March 1, 2004

A meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Legislation and Natural Resources Committee was held on Monday, March 1, 2004 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Chairman Timmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Timmer, Chairman, Rita Dale and Earl Kay

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Tim Dolehanty, County Controller, Don McLean, Lylene Hillman, Frances Hoholik, Christine McLean, Mary Piralli, and five others.

Additions / Deletions to the Agenda

Chairman Timmer called for additions or deletions to the agenda.

It was moved by Commissioner Dale, seconded by Commissioner Kay, to approve the agenda as presented. On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

Public Comments

Chairman Timmer called for pubic comments.

Don McLean spoke of a past challenge to seek appointment to the Hiawatha Behavioral Mental Health Authority (HBH) board, service shortcomings at HBH, and spending decisions by the HBH board.

Lylene Hillman asked that the Committee be attentive to client needs as HBH deliberations continue. She said the service recipients are in position to know their mental health needs.

HBH employee Frances Hoholik told the Committee that HBH is a great place to work, but the current situation and surrounding publicity was upsetting to HBH clients. She said the County should make its decisions without any publicity.

Christine McLean commented that publicity regarding the HBH situation has come from HBH, and that HBH is responsible for scaring its own clients. She said HBH would be better served by setting higher public service goals.

Information Items

Controller Tim Dolehanty briefly reviewed two House bills that would raise road commission membership from three to five members, a report from the Gongwer News Service about the Governor’s budget proposal, the legislative update received from the Michigan Association of Counties, and a House bill that would ban returnable beverage containers from Michigan landfills.

Agenda Items: Reenactment of February 10, 2004 Meeting

Chairman Timmer reviewed the events of the February 10, 2004 Committee meeting held in Lansing. He characterized the meeting as a Committee discussion about mental health issues. It was emphasized that no motions or decisions came from that meeting.

Commissioner Kay reviewed a letter from State Representative Scott Shackleton concerning the meeting. The Committee agreed that the minutes accurately reflected points raised by Representative Shackleton. Commissioner Kay also commented that the Committee was not attempting to avoid requirements of the Open Meetings Act by meeting with officials in Lansing. He said all of those involved happened to be available in Lansing on February 10, and that the meeting was properly posted.

Commissioner Dale stated that, even though no violation of the Open Meetings Act existed, it was good to be cautious and to reenact the meeting.

Continued Discussion of Mental Health Service Agenda for Chippewa County

Commissioner Kay referred to a letter received from Mark Kielhorn of the Michigan Department of Community Health. He said there was enough lead-time to schedule Mr. Kielhorn to appear at the April or May committee meeting.

Chairman Timmer reported on a recent meeting he attended with HBH personnel. He said HBH made changes to the crisis line in hopes of improving that service, and that he and Commissioner Moore would test the system sometime in the near future.

Governor’s Budget Proposal

The Committee discussed the revenue sharing cut and tax collection proposals included in the Governor’s FY2005 budget proposal. Members expressed concern about the fiscal impact of the proposal on the County and on the taxpayers. It was agreed that a resolution should be presented to the Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee for their consideration on March 4.

Committee Comments

There were no additional comments from Committee members.

Chairman’s Comments

Chairman Timmer offered no additional comments.

Adjourn

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

Chairman Timmer declared the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

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Timothy J. Dolehanty, AICP, Recorder Richard Timmer, Committee Chairman