LEGISLATIVE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

January 27, 2005

A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Legislative and Natural Resources Committee was held on Thursday, January 27, 2005 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Chairperson Richard Timmer called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Timmer, Chairman, Scott Shackleton, and Earl Kay

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: John Katona and Chris Katona, MMRMA Representatives, Kelly Beaune, Recorder

Additions/Deletions to the Agenda

Chairman Timmer called for additions or deletions to the agenda.

Commissioner Kay, seconded by Commissioner Shackleton, moved it to approve the agenda as presented. On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

Public Comments

Chairman Timmer called for public comments. No public comments were offered.

Information Items

No additional items were received.

Agenda Items: Workers Compensation presentation

John and Chris Katona, of U.P. Insurance Specialists, Inc., and Chippewa County’s Michigan Municipal Management Authority Risk Manager, presented the Committee with two pricing options for workers compensation for the County, coverage offered through Accident Fund. The proposal is based on actual claims and the County’s experience modification. Accident Fund program have the same benefits as Michigan Counties Workers’ Compensation Fund, including the year-end dividend. The premium savings would be approximately $20,000, if the County were to switch for FY2005. U.P. Specialists will be forwarding a list of members and other Counties currently with the Accident Fund for references to review.

It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, seconded by Commissioner Kay, to meet with an Accident Fund representative, and to have a cost and services comparison of the other Counties currently with Accident Fund. On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

FY2006 Legislative Appropriations

An updated letter has been requested for Chippewa County’s federal funding FY2006 requests for Congress. Several items were discussed; information for this letter will be gathered through the County’s agencies. The letter will be forwarded to Alcalde & Fay’s Jim Davenport. There is no charge for this assistance.

Committee Comments

Committee member Shackleton noted that the State Budget would soon be presented, and that possible additional cuts at the County level are possible.

Chairman’s Comments

Chairman Timmer wanted to know the status of Sunset Manor, Committee member Kay, also a member of the Board of Health, stated that Sunset Manor is not a County facility and there is no liability to the County, and employees of the Chippewa County Health Department are not running Sunset Manor. Chairman Timmer also wanted to know the status of the letter to the Natural Resource Committee regarding access road closure.

Adjourn

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

Chairman Timmer declared the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

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Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder Richard Timmer, Chairman