Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

March 20, 2008

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:01 p.m., Thursday, March 20, 2008 in the Battle Creek City Commission Chambers, 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 Silent Prayer was observed; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Solis.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:

“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Rae, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the March 20, 2008 agenda and addendum, as amended, deleting Item No. 8.A. -- Calhoun County Youth Council Presentation, and moving Item No. 11.A. (2) -- Connecting Michigan Statewide Trailways Vision and Action Plan to be addressed prior to Item No. 11.A. (1) -- Calhoun Health Plan Office Space Lease Agreement.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the February 21, 2008, March 4, 2008 and March 6, 2008 minutes as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Substance Abuse Council Executive Director Suzanne Horsfall advised that Monday, March 24 is the Underage Drinking Town Hall Meeting in Marshall, one of 1,600 occurring throughout the country. Ms. Horsfall further advised that a Meth Workshop shall be coming up in Tekonsha.

Mr. Richard Logan, Battle Creek resident, encouraged the Board to attempt to get fair taxes for the State of Michigan placed on the November 8 ballot.

Two women thanked the Board for approving the smoking regulation.

ELECTED/APPOINTED COUNTY OFFICIALS’ COMMENTS:

Chairwoman Segal advised that the Sheriff has been appointed to serve on the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority’s Law Enforcement Advisory Committee.

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:

Chairwoman Segal read and presented the following proclamation to Minority Health Partnership Director Kevin Brown.

Res. 42-2008

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

WHEREAS, heart disease is the number one cause of death for Calhoun County residents; and

WHEREAS, heart disease mortality is over 30% higher for African Americans than whites; and

WHEREAS, heart disease mortality rate for Black women is over 60% higher than the rate for White women; and

WHEREAS, heart disease kills more women than the next six causes of death combined (including all forms of cancer); and

WHEREAS, most women in Michigan do not participate in regular physical activity or eat a healthy diet; and

WHEREAS, the death rates for African Americans for other chronic disease such as stroke and diabetes are significantly higher than the rates for whites; and

WHEREAS, the Minority Health Partnership works with health and human service organizations, faith communities and volunteers to eliminate existing health disparities in communities of color; and

WHEREAS, the Minority Health Partnership is hosting the Fourth Annual Red Dress Banquet to empower women and their friends and family by providing culturally, ethnically and linguistically appropriate health education, disease prevention, and health resources that promote healthier lifestyles.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that Friday of March 21, 2008 Calhoun County will go Red and be declared Red Dress – Red Tie Day in Calhoun County, Michigan.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

Mr. Brown advised that tomorrow is the fourth annual banquet, honoring Dr. Gloria Smith this year. Mr. Brown invited people to attend the banquet at the Battle Creek Country Club from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Chairwoman Segal advised that tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Budget Report

Director Charles Spence advised that efforts in working with the prevention and treatment providers in Calhoun County are generally going very well. Mr. Spence stated that Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is holding the providers in Calhoun County harmless given that the transitions in the data system have taken some time. Mr. Spence advised that Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has received $814,000 from the Michigan Treasury, of which $86,000 is for this region. Three more quarterly payments shall be forthcoming. Mr. Spence further advised that the State also provided $70,000 for transportation costs. Mr. Spence stated that Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is looking forward to working with the prevention and treatment agencies in developing the programs.

County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell requested Mr. Spence address the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission’s Public Act 2 funds for Calhoun County.

Mr. Spence advised that Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is communicating with the state to take a proactive stance to advocate for those resources. Comr. Rae advised that Commissioners Moore, Solis and he shall be going before the state in an attempt to put some additional pressure on the people in Lansing to free up those monies.

Comr. Moore noted that admissions to programs appears to be down, and inquired whether Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall be seeking out people for treatment. Mr. Spence responded that the organization is not quite sure why admissions are down; however that he is asking his staff to talk to the providers and if there continues to be a lack of referrals, some expanded services shall be developed.

Mr. Purcell stated that the Board was wise in withholding payment to Mid-South last year, otherwise the county would have zero dollars for services.

Comr. Todd inquired how much funding will go to the providers. Mr. Spence responded that the providers will be paid from the Public Act 2 funding based upon services provided. Mr. Spence advised that he shall be coming back with a budget. Mr. Spence pointed out that those funds are for the 2007-2008 year and can be carried forward.

Comr. Solis commented that it is clear that the Board made the right decision. Comr. Solis advised that the budget shall be brought before the Board and the Board will review the priorities. Comr. Solis advised that Board members will be working with the state to attempt to get the Public Act 2 funding and will also visit the Mid-South Board.

Comr. Moore inquired when the final budget will be brought before the Board. Mr. Spence responded that he hopes to present the budget within a month.

SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:

Emergency Telephone District Board

Comr. Bolger reported that the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has rejected the county’s surcharge rate of $.65 and reduced it to $.33 per line. Comr. Bolger advised that the county has until April 11 to appeal. Comr. Bolger stated that in order to appeal, the appeal must be based upon new information; and that the MPSC has not been advised regarding the consolidation of dispatch centers. Comr. Bolger stated that the county must show that there will be improved service to the public and service providers, and that there will be a savings to the taxpayers. Comr. Bolger stated that the county will require the entities to provide that information, and advised that he has requested the mayors to get public policies on record advising of those savings.

Geographic Information System Task Force

Comr. Rae reported that the cities and townships have entered into an agreement with the county to proceed with a unified geographic information system. Comr. Rae advised that each entity has pooled its monies to have a state-of-the-art system.

Chairwoman Segal advised that the first step shall be a fly over of the county. Mr. Purcell stated that Woolpert, Inc. will do the fly over, and advised that he shall be making a presentation to the Albion Township Board.

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

County Administrator/Controller’s Report

Connecting Michigan Statewide Trailways Vision and Action Plan Resolution of Endorsement

Mr. Purcell introduced Mr. Tom Garnett, Chief of the Noonday Chapter of the North Country National Scenic Trailway Alliance; and Road Commissioner Eric Tobin, and addressed the resolution of endorsement. Mr. Purcell advised that no county funding or staff is requested.

Mr. Garnett advised that he is the Chairman of the Calhoun County Trailway Alliance comprised of a group of organizations in the county who reviewed what it would mean to create a link of trails close to the Kalamazoo River to provide a 40 plus mile trail system. Mr. Garnett advised that the Calhoun County trailway will become a part of the 4,600 mile national scenic trail system and will connect the Cities of Battle Creek, Marshall and Albion, the Village of Homer; and Kalamazoo, Jackson and Branch Counties.

Mr. Garnett advised that in Calhoun County 150 volunteers will be working to establish, build, and maintain the trailway. Mr. Garnett addressed the Alliance’s vision statement, mission statement and participants. Mr. Garnett advised that the first phase shall be to connect Battle Creek to Marshall, that the second phase shall be from Marshall to Albion and the third phase shall be from Albion to Homer. Mr. Garnett stated that the cost for the first three segments of Phase I is $6.5 Million which the Alliance shall approach the foundations and various organizations.

Mr. Garnett continued that the Alliance has established an endowment fund which the Alliance will attempt to fund, advising that the National Park Service has some funds for that purpose.

Comr. Bolger inquired whether the county or the Road Commission shall be expected to fund the trailway by approving the resolution of endorsement. Mr. Garnett responded “No, that it not in the plan. Ten years from now, who knows.”

Res. 43-2008

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

WHEREAS, there is general recognition statewide of the many benefits of multi-use trailways, not the least of which is improving health, economic benefits, alternative transportation, access to the environment and natural areas, recreational opportunities, tourism and multi-jurisdictional cooperation; and

WHEREAS, the “Connecting Michigan Statewide Trailways Vision and Action Plan” released on May 15, 2007 is a comprehensive set of recommendations for completing an interconnected statewide system of trailways in Michigan; and

WHEREAS, the plan is a result of the year-long work of over 100 task force members, working on the following 10 topics: Funding for acquisition, construction, maintenance and operation; Developing a statewide GIS trailway database and website; Property issues: easements and titles; Trailways usage: programming and promotions; On-road connections: linking the trailways; Building trailways support: education and advocacy; Overcoming boundaries: gaining cooperation; Coordinating resources: technical assistance for funding, planning, design; Multi-use trails and design: guidelines and information; and Envisioning a statewide trailways network: opportunities and priorities; and

WHEREAS, the task force members included official participation from the National Park Service, Michigan Departments of Natural Resources, Transportation, Community Health, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports, Travel Michigan, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association; and various regional representatives from health, transportation, economic development agencies and trail groups; and local representatives from county, municipal and township jurisdictions, as well as individual trail advocates, and statewide and local nonprofit groups; and

WHEREAS, the “Connecting Michigan Statewide Trailways Vision and Action Plan” contains 39 goals on the previously identified topics and 109 action steps that will be acted upon over the next several years by a number of involved partners who have agreed to continue to collaborate; and

WHEREAS, the “Connecting Michigan Statewide Trailways Vision and Action Plan” works in conjunction with Governor Granholm’s recently released state trails initiative, “Michigan Trails at the Crossroads: A Vision for Connecting Michigan.”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners attest to our endorsement of the Connecting Michigan Vision to complete an interconnected statewide trail system and commit to participating with each other and our many partners in a collaborative effort to carry out the action steps necessary to achieve the vision.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Calhoun Health Plan Office Space Lease Agreement

Res. 44-2008

“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the Office Space Lease Agreement between Calhoun County and the Calhoun Health Plan for lease of 1,600 square feet of office space within Suite #385 of the George W. Toeller Building for the period of March 1, 2008 through February 28, 2009; further, authorize the Board Chairwoman to execute said Lease Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Chairwoman Segal advised that she shall abstain from voting as she is President of the Calhoun Health Plan Board.

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

Abstain - 1 (Comr. Segal)

Motion CARRIED

County Policy No. 340 Exception for Senior Services Manager Candidate

Mr. Purcell advised that the candidate has requested additional paid time off from the 5.55 hours for a newly hired employee to 7.09 hours per pay period. Mr. Purcell stated that the salary has already been negotiated, and advised that he would like to introduce Mr. Gibson at the next Board meeting.

Comr. Arnquist encouraged the Board to support the request.

Res. 45-2008

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Arnquist, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve an exception to County Policy No. 340 - Employee Benefits for Senior Services Manager candidate Carl Gibson, authorizing accrual of paid time off in the amount of 7.09 hours per pay period, as opposed to 5.55 hours for a newly hired employee.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

FY 2007 Final Budget Adjustments

Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher stated that the adjustments are to align actual expenses to the year end adjusted budget.

Mr. Purcell advised that the adjustments have been reviewed and recommended for approval by the Budget Committee; further, that the adjustments are required for completion of the 2007 audit.

Res. 46-2008

“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Rae, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2007 Final Budget Adjustments (ATTACHMENT A), as presented by the Finance Department.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Calhoun County Strategic Solid Waste Plan

Mr. Purcell introduced Planning Consultant Christina Seibert with Shaw Environmental, Inc., and Solid Waste Management Director Tiffany Eichorst.

Ms. Eichorst advised that in 2007 the Board authorized the Solid Waste Workshop to hire a consultant to address current programs and future plans. Ms. Eichorst reported that the Solid Waste Management Planning Advisory Committee conducted a series of town hall meetings, sent out a resident survey and held a public hearing on March 3. Ms. Eichorst stated that there were concerns regarding franchising waste or recycling collection services in unincorporated portions of the county, and advised that the option has been deleted from the final version of the Plan. Ms. Eichorst continued that the Plan discusses the option, however, that there are no current discussions or stated preference to exercise that option. Ms. Eichorst pointed out that the option is still potentially available and could be considered at some time in the future if there is a desire to explore that option by one or more of the townships.

Ms. Seibert advised that Shaw Environmental, Inc. was hired in June 2007. Ms. Seibert stated that the purpose of the project was to balance the goals of the Committee and identify future programs for consideration which would reduce dependence on landfills, reduce the toxicity of materials disposed, and preserve natural resources. Ms. Seibert advised that the recommendations comprise Section 3 of the Plan.

Res. 47-2008

“Motion by Comr. Arnquist, supported by Comr. Rae, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the Calhoun County Strategic Solid Waste Plan as presented.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Assessing Services Agreement with the City of Battle Creek

Mr. Purcell advised that the City approached the county regarding performing their assessments because their long-term assessor is retiring. Mr. Purcell stated that the City must have a Level IV assessor which they will do through the agreement with the county. Mr. Purcell advised that Mr. Jager can provide the service; further that the agreement is on a month-to-month basis at a cost to the City of $7,000 per month.

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the Assessing Services Agreement between Calhoun County and the City of Battle Creek in the amount of $7,000 per month for the period of April 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008 for the County to perform annual real and personal property assessment for the City, and authorize the Board Chairwoman to execute said Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County; further, authorize amendment of the Agreement between the County and Equalization Director David Jager consistent with the terms of the Assessing Services Agreement with the City of Battle Creek.”

Comr. Moore noted that the resolution states that services will be provided through November 30, 2008, and inquired whether services may go beyond that date. Mr. Jager stated that he would prefer the services be provided on a month to month basis. Comr. Moore requested Mr. Jager’s assurance that the additional work shall not take away from his services to the county. Mr. Jager responded that he trusts that it shall not and that if there is a problem, he and the Board can discuss it.

Mr. Purcell recommended the resolution be amended, eliminating the period of service. Mr. Purcell pointed out that approval of the agreement also authorizes an amendment to Mr. Jager’s employment agreement. Mr. Purcell advised that Mr. Jager also wants to add a clerical position, and that a part-time position has been negotiated and will be handled administratively.

Chairwoman Segal inquired whether Corporation Counsel has reviewed and approved the agreement. Corporation Counsel Nancy Mullett responded Yes.

Res. 48-2008

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following, as amended: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the Assessing Services Agreement between Calhoun County and the City of Battle Creek in the amount of $7,000 per month for the County to perform annual real and personal property assessment for the City, and authorize the Board Chairwoman to execute said Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County; further, authorize amendment of the Agreement between the County and Equalization Director David Jager consistent with the terms of the Assessing Services Agreement with the City of Battle Creek.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

February 2008 Financial Statements

Mr. Stuhldreher reported that the statements reflect two months of activity and contain budget adjustments for increased jail bed revenue, as well as $50,000 for Sheriff Department vehicles and the contract with the firm assisting the Department. Mr. Stuhldreher advised that the revenue percentage is below the targeted budget level which shall most likely continue until later in the year when the July property tax levy revenue comes in.

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Mr. Robert Bonds, Battle Creek resident, thanked the Board for changing from Mid-South to Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Mr. Bonds extended an invitation to two Board members to participate in a meeting with treatment providers in the community. Mr. Bonds requested those two members to determine a date and time, advising that the providers shall accommodate that meeting according to their schedule.

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Chairwoman Segal wished everyone a happy Easter.

Chairwoman Segal announced that the Girl Scouts are having a large fund raiser, the Cookie Bake Off, at the Radisson Hotel in Kalamazoo on March 25 commencing at 5:30 p.m., at which she shall be judging.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:

Res. 49-2008

“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Rae, 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 $658,478.06 for the week of March 11, 2008.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Comr. Moore announced that Saturday, March 22 is the Easter Egg Hunt at Spencer’s Funeral Home in Athens. Comr. Moore advised that Ronald McDonald will be there. Comr. Moore further announced that March 30 is the Annual Pancake Breakfast at the Albion American Legion from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. at the call of the Chair.

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