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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS November 15, 2007 The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:06 p.m., Thursday, November 15, 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. Solis. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, questioned the meaning of “constitutional corporation” within Item 12.A. (1), the 2006 Michigan Citizen Corps Program Intergovernmental Funding Agreement between the County of Van Buren and the County of Calhoun. ELECTED/APPOINTED COUNTY OFFICIALS’ COMMENTS: County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell introduced new Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher. Mr. Stuhldreher stated that he commenced work last week. Mr. Stuhldreher advised that he has worked in public finance for 23 years, 6 years with Franklin County, Ohio; and 17 for Kalamazoo City, the last 9 as Finance Director. Mr. Stuhldreher stated that he looks forward to working with everyone and encouraged Board members to stop by his office. Chairwoman Segal welcomed Mr. Stuhldreher to the county family. Chairwoman Segal recognized Kalamazoo Valley Community College students Phil Parsons and Holly Miller. Comr. Bolger introduced his son, Nick, who is working on his Citizenship in the Community badge for Boy Scouts. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Special Tribute to the Veterans Affairs Department Chairwoman Segal read and presented the following tribute to Veterans Affairs Director Scott Losey and Veterans Service Officer Jude Lonergan.
Chairwoman Segal advised that she attended the Veterans Day services at the National Cemetery. Mr. Losey thanked the Board for its support. Chairwoman Segal, representing Senator Mark Schauer’s Office, accompanied by Comr. Moore, representing Representative Mike Nof’s Office, presented Mr. Losey and Mrs. Lonergan with a special tribute from the State Legislature thanking them for their hard work and dedication in providing services to the veterans. Ret. Major Oscar Roberts stated that Mr. Losey does his work very diligently, and that Mr. Losey personally got him some benefits that he did not know he was entitled to. Special Tribute to Judith Huggett Chairwoman Segal advised that Ms. Huggett has been a member of the Senior Millage Allocation Committee since its beginning, and thanked Ms. Huggett for her hard work on the Committee. Chairwoman Segal advised Ms. Huggett that her work has been very important to Calhoun County’s seniors. Committee Member Arnquist stated that as a new member she has relied on Ms. Huggett’s knowledge. Committee Member Bolger also thanked Ms. Huggett for her years of dedicated service on behalf of the seniors. Ms. Huggett stated that it has been a privilege to serve and that she believes the county is fortunate to have the senior millage. Comr. Arnquist thanked Ms. Huggett for her service and advised that the members shall miss her. Comr. Moore stated that in his four years on the Committee Ms. Huggett was a perfect balance in watching county dollars and in providing services to the seniors in the community, and thanked Ms. Huggett for her dedication, diligence and durability. CONSENT AGENDA:
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS: Calhoun County Youth Council Council Chairwoman Segal reported that the Council has elected its officers. Chairwoman Segal advised that Georgette Newman of St. Philip High School has been elected Chair and LaTwoanna Childress has been elected Vice Chairperson. Road Commissioners Selection Committee Chairwoman Segal advised that Board members have been provided the candidates’ information who applied by the deadline of 5:00 p.m. today, and requested members choose five candidates and respond with their choices to Deputy Clerk Barrett by noon on Tuesday, November 20 whereby the candidates chosen may attend an open house at the Road Commission on November 27. Chairwoman Segal advised that she has not had an opportunity to discuss the make-up of the selection committee, therefore, the committee shall be created at the first Board meeting in December. PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report 2006 Michigan Citizen Corps Grant Program Intergovernmental Funding Agreement Mr. Purcell stated that Van Buren County shall be acting as the fiduciary for the funding. Emergency Management Coordinator Larry Utterback advised that the intergovernmental agreement is a continuation of the regional approach to homeland security investment which the state has requested. Mr. Utterback stated that Calhoun County is a member of the Fifth District Board which also includes Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren Counties and the City of Battle Creek. Mr. Utterback advised that each planning board is required to have a governmental agency act as its fiduciary and Van Buren County has agreed to serve in that role. Mr. Utterback stated that it is necessary for Calhoun County to enter into an agreement with Van Buren County to be eligible to receive funding under the grant program. Corporation Counsel Nancy Mullett advised that the Michigan Constitution allows counties to become incorporated, hence the “Constitutional Corporation” stated within the agreement.
Comr. Moore noted items listed on the bottom of Page 1 of the Agreement, inquiring whether such is a listing of the equipment which shall be purchased or whether the listing is equipment which may be purchased with the grant funding. Mr. Utterback responded that the equipment are items that may be purchased with the funding. Mr. Utterback stated that Calhoun County’s needs are more training related, plus there is need for a defibrillator. Mr. Purcell inquired how a citizen may become involved in the Corps. Mr. Utterback responded that citizens may call his office at 969-6430; further, advised there shall be a recruitment open house on December 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Calhoun Intermediate School District. Mr. Utterback advised that the media will be advised to encourage more citizens to participate.
Fifth District Regional Mutual Aid Agreement Mr. Utterback advised that the agreement lists the resources and provides the procedure to acquire those resources.
Comr. Bolger addressed Article I. B. - Rights and Liability, inquiring whether the provision limits the county’s liability similar to that of a good samaritan. Mr. Utterback responded Yes.
FY 2008 Community Corrections Plan, and Drunk Driver Jail Reduction and Community Treatment Program Agreement Mr. Purcell advised that the agreement is in the amount of $434,625 for Community Corrections programs designed to manage the jail population, reduce recidivism and prison commitments. Community Corrections Manager Roselynn Goff advised that Calhoun County has received the funding since 1993, and this year received a slight increase of $3,000.
FY 2008 Cognitive Interventions Agreement Ms. Goff stated that the agreement is to continue cognitive education for targeted offenders at the jail. Ms. Goff advised that the background information contains an error within the second paragraph which states “At 180 days past release, only 71 percent have returned to custody,” that should state have not returned to custody. Ms. Goff stated that the program has been very successful.
Equalization Department Reorganization and Deputy Equalization Director Position Creation Asst. County Administrator Wendee Woods requested the Board authorize the restructuring plan presented. Ms. Woods stated that the request has evolved over the past several months as Administration has been searching to hire a full time Director. Ms. Woods advised that a full time Appraiser II retired earlier this month, which provides an opportunity to restructure the Department. Ms. Woods advised that Administration proposes to advertise for a Deputy Director who preferably has completed their Level IV course work and is working on obtaining their Level IV certification. It is anticipated that upon the Deputy receiving their Level IV certification that the Deputy will be named the Director and that the Deputy position shall be eliminated. Ms. Woods proposed that the county continue with Mr. Jager’s contract and hire a Deputy Director to provide for daily oversight and management of the Department and its staff. Equalization Director David Jager reported that the studies are in the hands of the assessors and that he has a meeting with four assessors tomorrow. Mr. Jager stated that when he first arrived in the Department the weakest link was not having an in-house person to handle the daily activities, and recommended the hiring of a Deputy Director.
Chairwoman Segal inquired regarding the length of time to become Level IV certified. Mr. Jager responded that it is like attaining a masters degree, which takes time. Comr. Moore inquired whether any funding has been planned to assist the individual with training/education. Mr. Purcell responded No. Comr. Moore inquired whether an educational package can be placed “on the table.” Mr. Purcell responded that he believes it is a good idea, and advised that it shall be reviewed in the context of the budget.
FY 2008 County Budget Recommendation Mr. Purcell advised that the budget recommendation is for the Board’s information, that the public hearing regarding the budget shall be conducted at the December 6 Board Meeting and approval shall be at the December 15 Board Meeting. Mr. Purcell further advised that the budget shall be placed on the internet and intranet tomorrow morning. Mr. Purcell advised Board members that if they have any questions, to telephone him. Mr. Purcell advised that the budget being presented is a balanced budget with no staff or service eliminations; further, that all the departments are in consensus with the budget. Mr. Purcell pointed out that the budget will require some effort of the justice system. October 2007 Financial Statements Interim Finance Director Pam Kline reported that revenues are at the targeted budget level of 83.33 percent of the budget, and expenditures are below the targeted level. Ms. Kline stated that the budget is in the same spot as last year’s budget for this time of the year and that the Finance Department anticipates that the budget shall be the same as last year’s at the end of the year. Board of Health Appointment Term Revisions Chairwoman Segal advised that the Board of Health has requested revision of two members’ appointment terms whereby membership on the Board is staggered. Chairwoman Segal advised that the appointment terms were to expire in 2009 and shall now expire in 2008.
CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Berezonsky voiced opposition to House Bill No. 4780 which removes functions from the townships; e.g., collecting taxes, assessing and elections. Mr. Berezonsky inquired whether the Board of Health meets next Monday. Mr. Purcell responded Yes. Mr. Berezonsky advised that last week the Board of Health inquired whether the Road Commission shall be putting up signs around the county regarding the new smoking regulation. COMMISSIONERS’ TIME: Chairwoman Segal announced that the St. Phil Tigers women’s volleyball team won the state semi-finals. Comr. Moore advised that the Ninth Annual Battle Creek Holiday Balloon Festival is November 30 through December 2 at its new location at Kellogg Community College. Comr. Moore stated that the Battle Creek Holiday Balloon Festival is the largest hot air balloon event in Michigan, and encouraged everyone to attend. Comr. Bolger wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and invited everyone to attend the Annual Marshall Christmas Parade on Monday, November 26. Chairwoman Segal advised that this Saturday is the Battle Creek and Albion Holiday Parades, and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Comr. Todd said “Go Blue!” Comr. Bolger announced that Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. is Adoption Day to be conducted in the Commission Chambers and encouraged everyone to attend. CLOSED SESSION:
The Board met in Closed Session commencing at 8:12 p.m. until 8:18 p.m. with County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell, Asst. County Administrator Wendee Woods, Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher, Corporation Counsel Nancy Mullett and Deputy Clerk Mary Lou Barrett present. OPEN SESSION -- ADJOURNMENT: The meeting reconvened in Open Session and adjourned at 8:18 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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