FINANCE, CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

 

December 6, 2007

 

A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee was held on Thursday, December 6, 2007 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

OTHER

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:     Earl Kay and Scott Shackleton

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:                     None

 

OTHERS PRESENT:                        City Officials; Tony Bosbous, Bill Lynn, Spencer Nebel and Steve Cannello, Marilyn McDonald and Kelly Beaune, Recorder.

 

Additions / Deletions to the Agenda

Chairman Timmer called for additions or deletions to the agenda. 

 

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

 

Correspondence and Information Items:

The Committee received the monthly Treasurer’s report, monthly travel reports and a letter from Public Defender Elizabeth Church re: Sault Tribe contracts. 

 

Approvals – S.A.N.E subcontract

The Committee reviewed a request from Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement to authorize and sign the subcontract to cover one (1) Chippewa County Deputy salary, benefits, travel, supplies & materials and equipment for period covering October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008, using matching Chippewa County funds of $41,739.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, to authorize and approve signature for the S.A.N.E subcontract.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

Approvals – 2007 – 2008 Snowplowing Contract

The Committee reviewed the bid summary from bids received for snowplowing services, for the Bingham Street parking lot and the Animal Control Shelter for 2007 – 2008.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, to approve the low bid from Moiltor & Son Excavating in the amount of $4,700.00, and to authorize chair signature on the agreement.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Approvals – Authorization for Sheriff

The Committee reviewed a request from Sheriff Moran to authorize his request to permit budget transfers between the Sheriff’s general fund activities (i.e. 101- 301, 101-351) without prior approval from the Board of Commissioners.  The Committee was given background information regarding previous transfers that have been completed, based on prior administration decisions, and this action would provide written documentation, as set by the Uniform Budget Manual.  Discussion followed.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, to approve the authorization for the Sheriff to execute transfers between Sheriff’s Department associated general fund activities without prior approval of the Board of Commissioner, with a copy of the amendment to be provided to the Finance Committee.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Approvals – Snowmobile purchase

The Committee was provided with a request from the Sheriff’s Department to purchase a new 2007 snowmobile from Leitz’ Sport Center at the low bid cost of $ 4, 800.00; which will include the trade in of a 2000 Arctic Cat, valued at $1,700.00.  Discussion of using the trade-in as the County’s 15% match will be followed up on. 

 

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Cooper, to approve the  low bid purchase of $4,800.00 from Leitz’ Sports Center of a 2007 Ski-Doo GSX Sport 500cc; including the trade-in of $1,700 unless other wise determined to be eligible to be used as the County’s 15% matching funds.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Approvals – Alcalde & Fay re: Legal Agreement & Retainer

The Committee received official notification of a law suit filed by Alcalde & Fay, who previously provided professional services to the County, and whose contract was terminated by a letter dated January 12, 2004.  Alcalde & Fay seek payment for FY04 and 05.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to authorize chair signature for a legal representation agreement for Thaler Liebeler LLP, to represent Chippewa County and authorize a $3,000 retainer.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED. (4-1 Commissioner Cooper voting nay)

 

Resolution for Regular Board – 2008 Borrowing Resolution

The Committee reviewed the 2008 Borrowing Resolution which will be offered at the Regular Board meeting, as presented by the County Treasurer.  The Resolution would permit the Treasurer to borrow sufficient monies to adequately fund the Revolving Fund, if necessary.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, seconded by Commissioner Moore, to recommend approval of the 2008 Borrowing Resolution.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED, 4-1. (Commissioner Cooper voting nay)

 

Resolution for Regular Board – MERS Benefit E Program

The committee reviewed the annual resolution to allow a two percent Traditional E increase in the retirement allowance for County retirees.  

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper and seconded by Commissioner LaJoie, to recommend approval of Resolution Number 07-24, the Uniform Resolution for Adopting Benefit Program “E” Increase to be Effective on Adjustment Date January 1, 2008.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Resolution for Regular Board – Mackinac Bridge Fare

The Committee reviewed Resolution 07-23 ‘Opposition to Increased Mackinac Bridge Fare’; with discussion regarding adding additional information regarding State of Michigan lack of funding for the Mackinac Bridge. The Mackinac Bridge is the only Michigan Bridge that does not receive State allocations, even though the State of Michigan receives federal monies for its mileage.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Moore, to recommend approval of Resolution 07-23, with additional information added regarding the lack of any State funding for the Bridge.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Finance – Fund 210/211/212

The Committee reviewed monthly reports submitted regarding Fund 212’s declining revenue and its projected shortfall.  The Committee also discussed correcting Fund 210 distributions. 

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, to correct the Fund 210 distributions to the townships and City of Sault Ste. Marie, based on the voted millage.  On a voice vote, the motion was CARRIED.

 

Finance – Budget Adjustments

The Committee reviewed the following budget adjustment:

 

Revenue                       Original            Amended

                                    Budget             Budget             Changes          

 

259-000-699.101        0.00                 5,400.00          5,400.00 Transfer Prior Year Salvage Vehicle Insp to Fund

364-000-584.000        31,998.00        33,611.00        1,613.00 Interest & Principal Amt not in Original budget

465-000-584.000        1,615.00          7,750.00          6,135.00 Incorrect schedule used to budget revenue

 

Expenditures

 

101-147-704.000        0.00                 475.00             475.00                 Salaries for Jury Board

101-147-715.000        0.00                 175.00             175.00             Jury Board fringes

101-236-704.000        94,815.76        126,815.76      32,000.00        Salaries for ROD retirements

101-610-710.000        7,000.00          7,750.00          750.00 Per diem for HB from 2006 not paid until 2007

101-648-701.000        25,000.00        30,000.00        5,000.00 Medical Examiner over budget

101-996-998.259        0.00                 5,400.00          5,400.00 Transfer Prior Year Salvage Vehicle Insp to Fund

166-000-843.000        0.00                 3,200.00          3,200.00 Payment to D Peppler Shelter not in original budget

259-000-979.000        0.00                 1,100.00          1,100.00 Equipment purchased for Salvage Vehicle Inspection

364-000-991.000        7,000.00          7,500.00          500.00 One Principal Amt was not included Original Budget

364-000-995.000        24,998.00        26,111.00        1,113.00 One Principal Amt was not included Original Budget

465-000-990.000        0.00                 5,000.00          5,000.00 Principal Amt was not included Original Budget

465-000-995.000        1,615.00          2,750.00          1,135.00 Incorrect schedule used to budget interest

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, to approve the budget adjustments as presented.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

 

Finance - Claims and Accounts

The monthly claims and accounts report were presented.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner Postula, to recommend the approval of general fund claims totaling $137,079.49, other fund claims of $71,647.47, payroll of $373,279.32 and health department claims of $657,782.17, total claims of $1,239,788.45, vouchers 1008 through 1236 and K-1 through K-125.

 

 

Finance – FY08 Budget

The Committee received an updated draft of the FY08 Budget based on the previous budget hearings and discussions.  A Special Board meeting has been scheduled for December 31, 2007 at 12:00 noon, to approve the FY2008 Budget and to close out the FY2007 Budget.

 

Closed Session

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, seconded by Commissioner Moore, to enter into a closed session to discuss potential real estate purchase, pursuant to Section 8(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:  Timmer - Yes; Postula – Yes; LaJoie – Yes; Cooper – Yes; Moore - Yes. Motion CARRIED.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, seconded by Commissioner Postula, to resume the open session meeting of the Building and Grounds Committee.  A roll call vote was taken as follows:  Timmer - Yes; Postula – Yes; LaJoie – Yes; Cooper – Yes; Moore - Yes.  Motion CARRIED.

 

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, to agree to the fair market value of $750,000.00 to purchase the City’s portion of the City/County Building, and to work out the details of the purchase agreement.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED. (4 – 1 Commissioner Cooper voting nay)

 

Committee and Chairman’s Comments

Commissioner Kay informed the Committee of two resolutions from the Health Department that will need to be added to the Regular Board’s agenda Monday night, for the appointment of the Medical Director.  Discussion regarding the Medical Examiner included seeking bids.

 

Adjourn

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

 

Chairperson Timmer declared the meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m.

 

 

 

 

__________________________________    __________________________________

Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder                                Richard Timmer, Chairperson