The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners met on Monday, June 12. 2003 at 7:00 
p.m. in the Courtroom of the Chippewa County Courthouse.
 
 Present: Commissioners Don Cooper, Rita Dale, Richard Timmer, Aaron Hopper, Jim 
Moore and Chairman Earl Kay
 
 Absent: Commissioner Ted Postula
 
 Also Present: Elizabeth Church, Public Defender, Liz Bias, Don and Chris McLean, Jeff
Moran, Sheriff, Marie Piralli, Breena Burby, Jan Burby, Don Holt, Tim Dolehanty, Controller 
and Diane Cork, Clerk
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to accept
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 Timmer, to approve
the County Board minutes of May 12, 2003 as presented by the Clerk with the following 
correction on page 10, first paragraph which reads "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."
 
 Should read: "On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Cooper voting
no."
 
 With this correction the motion carried unanimously.
 
 PUBLIC COMMENTS:
 
 Don McLean read the following statement:
 
My wife and I are here again tonight, as we have been for your last 27 monthly meetings to
remind you of the continuing problems with the management of Hiawatha Behavioral Health.
 
Last month we explained how HBH management continues to over look the true intention of the
agency.
 
HBH has focused on new buildings, new computers, new furniture, new cars, paid college tuition 
for employees, board retreats, staff recognition luncheons, national conventions, employee 
parties, bronze plaques honoring board members and elaborate executive pay packages including
Ford Expeditions.
 
The management has continued this even though in last months HBH board agenda packet, a 
program manager's report emphasized efforts to tighten eligibility and discharge clients because
resources are limited and stretched thin.
 
Even at last month's HBH meeting the management continued to push for improvements to the
parking lot, construction of new sidewalk and enhancement for the employee entrance in 
Manistique; landscaping; and the building of a brick wall to supposedly hide an air conditioning
unit, but we believe the wall is wanted to provide a place for the smokers to hide out of pubic 
view at the Sault office.
 
When questioned about the budget process required the management stated that the costs of these 
individual projects fell below the amount that required board approval.
 
We believe these actions continue to reflect a management attitude that is focused on feathering 
their own nest and creating an agency for the benefit of the employees at the expense of the 
clients.
 
Over the last three years, HBH has squirreled away funds that could have been used on patient 
care and created their own kind of unique Risk Management fund.
 
This fund amounted to over $927,000 and was originally intended for use in the local three 
county area HBH serves.
 
With the recent push for consolidation of mental health services in the UP, HBH had to give up
that $927,000 to a new UP Agency, North Care.
 
The $927,000 that originally was intended for patient care, treatment and services in this area
was lost.
 
Again, we remind this board that 13 months ago 1260 Chippewa County residents petitioned you 
to make changes in the management of Hiawatha Behavioral Health. We are still waiting.
 
As a bit of a footnote, it might be interesting to find out if any reprimand was made to the lower 
level program manager who reported, in public minutes, the efforts to tighten eligibility and 
discharge clients.
 
 CONTROLLER'S REPORT - Tim Dolehanty
 
 Commissioner Moore presented to Breena Burby Resolution 03-14, approved at the May
12, 2003 County Board meeting, honoring Ms. Burby for receiving Special Recognition of the
Girl Scout Gold Award. Ms. Burby is the first Chippewa County Girl Scout to receive this 
highest rank.
 
 The names of Gary E. Chandler and Marley P. Walker were submitted to the County
Board for their approval as nominees for the Chippewa County Concealed Weapons Board at the 
May 12, 2003 County Board meeting and then to be voted upon at the June 12, 2003 Board 
meeting.
 
 On a roll call vote, Commissioners Cooper, Hopper, Moore and Timmer voted for Marley
P. Walker. Commissioners Kay and Dale voted for Gary P. Chandler. Marley P. Walker was 
appointed to the Chippewa County Concealed Weapons Board. The term of office is at the 
discretion of the County Board of Commissioners.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Dale, to approve 
Resolution 03-16 as follows:
 
 RESOLUTION IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF 
 DR. JAMES TERRIAN
 
WHEREAS, James Terrian, MD, has dedicated twenty years to providing Hospice care to the
 citizens of Chippewa County; and
 
WHEREAS, Dr. Terrian was an initiator in the development of the Hospice Volunteer Program
 in 1980; and
 
WHEREAS, Dr. Terrian was an advocate for the development of the Hospice Certified Program
 in 1991; and
 
WHEREAS, as Medical Director of Hospice of Chippewa County, Dr. Terrian promotes kind
  and compassionate care of community citizens; and
 
WHEREAS, Dr. Terrian is involved in educating area physicians about the philosophy of
  Hospice care; and
 
WHEREAS, Dr. Terrian promotes an environment in which life is respected from birth to death.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
 
1. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners respectfully dedicates this document 
 to honor James Terrian, MD, and records its appreciation for his achievements in support 
 of the Hospice program.
 
2. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners extends their best wishes to 
 Dr. Terrian for many years of continued success. 
 
On a voice vote the motion carried unanimously.
 
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Dale, to approve 
Resolution 03-17 as follows:
 
 RESOLUTION IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF
  JUDITH JONES
 
WHEREAS, Judith Jones has been employed with the Chippewa County Health Department
 for 15 years, most recently as the Supportive Services Director for the Hospice
  Program; and
 
WHEREAS, Judith Jones has provided comfort and care to Hospice clients and their
  families in Chippewa County; and  
 
WHEREAS, Judith Jones has provided education and outreach to the community of
  Chippewa County; and
 
WHEREAS, Judith Jones was instrumental in the growth of the Hospice organization and
 its achievement of becoming a Certified Program; and
 
WHEREAS, Judith Jones has provided tireless support to Hospice of Chippewa County
 including fund raising to provide necessities for the comfort of Hospice clients, 
 far and beyond other typical Hospice programs; and
 
WHEREAS, Judith Jones has demonstrated dedication beyond the call of duty in
 performing her job duties.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
 
1. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners respectfully dedicates this
 document to honor Judith Jones and records its appreciation for her achievements
 in support of the Hospice program.
 
3. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners extends their best wishes to
Judith Jones for many years of good health and enjoyment in her retirement.
 
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Dale, to approve 
Resolution 03-18 as follows:
 
 RESOLUTION IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION
  OF HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE VOLUNTEERS
 
WHEREAS, the Hospice and Palliative Care Programs in Chippewa County could never
 have become what they are today without the help of many generous and
 benevolent volunteers; and
 
WHEREAS, through the efforts of these volunteers, quality Hospice and Palliative Care
 is accessible by all residents of Chippewa County; and
 
WHEREAS, the volunteers of the Hospice and Palliative Care programs provide much-
 needed education on end-of-life issues
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
 
1. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners respectfully dedicates this   
 document to honor the volunteers of the Hospice and Palliative Care programs and
 records its appreciation for their achievements.
 
2. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners commemorates not only the 
 selfless giving demonstrated by these volunteers, but their knowledge and kind 
 hearts as well.
 
3. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners joins in wishing best of luck to
 the volunteers of the Hospice and Palliative Care programs so that the future will be 
  as successful as the past has been.
 
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Dale, to 
approve Resolution 03-19 as follows:
 
 RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO
  CANADIAN TRASH IMPORTS
 
WHEREAS, in 1992 the United States Supreme Court ruled that provisions of the Michigan
 Solid Waste Management Act, which allowed counties to impose restrictions on the
 importation of solid waste from other states and countries through their Solid Waste
 Management Plans, violated the United States Constitution and were not enforceable; 
 and
 
WHEREAS, Michigan and many other states are recipients of large volumes of solid waste
 imported from other states and from Canada for disposal that can adversely impact
 disposal capacity developed as part of local planning activities, can undermine support
 for local recycling activities, and because of differences in regulatory definitions
 between United States and Canadian law, can result in inadvertent disposal of wastes in
 Michigan disposal areas that are not permitted; and
 
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) reported actual
 volumes of waste imported to Michigan exceed 6.5 million cubic yards annually,
 with much of this waste streaming in from the City of Toronto; and
 
WHEREAS, the loss of landfill capacity at this rate undermines the long-term solid waste
 management planning done by local communities and will result in the need to
 establish new disposal capacity or find capacity in other locales; and
 
WHEREAS, it is clear that the only remedy sure to withstand legal challenge where solid waste
 disposal is concerned is one based on authority granted to states by Congress.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:
 
1. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners opposes importation of solid waste  
 From Canada into Michigan landfills.
 
2. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners acknowledges the need for federal 
 legislation to restore reasonable controls to waste imports from other states and countries.
 
3. That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners respectfully calls upon the MDEQ 
 to meet with members of the Michigan legislative delegation and other key 
 Congressional members to advocate action on interstate waste legislation.
 
4. That a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the MDEQ, the Michigan legislative 
 Delegation and other key Congressional members involved in interstate waste legislation.
 
 On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
 
Discussion was held on setting up a Workshop dealing with mental health issues.
 
 Commissioner Hopper noted that the MAC resolution supports funding PILT under the 
old formula because implementing the new formula would result in a reduction of PILT 
allocations in all but five counties. Chippewa County stands to see a funding increase under the 
new formula.
 
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 - No meeting
 
Computer - Don Cooper - No meeting
 
Finance, Claims & Accounts - Rita Dale - June 5, 2003
 
 Register of Deeds, Sharon Kennedy, appeared before the Committee to seek approval 
of a proposed expenditure budget for the new Register of Deeds Automation Fund, pursuant to 
State law. Ms. Kennedy provided the Committee with a line-item budget totaling $43,000. She 
stated the approved budget was required to be on file with the State Treasurer by the end of June.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to 
recommend approval of the Register of Deeds Automation Fund as presented. On a voice vote, 
the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Tony Bosbous and City Manager Spencer Nebel met with the 
Committee to discuss an electrical upgrade and air conditioning in the City-County building. 
Mr. Nebel noted the JBA contracted for plans and specifications for these projects. He 
proceeded to describe the proposed air conditioning units.
 
 Mr. Nebel stated the City is prepared to air condition its offices even if the County 
chooses not to air-condition the rooms it occupies. He added the electrical upgrade should occur 
regardless of the decisions on air conditioning, and that the project should be commenced as soon as 
possible. Mr. Nebel asked the Committee to support utilizing the JBA fund balance to 
accomplish the electrical upgrade. He estimated the cost of the upgrade to be $80,597 and the 
cost to air condition the entire building to be $186,211.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to 
recommend approval of utilizing the JBA fund balance to pay for the electrical upgrade at the 
City-County building. Commissioner Cooper noted that in June 2001 the Building & Grounds 
Committee approved the bidding process on this issue. On a roll call vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
 Chief Public Defender Elizabeth Church presented a proposal to establish a part-time 
position in her office to handle state prisoner cases. She explained that the State Department of 
Corrections submits about 100 cases each year for prosecution. Ms. Church stated the State pays 
$70 per hour up to $10,000 per case, as required by State law.
 
 The Committee discussed the part-time attorney proposal. Commissioner Hopper 
suggested meeting with Ms. Church in the future to evaluate the effectiveness of the new 
position. It was agreed that Ms. Church would return in three months to provide a progress 
report.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to 
recommend approval of the part-time attorney position in the Public Defender's Office to handle 
state prisoner cases. On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Cooper voting no.
 
Mr. Dolehanty reported that the three AFSCME local 1552 units have agreed to the revised 
health insurance coverage proposal submitted in April. He stated the revised coverage could not 
be implemented for all but six employees in the POLC Dispatchers bargaining unit. 
Mr. Dolehanty reviewed a document explaining the changes along with anticipated savings of 
more than $94,000. He suggested implementing the change in mid July.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to 
recommend approval of the changes in health insurance coverage as presented. On a voice vote, 
the motion carried unanimously.
 
 In the absence of the Drain Commissioner, Mr. Dolehanty explained the necessary 
herbicide application has not occurred for about five years. He told the Committee the project 
was handled by the USDA in the past, but the individual in charge of the program has since 
retired. To complicate matters further, the Drain Commissioner was on extended medical leave 
for most of the spring season. In consideration of these factors, Mr. Dolehanty asked the 
Committee to consider suspension of the normal bidding process in order to allow application of 
the herbicide by the end of June.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to 
recommend suspension of the bidding rules for the herbicide application project, and that the 
herbicide utilized be consistent with the Board resolution concerning Agent Orange. On a voice 
vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Mr. Dolehanty informed the Committee that the Supplemental Animal Control Services 
Agreement with the City of Sault Ste. Marie would expire on June 30. He presented a revised 
agreement that included increased fees for the services provided by the County. A cost 
justification analysis was presented showing the County is asking only to recover expenses for 
providing the supplemental services.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to 
recommend that the County Controller be directed to negotiate an agreement with the City for 
supplemental animal control services. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Commissioner Kay told the Committee that he believed the County was in line for 
additional allocations from the Federal government because of the efforts of Alcade and Fay. He 
stated the County would be remiss if the contract for services from the firm was not extended for 
another six months. Commissioner Kay reported he is asking other agencies such as the EDC to 
contribute to the monthly cost of the agreement.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to 
recommend renewing the Alcade and Fay agreement. On a voice vote, the motion carried with 
Commissioners Cooper and Hopper voting no.
 
 Controller Dolehanty presented a draft budget amendment for the Corrections Facility 
cost center. He stated expenses were anticipated to increase by $42,450 because of the addition 
of inmates from the Customs Service. Revenue to offset these expenses would come from the 
daily incarceration fee collected from the Federal Government.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to 
recommend approval of the Corrections Facility budget amendment as presented. On a voice 
vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Sheriff Moran reported on the recent failure of a VCR in the jail surveillance system. 
He stated it would cost approximately $1,138 to replace the VCR. Instead of replacing the VCR, 
the Sheriff suggested consideration be given to purchasing a new digital surveillance system at a 
cost of $20,263. 
 
 It was moved by moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Timmer, 
to recommend approval of the purchase of a VCR unit as a stopgap measure and to seek 
competitive bids for a digital surveillance system for consideration in the 2004 budget. On a 
voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 OES/E-9-1-1 Director Tim McKee presented a request to purchase 100 pagers for use 
by fire department personnel in Raber, Detour and Drummond Island Townships and for 
ambulance corps in Detour and Drummond Island. He explained how this purchase would bring 
to conclusion a process begun two years ago to equip first responders with dependable radio 
equipment.
 
 Mr. McKee asked that the Committee concur with the recommendation of the OES/E-
9-1-1 Board to purchase the pagers from El-Com Communication at a cost not to exceed 
$33,280.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Moore, to support 
the recommendation of the OES/E-9-1-1 Board to purchase the pagers from El-Com 
Communication at a cost not to exceed $33,280. On a roll call vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
 Mr. McKee provided documents explaining how funds were received from the State 
Homeland Security Grant Program. The County received $38,611 in 2002 and is due to receive 
another $56,597 this year. 
 
 According to grant documents, purchase of 800-megahertz radio equipment is an 
allowed expense. Mr. McKee recommended utilizing funds received for 2003 toward the 
purchase of radio equipment necessary to fulfill the minimum needs of County law enforcement 
agencies. He noted that the City of Sault Ste. Marie recently agreed to use $65,749 from a 
border community grant to purchase 800 megahertz radio equipment.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to 
recommend purchase of the 800-megahertz radio communication equipment as presented, with 
the balance of funds needed to come from the OES fund. On a roll call vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
 The Committee reviewed the E.U.P. Community Corrections Comprehensive Plan 
proposal submitted by Community Corrections Advisory Board Coordinator David Murray.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Moore, to 
recommend approval of Resolution 03-20 as follows:
 
 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE
  APPLICATION FOR COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS ACT FUNDS
 
WHEREAS, the Eastern Upper Peninsula Employment and Training Consortium consisting of
 the County of Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac, has submitted a proposed Application
 for State of Michigan Community Corrections Act funds for fiscal year 2004; and
 
WHEREAS, the Eastern Upper Peninsula Employment and Training Consortium Advisory
 Board has recommended adoption of the application; and
 
WHEREAS, the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners has reviewed the Application for
 State of Michigan Community Corrections Act funds for fiscal year 2004, in detail, and
 concurs with the recommendation presented.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chippewa County Board of
 Commissioners approves the Application cited above for submission to the State of
 Michigan, and respectfully requests that the Application be approved as presented.
 
 On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner Hopper, to 
recommend the approval of general funds claims totaling $290,428.50, other fund claims of 
$122,944.11, payroll of $705,943.21 and health department claims of $486,185.92, vouchers 
33497 through 33632 and F-1 through F-186. On a roll call vote, the motion carried 
unanimously.
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Dale, supported by Commissioner to accept the report 
of the Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee as presented. On a voice vote, the motion 
carried unanimously.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
 
 It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Hopper, that a 
letter of appreciation be sent to the members who have served on the JBA. The date of July 6, 
2003 is the last day for this organization. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
 
 Having no further business, it was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by 
Commissioner Hopper, to adjourn. On a voice vote, the motion carried and the Board did 
adjourn at 7:40 p.m.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
 
Diane S. Cork, Clerk Earl Kay, Chairman