LEGISLATIVE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

October 18, 2006

A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Legislative and Natural Resources Committee was held on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Chairperson Richard Timmer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Merle Vollick, Mark Vollick, Bill Howland, Kelly Beaune, Recorder

Additions/Deletions to the Agenda

Chairman Timmer called for additions or deletions to the agenda. It was moved by Commissioner Kay, seconded by Commissioner Shackleton 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.

Rotation Wrecker Investigation

The Committee opened discussion brought up from public comments on October 9, 2006 regarding the non preference wrecker’s services in Chippewa County. The question being raised is that of the County Sheriff owning and operating a private wrecker service. Chippewa County Central Dispatch Director Tim McKee explained how the current process is handled. He also noted, per the law, that liquor licenses were the only item certified police officer can not be involved with. Discussion on liability and the Michigan Public Service Commission policy, the MPSC would give the County safety against liability insurance claims. There are currently only three licensed MPSC wrecker services in Chippewa County. The Committee and others present discussed a possible conflict of interest for the Sheriff, as well as, the Code of Ethics currently on display in the County Courthouse. The wrecker owners feel that the Sheriff could use his position to make money and establish a business. A legal opinion will be sought regarding a possible conflict of interest; Director Tim McKee is ready to move forward with a County wide policy for non preference wrecker services, which can be implemented through current software at Central Dispatch. By implementing a County policy it would be protecting everyone involved, and would be reviewed annually.

It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Kay, to seek a legal opinion regarding a possible conflict of interest from the Sheriff to own and operate a wrecker service and to set a Chippewa County Central Dispatch policy for non preference rotation wrecker services, if possible. On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

Michigan Supreme Court

A proposed amendments of Rules 6.610, 6.625, and 7.103 was forwarded to the Committee for review by Public Defender Elizabeth Church, if this proposed amendment were to pass it, independent counsel would be required, as an attorney cannot file the appellant work on a case she or he worked on.; which would become an additional cost to the County.

It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Shackleton, to oppose the proposed amendments of Supreme Court Rules 6.610, 6.625, and 7.103, without additional funding for the Counties. On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

Committee and/or Chairman Comments

None

Adjourn

Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Timmer, moved to adjourn the meeting. On a voice vote the motion CARRIED.

Chairman Timmer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

_______________________________ ______________________________________

Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder Richard Timmer, Chairman