Crawford County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes March 15th, 2006

Crawford County
Grayling, Michigan

Crawford County Board of Commissioners
Regular Board Meeting of March 15th, 2006

The Regular Meeting of the Crawford County Board of Commissioners was called to order by Chairman Dave Stephenson, at 9:30 a.m. in the Crawford County Building, Grayling, Michigan the 15th day of March, 2006.
Invocation by Commissioner Beardslee.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Hanson.
Roll Call: Rogers, Hanson, Pinkelman, Lange, Stephenson, Anderson and Beardslee.
Absent – None.
Sandra Moore, County Clerk - Present.
Paul Compo, County Controller - Present.

Others present at various times: Joe Wakeley, Tim Zigila, Ilene Geiss-Wilson, Jack Rousch, Larry Amprin, Dick Stewart, Dennis Palmer, Don Graesome, Brian Morrison, Gailla Gilliland, Bob McIntosh, Ken Talsma, Linda VanGills, Dan Sanderson, and other unidentified guests.

Approval of the Regular Board Minutes

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to approve the minutes for the February 15, 2006 Regular Board Meeting as presented. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Approval of the Agenda

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to accept the agenda as presented. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Brief Public Comment

Economic Development Partnership Director, Gailla Gilliland circulated a EDP report since inception. Ms. Gilliland advised she has contacted 28 prospects, projects, entrepreneurs, or companies that were looking for a location, or needing business guidance/information. Ms. Gilliland briefly reviewed the report and indicated a group of over 60 local people participated in the Vision 2026 process. A vision statement has been defined through the process and a PR firm is working to design a Crawford County logo.

Open Invoice Report and Prepaid Vouchers

Motion by Rogers. second by Lange, to authorize payment of the following claims:

General Fund:
Balance from "Open Invoice Rep"	246,607.53
Prepaid Invoices	165,678.10
Gross Payroll	131,204.72
Total General Fund	543,490.35

Millage/Road Patrol Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	894.04
Prepaid Invoices	752.46
Gross Payroll	13,948.41
Total Millage Fund	15,594.91

Enforcement/Recycle Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	846.99
Prepaid Invoices	801.69
Gross Payroll	4,512.56
Total Enforcement Fund	6,161.24

COPS in Schools Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	26.54
Gross Payroll	4,219.08
Total COPS Fund	4,245.62

Building & Zoning Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	3,276.78
Prepaid Invoices	263.98
Gross Payroll	5,144.09
Total Building & Zoning Fund	8,684.85

D.A.R.E. Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	100.00
Gross Payroll
Total DARE Fund	100.00

MSU Cooperative Extention Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	1,290.68
Prepaid Invoices
Gross Payroll	843.75
Total MSU Fund	2,134.43

Central Dispatch Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	144.07
Prepaid Invoices
Gross Payroll	17565.21
Total Central Dispatch Fund	17,709.28

Fish Hatchery Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	73.38
Gross Payroll
Total Fish Fund	73.38

Friend of the Court Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	13,020.52
Prepaid Invoices
Gross Payroll
Total FOC 215 Fund	13,020.52

Homestead Audit Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	7,315.00
Gross Payroll
Total Homestead Fund	7,315.00

Courthouse Preservation Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	1,110.19
Prepaid Invoices
Gross Payroll
Total Courthouse Fund	1,110.19

Animal Shelter Debt Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	1,500.00
Gross Payroll
Total Animal Shelter Fund	1,500.00

Roll Call: Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson - aye, Motion Carried.

Approval Correspondence

Motion by Anderson, second by Rogers, to accept correspondence as submitted. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Correspondence

Alger County Board – Resolution to promote employee and patron health through smoke-free worksites.

Clare County Board – Resolution in support of Crawford County Court Funding Dispute.

Iron County Board – Resolution in support of Crawford County Court Funding Dispute.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Hanson, to submit a letter of appreciation to the various counties that have supported Crawford County in the funding dispute. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Kalkaska County Board – Authorize the Trial Court to purchase a Liability Policy through MMRMA.

Livingston County Board – Resolution to encourage members of the Michigan Legislature to support 911.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Anderson, to endorse Livingston County and encourage members of the Michigan Legislature to support 9-1-1 and act in a timely and collaborative manner to pursue 9-1-1 funding mechanisms are reliable and equitable for counties across the state. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Manistee County Board – Resolution in support of Crawford County Funding dispute.

Newaygo County Board – Resolution in support of Crawford County Funding dispute.

STING – Quarterly newsletter.

Building Authority - Minutes of February 23, 2006 meeting.

MAC – Legislative Updates for February 17, 24, and March 3 & 10, 2006. Coalition drive has started to guarantee annual funding increases for about one billion dollars for K-12 education.

Representative Gillard – Weeks in Review for February 13, 21, & 27, & March 6, 2006.

Safety Com Solutions – Pipeline damage prevention training program 3-28-06 at Grayling Holiday Inn.

19^th Annual Pictionary Olympics – Request Pictionary Olympic teams on 4-21-06 @ 7:00 p.m.

MI Public Service Commission – Application of Winn Telephone Company.

Merit Network – Network demonstration at Alpena College on March 24, 2006 from 1 – 4 p.m.

State Public Service Commission – Notice of Hearing on March 22, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. in Lansing.

NMSAS – Request invoice in the amount of $40,256.50 for Substance Abuse. The invoice has been placed in the April meeting invoices for payment.

Mercy Hospital – Donation receipt & thank you for support to Emergency Room project.

Kienbaum, Et Al – Court Funding Dispute Attorney Fees $1,017,137.52.

Gratiot County – County Administrator Position.

Department of State Police – Weapons on Mass Destruction Training.

Department Report

Controller Report

Controller Paul Compo circulated the EDF Local Legislative Agenda for Commissioners review.

Motion by Lange, second by Beardslee, to place the EDF Local Legislative Agenda on the Ways & Means April 6, 2006 Committee Agenda. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Clerk Report

Clerk Sandra Moore indicated she received a renewal application from Sandra Coe to the Housing Commission. Ms. Coe’s term expires in April and her application will be brought to the Personnel & Labor April committee meeting. The Clerk further inquired if the Board was desirous to appoint a liaison to the Housing Commission Board.

Consensus was to place the issue on the April committee meeting agenda.

The Clerk indicated she received the NEMCOG Directory and has placed the document on file in her office.

Amendment to Agenda

Motion by Hanson, second by Pinkelman, to amend the agenda to allow Larry Amprin to appear on behalf of the AuSable Adventure Rally. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

AuSable Adventure Rally

Larry Amprin, Chairman of the AuSable Adventure Rally appeared with special guest Jack Roush, President of Roush Racing and other guests to support the AuSable Adventure Rally. Mr. Amprin indicated the event is scheduled for the weekend of June 23 – 25 in conjunction with the motorcycle rally. Last year the rally raised $54,780 with 370 motorcycles in attendance. Mr. Amprin indicated Yankee Air has agreed to participate in the event which should draw a crowd of 2,000 - 3,000, as they conduct the "Thunder Over Michigan" event downstate each summer. The rally will be fund raising for the "Family Support Fund" unit his year and the event should have a positive impact, as 1,500 campers are registered at Wellington Farm Park and there should be more local community support. Commissioners agreed to support the event and will encourage residents to participate. Commissioner’s then paused for a photo opportunity with Rally members.

Health Department Annual Report

District Health Officer, Linda VanGills circulated the Annual District Health Department #10 Report for FY2005. Van Gills remarked on the following key accomplishments and challenges facing the department: The funding foundation for core public health services continue to be challenged and state resources only cover approximately 36% of the cost; The Board of Health has an active legislative committee in collaboration with MALPH and MAC to improve public health funding; Hearing and vision screening was reduced by 50%, which has resulted in approximately 174 fewer children screened for hearing and 963 fewer children in vision; The department actively participated in emergency planning drills with the county and regional emergency preparedness groups; Caseload continues to grow in health services; Tencon Health Plan is serving the uninsured population and now has 101 individuals enrolled in Crawford County; Work is progressing on a draft district wide sanitary code; Public health continues to educate the community on health risks associated with tobacco use and other lifestyle risk factors which increase the risk of chronic disease. Ms. VanGills announced that Kyle Anderson is the new Environmental Health Office for Crawford County, and there has been no reduction in staff within Crawford County. Ms. VanGills thanked Controller Compo for serving on the Tencon health plan committee. Discussion followed regarding the septic code issues facing the state and Ms. VanGills advised the State does not have a state wide sanitary code.

Unfinished Business

Animal Shelter Building Lease Agreement

The Board reviewed the terms of the lease and requested the Animal Boarding Policy be inserted in section 5 and verbage be added in section 1 b to escrow a year(s) payment in an interest bearing account. Payments will be $1,520 monthly including 4.5 % interest for 20 years totaling annual payments in the amount of $18,240.

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to reserve a one year(s) payment ($18,240) in escrow, which will be applied towards the final years bond payment.

Motion Amended by Hanson, second by Lange, to earmark the interest earned over the 20 year period to be returned to the Animal Shelter Fund. Vote on the motion as amended: Roll Call: Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson - aye, Anderson – aye, Motion Carried.

Commissioner’s Report

Commisioner Rogers – The Commissioner reported the Ways & Means Committee recommendations.

Court Invoice for Funding Dispute in the amount of $7,754340

Motion by Rogers, second by Pinkelman, to approve the invoice from Cohl, Stoker, Toskey & McGlinchey, PC in the amount of $7,754.40. Roll Call: Hanson – aye, Lange – nay, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson - aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Motion Carried.

Animal Shelter Architect Agreement

Motion by Rogers, second by Lange, to enter into the architect agreement between the County of Crawford and Thomas I. O’Brien Architect for a $300,000 new 3,200 to 4,800 square foot Animal Shelter facility to be built on the fairgrounds property. Full service Architectural/Engineering work shall be paid as a percentage of construction cost equal to seven and one half percent (7.5%) of construction costs, plus standard reimbursables. Roll Call: Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson - aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Motion Carried.

AS 400 Operating System Proposal

Motion by Rogers, second by Lange, to request the finance committee seek funding options for the County to purchase a new AS400 under the audit committee findings in the amount of $20,470 which includes 36 month software and hardware maintenance and main memory options. Said purchase to be taken from the central dispatch line item fund. Roll Call: Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson - aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Motion Carried.

Commissioner Hanson - The Commissioner reported the Personnel & Labor Committee Recommendations.

Resignation of Kris Bruestle from the Fish Hatchery Committee

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to accept the resignation from Fish Hatchery Committee Member, Kris Bruestle with regrets and thank him for his past service to the committee. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Commissioner Pinkelman – The Commissioner advised she had no the Law Enforcement Committee recommendations to make. The Commissioner remarked that the Friends for Hartwick Pines has 200 active members, with only 12 from Crawford County and they need more in County support.

Commissioner Lange – The Commissioner advised the Commission on Aging Building Committee is conducting a building search to possible move the center.

Commissioner Anderson – The Commissioner advised Northern Michigan Substance Abuse financial audit has been conducted with good findings. Michigan Association of Counties meets next Monday and a tour of Camp Grayling is being planned for the June meeting.

Commissioner Beardslee – The Commissioner advised the Head Start budget was cut $3,000,000 and no services were cut.

Commissioner Stephenson – The Commissioner advised he attended the Chamber meeting and Colonel Brown provided a calendar for military, law enforcement and civilian events that are scheduled on base for 2006. The Commissioner further reported the Crawford AuSable School has a bond issue on the May 2, 2006 election.

New Business

Housing Commission Appointment

The Board requested the Housing Commission vacancy be deferred for a month.

Recess at 11:12 a.m. and returned 11:17 a.m.

County Dunk Tank Policy

Controller Compo advised he has received several request for usage and the Assistant Prosecutor has drafted a policy for consideration. Discussion followed to have the tank checked out to be sure it was road worthy, and to restrict it to County usage only.

Motion by Beardslee, support by Hanson, to authorize the Board Chair to establish a County Policy for the dunk tank with the removal for out of county usage. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Resolution in support of Gerrish Township purchasing the Higgins Lake Board Yard

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Hanson, to support Gerrish Township in their endeavor to purchase the Higgins Lake Board Yard property and turn it into a township marina. This involves around 425’ on Higgins Lake and a little over 5 acres of property. Roll Call: Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Motion Carried.

USDA Four Wheel Drive Vehicle Grant for Sheriff Department

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to accept the bid from Scott McNamara through the USDA Four Wheel Drive Vehicle Grant for the Sheriffs Department.

Motion Amended by Hanson , second by Lange, to allocate up to $26,000 toward the purchase of the Sheriff Vehicle. Vote on the motion as amended: Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Motion Carried.

FY2005 Audit Report

Auditor, Ken Talsma thanked commissioners for their support to Anderson, Tackman & Company. Mr. Talsma presented the basic financial statement audit for the period ended 9-30-05, as well as a graphical presentation for net assets, liabilities and equity, revenues and expenses, a five (5) year analysis, transfers in & out, fund balance and federal expenditures. Mr. Talsma thanked Commissioners, the County Treasurer and Controller for a successful audit.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Lange, to accept the FY2005 Audit Report as presented by County Auditor, Ken Talsma of Anderson, Tackman & Company. Roll Call: Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Motion Carried.

Executive Session

Motion by Anderson, second by Lange, to recess the Regular Board Meeting and enter into an Executive Session to review a written legal opinion by Attorney Bonnie Toskey and allow Treasurer Wakeley and Auditor Talsma to remain in the session (11:47 a.m.) Roll Call: Beardslee - aye, Hanson - aye, Lange - aye, Pinkelman - absent, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – ayes, Anderson – aye, Motion Carried.

Executive Session began at 11:47 a.m. and concluded at 12:25 p.m.

Recess at 12:25 p.m. and reconvened by 12:35 p.m.

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to approve the March 2, 2006 Executive Session minutes from the Ways & Means Committee Meeting as reviewed in the Executive Session by the County Clerk. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Housing Commission Resolution

Motion by Hanson, second by Pinkelman, to adopt a resolution to assist the Housing Commission members and staff in understanding Open Meeting Act and Freedom of Information guidelines and offer a training workshop to accomplish same. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Motion by Hanson, second by Rogers, to schedule a Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Training Workshop on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. for the Housing Commission Board to learn how the Acts must be followed in day to day operations. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Extended Public Comment – None.

Announcements

Controller Compo received a copy of the reply brief and Commissioner Hanson and Controller Compo plan to meet and welcomed comments. Oral Arguments are scheduled for the first week in May, 2006 in the Court lawsuit.

Adjournment

Motion by Lange, second by Anderson, to adjourn meeting at 12:45 p.m. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

____________________________
Dave Stephenson, Chairman
Board of Commissioners

____________________________
Sandra Moore
County Clerk

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hit Counter