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 Minutes Archive |
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Board of
Commissioners Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
April 17, 2007
The Equalization Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
convened at 7:02 p.m., Tuesday, April 17, 2007 in the Commissioners'
Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan.
Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Arnquist, Bolger, Moore,
Rae, Segal and Todd. Excused: Comr. Solis.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
A Moment of Personal Prayer was observed in remembrance of the
victims at Virginia Tech, and the passing of Edith Arnquist; followed by
the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Todd.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the April 17, 2007 agenda and addendum as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the March 15, 2007 Special and Regular Session minutes as
presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Crime Victims’ Rights Week Proclamation
Comr. Todd read and presented the following proclamation to
Prosecutor Hallacy and Sheriff Byam.
Res. 50-2007
“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Moore, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, President Ronald W. Reagan first declared “National Crime
Victims’ Rights Week” in 1981 to focus our Nation’s attention on the
plight of crime victims; and
WHEREAS, since 1981, America has joined together annually to
recognize the needs and rights of crime victims and survivors during
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week; and
WHEREAS, the week of April 22-28, 2007 has been designated as
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week - with the theme “Victim’s Rights:
Every Victim. Every Time.”; and
WHEREAS, despite impressive accomplishments in crime victims’
rights and services, there remain many challenges to ensure that all
crime victims and survivors are treated with dignity and respect,
recognized as key participants within our systems of justice, and
afforded services that provide help and hope to them.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that April 22-28, 2007 is recognized as Crime Victims’
Rights Week in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners thanks and recognizes those Victims of Crime, members of
the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s
Department and other Law Enforcement and Service Agencies, who,
through their cooperative effort in coordinating the events of Crime
Victims’ Rights Week, help heighten awareness of the plight of those
who are or become a victim of crime.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation
Comr. Moore read and presented the following proclamation to
Prosecutor Hallacy.
Res. 51-2007
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Rae, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, the month of April 2007 has been designated as National
Sexual Assault Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, only 36 percent of rapes and sexual assaults are reported
to law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, among female victims of rape and sexual assault, 67
percent of the crimes were committed by intimate partners, relatives,
friends or acquaintances; and
WHEREAS, one in four girls/women and one in seven boys/men will be
sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that April 2007 is recognized as Sexual Assault
Awareness Month in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners thank and recognize Sexual Assault Services of Calhoun
County, the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office, the Calhoun County
Sheriff Department and other law enforcement and service agencies,
who, through their cooperative effort have coordinated the events of
Sexual Assault Awareness Month.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
Chairwoman Segal read and presented the following proclamation to
Prosecutor Hallacy, and Calhoun County Youth Council Members Madeline
Smith and Georgette Newman.
Res. 52-2007
“Motion by Comr. Arnquist, supported by Comr. Rae, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, the month of April 2007 has been designated as National
Child Abuse Prevention Month; and
WHEREAS, approximately three million cases of child abuse are
reported each year - on average a case of child abuse is reported
every 10 seconds; and
WHEREAS, each day in the United States more than three children die
as a result of child abuse in the home; and
WHEREAS, most of the children who die from child abuse are under
the age of five years old.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that April 2007 is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention
Month in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
thank and recognize the Calhoun County Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention
Council, the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office, the Calhoun County
Sheriff Department and other law enforcement and service agencies,
who, through their cooperative effort have coordinated the events of
Child Abuse Prevention Month.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Youth Council Member Newman advised that the Council is holding a
Blue Light Benefit to focus awareness regarding child abuse and neglect
on Sunday, April 29 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the W.K. Kellogg
Auditorium and encouraged everyone to purchase a ticket to attend.
Youth Council Member Smith advised that the tickets are $7 and that
there shall be bands and a fashion show.
Alcohol Awareness Month Proclamation
Comr. Bolger read, and accompanied by Prosecutor Hallacy and Sheriff
Byam, presented the following proclamation to Substance Abuse Council of
Greater Battle Creek Executive Director Suzanne Horsfall.
Res. 53-2007
“Motion by Comr. Todd, supported by Comr. Moore, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, alcohol is a factor in the four leading causes of death
among persons ages 10-24: motor-vehicle crashes, unintentional
injuries, homicide and suicide; and
WHEREAS, approximately 9.7 million current drinkers in the United
States are between the ages of 12 and 20; and
WHEREAS, young people begin drinking, on average, at 13.1 years of
age; and
WHEREAS, young people who begin drinking before age 13 are 5 times
more likely to develop alcohol dependence later in life than those who
begin drinking at age 21; and
WHEREAS, alcohol abuse is linked to as many as two-thirds of all
sexual assaults and date rapes of teens and college students and is a
major factor in unprotected sex among youth, increasing their risk of
contracting HIV or other diseases; and
- To kick off Alcohol Awareness Month, an event to advise students
of the dangers of alcohol use particularly during spring break was
held at KCC on March 27.
- Sticker Shock, a program combining retailers and community
groups to publicize the legal penalties for providing alcohol to
minors, will be conducted throughout April.
- The Underage Drinking Prevention Forum will hold a meeting on
April 24, 7:00 p.m. at Calhoun County Building to recognize
licensees who have not sold alcohol to minors during 3 ½ years of
compliance checks and to promote no sale to bearers of Michigan
vertical licenses.
- Local leaders and citizens throughout the county are invited to
be part of the solution volunteering to teach about the dangers of
alcohol to 5th grade students throughout the county, during April
and May. The Substance Abuse Council will provide training and
materials for “Teach-In” presenters upon request.
- The Underage Drinking Prevention Forum will provide schools in
Calhoun County with letters and flyers addressed to parents to in a
call to action to reduce underage drinking that may take place
during spring break, prom and graduation season.
- A media campaign will be conducted throughout the month,
including information about the dangers of underage drinking during
prom and graduation, as well as the community’s responsibilities to
help prevent underage drinking.
- Law Enforcement and Substance Abuse Council will hold a Press
Conference on April 9th to increase public awareness in Calhoun
County; and announce increased law enforcement efforts to decrease
underage drinking.
- Law Enforcement will increase patrol in Calhoun County during
prom and graduation season to reduce underage drinking.
- A Town Hall Meeting to Reduce Underage Drinking will be held on
May 1, 7:00 p.m. at Kellogg Center, Albion College, Albion,
Michigan.
NOW THEREFORE, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners hereby
proclaim that April 2007 is Alcohol Awareness Month in Calhoun County.
We also call upon all citizens, parents, youth, governmental agencies,
public and private institutions, businesses and workplaces, hospitals,
and schools in Calhoun County to support efforts that will reduce and
prevent underage drinking in our community.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Ms. Horsfall stated that April is an opportunity to educate youth
regarding underage drinking, and encouraged everyone to attend the
meeting on April 24.
2007 Equalization Report
Equalization Director David Lee explained the three tiers of the
equalization process, and reported that the total equalized valuations
of the county increased 2.87 percent over the 2006 valuations. Mr. Lee
pointed out that the growth rate was less than the 4.68 percent growth
in equalized values that occurred between 2005 and 2006, indicating a
softening real estate market.
Comr. Bolger inquired whether the Equalization Department had to
change any of the assessments. Mr. Lee responded that the Department
accepted the local assessors’ assessments.
Comr. Moore inquired whether the Department noticed any change in the
percentages by classification. Mr. Lee responded that the percentage
changes were compared to last year’s and there were very little
valuation changes. Comr. Moore inquired whether Calhoun County’s
percentages compare to similar counties. Mr. Lee responded Yes.
Res. 54-2007
“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Moore, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners adopt the following:
WHEREAS, the Equalization Department has examined the assessment
rolls of the 19 Townships and four Cities within Calhoun County to
determine whether the real and personal property in the respective
Townships and Cities has been equally and uniformly assessed; and
WHEREAS, based on this examination and studies it conducted, the
Equalization Department has prepared and presented to the Calhoun
County Board of Commissioners the 2007 Equalization Report; and
WHEREAS, said Equalization Report presents recommended County
equalized valuations for each of the 19 Townships and four Cities
within the County; and
WHEREAS, the recommended County equalized valuations were
determined by adding to or deducting from the assessed valuations of
taxable property in the 19 Townships and four Cities within the County
an amount which represents true cash value.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners accept and adopt the recommended County equalized
valuations presented in the 2007 Equalization Report prepared by the
Calhoun County Equalization Department for a total 2007 equalized
valuation of real and personal property of $4,428,748,963, with the
breakdown of equalized valuation by property classification as
follows:
| Agricultural Real Property |
$ 360,497,780 |
| Commercial Real Property |
$ 556,065,198 |
| Industrial Real Property |
$ 201,918,943 |
| Residential Real Property |
$2,785,334,379 |
| Developmental Real Property |
$ 3,564,795 |
| |
|
| Total Real Property |
$3,907,381,095 |
| |
|
| Total Personal Property |
$ 521,367,868 |
| |
|
| Total Real and Personal Property |
$4,428,748,963 |
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board Chairperson
and the County Clerk/Register of Deeds are authorized to sign the
Report; further, that the County Administrator/Controller and the
Equalization Director are authorized to represent Calhoun County at
both preliminary and final State equalization sessions, if deemed
necessary.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 6 (Comrs. Arnquist, Bolger,
Moore, Rae, Segal and Todd) |
| |
Excused - 1 (Comr. Solis) |
| |
Motion CARRIED |
Equal Pay Day Proclamation
Chairwoman Segal read and presented the following proclamation to
Albion Chapter Business Women’s Association President Barbara Frederick.
Res. 55-2007
“Motion by Comr. Todd, supported by Comr. Arnquist, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, forty years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act and
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, women and people of color continue
to suffer the consequences of inequitable pay differentials; and
WHEREAS, according to statistics released in 2003 by the U.S.
Census Bureau, year-round, full-time working women in 2002 earned only
77 percent of the earnings of year-round, full-time working men,
indicating little change or progress in pay equity; and
WHEREAS, according to a January 2002 report released by the General
Accounting Office (the investigative arm of Congress), women managers
in 7 of 10 industries surveyed actually lost ground in closing the
wage gap between 1995 and 2000; and
WHEREAS, according to an analysis of data in over 300
classifications provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics in
2001, women earn less in every occupational classification for which
enough data is available, including occupations dominated by women
(e.g., cashiers, retail sales, registered nurses and teachers); and
WHEREAS, higher education is not free from wage discrimination
according to a U.S. Department of Education analysis, reporting that,
after controlling for rank, age, credentials, field of study and other
factors, full-time female faculty members earn nearly 9 percent less
than their male counterparts; and
WHEREAS, national statistics rank the State of Michigan among the
lower one-third of all U.S. states in fair pay, citing that an average
of 68 cents is earned by women to every dollar their male counterparts
are paid – a gap of 32 cents; and
WHEREAS, over a working lifetime, this wage disparity costs the
average American woman and her family as estimated $500,000 in lost
wages, impacting Social Security benefits and pensions; and
WHEREAS, fair pay equity policies can be implemented simply and
without undue costs or hardship in both the public and private
sectors; and
WHEREAS, fair pay strengthens the security of families today and
eases future retirement costs, while enhancing the American economy;
and
WHEREAS, Tuesday, April 24th symbolizes the time in the new year in
which the wages paid to American women catch up to the wages paid to
men from the previous year.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners, do
hereby proclaim Tuesday, April 24, 2007:
EQUAL PAY DAY
in Calhoun County and urge the citizens of Calhoun County to
recognize the full value of women’s skills and significant
contributions to the labor force, and further encourage businesses to
conduct an internal pay evaluation to ensure women are being paid
fairly.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
CONSENT AGENDA:
Res. 56-2007
“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the following April 17, 2007 Consent Agenda as presented:
- Petitions, Communications, Reports:
| (1) |
Notice of a public hearing
scheduled for April 10, 2007 regarding granting Industrial
Facilities Exemption Certificates to Advanced Plastic
Manufacturing and Advanced Special Tools received from Battle
Creek City. (Received and placed on file, with copies remitted
to Equalization Director David Lee) |
| |
|
| (2) |
Resolution received from Van Buren
County opposing Senate Bill 232 {Foster Children Supervision}.
(Referred to the Legislative Liaisons, with a copy remitted to
Department of Human Services Director Gwain McCree) |
- Reports:
| (1) |
Calhoun County Solid
Waste Management Planning Advisory Committee Appointment |
| |
(Term Expires December
31, 2008) |
| |
|
| |
{a} |
Cheryl Vosburg – Environmental
Interest Representative” |
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:
Emergency Telephone District Board
Committee Member Bolger reported that the Committee met this morning
and discussed E 9-1-1 collaboration with the Cities of Albion and
Marshall. The Committee is looking at spaces and considering the
possibility of utilizing the old District Court.
Senior Millage Allocation Committee
Committee Member Bolger reported that the Committee is continuing its
strategic planning process and reviewing priorities for seniors. Comr.
Bolger pointed out that Medicare was not available when the millage was
originally approved; further, advised that P.A.C.E. is coming to the
community that shall serve seniors; therefore, the Committee is
determining whether seniors’ needs are being met and may consider
recommending that the millage be reduced.
Chairwoman Segal thanked the department heads and staff that attended
the Strategic Planning Sessions. Chairwoman Segal stated that there had
been a good exchange of ideas and discussion, and that she looks forward
to continuing that process with everyone.
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
County Administrator/Controller’s Report
Byrne Memorial Formula Grant Program Subcontract
County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that the 2007
grant is in the amount of $61,676 and allows the Sheriff Department to
participate in the Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET).
Sheriff Allen Byam advised that SWET is a multi-jurisdictional law
enforcement team whose mission is the interdiction of drug traffic in
the south west counties of the state. Sheriff Byam stated that the
collaborative effort has been in effect for years.
Res. 57-2007
“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Rae, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the 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 for the period of October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007;
further, authorize the Board Chairwoman to execute said Subcontract on
behalf of Calhoun County and the Calhoun County Sheriff Department.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 6 (Comrs. Bolger, Moore, Rae,
Segal, Todd and Arnquist) |
| |
Excused - 1 (Comr. Solis) |
| |
Motion CARRIED |
March 2007 Financial Statements
Interim Finance Director Pam Kline reported that expenditures have
exceeded revenues by $1,726,054 creating a reduction to the General
Fund. Revenues are below the targeted level for the first three months
of 2007, however, expenditures are on budget. Ms. Kline advised that the
largest revenue shortfall is the collection of property taxes. Ms. Kline
explained that when the December 2006 tax levy collection occurred
one-third went into the Revenue Sharing Reserve Fund and the remaining
two-thirds was placed within the General Fund, recorded as 2006 revenue;
therefore until the Summer 2007 tax levy occurs, property tax
collections will continue to be under budget. Ms. Kline further advised
that the county has not received revenue from the State for the Court
Equity Fund.
Ms. Kline reported that transfers in are above the targeted budget
level because $1.5 Million was transferred from the Delinquent Tax Fund
to the General Fund in March. Ms. Kline advised that the Finance
Department shall continue to monitor activities.
Industrial Facilities Tax Exemptions Discussion
Mr. Purcell addressed the industrial facilities exemption
certificates listed on the Consent Agenda, pointing out that Calhoun
County’s contribution in tax revenue to the companies is $2,700 to
Advanced Plastic Manufacturing and $900 to Advanced Special Tools.
CITIZENS’ TIME:
Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, recommended should
the county go wireless at the Justice Center, that should an employee
drop/damage the proposed lap top computers, the employee should purchase
it.
Mr. Berezonsky addressed the Health Department’s concern regarding
obesity, advising that he asked Ms. Bowersox whether the Health
Department conducted a survey of Calhoun County’s employees, and was
advised that such a survey had not been conducted. Mr. Berezonsky stated
that if the county pays for the employees’ health insurance, he believes
an over-weight/obesity survey of employees should be conducted.
COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:
Chairwoman Segal announced that next Wednesday, April 25, is the
County-wide Summit on Intergovernmental Cooperation at the Burnham Brook
Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Chairwoman Segal advised that all
elected officials in Calhoun County have been invited.
CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
Res. 58-2007
“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Arnquist, 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 $283,815.97 for the week of April 4, 2007; further, approve
payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount
of $570,861.35 for the week of April 9, 2007.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 6 (Comrs. Moore, Rae, Segal,
Todd, Arnquist and Bolger) |
| |
Excused - 1 (Comr. Solis) |
| |
Motion CARRIED |
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Chairwoman Segal announced that the Calhoun County Youth Council’s
Blue Light Benefit is April 29.
ADJOURNMENT:
The Board adjourned at 7:50 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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Several photos included in this 
