The Chippewa County Board of Commissioner met in regular session on Monday, February 13, 2006 at 7:03 p.m. (immediately following the Public Hearing) in the Courtroom of the Chippewa County Courthouse.

Present: Commissioners Ted Postula, Don Cooper, Scott Shackleton, Richard Timmer ,

Bernard LaJoie and Chairman Earl Kay

Absent: Commissioner Jim Moore

Also Present: Kathy Noel, E.D.C., Sharon Kennedy, Register of Deeds/Equalization

Director, Nicholas Lambros, Circuit Court Judge, Jeri Wolski, Frank

Blissett, Don and Chris McLean, Debbie Sirk, Cathy Monson, Cynthia

Morley, Jeff Moran, Sheriff, Kelly Beaune, Assistant to the Controller,

Will Karr and Diane Cork, County Clerk

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to acknowledge the correspondence received in the Clerks Office, and if necessary, forward to the appropriate committee. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the County Board minutes of December 12, 2005, January 9 and January 18, 2006 as prepared by the Clerk with the following correction. The meeting of January 18, 2006, page 1 paragraph 1 which states, It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner to amend the agenda to include Public Comments. On a voice vote, the motion carried should read: It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Shackelton to amend the agenda to include Public comments. On a voice vote, the motion carried. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Debbie Sirk addressed the County Board with the following questions/statements:

1. She would like a copy of the County budget and County Audit Report

2. When is the County Website going to be updated?

3. What is the Countys financial situation?

4. Would like a breakdown on all County Commissioners expenses including fringes,

pay, benefits and travel to include all boards and commissions they it on.

5. What is happening with the county Administrator s position?

6. Is there an E.D.C. report? How many jobs have been brought to Chippewa County

in 2005 and how many have been lost?

7. When opportunity is for the County Board to support local business, why dont

you support local?

Chris McLean read the following statement:

Exactly five years ago, at this very moment, my daughter lay dying at War Memorial Hospital because most people found it easy to write off a mentally ill woman. For nearly five years, the professionals and politicians just turned their backs, called her a drunk, and said the system had already spent too much money on her; yet at the same time, these same professionals and politicians continued to accept their generous salaries, per diems, trips, meals, education reimbursements, retirement packages, insurance options and what ever other fringes they could reap for themselves.

Don and I came to you, wrote letters with factual information before Karen died; we never got any calls as to what could be done to help her. We did get one personalized post card from then State Representative Shackleton saying how much he appreciated hearing from his constituents.

Later that night, surrounded by her family, a dedicated medical doctor and many of her former coworker friends, Karen quietly died. Everyone knew the system had failed her.

Not all of you sat on this board at that time, but you have all been here long enough to know Karens story if you have even half listened to Don and I. All members have been here long enough to know how HBH has failed other Chippewa county residents since Karens death. All members have been here long enough to know of the many other Chippewa county residents who have died due to lack of appropriate mental health services.

The members of this board know nearly 1300 Chippewa county residents asked this commission to work toward changes at HBH. The members of this board know nearly 1200 Chippewa County residents asked for the resignation of Probate Judge Ulrich, a judge who jailed a mentally ill woman for disobeying his court order regarding her mental illness, a judge who did nothing to the agency that disobeyed his orders on several occasions regarding that same womans mental health care.

Chippewa County residents deserve better.

This board has watched HBH management spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on lavish buildings and furnishing, purchased staff loyalty, and personalized luxury SUVs.

HBHs CEO openly smirks at his personal use Ford Expedition being a luxury vehicle. I think the majority of people (your constituents) who purchase their own cars, pay for their own gas and pay the taxes that purchased the CEOs personal use Ford Expedition would consider a Ford Expedition a luxury vehicle and not smirk about it.

The HBH CEO openly smirks at the Upper Peninsula as being a place where professionals dont want to work or live and that is the reason HBH has to pay so much more than other localities to employ professionals.

Two months ago a $70,000 clerical error was discovered in a Physicians Assistant contract HBH made last September. The CEO promised and explanation but has produced nothing yet.

Recently HBH management proposed an addition and remodeling to the Manistique administrative office. A board member from Mackinac county suggested looking into options that would move HBH management to St. Ignace which is more centrally located and would save the agency much money in travel, meals, motel expenses and lost work time. CEO Sam Harma differed with the board members suggestion and said it was IN WRITING that the HBH business office had to remain in Manistique. Don and I have a copy of the original resolution that formed HBH and a copy of the Discussion Meeting Minutes referred to by Sam Harma; neither document states the business office must be located in Manistique.

Since that falsehood was exposed, HBH is now contracting for a feasibility study regarding the addition to the Manistique office.

The bids for that study were recently opened and the Building & Grounds committee is recommending Al Goudreau of GWA Contract Furniture of Gulliver, MI aka Wakely & Assoc. of Mt. Pleasant, MI Goudreau was the architect for the backwards built Sault Office and the controversial and only bidder on the $157,000 furniture order.

Don and I have been verbally attacked for speaking out about HBH practices; people say we are doing this as vengeful, grieving parents; people say we should be over this by now. We say our concerns which began as grieving parents have changed into concerns for the welfare of others. I think the people who criticize and scoff at our efforts are people who dont want to be reminded of how they have failed the mentally ill.

Life would be so much easier for some folks if the McLeans would just go away and the healthy, wealthy professionals and politicians could all forget Karen, Kevin, Richard, Diane, Kenneth, Robert, Linda, Bob, BJ, Michael, Jennifer

This board wasnt elected just to provide for the healthy, wealthy. We dont intend to go away.

Don McLean read the following statement:

It is time you did more than simply nod and smile about the problems at Hiawatha Behavioral Health. It is time for you to formally meet with the Mackinac County Commissioners to make the changes in HBH so patients are the priority.

My wife and I are still very emotional about the unnecessary suffering and death of our daughter. Watching your child suffer and die is not something I would not wish on any of you. Those memories keep us at our efforts to improve mental health services so no other resident of Chippewa County will have to suffer as Karen did.

Unfortunately not much has changes. We know of a number of county residents who have died since Karen. They have died in dingy apartments, burning automobiles, hospitals, jails and back alleys. They have died because they had mental health problems and were not receiving the care and treatment they needed. That care and treatment would have taken money.

In the 60 months since Karens death HBH has found money to build lavish offices in the Sault and St. Ignace. They purchased and built a number of group homes and drove the previous private homes out of business. They purchased a fleet of more that 50 cars trucks and vans including a Ford Expedition for the CEOs personal use. They paid for the college degrees of many employees including top managers. They paid for employee bonuses, staff parties and equipped their offices with the latest computer systems, video conferencing and video recording equipment. They continue to pay for the inefficiency of keeping the main office in Manistique.

A few months ago in the name of rising inpatient costs HBH eliminated the popular and successful Take Five Alzheimer respite program. In almost the same breath they purchased a number of new cars, trucks and vans and moved ahead with planning an addition to the Manistique office.

We have spoken against their outlandish spending particularly in light of their cuts in client care and treatment programs. All of the Schoolcraft County and most of the Mackinac County HBH board members openly ignore us and some even get up and leave the table when we are making public comment.

People are dying while the money intended for their care is being squandered on more cars, bigger offices and improved benefits for HBH management and staff. At our count in the last five years at least 8 Chippewa County families have suffered the loss of a loved one from mental health problems. In the next five years someone you know and love may join that number. We cant wait any longer.

It is time for you to do more than simply sitting and nodding at our concerns. You are the only ones who can do something. You need to act tonight. Designate a commissioner preferably Mr. Timmer as the chairman of the Legislative committee to contact the Mackinac County commissioners and arrange a meeting aimed t changing HBH so care and treatment of our residents is the priority. You need to do this tonight.

CONTROLLERS REPORT Informational purposes only

OLD BUSINESS:

Discussion was held on the County Administrator s position re: tie votes, re-advertising, re-interviewing candidates and monthly accounting contract.

It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to set the compensation package, offering it to a candidate and begin negotiations with the candidate for contractual terms and do so with Christy Ryan. On a roll call vote, Commissioners Cooper, Shackelton and LaJoie voted yes. Commissioners Postula, Timmer and Kay voted no. The motion failed with a tie vote.

Commissioner Shackleton suggested that a special meeting be scheduled so a vote could be taken with a full board present. A special meeting was scheduled for February 21, 2006 at 5:00 p.m.

STANDING COMMIITTEE REPORTS:

Personnel Bernard LaJoie 1-12-2006 & 1-26-2006

1-12-2006

Prosecutor Brian Peppler addressed the Committee regarding staffing needs for the Prosecutors Office. Discussion included increasing staff to 40 hours per week, at a cost of $47,387 for a full year. A grant through the Crime Victim Commission allows for $4,800 wage expense, for a part-time clerical position; this would be a temporary position not to exceed the $4,800 limit. The third item of discussion was a request to fund an assistant prosecutor position.

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to fill the grant position, through the Crime Victim Commission. This will have no effect on the Countys General Fund. On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Shackleton voting no.

A memorandum of Agreement for the Countys 4-H position was reviewed by the Committee; the agreement shall not exceed $20,600 for fiscal year January 1, 2006, with additional monies provided by Bay Mills Indian Community. The FY06 budget did provide for this request.

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to approve the Memorandum of Agreement not to exceed $20,600, and to have the Chair execute the agreement. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Clarification was requested by the Controllers Office regarding the changing Blue Cross Blue Shield benefits to be the same as the current non-union personnel, as it was not directly addressed by the Board of Commissioners.

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to approve the changes to the retirees Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage to be the same as current non-union personnel. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Chairman LaJoie brought up the Assistant to the Controllers position, requesting a salary change for additional work that has been done and to continue until an Administrator is hired. As prior practice of the Board, an additional $1,000 per month to the Assistant to the Controller retroactively from October 2004 to present. On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioners Cooper and Shackleton voting no.

1-26-2006:

Circuit Court Judge Nicholas Lambros addressed the Committee regarding Policy No. 221, which the Board recently waived for a new position in the Sheriffs Department. Judge Lambros indicated that this is the third time he has addressed the Circuit Court Administrator wages, asking again for an exception to the policy, and to upgrade the Circuit Court Administrator to the top five-year level. He also indicated that he would have not come back except for the recent exception; as the Board had been following the policy. The change in the salary would cost approximately $6,000.

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend the change to the Finance Committee, to increase the wage level for the Circuit Court Administrator to the five year level effective November 15, 2005; to coincide with the start date of the new Lieutenant position in the Sheriffs Department.

On discussion: Commissioner Cooper thought the increase should be retroactive back to the date the position was accepted along with any other position that were overlooked.

The motion carried with Commissioners Cooper and Shackleton voting no.

County Clerk Diane Cork addressed the Committee of a recent resignation in her office effective February 10, 2006. Ms. Cork indicated that the Controllers Office sought a waiver from the Circuit Court Unit to waive the five-day posting requirement per AFSCME contract. (Which was received and posting waived) She asked that she be able to re-fill the position as soon as possible, so that she may have a few days of training provided by the employee that is resigning. The FY06 County Clerks budget will not have to be increased, due to costs savings in fringe benefit, which will cover the one-week training.

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to accept the resignation of Denita Stevens, and to pay Ms. Stevens in full on February 10, 2006. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to allow County Clerk Diane Cork, to hire, as soon as possible, for training purposes with no additional funding needed. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Public Defender Elizabeth Church addressed the Committee regarding her upcoming medical leave. She asked the Committee to increase the Public Defender staff to 40 hours per week during Ms. Churchs leave, with the possibility of some hours being accrued for later time off. The office would also send out all prison cases during this time, as they are 100% reimbursed by the state.

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to approve 40 hours per week for Marlene Murphy, Administrative Assistant and Julie Beck, Assistant Public Defender, during Ms. Churchs medical leave, with the possibility of accrued hours being used later as time off. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Job descriptions were provided for positions 1^st Lieutenant/Jail Administrator and 2^nd Lieutenant/Jail Administrator, to be approved by the Committee with copies provided to the Board of Commissioners.

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to accept the report of the Personnel Committee minutes of January 12 and January 26, 2006 as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Equalization Committee Jim Moore No meeting

Health & Social Services Ted Postula No meeting

Building, Grounds and Jail Earl Kay 1-19-06

The Committee reviewed the mold investigation reports, the reports noted stachybotrys was detected, and that maintenance handled the situation correctly by cleaning with bleach, the spores die readily after released from its mass. The Prosecutors Office has requested an additional air quality test be completed due to red eyes and runny noses. The cost of the test is approximately $1,110.00.

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to approve the limited indoor air assessment with Mackinac Environmental Technology in the amount of $1,110, to be completed as soon as possible. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to seek bids to repair the Support Coordinator offices, once the air quality testing has been completed. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

The Committee reviewed the bids for paper products bids from Mussio Janitorial ($1,259), Parker Hardware ($1,475.36 and Gold Eagle supply ($1,424). The bids were to include 16 cases toilet paper, 4 cases kitchen roll towel and 32 cases multi-fold towel.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the low bid from Mussio Janitorial in the amount of $1,259. On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Shackleton voting no.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to accept the Building, Grounds and Jail Committee report as given. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Legislative & Natural Resources Richard Timmer No meeting

Computer Committee Don Cooper No meeting

Finance, Claims & Accounts Richard Timmer 1-9-2006

Discussion was held on bids received for the Chippewa County s Workers Compensation coverage.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the stay with Michigan Association of Counties Workers Compensation Fund. On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioners Cooper and Shackleton voting no.

The Committee reviewed the bids received for a photocopier for the Prosecuting Attorneys Office. The Board was asked prior to this meeting to approve the low bid, due to a breakdown of the old copier that would have cost $500 to fix. Not all Commissioners were afforded the bid costs during the previous poll seeking approval to accept the low bid.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to approve the low bid from National Office Products of $5,999 plus a full coverage maintenance contract at $.130 per copy. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

The Committee received two bids to replace an upper pane window glass that was broken by maintenance while snow blowing. Bids were received from American Glass & Mirror and Brimley Glass & Mirror. The Controllers Office will also check to se if any of the Courthouse cracked windows are upper panes, to see if ordering more than one would be a cost savings.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the low bid from American Glass & Mirror, in the amount of $362.04. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

The Committee was asked to approve the bid request for 10 (ten) Desktop Computers as presented.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the request for bids for 10 (ten) desktop Computers, bids due on Friday, March 3, 2006 before 12:00 noon. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

The Committee was asked to determine if a purchase or lease of patrol vehicles should be sought.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to seek bids for both purchasing and/or leasing of three patrol vehicles. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Director Tim McKee presented the Committee with 8 (eight) requests. The first to approve the Local Emergency Planning committee membership list as presented.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the LEPC membership list as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Cooper voting no.

The Ambulance and Fire Protection proposition needs to be renewed and approved to be placed on the ballot for the August 8, 2006 Primary Election.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to concur with the OES committee approving the language and placement on the ballot for the August 8, 2006 Election. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Title III County Projects. For FY2006 the County has received $50,973.27, to be allocated to the Search, Rescue and Emergency Services and Fire Prevention and County planning projects cited under Section 302 (b).

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to concur with the OES Committee to allocate Title III funds to the Search, Rescue and Emergency Services and Fire Prevention and County Planning projects for FY2006. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

The Committee was requested to approve the purchase of one generator to be placed at WSOO/WSUE Ashmun Street studio, as they are the Local Primary station for the Emergency Alert System (EAS). Funds needed to complete this project are $4,400.00, with the balance of the $7,850 bid to be paid by the radio station. ($3,450.00)

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commission Cooper, to concur with the OES Committee and approve the purchase, placement and expenditure of $4,400 for a generator to be at the WSOO/WSUE Ashmun Street studio. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Self contained Breathing apparatus (SCBA) Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department The Committee was asked to approve $40,000 to be expended from the 2005 Homeland Security Grant for Personal Protection Equipment for first responders.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to concur with the OES Committee recommending that $40,000 of the 2005 Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) funds be dedicated towards the purchase of personal protection equipment for the city of Sault Ste. Marie. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Overhead Paging System Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department Bids were received to install an overhead paging system for the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department; this system will correct and eliminate an extra phone call currently needed to provide information to the City of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the expenditure of $4,795.00 for the overhead paging system through Homeland Security grant project. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Wireless Connection to IBA Bridge Security Camera Project. The Committee was asked to approve an expenditure of $14,307.00 for wireless connectivity of the International Bridge Security Camera Project to be reimbursed through the Critical Infrastructure grant.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the expenditure of $14,307.00 to Lighthouse.net to provide a wireless connection for the purpose of monitoring camera images of the International Bridge Administration security cameras by way of Central Dispatch, Sault Ste. Marie Police Department and the Michigan State Police. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Mobile Data Terminal Project Director Tim McKee explained the need to upgrade the Countys current mobile data platform, with only one vendor, DataRadio, that offers the encrypted method of delivering the data that is obtained from the state through the Core LEIN connection that the County uses. The project has been discussed at length with the OES Committee who is recommending the expenditure of $105,452.00 with El-Com Services, Inc. for the Mobile Data Terminals Projects. Reimbursement for the project will be sought after the project has been completed through Homeland Security Grant project.

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, to approve the El-Com Services, Inc. expenditure of $105,452.00 to be reimbursed by Homeland Security Grant project to upgrade the Countys current mobile data platform. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

The Committee reviewed dues billings from National Association of Counties, UPCAP and U.P. Association of County Commissioners.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve and pay the dues; NACo $740.00; UPCAP $1,200 and UPACC $162.00.

On discussion, Commissioner Shackleton felt that paying NACO $740.00 was a waste of money. He felt that there was no benefit to the County to belong to NACO.

It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to amend the motion to remove the dues for NACO, but to pay for the other two. On a voice vote, the motion to amend the motion carried with Commissioner Postula voting no.

On the amended motion to eliminate NACOs $740.00 out of the original motion, pay UPCAP o $1,200 and UPPACC in the amount of $162.00 all Commissioners voted in the affirmative except Commissioner Postula. Motion carried.

Chippewa County County Jail Medical A $500 per month increase was requested by St. Marys Medical Center, who currently maintains the Medical Services for the Inmates at the County Jail. Sheriff Moran sought out additional bids, receiving only one reply, at $4,000 per month. The St. Marys Medical Center services with the increase will be at $2,500 for services provided.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the monthly amount of $2,500 to St. Marys Medical Center to provide Chippewa County Jail Inmate medical services. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

MMRMA RENEWAL The Committee received the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority Coverage Overview renewal for 1/1/2006 to 1/1/2007 property and liability insurance coverage. County bids were not sought for the property and liability insurance.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the MMRMA renewal policy and approve the County Board Chair to execute the documents. On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Cooper voting no.

The Committee reviewed a letter that needs to be sent to UPCAP, to be included with UPCAPs proposal to develop a model Single Point of Entry. This request goes with Resolution 05-18 previously approved by the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the letter as presented with signature of the County Board Chair. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

The Committee was given Building Inspector and Animal Control possible rate increases for review and discussion. It was noted that last years revenue for the Building Inspection Department was much lower than expected, causing an increase to the general fund expenditures. It has been three years since the last rate increase or comparisons for the Building Inspectors Office. Commission Cooper would like al the rates/fee schedule reviewed during each fiscal year budget process. The proposed increases in fees would hopefully increase the revenue level back to the projected FY05 budget.

The Animal Control fee schedule was also reviewed for proposed increases and changes to the Boarding fees, adoption fees for animals three months and under a fine for non-licensed animals.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the fee schedules as presented for the Building Inspection Department and the Chippewa County Animal Control Shelter. On a voice vote, Commissioners Timmer, Postula and Kay voted yes. Commissioners Shackleton, Cooper and LaJoie, voted no. Motion failed.

Several motions from the Personnel Committee were reviewed and discussed by the committee. The Crime Victims Grant has a $4,800 revenue/expenditure line item available to hire a part-time contractual employee to be paid $10.00 per hour. A letter of recommendation was supplied b the Crime Victims Advocate in support of hiring her current intern Kortney Peppler.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the contractual employee, Kortney Peppler to be paid $10.00 per hour, and the contract not to exceed $4,800.00. On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Shackleton voting no.

A motion to increase the Prosecutors staff temporarily to 40 hours per week was discussed by the Committee.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to deny the 40 hour per week request for Prosecutors staff. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

A motion to hire an Assistant Prosecutor was also forwarded to the Finance Committee for review.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Moore, to deny the request to hire an Assistant Prosecutor. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Sharon Kennedy requested 40 hours per week for the Equalization staff for thirteen weeks, February through April, the hours will not be used unless necessary.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to approve the request of 40 hours per week, for thirteen weeks, for the Equalization Department. On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioners LaJoie and Shackleton voting no.

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to recommend approval of general fund claims totaling $273,003.99, other fund claims of $1,162,611.91, payroll of $370,098.98 and health department claims of $443,390.37, total claims of $2,249,105.25, vouchers 39708 through 39989 and A-1 through A-261. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Having completed the report, it was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to accept the report of the Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee meeting of February 9, 2006 as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

The appointment to the Tax Allocation Board will be carried over to the March meeting.

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, authorize the Chippewa County E.D.C. to apply for and administer a Community Development Block Grant application on behalf of Kretz Lumber to set up a sawmill on one of the E.D.C. properties at Kinross. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to recommend a joint workshop be set up with Mackinac County and Chippewa County Boards of Commissioners to discuss mental health issues. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

Having no further business, it was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to adjourn. On a voice vote, the motion carried and the Board did adjourn at 8:48 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane S. Cork, Clerk Earl Kay, Chairman