LEGISLATIVE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

December 4, 2006

 

A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Legislative and Natural Resources Committee was held on Monday, December 4, 2006 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  Chairperson Richard Timmer called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. with a quorum present.

 

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

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:        None

 

OTHERS PRESENT:          Tim McKee, Scott Brand, Derek Myerscough, Marvin Willis, Louise Willis, and 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.  Derek Myerscough provided a handout to the Commissioners regarding a Michigan State Police complaint of mileage fraud.  Mr. Myerscough asked the Committee to seek independent counsel to investigate the matter. 

 

 

Rotation Wrecker Services Policy

Director Tim McKee addressed the Committee regarding the previously discussed draft Wrecker Service Policy.  Director McKee provided a copy of the meeting minutes from November 21, 2006 which three wrecker services attended the meeting to discuss the proposed wrecker policy and the requirement for the wrecker companies.  Discussion included the section regarding the wrecker services ability to place a lien against personal property; which will be left up to the discretion of the business owner.  Discussion also included the possibility of sending one wrecker company to the scene for all vehicles involved in the accident; which will not be in the proposed policy as it could favor the larger company.  Reports will be provided quarterly to the Wrecker Companies.   The Committee commented on the policy being a huge step for guaranteeing citizens in our County appropriate services. 

 

It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Kay, to recommend approval of the Wrecker Services Policy and Procedure to the full Board of Commissioners and to   approve the policy at the December 2006 meeting.   On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

Commissioners’ per Diems and mileage

The Committee was provided with information, from other Counties, as well as, from the ‘Guide to Michigan Government’ and the Chippewa County Board By-laws, Procedures and Policies, including a copy of the Health and Social Services minutes, which includes a motion “to have the Legislative and Natural Resources Committee look into establishing and defining a Commissioner’s Compensation and Benefits Policy.”    The Committee discussed per diems, with respect to the time needed to attend meetings, Commissioner Shackleton voiced his opinion that the current per diem is more than fair, and it is the individuals choice to serve on the Commission.    Mileage was discussed at length; including holding a full Board meeting, to seeking an opinion from Michigan Association of Counties regarding the potential seriousness of the current mileage issue and the possibility of an independent counsel investigation.  The Committee also discussed the health benefits provided to Commissioners which should, also provide payment in-lieu of health insurance for Commissioners who don’t take the health insurance benefit.  And that Commissioners status with the County should be considered ‘part-time with full-time benefits’. 

 

It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Kay, to present a summary of the current mileage situation to Michigan Association of Counties to seek their legal view and recommendations and to also seek independent counsel to investigate the mileage matter in an expedient manner.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Kay, to work on and develop a Commissioner’s Compensation, Benefits and Ethics Policy.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

ORV Ordinance

Previously a letter was sent to Michigan Association of Counties’ seeking guidance and direction to maintain our ORV Ordinance, due to a potential issue with an Attorney General’s opinion.  MAC provided Michigan Legislation under Section 324.81126 which excludes the Upper Peninsula from that AG’s opinion.  Discussion followed.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Shackleton, to send a letter to the Townships to review the current Ordinance, and to identify any issues with the ORV Ordinance and to specifically identify roads to be excluded from the Ordinance.    On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

Kinross Charter Township (Informational only)

Commissioner Kay updated the Committee regarding letters from Kinross Township Supervisor Jason Oberle regarding a drainage issue; Kinross Township is responsible for its infrastructure and the Chippewa County Road Commission provided copies of the agreements to Commissioner Kay for clarification.

 

UPTRA member selection (Informational only)

The Committee received notice of the election of Linda K. Hoath to the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association district Mackinac-Chippewa-Luce.    A letter of congratulations will be sent on behalf of the Board.

 

Committee and/or Chairman Comments

None

 

Adjourn

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

 

Chairman Timmer declared the meeting adjourned at 11:18 p.m.

 

 

 

_______________________________                        ______________________________________

Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder                                                   Richard Timmer, Chairman