The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, March
10, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Chippewa County Courthouse.
 
 Present: Commissioners Ted Postula, Don Cooper, Rita Dale, Richard Timmer, Aaron 
Hopper, Jim Moore and Chairman Earl Kay.
 
 Also Present: Chris Lundquist, Dave Martin, Rosemary Blashill, Ann Goetz, Don and 
Chris McLean, Bernard LaJoie, Ann Trissell, Tom McBryde, Sheriff's Dept., Sharon Kennedy,
Equalization Director, Tim Dolehanty, Controller and Diane Cork, County Clerk
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to 
acknowledge the correspondence received in the Clerk's Office and if necessary, forward to the
appropriate committee.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to approve the
County Board minutes of February 18, 2003 with the following correction. In the report of the 
Legislative Committee meeting of February 13, 2003, Commissioner Cooper voted no re: Adopt 
personnel files policy. On a voice vote, the motion carried. 
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
 
Don McLean read the following statement:
 
In yesterday's Evening News, there was a press release provided by Hiawatha Behavioral Health. 
 
The article mentions that many mentally ill people do not receive appropriate care because of cost
issues.
 
This is very true as time and again, my daughter, Karen, was refused treatment unless HBH could 
get the Upper Peninsula Substance Abuse Program to pick up the bill.
 
This took place while HBH was building new grandiose office buildings and adding to their fleet 
of automobiles.
 
Nothing has changed: I continue to hear of parents who are getting the same type of run around 
today as HBH continues to build new buildings, expand its fleet of automobiles and at last months 
meeting approve the purchase of 36 new computers.
 
Nothing has changed as they continue to furnish and equip their offices and increase the number of
staff automobiles while seriously mentally ill clients and their families are put off.
 
People are going untreated; people are dying; but it continues because most people are still too 
embarrassed by mental illness to even mention it to their closest friends.
 
HBH continues their self-serving business-as-usual, hiding the facts behind patient confidentiality, 
while publicly patting themselves on the back.
 
I encourage you to check this out for yourselves; ask your family doctor for their impression of our 
mental health services for the mentally ill.
 
Ask your friends and neighbors; you won't have to go far to hear the other side of the story.
 
Several months ago when HBH showed up for your meeting they brought along a number of their 
clients who are classified as mentally handicapped or developmentally disabled.
 
These clients are served by highly structured programs involving a number of agencies including 
the public schools and the health department.
 
The truly mentally ill have only family members and HBH; but HBH is more interested in new 
buildings, new furniture, new cars and new computers.
 
I ask you, again this month, to pass a resolution asking the other counties to return our votes so 
work can begin to make the changes necessary to provide true service to the mentally ill members
of our county.
 
CONTROLLER'S REPORT - Tim Dolehanty
 
 Sharon Kennedy, Register of Deeds, addressed the Board to inform them of various 
recording fee increases in her office. Legislation passed these increases at the end of 2002 and 
provides two things. One, an increase in the recording fees in the Register of Deeds Office, and 
two, some of the increased fees to be allocated to an "automation fund" or technology fund.
 
 Commissioner Cooper questioned need to pass any resolution when it is the function of the
County Controller and Finance Director to establish any fund.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Moore, to adopt the 
following resolution:
03-06
 
   RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGISTER OF DEEDS
  FY 2003 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO INCREASE REVENUE
 
WHEREAS, Public Act 698 of 2002 increases various fees within the office of the Register of 
 Deeds for services such as recording, searching and producing copies of real estate 
 records; and
 
WHEREAS, based on the implementation date of March 31, 2003, the Register of Deeds wishes 
 to amend the FY 2003 revenue accounts to reflect the projected increases in revenue 
 in the account as follows:
 
 101.236.614.002 - Recording Fees $7,000
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners
 hereby amends the FY 2003 revenue budget as noted.
 
 On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Dale, to adopt the following resolution:
03-07
 
 RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH REGISTER OF DEEDS
  AUTOMATION FUND PURSUANT TO 2002 P.A. 698
 
 
WHEREAS, public Act 698 of 2002 takes effect on March 31, 2003, expanding the Revised 
 Judicature Act to require all counties in Michigan to create an "automation fund"; and
 
WHEREAS, the Act requires the Register of Deeds to deposit $5.00 for each recorded  
 instrument into an automation fund, in accordance with directives contained in Letter
 Number 2003-3 from the Local Audit and Finance Division of the State of Michigan
 Department of Treasury; and
 
WHEREAS, the County Treasurer is charged with the responsibility of investing the deposited
 funds and crediting the interest and earnings to the automation fund.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chippewa County Board of  
 Commissioners authorizes the County to establish the revenue activity fund number 256, 
 Register of Deeds Automation Fund, pursuant to 2002, P.A. 698.
 
 On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
Appointments: Board of Health - 3 year term to expire December 31, 2005 - 1 appointment
 
 Bernard LaJoie and Gary Thurston were nominated for this position at the February 18, 
2003 Board meeting. On a roll call vote, all Commissioners voted for Bernard LaJoie. Mr. LaJoie 
was appointed to the Chippewa County Board of Health.
 
 Hiawatha Behavorial Health Authority Board - 2 Commissioners
 
 Discussion was held on the appointments to HBH. Commissioner Cooper wanted to make 
sure that all aspects of the board appointments were being considered and carried out.
 
 Commissioner Postula nominated Jim Moore for this position. Commissioner Cooper 
nominated Rita Dale (she declined the nomination). Commissioner Dale nominated Richard 
Timmer and Earl Kay. Commissioner Timmer withdrew his name.
 
 On a roll call vote, Commissioners Dale, Hopper, Moore, Postula, Timmer voted for Jim 
Moore and Earl Kay. Commissioner Cooper abstained. Commissioners Jim Moore and Earl Kay 
were appointed the Hiawatha Behavioral Health Authority Board.
 Veteran's Affairs Board - 
 
 Mr. Dolehanty explained that a World War I veteran is to fill this seat but since there are so
few individuals left from WWI, Mr. Charles Porter was previously appointed to fill this position 
with the consent of the Veterans Affairs Board.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to reappoint
Mr. Charles Porter to the Veteran's Affairs Board with the term of office to expire on March 31, 
2007. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Dale, to adopt the 
following resolution:
03-03
 
 RESOLUTION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITION
  OF CAPTAIN ROBERT SAVOIE
 
WHEREAS, Captain Robert Savoie has worked for the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department 
 since 1983; and
 
WHEREAS, Captain Savoie has shown an exemplary work effort in various capacities with the 
 Sheriff's Department resulting in great benefit to the public agencies he serves; and
 
WHEREAS, the efforts of Captain Savoie have earned him the honor of being named Law
 Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2003 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3676.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
 
1. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners congratulates Captain Savoie
for being named Officer of the Year for 2003 by the VFW.
 
2. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners respectfully dedicates this
document to honor and thank Captain Savoie for his many years of public service
and particularly for his dedication to the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department.
 
03-04
 
 RESOLUTION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITION
  OF LAURA AIKENS
 
WHEREAS, Laura Aikens has worked for the Chippewa County Health Department since 1991; 
 and
 
WHEREAS, Laura Aikens has served as a Special Olympics Coach in Chippewa, Luce and
 Mackinac counties for 14 years and currently has approximately 80 athletes under her
 tutelage; and
 
WHEREAS, Laura Aikens contributes greatly to the Special Olympics program and impacts the 
 lives of all people she works with, whether they are athletes or fellow volunteers; and
 
WHEREAS, the efforts of Laura Aikens have earned her the honor of being named Special  
 Olympics Michigan Coach of the Year.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
 
1. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners congratulates Laura Aikens for
 being named Special Olympics Michigan Coach of the Year.
 
2. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners respectfully dedicates this
document to honor and thank Laura Aikens for her many years of public service
and particularly for her dedication to the Michigan Special Olympics.
 
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
  It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to adopt the following resolution:
 
03-05
 
 RESOLUTION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITION
 OF THE KINROSS CHARTER TOWNSHIP PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM
 
WHEREAS, not long ago, Kinross Charter Township was known for its contamination, a leftover
 from the decades of use by the U.S. Air Force as a working airbase; and
 
WHEREAS Kinross Charter Township has worked steadily and steadfastly to improve the water
 quality for its citizens and visitors; and
 
WHEREAS, the Township's water earned high ratings for taste and clarity after winning last
 Summer's American Water Works Association competition for the state's best-water; and
 
WHEREAS, a sample of Kinross Charter Township's water was rated fourth best in the nation
 and fifth best among international municipal water systems at the Berkeley Springs
 International Water Taste, held in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
 
1. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners congratulates Kinross Charter
Township for its efforts to bring quality drinking water to the community.
 
2. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners respectfully dedicates this 
Documents to honor Kinross Charter Township for earning such prestigious
recognition on a worldwide scale.
 
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to accept the 
gift of tile for the new animal shelter from the Chippewa County Humane Society and to have a 
meeting with a representative from the Humane Society, VanSloten Tile, contractor and a County 
Board member. Discussion was held.
 
 On a roll call vote, Commissioners Hopper, Moore, Postula and Timmer voted yes. 
Commissioners Kay and Dale voted no. The motion carried.
 
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:
 
 Personnel Committee - Rita Dale - March 6, 2003
 
 Friend of the Court, Richard Askwith and Office Manager Joy Anderson, appeared before
the committee to follow-up on their proposal to end the co-op student position and replace it with a
regular part-time employee.
 
 The Committee reviewed the fiscal impact of the proposed change. Mr. Askwith noted 
most of the cost associated with the change would be offset with funds from the State cooperative 
reimbursement program.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to forward the 
proposed change to the Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee with a recommendation of 
approval from the Personnel Committee. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Sheriff Moran asked the Committee to consider approval of his recommendation to hire 
Bonnie Lalka as a full time corrections officer. Ms. Lalka would replace Daniel Buhro who 
resigned in February.
 
 On a voice vote, Commissioners Postula, Dale, Timmer, Hopper and Moore voted yes.
Commissioner Cooper voted no. The motion carried.
 
 The Committee reviewed a request from Chief Public Defender Elizabeth Church to retain 
attorney Jennifer Miller as a permanent part-time attorney to defend state prison inmates.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Postula, to table 
consideration of the request to retain Ms. Miller as a part-time employee. On a voice vote, the 
motion carried unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to accept the 
Personnel Committee report as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Equalization and Apportionment - Jim Moore - No meeting
 
 Health and Social Services - Ted Postula - No meeting
 
 Building, Grounds and Jail - Earl Kay - No meeting
 
 Transportation - Ted Postula - No meeting
 
 Legislative and Natural Resources - Richard Timmer - No meeting
 
 Computer Committee - Don Cooper - No meeting
 
 Finance, Claims and Accounts - Rita Dale - March 6, 2003
 
 Friend of the Court Richard Askwith and Office Manager Joy Anderson appeared before 
the committee to follow-up on their proposal to end the co-op student position and replace it with a 
regular part-time employee.  
 
 The Committee reviewed the fiscal impact of the proposed change. Mr. Askwith calculated 
the additional cost to the County to be approximately $225 annually.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to recommend 
appoval of the request to establish a permanent part-time clerk typist in the Friend of the Court 
office. On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Cooper voting no.
 
 A memorandum from Sheriff Jeff Moran regarding the substance abuse education contract 
was reviewed. It was noted that the proposed agreement would cost $5,280, an increase of $5.00 
per hour over the 2002 rate.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to recommend 
approval of the substance abuse education contract with Upper Michigan Behavioral Health 
Service at a cost not to exceed $5,280.00. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 County Controller Tim Dolehanty presented a proposed contract to renew a liability 
insurance premium with the Michigan Municipal Authority. In addition to the renewal cost, he 
explained that insurance underwriters suggested adding to the member loss fund deposit. Mr. 
Dolehanty explained these funds are used to offset the cost of claims against the County up to 
$75,000, and that the suggested amount is based on the County's past experience. Mr. Dolehanty 
recommended utilizing a recent credit from the insurance agency to increase the member loss fund,
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend 
renewal of the liability insurance policy with the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority 
as presented at a cost of $129,136, and to apply the $9,625 credit to the member loss fund. On a 
voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 The Committee reviewed a letter from Meridian Consultants concerning the required 
professional liability insurance coverage necessary for their contract for services on the 
remonumentation program. 
 
 Controller Dolehanty stated the coverage required is consistent with that required for all 
service contracts with the County. He also stated the County surveyor, as the official designate to 
oversee the project, has recommended this coverage be required of all contractors working on the 
remonumentation project.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to recommend 
approval of the professional services agreement with Meridian Consultants for work on the 
remonumentation program, and that the professional liability insurance requirement not be waived. 
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Controller Dolehanty presented a draft amendment to the administrative services contract 
between the County and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan. He stated the County was asked 
to approve this amendment I order to document consistency with requirements of the Health 
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Without the amendment, Blue 
Cross would not be permitted to provide information needed by the County in order to properly 
invoice participants in the health insurance pool.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Moore, to recommend 
approval of the amendment to the administrative services contract between the County and Blue 
Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
 OES/E9-1-1 Director Tim McKee appeared before the committee to seek authorization to 
apply for federal funds under the Supplemental Appropriations Act for Further Recovery From and 
Response to Terrorist Attacks. He stated Chippewa County is eligible to receive $17,318.15 to be 
used for the purpose of updating Emergency Operations Plans.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend 
authorizing OES/9-1-1 Director Tim McKee to apply for federal funds as presented.
 
 Mr. McKee asked the committee to authorize purchase of the CORE Technology software 
to access the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN). He stated this change would allow 
more convenient access to LEIN information for many users including the City of Sault Ste. Marie, 
Bay Mills Tribe, and the County Sheriff's Department. Mr. McKee also mentioned the migration 
of State users to this software and would ultimately result in a cost savings to the County.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to recommend 
authorizing the purchase of the CORE Technology software at a cost not the exceed $12,000. On a 
voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Commissioner Hopper, a member of the Board of Health, explained why the Board 
recommended doubling most environmental health fees. He referred to a fee schedule provided to 
the entire Committee as he discussed anticipated revenue enhancements.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to recommend 
approval of the environmental health fees as proposed, and that the fee schedule be reviewed 
annually. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Controller Dolehanty presented a letter from the Joint Building Authority (JBA) requesting 
release of their fund balance of $29,908. The JBA stated the funds would be used to replace the 
front doors of the City-County Building, making the entrance compliant with the American 
Disabilities Act.
 
 Controller Dolehanty informed the Committee that the JBA did not include a quote for the
work with their request to use the funds. He added that the amount quoted by the JBA as the fund 
balance was in error. According to the most recent audit, Mr. Dolehanty reported the fund balance 
was actually $202,264. The Controller advised the Committee that the current fund balance was 
amassed in violation of the JBA Article of Incorporation. He stated the fund balance of the JBA is
supposed to be capped at $50,000; with the excess balance being applied as a credit to the 
following years rental payments due from the City and the County.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend 
asking the JBA to refund the prorated portion of the fund balance amount less the receivable 
amount due to the JBA for rent, and that no funds be allocated for replacement of the doors until 
proper quotes are received. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Finance Director Carpenter David Carpenter presented budget amendments for 
consideration by the Committee. He recommended adding a revenue amount of $20,000 in 
anticipation of plat book sales, and to allocate an additional $15,00 in expenses to the 
remonumentation cost center (No. 245) and $15,000 to the miscellaneous cost center (No. 884) to 
offset the cost of the Alcalde and Fay contract.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend 
the approval of the budget amendments as proposed by the Finance Director. On a voice vote, the 
motion carried unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend 
approval of general fund claims totaling $328,746.86, other fund claims of $109,777.65, payroll of 
$500,201.43 and health department claims of $352,595.97, vouchers 32939 through 33060 and C-1 
through C-165. O a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Controller Dolehanty referred to a letter from the Michigan Municipal Risk Management 
Authority concerning an open seat reserved for an elected or appointed county official. He stated 
he was interested in serving on that board if such service met with the approval of the Board of 
Commissioners. Mr. Dolehanty explained that, if selected to complete the term of office, any 
expenses incurred would be borne by the Authority and not by Chippewa County.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Moore, to recommend 
approval of the County Controller's candidacy to serve on the Michigan Municipal Risk 
Management Authority Board of Directors. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to accept the 
Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee report as given. On a voice vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
 
 Chairman Kay proceeded to appoint members to the Audit Committee. The members 
include Rita Dale, Chairman, Don Cooper and Richard Timmer. The first meeting will be held on
Monday, March 17, 2003 at 5:00 p.m. in the Controller's Office.
 
 Steve Christianson from the U.S. Forest Service stated that on May 13, 2002 the Chippewa 
County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution asking the Forest Service to take action on 
allegations made concerning the Raco Missile Site and to complete a detailed accounting on what
they knew to be true in terms of records and to identify steps that would deal with this situation.
 
 Mr. Christianson introduced Rick Kelp from the U.S. Forest Service who presented a 
detailed report of findings prepared by an independent firm to Chairman Kay. Mr. Kelp 
summarized the report noting that 6 previous investigations/studies have taken place, 127 water 
samples taken and 514 soil samples tested.
 
 Wandel Carlton with the Corps of Engineers out of Louisville. Mr. Carlton stated the Corp 
of Engineers wants to meet the intent and the requirements of the laws of the State of Michigan 
and the Federal Government and will follow the recommendations of the independent firm 
investigation and will install 3 new wells in addition to the 15 wells that are currently on site to test
down gradient of the underground tanks that were removed and also in the area of the waste water 
lagoon. Even though there is no evidence of illegal dumping, they plan soil borings in the areas 
that Mr. Traynor indicated that were was some concern. The Corps will do 3 to 5 soil borings in 
these areas all the way down to the ground water level, test the ground water and also take samples
of the soil. Mr. Carlton thought this would meet the intent of the report. They will continue to do 
whatever is required to close out the site environmentally with the State of Michigan and meet the 
Federal Laws.