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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS June 21, 2007 The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:02 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2007 in the Battle Creek City Commission Chambers, Battle Creek City Hall, 10 North Division Street, Battle Creek, Michigan. Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Arnquist, Bolger, Moore, Rae, Segal, Solis and Todd. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: A Moment of Personal Prayer was observed; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Solis. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
CITIZENS’ COMMENTS: Ms. Pearl Gray-McWhorter, Battle Creek resident, urged the Board not to accept Ms. Schauer’s resignation. Ms. Gray-McWhorter stated that Ms. Schauer is an honest woman, which is why she no longer wishes to work in that position. Ms. Gray-McWhorter advised that she fell on black ice on January 19 and the City of Battle Creek refuses to pay for her medical expenses. Ms. Gray-McWhorter advised that her physician has ordered patches for her back which cost $75 a day, and that she is a senior citizen. Ms. Gray-McWhorter requested the Board assist her. Silver Leaf Renaissance Festival Assistant Manager Russ Gruber advised that since the Silver Leaf moved to Battle Creek they have built some stages, put in some plants, and provided additional parking spaces. Mr. Gruber stated that the Silver Leaf believes the partnership with the County is very beneficial to both the Silver Leaf and the citizens of Calhoun County. Mr. Gruber advised that the Silver Leaf provided its expansion plan to the Road Commission on May 2 and is continuing to look for new events. Mr. Gruber stated that the Silver Leaf hopes to continue to give back to the community and is currently working with the Humane Society, Housing for Humanity and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Mr. Gruber thanked the staff of the Youth Academy for their assistance, Mr. Randolph and Ms. Johnson of the Road Commission, and the people of Calhoun County. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Area Agency on Aging Annual Implementation Plan Presentation Executive Director Conrad Kramer introduced Karla Fales, Sherri Torres, and Council Member James Wright. Mr. Kramer advised that the Plan shall go before the Area Agency on Aging Council next week for final approval. Ms. Fales advised that a copy of the Plan has been provided to both communities; and reported that the Elder Abuse Coalition is doing well in providing education, awareness and training to care givers and is working with the Prosecutor’s Office, the Sheriff Department and law enforcement regarding procedures for reporting abuse. Ms. Fales continued that money has been set aside to support the senior centers in the service area and a coordinated plan for seniors’ transportation is being developed, for which the Agency received Michigan Department of Transportation funding. Chairwoman Segal thanked Ms. Fales and Ms. Torres for the monthly reports, and questioned whether the Agency requires formal support of the Plan. County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell stated that he does not believe a formal resolution is required, just a letter of support. Special Tribute to Robert Redman Chairperson Segal read, and accompanied by Comr. Solis, presented the following tribute to Mr. Redman.
Special Tribute to Dr. Miriam Daly Chairwoman Segal read the following tribute.
CONSENT AGENDA:
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS: Road Commission Composition Workshop Workshop Chairman Solis reported that the Workshop, comprised to discuss whether the Road Commission membership should be expanded under the new legislation, held two meetings to review the legislation and the legislative history for allowing the expansion, discussed the opportunity for increased representation for the citizens of Calhoun County, and recommends that the Road Commission membership be expanded.
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report Calhoun County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Emergency Management Coordinator Larry Utterback advised that the Emergency Management Office in cooperation with the city, village and township governments, citizens and business owners of Calhoun County worked upon the Plan. Mr. Utterback stated that development of the Plan started in 2005 through a grant to get jurisdictions to assess their hazards and risks and establish plans to better prepare for disasters. Mr. Utterback advised that the Plan has been reviewed and conditionally approved by FEMA, with final approval pending receipt of the adopting resolution. Mr. Utterback stated that with the Plan’s approval when funding becomes available, the county shall be eligible to apply for those funds.
Michigan Emergency Management Assistance Compact Agreement Mr. Utterback advised that the Agreement allows the jurisdictions to provide interjurisdictional assistance and resources to participating jurisdictions within the state, and is tied to some federal funding.
2007-2009 Police Officers Association of Michigan Labor Agreement Assistant County Administrator Wendee Woods advised that this is the first Agreement with the Police Officers Association of Michigan, that used to be the Police Officers Labor Council. The Agreement includes economic and non-economic changes and benefit changes. Ms. Woods advised that she has been notified that the Union has ratified the Agreement. Sheriff Allen Byam advised that all parties received gains and cost increases. Sheriff Byam thanked Ms. Woods and Corporation Counsel Mullett for their work in negotiating the Agreement.
Comr. Rae inquired regarding the percentage of salary increases for the first year of the Agreement. Ms. Woods responded that the percentage depends upon the position, however, that the average is three percent for 2007. Ms. Woods advised that the salary increases are effective tomorrow, with no retroactivity. Comr. Rae questioned the advantage of removing the first step. Ms. Woods responded that when the salaries were compared to other counties, Calhoun County was behind except in clerical positions; therefore, to bring the positions closer in-line, the bottom step was removed and a step at the top was added. Comr. Bolger questioned the total cost of the Agreement in comparison to revenue. Ms. Woods responded that it is very difficult to advise without a Finance and Equalization Director.
May 2007 Financial Statements Interim Finance Director Pam Kline reported that expenditures are exceeding revenues by $3 Million, creating a reduction to the General Fund. Ms. Kline advised that activity should be at the targeted level of 41.67 percent of the budget. Currently revenues continue to run at 30.48 percent, while expenditures are closer to the target at 39.65 percent. Ms. Kline advised that the county will have a few more months where the budget will be in this situation; however the Finance Department is anticipating no problems, that it is simply a matter of timing differential. Ms. Kline reported that the Treasurer spoke to her regarding pooled cash, and the Finance Department has released funds within the Revenue Sharing Account. Comr. Moore questioned the impact upon accrual of interest. Mr. Purcell responded that there shall be a reduction of interest earnings, however, pointed out that Calhoun County is in better shape than some of the other counties. Mr. Purcell addressed legislation proposed providing for changes to Public Act 2 funding, and the potential for the state to mandate replenishment of the Revenue Sharing Account. Comr. Moore inquired whether the Treasurer could provide the information regarding interest earnings. Ms. Kline responded Yes. Comr. Rae advised that he received the Michigan Department of Treasury’s fiscal distress indicator report which indicates that Calhoun County is basically in good financial shape. Mr. Purcell advised that Calhoun County’s bond rating has held firm and that he believes the county is doing well overall. Comr. Moore voiced concern regarding the “draw down” situation of the Revenue Sharing Account, pointing out that should something occur which has not been anticipated, the county shall have less time to react. Ms. Kline responded that each department receives a monthly financial report for review, and that she has not been advised of any potential problem at this time. 2007 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program Award Interlocal Agreement Mr. Purcell advised that the Agreement with the City of Battle Creek is in the amount of $20,000. Prosecutor John Hallacy stated that the Agreement is similar to last year’s and shall provide $20,000 to fund a portion of the personnel costs of an Asst. Prosecuting Attorney within the Family Division. Prosecutor Hallacy advised that he talked with Mr. Purcell prior to the meeting, and shall determine when the money will be utilized.
Equalization Director Appointment and Professional Services Agreement Mr. Purcell advised that Mr. Lee assisted in recruiting Mr. David Jager, who is retiring June 22 as Kent County’s Equalization Director and has agreed to serve as Calhoun County’s Equalization Director until such time as the county can recruit and hire a permanent full-time Director. Mr. Jager introduced himself and advised of his previous responsibilities as Equalization Director. Mr. Jager advised that he met the staff and looks forward to working with them. Mr. Purcell advised that the county’s long term solution is to acquire a certified Level IV Assessor.
Comr. Moore inquired to whom questions for that Office should be directed. Mr. Jager requested he be contacted, advising that he a has a cell phone and an email account and can be contacted at any time.
CITIZENS’ TIME: Prosecutor Hallacy announced that the reuben eating contest is coming up and invited everyone to join the event; further, announced that August 23 is the Sexual Assault Services Golf Outing at Krystalfalls Golfland and challenged the Commissioners to play. Prosecutor Hallacy advised that this year the funding raised shall go to the new Child Advocacy Center in Battle Creek. Prosecutor Hallacy also advised that August 17 is the Celebrity Waiter Fund Raiser to raise money for Safe Place. Ms. Gray-McWhorter advised that she attended a Community Action Agency Board meeting at which it was advised that the Agency has approximately $80,000 for energy, however, that at the World’s Longest Breakfast Table an Agency representative advised her that the Agency has no more money for energy payments and would like to get out of the energy and transportation business. Ms. Gray-McWhorter requested a copy of the budget, and reminded the Board that she needs the patches for her back. COMMISSIONERS’ TIME: Comr. Moore advised that Saturday, June 30, from 11:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. is the Annual Bridge Park Demonstrations and encouraged everyone to attend the events. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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