The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, July 9, 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, Jim Moore and Earl Kay

 

Also Present:  Dr. James Terrian, Rosemary Blashill, Laura Aikens, Don and Chris McLean, Derek Myersough, Cathy Cairns, Frank Blissett, Marilyn McDonald, County Treasurer, Jeff Moran, Sheriff, Kelly Beaune, Acting Controller and Diane Cork, Clerk

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, 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 Moore, to approve the County Board minutes of July 9 (with corrections), Public Hearing minutes of July 9 and Workshop meetings of June 20, June 27 and June 28, 2007 as presented.

 

 

COUNTY BOARD MINUTES CORRECTION:  Page 2, paragraph 6 reads: “No action items needed.  It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to accept the report of the Transportation Committee as presented.”

 

SHOULD READ:  “No action items needed.  It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to accept the report of the Transportation Committee as presented.”

 

And, Page 5, paragraph 6:  Commissioner Moore’s name should be included in the roll call vote.

 

With the corrections, the motion carried unanimously.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

Derek Myerscough, Sugar Island, addressed the Board commenting on the savings on health insurance.  He also asked about the educational requirements for the proposed County Administrator position.

 

Don McLean addressed the Board about recent suicides in Chippewa County and the connection with Hiawathaland Behavioral Health.

 

 

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

 

OLD BUSINESS: 

 

Commissioner Cooper suggested trying something new regarding Hiawathaland Behavioral Health’s lack of service to residents. Discussion was held on client treatment and requirements for HBH intervention and the voting structure of the HBH Board. Commissioner Moore stated that he would gather some demographics for distribution to the County Commission.  (Commissioner Moore is the Chairperson for HBH)

 

It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner Timmer; to look for money for the new jail addition whether it is grant money, loan etc. to get the jail project off the ground.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Personnel – Bernard LaJoie – 6-19-07

 

The committee received and reviewed a memo from Register of Deeds/Equalization Director Sharon Kennedy regarding her upcoming office staff movements.  The retirements of Joan Hopper and Gail Shunk will cause movement from within the Courthouse unit of the AFSCME Union.  Liz Michalski will move up to the Chief Deputy: Cynthia Morley will change departments and become the Deputy Register of Deeds and Stephanie Rintamaki will move into the Appraiser I position left open with Ms. Morley’s transfer.  This will leave one position in each office open:  those positions being Deputy Register of Deeds and Equalization Data Entry position.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to post, per the AFSCME requirements, the positions of Deputy Register of Deeds and Equalization Date Entry position, and to fill the Deputy Register of Deeds position no later than August 20th to allow for training.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

The Committee received and reviewed the notice of retirement from Register of Deeds employee Gail Shunk.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to except the retirement of Gail Shunk effective August 31, 2007.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

The Committee received and reviewed a memo from Judge Lambros, regarding authorization of a 40 hour work week for the Friend of the Court staff.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, to agree with the authorization of Judge Lambros as presented.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

The Committee reviewed a memo from Public Defender Elizabeth Church regarding an up-coming staff shortage due to vacation time; which is a total of eight work days off for the Administrative Assistant and the need for a part-time position to keep the office running suitable for its clients.  Discussion followed;

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve temporary staff as requested to cover the vacation days of the Administrative Assistant; and to check with the Sheriff’s Department part-time employees for availability to fill these days.  On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Cooper voting no.

6-1

 

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

 

Equalization & Apportionment – Jim Moore – No meeting

Health & Social Services – Ted Postula – No meeting

Building, Grounds & Jail – Earl Kay – June 14, 2007

 

The Committee was updated on the status of the emergency access windows located in the garden level (basement) of the Chippewa County Courthouse.  Discussion included the bars on the windows and the egress provisions. 

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to remove the bars on the emergency exit windows.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

The Committee reviewed the four bids received to remove and replace the South entrance steps of the Courthouse.  Bids ranged from $37,500 to $7,100 plus options.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Moore, to accept the low bid of $7,100 to cap existing the steps, which was deemed in the best interest of the County; with no additional options of heating the steps.

 

 Discussion followed on total replacement versus capping and the structural aspect of the steps. 

 

On a voice vote, the motion carried with Commissioner Cooper voting no. 6-1

 

The Committee reviewed the three bids that were received to fabricate and install roof protection for the Courthouse Register of Deeds roof.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to go back to the contractors who bid, and verify the warranty of the previously approved to replace the roof by Henry J. Ware, Inc.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

Three quotes were sought to install a stand alone air conditioning unit in the Courthouse Annex’s computer/telephone room on the top floor of the Annex.  This project was again brought forward, during the virus problems, as the group from PC Medics did a general overview of the county’s systems noting potential issues.  The Committee reviewed the two quotes; with the high price of $3,180 and the low price of $2,995.  The third quote was declined by the contractor.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the low bid of $2,995 from Elliott’s to air condition the computer/telephone room of the Courthouse Annex.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

Having completed the report, it was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to accept the report as presented.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

Building, Grounds & Jail – Earl Kay – June 21, 2007 (Richard Timmer chaired the meeting in the absence of Earl Kay)

 

The Committee reviewed a proposal breakdown from VanSloten Tile & Floor Covering to repair the showers in cells 1, 2, 3 and 4 with a total materials and labor cost of $3,006.88; which included $52.18 in taxes.  Bids were also sought from Bumstead’s Floors & Moore, Gary Maleport and Johnson Flooring in Cheboygan; with only one response from Gary Maleport declining the job as it is not his expertise.  Neither of the other contractors returned calls to set up a time to look at the job after the initial contact was made.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the proposal from VanSloten Tile & Floor Covering at a cost not to exceed $2,954.70 which is the figure less the taxes.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

The remaining portion of the report was for informational purposes only.

 

It was moved by commissioner Timmer, supported by commissioner LaJoie, to approve the report as presented with the correction of the date of the meeting form June 14, 2007 to June 21, 2007.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

Transportation – Ted Postula – No meeting

Legislative & Natural Resources – Richard Timmer – No meeting

Computer – Don Cooper – No meeting

Finance, Claims & Accounts –Richard Timmer

 

The Committee reviewed a Notice of Receiving Bids on seven county owned vehicles and was notified of a request from the Chippewa County Health Department wanting to use the Chevy S-10, if necessary, previously being used by the Animal Shelter.  Approval to place the ad, as well as, disbursement of each vehicle to the highest bidder was requested.  A copy of the ad will be sent to Weller Auto Body, who previously purchased a totaled (burnt up) vehicle from the County.  It was noted by Ms. Beaune that she had received notice that the Health Department did not need the use of the Chevy S-10.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie to approve the notice to received bids for the eight vehicles and to provide a copy of the notice to Weller Auto body.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

The Committee reviewed a lease for storage for the Marine and Snowmobile Department’s equipment.  The Committee questioned the size of the space, as well as, competitive bids.  It was requested that either Sheriff Moran or Under sheriff Savoie attend Monday night’s meeting to answer questions.

 

Sheriff Moran attended the County Board meeting and stated to the Commission that the building is in a convenient location so access can be made 24/7 and has numerous snowmobiles, boats, evidence, an abandoned vehicle etc. He stated that the department shopped around for other buildings.  This building is only occupied by the Sheriffs Department, has a fence and is locked for security reasons.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Moore, to approve the lease, upon receiving clarification from the Sheriff’s Department.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

The Committee received and reviewed a quote from DSTech (Delcomp), for the purchase of the Kapersky Antivirus.  The Information Systems Department has reviewed this option, as well as, several independent antivirus testing organization comparison results.  The Department, after review, has suggested that the County purchase the Kaspersky Antivirus.  This will cover 3 years of licensing for $1,980 or $18/pc.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Moore, to approve the purchase of the Kaspersky Antivirus that will cover 3 years of licensing for a price not to exceed $1,980 form DSTech.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

The Committee received and reviewed copies of the disbursement voucher, as well as, the check from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians for $5,000 from the 2007 Spring cycle for the Community Foundation.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Moore, to approve the pass through of $5,000 to the Community Foundation from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians 2007 Spring cycle.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

The Committee reviewed an out-of-state travel request from the MSU Co-op Extension Office.  This travel has already taken place.  MSU Director Jim Lucas informed the Committee of a grant received from Turfgrass, which allowed four local operators to go see the research farm.  The request did not include mileage, only lodging and meals.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the travel request as presented, with the expenses not to exceed $250.00.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

MSU Director Jim Lucas addressed the Committee regarding a request for purchase: the monies to be used are from the 2002 requested 2% funds, which has been sitting a special fund.  The balance of the fund is $7,093.07.  The proposal to upgrade hardware is in support of 4-H activities which was the original intent for the use of these funds.  With a possibility of a one-time match, MSU could possibly pay up to a 45% of any new technology purchases.  The purchase will include three computers with monitors, a projector, a GPS unit and a Laptop computer for a total projected cost of $5,478.80, with the possible reduction of $2,465.46 based on approval of matching funds from MSU.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Moore, to approve the purchases as presented at a price not to exceed $5,478.80, monies to be spent from special fund dollars received from the 2% request from 2002.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

The Committee reviewed the request and invoice from the Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association for an investment allocation of $550.00.  This has been paid in previous years.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the payment of $550 to UPTRA for Chippewa County’s annual investment allocation.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

The Committee reviewed the 2007 Tax Rate Request form L-4029 that was previously discussed by not approved.  Equalization Director Sharon Kennedy answer questions regarding levied millages.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to approve the 2007 Tax Rate Request from L-4029 as presented.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

The Committee discussed a previously presented request from the Caribou Lake Association to have the County pull a DNR permit to place buoys on Caribou Lake.  The Association has previously placed the buoys and is still willing to do the work; the question is that of liability.  The County Risk Management Manager has been contacted as well as, the DNR for their input.  Since Caribou Lake is an inland lake, a permit is mandatory for buoy placement which falls back to the local government entity.

 

Discussion followed on: 1) Memo from the Chippewa County Prosecutor stating that is it is not a good decision to have the County be the applicant for the permit, 2) If County has permit the County should place buoys themselves, 3) Local governmental unit should be the township, 4) Letter from State Rep. that says Association should not place buoys, and

5) Liability issues

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the request to pull the permit for placement of buoys on Caribou Lake by the Caribou Lake Association and authorize signature.  On a voice vote, Commissioners Cooper and Postula voted yes and Commissioners Shackleton, Timmer, LaJoie, Moore and Kay voted no.  The motion failed 2-5.

 

The monthly claims and accounts reports were presented.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Shackleton, to recommend the approval of general fund claims totaling $237,828.55, other fund claims of $168,120.55, payroll of $374,941.47 and health department claims of $548,075.53, total claims of $1,328,966.10, vouchers 01 through 151 and F-1 through F-163.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to amend the agenda for the Monday, July 9, 2007 regular session to include a closed session to discuss the Chippewa County Health Department Teamsters contract.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

Having completed the report, it was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Moore, to accept the report of the Finance, Claims & Accounts Committee as presented.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

It was moved by Commissioner Timmer, supported by Commissioner Shackleton, to set the date of September 21, 2007 as the deadline for submission of applications for the position of Administrator/CFO as advertised by the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners.  On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Timmer to adopt the following Resolution number 07-13 as follows:

 

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT

COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS ACT FUNDS

 

WHEREAS, the Eastern Upper Peninsula Community Corrections Advisory Board consisting of the County of Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac, has submitted a three-year Application for State of Michigan Community Corrections Act Funds of which is currently in the second year; and

 

WHEREAS, the Eastern Upper Peninsula Employment and Training Consortium Advisory Board has recommended continued support for FY2008 funds; and

 

WHEREAS, the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners has reviewed the Comprehensive plan goals and objective for FY2008 as well as, reviewed the funding level for each county, and the prison commitment rate from October 1, 2006 through May 31, 2007, and concurs with the recommendation presented.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners supports the plan goals and objective for FY2008, and respectively supports the recommendation from the Eastern Upper Peninsula Community Corrections Advisory Board.

 

On a roll call vote, Commissioners Postula, Cooper, Shackleton, Timmer, LaJoie, Moore and Kay voted yes. The motion carried 7-0

 

THE RESOLUTION WAS DECLARED ADOPTED.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to adopt the following Resolution number 07-14 as follows:

 

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE U.P. AREA AGENCY ON AGING

FISCAL YEAR 2008 AREA PLAN/ANNUAL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

 

WHEREAS, UPCAP, which serve as the U.P. Area Agency on Aging, has developed and is operating under a Multi-Year (FY 2007-2009) Area Plan that provides funding for programs for services to older adults in the Upper Peninsula; and

 

WHEREAS, the Multi-Year Area Plan has been approved by all 15 counties of the Upper Peninsula; and

 

WHEREAS, the U.P. Area Agency on Aging is required to submit an Annual Implementation Plan which updates the Multi-Year Plan; and

 

WHEREAS, the UPCAP Board of Directors unanimously approved the Proposed, Updated Annual Implementation Plan; and

 

WHEREAS, each U.P. county is represented by a county official on the UPCAP Board of Directors; and

 

WHEREAS, the Annual Implementation Plan also requires review by individual county boards.

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners has received and hereby supports the U.P. Area Agency on Aging FY 2008 Annual Implementation Plan.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be submitted to UPCAP and placed on file.

 

On a roll call vote, Commissioners Postula, Cooper, Shackleton, Timmer, LaJoie, Moore and Kay voted yes.  The motion carried 7-0

 

THE RESOLUTION WAS DECLARED ADOPTED.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to adopt the following Resolution number 07-15 as follows:

 

 

RESOLUTION IN APPRECIATION AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION

OF TROOPER ROBERT COADY

 

WHEREAS, Robert Coady was accepted to the State Police Capitol Security Guard Detail, Recruit Class #003 in 1972, where he continued until 1977, he was assigned to Governor William G. Milliken’s home during the last year; and

 

WHEREAS, Robert Coady in 1977 was selected for the MSP Trooper 90th Recruit School; and

 

WHEREAS, Robert Coady, after completion of recruit school, was assigned to the MSP Sault Ste. Marie Post #93 1977-1978 as a Trooper; and

 

WHEREAS, Robert Coady was also assigned to the Bay City Post, the Negaunee Post and completed his duties as a Trooper at the MSP DeTour Detachment, as Resident Trooper; and

 

WHEREAS, Robert Coady has earned many accolades in his career including a Letter Of Commendation, April 1983; Citation for Professional Excellence, November 1994; as well as, an Award for Professional Excellence in June 2006; and

 

WHEREAS, Robert Coady has also served his community through his service with the Marine Corps from 1966-1970, and discharged as Sergeant and receiving several military decorations; and

 

WHEREAS, Robert Coady has been wearing a uniform for 39 of his 59 years, serving not only the communities to which his was assigned but also the United States of America; and

 

WHEREAS, Robert Coady will retire from service with the Michigan State Police, effective June 30, 2007.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows:

 

            1.         That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners respectfully dedicates

                        this document to honor and thank Robert Coady for his many years of

                        public service and particularly for his work in Chippewa County.

            2.         That the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners extends their best

                        wishes to Robert Coady for many years of good health and enjoyment

                        in his retirement.

 

On a roll call vote, Commissioners Postula, Cooper, Shackleton, Timmer, LaJoie, Moore and Kay voted yes.  The motion carried 7-0.

 

THE RESOLUTION WAS DECLARED ADOPTED.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, to enter into a closed session to discuss a Chippewa County Health Department Teamsters Contract, pursuant to Section C of the Open Meetings Act, Act 267, P.A. 1976, as amended being MCL 15.268(c).  A roll call vote was taken as follows:  Postula – Yes, Cooper – Yes, Shackleton – Yes, Timmer – Yes, LaJoie – Yes, Moore – Yes, Kay – Yes.  The motion carried 7-0. (8:05 p.m.)

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to return to the open meeting of the Board.  On a roll call vote:  Postula – Yes, Cooper – Yes, Shackleton – Yes, Timmer – Yes, LaJoie – Yes, Moore – Yes, Kay – Yes.  The motion carried. (8:17 p.m.)

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Shackleton, to ratify the contract with the Chippewa County Health Department as to the Teamsters Union as presented for the contract term of January 1, 2007 thru December 31, 2009.

 

On a roll call vote, Commissioners Postula, Cooper, Shackleton, Timmer, LaJoie, Moore and Kay voted yes.  The motion carried 7-0.

 

Having no further business, it was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to adjourn. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.  Thereupon, the Board did adjourn at 8:20 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Diane S. Cork, Clerk                                           Earl Kay, Chairman