Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

March 6, 2008

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:02 p.m., Thursday, March 6, 2008 in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan.

Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Bolger, Rae, Segal, Solis and Todd. Temporarily Excused: Comrs. Arnquist and Moore (Arrived at 7:07 p.m.)

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the March 6, 2008 agenda and addendum as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the February 7, 2008 minutes as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Mr. Creighton Burrows, Marshall resident, addressed the proposed GIS fly-over, stating that it is a violation of peoples’ right to privacy. Mr. Burrows stated that government seems to feel it can do anything without regard for the rights of people. Mr. Burrows pointed out that the satellites already have the information, and that a fly-over of the county would be a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, requested that the Board provide a report of the Board Retreat. Mr. Berezonsky addressed the Joint Workforce Development Agreement, advising that 33 percent of his property taxes go to the Calhoun Intermediate School District whose Board members are elected by secret ballot, to which he is opposed.

Dr. Mary Ellen Benzik thanked the Board for adopting the smoking regulation.

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:

Chairwoman Segal read and presented the following tribute to Ms. Lyon.

Res. 36-2008

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Arnquist, resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following tribute:

The Calhoun County Senior Millage Allocation Committee and the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners wish to express their appreciation to Janet Lyon for her years of service with the Senior Millage Allocation Committee.

During her service on the committee, Janet was a strong voice for seniors, especially those with health concerns. Janet has always completely understood the challenges seniors face when confronting health issues that put their independence at risk. Janet advocated for Marshall seniors as a member of the Allocation Committee and has always been a strong supporter of services that enable Calhoun County seniors to remain in their homes.

Janet has been a faithful volunteer, generously giving of her time and knowledge to serve the seniors of Calhoun County. The members of the Senior Millage Allocation Committee, as well as the senior citizens of Calhoun County, have greatly benefitted from her years of dependable service. We wish her much success as she transitions to a new and exciting career at Lifespan.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

Comrs. Bolger, Solis and Arnquist thanked Ms. Lyon for serving on the Committee.

Ms. Janet Lyon stated that working on the Committee has truly been a privilege.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 37-2008

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Solis, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following March 6, 2008 Consent Agenda as presented:

Petitions, Communications, Reports:

(1) Notice received from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, regarding an injection well permit for Schmude Oil, Inc. to operate an injection well for noncommercial brine disposal. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Health Officer Dottie-Kay Bowersox)

(2) Resolution received from Iron County requesting the State of Michigan require users of the surface waters to financially participate in economic application fees; and urging prompt governmental review and issuance of permits, and management efforts to control aquatic nuisance species. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons)

Resolutions:

(1) Senior Millage Allocation Committee Appointments

{a} Kristy Smith -- Term Expires April 30, 2010

(Replacing Mary Jo Byrne)

{b} Jennie Hoffmann -- Term Expires April 6, 2009

(Replacing Judith Huggett)

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

County Administrator/Controller’s Report

Joint Workforce Development Agreement

County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that the item is the two-year renewal of the Joint Workforce Development Agreement with the counties of Barry, Branch and Calhoun.

Calhoun Intermediate School District Workforce Development Director Elaine Furu-Baker introduced new School Superintendent Terance Lunger and Board Chairperson Dr. Haley. Ms. Furu-Baker stated that the Board is comprised of 36 members that meet bi-monthly. Ms. Furu-Baker stated that this is the 12th year of the program, and advised of activities that the Workforce Development Board has done in Calhoun County.

Res. 38-2008

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Arnquist, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the two-year Joint Workforce Development Agreement between the Counties of Barry, Branch and Calhoun; the Workforce Development Board; the Chief Executive Officers Board and the Calhoun Intermediate School District for the administration and provision of workforce development programs in the Barry-Branch-Calhoun County service delivery area for the period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2010; further, authorize the Board Chairwoman to execute said Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Comr. Bolger pointed out that membership on the Workforce Development Board represents the full spectrum of employers. Comr. Bolger congratulated the Calhoun Intermediate School District on their Work First Program, and advised that he supports renewal of the agreement.

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

FY 2008 Prosecutor’s Title IV-D Cooperative Reimbursement Program Agreement Amendment

Mr. Purcell advised that the amendment is for the current agreement with the Department of Human Services for services provided through the Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutor John Hallacy stated that the amendment shall provide additional funding for the Cooperative Reimbursement Program. Prosecutor Hallacy advised that he has discussed the amendment language with the Finance Director.

Res. 39-2008

“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Solis, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2008 Prosecutor’s Cooperative Reimbursement Program Agreement Amendment #1, CSPA 08-13002, as submitted by the Prosecutor’s Office to acknowledge state funding for IV-D program local match; further, authorize the Board Chairwoman to sign the Amendment to the Agreement.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Purchase of Additional Generic Credited Service

Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher advised that Lt. Steven Eddy made the request to purchase 2 years and 2 months of additional Municipal Employees’ Retirement System service credit for the amount of $27,250. Lt. Eddy will be paying 100 percent of the cost.

Res. 40-2008

“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Arnquist, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the Application for Additional Generic Credited Service for Steven P. Eddy; further, authorize the Board Chairwoman to sign said Application on behalf of Calhoun County; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Lieutenant Steven P. Eddy shall pay 100% of the cost to purchase 2 years and 2 months of generic credited service as determined by the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan’s actuarial valuation, calculation date February 1, 2008; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Lieutenant Steven P. Eddy shall make payments to the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan on or before April 1, 2008 in the amount of $27,250.00; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that upon receipt of the payment from Lieutenant Steven P. Eddy, the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan will grant 2 years and 2 months of generic credited service to Lieutenant Eddy.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Mr. Berezonsky questioned why Commissioner Rae got up and walked out of the meeting. Mr. Berezonsky pointed out that this is the second time Commissioner Rae has left from a meeting this year. Mr. Berezonsky again requested that the Board provide a report of its Board Retreat.

Mr. Burrows advised that tonight on the news Governor Granholm stated that the election was an act of civil disobedience. Mr. Burrows inquired why all the party leaders have not been arrested if the election was considered civil disobedience.

Mr. Jerry Keller, Battle Creek resident, stated that the county will not have much money this year due to the fiscal condition of the state, therefore, the county needs to start “cutting corners” and “rein in” its spending as the people do not have any more money to give to the county.

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Chairwoman Segal acknowledged the retirement of Nancy Dennis and Michael Waite of the Health Department, and Jill Olson of the Friend of the Court; and thanked them for their years of service.

Chairwoman Segal reported that the materials provided at the Board Retreat are available. Chairwoman Segal advised that the Board discussed health benefits and labor negotiations, efforts regarding E 9-1-1, task forces from the County Summit, a GIS fly-over of the county, received an overview of the budget, discussed the Convention and Visitors Bureau, substance abuse work in Calhoun County, and the Cost Allocation Committee. Chairwoman Segal thanked Board members and staff for their work for the Retreat.

Chairwoman Segal announced that March 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Kalamazoo is the Girl Scouts’ Annual Bake Off. Chairwoman Segal advised that all the desserts are made from Girl Scout cookies, and that this year she is one of the judges.

Comr. Moore announced that the Annual Family Outdoor Safety Day is next Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Cedar Crest Banquet Facility. There will be events for the children and gun locks will be given away. Comr. Moore stated that Deputy Turner does a fantastic job with this event.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:

Res. 41-2008

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Bolger, 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 $1,208,717.29 for the week of February 26, 2008.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mr. Purcell announced that the next Board Meeting on March 20 shall be conducted in the Battle Creek City Commission Chambers.

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. at the call of the Chair.

Calhoun County
315 West Green Street
Marshall, MI 49068
Phone: (269) 781-0700
Fax: (269) 781-0140

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