September 23, 2004

A special work session of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners was held on Thursday, September 23, 2004 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Chairman Kay called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Earl Kay, Chairman, Aaron Hopper, Rita Dale, Don Cooper, Ted Postula, James Moore, and Richard Timmer

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Kelly Beaune, Assistant to the Controller, Susan Short, Court Administrator / Juvenile Officer, Tim McKee, Emergency Services / E 9-1-1 Director, Marilyn McDonald, Treasurer

Additions / Deletions to the Agenda

Chairman Kay declared the agenda approved as presented.

Agenda Item: Controller Search Schedule

The Board reviewed a draft schedule and advertisement for the Controller position. It was suggested that it might be possible to combine the duties of the Finance Director with the Controller position.

Commissioner Dale said the Board should proceed slowly and cautiously. She said the Board might want to reclassify the position as an Administrator or Coordinator. Commissioners were referred to a supplemental document excerpted from the Guide to Michigan County Government for an explanation of differences in the titles. Commissioner Dale stated a change of this type would result in more duties being assigned to the Clerk and Treasurer. Chairman Kay said the Board would have to recognize additional staffing needs for those departments.

Commissioner Timmer suggested that the job be posted and ads placed as soon as possible in order to attract qualified applicants. The Commissioners agreed to review the support material and reconvene at a later date to discuss further actions.

Collective Bargaining Strategies

It was moved by Commissioner Hopper, seconded by Commissioner Dale, to enter into a closed session to discuss collective bargaining strategies associated with the negotiation of a contract with AFSCME Local 1552 and POLC, 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 Moore, seconded by Commissioner Timmer, to resume the open session meeting. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Timmer– Yes; Hopper – Yes; Postula – Yes; Cooper - Yes; Dale - Yes. Motion CARRIED.

Commission Comments

There were no additional comments from the Commission.

Chairman’s Comments

Chairman Kay stated it would be necessary for Commissioners to meet with department heads to develop the 2005 budget. The Commission agreed to hold a work session on September 29 to review the 2005 budget process.

Adjourn

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

The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

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