The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, 
April 8, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Chippewa County Courthouse, Sault 
Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
 
 Present: Commissioners: Ted Postula, Don Cooper, Rita Dale, Bernard LaJoie, 
Aaron Hopper, Earl Kay and Chairman Gary McDowell
 
 Also in Attendance: Ron Cross, Don and Christine McLean, Patrick Schue, Steve 
Mason, Tracy Tessmer, Tim McKee, OES/9-1-1 Director, Marcy Wilson, Jim and 
Dorothy Johnson, Timothy Dolehanty, Controller, Diane S. Cork, Clerk, and Jeff Moran, 
Sheriff
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to 
accept the correspondence received in the Clerk's Office and if necessary, direct any 
correspondence to the appropriate committee. On a voice vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Kay, to approve 
the County Board minutes of March 11, 2002 as presented by the Clerk. On a voice vote, 
the motion carried unanimously.
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
 
 Mr. Don McLean addressed the Board with his concerns on how materials should be 
given to the Hiawatha Behavorial Board. Mr. McLean felt as if the Board Chairman was 
attempting to keep information from the board members. Discussion followed.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Dale, to request 
Hiawatha Behavioral Health give individuals the authority to pass out written 
materials/public comments to each board member. On a voice vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
CONTROLLERS REPORT - Timothy Dolehanty
 
 Mr. Dolehanty introduced Tim McKee, OES/9-1-1 Director. Mr. McKee stated that 
on March 13, 2002 a meeting was held with representatives from the Michigan State 
Police Emergency Management Division and three representatives from the Emergency 
Services/Planning, Tim McKee, Chippewa, Ben Thompson, Mackinac, Terry Stark and 
Lisa Morrison from Luce County.
 
 Each county in Michigan will be required to have a Hazard Mitigation Plan if they 
wish to be eligible for FEMA funding in the event of a natural disaster and this plan must 
be in place by November 1, 2003. The State would like to see this as a regional 
approach.
 
 Mr. McKee explained that the State will be receiving pass thru funds from FEMA and 
Regional Planning will undertake the research and planning as well as committing to the 
local in-kind match. The County would be responsible for the local in-kind match in the 
form of labor.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Dale, to join with 
Luce and Mackinac Counties, thru Regional Planning and OES, in the development of an 
Emergency Management Development Plan. Discussion followed On a voice vote, the 
motion carried unanimously.
 
 Next on the Controller's report was a request from D.T.E. (formally Mich. Con.) 
asking counties to support a resolution that would call upon all elected officials, both 
State and Federal level, to establish a permanent repository for high-level nuclear waste 
by opening Yucca Mountain, NV.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to 
support the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 
their effort to fulfill their obligation to establish a permanent repository at Yucca 
Mountain, NV. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Appointment by County to Tax Allocation Board:
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Kay, to appoint 
Ron Meister, as a non-governmental member, to the Chippewa County Tax Allocation 
Board. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Doris Miller, of Sault Ste. Marie, was recently named "Sportswoman of the Year" by 
the Community Services Board. It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by 
Commissioner Kay, that the County present Doris Miller with a Proclamation in 
recognition of her award. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Commissioner Cooper addressed the Board stating that legislation and the Governor 
for the last several years has declared the fourth Friday in April as Children's Memorial 
Day. Commissioner Cooper was asking the County Board to consider passing a 
resolution to send to Sen. North and the Governor for consideration by the Senate 
permanently establishing the fourth Friday in April as Children's Memorial Day.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Dale, to adopt 
the following resolution and mail to the appropriate parties:
 
 RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT
 DESIGNATION OF CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY
 
WHEREAS, the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners recognizes the great number 
 of deaths of children of all ages from all causes that occur each year; and
 
WHEREAS, each day in America many children and youths under age 20 commit 
  suicide are victims of a homicide, or die as a result of accidents; and
 
WHEREAS, many more children die each year from illness; and
 
WHEREAS, the Michigan Senate is considering legislation to declare the fourth 
 Friday in April of each year as "Children's Memorial Day."
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
 
 1. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners supports House Bill
 No. 4273 to declare the fourth Friday in April of each year as "Children's
  Memorial Day," and encourages its approval by the Michigan Senate.
 
2. That Friday, April 26, 2002 is hereby declared "Children's Memorial Day"
in Chippewa County, and that the appropriate flag shall be flown on that day
in memory of all children who have been lost.
 
3. That the Board of Commissioners encourages individuals, educational
institutions, and social, community, religious, labor and business organizations
to pause on Children's Memorial Day and reflect upon the precious resource
that our children constitute and the great loss we suffer when we lose our
children.
 
4. That a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to Senator Walter North, the
Michigan Association of Counties, area educational institutions, social,
community, religious, labor and business organizations for their respective
consideration.
 
 On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
OLD BUSINESS: None
 
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:
 
 Personnel Committee - Aaron Hopper - April 1, 2002
 
  Commissioner Hopper stated the Personnel Committee met on April 1, 2002. The 
following items required Board action.
 
 Barbara Fortin, AFSCME 1552 President, asked the Committee to extend voluntary 
recognition of the City/County Building Custodian as a member of the AFSCME 
Courthouse bargaining unit.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to 
recommend that the Board of Commissioners extend voluntary recognition of the 
City/County Building Custodian as a member of the AFSCME Courthouse bargaining 
unit. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Tim Dolehanty presented the Committee with a scheduling problem encountered 
when attempting to schedule a 20-hour workweek for all three shelter attendants.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to 
recommend allowing the County Controller to adjust the hours of animal shelter 
attendants to allow up to 25 hours per week, with additional hours to be offered first to 
the most senior animal shelter attendant, and that any adjustment fall within total hours 
budgeted for the animal control department. On a voice vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
 All other items were informational.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to 
accept the Personnel Committee minutes as presented. On a voice vote, the motion 
carried unanimously.
 
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 - Earl Kay - No meeting
 
Computer Committee - Don Cooper - March 18, 2002
 
 Commissioner Cooper gave a review of the Computer Committee meeting. No action 
items were necessary.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to 
accept the report as given. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
Finance, Claims and Accounts - Rita Dale - April 4, 2002
 
 Controller Dolehanty reported that draft audit reports would be distributed to the 
Commissioners at the Board meeting on April 8, 2002. It was acknowledged that the 
Board Chairman had appointed an audit committee in the past, and that he would likely 
do so at the Board meeting. Commissioners Rita Dale, Don Cooper and Earl Kay were 
appointed by the Chairman to the Audit Committee.
 
 Controller Dolehanty reviewed federal requirements to set aside 20% of the total 
annual payments received from the National Forest to offset costs associated with 
specific projects. The Federal Statute requires public notice of the projects to be 
published at least 45 days prior to the release of funds.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to 
recommend that the public notice be general enough to allow for maximum flexibility in 
project funding, as permitted by federal law. On a voice vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
 Commissioner Hopper received a request for up to $1,500 to support volunteers 
cleaning federal forest lands. The Committee noted this is an annual request and 
supported continued participation.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to 
recommend the County participate in the annual federal forest clean-up project at a cost 
not to exceed $1,5000. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Commissioner Hopper presented a proposal from American Images to create a 
promotional brochure for Chippewa County. He referred to a draft contract for this 
service, stating the brochure would be created at no cost to the County. Commissioner 
Kay stated the only cost to the County would come in the form of time spent to gather 
data to be included in the brochure.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to present 
the American Images proposal to the Board of Commissioners at the April 8 meeting for 
consideration and a decision. Discussion followed.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Kay, to table the 
American Images proposal until further study. On a voice vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
 Chairperson Dale presented a request from Northern Transitions, operator of the 
County's recycling program, to include a millage renewal request on the August 6, 2002 
ballot.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to 
recommend approval of Resolution No. 05-02 to submit to a vote of the electorate a 
special millage renewal for the County recycling program on the August 6, 2002 ballot 
with the term of the millage being four years. The resolution is as follows:
 
RESOLUTION SUBMITTED TO A VOTE OF THE ELECTORATE
A SPECIAL MILLAGE RENEWAL FOR RECYCLING PROGRAM
 
WHEREAS, Chippewa County voters approved a special millage of 0.05 mill to fund
 a recycling program in Chippewa County through 2001; and
 
WHEREAS, recycling services are of substantial benefit to the citizens of the County
 of Chippewa; and
 
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the County of Chippewa deems it necessary
 and expedient for the County of offer a recycling program to the citizenry; and
 
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the County of Chippewa has determined 
 that it is appropriate to submit a millage renewal proposition to the electors of the
 County at the primary election to be held on August 6, 2002.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following question be submitted to a
 vote of the electorate of Chippewa County at the primary election to be held on
  August 6, 2002.
 
RECYCLING PROGRAM
MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSITION
 
Shall the previous voted increase in the 15 mill limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 
6 of the Michigan Constitution on general ad volorem taxes within the County of 
Chippewa, Michigan be renewed as follows: 0.50 mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable 
value) for a period of four years, being 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005, inclusive, for the 
purpose of providing funds for the operation of the Chippewa County recycling program, 
and shall the County of Chippewa levy such renewal for said purposes thereby raising in 
the first year and estimated $366,000?
 
 Yes 
  
 No 
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this question is hereby certified to the County Clerk.
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk is hereby directed to cause the 
 proposition to be stated on the August 6, 2002 ballot and to be prepared and 
 distributed in the manner required by law.
 
 On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
At the Finance meeting, Controller Dolehanty presented proposals for copy machine 
services received in response to the County's request for quotations (RFQ). Proposals 
were received from Commercial Equipment Company, National Office Products, Sault 
Printing and Xerox. The RFQ sought proposals for the purchase of copy machines to 
replace those currently in use. A five-year maintenance agreement including, at a 
minimum, all labor, parts, drums and consumables was also a required component of the 
response.
 
 The Committee members noted that the price could be reduced if certain accessories 
were not included.
 
 Controller Dolehanty circulated a revised proposal from National Office Products at 
the April 8 meeting excluding some of the features as previously quoted. Discussion was 
held on revised bids for National Office Products and Sault Printing's original bid, the 
difference between bids and proper procedures for accepting and amending bids.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to accept 
the bid of Sault Printing in the amount of $6,607. On a voice vote, Commissioners 
Cooper, Dale, Hopper, Kay and McDowell vote yes. Commissioners Postula and LaJoie 
voted no. The motion carried.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to 
recommend entering into an agreement with ASI Systems, Inc. of Marysville, MI to 
expand the County's AS-400 at a cost not to exceed $4,300.00. On a voice vote, the 
motion carried unanimously.
 
 Sharon Kennedy, Equalization Director, advised the Committee that a mandatory 
education seminar on June 9 for Equalization staff would be held. She asked for 
authorization to close the office that week if it became necessary.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to 
recommend allowing the Equalization office to close during the week of June 9, 2002, if 
necessary. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 The 2002 Equalization Report was presented to the Board for their consideration.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to accept 
the report as presented and authorization be given for signatures to be affixed as required.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Controller Dolehanty presented a draft contract received from Sheriff Jeff Moran to 
the Committee for a mandated substance abuse education program directed at jail 
inmates. Under the agreement, Marquette General Hospital would provide services 
related to this mandatory program. If approved, the contract would cost the county 
$8,500.00.
 
 Committee members questioned which services would be provided under the contract 
and why these services could not be provided by Hiawatha Behavioral Health.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to ask 
Sheriff Moran to attend the April 8 Board meeting to further discuss the proposed 
substance abuse education contract. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Sheriff Moran addressed the Board. He explained that the programs that he has in the 
past had been volunteer programs and he would like to see State certified instructors 
come in that would not just scratch the surface but get into the heart of the problems so 
once released from the facility, the individual could continue follow up services. This 
program would qualify for future services State wide. 
 
 Sheriff Moran stated he did go to Hiawatha Behavioral Health and they do not have a 
State certified instructor and Marquette General did come in as low price.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to approve 
the contract from Marquette General as presented by Sheriff Moran. Monies to be taken 
from the Departments budget in the amount of $8,500.00. On a voice vote, the motion 
carried with Commissioner Cooper voting no.
 
 A proposed contract to deputize members of the Bay Mills Indian Community 
Department of Public Safety was presented to the Committee. Under the agreement, 
each Bay Mills officer would be deputized when working on ceded-treaty waters and the 
adjacent shoreline of Chippewa County, and when requested as backup to the Sheriff's 
Dept. or the 9-1-1 Dispatch Center.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to 
recommend approval of the contract to deputize members of the Bay Mills Indian 
Community Dept. of Public Safety. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to recommend 
the approval of general fund claims totaling $294,564.53, other fund claims of 
$177,482.87, payroll of $478,232.68 and health department claims of $327,617.34, 
vouchers 30860 through 30939 and D-1 through D-210.
 
 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 Committee Report as given. On a voice vote, the 
motion carried unanimously.
 
 Moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Kay, to schedule a 
Work Session for April 18, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. On a voice vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
 Chairman McDowell explained that three (3) E.D.C. Board member terms expired on 
March 31, 2002. Those being William Lynn, Patricia Benoit and Earl Kay. All three 
have expressed their interest to be re-appointed.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to re-
appoint William Lynn, Patricia Benoit and Earl Kay, as recommended by the County 
Board Chairman, Gary McDowell. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Having no further business, it was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by 
Commissioner Postula, to adjourn. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. 
The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
Diane S. Cork, County Clerk  Gary McDowell, Chairman