LEGISLATIVE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
April 30, 2002
A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners' Legislative and Natural Resources
Committee was held on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie,
Michigan. Chairman Kay called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Earl Kay, Chairman, Rita Dale (4:05), and Aaron Hopper
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Bernard LaJoie, Irene Lawless, Doug
Pemberton, Brian Peppler, Tom McBryde, Dan Kinnear
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: ORV Ordinance
Chairman Kay reviewed the status of the ORV Ordinance, noting the Board made a commitment to
review the Ordinance after one year.
Controller Dolehanty proposed changes to the Ordinance as requested by Townships. In Dafter
Township, ORVs would be prohibited from traveling on Six Mile Road from M-129 west to Deland
Road. Soo Township asked that roads on Neebish Island be open to ORV traffic, but prohibit ORV
traffic on the remainder of roads within the Township. Roads on Sugar Island would also be open to
ORVs.
Chairman Kay reviewed the remainder of the Ordinance with those in attendance. No other changes were
recommended, except to eliminate the sunset clause on the last page. It was agreed that the Controller
would provide automated copies of the Ordinance for reproduction by ORV enthusiasts.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Dale, to recommend approval
of the ORV Ordinance as revised. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Committee members discussed use of Forest Service roads with those in attendance. It was understood
by all that the County Ordinance affected only County roads and not Forest Service roads.
Consideration of Draft Policies
Inclement Weather
Controller Dolehanty introduced a draft policy to address changes in hours of operation because of
inclement weather. The draft policy detailed a process wherein the Chairman of the Board of
Commissioners would decide if hours of operation would be changed, followed by notification of
Department Heads and the general public. The policy also addressed how such a change in hours would
affect wages.
Commissioner Dale stated the Courthouse should not have to close that often. Chairman Kay noted that
he and his employees reported to work as usual on the day the Courthouse was closed last March. Kay
also recognized the autonomy of the Courts, stating the judges could independently decide to close their
courts.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper to recommend approval of the draft Inclement Weather
Policy. The motion DIED for lack of support.
Media Contact
Controller Dolehanty introduced a draft policy to address media contact. He reported this policy was
suggested at a meeting of department heads and sets forth rules for official media contact.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Dale, to recommend approval
of the draft Media Contact Policy. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.
Non Emergency Vehicle Maintenance
Controller Dolehanty introduced a draft policy to address maintenance of non-emergency vehicles. The
draft was developed following a request from an animal control officer for a formal written procedure for
vehicle maintenance.
Committee members reviewed the draft policy and concurred with the intent. However, noting the policy
would impact only the animal control operations, it was decided that the matter would be better handled
as a department rule rather than as a County policy.
Use of Computing and Information Resources; Web Links
Committee members agreed to have the proposed policies related to operation of County computers
distributed to all County Commissioners at the Finance Committee meeting. The policies would be
referred to the Computer Committee for recommendation.
Chairman Kay asked that the Controller assure that all computer purchases are made in compliance with
the purchasing policy, and that all hardware is included in the inventory of fixed assets.
Discussion of Animal Shelter Recommendation
The animal shelter recommendation of the Animal Control Ad Hoc Advisory Committee was discussed.
Commissioner Dale and Commissioner Hopper reviewed the facility options considered by the
Committee. Chairman Kay suggested development of estimates comparing the cost of constructing a new
shelter to the cost of renovating an existing building into an animal shelter. The Chairman also asked that
a tour of the proposed building be arranged.
Committee Comments
There were no additional comments from Committee members.
Chairman's Comments
The Chairman had no additional comments.
Adjourn
Chairman Kay declared the meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
__________________________________ __________________________________
Timothy J. Dolehanty, AICP, Recorder Earl Kay, Committee Chairman
CHIPPEWA COUNTY OFF ROAD VEHICLE ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE NO. 01-1
An Ordinance of the County of Chippewa pursuant to Public Act 319, of 1975, Section 31, as amended,
for the regulation, and establishing access routes for the operation of off-road recreational vehicles and to
provide penalties for non compliance.
History: 2001, Ordinance No. 01-1, Eff. August 19, 2001.
The County of Chippewa Hereby Ordains:
3.31 Definitions
Sec. 1. As used in this Ordinance, the following definitions shall apply:
1. "Public Highway" or "Public Roadway" means that portion of a county road that is improved,
maintained and used by the public for vehicular travel, including any improved shoulders.
2. "Operate" means to ride in or on, and be in actual control of the operation of an off-road vehicle.
3. "ORV" or "Off-Road Vehicle" means a motor driven off-road recreational vehicle capable of
cross-country travel without benefit of a road or trail, on an immediately over land, snow, ice,
marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain. It includes, but is not limited to a multi-track or
multi-wheel drive or low-pressure tire vehicle, an amphibious machine, a ground effect air
cushion vehicle, or other means of transportation driven by power from a source other than
muscle or wind. "ORV" or vehicle does not include a snowmobile, a farm vehicle being used for
farming, a vehicle used for military, fire, emergency, or law enforcement purposes, a construction
or logging vehicle used in performance of its common function. This includes, but is not limited
to, ORVs commonly known as 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers.
4. "Access" means to a place where ORVs can be lawfully operated.
History: 2001, Ordinance No. 01-1, Eff. August 19, 2001.
3.32 Operation of ORVs on roads and highways; exempted areas
Sec. 2. ORVs, other than ORVs that are also licensed as to be lawfully driven on the roads and highways
of this county such as pick-up trucks, shall be operated for access as follows:
1. within the outer five feet, at the right side, of all "Seasonal Roads," as established by the Chippewa County Road Commission, within Chippewa County.
2. within the outer five feet, at the right side, of all "Non-Seasonal" roads, as established by the
Chippewa County Road Commission, within Chippewa County, except the following:
a. all roads within the boundaries of Dafter Township SIX MILE ROAD FOR ITS ENTIRE
LENGTH FROM M-129 WEST TO DELAND ROAD.
b. all roads within the boundaries of Soo Township, EXCLUSIVE OF ROADS LOCATED
ON NEEBISH ISLAND.
c. all roads within the boundaries of Sugar Island Township.
d. Whitefish Point Road for its entire length within the boundaries of Whitefish Township.
e. Superior Drive for its entire length within the boundaries of Whitefish Township.
History: 2001, Ordinance No. 01-1, Eff. August 19, 2001.
3.33 Minimum age; speed limit; yield to pedestrians; operation in county parks; operation in closed
areas; operation after sunset; compliance with State statutes
Sec. 3. While operating an ORV on Chippewa County public highways or public roadways, as allowed
above, the operator must:
1. be 16 years of age or older
2. drive in a single file manner.
3. not exceed a speed of 15 miles per hour.
4. yield to all pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic.
5. not operate within county owned parks.
6. not operate in any area closed by governmental authority.
7. not operate one hour after sunset and not until one hour prior to sunrise.
8. comply with State of Michigan ORV Act.
History: 2001, Ordinance No. 01-1, Eff. August 19, 2001.
3.34 Violations
Sec. 4. Any person who violates this ordinance is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of no
more than $500.00 or imprisonment for 90 days, or both, and the full restitution of any damages caused or
experienced as a result thereof.
History: 2001, Ordinance No. 01-1, Eff. August 19, 2001.
3.35 Rescinding of ORV operation on public highways or public roadways
Sec. 5. The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners or the Chippewa County Road Commissioners
may rescind ORV operation on the public highways or public roadways or portions thereof, set out in
Section 2 of this ordinance, with appropriate notices being given to the other, to the public and posting
signs on the closed portion.
History: 2001, Ordinance No. 01-1, Eff. August 19, 2001.
3.36 Effective date
Sec. 6. This Ordinance, which shall become effective 30 days after its publication in The Evening News
and the Community Voice and any other newspapers of general circulation within Chippewa County, and
shall be in effect for six months thereafter.
History: 2001, Ordinance No. 01-1, Eff. August 19, 2001.
DRAFT MEDIA CONTACT POLICY
April 30, 2002
Proposed Policy Number: 412
A. General. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines to employees who provide
information to the media and to facilitate the accurate and clear dissemination of information to
the media.
B. Media Inquiries. The County Controller shall be the official spokesperson for matters related to
general County business. Inquiries regarding department activities shall be directed to the
appropriate Department Head. Department Heads may authorize department personnel to
respond to media inquiries concerning specific department activities. Referrals to the Controller
or Department Head shall be made without additional comment.
C. Press Releases. Department Heads may issue press releases to disseminate, communicate or
publicize information related to department activities. The Controller shall be responsible for
press releases related to general County business.
D. Enforcement. Department Heads are charged with enforcement of this policy within their
respective departments, and may issue discipline for infraction(s) of the policy following
consultation with the Controller.