FINANCE, CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
August 8, 2002
A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners' Finance, Claims and Accounts
Committee was held on Thursday, August 8, 2002 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie,
Michigan. Chairperson Dale called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rita Dale, Chairperson, Aaron Hopper, Earl Kay (ex-officio, 5:05), Don Cooper,
Bernard LaJoie and Ted Postula (5:05)
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Dave Carpenter, Finance Director,
Elizabeth Church, Chief Public Defender, Lisa Wilcox, Prosecuting
Attorney Office Manager
Additions / Deletions to the Agenda
Chairperson Dale called for changes to the agenda. Hearing none, the agenda was declared approved as
amended.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Correspondence and Information Items
The monthly Treasurer's Report and the E 9-1-1 Technical Surcharge Financial Statements were
acknowledged.
Agenda Items: FY 2003 Budget Progress Report
Controller Tim Dolehanty informed the Board that he was prepared to issue the fiscal year 2003 budget
recommendations as scheduled, but in light of the Governor's revenue sharing veto and the potential impact
on County government, he concluded it would be more prudent to delay the budget presentation until after
August 13. Dolehanty explained that, after considerable thought, he did not want to unduly alarm County
Commissioners, employees, or the public by presenting a drastically reduced budget without knowledge of
the veto override decision. The Committee agreed to delay presentation of the recommended budget until
September.
Resolution of Support for Veto Override
Controller Dolehanty presented a draft resolution received from the Michigan Association of Counties in
support of an override of the Governor's revenue sharing veto.
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to recommend approval
of Resolution 02-20 to support the Gubernatorial veto override, resolving that the Chippewa Board of
Commissioners supports the Michigan Legislature override the Governor's veto.
Discussion ensued about the appropriateness of using the word "demand" in seeking the veto override.
On a voice vote, the motion FAILED, 2-2.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend approval
of Resolution 02-20 to support the Gubernatorial veto override, resolving that the Chippewa Board of
Commissioners supports and demands the Michigan Legislature override the Governor's veto and
immediately restore this critical funding. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
CDBG Housing Program
Controller Dolehanty presented a draft resolution authorizing submission of a community development block
grant community home improvement program grant application.
It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend approval
of Resolution 02-19 to authorize submission of a community development block grant community home
improvement program grant application. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Personnel Matters: Assistant Public Defender Salary
Chief Public Defender Elizabeth Church appeared before the Committee to ask that the salary of the Assistant
Public Defender be advanced to the one-year step on grade 12. Church cited the nine-years experience of the
current Assistant Public Defender support of her request.
The Committee discussed the department workload and recent employment history within the Public
Defender's office.
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to recommend that the
salary of the Assistant Public Defender be advanced to the one-year step on grade 12. On a voice vote,
the motion was CARRIED.
Court Administrator Salaries
The Committee reviewed correspondence from Hon. Nicholas J. Lambros and Hon. Michael M. MacDonald
seeking salary increases for their respective Court Administrators. The Judges consulted with the State Court
Administrator's Office regarding the salaries. As a result of that discussion, they recommended a salary of
$46,436.
Controller Dolehanty suggested a one-step adjustment could be justified by comparing the Court
Administrators' salaries with comparable counties in Michigan, and in recognition of other Court staff
positions assigned to the same pay grade.
Commissioner Cooper stated he could not justify the upward movement. If there is a discrepancy in pay
grade assignment among Court staff, he said it might be more appropriate to re-evaluate and perhaps lower
other pay grades rather than increase the Court Administrator pay grade.
It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend no
adjustment in the Court Administrators pay grade because the salaries are justifiable at the existing
rate. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Senior Dispatcher Wages
Noting the absence of Senior Dispatcher Michelle Robbins and the lack of any written correspondence, the
Committee elected to forego any discussion of wages paid to the senior dispatchers.
Budget Amendment Request: EDC
The Committee reviewed correspondence receive from EDC President Kathy Noel requesting an additional
allocation of $60,000 for fiscal year 2002 to permit the EDC to contract with the government affairs
consulting firm Alcade & Fay of Arlington, Virginia. Noel justified the request by noting the firm could
assist in securing funds to build a proposed air cargo and Federal inspection terminal at the Chippewa County
International Airport.
Commissioner Kay, speaking of behalf of the EDC, stated discussion of the proposal should be delayed until
after the revenue sharing matter is resolved. Commissioner Cooper suggested the matter should be decided
on its own merit independent of the revenue sharing issue. He also suggested considering a budget
amendment that covered the contract through the end of the fiscal year, not for a full year. The Committee
agreed to continue discussion of the proposal at the September meeting.
Annex Building Masonry Restoration and Brick Staining
Controller Dolehanty briefly reviewed a proposal from Northern Restoration and Waterproof Systems, Inc.
for masonry restoration and brick staining at the Courthouse Annex. The Committee noted the exterior
brickwork of the building has deteriorated and the color of many bricks is mismatched. If approved, the
project would consist of tuckpointing all defective mortar joints, replacement of deteriorated window sills and
chimney cap, recaulking of existing caulking joints, staining bricks to a single uniform color, and restoration
cleaning of the entire building. A liquid water repellent would then be applied to preserve the restoration
work. Funding for the project would come from monies reserved for maintenance of the Annex Building.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend approval
of the Courthouse Annex masonry restoration and brick staining proposal submitted by Northern
Restoration and Waterproof Systems, Inc. at a cost of $46,813, and that the County Controller confirm
the bid price. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Health Department Vehicle Purchase
Commissioner Kay, a member of the Board of Health, stated bids were received for purchase of three
vehicles for use at the Health Department. He reported two Dodge Neons and one Dakota Pickup were
recommended for purchase from the low bidder, Chippewa Motors. The Committee confirmed compliance
with the County purchasing policy.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to recommend purchase
of two Dodge Neons and one Dakota Pickup from the low bidder, Chippewa Motors, at a cost of
$39,737. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Contracts and Agreements: Software Purchase
The Committee reviewed a memorandum from Information Systems Director Mary Piralli regarding the
purchase of software for the County's Novell server. She asked that the normal bidding process be
suspended and that the County participate in the State of Michigan's Master License Agreement with Novell.
Ms. Piralli noted participation in the State Agreement would provide the County a substantial savings over
the next four years.
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to recommend suspension of the
normal bidding process for purchase of software for the County's Novell server, and
that the County participate in the State of Michigan Master License Agreement with Novell, as
recommended by the Information Systems Director. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
FY 2003 Title IV-D Cooperative Reimbursement Contract
Committee members reviewed the draft agreement between the Michigan Family Independence Agency and
Chippewa County for family support services provided by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Lengthy
discussion of the program and associated costs was held.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to bring the matter of
the fiscal year 2003 Title IV-D Cooperative Reimbursement Contract to the Board of Commissioners
meeting for further discussion with the Prosecuting Attorney. On a voice vote, the motion was
CARRIED.
S.A.N.E. Interlocal Agreement
The Committee discussed the draft S.A.N.E. Interlocal Agreement forwarded by Lieutenant Ken Mills of the
Michigan State Police. It was noted that no dollar amount was included in the draft agreement.
Commissioner Cooper predicted costs would continue to rise for all S.A.N.E. member communities as state
funds diminish. Commissioner Kay expressed concern that the agreement did not include a dollar amount
and suggested that this be clarified before the Board is asked to vote to accept or reject the document. The
Committee agreed to ask Sheriff Moran to attend the Monday Board meeting to discuss the Agreement and
provide clarification.
Pathways Substance Abuse PA 2 Liquor Tax Funds
The request of Pathways Substance Abuse Services to capture PA 2 liquor tax funds was acknowledged and
reviewed by the Committee.
It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend release of
the appropriate PA2 Liquor Tax Funds to Pathways Substance Abuse Services as requested. On a
voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Neopost Postage Meter
Controller Dolehanty presented a proposal from National Office Products and Printing, Inc. to lease a postage
meter. He explained that the County's current postal provider served notice they would be dropping the
County as a client. This action necessitates that the County re-activate its postage meter.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend the
County enter into a lease agreement with National Office Products and Printing, Inc. for a Neopost
IJ65 digital mail machine at a cost of $215 per month. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
GIS Training
The Committee reviewed a memorandum from Information Systems Director Mary Piralli regarding a
proposal from InfoGeographics, Inc. for training in map plotting. Ms. Piralli indicated this training was
especially important to E 9-1-1 and the Building Department.
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to recommend approval
of the InfoGeographics, Inc. proposal for GIS training at a cost of $2,160. On a voice vote, the motion
was CARRIED.
FIA Contract
Dr. James Terrian, Health Officer/Medical Director provided a draft contract for services provided by the
Health Department. The contract concerned immunization services for children in Chippewa County, at
maximum amount of $9,104 over the contract period.
It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to recommend approval
of the FIA Contract proposal for immunization services provided by the Health Department for a
maximum of $9,104. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Animal Shelter Project Progress Report
Commissioner Kay presented a proposal for a new animal shelter prepared by Northwoods Land Surveying,
Inc. Kay also reported the building that now houses the animal shelter may be sold. Committee members
expressed concern about the cost estimate for the building. It was agreed that the Building, Grounds and Jail
Committee would meet with Randy McGahey of McGahey Construction to review the site plan developed by
Northwoods Land Surveying. The meeting would take place on Wednesday, August 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Animal Shelter Attendant Position
Commissioner LaJoie reported the Personnel Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss appointment of a
part-time Animal Shelter Attendant. He asked this Committee to consider allowing the two current Animal
Shelter Attendants to work 30 hours per week rather than having three attendants work 20 hours per week as
originally planned. Chairperson Dale stated her preference to continue with the original plan.
Claims and Accounts
Finance Director Carpenter reviewed the monthly claims and accounts report.
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend the
approval of general fund claims totaling $346,023.40, other fund claims of $332,576.81, payroll of
$510,468.29 and health department claims of $344,039.15, vouchers 31481 through 31751 and H-1
through H-270. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Amendment to Hartford Deferred Compensation Plan
Controller Dolehanty reported that this request is similar to those approved during the previous fiscal year and
is required under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend approval
of Resolution 02-18 to adopt the amendment to the Hartford Life Insurance Co. Deferred
Compensation Plan. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Collective Bargaining Strategies
The draft tentative agreement between the AFSCME unit and Chippewa County was distributed for review by
the Committee. Controller Dolehanty reported the Union scheduled a ratification vote for Monday at 5:00,
making it possible for the Board to vote on the Agreement later that evening.
The Controller also reported on the possible split in the Sheriff's Department POLC unit as the Corrections
Officers and Deputies may divide into separate bargaining units. The Committee agreed they would not
oppose the split as long as it is the desire of all employees within the Union to divide in this way. The POLC
Business Agent also provided formal notification of the Union's desire to enter into contract negotiations.
Committee Comments
There were no additional comments from committee members.
Chairperson's Comments
Chairperson Dale had no additional comments.
Adjourn
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to adjourn the meeting.
On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED. The meeting was adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
__________________________________ __________________________________
Timothy J. Dolehanty, AICP, Recorder Rita Dale, Committee Chairperson