LEGISLATIVE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

January 11, 2008

 

A regular meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners’ Legislative and Natural Resources Committee was held on Friday, January 11, 2008 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  Chairperson Richard Timmer called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:      Richard Timmer, Chairman, Earl Kay and Scott Shackleton

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:        None

 

OTHERS PRESENT:          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

No public comments were offered.

 

Soil Erosion Update & Resolution

The Committee reviewed a letter from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Water Bureau, as well as, members of the Committee attended a meeting the previous day with the Chippewa East Mackinac Conservation District to receive an update on the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control program.  There were three items that need to be addressed for the program: 1) site inspection frequency; 2) updates the County’s soil erosion sedimentation control resolution and 3) address the sites found to be in non-compliance by completing the appropriate follow-up actions.  Items one and three will be addressed by the Chippewa East Mackinac Conservation District; item two is attached Resolution 08-02, which will correctly designate Chippewa East Mackinac Conservation District as the county enforcing agency responsible for administering and enforcing Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Kay, supported by Commissioner Shackleton, to approve and forward Resolution 08-02 Soil Erosion Control Enforcement Agency to the Full Board of Commissioners for its authorization.  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

County Commissioners Benefits & Compensation Policy

The Committee reviewed the Benefits & Compensation Policy that was tabled at the December 10, 2007 Board of Commissioners regular meeting.  The Committee reviewed the draft policy, and made changes to the fifth paragraph regarding eligibility of Commissioners to receive or not receive the County’s group coverage. 

 

It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Kay, to approve the Benefits & Compensation Policy with changes to the last paragraph and to forward the policy to the Board of Commissioners next regular meeting for its authorization.  (See attached Policy)  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

Fraud Policy

The Committee reviewed the proposed Fraud Policy that was also tabled at the December 10, 2007 Board of Commissioners regular meeting.  The Committee discussed revisions to the proposed policy, and made changes throughout the Policy. 

It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Kay, to approve the Fraud Policy with changes made and to forward the Fraud Policy to the Board of Commissioners next regular meeting for its authorization.  (See attached Policy)  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

County Board Bylaws and Rules of Procedure

The Committee reviewed the County Board Policy No. 101 which was noted during the Board January 2, 2008 Organizational meeting to be inaccurate at Article 4, 4.1 Chairperson, 4.1.1 Election.  The Committee reviewed the State law, as well as, an article prepared by Peter Cohl, of Cohl, Stoker, Toskey & McGlinchey, P.C.  Discussion followed.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Shackleton, supported by Commissioner Kay, to change the County Board Policy No. 101, Article 4, 4.1 Chairperson, 4.1.1 Election, to read as the State law as follows: The chairperson shall be elected each odd numbered year for a 2-year term, unless the county board of commissioners provides by resolution that the chairperson shall be elected annually for a 1-year term. (See attached Policy)  On a voice vote, the motion CARRIED.

 

Jail Overcrowding Emergency Powers Act

The Committee reviewed a memorandum for the Michigan Supreme Court regarding amendments to the Jail Overcrowding Emergency Powers Act, which will take effect February 11, 2008.  These amendments allow a county or judicial circuit to adopt and implement a written county jail population management plan to reduce or prevent chronic jail overcrowding.  No action was taken; the memorandum will be forwarded to the Sheriff and the Judges, for their recommendations.

 

Other - Veteran’s Relief Fund

The Committee discussed the question brought up during the FY08 Budgeting sessions, regarding an annual levy, a tax not exceeding 1/10 of a mill on each dollar, to be levied and collected as provided by law.  This levy would only affect the County’s current operating millage if we were collecting the maximum millage.  No action was taken on this item, as further questions need to be answered.

 

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 2:11 p.m.

 

 

 

 

_______________________________                        ______________________________________

Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder                                                   Richard Timmer, Chairman