LEGISLATIVE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

July 26, 2007

A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Legislative and Natural Resources Committee was held on Thursday, July 26, 2007 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Chairperson Richard Timmer called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Timmer, Chairman and Earl Kay

MEMBERS ABSENT: Scott Shackleton

OTHERS PRESENT: Dr. Lou Kurtis, Jeff Hiney, Commissioner Jim Moore 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 Timmer to approve the agenda as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried.

Public Comments

No public comments were offered.

Caribou Lake Buoy permit

The Committee reviewed the documentation associated with the request from the Caribou Lake Association safety issue at Caribou Lake, as historically local persons placed buoys to mark the dangerous rocks on Caribou Lake. The residents of Caribou Lake will supply buoys and labor, if the County will pull the appropriate permit from the Department of Natural Resources. Committee members respect the concern of the residents; Commissioner Timmer and Kay feels that the responsibility of buoy placement should be up to the Department of Natural Resources; as they should have the manpower and the knowledge of the lakes. Commissioner Kay feels the County has an obligation to the citizens with the understanding of the possible obligation to other lakes in Chippewa County, Commissioner Kay expressed that he feels the County is just as liable now that we are aware of the situation if we don’t pull the permit(s). The Committee again reviewed the information from the Prosecuting Attorney, as well as, the previous opinions of the County’s Risk Management Manager John Katona regarding liability.

It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner, to forward the buoy permit application to the full Board for consideration. On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

County Ordinances

The Committee reviewed a memo from Chief Public Defender Elizabeth Church regarding a wording change to Ordinance 07-02 “Reimbursement to Chippewa County for Legal Services Extended to Indigent Criminal Defendants”. Discussion followed and the three recently re-approved ordinances. The Ordinances will be forwarded to the Judges for their validation and opinions.

It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Timmer, to forward the recently re-approved Ordinances to the Judges for their review and opinions. On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

ORV Vehicles – Trout Lake

The Committee reviewed letters from Trout Lake Township and Citizens Roger and Tammy Gady regarding the recent Independence Day weekend, with regards to the lack of access to the Village of Trout Lake. A meeting has been requested by the Tout Lake Township Board for the week of August 20^th; to work with the Department of Natural Resources regarding working with the Township to educate the community on the correct rules for ORV vehicles and to help design better access routes for the guests of this highly dependant tourist area.

It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Timmer, if said meeting is scheduled; Committee members will be willing to attend and support the Township to resolve the issues as presented. On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

Citizens for Alternatives to Chemical Contamination

Information was provided to the Committee regarding CAFO (confined animal feeding operations). No action was taken.

Committee and/or Chairman Comments

None

Adjourn

Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Timmer, moved to adjourn the meeting. On a voice vote the motion CARRIED.

Chairman Timmer declared the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

_______________________________ ______________________________________

Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder Richard Timmer, Chairman