Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

November 1, 2007

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:02 p.m., Thursday, November 1, 2007 in the Commission Chambers, Calhoun County Building, 315 West Green Street, Marshall, Michigan.

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

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUMS:

“Motion by Comr. Todd, supported by Comr. Rae, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the November 1, 2007 agenda and addendums, as amended, to substitute Item 11.A. (4) - FY 2008 Senior Millage Funding Recommendations for an amended recommendation, and to add Item 7.A. - Special Order of Business - Calhoun County Community Report Card.”

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 October 4, 2007 minutes as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Senior Health Partners Director Linda Grap addressed the senior millage funding recommendation for the Agency’s Whole Person Wellness Program, advising that the recommendation proposed shall eliminate three sites affecting vital weekly services provided to 43 older adults. Ms. Grap requested the Board consider increasing the appropriation proposed for the Program from the senior millage fund balance reserve.

Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, inquired when the 1997 Justice Center Complex bonds were to be paid off, and questioned why the county does not pay off those bonds.

Mr. Berezonsky questioned whether the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is utilizing funding intended for road construction, repair and improvements to contract with the Sheriff Department for law enforcement. Mr. Berezonsky stated that if the Sheriff Department provides the proposed contractual services for MDOT, he believes the Department should place all the MDOT funding within the overtime budget.

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:

Calhoun County Community Report Card

The Coordinating Council Director Anji Phillips presented the 2007 Calhoun County Community Report Card (ON FILE). Ms. Phillips advised that several areas of information have been increased; e.g., special education, low growth rate babies, Calhoun County employment, education attainment, poverty levels, suicides, mental health services and access care. Ms. Phillips stated that a comparison of Calhoun County’s trends with the state’s is also provided.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 166-2007

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

Petitions, Communications, Reports:

(1) Resolutions received from Lee Township {1} requesting the Road Commission remain at three members, and {2} requesting the Board of Commissioners involve the Calhoun County Chapter of the Michigan Townships Association when appointing new representatives to the Road Commission. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons, with copies remitted to Road Commission Managing Director Dennis Randolph)”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

County Administrator/Controller’s Report

Authorization to Refund the 1997 Justice Center Complex Bonds

County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell stated that as part of the strategic planning process the opportunity to save annualized costs for the Justice Center by refinancing the bonds through the Battle Creek Downtown Development Authority and Building Authority was identified, and advised that Administration has moved forward in this effort with the City. Mr. Purcell advised that the current bonds were due to expire in 2018, and would now expire in 2023 if refinancing is approved. Mr. Purcell stated that the refinancing will help the county in terms of cash flow. The savings for 2008 will be just over $123,000, however in subsequent years, the savings will be closer to $200,000.

Mr. Purcell stated that as part of Administration’s recommendation is the allocation of ten percent of the savings to the capital reserve for the Justice Center, and reminded Board members that a capital reserve was initiated last year through allocation of ten percent of the increased per diem for jail bed revenue from the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Battle Creek City Finance Director James Ritsema advised that the interest rate on the current bonds is 6.34 percent and that he anticipates “locking in” an interest rate of 4.25 percent. Mr. Ritsema stated that upon approval to proceed with the refinancing and restructuring of the bonds, the City would also have to approve refinancing of the bonds at their November 20 Commission Meeting, then the City’s Building Authority would have to approve the refinancing also. Mr. Ritsema stated that he anticipates issuing the bonds early in January.

Res. 167-2007

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Bolger, resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners adopt the following:

WHEREAS, the County, the City of Battle Creek, the City of Battle Creek Downtown Development Authority and the City of Battle Creek Building Authority entered into an agreement entitled: Calhoun County Jail and Justice Center Development Agreement, dated as of January 8, 1992 (the “Agreement”) relating, in part, to the construction of the Justice Center; and

WHEREAS, Section 3.7 of the Agreement (“Section 3.7”) relates to the sublease of the Justice Center by the County, the issuance of bonds to pay the cost of constructing the Justice Center and the County’s responsibilities relating thereto; and

WHEREAS, the City of Battle Creek Building Authority (the “Authority”) issued its 1992 Building Authority Bonds, Justice Center Complex (Limited Tax General Obligation), dated as of June 1, 1992 (the “1992 Bonds”), the proceeds of which were used to pay the costs of constructing the Justice Center; and

WHEREAS, the Authority issued its Building Authority Refunding Bonds, Justice Center Complex, Series 1997 (Limited Tax General Obligation), dated December 2, 1997 (the “1997 Bonds”) for purposes of refunding the 1992 Bonds so as to reduce interest costs thereby reducing the County’s expense under Section 3.7; and

WHEREAS, the County proposes that the Authority refund or restructure the 1997 Bonds so as to reduce the County’s annual payment obligation pursuant to Section 3.7; and

WHEREAS, the Authority’s financial advisors have prepared a proposed plan of refunding which plan has been made available to the County Commission.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The Authority be and is hereby requested to proceed with the proposed refunding of the 1997 Bonds so as to effect a reduction of the County’s annual payment obligations arising under Section 3.7 of the Agreement.

The County hereby affirms its obligations under Section 3.7 of the Agreement and agrees that said obligations relate to the issuance of Authority bonds issued to refund the 1997 Bonds.

All resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this resolution be and the same hereby are rescinded.”

Comr. Moore inquired whether the bonds can be paid off early. Mr. Ritsema responded Yes.

Comr. Rae stated that refinancing of the bonds is an excellent example of intergovernmental cooperation, and thanked the City of Battle Creek and Administration.

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

FY 2007-2008 Child Care Fund Annual Plan and Budget

Mr. Purcell stated that the Annual Plan and Budget require approval to qualify for matching funds in the amount of $2.8 Million.

Family Court Administrator Michael Boltz advised that the funding covers the Juvenile Home, intensive supervision, institutional child care, aftercare services, Department of Human Services child care, residential placements, and foster care placements.

Res. 168-2007

“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the 2007-2008 Child Care Fund Annual Plan and Budget as presented and authorize the Board Chairwoman to execute the Plan documents on behalf of Calhoun County; further, authorize the County Administrator/Controller to make the necessary budget adjustments once all the documents are approved and executed by the Department of Human Services.”

Chairwoman Segal inquired whether the budget recently approved by the state affects the D.H.S. budget. Mr. Boltz responded that the affect would be minimal, and would affect agency foster care. Mr. Boltz advised that the court presently has one child placed out of state.

Comr. Rae questioned whether the Juvenile Home accepts placements from other counties. Mr. Boltz responded that at the current time there are two out-of-county juveniles at the Home, and advised that the court has traditionally made beds available. Comr. Rae inquired regarding the cost to the court to place a child at the Home. Mr. Boltz responded that there is no cost for the court, however, that the cost ranges from $150 to $164 per day per child for other counties.

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

FY 2007 Sheriff Department Budget Amendment

Mr. Purcell advised that Sheriff Byam is not present tonight as he is home celebrating his 44th wedding anniversary with his wife.

Mr. Purcell stated that the Michigan Department of Transportation wishes to contract with the Sheriff Department to provide enhanced law enforcement services along highway construction zones. Mr. Purcell advised that the grant is for $8,201 and requires no county match.

Res. 169-2007

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2007 Sheriff Department budget amendment as presented for the 2007 Local Law Enforcement Work Zone Traffic Enforcement Program (ATTACHMENT A).”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Res. 170-2007

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners congratulate Sheriff Allen Byam and his wife upon their 44th Wedding Anniversary.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

FY 2008 Senior Millage Funding Recommendations

Senior Services Manager Karla Fales advised that formal bids were solicited by the Administrative Services and Senior Services Departments, for which 37 proposals were received. Thirty proposals have been recommended.

Comr. Bolger advised that as a member of the Senior Millage Allocation Committee, he raised two concerns; i.e., that he hopes in the near future that elder abuse services can be funded, and that the appropriation for whole person wellness can be increased from the millage reserves. Comr. Bolger stated that the Board needs to determine what shall be done with that reserve or whether the millage rate should be rolled back.

Comr. Rae noted the amount requested for hospice respite services and inquired regarding the amount previously appropriated for the service. Ms. Fales responded that in 2006 $19,000 had been appropriated for hospice respite services. Ms. Fales advised that in reviewing the amounts requested by the vendors, that early in the process it was determined not to advise the vendors regarding a set amount to request which is why there is a “jump” in the amounts requested this year.

Committee Chairman Solis advised that the Committee received requests for 11 new programs and recommended funding for five; further, that the Committee expanded the eligibility requirements. Comr. Solis advised that the Committee shall be “keeping an eye” on elder abuse.

Chairwoman Segal inquired whether the Community Action Agency (CAA) received a mid-year allocation. Ms. Fales responded yes, however, a small one. Chairwoman Segal stated that she believes the Department should monitor home heating assistance needs this winter.

Chairwoman Segal presented a substitute recommendation, increasing the Whole Person Wellness appropriation by $13,000 from the fund balance to allow the wellness sites to remain open.

Res. 171-2007

“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Solis, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners increase the recommended FY 2008 Senior Millage appropriation for the Senior Health Partners’ Whole Person Wellness Program by $13,000 for a total program appropriation of $53,000.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Comr. Arnquist advised that she is a member of the C.A.A. Governing Board and requested the recommendation for the C.A.A. be considered separately.

Chairwoman Segal advised that she is the President of the Calhoun Health Plan and that the appropriation for Calhoun Health Plan shall also be considered separately.

Res. 171-A-2007

“Motion by Comr. Arnquist, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners remove recommended FY 2008 Senior Millage appropriations to the Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan in the total amount of $1,033,000 and to the Calhoun Health Plan in the total amount of $175,865 from the Senior Millage Allocation Committee’s FY 2008 senior millage funding recommendation.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Res. 171-B-2007

“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Arnquist, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve FY 2008 Senior Millage funding appropriations totaling $1,454,135 towards the delivery of senior services in Calhoun County to the following service providers; further, authorize the Administrative Services and the Senior Services Departments to prepare the service provider agreements for the period of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,454,135 for execution by the Board Chairwoman on behalf of Calhoun County:

Agency Programs
Appropriation

Burnham Brook Center Benefits Counseling $ 29,500

Care Management $ 625,000

Hearing $ 45,000

Prescription Vouchers $ 65,000

Transportation $ 45,000

Vision $ 30,000

Family Health Center Dental $ 100,000

Forks Senior Center Senior Center Staffing $ 33,635

Transportation $ 5,000

Fountain Clinic Dental $ 75,000

Prescription Vouchers $ 15,000

Guardian Finance & Advocacy Guardianship $ 85,000

Money Management Assistance $ 35,000

Legal Services of SC MI Legal Services $ 30,000

Lifespan, Inc. Hospice Respite $ 15,000

Personal Emergency Response System $ 36,000

Medical Care Facility Adult Day Care Services $ 95,000

Caregiver Respite Services $ 10,000

Senior Health Partners Fall Prevention $ 5,000

Whole Person Wellness $ 53,000

Volunteer Center Information and Assistance $ 22,000

TOTAL $1,454,135

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Res. 171-C-2007

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2008 Senior Millage appropriation to the Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan in the total amount of $1,033,000; further, authorize the Administrative Services and the Senior Services Departments to prepare a service provider agreement for the period of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,033,000 with the Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan for execution by the Board Chairwoman on behalf of Calhoun County.”

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

Abstain - 1 (Comr. Arnquist)

Motion CARRIED

Res. 171-D-2007

“Motion by Comr. Arnquist, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2008 Senior Millage appropriation to the Calhoun Health Plan in the total amount of $175,865; further, authorize the Administrative Services and the Senior Services Departments to prepare a service provider agreement for the period of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 in an aggregate amount not to exceed $175,865 with the Calhoun Health Plan for execution by the Board Chairwoman on behalf of Calhoun County.”

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

Abstain - 1 (Comr. Segal)

Motion CARRIED

Inmate Medical Services Bid Award

Mr. Purcell advised that the agreement is for seven years.

Administrative Services Director Bradley Wilcox advised that the agreement represents the third cycle of bidding for inmate medical services. Mr. Wilcox stated that the agreement shall cost $10.4 Million due to medical service increases.

Mr. Wilcox stated that the evaluation committee recommends bid award to Correctional Medical Services that provided the lowest bid and has been the provider for the past ten years.

Res. 172-2007

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners award the bid {RFP#105-07} to provide inmate health services for the Calhoun County Office of the Sheriff to Correctional Medical Services of St. Louis, Missouri; further, authorize the Purchasing Division to prepare a seven {7} year agreement in the amount of $1,353,581 for the first year of the agreement for execution by the Board Chairwoman on behalf of Calhoun County and the Office of the Sheriff.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

2008 Health and Welfare Recommendation Amendment

Asst. County Administrator Wendee Woods advised that open enrollment commences next week, and that Administration is requesting an amendment to clarify the health and welfare recommendation. Ms. Woods stated that in presenting the recommendation, Administration advised that gastric bypass surgery would be excluded; however, that she started receiving inquires regarding lapbanding. Ms. Woods stated that to ensure a clear understanding the amendment would provide that coverage for all professional services and facility charges for bariatric/gastric restrictive surgeries shall be excluded, including lapbanding.

Res. 173-2007

“Motion by Comr. Todd, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following amendment to clarify the 2008 Health & Welfare Recommendation: An ASC Plan Modification will be added to all Calhoun County health plans that excludes coverage for all professional services and facility charges for bariatric/gastric restrictive surgeries, including lapbanding.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Ms. Grap thanked the Board for increasing the appropriation for the Whole Person Wellness Program.

Veterans Service Officer Jude Lonergan reminded everyone that November 11 is the Veterans’ Ceremony at the National Cemetery.

Mr. Berezonsky stated that he would like to see the percentage of salaries and fringe benefits within the 2008 budget.

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Comr. Todd congratulated Washington Heights Ministries upon receipt of funding for their feeding program.

Comr. Todd wished a belated Happy Birthday to his daughter, Naomi, who celebrated her fourth birthday on Monday.

Comr. Bolger announced that Congressman Tim Walberg has sponsored a Congressional Resolution to rename the Marshall Post Office after retired Postmaster Mike Schragg.

Comr. Moore extended congratulations to Mike Schragg.

Comr. Moore advised that in his district the Village of Athens has been attempting to bring economic development into the area. Comr. Moore stated that within the next couple of weeks there will be a lot of money spent by hunters. Comr. Moore advised that the Village, hopes to encourage that economic development and shall be conducting a buck contest. The contest closes on December 1. Comr. Moore encouraged participation in the contest, advising that hunters could win up to $200.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:

Res. 174-2007

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Moore, 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 $4,924,527.86 for the week of October 16, 2007; further, approve payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount of $873,767.87 for the week of October 23, 2007.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. at the call of the Chair.

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Marshall, MI 49068
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