The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on
Monday, October 14, 2002 in the Probate Courtroom of the Chippewa County 
Courthouse at 7:05 p.m.
 
 Present: Commissioners Ted Postula, Don Cooper, Rita Dale, Bernard 
LaJoie, Aaron Hopper, Earl Kay and Chairman Gary McDowell
 
 Also Present: Lowell Ulrich, Probate Judge, Scott Brand, Evening News, 
and Tim McKee. OES/9-1-1 Director, Sharon Kennedy, Equalization Director, Richard 
Timmer, Tony Bosbous, Mayor, Jim and Dorothy Johnson, Sean Ley, Shipwreck Society, 
Chris and Don McLean, Patrick Schuh, Barbara Fortin and Lisa Wilcox
 
 It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner 
Postula, to acknowledge the correspondence received in the Clerk's Office and, if 
necessary, forward to the appropriate committee. On a voice vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner 
Hopper, to approve the board minutes of September 9, 2002 as present by the Clerk. On 
a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
 
 Sean Ley, representing the Great Lakes Shipwreck Society, addressed the 
Board. Mr. Ley outlined the recent articles that were reported in the Evening News and 
the Society's relationship with the Whitefish Township Board and the grants that the two
entities are currently working together on. It is the desire of the Shipwreck Society to 
stimulate tourism and economic development. Discussion followed.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner 
LaJoie, to support future endeavors of the Great Lakes Historical Shipwreck Society. On 
a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Chris McLean read a written statement to the Board. (Attached to end of 
minutes.)
 
 Don McLean read a written statement to the Board. (Attached to end of 
minutes.) Mr. McLean asked the County Board to start the process to correct the 
representation mistake and return the 8 votes to Chippewa County to allow the necessary 
changes in HBH to be made or to break away from HBH; with 65% of the population of 
that agency and either join another agency to the west or south, or become independent. 
Discussion followed.
 
 It was decided by the Board to set a workshop meeting to be held on 
Thursday, October 17, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the options/concerns/direction of 
HBH.
 
CONTROLLER'S REPORT - Timothy Dolehanty
 
 Mr. Dolehanty made reference to the Animal Control report included in 
the Commissioners packet re: two reports of animal cruelty and also that a local farmer 
donated 50 bales of stray for distribution to local pet owners for their use over the winter 
months.
 
 Judge Lowell Ulrich informed the Board that he had received a letter from 
attorney James Altman asking to be released from his Probate Court contract as of 
October 31, 2002. It is Judge Ulrich's recommendation to appoint attorney Charles 
Palmer to fill this position at the same rate of pay.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Kay, 
to accept Mr. Altman's resignation from the Probate Court contract and to appoint 
Charles Palmer to fill this position. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner 
LaJoie, to accept the Probate Court Union contract with Local 1552 as presented. On a 
voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 One application was received for consideration for the appointment to the 
Family Independence Agency Board. It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by 
Commissioner Hopper, to appoint Sylvia A. Murray to the Family Independence Board. 
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 One application was received for consideration for the appointment to the
Hiawathaland Library Cooperative Board. It was moved by Commissioner Kay, 
supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to appoint Merrill Lewis to the Hiawathaland 
Library Cooperative Board. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Mr. Dolehanty stated that a list of vacancies for boards/agencies/special 
committees for appointment in December will be advertised in the local paper.
 
 This concluded the Controller's report.
 
OLD BUSINESS: None
 
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:
 
 Personnel Committee - Aaron Hopper - Meeting of October 7, 2002
 
 Controller Dolehanty distributed an updated draft of the personnel policy 
last considered by the Board in May 2002. He said a personnel policy is especially 
helpful when questions arise regarding Board policy and how various employee-related 
matters should be addressed.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner 
Postula, to present the revised draft of the personnel policy to the Board of 
Commissioners for their review. After discussion, Commissioner Postula withdrew his 
support. It was suggested by Commission Hopper that the Commissioners review the 
policy and contact Mr. Dolehanty with any changes that they would like made.
 
 Controller Dolehanty reminded the Committee of bylaws related to his 
performance evaluation. It was agreed that Chairman Hopper would compile the 
comments from all Commissioners and meet with the Controller to review the results.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner 
Dale, to distribute performance evaluation forms to all Commissioners with a request to
 return completed forms to Commissioner Hopper before October 31, 2002. On voice 
vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 The remainder of the Personnel Committee report was for informational 
purposes only.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner 
LaJoie, to accept the Personnel Committee report as given. On a voice vote, the motion 
carried unanimously.
 
 Equalization Committee - Bernard LaJoie - Meeting of October 3, 2002
 
 Sharon Kennedy, County Register of Deeds/Equalization Director, 
presented the millage report for 2002. She explained that the County Board must 
apportion millages for all taxing jurisdictions at the October meeting. Ms. Kennedy 
explained that it is also necessary for the County to officially adopt its own millages after
the annual "truth in budgeting" meeting held in October.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner 
Cooper, to recommend approval of the 2002 millage report. On a voice vote, the motion 
carried unanimously.
 
 Commissioner Cooper questioned the process of enforcing the placement
of 9-1-1 addresses on properties. The Commission agreed to discuss this issue further at 
a workshop.
 
 The remainder of the report was for informational purposes only.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Kay,
to accept the Equalization Committee report as given. On a voice vote, the motion 
carried unanimously.
 
 Health and Social Services Committee - Ted Postula - No meeting
 
 Building, Grounds and Jail Committee - Earl Kay - No meeting
 
 Commissioner Kay did report to the Commissioners on the status of the 
Animal Control Shelter. The Road Commission has start excavating the property and he
just received a preliminary price from the contractor and will be meeting with the 
contractor and architect on Wednesday and will be considering some cuts. Discussion 
followed.
 
 Transportation Committee - Ted Postula - No meeting
 
 Legislative and Natural Resources - Earl Kay - No meeting
 
 Computer Committee - Don Cooper - No meeting
 
 Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee - Rita Dale - October 10, 2002
 
 OES/9-1-1 Director, Tim McKee, presented information about a recent 
attempt by the SBC Ameritech to claim dollars intended for local 9-1-1 dispatch centers. 
He said Ameritech would like to assess a "per call" charge against all 9-1-1 centers for 
processing wireless 9-1-1 calls. Mr. McKee said a judge recently granted a Temporary 
Restraining Order to block Ameritech's attempt to assess the charge and future court 
actions would be necessary. He asked that an allocation of $1,000 be made to support 
legal efforts to fight Ameritech.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner 
Hopper, to recommend allocation of up to $1,000 from the 9-1-1 Emergency dispatch 
fund balance to support legal efforts to fight the tariff sought by SBC Ameritech, and to
direct Mr. McKee to follow through on behalf of Chippewa County. On a voice vote, the 
motion carried unanimously.
 
 
 Controller Dolehanty presented documents from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe 
of Chippewa Indians seeking County acceptance of $49,544 in 2% gaming money from 
for use by the joint partnership for physical therapy services. Finance Director, Dave 
Carpenter, said the check appeared without advance notification and appeared to be 
destined for War Memorial Hospital. 
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner 
Cooper, to direct the County Controller to write a letter to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of 
Chippewa Indians asking about the identity of the intended recipient of the Physical 
Therapy Joint Partnership funds and for clarification of who will benefit from the 
allocation. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 County Clerk Diane Cork sought Committee approval of an increase in 
vital records fees.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner LaJoie 
to recommend approval of the revised vital records fee schedule of $8.00 for the first 
copy and $5.00 for any additional copies purchased at the same time. On a voice vote,
 the motion carried unanimously.
 
 The Committee reviewed a request from District Court Judge Michael W. 
MacDonald to purchase two years of military service from the Municipal Employees 
Retirement system of Michigan. If approved, Judge MacDonald would pay the total 
actuarial cost of additional credited service.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner 
Cooper, to recommend approval of the additional credited service request from the 
Municipal Employees Retirement System of Michigan submitted by Judge Michael W. 
MacDonald at no cost to the County. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 County Treasurer, Marilyn McDonald, provided a resolution to borrow 
funds against delinquent taxes. Commissioner Cooper stated the borrowing resolution 
was redundant and unnecessary because the County self-funds delinquent taxes. He
added that by borrowing the money, the Treasurer and others receive a service fee.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Kay, to
recommend approval of Resolution 02-25 to permit the County to borrow against 
delinquent taxes. On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Cooper voting 
no.
 
 Commissioner Hopper reported on a discussion held by the Personnel 
Committee concerning additional hours requested for the Equalization Department Data 
Entry Clerk. Register of Deeds/Equalization Director Sharon Kennedy asked that the 
position be increased to 25 hours per week for the remainder of the current fiscal year, 
then increased to 30 hours per week beginning on January 1, 2003. She stated the 
additional workload makes this change necessary.
 
 Ms. Kennedy spoke to the Commission explaining the need for the 
additional hours. With the requirement to do splits, tax rolls for 17 townships and the 
additional GIS System in the Equalization Department the current staff and hours would 
not accommodate the workload. She explained that she had the $1,000 in her budget to 
pay for the additional hours until the end of the year.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner 
Postula, to approve the increase in hours for the part-time position in the Equalization 
Dept. and that the additional monies be taken from that department. Consideration for 
continuation of the hours in 2003 will be discussed at a later date. On a voice vote, the 
motion carried unanimously.
 
 Controller Dolehanty reported he was recently informed of a requirement 
of the Elevator Inspections Unit of the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry 
Services that the County was required to secure a maintenance contract for its elevators.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner 
Postula, to recommend release of a request for proposals for an elevator maintenance 
contract.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner 
Cooper, to recommend approval of the Community Development Block Grant 
administration contract. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner 
Cooper, to recommend acceptance of the snowplowing bid from Norris Contracting as 
low bidder at a cost of $5,100. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 The Committee reviewed the draft 2003 Survey and Remonumentation 
Grant proposed by the State.
 
 Commissioner Postula stated the Board should approve this agreement in 
case the accelerated program proposed the County Surveyor cannot be implemented.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner 
Cooper, to recommend approval of the 2003 Survey and Remonumentation Grant as 
presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner 
Cooper, to recommend approval of the County Child Care Fund Budget Summary and 
Certifications as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Finance Director Carpenter presented a proposal to establish an animal 
shelter fund. He noted this was required after the Board approved this project in 
September.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner 
Cooper, to establish an animal shelter fund as recommended by the Finance Director. On 
a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner 
Cooper, to recommend the approval of general fund claims totaling $107,981.09, other
fund claims of $37,114.89, payroll of $534,068.06 and health department claims of 
$377,352.19, vouchers 31913 through 32214 and J-01 through J-89. On a voice vote, the
motion carried unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale supported by Commissioner Hopper,
to accept the Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee meeting report as presented. On 
a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Having no further business, it was moved by Commissioner Kay, 
supported by Commissioner Postula, to adjourn. On a voice vote, the motion carried 
unanimously. Thereupon the Board did adjourn at 8:21 p.m.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
Diane S. Cork, County Clerk  Gary McDowell, Chairman
 
 
 
 
 
 
  RESOLUTION NO. 02-24
 
 RESOLUTION TO APPORTION AD VALOREM TAXES
 
 
WHEREAS, M.C.L. 211.34 thru 211.37, as amended, requires the County Board of 
 Commissioners, at its annual session in October each ear, to ascertain and
 determine the amount of money to be raised for County, school, highway
 drain, township and other purposes; and
 
WHEREAS, the Board shall apportion such amount, in terms of millage among the
 townships and cities in the County in proportion to the Taxable Valuation
 of the property therein, real and personal, as determined by it, or the State
 Board of Equalization; and
 
WHEREAS, the Board shall direct that such of the several amounts of millage to be 
 raised as authorized by law be spread upon the tax roll of the proper
 township and city; and
 
WHEREAS, such action and direction shall be final as to the levy and assessment of all
 such taxes, except when there is a change made in the Taxable Valuation
 of the County by the Michigan State Tax Tribunal upon appeal, the
 Michigan State Tax Commission, Township Board or any manner 
 Provided by law; and
 
WHEREAS, the Board has examined and ascertained that all certificates, statements
 papers, and records submitted to it are accurate and properly certified,
 as required by M.C.L. 211.34, 211.34(d) and 211.34(e); and
 
WHEREAS, the Board has received Statement(s) of Compliance with Section 31, 
 Article 9, of the State Constitution of 1963 certifying that the requested
 millage has been reduced, if necessary, from each taxing authority.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows:
 
1. That the township supervisors and city assessor be hereby authorized and directed 
 to spread on the taxable valuations of their respective tax rolls the
 amounts in millage proposed to be raised by taxation for County, township,
 school, and all other purposes as set forth in the attached 2002 Millage Report.
 
2. That the Equalization Director is hereby authorized and directed to prepare
 the apportionment report as required by State statute.