LEGISLATIVE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
				    MEETING MINUTES

				   FEBRUARY 25, 2002


A special meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners' Legislative and Natural Resources 
Committee was held on Monday, February 25, 2002 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, 
Michigan.  Chairman Kay called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Earl Kay, Chairman, Rita Dale, Aaron Hopper and Gary McDowell (ex-
		 officio)

MEMBERS ABSENT:	None

OTHERS PRESENT:	Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Dennis Pape, Ann Goetz, Marian 
                Jenkins, Don Munger, Roger Blanchard, Mary E. Cryderman, Scott Brand, Larry Goetz, Patrick Schuh,
                Michelle Selzer, Dennis Dubey, Pamela Skowlund, Diane Meyer, Clyde Thompson and Rich Kell

Additions / Deletions to the Agenda
Chairman Kay called for changes to the agenda.  Hearing no other proposed changes, the agenda was 
declared approved as presented.

Public Comments
Chairman Kay invited public comments not related to the agenda item.  There were none.

Agenda Item:  Discussion of Raco Missile Site
Chairman Kay introduced the Committee members.  He noted the meeting was called for the purpose of 
gathering information and public comment.  The results of the meeting would be forwarded to the County 
Board of Commissioners for appropriate action.  Chairman Kay then opened the floor to public comment.

Ann Goetz introduced herself as president of Try-Copc.  She in turn introduced Mr. Dennis Pape.

Dennis Pape was recognized by Chairman Kay.  Mr. Pape presented the Committee with several documents 
related to the Raco missile site.  He reported that several townships passed resolutions seeking an 
investigation of what was disposed of at the site.  Mr. Pape alleged mass quantities of contaminates were 
illegal dumped at the site.  He provided a host of statistics to support his position.

Dennis Dubey introduced himself as a member of Sportsmen United of Michigan.  He told the Committee of 
difficulties he experienced in gathering information about the Raco site from federal agencies.  Mr. Dubey 
charged that state and federal efforts to enforce applicable environmental protection laws at Raco have been 
ineffective.  He concluded by asking the Committee to do whatever it could to assist efforts to have the site 
cleaned of any contamination.

The Chairman then recognized Diane Meyer who introduced herself as a member of the Eastern Upper 
Peninsula Solid Waste Management Planning Committee and the Sierra Club.  She stated that many questions
were raised earlier that needs further investigation.  She also referenced the Rudyard landfill situation and the
need to clean that site as well.

Clyde Thompson of the Hiawatha National Forest then asked to speak.  With regard to earlier accusations, 
Mr. Thompson stated there would be no benefit to his agency in participating in any cover-up.  He added the 
Forest Service has a shared interest with the community to see that any contaminants found at the site are 
removed.  Mt. Thompson endorsed the idea of assessing the facts and seeking the guidance of professionals 
before any clean-up action is taken.

Rich Kell, and engineer with the Forest Service, reviewed the history of potential contamination at the Raco 
site and subsequent clean-up activity that has taken place over the years.  He noted that the Department of 
Environmental Quality (DEQ) is satisfied with test results on soils taken from the site.  Mr. Kell added that 
the DEQ did approve of construction waste disposal at the Raco site.  Mr. Kell also confirmed that engineers 
from Minneapolis, who work independent of the Corps of Engineers and DEQ, would be called upon to assist 
in a contamination assessment.

Commissioner Dale asked Mr. Kell if the results of the independent contamination assessment would be made 
public.  Mr. Kell said the results would probably be made public, depending on the litigation potential.

Chairman Kay invited Dennis Pape to make a closing statement.  Mr. Pape stated his wish for retribution to 
Chippewa County, adding that the County should not have to pay for any clean-up activities.

Commissioner McDowell commended the members of Try-Copc for their years of effort in support of the
environment.  He stated his confidence in the combined effort of all government agencies would result in 
resolution of the Raco contamination issue.

Chairman Kay extended the thanks of the Committee to all in attendance.

Committee Comments
There were no additional comments from Committee members.

Chairman's Comments
The Chairman had no additional comments.

Adjourn
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Dale, to adjourn the meeting.  On 
a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED. Chairman Kay declared the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.








__________________________________	__________________________________
Timothy J. Dolehanty, AICP, Recorder	Earl Kay, Committee Chairman