The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners met in regular
session on
Present:
Commissioners Ted Postula, Don Cooper, Scott Shackleton, Richard Timmer,
Bernard
LaJoie, Jim Moore and Chairman Earl Kay
Also Present: Debbie
Sirk, Don and Chris McLean, Will Karr, Kelly
Beaune, Sharon Kennedy and Diane Cork
It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by
Commissioner Postula, to acknowledge the correspondence received in the Clerk’s
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 Timmer, to approve the
Reads: “It was moved
by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Postula, to reappoint
Earl Kay and James Moore to the Hiawatha Behavioral Health Board. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously. Terms to expire
Should read: “It was
moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Postula, to
reappoint Earl Kay and James Moore to the Hiawatha Behavioral Health
Board. On a voice vote, the motion
carried with Commissioner Cooper voting no.”
With the correction, the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Debbie Sirk addressed the Board concerning answers she had
received to questions she had asked at a previous board meeting.
Chris McLean read a statement re: Hiawatha Behavioral Health
CONTROLLER’S REPORT – Kelly Beaune – Informational purposes
only, no action items necessary
It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by
Commissioner Moore, to submit to MAC and to our Legislator that the Chippewa
County Board of Commissioners go on record opposing HB 5831 and HB 5832
concerning legislation that the County Road Commission Boards be
abolished. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Brian Bartlett, Information Systems, requested permission
from the Board to dispose of expired computer assets by offering them to the
community.
It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by
Commissioner Cooper, to direct the Information Technology Department to give
the public one opportunity to take these items for free and what ever is left,
dispose of. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
Commissioner Cooper addressed his concerns about retro pay
possibly due to select employees. This
matter will be discussed at the next Personnel Committee meeting.
Commissioner Shackleton voiced concerns about the Audit
Report. It was noted that Chuck
Leonhardt will be attending the May County Board of Commissioners meeting.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Personnel – Bernard LaJoie – No meeting
Equalization & Apportionment – Jim Moore –
Equalization Director Kennedy presented the 2006 County
Equalized Values. It was explained that
pursuant to PA 512 of 2005, all of the “PILT” properties owned by the State of
Michigan, and commonly known as “State Ag” property was shifted off of the ad
valorem assessment roll onto a new roll, and that as the State of Michigan is
one of the County’s top ten taxpayers,
therefore the equalized ad valorem value of agricultural property in the County
decreased significantly. These
properties will continue to be taxed on the special roll, but only at the 2004
tax rates.
It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by
Commissioner Timmer, that the equalized values as presented be adopted as
reported and that all state required forms be completed and filed as required
by statute.
Discussion was held studies being held in townships as to
assessments of individual properties.
On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner
Postula voting no.
Equalization Director Kennedy explained that staff members
will be attending annual required continuing education classes in June, which
may necessitate the office closing for one or possibly two days in order to
accommodate staff.
It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by
Commissioner Cooper, that reasonable measures may be taken during the
trainings, including closing during lunch hours, to allow staff required
breaks, etc. while the office is short staffed due to staff members attending
classes. Any full day closures would only occur after advising the
Commission. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by
Commissioner Timmer, to accept the Equalization Committee report as
presented. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
Health & Social Services – Ted Postula – No meeting
Building, Grounds and Jail – Earl Kay –
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Postula, that the report of the Building, Grounds and Jail
Committee report be accepted as presented.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Transportation – Ted Postula – No meeting
Legislative & Natural Resources – Richard Timmer –
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Postula, to accept the report of the Legislative and Natural Resource
Committee as presented. On a voice vote,
the motion carried unanimously.
Computer Committee – Don Cooper – No meeting
Finance, Claims & Accounts – Richard Timmer –
Laura Aikens of the Superior Health Support Systems gave the
Committee a brief review of Sunset Manor since Superior Health Support Systems
undertook the operations and the improvements to the facility. The group is seeking a letter of support to
seek funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to rehabilitate the
Sunset Manor Facility. It was noted that
this request has no debt obligations.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Cooper, to approve the request of a letter of support to the
Superior Health Support Systems to seek funding from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
Don Riley of C-L-M Community Action Agency addressed the
Committee regarding the Senior Nutrition Program, and its projected budget
deficit. He reviewed the number of meals
served, including the home delivered meals program, including the breakdown by
County.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Shackelton, to recommend approval of an addition $30,000 appropriation
for FY2006 to the Senior Nutrition Program with no contingent upon the final
audit. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
The Committee reviewed the bid summary for the purchase of a
snow machine and trailer for the Sheriff’s Department. Two bids were received and met bid
requirements, Northstar Motor Sports bid of $7,420.00 was the low bid.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Postula, to recommend approval of the low bid from Northstar Motor
Sports of $7,420.00 to purchase the snow machine and trailer as specified in
the bid. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
The Committee reviewed two bids received to remove, replace,
wash, prep and paint the two northern most Westside elevations of the
Courthouse Annex.. Discussion of the
original bid was brought up and questioned as to why the building was painted.
It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by
Commissioner Postula, (in committee) to table the awarding of the bid until
clarification is sought.
It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by
Commissioner Postula, to take the tabling motion off the table for discussion
at tonight’s meeting. On a voice vote,
the motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Postula, to accept the low bid of the repainting in the amount of
$8400.00.
Discussion followed on painting versus staining, water
damage, repair of the bricks, bid specs and maintenance.
It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by
Commissioner Moore, to table this issue for purposes of clarifying and making
sure that the job will get done right.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
The Committee reviewed two bids received for the purchase,
installation and maintenance for a copier meeting the bid specification set by
the Chippewa County Health Department.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner LaJoie, to accept the low bid from National Office Supply of
$13,849 and to forward the recommendation to the Health Department. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
The Committee reviewed the bid summary for the purchase of
personal protective equipment for the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department with
$40,000 being dedicated from the 2006 State Homeland Security Grant Program and
the balance being paid for by the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Moore, to approve the bid from Westshore Fire in the amount of
$74,293.50 to purchase SCBA Ap50 4500 psi self contained breathing
apparatuses. On a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
Director Tim McKee reviewed the requirements for use of
Title III monies, with the County opting to commit these funds to search,
rescue and emergency services, as well as fire prevention and County planning.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Moore, to approve the request for Title III Michigan DNR funds
expenditures not to exceed $50,973.27.
On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
The Committee received two 2% fund requests to be
authorized; one for the School Health Clinic (CCHD) and another from the
Chippewa County Animal Control Shelter Humane Education Program.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Cooper, to approve the authorization for the Chairman to sign both
the School Health Clinic and the CCACS Humane Education 2% requests. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
The Committee received a request from the Chippewa County
Sheriff’s Department seeking approval for travel to Longmont, Colorado for
Allen Allen to attend a MMRMA sponsored training “Administering the Small Jail”
with no travel, lodging, meals or registration expenses.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Moore, to approve the travel as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously
The Committee received notice from the Upper Peninsula Resource
Conservation and Development Council regarding $300.00 in dues and confirmation
of the County’s appointee and alternate.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Moore, to approve the payment of $300.00 in dues and to confirm Richard
Timmer, Appointee and Earl Kay Alternate to the UP RC & D Council. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
Motions from the March 31, 2006 Building and Grounds
Committee were discussed by the Committee, the first motion being offer from Commissioner
Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to seek and forward engineering
figures from Wigen, Tincknell, Meyer and Associates.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Postula, to seek the engineering figures from Wigen, Tincknell,
Meyer & Associates.
Discussion followed on County office space occupying three
different buildings and the reasons why District Court needs additional space
and remodeling. The State Court
Administrator’s Office has made recommendations due to safety factors and
needs.
On a voice vote, the
motion carried with Commissioner Cooper voting no.
The second motion from the Building and Grounds Committee
offered by Commissioner Timmer, and supported by Commissioner Postula, to
purchase the City portion of the City/County Building and to forward a letter
to the City Manager Spencer Nebel indicating the same.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner Postula, to negotiate to buy the City/County Building. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
The monthly claims and accounts report was presented.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner LaJoie to recommend the approval of general fund claims totaling
$145,662.34, other fund claims of $176,191.96, payroll of $536,867.76 and
health department claims of $437,313.93, for total claims of $1,296,035.99 and
vouchers 40256 through 40450 and C-1 through C-161. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by
Commissioner LaJoie, to accept the report of the Finance, Claims and Accounts
Committee as presented. On a voice vote,
the motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
It was moved that a piece of property located on Sugar
Island owned by the County will be up for bids on May 17-06 at 10:00 a.m.
It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by
Commissioner Timmer, to recommend that a letter be sent to Pat Rodman, (HBH)
telling him that the Chippewa County Commission does not appreciate him sending
letters to Mackinac, Schoolcraft and Chippewa Counties telling them who HBH
wants on the Board and a second letter sent to Sam Harma and Lisa Hinkston
regarding a letter that was sent to Mackinac County about a meeting between
Chippewa and Mackinac Counties.
It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by
Commissioner Cooper, to amend the previous motion to included in the letter
that Chippewa County Commissioners answer to the citizens of Chippewa County
and they will do what they think is best, that they will meet with any
governmental unit that they think appropriate over any subject they think is
appropriate.
On the amendment to the motion, on a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
On the motion to send the letter, on a voice vote, the motion
carried with Commissioner Moore voting no.
Having no further business, it was moved by Commissioner
Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to adjourn. On a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously and the Board did adjourn at 8:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane S. Cork, Clerk
Earl Kay, Chairman