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Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

June 5, 2008

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 5, 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. Solis.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:

“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the June 5, 2008 agenda and addendum as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the May 15, 2008 minutes as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, inquired whether the county shall be receiving any money for granting the two easements to Emmett Township; further, inquired from what unit of government the Secure Our Schools Grant is being received.

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:

Elder Abuse Awareness Day Proclamation

Chairwoman Segal read and presented the proclamation to Prosecutor John Hallacy, Senior Services Coordinator Carl Gibson, and Area Agency on Aging, Region IIIB, Director Karla Fales.

Res. 91-2008

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

WHEREAS, Michigan’s older citizens laid the foundation for the communities, the State and the Nation we enjoy today; and

WHEREAS, abuse of older persons is a tragedy inflicted on a vulnerable segment of the population that crosses all socio-economic boundaries; and

WHEREAS, combating abuse of older people will help to improve the quality of life for seniors across Michigan, and will allow senior citizens to continue to live as independently and vibrantly as possible; and

WHEREAS, Michigan’s seniors should be treated with respect and dignity as they continue to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers, and important and active members of our communities.

THEREFORE, I, Chairwoman Kate Segal, do hereby proclaim June 15, 2008 as

Elder Abuse Awareness Day

in the County of Calhoun.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 92-2008

“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Rae, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following June 5, 2008 Consent Agenda as presented:

  1. Petitions, Communications, Reports:
(1) Notice of a public hearing scheduled for May 20, 2008 regarding a Brownfield Plan, Amendment No. 2, for the proposed Kellogg Research and Development Facility Expansion received from Battle Creek City. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Equalization Director David Jager)
   
(2) Notice of a public hearing scheduled for May 20, 2008 regarding granting Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate Applications for Advanced Plastic Manufacturing, Inc., and Advanced Special Tools received from Battle Creek City. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Equalization Director David Jager)
   
(3) Notice of two permit to drill applications submitted to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for Jacoby # 1-26 well and Willis # 1-35 well in Lee Township received from the West Bay Exploration Company. (Received and placed on file)
  1. Resolutions:
(1) Calhoun County Economic Development Corporation Appointments
  (Terms Expire December 31, 2014)
   
  {a} Richard Folk
  {b} Joyce Spicer
   
(2) Calhoun County Jury Board Appointment
  (Term Expires April 30, 2014)
   
  {a} Marlene Plassman

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:

Emergency Telephone District Board

Comr. Bolger reported that the Board received news that the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) ruled in the county’s favor in its appeal. Comr. Bolger stated that the Board is continuing to work toward consolidation of dispatch centers, pointing out that consolidation to one central dispatch center was the county’s basis for appeal and that the MPSC expects that consolidation to occur. Comr. Bolger advised that the Board has reached a consensus regarding organization through establishment of a governing board and a technical committee.

Comr. Bolger reported that the next Emergency Telephone District Board meeting is June 17 at 8:30 a.m. The Board’s goal is to finalize issues regarding dispatch center site and capital expenses. Comr. Bolger thanked State Representative Nofs and Commissioner Moore for their influence regarding the county’s appeal; further, thanked Corporation Counsel Mullett for doing a phenomenal job in drafting the appeal.

Chairwoman Segal addressed the Business Review provided to Board Members, advising that this is the third year that Calhoun County has been featured in the supplement.

UNFINISHED AND OLD BUSINESS -- Area Agency on Aging 2009 Annual Plan Approval:

Chairwoman Segal advised that she serves on the Area Agency on Aging Governing Board and is pleased with the changes that are occurring.

Res. 93-2008

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2008-2009 Region IIIB Area Agency on Aging Annual Implementation Plan, as presented by the Region IIIB Area Agency on Aging that serves the planning and service area of Barry and Calhoun Counties.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

County Administrator/Controller’s Report

FY 2008 Friend of the Court/Family Division Budget Adjustment

County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that the adjustment provides an opportunity for the Friend of the Court to leverage more Title IV-D funding.

Deputy Friend of the Court Administrator Tom Whitesell advised that the Juvenile Court has employed an attorney referee to function under the Friend of the Court Act and the Juvenile Code. Mr. Whitesell stated that the budget adjustment of $93,864 from the Family Division budget to the Friend of the Court Fund is to transfer the amount of appropriation for the attorney referee position for at least partial federal/state reimbursement.

Res. 94-2008

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

BE IT RESOLVED, that the FY 2008 budget for Family Division budget unit 1133 is decreased $93,864, with the amount to be transferred to the Friend of the Court Fund in order to increase the 2143 business unit $93,864. The purpose of this adjustment is to transfer the amount of appropriation for the attorney referee position which was formerly in the 1133 unit, but which was transferred to the 2143 unit in December 2007 to facilitate the qualification for at least partial federal/state IV-D funding; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the budget adjustments authorized by this Resolution will become effective for June 2008. The additional appropriation shall be allocated to the Friend of the Court Fund on a monthly pro rata basis.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Medical Care Facility Easements

Mr. Purcell advised that the easements are the result of a cooperative venture between Emmett Township and the Medical Care Facility to allow the Township to install a water booster station, which is the reason why the county is not charging the Township for the easements.

Emmett Township Supervisor James Demarest advised that the Township is expanding utilities on the east side and needs to boost the water along Michigan Avenue. Mr. Demarest stated that he worked with the engineer in reviewing potential sites, and determined that the booster station would be best placed at the Medical Care Facility. Mr. Demarest advised that the station shall be placed just west of the Facility, which shall also enhance the reliability of the Facility’s station. Mr. Demarest advised that the Township has a letter of understanding with the Medical Care Facility and shall abide by their expectations.

Mr. Purcell introduced Medical Care Facility Controller John Castle. Mr. Castle advised that the Facility had very few concerns which have been addressed, and the Facility is in full support of the project.

Res. 95-2008

“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Bolger, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve two {2} easements between Emmett Township and Calhoun County for the Township’s water booster station and access service drive.”

Comr. Moore stated that growth is really going to “take off” along Michigan Avenue, and that he believes the Medical Care Facility property is the perfect place for the booster station.

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Secure Our Schools Grant Application

Mr. Purcell advised that the application is a work in progress and is a cooperative effort between the Sheriff Department and area schools.

Sheriff Allen Byam advised that the grant application arrived May 23 with an activation date of May 31, and is due back by June 13. Sheriff Byam stated that the grant is from the United States Department of Justice. Sheriff Byam pointed out that a similar grant was approved in 2006 for Pennfield Schools.

Pennfield School Liaison Deputy Luis Rivera advised that in 2006 70 cameras were installed in the Pennfield Schools as a way in which to monitor and secure the schools. Deputy Rivera stated that he has multiple individuals monitoring the cameras, and that since installation of the cameras complaints have decreased dramatically. Deputy Rivera advised that other school liaisons in the county would like the cameras, and 9 districts are interested in participating. Deputy Rivera addressed the budget provided, advising that currently the budget is an estimate as the Sheriff Department is still working with the schools.

Sheriff Byam advised that without the Department’s participation in the application the schools are not eligible for the grant. Sheriff Byam further advised that no money shall be invested by the county, that the schools shall be providing the grant match.

Res. 96-2008

“Motion by Comr. Todd, supported by Comr. Rae, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners authorize the Office of the Sheriff to submit a Secure Our Schools Grant Application on behalf of the Calhoun Intermediate School District and the school districts of Marshall, Pennfield, Battle Creek, Lakeview, Marlee, Harper Creek and Tekonsha; further, authorize the County Administrator/Controller to execute said grant application.”

Comr. Todd inquired whether there are cameras in the classrooms. Deputy Rivera responded that cameras are in the classrooms in Battle Creek.

Comr. Moore noted that two school districts are missing from the list of districts participating, and inquired whether those districts are still “in the mix.” Deputy Rivera advised that the Calhoun Intermediate School District invited all the schools. Deputy Rivera further advised that he shall contact the Homer School District again, however, that Athens does not have the money. Comr. Moore inquired whether the schools determine where the cameras are to be placed. Deputy Rivera responded Yes. Comr. Moore inquired whether the schools also determine whether the cameras monitor the streets and surrounding neighborhoods. Deputy Rivera responded that at Pennfield Schools there are cameras that monitor the parking lots and streets, and that it depends upon the building and who is monitoring the cameras. Comr. Moore inquired whether all of the residents in those monitored neighborhoods are notified. Deputy Rivera responded that the placement of cameras was addressed at a school board meeting; however, that he does not believe there was direct notification to the residents.

Comr. Bolger inquired what will occur with the grant should a school district determine later that it cannot make the investment. Sheriff Byam responded that the county will not have to pay any of the match. Sheriff Byam advised that the school districts will be signing letters of agreement; and that if a school district opts out, the grant funding goes back to the federal government. Sheriff Byam advised that he shall come back before the Board with the true costs and which school districts shall be participating.

Chairwoman Segal inquired whether there is the potential for a partial grant. Deputy Rivera responded that he understands that it is all or nothing.

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Mr. Berezonsky stated that he would like the Board to pledge that the central dispatch center shall be located in Marshall.

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Comr. Rae announced that six days ago his second granddaughter, Kerrigan Suzanne Rae, was born.

Chairwoman Segal announced that the June 19 Board Meeting shall be conducted at the Battle Creek City Commission Chambers. Chairwoman Segal further advised that this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Neighborhood, Inc. will be painting house numbers on the curbs. Chairwoman Segal further announced that next weekend is the World’s Longest Breakfast Table.

Comr. Moore announced that on June 10 the Bailey Farm is being taken into trust by the State; further, that on Tuesday, June 10 is the memorial honoring the fallen officers.

Comr. Todd thanked Mr. Purcell and the Equalization Department staff for providing the map he requested.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:

Res. 97-2008

“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 $776,081.03 for the week of May 20, 2008; further, approve payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount of $1,053,363.74 for the week of May 28, 2008.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. at the call of the Chair.

 

   
 

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