The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday,
April 14, 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: Tim Dolehanty, Controller, Jeff Moran, Sheriff, Sharon Kennedy,
Equalization/Register of Deeds, Stephanie Baldwin, Jim Molitor, Don and Chris McLean,
Brian Peppler, Prosecutor, Mary Piralli and Diane Cork, County Clerk
It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to
acknowledge the correspondence receive in the Clerk's Office and if necessary, forward to
the proper committee. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to
approve the County Board minutes of March 10, 2003 as prepared by the Clerk. On a
voice vote the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chris McLean read the following statement:
We are here again tonight as we have been for the last two years to remind you of the
ongoing problems within HBH.
At last month's regular HBH meeting we listened as the Board approved the purchase of a
new Ford Expedition at a cost of $27,737 for their Chief Executive Officer's own personal
use.
We also learned that over the last three years HBH has accumulated over $90,000 in a Risk
Management Fund. No other community mental health agency in the Upper Peninsula
came even close to that amount, some agencies accumulated nothing.
As the meeting progressed we heard from the members of two other families expressing
complaints regarding HBH's lack of appropriate services that resulted in the death to their
family member. The HBH Board Chairman simply referred both families to the process
for filing a complaint.
These other families, one from Manistique and the other from St. Ignace, were being
offered the same procedure that we followed, with no success, while our Karen was still
alive. In other words, these families were being put off.
This last HBH meeting again points up the fact that nothing has changed with the
organization.
HBH continues to add to their fleet of automobiles with the best money can buy.
HBH continues to add more computers and furniture.
HBH continues to build or buy new office buildings.
HBH continues to set money aside in special funds.
This is all being done using the money that our local, state and national governments
provide primarily for patient care.
The CEO is provided the best of office space with the most modern video teleconferencing
equipment and computers and his own personal Ford Expedition. The staff has the best of
office space, the best of computers and a fleet of automobiles to drive.
HBH accumulated almost a million dollars in a special fund, while HBH clients are dying
for lack of services.
We believe HBH has been operated by a management that has the wrong priorities.
HBH is serving themselves and not their clients.
We again ask this Board of Commissioners to work for change.
CONTROLLER'S REPORT - Tim Dolehanty
Sheriff Moran addressed the Board outlining his departmental budgets as of April
1, 2003 and different programs that run out of the Sheriff's Department. Informational
purposes only.
It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to
adopt Resolution 03-08 as follows:
RESOLUTION IN APPRECIATION AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION
OF SARAH SUCHODOLSKI, RN
WHEREAS, Sarah Suchodolski, RN, has served the citizens of Chippewa County a
home health nurse for the past ten years: and
WHEREAS, Sarah Suchodolski, RN, has advanced the goals of Chippewa County
through her professionalism and caring for the citizens of the County; and
WHEREAS, Sarah Suchodolski,, RN, has served the community by volunteering
her time to many worthwhile programs, earning her the Drummond Island
Citizen of the Year award for 2003; and
WHEREAS, Sarah Suchodolski, RN, has earned the respect and gratitude of the citizens
of Chippewa County through her many contributions to their welfare.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
1. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners respectfully dedicates this
document to honor and thank Sarah Suchodolski, RN, for her many years of
public service.
2. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners extend their best wishes
to Sarah Suchodolski, RN, for many years of good health and enjoyment in
her retirement.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner Dale, to adopt
Resolution 03-08 as follows:
RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE
KINROSS COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION PLAN
WHEREAS, the Charter Township of Kinross is scheduled to undertake a community
beautification plan and study in 2003; and
WHEREAS, the Township will prepare this plan with the assistance and input of a post-
graduate student from Michigan State University; and
WHEREAS, the resulting plan will promote a positive impression of Kinross Township,
thereby improving the economic and social climate of the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chippewa County Board of
Commissioners supports and encourages the Charter Township of Kinross in its
effort to create the community beautification plan and study.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS: None
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Personnel Committee - Rita Dale - April 14, 2003
Mr. Dolehanty stated 14 persons applied for the operations analyst position. Interviews
were held on April 10 and 11. He stated the qualifications of those interviewed were outstanding,
and that applicant Brian K. Bartlett was recommended to fill the position.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend
hiring Brian K. Bartlett to fill the Operation Analyst position. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
Mr. Dolehanty discussed the recruitment process followed to fill the part-time
Maintenance Attendee position. He stated 26 persons applied for the position, many with
excellent credentials. Mr. Dolehanty recommended appointing Michael T. Gillotte to the part-
time Maintenance Attendee position.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend
hiring Michael T. Gillotte to fill the part-time Maintenance Attendee position. On a voice vote,
the motion carried unanimously.
Sheriff Moran presented requests for three promotions. The purpose for the promotions
was to reflect the added leadership responsibilities taken on by the promoted employees. Sheriff
Moran also confirmed that the promotions complied with the provisions of the collective
bargaining agreements.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Postula, to
recommend the promotion of Deputy James Parr to the position of Corrections Sergeant as
recommend by Sheriff Moran, effective March 17, 2003. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to recommend
the promotion of Deputy Danette Cameron to the position of Corporal as recommended by Sheriff
Moran, effective April 9, 2003. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend
the promotion of Deputy Thomas Lawlor to the position of Corporal as recommended by Sheriff
Moran, effective April 9, 2003. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to accept the
Personnel Committee meeting report as given. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Equalization and Apportionment Committee - Jim Moore - April 3, 2003
Sharon Kennedy, County Equalization Director, presented the 2003 Equalization Report
and discussed how the equalized values are derived. The committee discussed a number of issues
related to data shown in the report.
It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to
recommend approval of the 2003 Equalization report as presented. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
Ms. Kennedy explained that each year, a weeklong school is held at LSSU for
assessing/appraising personnel. She requested she be allowed to close the office during the week
of June 1 to accommodate staff attendance.
It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to allow
closure of the Equalization Department during the week of June 1 to accommodate staff
attendance of assessing/appraising classes at LSSU. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner Postula, to accept the
Equalization and Apportionment Committee report as given. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
Health and Social Services Committee - Ted Postula - No meeting
Building Grounds and Jail Committee - Earl Kay - No meeting
Transportation Committee - Ted Postula - No meeting
Legislative and Natural Resources Committee - Richard Timmer - April 7, 2003
Controller Dolehanty reviewed previous discussions concerning the policies and
procedures manual for the OES/E-9-1-1 department. As requested by the Committee, he
presented draft policies on harassment, leave time, overtime and disciplinary action applicable to
all employees.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to
recommend approval of draft OES/E9-1-1 policy and the draft policies on harassment, leave time,
overtime and disciplinary action applicable to all employees as presented. On a voice vote the
motion carried with Commissioner Cooper voting no.
OES/E9-1-1 Director McKee presented and reviewed the draft District Court Security
Plan. He explained the document was required by the State Court Administration Office.
Mr. McKee reported that similar documents were being prepared for all County facilities.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to
recommend approval of the draft District Court Security Plan as presented, pending approval of
the District Court Judge. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to accept
the Legislative and Natural Resources Committee report as given. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
Computer Committee - Don Cooper - March 31, 2003
The report was for informational purposes only. No required action items.
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Dale, to accept the
Computer Committee report as given. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee - Rita Dale - April 10, 2003
Auditor Phil Wolfe presented and reviewed documents included in the annual audit report
and explained the purpose of each. He also presented and reviewed a number of graphs and his
Report to Management.
The Committee discussed issues concerning the fixed assets inventory with Mr. Wolfe. It
was agreed that fixed assets with a value of $5,000 and higher should be included in the inventory.
Mr. Wolfe briefly discussed changes to the audit report that will be implemented to comply
with the requirements adopted by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The
independent auditor's opinion was also reviewed.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to recommend
approval of the fiscal year 2002 audit as present. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to recommend
placing a copy of the approved audit on file with the Bayliss Public Library and to have the
document posted to the County Web page. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Hopper reported the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) is
seeking Federal grant assistance for projects associated with the Human Use/Natural Resource Management
Plan for Whitefish Point. He then introduced Tom Farnquist of the GLSHS who
offered a brief overview of the Plan.
Mr. Farnquist asked that the Committee consider a resolution supporting the efforts of the
County's Federal legislative delegation to secure funds for Plan implementation. He noted the
plan was endorsed by the GLSHS, the Michigan Audubon Society/Whitefish Point Bird
Observatory, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to recommend
approval of Resolution Number 03-10 as follows:
RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS TO SEEK
CONGRESSIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
HUMAN USE/NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR WHITEFISH POINT
WHEREAS, Chippewa County has a rich and historic cultural background; and
WHEREAS, the County is interested in a health economic environment for its citizens; and
WHEREAS, one of the industries employing the greatest number of people in Chippewa County
is tourism; and
WHEREAS, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has contributed greatly to the success
of the tourism industry in the Upper Peninsula and Chippewa County area since 1985, with
the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point recording 87,500 paid admissions
in 2002; and
WHEREAS, tourism activity at Whitefish Point clearly plays a role in the economic health of
Chippewa County; and
WHEREAS, the great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, Michigan Audubon Society, and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as the resident stakeholders of property at Whitefish Point,
have recently completed and signed the Whitefish Point Human Use/Natural Resource
Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society now has an opportunity to spearhead
an appropriation from the United States Congress to implement said Whitefish Point
Human Use/Natural Resource Management Plan, on behalf of the three stakeholders, to
benefit all visitors at Whitefish Point; and
WHEREAS, said appropriation would fund measures to ensure habitat protection, bird migration,
historical preservation, and educational interpretation for visitors as outline in said
management plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners
lends it official support and endorsement of the effort to seek the above Congressional
appropriation for the above purpose, and urges the United States Congress to act favorable
such that the Whitefish Point Human Use/Natural Resource Management Plan may be
implemented soon, that tourism activity in the Chippewa County area may be thus further
strengthened, and yet may flourish, in these times of economic challenge.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Hopper informed the Committee that the Upper Peninsula Commission for
Area Progress (UPCAP) Board recently elected to refund a portion of dues collected from member
counties. For Chippewa County, he estimated the refund to be $1300.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to recommend
allocating $500 from the UPCAP refund to the senior meals program cost center of the general
fund. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Prosecutor Peppler appeared before the Committee to request authorization to assign
additional hours to his clerical staff while an office secretary was on maternity leave. He stated it
was impractical to hire a temporary person to fill the position because of training needs. The
Committee directed the County Controller to prepare a financial analysis for the April 14 Board
meeting.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend
that the Board of Commissioners consider the overtime request of the Prosecuting Attorney at the
April 14, 2003 meeting, contingent on funding availability. On a voice vote the motion carried
unanimously.
Controller Dolehanty presented the Board with a breakdown of the employee costs over a
12 week period for the Prosecutor's Office. Because of the cost of allowing these extra hours is
less than the amount budgeted for wages, the request of the Prosecuting Attorney can be honored
without the need of a budget amendment.
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to
recommend approving the overtime request by Prosecutor Peppler, while one of his staff members
is on maternity leave. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
The committee reviewed a memorandum from Sheriff Moran requesting authorization to
purchase a snowmobile owned by Whitefish Township at a cost of $1.00. It was noted that the
machine was purchased by the Township in 1995 and has less than 4,000 miles of use.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to recommend
approval of the proposed snowmobile purchase at a cost not to exceed $1.00, as presented. On a
voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. McKee, OES/E9-1-1 Director, presented a list of items proposed for purchase under
the Domestic Preparedness Equipment Grant approved by the Board. He explained the grant
allowed for the purchase of up to $38,611 worth of equipment. The list presented by Mr. McKee
totaled $38,610.96.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend
approval of the equipment purchase under the Domestic Preparedness Equipment Grant, as
presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
The Committee reviewed a proposal to continue an agreement with the U.S. Customs
Service for reimbursement of certain overtime and other expenses related to the Contraband
Enforcement/Anti-Terrorism Joint Task Force.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend
approval of the agreement between Treasury Law Enforcement Agencies and Chippewa County as
presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Controller Dolehanty presented a proposal from Integrity Audit Group to review County
telephone bills in search of refundable overcharges. Under the agreement, Integrity would be
entitled to half of the refunded amount and half of any savings realized by the County for a 24-
month period.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend
against entering into an agreement with Integrity Audit Group. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
Controller Dolehanty presented a proposed maintenance agreement with Xerox for copy
machines located in the Courthouse and Annex buildings. He stated this is an annual agreement
necessary for these copier units.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend
approval of the annual maintenance agreement with Xerox as presented. On a voice vote, the
motion carried unanimously.
Controller Dolehanty presented requests from the Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community
Action Agency and the Hiawatha Behavorial Mental Health Authority to join the County health
insurance pool. Mr. Dolehanty then presented a message received from Blue Cross just before the
start of the meeting concerning the participation of these groups.
The Committee asked the Controller to contact Blue Cross to determine whether these
groups could be added to the pool and to report his findings to the Board on April 14, 2003.
Controller Dolehanty stated he talked with the County's Blue Cross representative out of
Marquette and a phone conference will be set up with the entities who want to join the pool along
with the Prosecutor, the underwriters of Blue Cross and the County's Blue Cross representative.
The County Blue Cross representative believed that the Hiawatha Behavoiral Health Authority and
Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency would be able to join the pool, but he
wanted all parties to have a clear understanding of what conditions Blue Cross might place and
what statutes might apply.
Discussion followed with concerns of suffixes, billing procedures and administrative fees.
Commissioner Dale wanted to make sure that Chippewa County was not going to be
paying other peoples bills nor are we going to be heavy on the administrative side for other
entities.
Commissioner Timmer asked if the rates would be reduced with a larger pool.
Mr. Dolehanty stated that it was mentioned that the fixed costs would be reduced as the number of
the pool expanded, but no figures were discussed.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to
recommend approval of the Hiawatha Behavorial Mental Health Authority and the Chippewa-
Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency joining the County health insurance pool contingent
upon the phone conference and that each entity would have their own suffix. Discussion followed.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Controller Dolehanty reviewed the current Information Systems staffing situation with the
Committee. He stated the recruitment process to fill the Operations Analyst vacancy was
underway. He proposed that Dave Pietrangelo, information systems manager for the Health
Department, be permitted to work ten hours each week in the Information Systems department
until the position if filled.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend
approval of the proposal to allow Mr. Pietrangelo to work up to ten hours each week in the
Information Systems department until a new operations analyst begins work, Fund for the
additional hours is to be taken from the salaries line item of the Information Systems department
budget. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
A specification sheet for personal computers was presented to the Committee. Controller
Dolehanty asked the committee to authorize release of a request for quotations using the
specifications.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend
the release of a request for quotations for personal computers. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
Mr. Dolehanty stated Chippewa County participates in voluntary deferred compensation
programs in which employees may automatically set aside a portion of their paychecks for
retirement. He stated legislative changes recently took effect allowing those who contribute to
such plans to borrow from their accounts before retirement. However, in order to allow
employees to participate in the loan program, the plan administrator requires the County to allow
direct deduction of loan payments from its bank account. The deductions would then be reflected
in the employee paychecks.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend
approval of County participation in the deferred compensation loan program and to authorize the
automatic deduction of the loan payments. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
The Committee reviewed a request from the American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees to allow automatic payroll deductions from employees who elect to
contribute to the National P.E.O.P.L.E. Committee, a political action group.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to recommend
approval of automatic payroll deductions from employees who elect to contribute to the National
P.E.O.P.L.E. Committee. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Dolehanty reported that the Chippewa County Historical Society recently made
application to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians for 2% funds to be used for the
professional preservation of certain works of art. The County was asked to support this request in
order to make the project eligible to receive these funds.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to support the
Chippewa County Historical Society request for 2% funds to be used for the professional
preservation of certain works of art. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Controller Dolehanty reported that MSU Extension recently made application to the Sault
Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians for 2% funds to be used for publication and distribution of
the document, "A Bright Beginning for School Success." The County was asked to support this
request in order to make the project eligible to receive these funds.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Postula, to support the
MSU Extension request for 2% funds to be used for publication and distribution of the document,
"A Bright Beginning for School Success." On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to recommend
the approval of general fund claims totaling $184,054.94, other fund claims of $266,379.22,
payroll of $510,521.02 and health department claims of $321,139.44, Superior Township Water
Project claims of $2,707.35, vouchers 33061 through 33309 and D-1 through D-174. On a voice
vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Kay reported on an Attorney General Opinion wherein it was determined that
the offices of County Commissioner and Concealed Weapons Board member are incompatible. In
light of this decision, Chairman Kay said it would be necessary to advertise a vacancy on the
Concealed Weapons Board.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to accept the
report of the Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee report as given. On a voice vote, the
motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Cooper asked if the County has a Junk Ordinance and if so, who enforces it.
Prosecutor Peppler stated that in the early part of 2001 the Attorney General issued an
opinion that it is unconstitutional for Counties to enforce a County wide junk ordinance; it is
solely the function of individual townships. He also stated he would like to see townships adopt
a similar model ordinance so it would be easier for law enforcement agency to enforce.
Discussion was held various aspects of an ordinance, the costs involved and the effectiveness of
such an ordinance.
Having no further business, it was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Hopper, to adjourn. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Thereupon,
the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane S. Cork, County Clerk Earl Kay, Chairman