FINANCE, CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

February 9, 2006

 

A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee was held on Thursday, February 9, 2006 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, Don Cooper, Bernie LaJoie, Ted Postula and James Moore (5:07 p.m)

OTHER

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:       Earl Kay and Scott Shackleton

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:                       None

 

OTHERS PRESENT:                         Ted Pych, MAC; Tina Ojala, Marilyn McDonald, Sheriff Jeff Moran, Tim McKee, Sharon Kennedy, Kathy Munson, Stephanie Rintamaki, Diane Cork, Sue Short,  Randy Pingatore, Shad Smith and Kelly Beaune.

 

Additions / Deletions to the Agenda

Chairman Timmer called for additions or deletions to the agenda. 

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, seconded by Commissioner Postula, to approve the agenda as amended.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Correspondence and Information Items:

The Committee received the monthly Treasurer’s report, monthly travel report, mileage rate change, Fort Dearborn Life rate, Fund 270 info, District Court staff, Air-O-Cell Analysis, FY 2006 Court Equity Fund, CCHD Property/Liability reimbursement, FY 2006 Child Care Fund, MERS Employer Contribution rates and two thank you notes.

 

Presentation: Michigan Association of Counties for Workers Compensation

The Committee received a presentation from Ted Pych, MAC’s Director of Service Corporation; topics discussed included year end dividends, pool size and a review of the Board of Trustees.  Questions were asked regarding surplus premium refund, if Chippewa County leaves the fund, and how prior claims are handled if the County does opt out.  Commissioner Cooper handed out the following Worker’s Comp comparison:

 

ACCIDENT FUND                                                      Cost to County

No Dividend                                                                  $76,737.00

Dividend option                                                 $88,716.00

Potential dividend based 10% claim                    $28,223.08

NET COST                                                                 $60,492.92

 

MAC Workers Compensation

Dividend option                                                 $91,408.50

Potential dividend                                              $32,000.00       

NET COST                                                                 $59,408.50

 

Difference in net cost             $1,084.42

5% of low bid                          $2,970.42

Agenda Items: Workers Compensation

The Committee continued discussion regarding the bids received for Chippewa County’s Workers Compensation coverage.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Moore, to approve the bid from the Accident Fund, based on the bids and the Counties purchasing policy.  On a voice vote, the motion failed (2-3).  Commissioners LaJoie, Postula and Timmer voting nay.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve to stay with the Michigan Association of Counties Workers Compensation Fund.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED (3-2).  Commissioners Cooper and Moore voting nay.

 

The Committee next reviewed the bids received for a photocopy for the Prosecuting Attorney’s office, the Board was asked prior to this meeting to approve the low bid, due to a break down 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 Postula, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to approve the low bid from National Office Products of $5,999 plus a full coverage maintenance contract at .013 per copy.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

Window pane replacement

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 Controller’s Office will also check to see 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 LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, to approve the low bid from American Glass & Mirror, in the amount of $362.04.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Desktop Computer Bid

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

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, 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 was CARRIED.

 

Patrol Vehicle Bid

The Committee was asked to determine if a purchase or lease of patrol vehicles should be sought.  Pros and cons were discussed briefly.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to seek bids for both purchasing and leasing of three patrol vehicles.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

 

Homeland Security

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 Postula, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the LEPC membership list as presented.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED. (4-1) Commissioner Cooper voting nay)

 

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

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Postula, 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 was 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 Cooper, 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 was 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.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Moore, 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 was 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 Cooper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to concur with the OES Committee recommending that $40,000.00 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 was 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 Postula, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to approve the expenditure of $4,795.00 for the overhead paging system through Homeland Security grant project.  On a voice vote, the motion was 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 LaJoie, 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 was CARRIED.

 

Mobile Data Terminal Project.  Director Tim McKee explained the need to upgrade the County’s current mobile data platform, with only one vender, 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 County’s current mobile data platform.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Membership Dues

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

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve and pay the dues; NACo $740.00; UPCAP $1,200 and UPACC $162.00.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED. (3-2) Commissioners Cooper and Moore voting nay)

 

Contracts

Schindler Elevator.  The Committee was updated on the current contract that expires on January 1, 2008; it would cost approximately $525.00 to opt out of the contract.  The Controller’s office will follow up with Otis Elevator to check on a time and material type maintenance contract and report back to the Committee.

 

Chippewa County Jail Medical.  A $500 per month increase was requested by St. Mary’s 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. Mary’s Medical Center services with the increase will be at $2,500 for services provided.  Official County bids were not sought.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the monthly amount of $2,500 to St. Mary’s Medical Center to provide Chippewa County Jail Inmate medical services.  On a voice vote, the motion was 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 Moore, 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 was CARRIED. (4-1) Commissioner Cooper voting nay)

 

Letter to UPCAP

The Committee reviewed a letter that needs to be sent to UPCAP, to be included with UPCAP’s 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 Moore, 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 FY 2007 Appropriations requests form from Congressman Bart Stupak was reviewed by the Committee, with follow up to be completed by the Controller’s office. 

 

Rates and Fees

The Committee was given Building Inspector and Animal Control possible rate increase 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.  Commissioner Cooper would like all the rates/fee scheduled 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 and a fine for non-licensed animals. 

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to table the proposed fee schedules for the Building Inspection Department and the Chippewa County Animal Control Shelter.  On a voice vote, the motion failed.  (2-3) Commissioners Moore, Postula and Timmer voting nay)

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Moore, to approve the fee schedules as presented for the Building Inspection Department and the Chippewa County Animal Control Shelter.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED. (3-2) Commissioners Cooper and LaJoie voting nay)

 

 

Motions from Personnel Committee

Several motions from the Personnel Committee were reviewed and discussed by the Committee.  The Crime Victim’s 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 by the Crime Victim Advocate in support of hiring her current intern, Kortney Peppler.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, 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.

 

A motion to increase the Prosecutor’s staff temporarily to 40 hours per week was discussed next.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to deny to the 40 hour per week request for Prosecutor’s staff.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED. (4-1) Commissioner Moore voting nay)

 

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

 

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

 

A motion to follow prior practice and approve compensation of $1,000 per month to the Assistant to the Controller retroactively from October 2004 to present was presented.  The salary for this position in FY05 was $42,552, and with the recent 3% increase FY06 is $43,829.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, to deny this proposal, the motion died due to lack of support.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the proposal to follow prior practice and approve an additional compensation of $1,000 per month to the Assistant to the Controller retroactively from October 2004 to present.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED. (4-1) Commissioner Cooper voting nay)

 

Recommendation from Personnel 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, where County policy No. 211 was not followed was discussed.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, increase the wage level of Circuit Court Administrator, retroactively to date position was taken, the motion died to lack of support.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to increase the wage level for the Circuit Court Administrator to the five-year level effective November 15, 2005.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

The Committee received the job description for the 1st and 2nd Lieutenant positions as previously requested.

 

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

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Moore, to approve the request of 40 hours per week, for thirteen weeks, to the Equalization Department.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED. (4-1) Commissioner LaJoie voting nay)

 

Claims and Accounts

The monthly claims and accounts report were presented.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to recommend the 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 was CARRIED.

 

Committee Comments

The Committee had no additional comments.

 

Chairman’s Comments

The Chairman had no additional comments.

 

Adjourn

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

 

Chairperson Timmer declared the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

 

 

 

 

__________________________________          __________________________________

Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder                                       Richard Timmer, Chairperson