Crawford County
Grayling, Michigan

Crawford County Board of Commissioners
Regular Board Meeting of January 17th, 2007

The Regular Meeting of the Crawford County Board of Commissioners was called to order by Chairman, Dave Stephenson, at 9:32 a.m. in the Crawford County Building, Grayling, Michigan the 17^th day of January, 2007.
Invocation by Commissioner Beardslee.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Hanson.
Roll Call:  Stephenson, Rogers, Hanson, Pinkelman, Lange, Anderson, and Beardslee.
Absent – None.
Sandra Moore, County Clerk-Register of Deeds - Present.
Paul Compo, County Controller - Present.
Others present at various times:  Gailla Gilliland, Larry Campbell, Jim Vanderlaan, Ilene Geiss-Wilson, Patti Walker, Dr. John Sloan, Stephanie Riemer-Matuzak, Kevin Tishkowski, Ray Little, Bob Thornton, Kathy Zelinsky, Donna Brown, Mark Brown, John Wilcox III, Lee Riley, Jason Dasho, Mary Jergenson, Tim Zigila, Ed Holtcamp, Matt Holtcamp, Dave Shuell, Scott Gerber, David Wolfe, Phil Lewis, Chris & Kim Millikin, John Alef, Gaila Gilliland, Luke Thompson, Robert McReay, Larry Mead, Ed Nellest, Larry Mead, Mike Spielmaker, David Thayer, and Dan Sanderson.

Approval of the Regular Board Minutes

Motion by Lange, second by Rogers, to approve the Minutes for the December 20, 2007 Regular Board Meeting as presented. The Clerk to supply a new copy of the minutes as page eight (8) was cut off.  Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Approval of the Organizational Board Minutes

Motion by Anderson, second by Rogers, to approve the Minutes for the January 03, 2007 Organization Board Meeting as presented. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried

Approval of the Special Board Minutes

Motion by Hanson, second by Rogers, to approve the Minutes for the January 04, 2007 Organization Board Meeting as presented. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Approval of the Agenda

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

Brief Public Comment – None.

Open Invoice Report and Prepaid Vouchers

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

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

1.      Kalkaska County Board – Resolution in support of dissolving the court employee’s retirement health fund and dispersing the funds to the appropriate contributing parties with interest.

2.      US Army Corp – Regulatory guidance letter on mitigation monitoring requirements.

3.      Clark Hill – In the matter of the application of Business Communications Analysis, Inc.

4.      Michigan Public Service Commission – Notice of hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, 2007.

5.      MAC – Senate Standing Committees for information.

6.      MAC – Legislative updates for December 22, 2006 and January 4 & 12, 2007. 6-B Anderson had expressed a hope for this legislation.

7.      Michigan Supreme Court – Citizens advisory committee reports. The Controller advised the Friend of the Court productivity will be greater as they have moved to this location.

8.      Chamber of Commerce – Calendar of Events for the Grayling area.

9.      State Emergency Telephone Service Committee – Final 9-1-1 plan – Emergency Telephone Fund.

Motion by Hanson, second by Pinkelman, to authorize the Chairman to sign the final 9-1-1 plan if necessary. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

10.    The Ripples – Lake Margrethe Property Owners Association newsletter.

11.    Kalkaska County Board – Motion of 1-09-07 board meeting.

Department Reports

Controller Report

The GRS Defined Contribution to be moved to the Personnel & Labor February 1, 2007 meeting; The Controller indicated he met with the Business Agent for BC/BS and insurance rates will increase 11%  on the March renewal date; State legislator’s are looking at a BC/BS proposal so that Blue Cross customers with groups of 50 – 99 will be experience based rated and no longer be pool rated; The Health Reimbursement Account program is up for renewal under the Central Dispatch Contract which may be used eventually for all groups; The court liability insurance issue was researched to ensure the courts are covered and moving forward; COAM negotiations are scheduled for Monday, January 29^{th, 2007}; State reimbursement funding for the Prosecutor abuse and neglect cases is not being covered for December, 2006, however, the Controller is requesting an amendment be filed toward the Prosecutor’s salary to accommodate the lose.

MERS Increase for Retirees

Tom Coors advised he met with Controller Compo and Commissioner Hanson to review the five (5) retiree MERS benefit increase. Mr. Coors reiterated the request is only a onetime request, and Controller Compo advised the E Benefit may require a new actuary to be done.

Ambulance Ordinance

Chairman Stephenson requested presentations be conducted in an orderly and timely manner.

RN, Patti Walker, appeared on behalf of North Central and the County Medical Control Board which expressed her appreciation in working with the County and the opportunity to continue in the future. Kathy Zelinsky, V-P for Mercy Patient Care Services indicated the ordinance as written does not provide the appropriate level of care that residents deserve. Ms. Zelinsky asked to see a written proposal to address all the needs for our Ambulance service. Stephanie Riemer-Matuzak indicated Mercy provides high quality service and the issue is a big decision for the county.  Ms. Riemer-Matuzak suggested a transition team be comprised of hospital and county team members, to provide better dialog with Mobile Medical Response. Chairman Stephenson inquired on the selection process and Ms. Riember-Matuzak advised the Physician reviews the patient’s needs and then a decision is made. Medical Control has been reviewing the runs over the past few years. Dr. John Sloan advised he worked for a Detroit Trauma 1 Center and expressed this issue can be very fragile to the community. Billing issues were discussed and MMR Director, Ray Little indicated billings are cumbersome and a problem within the system and has no bearing on the level of service hat is being provided.

Recess at 10:12 a.m. and reconvened at 10:18 a.m.

MMR Director, Ray Little indicated he has been here five (5) years and it has been a positive relationship with both the County and Mercy Hospital. Mr. Little reported MMR has responded to 2,200 calls within Crawford County, they have excellent staff and are very responsive to Mercy Hospital needs. Commissioner Lange inquired on the total county operations. Mr. Little reported MMR had a loss of $177,000 in 2006 and discussion followed regarding the criteria set forth in the ordinance. The Prosecutor reviewed the contract and Patti Walker requested the hospital be a part of the planning process.  Bob Thornton, RN  and John Wilcox III both addressed the hospital procedures and the need for residents to have a choice. Grayling Township Supervisor, Terry Wright suggested the County focus on one (1) service provider. Beaver Creek Treasurer, Vivian Balmes indicated she witnessed that MMR has stepped up to the plate when others didn’t. Matt Holtcamp advised he worked for North Flight for 6 years and is now working for MMR as he believes they are a better service for residents.

Commissioner Pinkelman advised the ordinance does not directly address ramifications or patient’s choice. Chairman Stephenson requested Commissioners Beardslee and Pinkelman meet with all representatives and report back to the Board at the March 1^st committee meeting.

Recess at 10:55 a.m. and reconvened at 11:04 a.m.

Forest Management

Robert McReavy appeared to address his concerns with the DNR fee increases for Hunting, fishing and camping. Mr. McReavy advised he is a frustrated deer hunter, as clear cutting is out of control and he is circulating petitions to request state legislators control the clear cutting. Mr. McReavy advised his website is wwwmudh.com and has received endorsements from several counties and both Ogemaw and Roscommon Chairman’s were present.
Mrs. McReavy read a article regarding the comtemporary history and forest recreation and tourism and stated there are two (2) million hunters in Michigan alone.
Crawford County resident, Jim Clement advised the issue has been on going for many years, he has met with Susan Thiel and no resolution has been made.
Ogemaw County Chairman addressed the clear cutting issue and challenged the board to join in the adoption of a resolution to limit the cutting to more of a select cut and manage resources as a top priority.
Roscommon County Chairman directed his commend to the decreased deer herd population in his county and requested input.
Chairman Stephenson advised the DNR has a public review and the selling of land for the trust fund, and encouraged members to attend their meetings.
A resident advised he has attended DNR meetings, and has been either cut off or never addressed. The County Board requested the issue be directed to the MDNR and further reviewed at the March 1^st committee meeting.

Turbo Program

Economic Development Director, Gaila Gilliland introduced Larry Campbell to discuss the TURBO program.

Larry Campbell developer for Walgreens, indicated the TURBO Program will encourage development/redevelopment of properties and broaden and increase the tax base for the county. Mr. Campbell explained how the program works and how Wayne County is benefiting in the program. County Treasurer Joseph Wakeley appeared to listen to the discussion and many questions were asked of Mr. Campbell.  Mr. Campbell circulated a packet of material to explain the process and indicated it causes growth to happen even when it is tax exempt for the first year. Commission Hanson inquired it the City needs to be the decision maker whether the property tax abatement is possible.  Land Owner Jim Vanderlaan advised he has hopes the TURBO program can be accomplished and hopes that others may be able to follow suit.

CCEDP Pledge for 08/09

CCEDP Director, Gaila Gilliland circulated a brochure that identifies the mission of the CCEDP is to encourage and support the retention and expansion of existing services, commerce, and manufacturing, attract new business and industry, improve the quality of life, enhance and protect the natural resources, and maintain a small town atmosphere. CCEDP Chairman, Dr. John Sloan indicated the CCEDP is a 501C-3 not for profit agency and requested funding of $20,000 per year for the next three (3) years (2008 – 2011). The issue to be placed before the audit committee during the 2008 budget cycle.

Unfinished Business – None.

Grayling Air Show/Special Forces Venture

Mike Spielmaker, Special Forces Venture and Camp Grayling coordinator have agreed to bring an air show to the community on July 6, 7 & 8, 2007.  Mr. Spielmaker advised the blue angels will be available in 2008, however, this year there will be the Golden Parachutes, US Thunderbirds, F-18, C-130 and C-5 jets.  Mr. Spielmaker advised he has approval to fly in civilian air space and invited members to the VIP day on Friday, July 6^th and the 7^th and 8^th will be public dates. The website is wwwcampgraylingairshow.com for those interested.

Recess at 12:45 p.m. and reconvened at 12:50 p.m.

Board Appointments

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to appoint Al Somero to the Planning Commission for a three (3) year term ending 12-31-10. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Motion by Rogers, second by Hanson, to appoint Bruce Schroeder to the Health & Human Services Board for a two (2) year term to expire 12-31-09. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

 Commissioner’s Report

Commissioner Rogers – Commissioner Rogers reported her Ways and Means Committee recommendation.

Motion by Rogers, second by Hanson, to authorize the Chairman to sign the Michigan State Housing Development Authority certificate of local approval for non-profit organization and local units of government for homeless grant program. The program to provide basic necessities of daily living for those in residential service while counseling and advocating for permanent housing. Nonresidential clients receive individual and group support to assist with issues surrounding their abuse.  Roll Call: Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Motion Carried.

 County Clerk/Register of Deeds United County Officer Conference 

Motion by Rogers, second by Hanson, to authorize approval for the Clerk/Register to attend the United County Officer Association (UCOA) Annual Conference at the Lansing Sheraton Inn on January 28 –30, 2007, and approve registration and membership fees not to exceed $500. Roll Call: Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Motion Carried.

 Housing Commission Special Revenue Fund Budget Amendments

Motion by Rogers, second by Lange, to approve the following Budget Amendments for the Housing Commission:

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

Commissioner Hanson - The Commissioner advised he has no Personnel and Labor Committee Recommendations to report. 

Commissioner Pinkelman – The Commissioner reported her Law Enforcement Committee Recommendation.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Lange, to authorize the Sheriff to proceed in the disposal efforts of the three (3) squad cars with a local dealer which will proceed to the auction. Roll Call: Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Motion Carried.

Commissioner Lange –The Commissioner advised the Housing Commission Per Diem is being reviewed.

Commissioner Stephenson – The Commissioner advised the Mental Health letter will be discussed at the Mental Health meeting scheduled tomorrow.

Commissioner Anderson – The Commissioner advised he has nothing to report.

Commissioner Beardslee – The Commissioner advised he has nothing to report.

New Business

Animal Shelter - $355,000 & $45,000 Loan Resolutions

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Hanson, to approve the $355,000 Animal Shelter Loan Resolution. Roll Call:  Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange- aye, Pinkelman – aye, Motion Carried.

 Motion by Pinkelman, second by Lange, to approve the $45,000 Animal Shelter Loan Resolution. Roll Call: Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Motion Carried.

 Bond Resolution for Capitol Improvements

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Lange, to approve the Bond Resolution for the Capital Improvement ends. Roll call: Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Motion Carried.

 Economic Development Fund/FAÇADE Loan Program

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to approve the FACADE loan program guidelines as presented. Roll Call: Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Motion Carried.

Extended Public Comment

Grayling Township Supervisor, Terry Wright suggested members review the possibility to offer The TURBO tax break to residents as well as businesses.
County resident Kim Millikin reminded members that the TURBO program is a benefit for all county residents and encourages growth to the community.
Chairman Stephenson introduced the new City Manager, David Thayer.

Announcements – None.

Executive Session

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Lange,  to recess the Regular meeting and enter into a closed session to discuss pending litigation with the 46^th Circuit Trial Court at 1:15 p.m. Roll Call: Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Motion Carried.

Executive session began at 1:15 p.m. and conclude at 1:43 p.m.

Adjournment

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to adjourn meeting at 1:45 p.m. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none,  Motion Carried.

____________________________
Dave Stephenson, Chairman
Board of Commissioners

____________________________
Sandra Moore
County Clerk

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