LEGISLATIVE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

February 28, 2007

A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Legislative and Natural Resources Committee was held on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 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: Dirk Heckman, Don Holt, Cliff Carr 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

Members of the Chippewa County Road Commission and Manager Dirk Heckman addressed the Committee regarding grant monies received on a pass through basis to the Whitefish Point from the MDOT. Questions have been raised regarding non-compliance with the grant monies, and the Road Commission members wanted to make it clear that no monies were spent from the County’s resources and that the MDOT made the project and the Road Commission whole financially. The Road Commission also advised the Committee that a lease of a gravel pit has been agreed upon.

Drug/Alcohol Court

The Committee briefly reviewed information received to date on the benefits and concepts of initiating a Drug/Alcohol Court for Chippewa County. The Committee asked that a letter be sent to the Chippewa County Judges for their opinions on establishing said court system.

ORV Ordinance

As previously requested letters were sent to all County Township Supervisors having them review the current County Ordinances and to identify any issues with the Ordinance. Only two Townships responding, stating no changes were requested. Discussion followed regarding the bill that has been drafted to be presented at hearings scheduled tentatively for February. The Committee took no action on the ORV Ordinance, electing to wait for the State’s legislation, so that any changes would also adhere to State laws.

Benefits, Compensation & Code of Ethics

The Committee received various information including a draft Commissioners Benefits and Compensation policy and Code of Ethics. A working draft of the County Commissioners Benefits & Compensation was discussed with adjustments to be made. The draft will be updated with the discussed changes at the next meeting. The Code of Ethics was also reviewed and updated, and MAC will be contacted for a copy of their current Code of Ethics. Discussion also included having the controls for Commissioners pay checked by Accountant Chuck Leonhardt with a written response. The Committee also discussed the Conflict of Interest policy, and having the policy signed upon the election/appointed of the Board of Commissioner, as well as, members of Committees/Agencies/Authorities. No additional information has been received from either the Attorney General’s Office or the County’s Independent Counsel regarding the mileage reimbursement.

FY08 Appropriation requests

Congressman Bart Stupak office’s FY08 Committee Appropriations projects forms were discussed, with copies of FY07 requests provided to the Committee for review. Discussion followed, the Committee advised to resubmit the Maintenance/Hangar/Cargo/ Inspection Complex for the proposed facility at Chippewa County International Airport, to resubmit the SeaBotix LBV request to aid with safer diving conditions for the Sheriff’s Department and to submit a request to help with the costs of the renovations of the Chippewa County District Courtroom.

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 12:30 p.m.

_______________________________ ______________________________________

Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder Richard Timmer, Chairman