MEETING
MINUTES
A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’
Legislative and Natural Resources Committee was held on
MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Timmer, Chairman Scott Shackleton and Earl Kay
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS
PRESENT: Pat Shannon, John M. Willis, Chris McLean, Don McLean, Marvin Willis,
Derek Myerscough, Scott Brand, Jessie Knoll and Kelly Beaune, Recorder
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.
Derek
Myerscough addressed the Committee first asking the Committee, about the
suggested forensic audit, as to whether it has been completed or will be
completed. Mr. Myerscough also asked
about the on going criminal investigation.
Mr. John Willis next asked if there was not a way to establish and
maintain a master calendar, for the Board members. Mr. Jessie Knoll indicated to the Committee
that Mr. King from the Attorney’s Generals office was contacted by him, and
that the investigation is not complete.
Mr. Myerscough asked about a possible referendum or ballot question,
which would limit the compensation and salary of the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Don McLean asked what the next step in
the Attorney General’s report would be; Mr. Pat Shannon indicated that if a
crime is proven that the charges would be filed by the Attorney General’s
Office.
Code of Ethics
& Benefits Compensation Policy Review
The Committee reviewed the proposed Code of Ethics, item by
item, with lengthy discussions and suggested charges noted. Discussion includes the County’s current
“Conflict of Interest” policy, incompatible issue disclosure, as well as, a
fraud policy. (See attached Code of
Ethics)
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 Costs of
Prosecution were brought back to Committee for discussion and appropriate
action. Following the Michigan Compiled
Law Section 46.11, the Ordinances should be approved by a majority vote of the
Board of Commissions, signed by the chairperson of the county Board of
Commissioners; with certification from the County Clerk and the ordinance shall
take effect when notice of the adoption is published in a newspaper of general
circulation in the county. Which gives
the electors 50 days after the county board of commissioners adopts an
ordinance or act, to file a petition for a possible referendum. (Copies
attached)
It was moved
by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Kay, to approve Ordinance
07-02 “Reimbursement to Chippewa County for Legal Services Extended to Indigent
Criminal Defendants” as presented, and forwarded to the full Board of
Commissioners; and to follow the Law to enact Ordinance. On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.
It was moved
by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Shackleton, to approve Ordinance
07-01 “
It was moved
by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Shackleton, to approve Ordinance
07-03 “Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcoholic
Beverages and/or Controlled Substances – Liable for Costs of Prosecution” as
presented, and forwarded to the full Board of Commissioners; and to follow the
Law to enact Ordinance. On a voice vote,
the motion CARRIED.
The Committee also discussed having County Ordinance 94-1
Parental Responsibly reviewed by appropriate offices
and agencies to see if an update needs to be acted on by the Board.
Policies –
Animal Control
The Chippewa County Animal Control Shelter currently has
established protocol for use by the employee and staff, clarifying procedures
and policies. The Committee was asked to
add Section 8: Money Handling to the current protocol as follows:
Section 8: Money Handling
The Shelter sells licenses, tags, as well as, charges for pick
ups, boarding and adoption of pets.
Records of the services are vital to the Shelter to succeed.
A) All deposits shall be brought to the
Controller’s Office on a weekly basis.
Transmittals should balance prior to being brought in. Deposits shall be brought into the Controller’s
Office anytime the deposit exceeds $500.00.
B) The vault in the CCACS shall remain
locked at all times. Volunteers shall
NEVER have access to the vault or its contents.
C) Lack of proper procedures; can be
deemed as a reason for permanent dismissal of employment with
It was moved
by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Kay, to approve Section
8: Money Handling to be added to the current Animal Shelter Protocol. On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.
Fraud Policy
The Committee received and reviewed a sample Fraud Policy from
Anderson Tackman’s Phil Wolf for review, as it was noted in the 2006 draft
Audit that the County should establish said policy. The sample was reviewed during the discussion
of the Code of Ethics. A proposed policy
will be forwarded to the Work Session that will include the Code of Ethics and
Compensation Policy, with policy to be established by Board action. County management should be educated and
trained to be familiar with the types of fraud.
Training is available through possible MAC, Michigan State Police or MSU
Co-op Extension.
MAC
Legislative update
The Committee received and reviewed a press release dated May 14th
from Tom Hickson regarding the State of
Committee
and/or Chairman Comments
The Committee further discussed the Controller’s Act; and the
Administrator’s job description with regards to the need to repeal the
Controller’s Act.
Adjourn
Commissioner Kay,
supported by Commissioner Shackleton, moved to adjourn the meeting. On a voice vote the motion CARRIED.
Chairman Timmer declared the meeting adjourned at
_______________________________ ______________________________________
Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder Richard
Timmer, Chairman