LEGISLATIVE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
				     MEETING MINUTES

                                     August 1, 2002


A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners' Legislative and Natural Resources
Committee was held on Thursday, August 1, 2002 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, 
Michigan.  Chairman Kay called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Earl Kay, Chairman, Rita Dale and Aaron Hopper

MEMBERS ABSENT:	 None

OTHERS PRESENT:	 Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Kieran Fleming, Little Traverse Conservancy, 
                 Wayne Trepanier, Dafter Township Supervisor


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:  Proposed Land Acquisition Grant - Whitefish Township
Commissioner Hopper reviewed a land acquisition proposal under consideration in Whitefish Township in 
which funds from the Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) would be used to purchase land south of the
Shipwreck Museum near Whitefish Point.  He reported that the Township Board recently approved
application of the grant, but their continued support was not certain.

Kieran Fleming, a stewardship specialist with the Little Traverse Conservancy, discussed the NRTF grant 
process.  If approved, NTRF grant funds could be used to offset up to 75% of the fair market value of the 
property.  The sponsoring community would be responsible for the balance of the purchase price.  Fleming
said the Shipwreck Society and the nearby Bird Observatory both support placing the subject land into public 
ownership.

Mr. Fleming described the parcel under consideration as consisting of thirteen acres with 1000 feet of 
shoreline.  If the County were to apply for the grant, a public hearing would be required along with a 
determination of consistency with the County recreation plan.  Controller Dolehanty noted that the County 
has not approved a recreation plan.  Because this is a required element of the grant, a recreation plan would
have to be created.

Commissioner Hopper reviewed actions of the Township concerning the grant application.  The Committee 
discussed the appropriateness of the County's involvement at this time.  Chairman Kay suggested it might be 
appropriate for the County and Township to hold a joint meeting to discuss the grant application.  
Mr. Fleming concurred with the Chairman's suggestion.  He acknowledged there was no role in the process
for the Conservancy without invitation from the Township and/or County.


Bay Mills Indian Community Proposed Trust Acquisition of Land
Wayne Trepanier, Dafter Township Supervisor, appeared before the Committee to discuss a recent Trust 
Acquisition proposal from the Bay Mills Indian Community.  Bay Mills proposed granting trust status to 109 
acres located near the I-75/M-28 interchange.  Mr. Trepanier reported that the Township Board opposes the 
acquisition and asked for County financial assistance in fighting the application.

Chairman Kay asked Mr. Trepanier why the Township was against the acquisition.  Mr. Trepanier stated the 
proposed use, tribal housing and commercial activity, would create additional demand for fire and ambulance 
service.  When asked about current zoning of the parcel, Mr. Trepanier confirmed the development proposal 
was consistent with the Township zoning ordinance.

Chairman Kay suggested that the Township meet with representatives from Bay Mills to discuss their
concerns. The Chairman also offered to facilitate the meeting if both parties agreed.  Commissioner Dale and 
Commissioner Hopper agreed with the suggestion of the Chairman.


Animal Control Matters:  Dog License Fees
Controller Dolehanty told the Committee about a local veterinary office that charged the wrong fee for dog 
licenses.  Fees were increased in March, but the amount collected from clients remained the same.  Dolehanty 
asked for guidance from the Committee as to how the matter should be handled.

The Committee agreed this was an honest mistake and advised the Controller to write off the loss.  A follow-
up letter was to be sent to all veterinarians advising of the proper charges for dog licenses.


Incident Fee Adjustment 
Controller Dolehanty reported on an incident where Animal Control Officers confiscated several dogs from a 
citizen who was housing the animals on behalf of a local animal welfare group.  Funding from the 
organization ceased about a year ago, leaving the citizen to care for the animals alone.  Animal Control 
officers recommended imposing a reduced confiscation fee because the predicament was not wholly the result
of action by the citizen.  Although the Board authorized the Controller to waive fees in certain situations, this 
case was brought to the Committee because it involved so many animals. 

Chairman Kay stated the citizen should not have fees waived in full, but should pay at least $5.00 per animal 
plus mileage.  He further asked that Animal Control Officers confirm the citizen's possession of a kennel
license and implementation of a spay/neuter program.

It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Dale, to waive the normal 
confiscation fees for this case and to instead charge $5.00 per confiscated animal plus mileage.  On a 
voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.


Consideration of Draft Policy:  Search and Rescue Activation
The Committee reviewed the draft Search and Rescue Activation Policy proposed by the OES/E 9-1-1 
Director for use by central dispatch.  The Committee noted several other policies listed as approved in the 
master index. The Committee asked that the policies be compiled for review by the Board of Commissioners.

It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Dale, to approve the draft Search
and Rescue Activation Policy as presented.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.


Soil Erosion Control Incident Report
Controller Dolehanty reported on a complaint from Roger John Godin regarding unpermitted earth change 
activity near his property.  


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 3:40 p.m.





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