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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS July 17, 2008 The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:02 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 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:
CONSENT AGENDA:
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report Fleet Fueling Services Bid Award Asst. County Administrator Bradley Wilcox advised that VanManen Petroleum Group, although the name has changed, has been providing the fleet fueling services for the past five years. Mr. Wilcox presented a graph reflecting increasing fuel costs, and advised that in 2008 there is a projected 15 percent increase. Mr. Wilcox advised that the Purchasing Division is reviewing different conservation options, however, the Division still believes that awarding the bid to VanManen Petroleum Group is the best way to provide the fuel in terms of cost. Mr. Wilcox estimated the cost for the first year to be $220,000, and recommended bid award to VanManen Petroleum Group.
Comr. Moore stated that it is his understanding that the Sheriff Department has one or two pursuit vehicles that can use alternative fuels. Mr. Wilcox advised that the Sheriff Department is trying different vehicles. Mr. Wilcox advised that Administration wants to establish a fleet management program to review such issues. Comr. Moore inquired whether alternative fuel options shall be reviewed for the entire County fleet. Mr. Wilcox responded Yes.
Health Department’s 2008-2009 Fee Schedule County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell introduced Health Department Finance Director John Eva, Program Coordinator Paul Makoski, and Acting Health Officer Larry Anderson. Mr. Purcell advised that the new fees shall be incorporated within the Department’s budget. Mr. Purcell stated that the Department has done an excellent job in taking the fees before the public. Acting Health Officer Anderson advised that the fee schedule was approved by the Board of Health at their June 16 meeting after the Department conducted three town hall meetings and a public hearing. Mr. Anderson advised the no one attended any of those meetings to raise questions or to contest the fees. Mr. Anderson stated that most of the fees increased three percent and that the biggest change is the tattoo parlor inspection fees, due to the state now regulating the parlors and requiring the Department to conduct the inspections.
Comr. Bolger inquired why some of the fees are being decreased. Mr. Anderson responded regarding the fee for influenza vaccine, that the Department attempts to keep the fee at what the market is providing the vaccine for. Comr. Bolger questioned the re-test fee. Mr. Anderson responded that in the past labor had not been fully considered, therefore, the fee has been increased to reflect labor cost. Comr. Moore inquired whether the tattoo parlor inspection fee was set by the state. Mr. Anderson responded that the state fee is for licensing and that the inspection fee is set locally to cover the Department’s expenses. Mr. Purcell stated that he is not happy with how the state is handling licensing and inspection of tattoo parlors, voicing concern that some of these businesses may go “underground” due to the expense. Comr. Rae questioned the fee for mosquito larvicide. Mr. Eva advised that the Department has some briquets which can be placed in water that are available to the public for a cost of $1 per briquet, which is the cost that the Department pays for the product. Mr. Eva advised that the Department has used the briquets before and they are very effective. Comr. Bolger inquired whether the Department is making any efforts to ensure that the public is aware of the briquets. Mr. Eva responded that the Department is waiting until August, however, that the briquets are available now.
Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Center Authority Interlocal Agreement Mr. Purcell stated that the agreement is a historic document, which has been approved by all the cities. Mr. Purcell thanked county staff involved; e.g., Sheriff Byam, Corporation Counsel Mullett, Asst. County Administrator Wilcox, Executive Secretary McDonagh, Board Aide Barrett and the Board of Commissioners. Comr. Bolger stated that planning for a consolidated dispatch center commenced more than a year ago by Mayors Smith and Wheaton, and that a work group was formed that met voluntarily each week for six months. Comr. Bolger thanked Albion City Manager Mike Herman, Battle Creek City Manager Wayne Wiley, Marshall City Manager Chris Olson, the Area Metropolitan Services Agency (AMSA), Mr. Craig Roberts of Newton Township, Emmett Township Supervisor James Demarest, County Administrator/Controller Purcell, State Representatives Mike Nofs and Lorence Wenke, and the entire Board of Commissioners. Comr. Bolger stated that this agreement represents a bi-partisan multi-jurisdictional venture which will save the taxpayers more than $1.5 Million over the years. Comr. Bolger advised that he spoke with the Chair of AMSA, and AMSA could not act on the agreement until the City of Battle Creek took action. AMSA is expected to approve the agreement by July 31. Comr. Bolger stated that once AMSA approves the agreement the governing board of the Authority will be established; further advised that the completion date for the Center is January 1, 2009, and August 1, 2009 is the target date for the new Center to become operational.
Comr. Rae inquired why a representative of the Michigan State Police Department shall be a member of the governing board. Mr. Purcell responded that this is a compromise issue, explaining that on the Emergency Telephone District Board there is a legislative requirement to have a state police department representative. Comr. Moore thanked Commissioner Bolger for assuming the leadership on this initiative.
Mr. Purcell advised that Agenda Item 10.A. (4) - Agreement to Amend the Calhoun County Jail and Justice Center Development Agreement was removed from the agenda as the Battle Creek City attorney has not quite reviewed the amendment yet, therefore, the amendment to the agreement shall be presented at the next Board meeting. June 2008 Financial Statements and Michigan Employees’ Retirement System 2007 Actuarial Valuation Highlights Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher addressed the highlights of the Michigan Employees’ Retirement System (MERS) actuarial valuation covering the Sheriff Department’s COAM and POAM union employees. Mr. Stuhldreher advised that the complete valuation shall be available on the county’s website. Mr. Stuhldreher reported that there are no surprises with the June financial statements, that expenditures are following expectations and revenues are a little less than for the same period in 2007. Comr. Moore voiced concern regarding the ratio of employees to retirees and the increase in accrued liabilities. Comr. Moore stated that the liability continues to worsen and addressed the Plan’s impact on hiring. Comr. Moore stated that he believes the Plan is a detriment to the county hiring new high level employees and should be dealt with. Mr. Stuhldreher advised that he expects the actuarial valuation report for the county’s Defined Benefit Plan to be available in the Fall. Comr. Rae concurred with Commissioner Moore that the MERS Plan is a huge problem for the county and that it should be a priority to eliminate this problem. Treasurer’s Office Request to Increase Staffing Level Mr. Purcell stated that the Treasurer is requesting authorization to establish a Property Foreclosure Manager position, and recommended approval. Treasurer Ann Petredean stated that since taking over the foreclosure business in 2005 the number of foreclosures has increased along with the complexity of the properties being received. Ms. Petredean requested creation of the position who would be responsible for foreclosure prevention, demolition, sales, side lot transfer, housing renovations, property maintenance and Brownfield redevelopment. Ms. Petredean advised that the funding for the position is available within the Office’s Forfeiture Fund and shall be transferred to the General Fund. Ms. Petredean advised that the auction of 142 parcels shall be conducted September 9.
Comr. Rae inquired how the salary was determined. Mr. Wilcox advised that the Hiring Freeze Waiver Review Committee employs a matrix of job responsibilities to determine the appropriate salary. Comr. Rae inquired regarding the salary range. Mr. Wilcox responded that the range is $44,660 to $54,200. Chairwoman Segal inquired whether the Forfeiture Fund shall continue to fund the position for the long term. Ms. Petredean responded Yes.
CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Creighton Burrows, Battle Creek resident, advised that he has had some people tell him that Board members have advised individuals that he is a pain in their butts, which he is pleased with. Mr. Burrows inquired when the Sheriff shall be moved back to the county seat. Mr. Burrows advised that he read in the Marshall Chronicle that there will be months of discussion regarding this issue. Mr. Burrows addressed the Attorney General’s Opinion of June 30 clarifying the definition of “principal office,” pointing out that he previously brought the issue to the attention of the Board of Commissioners and the Sheriff seven years ago. Mr. Burrows stated that he does not believe it should take months to move the Sheriff’s Office back to Marshall. Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, stated that he previously brought to the Board’s attention the need to establish a committee to review the county’s cell phone policy, and offered to serve on that committee. Mr. Berezonsky inquired regarding the status of such a committee. Mr. Berezonsky pointed out that the E 9-1-1 surcharge is due to expire in February 2009, and inquired whether the county’s surcharge rate is “locked in” should the surcharge expire. COMMISSIONERS’ TIME: Comr. Bolger advised that the current E 9-1-1 legislation which expires in February 2009 has been discussed in great length by the work group. Comr. Bolger pointed out that the county would be in the “same boat” even without the consolidation. Comr. Bolger recognized his son, advising that his son just returned from a three week school trip to Alaska. Comr. Bolger advised that his son is working on a merit badge tonight. Comr. Moore invited everyone to attend the Annual Athens Homecoming Celebration on July 25 and 26. Comr. Moore advised that there are many new events this year. Chairwoman Segal announced that the Urban League’s Annual Fun Day is this Saturday at Claude Evans Park. Comr. Bolger invited everyone to attend the pastrami eating contest at Pastrami Joes in downtown Marshall. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Comr. Bolger announced that the Blues Festival and the Relay For Life is this Saturday in Marshall. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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