The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, May 7, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Chippewa County Courthouse, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

 

Present:  Commissioners Ted Postula, Don Cooper, Scott Shackleton, Richard Timmer, Bernard LaJoie, and Chairman Earl Kay

 

Absent:  Commissioner Jim Moore

 

Also Present:  Derek Myerscough, Kathy Munson, Leo and Persephone Wiley, Louise Willis, John Willis, James Traynor, Bud Willis, Jesse Knoll, Don McLean Debbie Sirk, Cathy Cairns, Frank Blisset, Scott Brand, Marilyn McDonald, County Treasurer, Kelly Beaune, Acting Controller, and Diane Cork, County Clerk

 

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.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to approve the County Board minutes of April 9, 2007 as prepared by the Clerk.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

John Willis, Sugar Island, commented on the County Controller’s position and qualifications for the position such as education, experience and knowledge of grants.

 

Derek Myerscough, Sugar Island Supervisor, stated that he felt the County Controller’s position should be advertised.  He also commented that Tim McKee has been working on the radio tower on Sugar Island and has been super to work with.  Mr. Myerscough also gave a hand out to the Commissioners for discussion at next months meeting.

 

CONTROLLER’S REPORT – Kelly Beaune, Acting Controller – Informational purposes only

 

OLD BUSINESS:  None

 

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

Personnel – Bernard LaJoie – May 8, 2007

 

The Committee received and reviewed the notice of retirement from Register of Deeds employee Joan Hopper.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to except the retirement of Joan Hopper effective June 29, 2007, and to follow AFSCME contract posting of the vacancy guidelines.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

Equalization Director Sharon Kennedy brought two additional requests for tax maps for Pickford and Sugar Island.  The County will be fully reimbursed for the services rendered by No Boundaries Maps and Graphics.  This is the same process used by Whitefish Township which was previously approved by the Board.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the agreements as presented, approving both Pickford and Sugar Island Township to purchase tax maps through Chippewa County, with full reimbursement from the Townships for work completed by No Boundaries Maps and Graphics.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

The Committee reviewed the recommendation letter of Director Tim McKee to hire Laurie Swanson full-time effective May 15, 2007, who has completed the County’s on-the-job training program.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the recommendation as presented to hire Laurie Swanson to a full-time position of Dispatcher effective May 15th, 2007.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

The Committee reviewed a request from 50th Circuit Court to hire a part-time employee from approximately August 1st through November 1st, 2007, to cover a maternity leave.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to approve the hiring of a part-time person for the approximate four month period, with the wages being established following County policy.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

On discussion, Commissioner Cooper asked that Kelly Beaune, Acting Controller, contact the Public Defenders Office to inquire as to Tribal Contracts and hours of work.

 

Having completed his report, it was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to accept the report as given.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

Equalization & Apportionment – Jim Moore – No meeting

Health & Social Services – Ted Postula – No meeting

Building, Grounds & Jail – Earl Kay – 4-18-07

 

Two quotes for the South entrance steps of the Chippewa County Courthouse were reviewed by the Committee.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to do a RFQ to remove and replace the South entrance stairs of the Courthouse and to include the option of heating the steps in the quote.  The quote will be reviewed by Commissioner Timmer before it is published.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

Henry J. Ware provided a quote for replacement of the roof above the Register of Deeds office; the quote has a manufactures ten year warranty that will cost an additional $500.00 for a total cost of $4,270.

 

The remainder of the report was for informational purposes only.

 

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

 

Transportation – Ted Postula – No meeting

Legislative & Natural Resources – Richard Timmer – 4-26-07

 

Prosecutor Brian Peppler addressed the Committee regarding a recent review of the following Chippewa County Ordinances: 97-1 Reimbursement to Chippewa County for Legal Services Extended to Indigent Criminal Defendants: 97-4 County Jail Contraband and 94-2 Operating a Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence of Alcoholic Beverages and/or Controlled Substances – Liable for Cost of Prosecution.  The County needs to take appropriate action to properly re-enact Ordinances 97-1 and 94-2; with amendments to Ordinance 97-4 as provided by Prosecutor Peppler.

 

Discussion followed on changes/$ amounts and procedure to follow to re-enact these Ordinances.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to take appropriate action to re-enact Ordinance 97-1 Reimbursement to Chippewa County for Legal Services Extended to Indigent Criminal Defendants and 94-2 Operating a Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence of Alcoholic and/or controlled Substances – Liable for Costs of Prosecution and to amend 97-4 county Jail Contraband as presented by Prosecutor Peppler.  These Ordinances will be forwarded to the Legislative and Natural Resources Committee.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

A request of support from the Chippewa East Mackinac Conservation District Board of Directors was reviewed by the Committee, so the funding for the local Conservation District is not eliminated.  The Committee also reviewed an income statement provided for the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program from 6/1/2006 through 4/11/2007.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to send to the full Board and support the resolution to fully restore the budgeted funding for the State’s Conservation Districts.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

The Committee reviewed the working draft of the Commissioners Benefits and Compensation policy and Code of Ethics.  There will be a Workshop date set to review the packet that the Commission received.

 

Discussion was held on repealing the Controller’s Act and Public Defender’s Office.

 

Having completed the report, it was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the report of the Committee as presented.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

Computer – Don Cooper – No meeting

Finance, Claims & Accounts – Richard Timmer – 5-10-07

 

Auditor Phil Wolfe presented and reviewed documents included in the annual audit report, the independent auditor’s opinion, and general fund balance sheet, a number of graphs, his Report to management and the meaning of each section of the report.  The Committee discussed issues concerning the FY2006 Audit.  Discussion included the County fund balance, and the unqualified opinion which was received.

 

Discussion was held on the reconciliation issues in 91st District Court, the Bid Policy and funding the post employment benefits which the County must start to disclose by 2009.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to accept the FY2006 Draft Audit report as presented, subject to change for the required federal reports.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

The Committee received and reviewed the invoice billing for $100.00 to pay the Chippewa County Multi-Purpose collaborative Body dues.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the payment of $100.00 in dues to the Chippewa County MPCB.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

The Committee reviewed the dues notice of $300.00 and the financial report and background of the Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the payment of $300.00 in dues to the UP RC&D.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

The Committee was given a brief overview of the County’s telephone system, and the expiring maintenance agreement proposed monthly increase.  Permission was sought to sign the letter of agency with Larry Swetich, GEE! Communications, whose group installed and upgraded the Definity and Intuity Systems with Chippewa County.

 

Commissioner Shackleton mentioned that it might be wise to review the complete phone system for possible changes.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the letter of agency as presented, so that the County’s communication system can be reviewed for possible changes to reduce the proposed service agreements monthly payment.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

The Committee reviewed the MAC Urgent Alert regarding the budget discussions of the FY07 Convention Facility Fund, which Chippewa County has already receipted in and per the state statute forwarded 50% of those funds to Substance Abuse Agency in Marquette.  The Committee was also given a sample letter to the editor to be released.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to first contact Senate and House members to verify its need; and to then customize the letter for publishing is necessary.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

The Committee received and reviewed three separate requests for proposals for the following:  1) Cost Allocation Plan, 2) Audit Services and 3) 12 Desktop computers.  Approval to advertise the proposals was requested.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the three requests for proposals as presented and to advertise the following requests: 1) Cost Allocation Plan, 2) Audit Services and 3) 12 Desktop computers.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

A tentative FY2008 Budget schedule was presented to the committee for comment and approval.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the FY2008 Budget schedule with changes to be made.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

The committee reviewed the budget amendments with Chuck Leonhardt, as follows:

 

Revenue                       Original Budget Amendment                  Amended

268-000-675.000        0                                  5000.00                       5000.00

 

Expenditures                                                                            

264-000-704.000        0                                  10000.00                     10000.00

264-000-706.000        1944.00                       -944.00                        1000.00

264-000-715.000        0                                  2000.00                       2000.00

264-000-860.000        0                                  2000.00                       2000.00

264-000-861.000        0                                  1000.00                       1000.00

268-000-960.000        0                                  5000.00                       5000.00

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the budget amendments as presented.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

The monthly claims and accounts report was presented.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend the approval of general fund claims totaling $319,025.75, other fund claims of $104,898.37, payroll of $378,374.32 and health department claims of $567,542.78, total claims of $1,369,841.22, vouchers 42981 through 43249 and D-1 through D-66.

 

Having completed the report, it was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to accept the report of the Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee as reported.  On a voice vote, the motion carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to adopt the following Resolution:

 

CHIPPEWA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION 07-06

TO SCHEDULE A TRUTH IN TAXATION

PUBLIC HEARING

 

WHEREAS, the County Board has examined its financial circumstances for the

            upcoming fiscal year, including estimated revenues, and taxable valuations

            of property located within the County, and has considered the allocated and extra

            voted millages to which the County is entitled, and determined that the levy

            of the millage rates listed below will be necessary for the sound management and

            operation of the County, and

 

WHEREAS, the County Equalization Director has informed the County Board that the

            current year’s millage reduction fraction is .9988, and has determined its

            maximum authorized millages accordingly, and

 

WHEREAS, the millage rates to which the County is entitled, as authorized by State

            Law and approved by the electorate of the County, after reduction pursuant to

            MCL 211.34, are as follows:

                        Allocated, operating                              6.1426

                        Fire and Ambulance Voted                     .4287

                        Road, Voted                                          .9906

                        Recycling, Voted                                    .4994

                        Jail Renovation, Voted                .7098

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of MCL 24e, it will be

            necessary to hold a TRUTH IN TAXATION public hearing on the proposed

            millage rates to be imposed and that a notice of said TRUTH IN TAXATION

            Public hearing must be published in a newspaper of general circulation at least

            Six (6) days prior to said public hearing, and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

 

1.         A TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING shall be held in the CIRCUIT           

            COURTROOM, OF THE COURTHOUSE, LOCATED AT 319 COURT

            STREET, SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN AT 7PM ON JUNE 11, 2007.

            THE PURPOSE OF SAID TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING WILL

            BE TO TAKE TESTIMONY REGARDING THE LEVY OF THE COUNTY’S

            OPERATING MILLAGES IN 2007.

 

2.         The Clerk is hereby directed and authorized to publish a NOTICE OF TRUTH

            IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING, containing all pertinent information

            required by law, in a newspaper of general circulation at least 6 days prior to

            said public hearing.

 

A roll call vote was taken as follows:

 

Ayes:  Ted Postula, Don Cooper, Scott, Shackleton, Richard Timmer, Bernard LaJoie,

            and Earl Kay

 

Nays:  None

 

Absent:  Jim Moore

 

The Resolution was declared adopted.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to adopt the following Resolution:

 

RESOLUTION 07-07

SUPPORTED SENATE BILLS 410 AND 411

 

WHEREAS, Senate Bills 410 and 411 have been introduced in the Michigan Legislature,

            which would amend Public Act 32 of 1986 entitled the “Emergency Telephone

            Service Enabling Act, and

 

WHEREAS, these bills would provide a funding system for 9-1-1 in which all

            communication devices that have access to 9-1-1 contribute equally to the

            funding of 9-1-1 operations; and

 

 

WHEREAS, the legislation provides a stable funding source for the counties to support

            their operational levels of service for 9-1-1 to its residents; and

 

WHEREAS, the legislation has a mechanism in place that provides the necessary checks

            and balances to ensure revenues generated are used for authorize expenditures

            for 9-1-1 services; therefore,

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners does hereby

            offer our support of Senate Bills 410 and 411; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution be transmitted to

            Governor Jennifer Granholm, Senator Jason Allen and Representative Gary

            McDowell and all County Clerks.

 

A roll call vote was taken as follows:

 

Ayes:  Ted Postula, Don Cooper, Scott Shackleton, Richard Timmer, Bernard LaJoie, and        Earl Kay

 

Nays:  None

 

Absent:  Jim Moore

 

The Resolution was declared adopted.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to adopt the following Resolution:

 

RESOLUTION 07-08

SUPPORTING CHIPPEWA CONSERVATION DISTRICT FUNDING

 

WHEREAS, the Chippewa East Mackinac Conservation District provides invaluable

            service to the County’s landowners; and

 

WHEREAS, the programs served by the Conservation District contribute greatly to the

            conservation of the County’s land, air and water resources for the betterment of

            all; and

 

WHEREAS, the staff of the Conservation District office utilizes programs that bring in

            thousands of Federal dollars in cost-share funds that are used to improve our

            County’s environment and are spent into our local economy; and

 

WHEREAS, the funding for the local Conservation District has been proposed to be

            eliminated from the current budget.

 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Chippewa County Board of

            Commissioners urges the Governor and the Legislature to fully restore the

            budgeted funding for the State’s Conservation Districts; with copies to

            State Representative Gary McDowell, Senator Jason Allen and Governor

            Jennifer Granholm.

 

A roll call vote was taken as follows:

 

Ayes:  Ted Postula, Don Cooper, Scott Shackleton, Richard Timmer, Bernard LaJoie, and Earl Kay

 

Nays:   None

 

Absent:  Jim Moore

 

The Resolution was declared adopted.

 

Having no further business, it was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to adjourn.  On a voice vote, the motion carried and the Board did adjourn at 8:10 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Diane S. Cork, Clerk                                              Earl Kay, Chairman