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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS February 21, 2008 The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:02 p.m., Thursday, February 21, 2008 in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan. Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Arnquist, Bolger, Moore, Segal, Solis and Todd. Excused: Comr. Rae. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: A Moment of Silent Prayer was observed; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Bolger. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
CITIZENS’ TIME: Dr. Bill Maier with the Family Health Center in Battle Creek congratulated the Board for establishing the smoking regulation and the outstanding job the Health Department has done in implementing the regulation. Ms. Julia Williams of Oaklawn Hospital also commended the Board for approving the smoking regulation. Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, voiced displeasure with the proposed five-year lobbyist agreement with the Sheriff Department. Mr. Berezonsky stated that as a taxpayer he does not want his money to be used to pay for a lobbyist group. Mr. Berezonsky advised that he has seen the smoking regulation signs, however, pointed out that the signs do not say anything about the 25 foot requirement. Mr. Jerry Keller, Battle Creek resident, advised that he lives on East Michigan Avenue, and that the Road Commission is not taking care of the roads. Mr. Keller stated that he saw county Road Commission trucks driving down the road, and they never dropped their blades once. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Chairwoman Segal read the following tribute into the record.
Chairwoman Segal stated that Harriet’s health has taken a turn for the worse, which is why she is not present tonight. Chairwoman Segal advised that members of the Board shall personally deliver the tribute to Harriet.
Comr. Arnquist read the proclamation into the record.
Bureau Board Chairwoman Nancy Schuler introduced Board Members John Byrd, Ann Petredean, Greg Purcell; and Bureau Director Dwight Butts. Mr. Butts advised that the Board is comprised of 17 members, an increase of two this year. Mr. Butts addressed the Bureau’s activities in 2007; e.g., conducting a market anaylsis for a new or expanded Kellogg Arena with the addition of a convention center to determine the impact on tourism; and another study to assess the outdoor sports facilities, which is the Bureau’s number one marketing area in Calhoun County. Mr. Butts advised that in 2006 the Bureau, through funding by the Kellogg Foundation, conducted a study which yielded 53 recommendations. Mr. Butts stated that four recommendations were not included in the Board’s resolution; however 49 recommendations have been implemented or are in progress, and the remaining recommendations shall take longer to assess. Mr. Butts reported that the Bureau paid for the last 3 studies and therefore, only spent $13,000 for advertising. Mr. Butts advised that this year the Bureau shall be purchasing $120,000 of advertising. Mr. Butts continued that the Bureau produced a visitors guide and market significantly on the Bureau’s website. Mr. Butts advised that since the Bureau launched the new website in July 2007 there has been over 76,000 visits to the site by January 2008. Mr. Butts further advised that the Bureau’s task force has been attending a lot of trade shows to distribute materials and generate interest in Calhoun County’s events. Mr. Butts addressed 2008 priorities; i.e., promotion of a convention and trades show facility, expansion of the county’s outdoor sports facilities, expansion of tourist attractions, increased marketing of sports tournaments, and increasing communication and cooperation with businesses to take advantage of tourism events. Mr. Butts advised that the Bureau is actively working to establish a program to train businesses regarding how to “tap” into the tourism business. Comr. Moore inquired how far out of Battle Creek the Bureau is considering for new sports facilities. Mr. Butts responded that the Bureau is looking all over the county. Mr. Butts pointed out that one advantage that Battle Creek offers is that the City owns some land that could be built upon, however, advised that the Bureau is looking at all avenues both in and outside of Battle Creek. Comr. Todd inquired who comprises the task force. Mr. Butts responded that the task force is comprised of Board members and staff. Comr. Todd inquired whether the task force is comprised of any minorities. Mr. Butts responded that he cannot say that there are any minorities on the task force. Comr. Todd suggested Mr. Butts consider having a minority on the task force. Comr. Bolger stated that he hopes the Bureau shall take an active role in developing the Calhoun County Fairgrounds; further, in partnering with the Tribe regarding the new casino. Mr. Butts advised that the Bureau is on excellent terms with the Tribe, and that the Tribe has come before the Board to provide a presentation and that he has met with a Tribal Council member and Ms. Spurr on many occasions. Mr. Butts further advised that the Bureau is attempting to find additional developers to build around the casino, including the existing developer. Comr. Bolger encouraged the Bureau to consider development around Exit 110.
Comr. Bolger read the tribute into the record.
Chairwoman Segal advised that the tribute was presented to Mr. Rhoades at his going away event. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS TO BE CONTINUED CONSENT AGENDA:
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:
Emergency Telephone District Board Member Bolger reported that the surcharge rate was delivered to the EMTC by Mr. Purcell, Sheriff Byam, Commissioner Moore and himself, and the EMTC has recommended approval of the rate. RECESS:
The meeting recessed commencing at 7:54 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS CONTINUED:
Program Director Paula Langston-Ware advised that the Program was developed in 2005 through a $4 Million endowment established by the Kellogg Foundation. Ms. Langston-Ware stated that the Program focuses upon making high school diplomas and college degrees a reality for Battle Creek youth. Students are eligible as sixth graders. Ms. Langston-Ware advised that the Program offers students a scholarship for two years of education at Kellogg Community College (KCC) upon timely graduation from either Battle Creek Public Schools or the Lakeview School District. Ms. Langston-Ware stated that the scholarship also pays for required textbooks, and supplements any other grants or scholarships that a student may receive to attend KCC. Ms. Langston-Ware continued that when the Program originated 500 students were selected for the scholarships, however, in the Spring of 2006, the Legacy Scholars Board of Directors decided to expand the Program to include all sixth grade students attending Battle Creek Public Schools and the Lakeview School District. Ms. Langston-Ware advised that to be considered students must be enrolled at the beginning of their sixth grade in either of the two school districts and continually attend school in those districts and participate in Legacy Scholars sponsored programs and activities. If a student is withdrawn from Battle Creek Public Schools or the Lakeview School District at any time between the sixth grade and high school graduation, the student will no longer be eligible as Legacy Scholars. Students can, however, move between the two districts and remain eligible for the Legacy scholarship. Comr. Arnquist stated that it would be nice if the children could use the scholarships to apply to a school of their choice. Ms. Langston-Ware advised that the Board of Directors has explored that, as Legacy Scholars’ goal is to assist the children to go on to college where they choose to, and is working on a college packaging system. Ms. Langston-Ware stated that Legacy Scholars helps the student with acquiring scholarships through other schools also. Comr. Moore inquired whether the Program covers someone in ROTC. Ms. Langston-Ware responded Yes. PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report New Per Diem for BICE Detainees, FY 2008 Budget Amendment and Sheriff Department Consultant Services Agreement Sheriff Allen Byam advised that there has been an increase in the per diem rate from $58.14 to $63.16 for housing federal detainees under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement which shall provide significant additional revenue of $200,000 for 2007 and $500,000 in 2008. County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that the Budget Committee recommends that the additional revenue be allocated as follows: $50,000 towards the purchase of two transport vehicles for transporting the federal detainees; $92,000 to provide the funding for a contract with the county, Sheriff, and Greenberg Traurig, LLP; $31,025 to the Capital Improvement Program; and that $137,226 be unallocated within the General Fund fund balance for future determination. Mr. Purcell pointed out that the additional revenue amounts are estimates, which could be more or less. Mr. Purcell addressed the agreement for consulting services, advising that it is negotiated on an annual basis. Mr. Purcell advised that the appropriation is for $92,000. The agreement is for $90,000. Mr. Purcell advised that the other $2,000 is for associated expenses.
January 2008 Financial Statements Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher advised that for the first month of the year there really is nothing at this time to report. Resolution Authorizing General Obligation Limited Tax Refunding Bonds City of Marshall, Series 2008 Mr. Purcell advised that the bonds are for the City of Marshall’s water supply system, and that the Board of Public Works and the City have both approved the refunding resolution for $2,500,000. Mr. Purcell stated that the refunding shall save the City $184,000. Marshall City Deputy Treasurer Tracy Hovarter advised that the City unanimously approved the resolution.
FY 2008 Friend of the Court Cooperative Reimbursement Program Agreement Amendment
CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Creighton Burrows, Marshall resident, stated that he believes if the Battle Creek/Calhoun County Convention and Visitors Bureau would eliminate Battle Creek from their name, it would better serve the entire county. Mr. Burrows stated that Marshall has not grown in a long time, however, that just a year ago a developer wanted to develop in Marengo Township and no one from the Convention and Visitors Bureau appeared before the Township to support the project, and the Township voted against the development. Mr. Burrows further stated that Marshall has suffered since the jail and courts were relocated to Battle Creek. Mr. Berezonsky advised that on the claims listings from the previous Board meeting there had been an expenditure of $86 for lunch for an interview panel. Mr. Berezonsky questioned why the taxpayers should have to buy lunch at a restaurant for those conducting an employee job interview. COMMISSIONERS’ TIME: Comr. Todd congratulated the residents of Cherry Hill Manor for their Tenant’s Board election. Comr. Arnquist announced that this Saturday is the 23rd annual Walk For Warmth. Comr. Arnquist pointed out that the contributions are tax deductible. Comr. Arnquist advised that the Walk shall commence from the United Methodist Church in Battle Creek, and from the First Methodist Church in Albion at 10:00 a.m. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Comr. Todd wished his eldest brother a Happy Birthday on February 26. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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Minutes Archive
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