Crawford County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes December 20th, 2006

Crawford County
Grayling, Michigan

Crawford County Board of Commissioners
Regular Board Meeting of March 21st, 2007

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 21st day of March, 2007.
Invocation by Commissioner Stephenson.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Hanson.
Roll Call: Stephenson, Rogers, Hanson, Pinkelman, Lange, Anderson, and Beardslee.
Absent – None.
Sandra Moore, County Clerk - Present.
Paul Compo, County Controller - Present.
Others present at various times: Joe Wakeley, Ilene Geiss-Wilson, Mary Jergenson, Ken Tallsma, Dan Kildee, Doug Pratt, Thomas Wellman, John Wilcox III, Donna Brown, Mark Brown, Stephanie Riemer-Matuzak, Pattie Walker, Kathleen McManus, Joel Bailler, Paul Owens, Bob Thornton, Lee Riley, Mike Janisse, Suzanne Luck, Tom Kozlowski, Kimberly Oeverman; Brian Riehle, Ed Holtcamp, Matt Holtcamp, Gaila Gilliland, and Dan Sanderson.

Approval of the Regular Board Minutes

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to approve the minutes for the February 21, 2007 Regular Board Meeting and add to the last line on page 3 "to come from the 2007-08 budget. Also Page 4 - Phone Surcharge to add under the amendment "up to 80 cents per phone charge". Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Approval of the Agenda

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

Brief Public Comment

South Branch Township resident Mike Janisse inquired whether he could address the proposed Ambulance Ordinance. Chairman Stephenson advised the issue is on the agenda and he will call for public comment.

District Representative Mary Jergenson, for Senator Stamas advised there will be a Public Hearing in Cadillac on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Baker College to hear business comments on the Governors proposed two (2) percent excise tax on services.

Open Invoice Report and Prepaid Vouchers

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

General Fund:
Balance from "Open Invoice Rep"	24,695.39
Prepaid Invoices	186,112.76
Gross Payroll	171,915.88
Total General Fund	382,724.03

Millage/Road Patrol Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	694.50
Prepaid Invoices	872.28
Gross Payroll	14,933.81
Total Millage Fund	16,500.59

Tri-County 46th Trial Court
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	17,943.63
Gross Payroll	15,838.73
Total Tri-County Court	33,782.36

Friend of the Court
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	678.17
Prepaid Invoices	11,686.75
Gross Payroll	9,773.65
Total Friend of the Court	22,138.57

Family Counseling Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	332.60
Gross Payroll
Total Family Counseling Fund	332.60

Enforcement/Recycle Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	94.98
Prepaid Invoices	674.83
Gross Payroll	4,647.92
Total Enforcement Fund	5,417.73

COPS in Schools Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	187.90
Prepaid Invoices	65.21
Gross Payroll	3,775.69
Total COPS Fund	4,028.80

Building & Zoning Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	4,597.42
Prepaid Invoices	386.63
Gross Payroll	5,299.20
Total Building & Zoning Fund	10,283.25


MSU Cooperative Extension Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	107.80
Prepaid Invoices	3,592.54
Gross Payroll	1,005.80
Total MSU Fund	4,706.14

Central Dispatch Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	2,777.26
Prepaid Invoices	1,332.93
Gross Payroll	18,113.22
Total Central Dispatch Fund	22,223.41

Family/Probate Court
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	38,869.32
Gross Payroll	5,768.63
Total Family/Probate Court	44,637.95

Fish Hatchery Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	47.60
Gross Payroll
Total Fish Fund	47.60

Economic Development Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	3,000.00
Prepaid Invoices
Gross Payroll
Total EDF Fund	3,000.00

Courthouse Preservation Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	572.99
Prepaid Invoices	55,288.11
Gross Payroll
Total Courthouse Preservation Fund	55,861.10

Animal Shelter Debt Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	28,998.93
Gross Payroll
Total Animal Shelter Debt Fund	28,998.93

Law Library Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	387.00
Gross Payroll
Total Library Fund	387.00

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

Approval Correspondence

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

Correspondence

Midland Co Board – Resolution urging the Michigan Legislature to freeze taxable values on residential properties.

MI DEQ – Public Notice for a project at 3474 Borchers Way.

MAC – Legislative updates for February 23, and March 2, 2007.

Clark Hill – In the Matter of the Application of Pelzer Communications Corporation.

Clark Hill – In the Matter of the Application of Inter-Tel Net-Solutions, Inc.

MI Public Service Commission – Notice of hearing scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, 2007.

MI Public Service Commission – Notice of hearing scheduled for Tuesday, March 13, 2007.

Dominion Midwest Energy, Inc – Permit Applications and survey for various parcels in Maple Forest.

MMR – Annual Community Newsletter for January 2007.

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation – Land banks help revitalize urban communities.

Michigan State Substance Abuse Funding – Comparison graphs and statistics.

NorthEast Michigan Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2007-08 – Resolution of concurrence.

Motion by Anderson, second by Pinkelman, to support the Resolution of Concurrence for the NorthEast Michigan Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2007-08 Plan. Roll Call: Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson - aye, Anderson – aye, Motion Carried.

Northern Lakes Community Mental Health – Letter to inform the Mental Health Board did not vote to modernize the appointment schedule.

Elaina Murray – Request sponsorship to Student Ambassador program in Europe. Commissioner Pinkelman requested a letter of support be sent to her, however, the Board is unable to allocate county funds towards the program.

Beaver Creek Township – Letter to request adoption of proposed Ambulance Ordinance.

Lovells Towship – Letter requesting the adoption of the proposed Ambulance Ordinance.

Hillsdale County – Deficit Reduction Act Resolution. The Controller announced this is the reason for the Friend of the Court Cuts.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Anderson, to draft a Resolution in support for the Deficit Reduction Act and urge State Officials to maintain current federal funding and hold counties harmless of any losses as a result of legislative action. Roll Call: Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Motion Carried.

DNR – Public Notice of 5-1-07 Oil & Gas Lease Auction.

MI DNR - Notice of 2007 LWCF Program application availability and deadline.

Dominion Midwest Energy, Inc – Permit application for a well location in Maple Forest Township

FY-2006 Audit Report

County Auditor, Ken Talsma thanked Commissioners for their support to Anderson, Tackman & Company, as well as department heads for assistance to the FY2006 Audit. Mr. Talsma presented the basic financial statement audit for the period ended 9-30-06, as well as a graphical presentation of assets, liabilities and equity, revenues and expenses, a five (5) year analysis, transfers in & out, fund balance and federal expenditures. Mr. Talsma reviewed the report to management with board members.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Lange, to accept the FY2006 Audit Report as presented by County Auditor, Ken Talsma of Anderson, Tackman & Company. Roll Call: Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Motion Carried.

Department Report

Clerk Report

County Clerk, Sandra Moore circulated copies of the Resolution for Calibration/Certification of Oil & Gas Meters that was passed at the February 21^st, 2007 Regular Board Meeting.

Clerk Moore announced she received two (2) bids for cleaning of the Courthouse.

Consensus of the Board was to submit a Request for Proposal in the local paper, and place the issue on the April Ways & Means Committee Agenda.

Controller Report

Controller Paul Compo advised he received a request from Rural Development regarding the way invoices are processed and they request approval before payments are rendered. The Board confirmed they can be processed with Friday bills and placed on the following months meeting invoices as prepaid as long as they are on budget.

The Controller announced the MERS resolution has been received and he hopes to have a draft for presentation at the April Regular Board Meeting.

Discussion followed regarding the MERS Commissioner division, which is not 50% funded, $9,190 is needed to bring the division up to the required funding level in order to implement the Defined Commissioner benefit however, future finances can be offset which will a line the commissioner division with county employees.

Motion by Lange, second by Anderson, to authorize an expense of $9,190 to fund the Commissioners group for the MERS division for a defined contribution. Roll Call: Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Motion Carried.

The Controller recommended that post employees benefit fund be created with the initial funding coming from revenue sharing money for health care costs.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Lange, to establish a fund to finance other post employment benefits, which will range around 75,000 from the Revenue Sharing Reserve Fund for the Post Employee Benefit Fund. Roll Call: Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Motion Carried.

The Controller advised the Tri County Attorney Contract is being revisited as they feel that Crawford County is not paying it’s share. The Court is seeking bids from firms and bids will be reviewed at the April meeting. Commissioners indicated it may be time to investigate a public defender in lieu of contracting for the County.

Controller Compo indicated an Executive Session is needed at the end of this meeting.

Recess at 10:18 a.m. and reconvened at 10:22 a.m.

Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Presentation

County Treasurer, Joe Wakeley introduced Genesee County Treasurer, Dan Kildee. Dan is also the Chairman of the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority and Mr. Kildee informed the Board that eight (8) counties have adopted the Land Bank concept. The Land Bank is a tool that can be used to improve tax foreclosed properties and return the properties to viable use, either residential or commercial properties. It was created in Genesee County because of tax sale lands being foreclosed on and they have processed 5,400 properties in the first 5 years. Mr. Kildee explained that the Land Bank is a viable tool to be used with a local Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, where funds can be used for cleanup and infrastructure needs. The 2 programs, separately or together, can greatly improve development within a community. There are responsible landowners that can improve these properties and he indicated he has most recently been working in New Orleans on hardship cases. Mr. Kildee suggested the County start through their Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, since it is already in place and then fit to our specific needs. The hard to development properties may apply for funding under the Brownfield Redevelopment Finance Act. The program is intended for incentives for economic development, and he explained the process in which the Land Bank and the County enter into a note for a minimum bid from the revolving fund.

Commissioner Pinkelman out at 10:46 a.m. and returned at 10:48 a.m.

Treasurer Wakeley announced there was a situation where the County did demolish a building on tax foreclosed property to improve the status of the land. This process has brought a great deal of attention to Genesee County and the rehabilitation process.

Recess at 10:55 a.m. and reconvened at 11:01 a.m.

Unfinished Business

Emergency Medical Service Transportation Ordinance

Chairman Stephenson announced he will allow a five (5) minute presentation on the ordinance.

South Branch resident, Mike Janisse expressed ten (10) reasons or concerns why the County should not adopt the ordinance.

The County should not set precedence to monopolize a business

Transfers should be up to the experts, they know what is best for the patient.

Will the County take responsibility for the potential delays in definitive care?

Will the Township’s be locked in to buy equipment locally?

The MMR contract does not define the number of ambulances available for 911.

Even now with MMR, North Flight, Denton Township and others doing transfers out of Grayling goes to status 0 and Frederic is on standby.

South Branch and Frederic Townships have a tax assessment/millage for a ambulance service. What about the intercept or patient assessments fees?

South Branch Township has 1 mill which generates around $65,000 why should our residents be locked in on who transfers them out of Grayling Mercy Hospital?

MMR is based in Grayling and Beaver Creek – why not have their residents pay a millage for the service – instead of putting patients at risk for delays in transports.

Does this mean, South Branch Township will not be able to use the closest ALS intercept
if one is closer for their residents ?

Kathleen McManus, President of North Flight and a staff member at Munson Medical Center suggested members work together, and explained that coverage be reduced by North Flight to a one 12 hour car to allow MMR stronger stability for county residents.

John Wilcox, III indicated MMR has been charging intercept fees in addition to billing insurance and inquired on what will keep MMR from requesting a millage later on?

Beaver Creek Supervisor, Lee Riley requested adoption of the ordinance as he has worked with both entities, and MMR has gone above and beyond for the County.

South Branch Supervisor, Tom Kozlowski suggested the County allow feedback from local residents before passage.

Mercy Hospital CEO, Stephanie Riemer-Matuzak suggested the community needs to be behind this, and suggested the Board allow North Flight to reduce coverage from 24 to 12 hours.

MMR Manager, Matt Holtcamp advised they have worked on a resolution for the past six (6) years and been unsuccessful thus far.

Beaver Creek Fire Chief, Ed Holtcamp explained the intercept process and requested adoption of the ordinance.

Motion by Hanson, second by Anderson, to adopt the Emergency Medical Services Transportation Ordinance effective April 21, 2007. Discussion ensued as to the need for the ordinance at this time. Roll Call: Stephenson – nay, Anderson – nay, Beardslee – nay, Hanson - aye, Lange – nay, Pinkelman – nay, Rogers – nay, Motion Failed.

Chairman Stephenson offered his time to meet with all parties to accommodate a solution to this very important issue.

Recess at 11:40 a.m. and reconvened at 11:47 a.m.

Commissioner’s Report

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

46^th Judicial Court Employees MERS Pension

Motion by Rogers, second by Lange, to approve the adjusted distribution for the 46^th Judicial Court employees (retirees, vested and terminated) as submitted by the Controller. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Motion by Rogers, second by Lange, to amend the previous motion to reflect this distribution is part of the Court Employees MERS pension. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Correction to Ways & Means Minutes

Motion by Rogers, second by Pinkelman, to correct the Ways & Means page six (6), Executive Session and eliminate the verbage "a legal opinion by Assistant Prosecutor". Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

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

Appointment of Mental Health Board Member

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to reappoint Jack Mahank to the Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Board for a term to expire 3-31-10. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

MERS Uniform Defined Contribution Program Adoption

Motion by Hanson, second by Pinkelman, to correct the MERS Uniform Defined Contribution Program Adoption Agreement to reflect six (6) year vesting period for General (non-represented) Employees. Roll Call: Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Motion Carried.

Motion by Hanson, second by Pinkelman, to correct the MERS Uniform Defined Contribution Program Adoption Agreement to reflect six (6) year vesting period for General (non-represented) Commissioners. Roll Call: Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Motion Carried.

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

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Hanson, to adopt a resolution to authorize Grand Traverse County to act as the Fiscal Agent for the Region 7 Homeland Security Board. Roll Call: Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Motion Carried.

Commissioner Lange – The Commissioner advised he had nothing to report.

Commissioner Anderson – The Commissioner advised he had nothing to report

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

Commissioner Stephenson – The Commissioner placed on file with the Clerk a copy of the Audit Report Presentation for the Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority. The Commissioner suggested the County may want to extend parking to City residents for this summer renovation project. The issue to be placed on the Ways & Means April 5^th Agenda.

New Business

Fish Hatchery Appointment

The Clerk advised Dr. Sloan sent her a communication requesting re-appointment to the Fish Hatchery Committee, however, no word was received from member Justin Andre. Gaye Pizzi is interested in serving as a liaison to the Board and is not desirous of reappointment as a member.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Lange, to reappoint Dr. John Sloan to the Fish Hatchery Committee for a term ending 3-31-10. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Agreement to Provide Professional Consulting Services

Controller Compo requested approval for the Maximus cost allocation plan.

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to approve the Agreement to Provide Professional Consulting Services between the County of Crawford County and Maximus, Inc. through October 31, 2009. Roll Call: Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Motion Carried.

Establishment of the Medical Reimbursement Plan

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to establish the Medical Reimbursement Plan through December 31, 2007 to provide employees with a choice between cash and certain tax-free benefits. Roll Call: Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Motion Carried.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Rogers, to establish Section 125 Plan which will provide its employees with a choice between cash and certain tax-free benefits. Roll Call: Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Motion Carried.

Executive Session

Motion by Anderson, second by Pinkelman, to recess the Regular Board Meeting and enter into an Executive Session to review COAM and AFSCME Union Contracts and receive an update on the 46^th Circuit Trial Court Lawsuit (12:11 p.m.) Roll Call: Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee - aye, Hanson - aye, Lange - aye, Pinkelman - aye, Rogers – aye, Motion Carried.

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

Commissioner Anderson excused at 12:57 p.m.

Recess at 12:25 p.m. and reconvened by 2:10 p.m.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Lange, to approve the March 21, 2007 Executive Session Minutes. Ayes (6) six, nays (0) none, absent (1) one, Motion Carried.

Ratification of AFSCME 46^th Circuit District Division Union Contract

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Hanson, to ratify the AFSCME 46^th Circuit District Union Contract as presented. Roll Call: Anderson – absent, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Motion Carried.

Extended Public Comment – None.

Announcements – None.

Adjournment

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to adjourn meeting at 2:12 p.m. Ayes (6) six, nays (0) none, absent (1) one, Motion Carried.

____________________________
Dave Stephenson, Chairman
Board of Commissioners

____________________________
Sandra Moore
County Clerk

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

Hit Counter