session there was discussion of the Corporation working with Kalamazoo County on the I-94 Corridor, the Corporation acting as a catalyst for county wide business retention, hosting a town hall meeting with a moderator to review the county’s assets, meeting with the local economic development commissions to work together, and further discussion of a county-wide Barriers to Doing Business Survey. Mr. Stoffer advised that the County Administrator/Controller and he are in the process of contacting George Erichek to conduct the survey. Mr. Stoffer stated that the Corporation looks forward to working towards the betterment of the county. Mr. Stoffer introduced Mark Montross, President of Chemical Bank in Marshall, and urged the Board to approve his appointment tonight. CONSENT AGENDA:
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report Calhoun County Land Bank Creation and Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority Intergovernmental Agreement Treasurer Ann Petredean stated that in December 2004 the Board adopted a resolution to allow the County Treasurer to act as foreclosing governmental unit for delinquent properties within Calhoun County. Ms. Petredean reported that 2,500 properties were forfeited this year and the Treasurer’s Office foreclosed on 105. Ms. Petredean advised that the Office met with more than 100 property owners to hear their problems and was able to save 98 from foreclosure. Ms. Petredean advised that the Office will be working with the property owners for the next two years, and expressed appreciation to the Kellogg Foundation for the grant. Ms. Petredean advised that of the 105 properties, 35 have structures. The Office has an auction scheduled for September 13 and will be developing a web page. A second auction will be conducted for those properties that do not sell. Ms. Petredean stated that once the auctions are over there shall most likely be some properties left, and then the Office shall approach the neighbors. Ms. Petredean advised that the Office has already received eight summons for lawn mowing and trash removal, pointing out that most of the buildings are condemned and the Office has to determine whether they can be renovated. Ms. Petredean advised that she has also been contacted by a non-profit organization that wants to renovate one house. Ms. Petredean requested the Board give her permission to send a form to Lansing to place the properties under a land bank authority. Ms. Petredean advised that if the Office can bundle some of the properties as demolition properties, those properties can be moved right into the land bank that will be responsible for determining what organizations and citizen’s group should be brought to the table in deciding the final outcome of individual properties. Ms. Petredean advised that each property shall be reviewed individually as to the socio-economic impact that property has within the community.
Comr. Bolger expressed appreciation to Ms. Petredean for undertaking the establishment of a land bank authority to help the community. Ms. Petredean advised that she also has six junk cars if anyone is interested. Chairman Miller advised that he is supportive of the land bank authority and believes that it shall benefit every area of the county. Ms. Petredean stated that the foreclosures are truly county wide. Ms. Petredean advised that she has already spoken to Lansing and expects the authority to be approved in July. FY 2006 Emergency Management Performance Grant Agreement County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that the grant in the amount of $21,239 provides funding for the Emergency Management Coordinator. Sheriff Allen Byam advised that the grant is federal monies which funds 35 percent of the Coordinator’s salary and fringe benefits and is based upon the Department’s continuing adherence to a work agreement.
Comr. Segal inquired whether the grant amount has been decreasing. Sheriff Byam responded that he believes it has. Mr. Purcell advised that the grant had been in the amount of $30,000 a few years ago.
FY 2007 - 2009 Area Agency on Aging Multi-Year Plan Mr. Purcell introduced Karla Ann Fales, Director of Planning and Quality Management for the Region III Area Agency on Aging, to address the Plan. Ms. Fales stated that every three years the Agency must submit the Plan to the state. Ms. Fales advised that the summary represents a grant of approximately $1.7 Million per year for services to seniors 60 years of age and older. Ms. Fales advised that Elder Abuse Prevention is a new program to the grant this year.
Comr. Segal advised that she is a member of the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board, and that the planning process was very good. There were public hearings conducted throughout the county. Comr. Segal stated that the services provided through the grant are very important to the seniors and their families and urged the Board to approve the Plan.
Storm Water Discharge Permit Regulations MS4 Group Agreement Mr. Purcell stated that at the previous Board meeting there was a presentation from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and that the Agreement presented is a component of the presentation with costs associated to it. Drain Commissioner Blaine VanSickle advised that the Phase II regulations were passed in 1972 and that the Michigan DEQ has picked up the task of enforcing them. Mr. VanSickle advised that he is responsible for maintaining the 14 drainage districts in the Battle Creek area watershed, and that the MS4 Group Agreement shall save in duplication of duties, responsibilities and allow for sharing of costs related to the requirements. Mr. VanSickle continued that he requested Corporation Counsel review the Drain Code to determine whether some of the costs are assessable to the drainage districts, and Ms. Mullett concurs with his findings that only a portion of the costs incurred relating to the Agreement can be assessed back to the affected drainage districts. Mr. VanSickle stated that a big part of the regulations is public education regarding cleaning up the waters in the state; i.e., newspaper and magazine advertisements, radio spots, pre-movie advertisements; and advised regarding proposed projects; i.e., a photo contest, a river conservation day, a super soils day, a children’s water festival and a lake swim water festival. Mr. VanSickle requested he be authorized to execute the Group Agreement and that the General Fund assume the costs that cannot be assessed back to the drainage districts. Mr. VanSickle advised that the $3,000 permit fee can be assessed to the districts, however, that the education costs cannot.
Comr. Strowbridge inquired whether all of the nine parties to the Agreement must pass similar resolutions of approval. Mr. VanSickle responded Yes. Comr. Bolger inquired whether the county is the first to approve the Agreement. Mr. VanSickle responded no, that Battle Creek City has already approved the Agreement and several more entities are considering it this week. Mr. VanSickle advised that there is only one township that he has not heard back from regarding what they intend to do. Comr. Bolger inquired what will occur if one or more of the other entities do not approve the Agreement. Mr. VanSickle responded that the entity would be given a citation from the state for non-compliance and would have to take action on their own to come into compliance with the regulations. Comr. Moore inquired whether there are state guidelines regarding the public education requirement or whether the committee determines what type of advertisement is to be conducted; further, whether the cost sharing percentages which are based upon the permit fee charges are the same percentages that will be applied to the educational portion. Mr. VanSickle responded that the DEQ has approved the educational programs as proposed, however, did not direct the committee regarding how much should be spent. Mr. VanSickle advised that the committee, of which he is a member, determined the budgets. Mr. VanSickle stated that he believes the costs are exorbitant and questions whether the movie shorts will be effective. Mr. VanSickle stated that he shall attempt to “keep a handle” on the costs.
FY 2007 Community Corrections Comprehensive Plan and Grant Application Mr. Purcell advised that the grant is in the amount of $716,948, and stated that Ms. Goff has done an excellent job in finding alternatives to incarceration in the jail. Community Corrections Manager Roselynn Goff advised that this year’s grant application requests funding for plans and services, residential services, and the Drunk Driving Jail Reimbursement/Community Treatment Program. Ms. Goff pointed out that this year’s application includes a program index, and advised that Community Corrections shall be focusing on more effective use of probation residential services.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program Transfer Mr. Purcell advised that the Board of Health is recommending transfer of the Program to the Kalamazoo County Human Services Department (KCHSD). Health Officer Dottie-Kay Bowersox stated that the resolution presented provides for transfer of the Program to the KCHSD that oversees this program for six counties and is able to diffuse the direct costs because of the volume of women they serve. Ms. Bowersox explained that the Health Department was providing approximately $60,000 annually to supplement the Program, and that due to recent financial reductions from the federal and state governments this year it could potentially cost the Department $131,000 to continue the Program. Ms. Bowersox advised that the Family Health Center has agreed to provide the primary screening and referral components. Ms. Bowersox stated that the transfer offers continuation of the Program at its original client caseload that cannot be offered at the Department, while reducing the Department’s financial obligations.
Comr. Bolger inquired whether the citizens will notice any difference in services. Ms. Bowersox responded No. Comr. Bolger advised that he contacted a Board of Health member in his district who advised that the transfer shall actually increase services to Calhoun County residents. Chairman Miller pointed out that current patients shall see a change in the place where screenings were provided and the person providing the screening. Ms. Bowersox advised that services will be maintained and the screenings will be conducted by a physician, that the only noticeable change will be that patients will go to the Family Health Center rather than the Toeller Building. Comr. Moore pointed out that because the patients will be seeing a physician other medical conditions may be discovered sooner, and commended Ms. Bowersox for identifying a way to address the Department’s budget constraints. Chairman Miller inquired, with the change from the Toeller Building to the Family Health Center, whether patients will receive treatment on site immediately. Ms. Bowersox responded that she cannot state that. Comr. Segal advised that she has talked with several people who said that Kalamazoo has an excellent Program for administering this service; further, advised that the Program shall continue to receive Susan G. Komen funding. Comr. Segal inquired whether there shall be information coming back to the county regarding services that are being provided. Ms. Bowersox responded that she will be part of the advisory council that will meet on a regular basis to ensure quality of service. Comr. Segal inquired how many Calhoun County citizens will be put on the council. Program Coordinator Michael Waite responded that Kalamazoo County shall determine that, however, pointed out that there are safe guards built into the Program. Comr. Segal inquired who a woman should contact if she has a problem. Mr. Waite responded that a transition team shall be working with the patients; however, that they should contact the Family Health Center. Comr. Solis inquired how long the Program has been provided by the Health Department. Mr. Waite responded “Since 1995.” Comr. Solis stated that when he looks at the cost savings, the transfer looks great; however, the majority of women the Health Department has been seeing do not have insurance and have limited income. Comr. Solis expressed concern for those who may be “lost in the cracks” since the Toeller Building is the place where services have been provided for a number of years, and inquired how the Department shall address that concern. Ms. Bowersox responded that she believes that issue can be mediated fairly easily, advising that the information the Department shall be sending out shall still provide the Health Department’s telephone number. Mr. Waite advised that the Department shall make sure the women that the Department has served will be contacted by postcards and there will be advertisements for new clients; further there will be a transition team to work with the women, and the Department’s telephone number will be out there for several months. Mr. Waite stated that the Department does not want to lose anyone, and believes the transfer can be handled smoothly. Comr. Solis stated that he does not believe several months will be sufficient. Comr. Solis inquired what had been the Department’s original caseload. Mr. Waite responded “Six Hundred Thirty-Three. This year, Three Hundred Seventy-Three.” Comr. Solis inquired whether the Department has been turning women away because of lack of funding. Mr. Waite responded no, that 373 is the caseload that the state set. Mr. Waite advised that there were some women who have gone past the age for the Program, and the Department has had a waiting list. Comr. Solis asked Ms. Bowersox whether she has a breakdown of the administrative savings and the client cost savings. Ms. Bowersox responded “Not with me.” Comr. Moore noted the effective date and the term of the Agreement, and stated that it seems unusual that there is no provision for taking the Program back if the county wishes to. Comr. Moore pointed out that the women being transferred are still Calhoun County’s citizens and this county’s responsibility. Comr. Moore inquired whether the Board of Health discussed this issue, and why there is no provision for severing the Agreement. Ms. Bowersox responded that the time line was assigned so that all parties are comfortable. Ms. Bowersox advised that the advisory council shall interact with the KCHSD. Comr. Moore inquired whether in the “state’s eyes,” the Department has permanently “signed off” the Program. Ms. Bowersox responded that the Department has the opportunity to discuss any shortcomings in the Program with the state. Mr. Purcell advised that the Agreement is not necessary, and is only for the state whereby the state is aware that the Program has been transferred. The Agreement could be on-going. Mr. Purcell advised that the Board of Health has requested an annual report from the KCHSD and that he anticipates that when the report is provided the Board will receive a copy. Comr. Moore inquired whether the Board will be seeing a separate agreement. Chairman Miller responded yes, that the request before the Board is only for approval of the Program’s transfer. Chairman Miller advised that he recalls that the KCHSD said that they were not interested in a transfer agreement that had an end date. Ms. Bowersox stated that she does not recall another agreement to come before the Board. Comr. Todd questioned why Calhoun County is consistently “cutting” services, advising that he does not see this in other counties. Ms. Bowersox advised that Kalamazoo approached Calhoun County regarding transfer of this Program years ago. Chairman Miller advised that the transfer is a two step process; e.g., the transfer and an Agreement to follow in late September which Corporation Counsel is working on. Ms. Bowersox stated “No, I am not aware of an Agreement to follow.” Mr. Purcell advised that there was discussion regarding an Agreement, however, that Ms. Mullett explained at the Board of Health meeting that an Agreement was not necessary as it was only a designation and transfer of the Program from Calhoun County to Kalamazoo. Mr. Purcell stated that he believes the county can make a re-designation on an annual basis if needed. Comr. Segal inquired what shall occur if the KCHSD decides they wish to dump the Program back onto Calhoun County. Comr. Segal advised that the reason for an Agreement is to ensure a transition period if transference back needs to happen. Comr. Segal stated that without such an Agreement the KCHSD can just transfer the Program back. Ms. Bowersox advised that the KCHSD would not be able to transfer the Program back without the county’s consent, which she does not envision occurring. Comr. Segal stated that she is very concerned with transferring the Program without an Agreement. Ms. Bowersox stated that all she can go back on is the reputation of the KCHSD. Comr. Strowbridge stated that he believes his fellow colleagues are micro-managing. Comr. Strowbridge pointed out that the Board employed the Health Officer to handle the affairs of the Health Department; and if Corporation Counsel had a problem with this, he believes the Board would have heard about it by now. Comr. Solis stated that good stewardship is what he calls it, not micro-management. Comr. Solis inquired what the administrative cost of the Program is versus the actual cost of the Program. Ms. Bowersox responded that she does not have that number with her. Chairman Miller pointed out that there is a nurse practitioner position that shall be vacant, and a position which was dedicated to the Program that shall be placed into a grant-funded position; therefore, there should be cost savings. Ms. Bowersox pointed out that it was projected that the Department would be running at a $84,000 deficit this year. Mr. Purcell advised that the deficit will be there, and that there shall be a savings by having the KCHSD running the Program. Chairman Miller inquired whether there has been any guarantee from the Family Health Center regarding adding staff or an additional doctor(s) to treat the additional women through this Program. Ms. Bowersox responded no, that she has nothing in writing from the Family Health Center; only that the Center will pick-up these services. Chairman Miller questioned “Without adding any staff?” Ms. Bowersox responded “As I understand it.” Chairman Miller stated that he has a problem that should someone have a problem with the Program, that they would have to contact Kalamazoo County. Chairman Miller pointed out that if the patient is of low income and/or of a low educational level, this could cause significant problems. Chairman Miller voiced concern that the screenings shall be moving in location, familiarity with the screeners and quality of service; and advised that he cannot support the Program’s transfer as he is not convinced that all avenues were explored. Comr. Moore advised that he supports the transfer. Comr. Moore asked Mr. Purcell if he is comfortable that the county’s interests are protected in the event that the county may wish to have the Program back or that the KCHSD shall not dump the Program back upon the county. Mr. Purcell responded that this question was raised by the Board of Health, and the Program cannot be interrupted until the end of the fiscal year and would require approval by the state. Mr. Purcell advised yes, that he is comfortable with the transfer. Comr. Bolger stated that if the Board does not approve the transfer, the Board is telling the Department that it will have an $84,000 deficit or that the Department shall have to serve less women.
Highway Safety Grant Application Amendment Mr. Purcell stated that the item came late to the agenda because of the timing of the state. Mr. Purcell advised that the amendment is to provide funding to deal with underage drinking. Sheriff Byam advised that the amendment in the amount of $4,982 to the previously approved grant is to assist in eliminating underage drinking and adults serving alcohol to minors. Sheriff Byam stated that the grant shall fund overtime wages for deputies.
Comr. Moore stated that he believes it is critical that the Sheriff Department gets people who think that kids shall drink anyway, therefore, why not allow them at home.
CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, asked Chairman Miller whether he is over the flu. Chairman Miller responded Yes. Mr. Berezonsky stated that he hates to see ill people come to a public meeting and spread the disease to others. Mr. Berezonsky stated that he hopes the next time Chairman Miller is ill that he will stay home in consideration of others. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mr. Purcell advised that he visited Mr. Losey in the hospital last evening, and the surgery was not as extensive as anticipated. Mr. Purcell further advised that Ms. Lonergan has some part-time assistance in the office, and has been making a daily telephone call to Mr. Losey to keep him apprized. Mr. Purcell stated that he gave Mr. Losey a “goody basket” from the Board, and advised that Mr. Losey should be back to work in a few weeks. Comr. Segal announced that next week is the World’s Longest Breakfast Table, and that the parade is next Thursday. RECESS: The Board recessed at 8:56 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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