The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, February
18, 2002 in the Courtroom of the Chippewa County Courthouse at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Commissioners Ted Postula, Don Cooper, Rita Dale, Bernard LaJoie, Aaron Hopper,
Earl Kay and Chairman Gary McDowell
Also Present: Tim Dolehanty, Controller, Don and Chris McLean, Tim McKee, OES/9-1-1
Director, Jeff Moran, Sheriff, Deputy Kinnear and Diane Cork, County Clerk
It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Cooper to acknowledge
correspondence received in the Clerk's Office and forward to the appropriate committee if
necessary. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Kay, to approve the
Board minutes of January 7 and January 14, 2002 as prepared by the Clerk.
Commissioner Cooper thought there should be a correction on the January 14th minutes where
Commissioner Hopper was reappointed to the UPCAP Board of Directors for 2002. Commissioner Cooper
believed he voted against this appointment. The Clerk stated she would
look into the matter. (After the meeting, the Clerk listened to the recorded tape along with
Controller Dolehanty and no objection was made at the time of the voice vote. The only question
addressed was who should sit on this Board.)
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Don McLean passed out a statement/public comment to the Commissioners concerning the
first anniversary of his daughter's death and the care given to her before her death by Mental
Health. Mr. And Mrs. McLean will continue to try to change the system concerning mental
health treatment.
CONTROLLERS' REPORT - Tim Dolehanty
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, at the request of
the Chippewa County Health Dept., to approve an Administrative Policy re: Use of Health Dept.
for meetings after regular hours. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
A request was received from Joan Bryant, Raber Township Clerk, for any monetary assistance
the County could give for the purchase of an Accuvote machine for her township.
It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to refer this
matter to the Finance Committee for further discussion and study. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
Next on the Controller's report was a request for a letter of endorsement for the Women's
Treatment Expansion Project Grant from Hiawatha Behavioral Health. The County has
supported this project in the past.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, that a letter of
endorsement be drafted to support this effort. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Cooper, that Chairman
McDowell award proclamations to the following individuals who were recently recognized by
VFW Post 3676:
Lyle Babcock, Veteran of the Year
Bill Lynn, Citizen of the Year
Tom Chadwick, Law Officer of the Year
Earl Vallier, Correctional Officer of the Year
Rudy Bean, Auxiliary Member of the Year
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, that the
following resolution be adopted:
RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT
UGLETI'S LINK MICHIGAN PROGRAM
APPLICATION
WHEREAS, the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners strongly supports business,
economic, and job development throughout the Upper Peninsula; and
WHEREAS, in the Upper Peninsula, widespread access to high speed broadband
telecommunications will mean the difference between attracting new business or losing
employers to other areas who have such access; and
WHEREAS, widespread broadband access will open up economic opportunities and improve
access to educational health, and human services to rural and isolated areas in the Upper
Peninsula; and
WHEREAS, the Upper Great Lakes Educational Technologies, Inc. (UGLETI) consortium and
the Upper Peninsula Economic Development Authority (UPEDA) are working to develop
a coordinated multi-county LinkMichigan planning grant application for the purpose of
helping Upper Peninsula counties and local communities develop telecommunications;
and
WHEREAS, it is important for all 15 counties of the Upper Peninsula to participate in and
benefit from regional telecommunications planning and development.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chippewa County Board of
Commissioners supports the UGLETI's regional application and desires to be included in
the U.P.-wide (15 county) grant application.
It was noted, at the present time, no money is tied to this particular portion. Chairman
McDowell noted that there is a possibility of a local match if the grant is approved that would be
shared by all 15 counties.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Cooper, at the request of
Bill Karr, County Surveyor, to approve seven contracts associated with the monumentation grant
that the County receives each year.
On a voice vote, the motion carried to authorize/accept these contracts.
OES-9-1-1 - Tim McKee
Mr. McKee stated that as he has been for the past eight or nine months bringing the
Commissioners an update on the status of the E 9-1-1, he was happy to report that an anticipated
enhanced turn on date should be about April 2, 2002.
Mr. McKee also reported on the wireless 9-1-1, Phase I. A Master Street Addressing Guide
has been created for the wireless 9-1-1 which means when a call is made from a cell phone, the
caller's telephone number will appear. Phase II will incorporate the GPS coordinates for the
location of the caller.
For the Hazardous Waste Response Development Grant, all hazardous material sites are being
located in Chippewa and plans will be developed for those sites.
The Commission thanked Mr. McKee for all the work he has accomplished in the 9-1-1 and
OES Departments.
Discussion was held on wrecker calls and the procedures used for assigning calls.
Jeff Moran, Sheriff, addressed the Board. Discussion was held on the Jail Diversion Program
for the mentally ill and training that has been received by the Department for these individuals.
This concluded the Controller's report.
Commissioner Kay questioned pickups by the Animal Control Officer in Cedarville, St.
Ignace and Ontario. Controller Dolehanty will check into this situation.
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Chairman McDowell explained that LSSU received a grant thru Blue Cross to put a Nurse
Practioner in Rudyard to train students. Agencies are asking for a cooperative effort, the hospital
is supplying most of the equipment, Central Savings Bank is donating a room at their facility in
Rudyard and Rudyard Township will do the marketing. Chairman McDowell was suggesting
that the County could participate by paying the voucher for the Transportation Authority bus that
goes thru Rudyard if a patient is referred by the Nurse to a doctor in the Sault.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the
paying of vouchers to the Transportation Authority if a patient is referred by the Nurse Practioner
to a doctor in the Sault. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Personnel Committee - Aaron Hopper - No meeting
Equalization and Apportionment - Bernard LaJoie - No meeting
Health and Social Services - Ted Postula - No meeting
Building, Grounds and Jail Committee - Earl Kay - No meeting
Transportation Committee - Ted Postula - No meeting
Legislative and Natural Resources Committee - Earl Kay - January 29, 2002
Commissioner Kay stated the Legislative and Natural Resources Committee met on January
29, 2002 with the following report:
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to recommend
approval of Resolution No. 02-02 as follows:
Resolution to Adopt the 2000 Edition of the
International Building Codes
WHEREAS, the Sate Construction Code Act (Act 230, P.A. 1972, as amended) provides that a
local unit of government may administer and enforce the code(s) as promulgated under
the Act: and
WHEREAS, Chippewa County desires to continue administration and enforcement of these
codes within the boundaries of the County; and
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services requires that
Chippewa County adopt and submit an Ordinance to incorporate the 2000 edition of the
International Building Codes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chippewa County Board of
Commissioners adopts the attached Ordinance No. 02-01 incorporating the 2000 edition
of the International Building Codes.
MICHIGAN STATE CODE 2000
INCORPORATING THE 2000 EDITION
OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODES
ORDINANCE NO. 02-02
An Ordinance of the County of Chippewa pursuant to Public Act 230 of 1972, as amended to
designate an enforcing agency to discharge the responsibility of the Building Inspection Office of
the County.
The County of Chippewa Hereby Ordains:
3.41 Agency Designated
Sec. 1. Pursuant to the provisions of the Michigan Building Code, in accordance with Section 8b
(6) of Act 230 of the Public Acts of 1972, as amended, the Building Official of the County of
Chippewa is hereby designated as the enforcing agency to discharge the responsibilities of the
County of Chippewa under Act 230, as amended, State of Michigan. The County of Chippewa
assumes responsibility for the administration and enforcement of said Act throughout its
corporate limits.
3.42 Repeals
Sec. 2. All Ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed
(Ordinance No. 97-3).
3.43 Publication
Sec. 3. This Ordinance shall be effective after legal publication and in accordance with the
provisions of the Act governing same.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Dale, to recommend approval of
Resolution No. 02-03 to designate the Building Department as the soil erosion control
enforcement agency for Chippewa County as follows:
Resolution to Designate
Soil Erosion Control Enforcement Agency
WHEREAS, Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, of the Natural Resources and
Environmental Protection Act (Act 451, P.A. 1994, as amended) assigns responsibility
for administration and enforcement of the Act to Michigan counties; and
WHEREAS, Act 451 requires the county board of commissioners to designate, by resolution, a
county agency as the enforcing agency responsible for administration and enforcement of
the Act.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chippewa County Board of
Commissioners hereby assigns responsibility for administration and enforcement of the
Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act to the Chippewa County Building
Inspection Department.
On a voice vote the motion carried unanimously.
Controller Dolehanty presented proposed changes to the County Address Ordinance. The
changes were necessary in order to permit the Building Department to officially assign addresses
in Chippewa County.
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to recommend
approval of the changes to the County Address Ordinance, as amended. On a voice vote, the
motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to adopt the
Legislative and Natural Resources Committee report as presented. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
Computer Committee - Don Cooper - February 18, 2002
Commissioner Cooper stated that the Computer Committee met this date just before the
regular board meeting and the topic of discussion was a 35-hour work week versus a 40-hour
work week in the Information Systems Dept. There were some concerns about hours and this
was going to be looked at more carefully.
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Kay, to accept the
report as given. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Personnel Committee - Aaron Hopper - February 4, 2002
Commissioner Hopper read his report. Informational purposes only, no action necessary.
Commissioner Cooper asked why the union contract was not extended as in years past.
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Kay, that the County
Board go into a closed session after the Finance Committee report was given to discus union
negotiations. On a roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to accept the
Personnel Committee report as given. Motion carried unanimously.
Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee - Rita Dale - February 7, 2002
Committee members discussed the bidding process for three proposals for copy machine
services in response to the County's request for proposals (RFP).
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner LaJoie to table this item for
further review. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Controller Dolehanty presented the Committee with proposals for the purchase and delivery
of one off road vehicle (ORV). The ORV would replace a 1985 Honda three-wheeler currently
maintained by the Sheriff's Dept.
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to accept the
proposal of Leitz Sports Center, Inc. for the purchase of an off road vehicle at a cost of
$6,300.00.
Controller Dolehanty presented the Committee with proposals for the purchase and delivery
of one snow machine for the Sheriff's Dept. The snow machine would replace a 1995 Arcticat
currently maintained by the Sheriff's Dept. Commissioner Kay questioned why the County
needed to purchase a new snow machine this late into the season.
Sheriff Moran addressed the Board. He stated that a grant was available to purchase this item
and that if the machine was not purchased within the next couple of weeks, the Department
would lose the grant which pays three quarters of the cost.
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to approve
purchase of a snowmobile thru Cedarville Marina at $5,725.00. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to sell surplus
vehicles maintained by the Sheriff's Dept. to the highest bidder and that the proceeds from the
sales be directed to the general fund in a manner consistent with standard practice. On a voice
vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Controller Dolehanty presented a memorandum from Dave Pietrangelo of the Health Dept.
outlining a proposal to purchase a software module that will convert address data to the County's
mapping software platform.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend
that the proposal of the InfoGeographic, Inc. for an addressing software module and training be
accepted at a cost of $1,990.00. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Controller Dolehanty presented a request from an Animal Control Officer to waive fees
associated with the impoundment of a dog. The owner was incapacitated and the animal was
picked up by family members within a reasonable time. It was believed that the owner did not
have the financial means to pay the normal fee for this service.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to waive the fees
in this case and that authority to waive such fees in the future be delegated to the County
Controller. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend
payment of vouchers 30534 through 30718 and B-1 through B-157; General Funds claims of
$154,833.15; Other fund claims of $211,179.59; Payroll claims of $510,742.92; and Health Dept.
claims of $322,452.05; Total claims for the month of $1,199,207.71. On a voice vote, the
motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to accept the
Finance, Claims and Accounts report as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
At this time the County Board entered into closed session at 8:06 p.m.
The Board reconvened at 8:22 p.m.
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to adjourn. On a
voice vote, the motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane S. Cork, Clerk Gary McDowell, Chairman