Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

February 1, 2007

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:03 p.m., Thursday, February 1, 2007 in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan.

Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Arnquist, Moore, Rae, Segal, Solis and Todd. Excused: Comr. Bolger.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the February 1, 2007 agenda and addendum as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

“Motion by Comr. Arnquist, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the January 4, 2007 minutes as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Ms. Pearl Gray-McWhorter, Battle Creek resident, presented pictures of the damage to her home, requesting the Board’s assistance in making the City of Battle Creek quit abusing her.

Mr. Jerry Keller, Battle Creek resident, requested that questions asked the Board during Citizens’ Time be answered at the next Board meeting.

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:

Special Tribute to Jacqueline Smith

Chairwoman Segal read, and accompanied by Judge Garbrecht, presented the following tribute.

Res. 16-2007

“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Todd, resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following tribute:

WHEREAS, Jacqueline Smith “Jackie” has tendered her resignation with the Calhoun County Drug Court after more than Four {4} years of service; and

WHEREAS, in the Summer of 2002 a Drug Court Planning Committee hired Jackie Smith as a part-time employee to assist in the development of a Women’s Drug Court; and

WHEREAS, in December 2002 Jackie’s position became full-time and she has served as the Drug Court’s first Program Coordinator and community ambassador, establishing collaborative relationships with a number of public and private organizations within the community dealing with housing issues, employment, mental health and parenting issues to help the Court’s participants address the various life issues they face beyond substance abuse; and

WHEREAS, under Jackie’s leadership, planning and hard work the Women’s Drug Court commenced operation in January 2003, and under her direction the Court received a $500,000 federal grant in the Fall of 2003. Currently, due to Jackie’s efforts, the Drug Court receives $58,000 annually from the United Way of Greater Battle Creek; and in the past the Court has also received grant funding from the Battle Creek Community Foundation. In the first year of the Court’s operation five women successfully graduated from the program; and

WHEREAS, through the efforts of Jackie, in May of 2004 a Men’s Drug Treatment Court was established in Calhoun County.

NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners, do hereby honor and thank JACQUELINE SMITH for her exemplary service to the citizens of Calhoun County and the Calhoun County Drug Court, and wish her continued success and fulfillment in her new career with the Salvation Army.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 6 (Comrs. Moore, Rae, Segal, Solis, Todd and Arnquist)

Excused - 1 (Comr. Bolger)

Motion CARRIED

Judge Allen Garbrecht advised Ms. Smith that the staff misses her already. Judge Garbrecht stated that the Court certainly appreciates everything Ms. Smith has done.

Ms. Smith advised that everything she has accomplished could not have been realized without the support of the community, the judges, the Prosecutor’s Office and her faith in God.

“Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week” Proclamation

Comr. Todd read the following resolution and presented it to Battle Creek Area Transportation Study (B.C.A.T.S.) Executive Director Patricia Karr.

Res. 17-2007

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

WHEREAS, February 11-17, 2007 has been declared National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week; 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, Kate Segal, Chairperson 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. The Board of Commissioners calls upon all citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities and schools in Calhoun County to observe this week with appropriate resolutions and ceremonies.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 6 (Comrs. Rae, Segal, Solis, Todd, Arnquist and Moore)

Excused - 1 (Comr. Bolger)

Motion CARRIED

Ms. Karr advised that this is the 17th year B.C.A.T.S. has conducted the Child Passenger Safety Awareness Program. Ms. Karr stated that the emphasis again this year is the use of booster seats, and presented the Board with a poster.

Chairwoman Segal inquired where people may get their child safety seats checked. Ms. Karr responded “At AAA in Battle Creek during the month of June,” and recommended people watch for notices of more times.

Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission Presentation

Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission Executive Director Gary VanNorman advised that he is present to request the county’s release of Public Act 2 funds to the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission for the 2006/2007 fiscal year. Mr. VanNorman addressed services provided by the providers presented, and again requested the Board release the funds being held. Mr. VanNorman advised that Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission shall also be requesting release of the Public Act 2 funds for the 2007/2008 fiscal year that will be received by the county in March.

Comr. Solis inquired whether the services provided outside the county are also available to Calhoun County citizens. Mr. VanNorman responded Yes. Comr. Solis inquired whether the amounts presented relate to what Calhoun County pays to Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission. Mr. VanNorman responded that the amounts relate to the Public Act 2 funds. Comr. Solis inquired why Calhoun County’s amount owed is $582,000. Mr. VanNorman responded that Calhoun County has been holding the Public Act 2 funds received last year; and Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission expended $282,000 above what the state provides for Calhoun County, utilizing regional funds to help fund the amount in Calhoun County that was above the state allocation.

Comr. Moore questioned the amount of funds spent on planning. Mr. VanNorman responded that under state law the Commission is required to do planning. Comr. Moore asked Mr. VanNorman whether he is aware that Calhoun County has been discussing changing the coordinating agency, and questioned what would occur should Calhoun County change its coordinating agency. Mr. VanNorman responded that Calhoun County would receive its share of the Public Act 2 allocation under the allocation formula which is population based, however, the $200,000 of additional funding would remain with the existing nine county region. Mr. VanNorman advised that Calhoun County would have to determine some efficiencies in the process or would have to provide more direct funding.

Comr. Rae inquired why the 2006/2007 service allocation is identical to the proposed service allocation for 2007/2008. Mr. VanNorman responded that the amount is estimated. Comr. Rae inquired whether the proposed service expense could rise. Mr. VanNorman responded yes, however, advised that the system is underfunded and that the dollars reflected shall reasonably provide the services that are required. Comr. Rae inquired whether Mr. VanNorman could advise how many people are served. Mr. VanNorman responded that he did not bring that information with him, however, can provide that information; further, advised that the information can also be accessed through the Commission’s website.

Comr. Moore inquired what is the current Public Act 2 balance for Calhoun County. Mr. VanNorman responded “$582,000 at the end of last year.” Comr. Moore inquired whether the balance is sufficient to cover all the costs for 2006/2007. Mr. VanNorman responded Yes.

Comr. Solis inquired when the 2007/2008 service agreements shall be signed. Mr. VanNorman responded “Before October 1 of this year.”

Mr. VanNorman inquired when Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission will receive an answer regarding release of the Public Act 2 allocation. Chairwoman Segal responded that the County Administrator/Controller is not present tonight, however, that the Board shall work that out and make sure the funds go for substance abuse services.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 18-2007

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the February 1, 2007 Consent Agenda as presented:

Petitions, Communications, Reports:

(1) Resolution received from Lenawee County urging the State of Michigan to adopt a mandatory permit system to enforce Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Principles for Confined Animal Feeding Operations. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons, with a copy remitted to Planning Consultant Jennifer Bomba)

(2) Fourth Quarter 2006 Out-of-State Travel Report

Resolutions:

(1) Calhoun County Board of Health Appointments

(Terms Expire December 31, 2009)

{a} Kathryn Foerster

{b} Richard Tsoumas

{c} Jeffrey Mitchell

{d} Larry Anderson

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, inquired whether the Board has considered a policy prohibiting county employees from using personal cells phones while driving a vehicle during work hours.

Ms. Gray-McWhorter again requested the Board assist her in making her home fit to reside in.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:

Res. 19-2007

“Motion by Comr. Rae, 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 $825,885.87 for the week of January 16, 2007; further, approve payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount of $1,039,938.28 for the week of January 23, 2007.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 6 (Comrs. Segal, Solis, Todd, Arnquist, Moore and Rae)

Excused - 1 (Comr. Bolger)

Motion CARRIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Comr. Todd wished his Grandfather, James Edward Todd, a Happy 83rd Birthday.

Chairwoman Segal announced that tomorrow is Wear Red Day for women’s health and urged everyone to remember to have their blood pressure and heart checked.

RECESS:

The Board recessed at 7:46 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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