FINANCE, CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

 

July 10, 2008

 

A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Finance, Claims and Accounts Committee was held on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  Chairman Kay called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:                   Don Cooper, Bernie LaJoie, Ted Postula, and James Moore

OTHER

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:     Earl Kay and Scott Shackleton

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:                     Richard Timmer

 

OTHERS PRESENT:                        Tim McKee, Jesse Knoll, Derek Myerscough, Debbie Sirk, Lana Forrest, Kelly Beaune, and Jim German, Administrator

 

Additions / Deletions to the Agenda

Chairman Kay called for additions or deletions to the agenda.  Items 4b) Sault Drain District and 4c) EUPTA fuel charge funding request.

 

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

 

Public Comments

Chairman Kay called for public comments; Derek Myerscough questioned the previously adopted policy, pertaining to the Board of Commissioners option of attending certain meetings.  No further comments were offered.

 

Correspondence and Information Items:

The Committee received the monthly treasurer’s report; the County’s travel report, a letter from Treasurer Marilyn McDonald regarding tax foreclosure transfer, a thank you letter from EUP Community Dispute Resolution and two letters regarding non-funding of 2% funding requests for both the Chippewa County Historical Society and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Society.

 

AGENDA ITEMS

 

Chippewa County Health Department request

The Committee reviewed a proposal from County Administrator German, requesting that the County Administrator be put into the organizational structure at the Health Department for eight to ten hours per week.  This would allow Health Officer Dave Martin more flexibility with LMAS, as well as, provide additional cooperation and communication between the County and the Health Department, and also provide a cost savings to the County.  Administrator German’s additional five hours of salary would be paid by the Health Department, as his contract with the County states.  The Health Departments approximate cost would be $14,500.  Commissioners Cooper and Shackleton both provided concerns regarding this request, Commissioner Cooper sighting lack of experience and qualifications, as well as, the information regarding this request not being in the packet.  Commissioner Shackleton provided insight with regards to the Administrator’s new position stating he didn’t think this request was a good idea, and that the Administrator should become more proficient with the new position before branching out.  Commissioner Kay’s opinion was in support of the request as presented.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Moore, supported by Commissioner LaJoie, to approve the request as presented, and for the agreement to expire on December 31, 2008.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED. (4 – 1 Commissioner Cooper voting nay)

 

911 Funding request

The Committee was presented a proposal for radio console equipment needs by Director Tim McKee.  Director McKee gave an overview of the needs that currently exist, as well as, two options to provide new supported technology.  Option 1 is a Standard Console system with radios in backroom: two systems could provide this system 1) AvTech Console - $275,000 or 2) IPC T-5 Console - $360,000; which nether system provides RCM buttons to provide officers with assistance and neither utilizes the latest technology.  Option 2 is an IP Based Console with direct integration to MPSCS, the IP based system is Motorola MCC 7500 - $398,811 which includes a full IP integration with VHF and MPSCS, direct connection to MPSCS through ZC, as well as, built-in RCM buttons.  Additional project requirements for all options include point-to-point 4.9 Microwave connection costing $42,509; MPSCS Microwave Link upgrade costing $265,856; IP recorder costing $123,710; new console furniture costing $39,000 and an additional positron position costing $50,000.  The total cost on the project with the IP based system is $919,886, of which Director McKee is $98,641 short of funding, and currently lacks the $123,710 being provided through Region 8 PSIC Competitive Project – which Director McKee is 95% sure of its approval.  Sources of funding will continue to be sought.  Discussion followed including the previous DTRF loan from the County to help start-up Central Dispatch; the value of the equipment that is being replaced, and using Fund 211 to fund this project; although this fund is potentially being left as a reserve, in case of future revenue shortfalls. 

 

It was moved by Commissioner Moore and supported by Commissioner Cooper to approve a loan from the DTRF of $225,000 to move the project forward to purchase the Motorola MCC 7500 console for $398,811, 4.9 Microwave PTP $42,509, MPSCS M/W $265,856, 30 Track IP Logger $123,710, furniture $39,000 and additional positron position $50,000 – totaling $919,886.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

Budget 2009

The committee received the Departments and Agencies 2009 budget requests.  No action was necessary.

 

Sheriff Vehicle Sale

The Committee was updated on the status of the vehicle sale, and the concerns of continuing the E-bay sale.  No action was taken – and the E-bay sale will be accomplished.

 

The Committee was also updated on the sale of the Kubota tractor to the Chippewa County EDC for the price of $2,500 – which will be reflected to show the sale price covered the cost of the new mower.

 

Drain District

Commissioner Kay updated the Committee on a meeting held earlier in the week regarding the need to establish a Sault Drain District.  Commissioner Cooper noted again the lack of information being provided to the entire Committee.  No action was taken.

 

EUPTA –Fuel Charge

The Committee discussed a request from the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority for a one-time only fuel charge of $25,000.  Discussion followed including the increase in ferry-trip fees, EUPTA restricted and unrestricted fund balances; fuel surcharges.  Representatives from EUP Transportation Authority will be invited to the Regular Board meeting to continue the discussion of the request.  No action was taken.

 

The monthly claims and accounts report were presented.

 

Claims and Accounts

It was moved by Commissioner LaJoie, supported by Commissioner Moore, to recommend the approval of general fund claims totaling $333,216.45 other fund claims of $708,762.75 payroll of $394,759.09 and health department claims of $631,565.54, total claims of $2,068,303.83, vouchers 2362 through 2524 and F-1 through F-275.

 

 

Budget Adjustments

The Committee was provided with fund balances to be approved to match the recently completed audit, the information was provided by Chuck Leonhardt. (See attached)

 

It was moved by Commissioner Cooper, supported by Commissioner Postula, to approve the budget adjustments as presented.

 

Committee and Chairman’s Comments

Commissioner Shackleton asked about the actuarial progress.

 

Adjourn

It was moved by Commissioner Postula, supported by Commissioner Moore, to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

Chairperson Kay declared the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

 

 

 

 

__________________________________                __________________________________

Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder                                            Earl Kay, Chairperson