FINANCE, CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
September 5, 2002
A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners' Finance, Claims and Accounts
Committee was held on Thursday, September 5, 2002 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste.
Marie, Michigan. Acting Chairman Hopper called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Aaron Hopper, Earl Kay, Don Cooper, Ted Postula (5:09) and Gary McDowell (5:11)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Rita Dale, Bernard LaJoie
OTHERS PRESENT: Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Dave Carpenter, Finance Director, Tim McKee,
OES/E 9-1-1 Director
Additions / Deletions to the Agenda
Acting Chairman Hopper called for changes to the agenda. Hearing none, the agenda was declared approved
as presented.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Correspondence and Information Items
The monthly Treasurer's Report was acknowledged.
Agenda Items: Animal Shelter Project Progress Report
Commissioner Kay reviewed discussions held by the Building and Grounds Committee concerning the animal
shelter project. He noted there may be zoning issues to address, but the Mackinac Trail site was determined
to be the best suited for the new facility. Commissioner Kay asked the Finance, Claims and Accounts
Committee to support approving $250,000 for construction of the facility.
Acting Chairman Hopper suggested the County should review the project with Soo Township.
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend allocation of
$260,000 for the animal shelter project, and that the project be allowed to immediately move forward.
Acting Chairman Hopper asked about the status of a temporary shelter. Commissioner Kay stated the owner
of the present shelter building would like the County to move out as soon as possible, but the new owner may
be willing to allow the shelter to continue using the building until the new shelter can be occupied. The
Committee agreed that it would be best not to move the shelter location more than once.
On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Legal Services Budget
Acting Chairman Hopper discussed a proposed budget amendment for legal services. Consideration of the
amendment was necessary because negotiations with the AFSCME bargaining units went longer than
expected. Commissioner Kay stated concerns about charges for times the attorney spent in transit and
suggested the County reassess how the attorney is utilized in contract negotiations.
It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner McDowell, to recommend
approval of a budget amendment to increase the legal services budget by $10,000. On a voice vote, the
motion was CARRIED, 3-2.
Budget Amendment Request: EDC
The Committee reviewed the EDC proposal received in August requesting an additional allocation of $60,000
to enter into a contract with the government affairs consulting firm Alcade & Fay of Arlington, Virginia.
Commissioner Kay stated the firm could assist in securing funds to build a proposed air cargo and Federal
inspection terminal at the Chippewa County International Airport, among other County projects.
Commissioner Cooper suggested considering a budget amendment that covered the contract through the end
of the fiscal year, not for a full year. The effectiveness of the consulting firm could be considered at the end
of the year and a decision made about renewing the contract for the entire fiscal year.
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend approval of a
contract with Alcade & Fay at $5,000 per month through the end of fiscal year 2002, and to readdress
continuation of the contract before 2003. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED, 4-1.
State Domestic Preparedness Grant
OES/E 9-1-1 Director Tim McKee reviewed a notice from the Department of State Police concerning a
domestic preparedness grant available to Chippewa County. Under the program, the County is eligible to
receive $55,409 for first responder equipment. McKee proposed using the funds to establish an 800-
megahertz radio communications system.
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner McDowell, to recommend acceptance
of the grant from the Department of State Police, but not authorize implementation at this time. On a
voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Information Systems Function
Controller Dolehanty presented a proposal to hire a consultant to assist with managing the County's computer
network in light of the resignation of the Information Systems Director. Commissioner Cooper stated his
disapproval with the handling of the situation involving the Information Systems Director. He added that he
did not agree with the Controller's proposal.
Commissioner Kay stated a preference to continue status quo for now and periodically re-evaluate the
situation. He noted the availability of staff assigned to the Health Department to provide assistance if
necessary. Acting Chairman Hopper confirmed with OES/E 9-1-1 Director McKee that all E 9-1-1
equipment was functioning normally and no problems were anticipated.
Probate Court Temporary Part-time Employee Request
The Committee reviewed a memorandum from Court Administrator Susan Short requesting approval to hire a
temporary, part-time probation officer. The position became necessary when it became known that the full-
time probation officer would need to take an extended leave.
It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend authorization
of a temporary, part-time probation officer while the full-time officer is on leave. On a voice vote, the
motion was CARRIED.
Fiscal Year 2003 Budget
Controller Dolehanty presented a recommended budget for fiscal year 2003, along with a summary of
recommended expenditure reductions for the coming year. After discussion, the Committee agreed to set a
budget workshop meeting schedule at the regular Board meeting to be held on September 9.
Claims and Accounts
Finance Director Carpenter reviewed the monthly claims and accounts report.
It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner McDowell, to recommend the
approval of general fund claims totaling $60,893.50, other fund claims of $41,083.90, payroll of
$483,592.19 and health department claims of $303,846.73, vouchers 31752 through 31912 and I-1
through I-79, and Superior Township Water Project claims of $12,904.70.
The Superior Township Water System project bills were discussed. It was determined that the current
invoices did not involve Underground Specialists.
On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Committee Comments
There were no additional comments from committee members.
Chairperson's Comments
Acting Chairman Hopper had no additional comments.
Adjourn
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to adjourn the meeting.
On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED. The meeting was adjourned at 6:14 p.m.
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Timothy J. Dolehanty, AICP, Recorder Acting Chairman Aaron Hopper