A REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Chippewa County Road Commissioners was duly held in their offices located at 3949 S. Mackinac Trail, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on October 4, 2007.

The meeting was called to order at 8:00.

Chairman Carr lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENT: Commissioners Carr, Holt and MacDonald, Manager Heckman, Office Mgr. Decker, Clerk McDowell, Foreman McConkey, Foreman Erickson and Union President Bill Hopper.

MOTION by Commissioner Holt SECONDED by Commissioner MacDonald that the Payroll in the amount of $94,497.14 and Voucher in the amount of $324,551.32 be approved and authorized for payment from the County Road Fund subject to audit.

MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS ROLL CALL VOTE.

MOTION by Commissioner MacDonald SECONDED by Commissioner Holt to approve and place on file minutes from the Regular Meetings held on September 6, 2007 and September 20, 2007 and Special Meeting held on September 26, 2007, with the following corrections to the Regular minutes of September 20, 2007. On page 3 change the word excepting to accepting, and Page 4 change Engineering Technician to Engineering Assistant.

MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS ROLL CALL VOTE.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Jesse stated paving and pavement markings have been completed on North Shore and it sure looks great.

Supervisor Myerscough gave an update on progress on roadwork on Sugar Island. He also indicated they would like to have an appreciation luncheon for the guys who have worked over there all summer in the next few weeks.

Mr. Knafel from Sugar Island presented an 11 minute tape for the Board to view. Board indicated they would view it after the meeting. Mr. Knafel also inquired about ditching on Sugar Island.

County Commissioner Moore asked if there were any plans to do brushing on the east side of Bound Road from the top of the hill down to the fields. He also inquired about the placement of guardrail on 3 Mile Road near Seymour.

Foreman Erickson crews are working on slope work on North Shore and curve work on East Shore. Crews are also working on shoulders on new pavement along with general maintenance of roads.

Foreman McConkey stated crews are working on Drummond Island approximately 1½ miles to go. He indicated he has pulled a couple of guys from Drummond Island for general maintenance to prepare for winter.

Union President Hopper thanked Supervisor Myerscough for appreciation being shown to crew for a good job by holding a luncheon. He asked if there were two positions being created, Engineering Technician and Engineering Assistant. Commissioner MacDonald indicated there was only one position which would be Engineering Assistant.

Commissioner Carr gave history of when the development at Arbor Ridge was constructed.

Commissioner Holt indicated we are still unsure of who owns the property within this development.

Commissioner Holt suggested before entering into any agreement we have an attorney draw up contract stipulating price and informing them this would be the last year we will be performing snow plowing services before we enter into any agreement with Arbor Ridge Estates.

Commissioner MacDonald stated he felt there were two questions.

1. If the Board would consider acceptance of the roads within Arbor Ridge into our system. He reviewed terms for acceptance of roads onto the county road system set fourth in our policy.

2. Lane Plowing contracts. Commissioner MacDonald stated we have informed them for the last few years that the Road Commission was getting out of the business of plowing on private roads.

Commissioner MacDonald suggested we prepare a Lane Plowing Contract for this year with a price which will cover our cost, along with a clear letter to the Association informing them that this will be our final year for snow plowing under a lane plowing contract and inform them we would not consider the upper roads in that development due to safety concerns.

MOTION by Commissioner MacDonald SECONDED by Commissioner Holt to prepare Lane Plowing contract with Arbor Ridge with price and terms along with a very clear letter putting them on notice that this will be the final year.

MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS ROLL CALL VOTE.

Manager Heckman stated he and Commissioner MacDonald had interviewed 13 applicants on Monday after receiving over 25 applications for the 2 fulltime and 7 seasonal heavy equipment operator positions.

Commissioner MacDonald indicated there were only 3 applications received for the Engineering Assistant position. And because there was only one applicant that met the qualifications they did not hold interviews.

Manager Heckman indicated we had two of our current employees sign for the open equipment operator 5 positions. Bill Mattson was deemed to have the necessary qualifications, but Cecil Piche does not.

Manager Heckman recommended that Bill Mattson and Brian Schwiderson be awarded the two fulltime Equipment Operator 5 positions for the Soo garage.

MOTION by Commissioner MacDonald SECONDED by Commissioner Holt to confirm the appointments of the 2 full time equipment operator 5 positions to Bill Mattson and Brian Schwiderson and to authorize Manager Heckman to hire the 7 seasonal equipment operator 5 as proposed by the committee along with the Engineering Assistant, Dave Deatrick.

MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS ROLL CALL VOTE.

Manager Heckman stated that with the appointment of our Assistant Chief Mechanic, Bill Mattson to equipment operator 5 and the pending retirement of George Baldino there is a need to hire 2 mechanics for the shop.

MOTION by Commissioner MacDonald SECONDED by Commissioner Holt to authorize Manager Heckman to advertise for two mechanic positions.

MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS ROLL CALL VOTE.

Notice of Association of Southern Michigan Road Commissioners to be held in Frankenmuth on December 3-5, 2007. Commissioner MacDonald and Commissioner Carr indicated they would not be attending.

MANAGERS REPORT

Discussion ensued on City’s request to have the speed limit reduced from 55 mph to 45 mph on 3 Mile Road from M-129 east to Riverside Drive.

Manager Heckman stated we have received a violation from DEQ on work on Lockhart Road west of Bound Road. He indicated it was his understanding that we didn’t need a stream crossing permit as long as we weren’t replacing the structure.

Manager Heckman indicated every time we receive a violation we are now being required to submit $1,000.00 and an after the fact application.

Manager Heckman gave an update on our county wide paving projects completed by H & D, Inc.

Manager Heckman indicated he received a petition from Piatt Lake Association for the abandonment of Piatt Lake Road, but has not heard from Chippewa Township, but understand they have a meeting scheduled tonight and will be on the agenda for discussion.

Gravel crusher, Rod Wells, will be setting up crusher in the Kinross pit.

COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS

Commissioner MacDonald asked if Manager Heckman has heard if an agreeable date had been reach to discuss parking issues at Whitefish Point with all concerned parties.

Manager Heckman stated he is still trying to coordinate a date to hold meeting at Whitefish Point to discuss parking issues.

Commissioner Holt gave update on legislative issues begin proposed in Lansing.

MOTION by Commissioner Carr SECONDED by Commissioner Holt to have a plaque made recognizing Louis F. Levin who was County Road Engineer serving the Road Commission from 1921-1948.

MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS ROLL CALL VOTE.

There being no further business before the Board it was MOVED by Commissioner Holt SECONDED by Commissioner MacDonald that the meeting be adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

MOTION CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS ROLL CALL VOTE.

_________________________ ________________________

Christine A. McDowell Clifford H. Carr

Secretary for the Board Chairman