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 Minutes Archive |
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Board of
Commissioners Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
August 7, 2008
The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
convened at 7:02 p.m., Thursday, August 7, 2008 in the Commissioners’
Meeting Room, County Building, 315 West Green Street, Marshall,
Michigan.
Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Arnquist, Moore, Rae, Segal
and Solis. Excused: Comrs. Bolger and Todd.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
A Moment of Silent Prayer was observed; followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance, led by Comr. Arnquist.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
“Motion by Comr. Arnquist, supported by Comr. Solis, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the August 7, 2008 agenda and addendum as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Solis, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the July 3, 2008 minutes as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:
Substance Abuse Council of Greater Battle Creek Executive Director
Suzanne Horsfall thanked the Board for changing the substance abuse
coordinating agency designation. Ms. Horsfall advised that the Council
has received its funding and things are going well.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
August is Medicine Abuse Awareness Month Proclamation
Chairwoman Segal read and presented the following proclamation to Ms.
Horsfall.
Res. 122-2008
“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Moore, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, over-the-counter and prescription medicines are extremely
safe, effective, and potentially lifesaving when used properly, but
the abuse and recreational use of these medicines can be extremely
dangerous and produce serious side effects; and
WHEREAS, 6,400,000 individuals who are age 12 or older reported
using prescription medicines non-medically, and abuse of prescription
medications such as pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and
sedatives is second only to marijuana, the number one illegal drug of
abuse in the United States; and
WHEREAS, studies indicate that 1 in 10 youth ages 12 to 17
(2,400,000) have intentionally abused cough medicine to get high and 1
in 5 young adults (4,500,000) have used prescription medicines
non-medically; and
WHEREAS, research has found that more than 1/3 of teens mistakenly
believe that taking prescription drugs is safer than using street
drugs; and
WHEREAS, there is a lack of understanding of the potential harms of
these powerful medicines making it more critical than ever to raise
public awareness about the dangers of their misuse; and
WHEREAS, when prescription drugs are misused, they are most often
obtained through the family medicine cabinet, through friends,
relatives, or even from rogue Internet pharmacies; and
WHEREAS, Medicine Abuse Awareness Month promotes the message
that over-the-counter and prescription medicines are to be taken only
as labeled or prescribed, and when used recreationally or in large
doses can have serious and life-threatening consequences; and
WHEREAS, during Medicine Abuse Awareness Month the Substance Abuse
Council will encourage parents to educate themselves about medication
abuse and to talk with their children about this and all types of
substance abuse.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Special Tribute to the National Association of Negro Business and
Professional Women’s Club
Comr. Solis read the following tribute.
Res. 123-2008
“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Arnquist, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following tribute:
WHEREAS, the late Emma Odessa Young, a realtor from New York City
and a member of the New York Club of Business and Professional Women,
conceived the idea of a national organization of business and
professional women in 1934; and
WHEREAS, in July of 1935 Mrs. Ollie Chinn Porter, President of the
New York Club, extended an invitation to local clubs organized as
Business and Professional Women’s Clubs to join and form a national
organization which was the founding of the NANBPWC, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the founders were Emma Odessa Young, Ollie Chinn Porter
and Effie Diton of New York City; Bertha Perry Rhodes, Josephine B.
Keene and Adelaide Flemming of Philadelphia; and Pearl Flippen of
Atlantic City, known as owners, managers, college graduates, and other
professionally licensed women who had managed to realize some measure
of personal success at a time when there was not a national movement
to improve the lot of black Americans; where there was no black
capitalism program, nor any black studies curricula. Still, these
women felt prepared to offer leadership; and
WHEREAS, in July of 1936 the first convention was held in Atlantic
City, New Jersey, and Mrs. Ollie Chinn Porter was elected National
President; and
WHEREAS, in October of 1947 the Sojourner Truth Award was accepted
as a National Award at the 12th Annual Convention, under the
presidency of Mrs. Florence Madison Hill; and
WHEREAS, the Sojourner Truth Institute of Battle Creek and a
committee have worked with the National Association of Negro Business
and Professional Women (NANBPWC) and other supporters since 1997 to
develop the Sojourner Truth monument in Battle Creek, Michigan. The
project was originally suggested by the NANBPWC in 1993; and
WHEREAS, over the years NANBPWC, Inc. has grown in numbers and
scope, conducting many needed community service activities that go far
beyond the original purpose. Women have come a long way and so has
NANBPWC, Inc.
THEREFORE, I, Kate S. Segal, Chairwoman of the Calhoun County Board
of Commissioners would like to take this moment to honor and recognize
the NANBPWC for its courage and exemplary support of helping business
and professional women in Calhoun County and all over the world with
impacting their communities and providing an unparalleled organization
of leadership.”
Chairwoman Segal advised that the tribute was presented at the annual
convention last Monday in Battle Creek.
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Special Tribute to Frank Manke
Comr. Moore read the following tribute, and advised that the tribute
was presented at Mr. Manke’s surprise party.
Res. 124-2008
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Rae, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following tribute:
WHEREAS, it is the distinct privilege of the Calhoun County Board
of Commissioners, on behalf of the citizens of Calhoun County, to
recognize and honor Frank Manke on his record setting 13th term as
Post Commander of the Carrick Jarosz VFW Post 9411 in Homer, Michigan;
and
WHEREAS, Frank proudly served his country as a member of the United
States Army in Vietnam during which time Frank joined Post 9411 in
Homer, and upon returning home he became a life member there and has
been a loyal and faithful member for the past 35 years; and
WHEREAS, Frank was first elected Post Commander in 1989-90 and
later became the first Homer VFW member to serve as District Commander
(2002-2003), and you will not find a more dedicated member than Frank;
and
WHEREAS, not only has he been actively involved with the Veterans
of Foreign Wars, but he has also unselfishly given of his time, being
elected as a Constable serving from 1970-1974, appointed as a Township
Trustee serving from June 14, 1980 to September 8, 2003 at which time
he was appointed Supervisor and continues to serve as Clarendon
Township Supervisor.
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE KNOWN, that this document is meant to
signify our appreciation to FRANK MANKE for his service to his
community, his country and our veterans for over 40 years. We thank
him for the tremendous example he has set for his family and others in
the community and extend our sincere best wishes to him in his latest
retirement and in all his future endeavors.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
CONSENT AGENDA:
Res. 125-2008
“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Arnquist, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the following August 7, 2008 Consent Agenda as presented:
- Petitions, Communications, Reports:
| (1) |
Resolution received from Allegan
County supporting House Bill No. 5398 {Amendment of 1949 P.A.
300}. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons, with a copy
remitted to Sheriff Allen Byam) |
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| (2) |
Resolution received from Antrim
County opposing House Bill No. 6112 {Corrections Officers
Compulsory Arbitration Act}. (Referred to the Legislative
Liaisons, with a copy remitted to Sheriff Allen Byam) |
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| (3) |
Resolution received from Huron
County opposing House Bill No. 6112 {Corrections Officers
Compulsory Arbitration Act}. (Referred to the Legislative
Liaisons, with a copy remitted to Sheriff Allen Byam) |
- Resolutions:
| (1) |
Calhoun County Board of
Health Appointment |
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(Term Expires December
31, 2008) |
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{a} |
Samantha Pearl -- Replacing Larry
Anderson |
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| (2) |
Senior Millage
Allocation Committee Appointment |
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{a} |
Jill Booth -- Term Expires April
30, 2011 |
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:
Budget Committee
Comr. Rae reported that the Committee met at 7:30 a.m. this morning
with staff and covered “a lot of ground.” Comr. Rae stated that the
budget process is “on track,” and that the county’s budget will be okay.
Casino Baseline Study Committee
Chairwoman Segal advised that the Committee shall be meeting August
21 at 8:00 a.m. in the Law Library, Calhoun County Building to review
the report of current indicators within the community prepared by KV
Associates.
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
County Administrator/Controller’s Report
Health Officer Appointment
County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell introduced Board of
Health Chairman Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell.
Dr. Mitchell advised that the search committee conducted a national
search and selected the best and most qualified candidate. Dr. Mitchell
requested the Board appoint James Rutherford as Health Officer.
Mr. Rutherford advised that he grew up in this area and looks forward
to commencing work on September 8. Mr. Rutherford thanked
Administration, Corporation Counsel Mullett, Mr. Anderson, Ms.
Reichenbaugh and the members of the search committee.
Mr. Purcell advised that Mr. Tsoumas did a great job as Chairman of
the search committee, and that Mr. Rutherford has met with Department
staff and they are pleased with his appointment.
Res. 126-2008
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Arnquist, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
appoint James A. Rutherford as the Calhoun County Public Health
Department Health Officer, as recommended by the Board of Health, with
his employment to commence on September 8, 2008.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 5 (Comrs. Segal, Solis,
Arnquist, Moore and Rae) |
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Excused - 2 (Comrs. Todd and Bolger) |
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Motion CARRIED |
Comr. Rae welcomed Mr. Rutherford.
Comr. Solis advised that he served on the search committee and is
pleased that the committee located the best candidate right in our own
backyard.
Agreement to Amend the Calhoun County Jail and Justice Center
Development Agreement
Mr. Purcell advised that the agreement shall be placed upon the next
Board agenda.
County Administrator Search Committee Creation/Appointments
Chairwoman Segal advised that Mr. Purcell is leaving in September to
accept a new job in Fort Wayne. Chairwoman Segal advised that the Board
shall be appointing an Interim Administrator to allow the Board to
search for a new Administrator, and thanked Commissioners Rae, Bolger
and Arnquist for stepping forward to serve on the Search Committee.
Chairwoman Segal further advised that the Board shall be conducting an
open interview process and shall include the Commissioners-elect.
Res. 127-2008
“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
create the County Administrator Search Committee and appoint Mike Rae
as Chairman, Jase Bolger, Betty Arnquist, Bradley Wilcox and Nancy
Mullett.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 5 (Comrs. Solis, Arnquist,
Moore, Rae and Segal) |
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Excused - 2 (Comrs. Todd and Bolger) |
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Motion CARRIED |
CITIZENS’ TIME:
Senior Services Manager Carl Gibson thanked the Board for appointing
Jill Booth as the thirteenth member to the Senior Millage Allocation
Committee.
Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, inquired whether
tonight’s Board meeting is a live broadcast. Mr. Purcell responded that
the meeting is being recorded for Marshall. Mr. Berezonsky questioned
the payment of $13,759.77 listed on the July 22, 2008 claims listing
under the Board of Commissioners for association dues to the Michigan
Association of Counties (MAC); further, questioned payment to Schuler’s
Restaurant, Inc. in the amount of $142.72 for a breakfast meeting. Mr.
Berezonsky objected to spending tax payer’s monies for a lobbyist
organization and to purchase food.
Mr. Berezonsky further questioned payment in the amount of $350.00 on
the July 29, 2008 claims listing for Mr. Purcell to attend a MAC
training seminar when he is leaving county employment. Mr. Berezonsky
again objected to tax payers having to pay $54.00 for donuts for a
Hazmat meeting. Mr. Berezonsky stated that these expenditures are
ridiculous and that if the Board approves the claims listings tonight,
they are not doing their job.
COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:
Chairwoman Segal advised that Commissioner Bolger could not be
present tonight as he is attending his daughter’s play, and that
Commissioner Todd is attending training in Chicago for his job.
Chairwoman Segal announced that Thursday, August 21 from 11:00 a.m.
until 8:00 p.m. is the Eighth Annual benefit fund raiser for Sexual
Assault Services and the Child Advocacy Center at KrystalFalls Golfland,
and encouraged everyone to attend.
Comr. Rae advised that many governmental units are members of MAC.
Comr. Rae stated that MAC is a source of information and new ideas for
how to better perform the services the Board is elected to do. Comr. Rae
stated that he believes MAC does a good job.
Comr. Rae advised that each Board member reviews the claims listings,
and that Mr. Purcell still continues to be a county employee and comes
back from such training sessions with additional assistance in helping
the Board to do its job.
Comr. Moore invited everyone to attend the Battle Creek International
Summer Fest on August 9 commencing at 11:00 a.m. at the market place.
Comr. Moore advised that following the Summer Fest is the Calhoun County
Fair in Marshall from August 10 through the 16th.
CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
Res. 128-2008
“Motion by Comr. Rae, supported by Comr. Solis, 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 $986,080.77 for the week of July 22, 2008; further, approve
payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount
of $949,721.07 for the week of July 29, 2008.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 5 (Comrs. Arnquist, Moore, Rae,
Segal and Solis) |
| |
Excused - 2 (Comrs. Todd and Bolger) |
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Motion CARRIED |
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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Several photos included in this 
