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 Minutes Archive |
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Board of
Commissioners Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
May 1, 2008
The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
convened at 7:01 p.m., Thursday, May 1, 2008 in the Commissioners'
Meeting Room, 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/ADDENDUM:
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Rae, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the May 1, 2008 agenda and addendum as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Solis, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the April 3, 2008 minutes as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
CITIZENS’ TIME:
Mr. Richard Logan, Emmett Township resident, presented two petitions
requesting the speed limit on L Drive North from 11 Mile Road to 9 ˝
Mile Road, and between Gorsline Road and Verona Road be lowered to 45
miles per hour; further, that the 45 mile per hour speed limit on Verona
Road be extended from Logan’s Run Subdivision to one half mile east of
11 Mile Road. Mr. Logan stated that the curbing on the southwest corner
of 11 Mile Road and Verona Road needs to be larger and that the
intersections of 9 ˝ Mile Road and 10 Mile Road need to be modified.
Mr. Craig Carroll, Marshall resident, requested an update regarding
the petitions presented requesting repeal of the county’s smoking
regulation. Mr. Carroll inquired whether the Board shall be taking
action upon the petitions. Mr. Carroll stated that he is a small
business owner and that the regulation is costly and burdensome. Mr.
Carroll urged the Board to repeal the regulation.
Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, inquired regarding
the compensation for the Acting Health Officer, whether there is an
employment agreement, and whether Mr. Anderson must resign from the
Board of Health. Mr. Berezonsky further inquired how many individuals
were interviewed for the Emergency Management Coordinator position.
Mr. Berezonsky questioned who authored the county cell phone policy,
stating that he believes the policy should be re-written. Mr. Berezonsky
pointed out that he attends most of the Board meetings and has never
seen a cell phone provider contract presented. Mr. Berezonsky advised
that he requested a listing of the county’s personnel cell phones being
utilized during county work hours, and was advised by Corporation
Counsel that there is no policy addressing cell phone usage during
county business hours.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Older Americans Month Proclamation
Comr. Solis read and presented the following proclamation to Senior
Services Manager Carl Gibson and Area Agency on Aging Governing Board
Member Joanna Phelps.
Res. 72-2008
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Bolger, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, Calhoun County is a community in which over 24,000 seniors
make their home; and
WHEREAS, older adults in Calhoun County and throughout the U. S.
are a growing population with evolving needs; and
WHEREAS older Americans are valuable members of our society who are
rich with experience and deserving of our respect; and
WHEREAS, the number of baby boomers reaching traditional retirement
age continues to increase a fact that spotlights the need for
increased attention to the needs of older adults; and
WHEREAS, our older citizens of today and tomorrow promise to be
among the most active and engaged older adult population in our
Nation’s history; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of this and all U.S. communities
to work together and prepare for changing older adult populations by
modernizing systems of care and providing consumers with more control
over their lives; and
WHEREAS, overall quality of life can be greatly enhanced when
supportive communities help their older citizens obtain:
- Evidence-based approaches to making behavioral changes that can
reduce risk of disease, disability and injury.
- The tools to make informed decisions about, and gain better
access to, existing health and long-term care options.
- More options to remain at home as long as possible.
NOW ,THEREFORE, We, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners, do
hereby proclaim May 2008 to be Older Americans Month. We urge everyone
to take time this May to honor our older adults and the professionals,
family members, and citizens who care for older adults. We urge all
citizens to work collaboratively to strengthen the services Calhoun
County provides to its older adults in ways that recognize the
changing nature of their needs and that provide older adults with more
opportunities to make informed choices about their lives. Our efforts
can improve the lives of our older citizens and help pave the way for
future generations.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Mr. Gibson presented Board members with book marks. Ms. Phelps stated
that the Agency is committed to providing services to the county’s
seniors and expressed appreciation for the recognition.
Special Recognition to Tenneco Automotive
Chairwoman Segal read the following recognition, advising that she
presented the resolution at the ceremony today at Michigan Works.
Res. 73-2008
“Motion by Comr. Todd, supported by Comr. Arnquist, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following special
recognition:
WHEREAS, Tenneco Automotive provided the perfect business solution
to their lack of skilled workers by utilizing the No Worker Left
Behind Initiative, launched by Governor Granholm on August 1, 2007
and applied available resources to train 68 job seekers with
job-specific welding skills.
Tenneco Automotive’s management met with representatives of the
Michigan Works! Business Service Team, and armed with the training
resources of No Worker Left Behind, the Michigan Works! Team contacted
Kellogg Community College’s Regional Manufacturing Technology Center
to develop a specific training program for prospective welders; and
WHEREAS, upon completion of classroom training, the trainees
participated in on-the-job training at Tenneco, and as of April 18th,
a total of 68 No Worker Left Behind participants completed training
and have been hired by Tenneco.
BE IT, THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that it is the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners’ honor to present this Special Recognition to Tenneco
Automotive for their commitment in providing the necessary and
required training for new trainees to ensure that new employees are
equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in employment.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Proclamation
Comr. Bolger read the following proclamation, and advised that he
shall present the proclamation at the Blessings of the Bikes in Battle
Creek.
Res. 74-2008
“Motion by Comr. Bolger, supported by Comr. Solis, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
Whereas, We, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners, are happy
to join with motorcyclists throughout the State of Michigan in
commemorating May 2008 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. This
worthwhile observance provides all Michigan motorists with an
opportunity to rededicate themselves to the highest standards of
highway safety; and
Whereas, motorcycle riding is a popular form of efficient
transportation and recreation for many people in Calhoun County; and
Whereas, Calhoun County motorcyclists have banded together to
actively promote a more positive image of motorcyclists, promote fair
motorcycle legislation, and to insure motorcyclist freedom; and
Whereas, these motorcyclists organize and participate in motorcycle
safety, education and rider training programs, and public awareness
programs; and
Whereas, the safety hazards created by automobile operators who
have not been educated to watch for motorcyclists on the streets and
highways of Calhoun County are of prime concern to motorcyclists and
the safety of all of our citizens; and
Whereas, it is important to recognize the need for awareness on the
part of all drivers, especially with regard to sharing the road with
motorcycles, and to honor motorcyclists many contributions to Calhoun
County in which they live and ride.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners hereby declare MAY 2008, as “MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS
MONTH” in Calhoun County, and hereby encourage citizens to join area
motorcyclists in an effort to improve traffic safety and increase
awareness of motorcycles on our roadways.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
CONSENT AGENDA:
Res. 75-2008
“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Rae, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the following May 1, 2008 Consent Agenda as presented:
- Petitions, Communications, Reports:
| (1) |
Notice of the Decision of the
Bureau of Indian Affairs on Huron Potawatomi, Incorporation’s
off-reservation, non-gaming land-into-trust application for Pine
Creek Parcels I, II, and III received from the United States
Department of the Interior. (Received and placed on file) |
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| (2) |
Resolution received from Livingston
County supporting House Bill No. 5892 {E 9-1-1 Funding}.
(Referred to the Legislative Liaisons) |
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| (3) |
Fourth Quarter 2007 and First
Quarter 2008 Out-of-State Travel Report (Received and placed on
file) |
- Resolutions:
| (1) |
Calhoun County Security
Committee Appointment |
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(Term Expires December
31, 2009) |
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{a} |
Durk Dunham, Emergency Management
Coordinator |
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
County Administrator/Controller’s Report
FY 2008-2011 Calhoun County Drug Court Grant Acceptance
County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell recognized Chief Circuit
Court Judge Allen Garbrecht and Drug Court Coordinator William Essex.
Judge Garbrecht advised that the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has awarded
the Drug Court $1,050,000 under a three year grant which provides the
Court with the opportunity to “grow” and sustain the program and to
continue with collaborations with other organizations within the county.
Judge Garbrecht stated that there is no local cash match required. Judge
Garbrecht advised that the Court continues to received United Way
funding.
Res. 76-2008
“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Arnquist, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
ratify acceptance by the Thirty-Seventh Circuit Court of a W.K.
Kellogg Foundation Grant for 2008 through 2011 in the amount of
$1,050,000 for operation of the Calhoun County Drug Court. The
staffing of the Drug Court shall be increased by one {1} full time
Case Manager position and one {1} full time Office Assistant position,
effective October 1, 2008, consistent with the terms of the Grant.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
Acting Health Officer Appointment
Mr. Purcell advised that Administration has entered into an agreement
with former Health Board Chairman Larry Anderson to serve as the acting
Health Officer during the transition period in hiring a new Health
Officer. Mr. Purcell advised that Mr. Anderson was the Health Board
Chairman for ten years and served on the Health Board for a total of
twelve years.
Mr. Anderson stated that he is in the Health Department already and
looks forward to serving a short term during the search for a new Health
Officer. Mr. Anderson expressed appreciation for the support provided by
Ms. Mullett, Ms. Woods and Health Board Chairman Mitchell.
Health Board Chairman Jeffrey Mitchell thanked Ms. Bowersox for her
leadership for the past couple of years and Mr. Anderson for stepping
into the Health Officer role. Dr. Mitchell advised that a search
committee for a new Health Officer has been established and the position
has been posted. Dr. Mitchell encouraged the Board to approve Mr.
Anderson’s appointment.
Mr. Purcell advised that Mr. Anderson’s compensation is $40 per hour
and that Mr. Anderson’s normal rate is considerably higher.
Res. 77-2008
“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Arnquist, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
appoint Larry S. Anderson Acting Health Officer.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
Chairwoman Segal thanked Mr. Anderson for assisting the county during
the transition period.
Dry Cleaning Services Bid Award
Administrative Services Director Bradley Wilcox advised that the
recommendation represents the county’s fourth cycle of bidding. Mr.
Wilcox recommended bid award to the lowest bidder, Plassman and Co.,
Inc./Heritage Cleaners LLC.
Res. 78-2008
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Arnquist, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners award
the bid {RFP#104-08} to provide dry cleaning services to the Sheriff
Department to Plassman and Company, Inc./Heritage Cleaners, LLC at an
approximate amount of $20,000 annually for a period of three {3} years
commencing June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2011; further, authorize the
Board Chairwoman to execute a three {3} year Agreement with Plassman
and Company, Inc./Heritage Cleaners, LLC on behalf of Calhoun County
and the Calhoun County Sheriff Department.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
FY 2007 Homeland Security Grant Program Intergovernmental
Funding Agreement
Res. 79-2008
“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Arnquist, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the FY 2007 Homeland Security Grant Program Intergovernmental
Funding Agreement between the County of Van Buren and the County of
Calhoun; further, authorize the Board Chairwoman to execute said
Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
Emergency Management Coordinator Appointment
Mr. Purcell advised that the Sheriff and he interviewed three
individuals and determined that the Interim Emergency Management
Coordinator is the best qualified. Mr. Purcell stated that Mr. Dunham
has excellent skills and is highly qualified for the position. Mr.
Purcell advised that Mr. Dunham has been a volunteer with the Emergency
Management Division for fifteen years.
Chief Deputy Marshall Weeks advised that the Department is very
pleased with Mr. Dunham as he does a very professional job.
Res. 80-2008
“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Arnquist, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
appoint Durk Dunham permanent Emergency Management Coordinator,
effective May 1, 2008. Eligibility for the health, dental, and visions
plans shall start the first day of permanent appointment by the Board
of Commissioners.”
Chairwoman Segal advised that she has worked closely with Mr. Dunham
and he has done an excellent job, and an excellent job in Region Five.
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
FY 2009 Community Corrections Program Plan and Grant
Application
Community Corrections Manager Roselynn Goff requested approval to
submit the Plan and Application for fiscal year 2009. Ms. Goff advised
that the application includes requests for Public Act 511 funds, Drunk
Driver Jail Reimbursement/Community Treatment Program funding, and grant
funds for residential services and treatment bed allocations. Ms. Goff
advised that the potential funds total $682,612. Ms. Goff further
advised that the application provides for no new programs, however,
consolidation and continuation of current programming.
Res. 81-2008
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Solis, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
authorize submission of the FY 2009 Comprehensive Community
Corrections Plan and Application to the Michigan Department of
Corrections, Office of Community Corrections.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
CITIZENS’ TIME:
Ms. Shari Sherban, East Leroy resident, stated that it would be
prudent to fund the substance abuse services programs, and hopes that
the Board shall allow the Substance Abuse Council to assist with the
funding plan.
CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
Res. 82-2008
“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Todd, 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 $692,105.04 for the week of April 17, 2008; further, approve
payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount
of $420,063.67 for the week of April 22, 2008.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Chairwoman Segal announced that the May 15 Board Meeting shall be
conducted in the Albion City Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m.
Chairwoman Segal further announced that Saturday is the Junior
League’s Kid’s Fest from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Battle Creek.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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Several photos included in this 
