The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, May
12, 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: Sheriff Jeff Moran, Don and Chris McLean, Scott Brand, Evening News,
Don Holt, Dave Martin, Health Dept., Controller Tim Dolehanty and Diane S. Cork, County
Clerk
It was moved by Commissioner Ted Postula, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to
acknowledge the correspondence received in the Clerk's Office and if necessary, forward to the
appropriate committee. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to approve
the County Board minutes of April 14, 2003 as presented by the Clerk. On a voice vote, the
motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Don McLean read the following statement:
My wife and I are here again tonight to remind you of the continuing problems with the
management of Hiawatha Behavioral Health.
Last month when we attended their regular meeting which was held in the new facility in St.
Ignace, one of the items acted on was a revision of their rules regarding public comment.
We found this revision rather curious because during their last 26 monthly meetings, my wife
and I are usually the only public in attendance and usually the only ones to use the 3 minute time
allotted.
Three months ago two other families who lost loved ones began attending HBH meetings.
These people were very upset over what had happened, but were also very uncomfortable
speaking in public.
They tried to address HBH but had real difficulty because of their grief and nervousness.
It appears to us that the new rules HBH adopted are aimed at making it very difficult, if not
impossible, for common people to bring their problems to this Board who are entrusted with the
care of our most vulnerable citizens, the mentally ill.
For over two years HBH allowed us to speak, yet ignored us. Is that because we are from
Chippewa County?
Now that two other families, one each from Mackinac and Schoolcraft counties, have stepped
forward with their problems; HBH suddenly limits and restricts public comment..
It appears to us that the top management of HBH has lost sight of the true intention of their
agency.
HBH budget and activities are focused on new buildings, new computers, new furniture, new
cars, paid college tuition for employees, expensive board retreats, quarterly staff recognition
luncheons, attendance at national conventions, paid employee parties, bronze plaques honoring
board members and elaborate executive pay packages that include a $27,737 Ford Expedition for
personal use.
We listened during the joint meeting held with this Commission last December when HBH
dances around and never did answer the direct question from one Commissioner as to how much
the Chef Executive Officer is paid.
Included in the latest HBH Board Agenda for tomorrows meeting in Sault, MI. a program
managers report emphasizes efforts to tighten eligibility and discharge clients because their
resources are limited and stretched thin.
The previously mentioned budget and activities of HBH doesn't appear to have limited resources
when it comes to management and employee equipment, tuition, retreats, luncheons,
conventions, parties, plaques and Ford Expeditions.
We believe HBH continues to be mismanaged.
In fact in the last 3 years while HBH has accumulated more than $927,000 in a unique Risk
Management Fund, mentally ill persons in Chippewa, Mackinac and Schoolcraft counties have
died.
It has been a year now since 1260 Chippewa County residents asked this Commission to make
changes in the management of HBH.
We again ask you to continue your efforts because it is evident HBH is being misdirected and
mentally ill people are suffering as a result.
CONTROLLER'S REPORT - Tim Dolehanty
Lt. Ken Mills, Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement, gave his 2002 Annual Report sighting
statistical, financial and trend comparisons. Discussion was held on Homeland Defense and
Canada's decriminalization of marijuana.
A resolution was passed by the County Board on November 11, 2002 approving the
Intergovernmental Task Force Agreement to continue participation in the Straits Area Narcotics
Enforcement Program. Lt. Mills stated that a new signature page needed be attached to the
Agreement showing the new County Board Chair and Bay Mills Tribal Representative and
eliminating the Sault Tribe Representative.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Moore, to take
whatever action is necessary to readdress the signature page for the Intergovernmental Task
Force Agreement. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to accept
the applications of Marley P. Walker and Gary E. Chandler to the Concealed Weapons Licensing
Board. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Action on these applications will take
place at the June 9, 2003 County Board meeting.
It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to reappoint
William Castor to the Chippewa County Jury Board per recommendation of the Honorable
Nicholas J. Lambros, Circuit Court Judge. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
The Jury Board term for Mr. Castor will expire April 30, 2009.
It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to adopt
Resolution #03-13 as follows:
RESOLUTION IN APPRECIATION AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION
OF LIEUTENANT JOHN MATCHULAT
WHEREAS, Lieutenant John Machulat enlisted with the Michigan State Police on June 11,
1978 ; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant John Matchulat has served the State Police as in the capacity of trooper,
head of water safety training, governor's detail, fire marshal division and code
enforcement; and
WHEREAS, Lieutenant John Matchulat served as Post Commander for the State Police at the
Sault Sainte Marie Post from May 27, 2001 until his retirement, effective June 20, 2003.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
1. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners respectfully dedicates this
document to honor and thank Lieutenant John Matchulat for his many years of
public service and particularly for his work in Chippewa County.
2. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners extend their best wishes to
Lieutenant John Matchulat for many years of good health and enjoyment in his
retirement.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to adopt
Resolution 03-14 as follows:
RESOLUTION IN APPRECIATION AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION
OF GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD WINNER BREENA BURBY
WHEREAS, the Gold Award is the highest rank in Girl Scouting, achieved by just 6% of all
young women who enter the Girl Scouts:
WHEREAS, Breena Burby has earned 36 badges since joining Girl Scout Troop 373 in 1990
and has demonstrated the values, integrity and honesty promoted by the Girl Scout
organization; and
WHEREAS, for her Gold Award project, Breena Burby chose to share her love of the arts with
the public by teaching a series of art classes and organizing an art show to highlight the
projects of her students: and
WHEREAS, Breena Burby was presented the Gold Award at a ceremony held on May 4,
2003: and
WHEREAS, Brenna Burby is the first Girl Scout from Chippewa County to achieve this
prestigious award.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
1. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners respectfully dedicates this document to
honor Breena Burby and records its pride in her achievements with the Girl Scout program.
2. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners extends their best wishes to
Breena Burby for many years of continued success.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to adopt Resolution #03-15 as follows:
RESOLUTION IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION
OF RESPRESENTATIVE BART STUPAK
WHEREAS, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force annually recognizes one legislator for his or
her support of Great Lakes water and shipping; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Representative Bart Stupak, whose district includes Chippewa County, was
named Great Lakes Legislator of the Year for 2003 by the Great Lakes Maritime Task
Force; and
WHEREAS, Representative Stupak was recognized for his continued efforts in support of the
Great Lakes iron ore and steel industry, the new Soo Lock construction, U.S. Coast
Guard funding, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers harbor and wetland projects, and Great
Lakes water quality.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
1. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners respectfully dedicates this
document to honor U.S. Representative Bart Stupak and records its appreciation for
his achievements in support of the Great Lakes.
2. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners extend their best wishes to
Representative Stupak for many years of continued success.
OLD BUSINESS: None
Discussion was held on setting up a workshop to discuss Mental Health matters with the
new Director of Mental Health out of Lansing.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Personnel - Rita Dale - No meeting
Equalization & Apportionment - Jim Moore - No meeting
Health & social Services - Ted Postula - No meeting
Building, Grounds and Jail - Earl Kay - No meeting
Transportation - Ted Postula - No meeting
Legislative & Natural Resources - Richard Timmer - May 5, 2003
The Committee reviewed a request from the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning
and Development Commission to consider a resolution endorsing the I-75 Corridor Study.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Moore, to
recommend approval of Resolution 03-11 to endorse and concur with the I-75 Corridor Study as
follows:
RESOLUTION TO ENDORSE AND
CONCUR WITH THE I-75 CORRIDOR STUDY
WHEREAS, the Eastern Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Commission has the
function of developing the I-75 Corridor Study; and
WHEREAS, the I-75 Corridor Committee is an active participant in the I-75 Corridor Study;
and
WHEREAS, Chippewa County is an active participant in the I-75 Corridor Study; and
WHEREAS, the I-75 Corridor Committee and E.U.P. Regional Planning have developed
this Study and recommend its adoption; and
WHEREAS, Chippewa County finds the Study to be consistent with the goals, objectives and
policies of the tri-county region; and
WHEREAS, Chippewa County agrees with the County and Regional Priorities included in the
Study and finds them to be in full accord with our short and long-range goals and
objectives for the I-75 corridor; and
WHEREAS, Chippewa County actively supports and currently participates in the Corridor
Study activities of the E.U.P Regional Planning and Development Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chippewa County Board of
Commissioners does hereby endorse and concur with the I-75 Corridor Study for the
Eastern Upper Peninsula.
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 meeting report as given. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
Computer Committee - Don Cooper - No meeting
Finance, Claims and Accounts - Rita Dale - May 8, 2003
The Committee reviewed a memorandum from Register of Deeds Sharon Kennedy
requesting an additional 520-hour for a part-time co-op student She stated the additional hours
were necessary in order to offset the absence of another employee who would be using sick
leave.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to
recommend approval of a prorated increase in hours for the part-time co-op student, and that the
increased hour be reconsidered after 90 days. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
The Committee reviewed a request to waive environmental health fees for churches,
schools, senior citizen meal centers and township halls. Fee reductions for certain 501 (c) (3)
non-profit corporations was also discussed. The Committee discussed the proposal and the roll
back of the prior fee increase for seasonal businesses.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to
recommend approval of Resolution 03-12 as follows:
RESOLUTION TO EXEMPT CERTAIN OPERATIONS FROM
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH FOOD SERVICE FEES AND
TO REDUCE FEES FOR CERTAIN OPERATIONS
WHEREAS, the Chippewa County Health Department assess fees for food service inspections;
and
WHEREAS, the County Board of Commissioners has adopted a fee schedule for these services;
and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that certain public service operations should be exempt
from food service inspection fees; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that fees assessed to inspect certain seasonal operations
should be reduced.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
1. That food service establishments falling within the following categories shall be
exempt from food service fees.
a. Churches, including the Salvation Army.
b. Public elementary, middle, alternative and high schools.
c. Senior citizen meal centers
d. Township halls - only the hall facility
2. That food service fees for establishments in the following categories shall be rolled
back to 2002 rates.
a. All 501 (c)(3) non-profit and/or tax-exempt
b. Seasonal
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Environmental Health Director Dave Martin reviewed the recommendation from the
Board of Health to increase sewer and water fees by 10%. The Committee discussed the impact
of the proposed increase with Mr. Martin.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to
recommend approval of the 10% fee increase for sewage and water inspections by the
Environmental Health Department, as presented.
Commissioner Cooper thought the request should wait until the budget process begins.
Chairman Kay explained that because of the cutbacks, additional fees are needed for the
construction season.
On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Cooper voting no.
Mr. Martin reviewed a proposed fee schedule for enforcement of the recently adopted
body art ordinance.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to
recommend approval of the fee schedule for enforcement of the body art ordinance, as presented.
On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Cooper voting no.
Tm McKee, OES/E9-1-1 Director, presented a draft lease to allow the Federal
government to place an antenna on a County communications tower. He assured the Committee
that the frequencies used by Federal agencies would not interfere wit County equipment. The
Committee discussed the rate to be charge for the lease and agreed to instruct Mr. McKee to
negotiate an appropriate fee.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to
recommend approval of the communications tower lease with the Federal government as
presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
The Committee discussed a proposal from Sheriff Moran to enter into an agreement with
Language Line Service, Inc. for interpreter services. It was agreed that this service would be
advantageous to the County as the number of foreign inmates held in the County correctional
facility increases.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Moore, to recommend
approval of the interpreter services agreement with Language Line Services, Inc. as presented.
Discussion was held on the cost of the service and the liability to the County involved
with inmates by not having this service.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Controller Dolehanty reviewed proposals recently received for the purchase of up to ten
personal computers. He noted the difference between the low bid and the next lowest amount to
only $3.50 per unit. However, Mr. Dolehanty reported that the higher priced unit offered by
Charm Computers was more powerful.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to
recommend approval of the bid submitted by Charm Computers for the purchase of up to ten
personal computers as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was noted that the computers would be checked by Dave Pietrangelo for specs and
compatibility.
Mr. Dolehanty reported that Animal Control officers would be hosting a rabies
vaccination clinic in May and asked that dog-licensing fees be reduced for those participating in
the clinic. It was noted that past events offering the reduced rate have resulted in many
unlicensed dogs becoming licensed. If approved, the pre March 1 rate would be charged.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to
recommend approval of the request to charge pre March 1 rates for dog licenses sold at the May
rabies vaccination clinic. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Tim McKee, OES/E9-1-1 Director, proposed a purchase of $11,974 in radio equipment to
allow communication with units on the State's 800-megahertz system. He noted that the
company offering the equipment, El-Com Services, Inc., is the only vendor of Motorola products
in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, and that Motorola is the only vendor authorized to provide
equipment for the 800 megahertz system. For this reason, Mr. McKee asked that the normal
bidding process be suspended for this purchase.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to
recommend approval of the bid submitted by El-Com Services, Inc. for the purchase of 800
megahertz radio equipment for a price not to exceed $11,974, and that the normal bidding
process be suspended in recognition of the vendor's status as a sole-source provider of this
equipment. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to
recommend approval of general fund claims totaling $167,214.42, other fund claims of
$530,235.79, payroll of $503,357.25 and health department claims of $327,873.30, vouchers
33310 through 33490 and E-1 through E-142. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Moore asked about the regular meeting schedule of the Board of
Commissioners. He noted that meetings are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. starting in June and
that he would prefer a start time of 7:00 p.m. The Committee members discussed the proposed
change and the logistics of change the start time.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to
recommend changing the start time for Board meetings to be held in June, July, August and
September to 7:00 p.m. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Kay reported on his recent trip to Washington D.C. where he met with the
County's Federal legislative delegates. He was accompanied by representatives of Alcade and
Fay as he presented legislators with information on projects important to Chippewa County.
It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to commend
Board Chairman Earl Kay for his initiative to secure Federal funds for projects important to
Chippewa County. 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:
Jim Kirkpatrick addressed the County Board with concerns re: animal shelter. Chairman
Kay explained that the shelter is not yet open to the pubic and polices will in place at that time.
Commissioner Cooper stated that a number of items and money have been donated to the
animal shelter and he would like to see some type of plaque displayed at the shelter to recognize
the individual donators.
Having no further business, it was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by
Commissioner Dale, to adjourn. On a voice vote, the motion carried and the Board did adjourn
at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane S. Cork, County Clerk Earl Kay, Chairman