FINANCE, CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

 

November 6, 2003

 

A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee was held on Thursday, November 6, 2003 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  Chairperson Dale called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:                          Rita Dale, Chairperson, Aaron Hopper, Richard Timmer, Don Cooper and Ted Postula

OTHER

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Earl Kay and James Moore

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:                            None

 

OTHERS PRESENT:                             Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Dave Carpenter, Finance Director, Jeff Moran, Sheriff, Dave Martin, Environmental Health Director, and Sue Short, Circuit Court Administrator

 

 

Additions / Deletions to the Agenda

Chairperson Dale called for additions or deletions to the agenda. It was agreed that the purchase of tasers would be added to the agenda under Sheriff Department business.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, seconded by Commissioner Timmer, to approve the agenda as amended.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Public Comments

Chairperson Dale called for pubic comments.  No public comments were offered.

 

Correspondence and Information Items

The Committee received the monthly Treasurer’s report, monthly travel report, and HBH financial statements.

 

Agenda Items: Health Department Fee Proposal

Environmental Health Director Dave Martin reviewed proposed campground inspection fees as recommended by the Board of Health.  Mr. Martin reviewed inspection tasks and the time taken to perform inspections.  He also discussed the role of the State in the inspection process

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, seconded by Commissioner Postula, to recommend approval of the Health Department fee proposal as presented.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Sheriff Department Business:  Quotes for Firearms Purchase

Sheriff Jeff Moran discussed the need to purchase ten .223 semi-automatic rifles and reviewed quotes received from three firms.  He stated several other area law enforcement agencies use this type of firearm, and that it was important that all area agencies utilize similar equipment.  Sheriff Moran also reported on the pending receipt of $14,000 from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians to be used to offset a portion of the purchase price.

 

Sheriff Moran then discussed the need to purchase tasers for use by all Sheriff deputies, bailiffs and jail personnel.  He noted the proposed product was recommended by the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA), County’s liability insurance carrier, and that MMRMA has approved a grant of $2,000 to be used to offset a portion of the total cost. 

 

Commissioner Cooper asked about the source of funds for the balance of the purchase price for the rifles and tasers.  Sheriff Moran stated funds from the inmate telephone contract would be used.

 

Commissioner Cooper then asked about the need to request bids for the purchase of the tasers.  Sheriff Moran stated only one manufacturer was recognized by MMRMA.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Timmer, to recommend the purchase of ten .223 semi-automatic rifles from the low bidder, J.S.C. Law Enforcement Sales, for a price not to exceed $7,346.50, contingent upon receipt of funds from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Chairperson Dale asked for a motion concerning the purchase of the tasers.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, seconded by Commissioner Timmer, to recommend the purchase of tasers as recommended.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Jail Physician Contract Renewal

Sheriff Moran presented a memorandum recommending renewal of the Jail Physician Contract with an increased payment totaling $24,000 per year.  The Sheriff presented costs associated with similar contracts in other Michigan counties.  He also noted the number of inmates in the County Jail has increased since the expired contract was signed in 2001.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, seconded by Commissioner Postula, to recommend approval of the Jail Physician contract at an annual cost not to exceed $24,000.

 

Commissioner Cooper asked about the source of the additional $5,200 for the contract.  Commissioner Kay stated the funds would have to be taken from other line items in the 2004 budget for the jail.

 

On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

MERS Benefit Program E Resolution

Controller Tim Dolehanty reviewed the annual resolution to allow a two percent increase in the retirement allowance for County retirees.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Postula, to recommend approval of Resolution Number 03-31, the Uniform Resolution for Adopting Benefit Program “E” Increase to be Effective on Adjustment Date January 1, 2004.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

City/County Building Joint Operating Agreement

Controller Dolehanty reviewed the draft City/County Building Joint Operating Agreement.  Commissioner Kay reviewed the results of a meeting held earlier in the day between City and County officials.  Commissioner Cooper questioned the need for the proposed City/County Building Board.  He stated the County Controller and City Manager should be able to fulfill the responsibilities to be assigned to the proposed Board.

 

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, seconded by Commissioner Hopper, to recommend approval of the proposed City/County Building Joint Operating Agreement as presented.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED, 4-1.

 

 

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Planning Grant

Commissioner Hopper, a member of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning Commission (EUPRPC), stated it was necessary to have a municipality receive funds for the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant, but EUPRPC would administer the grant program.  Commissioner Timmer asked whether the County should collect an administration fee in exchange for this service.  Commissioner Cooper asked to see the grant information.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, seconded by Commissioner Postula, to continue discussion of the EUPRPC request at the regular Board meeting to be held on November 10.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

 

Claims and Accounts

Finance Director Carpenter reviewed the monthly claims and accounts report.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, seconded by Commissioner Timmer, to recommend the approval of general fund claims totaling $166,893.04, other fund claims of $601,307.53, payroll of $719,517.01 and health department claims of $467,026.57, total claims of $1,954,744.15, vouchers 34518 through 34693 and K-1 through K-171. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

 

Collective Bargaining

It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, seconded by Commissioner Timmer, to enter into a closed session to discuss strategies connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO Local 946 of Michigan, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 328, pursuant to Section 8(c) of the Open Meetings Act, Act 267, P.A. 1976, as amended, being MCL 15.268(c).  A roll call vote was taken as follows:  Cooper - Yes; Timmer – Yes; Hopper – Yes; Postula – Yes; Dale - Yes.  Motion CARRIED.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, seconded by Commissioner Postula, to resume the open session meeting of the Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee.  A roll call vote was taken as follows: Timmer – Yes; Hopper – Yes; Postula – Yes; Cooper - Yes; Dale - Yes.  Motion CARRIED.

 

 

Committee Comments

Committee members offered no additional comments.

 

 

Chairperson’s Comments

Chairperson Dale offered no additional comments.

 

 

Adjourn

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, seconded by Commissioner Hopper, to adjourn the meeting.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Chairperson Dale declared the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________________________________                                     __________________________________

Timothy J. Dolehanty, AICP, Recorder                                         Rita Dale, Committee Chairperson