Crawford County
Grayling, Michigan

Crawford County Board of Commissioners
Regular Board Meeting of September 19th, 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 19^th day of September, 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 – Absent.
Others present at various times: Mary Jergenson, Joe Wakeley, Ilene Geiss-Wilson and Dan Sanderson.

Approval of the Regular Board Minutes

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to approve the Minutes for the August 15, 2007 Regular Board Meeting with a added word on page 4 first motion to read cost “savings” and page 6 under Commissioner Stephenson’s report that honored the Georgia Pacific Resin Plant with “1,395” days without an incident. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Approval of the Agenda

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

Brief Public Comment

Mary Jergenson advised the Mio Library has a state sponsored exhibit that may be of interest to board members.

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"	68,031.42
Prepaid Invoices	240,928.96
Gross Payroll	181,352.02
Total General Fund	*490,312.40*

*Millage/Road Patrol Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	318.69
Prepaid Invoices	1,384.93
Gross Payroll	14,535.99
Total Millage Fund	*16,239.61*

*Tri-County 46th Trial Court*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	16,840.44
Gross Payroll
Total Tri-County Court	*16,840.44*

*Friend of the Court*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	1,011.26
Gross Payroll	10,665.92
Total Friend of the Court	*11,677.18*

*Family Counseling Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	196.00
Gross Payroll
Total Family Counseling Fund	*196.00*

*Enforcement/Recycle Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	1,667.96
Prepaid Invoices	696.20
Gross Payroll	2,524.92
Total Enforcement Fund	*4,889.08*

*COPS in Schools Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	30.39
Gross Payroll	3,469.20
Total COPS Fund	*3,499.59*

*Building & Zoning Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	4,955.56
Prepaid Invoices	437.79
Gross Payroll	5,299.20
Total Building & Zoning Fund	*10,692.55*

*D.A.R.E. Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	202.44
Prepaid Invoices	95.60
Gross Payroll
Total DARE Fund	*298.04*

*Remonumentation Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	25,812.00
Gross Payroll
Total Remonumentation Fund	*25,812.00*

*MSU Cooperative Extension Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	1,368.96
Prepaid Invoices	1,374.30
Gross Payroll	906.14
Total MSU Fund	*3,649.40*

*Central Dispatch Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	565.17
Gross Payroll	21,196.26
Total Central Dispatch Fund	*21,761.43*

*Family/Probate Court*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	38,512.06
Gross Payroll	5,900.35
Total Family/Probate Court	*44,412.41*

*Fish Hatchery Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	413.73
Prepaid Invoices	4,035.83
Gross Payroll
Total Fish Fund	*4,449.56*

*Economic Development Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	7,535.00
Gross Payroll
Total EDF Fund	*7,535.00*

*Animal Shelter Debt Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	88,709.65
Gross Payroll
Total Animal Shelter Debt Fund	*88,709.65*

*Law Library Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	602.27
Gross Payroll
Total Library Fund	*602.27*

*Correction Officer Training Fund*
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	1,056.00
Prepaid Invoices
Gross Payroll
Total Correction Off Training Fund	*1,056.00*

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

Approval Correspondence

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

Correspondence

1. Allegan County Board – Resolution in opposition to House Bill 4780 - 4788.

2. Antrim County Board – Resolution of opposition to House Bill #4852.

3. Newaygo County Board – Resolution in support of county acceptance of passport applications.

4. Ottawa County Board – Resolution in opposition to House Bill #4852.

5. Saginaw County Board – Resolution opposing House Bill #4852.

6. Schoolcraft County Board – Resolution of opposition to House Bill #4780 – 4788.

7. Clark Hill – Application of Touch Tone Communications, Inc. hearing on 9-18-07.

8. MI Public Service Commission – Application of Osirus Communications hearing 9-25-07.

9. Legislative Analysis – Revised summary of House Bill #4852.

10. MI DNR – Open House and Compartment Review on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 at the Forest Management Office.

11. MI DNR – Notice of DNR Stakeholder’s Guide to review Regional State Forest Management Planning. Commissioner Anderson updated members on the recent DNR land use exchange.

12. Region 9 Agency on Aging – Resolution of support for NEMCSA Long Term Ombudsman Program.

Motion by Lange, second by Anderson, to submit a letter of support for NEMSCA to continue to administer the Long Term Ombudsman Program as a locally administered program to help address the quality of care and life of residents in long-term care facilities. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

13. MI Public Service Commission – Notice of Hearing for Consumers Energy on 9-18-07.

14. MAC – Legislative Updates for August 17, 24 & 30, and September 7 & 14, 2007. Chairman Stephenson referenced the Supreme Court decision to cut 20 Judgeships across Michigan and noted it will affect the one 87^th District Court Judgeship in Otsego County.

Recess at 10:10 a.m and reconvened by 10:14 a.m.

15. Democratic Chairman, Ray Priebe – Submission of Board of Canvassers Democratic candidates. The Clerk circulated a ballot and Elizabeth Wieland was duly elected by a unanimous ballot.

16. Republican Chairman, Sam Moore – Submission of Board of Canvassers Republican candidates. The Clerk circulated a ballot and Lynnette Corlew was duly elected by a unanimous ballot.

17. General Preservation Corp – Request to be added to bidders list if the courthouse renovates.

18. Axiom Entertainment – Request 6-month extension for Letter of Intent to purchase DNR lands.

19. Attorney Michael Golab – Request John Bebow refrain from mischaracterizing Mr. Crosson and Axiom Entertainment.

20. DNR – Letter of Intent to Mr. Crosson regarding purchasing DNR properties.

21. Crawford AuSable Soccer Association, Inc. – Request for 4 – 6 full size soccer fields at County Fairgrounds property.

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to allow the Crawford AuSable Soccer Association to move forward with the planning phase of 4 –6 size soccer fields on the County Fairgrounds property and allow Commissioners Lange & Hanson to bring back a recommendation. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

22. Gongwer Report – Budget pressure builds as latest deadline expires without a deal.

23. DEQ – Waste and hazardous materials division evaluation report.

24. DEQ – Pending new source review application report for Grayling Generating Station.

25. Gaila Gilliland – 2^nd Annual Government Forum scheduled for Monday, October 22, 2007 @ 5:30 p.m. at the Grayling High School.

Motion by Lange, second by Anderson, to approve a $20.00 expenditure per attendee that participates in the 2^nd Annual Governmental Forum on Monday, October 22, 2007 at the Grayling High School. The Board indicated they will not pay for a spouse to attend. Roll Call: Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Motion Carried.

Motion Anderson, second by Beardlsee, to post the 2^nd Annual Governmental Forum on Monday, October 22, 2007 at the Grayling High School as a scheduled workshop. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

26. Crawford AuSable School District – Thank you for the $5,000 contribution to the tennis courts. The Controller indicated other governmental units may make a contribution.

27. MAC – Thank you for sending six (6) different resolutions.

28. M-97 Auto Dealer – Request they be added to dealer list for the sale of municipal vehicles. Item to be forwarded to the Sheriff.

29. Jack Mahank – Request appointment to the Library Board. The issue to be placed on the October Personnel & Labor Committee Meeting.

30. Virginia Lyons – Communications regarding the Friends of the Library. Commissioner Rogers advised the Friends of the Library are a 501C-3 group and its sole purpose is to raise funds for the library. The Commissioner indicated she disagrees with some of the issues in Ms. Lyons September 4^th letter, which has prompted resignations and some to reorganize. The group is reviewing their By-laws, Procedures, and Articles of Incorporation while they reorganize.

Department Reports

Resolution in Support of Senate Bill 525

Motion by Anderson, second by Pinkelman, to adopt a resolution in support of Senate Bill 525 and urge the State legislature to act quickly to expand the prescription drug website that will provide costs of 150 of the most commonly prescribed drugs in Michigan for residents. Roll Call: Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson - aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Motion Carried.

Resolution in Support of MSHDA PIP Funding

Motion by Lange, second by Pinkelman, to adopt a 91907-C resolution in support of the MSHDA Property Improvement Program PIP funding and authorize the Housing Director to administer PIP-Plus funds in partnership with Roscommon County. Roll Call: Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson - aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Motion Carried.

Resolution in Support of Prioritization of Public Health Services

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Rogers, to adopt a resolution in support of the local public health departments provision of quality public health service mandates to be provided on a statewide basis, as they are no longer able to meet state mandated standards. Roll Call: Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson - aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Motion Carried.

Controller Report

Soil Erosion Permit Fee Schedule

Controller Compo advised the Building and Zoning department is requesting a soil & erosion permit fee increase. The increase is partly due to the Water Treatment Facility (large project) in Beaver Creek Township, however, the department will leave the basic projects as normal fees.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Beardlsee, to authorize an increase in the county wide residential and commercial soil erosion program fees as proposed by the Building and Zoning Director new fee schedule. Roll Call: Rogers – aye, Stephenson - aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Motion Carried.

Resolution to Amend the Final 911 Service Plan – no action necessary.

Agreements for Collective Bargaining

Controller Compo circulated an agreement to proceed in the AFSCME collective bargaining procedures. The Board indicated they have no issues with the eight (8) guidelines and will meet next month to review a proposal.

The Controller further submitted an agreement to extend the current Collective Bargaining Agreement until ratification by both parties. The Board did not agree to extend the contract.

Benefits for Life

The Controller advised the State has issued a contract to a firm to administer some of their employee benefits, and Benefits for Life representatives are extending the offer to Crawford County employees. Employees will pay 100% through employee payroll deductions. Discussion followed if Commissioners were interested, in which they declined, and further inquired whether the same program would be offered to local insurance agencies.

COAM

Controller Compo circulated a copy of appendix “A” The Wage Scale from the COAM contract and advised there is now a dispute on one half percent of wages with the bargaining unit. The ½ percent was a separate issue and if not accepted the remedy could lead to arbitration. No action was taken.

The Controller advised Deputy Finstrom has 92 hours of vacation hours and would like to extend them to November 30, 2007.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Beardslee, to allow Sheriff Deputy Finstrom to carry over 92 hours of vacation until November 30, 2007. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

The Controller advised South Branch Township still has one (1) outstanding issue (SMR) left before they adopt their zoning ordinance. Commissioner Beardslee advised the issue should be taken care of, along with adoption of the ordinance before the new year.

FY2008 General Fund/Special Revenue/Library Fund Budgets

FY-2008 budgets were reviewed with a multitude of questions.

Commissioner Hanson out at 11:19 a.m. and returned at 11:22 a.m.

Building & Zoning Origination Fees

Motion by Anderson, second by Hanson, to increase the Building & Zoning Origination fees (application review) from $30.00 to $50.00. Roll Call: Stephenson - aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Motion Carried.

Discussion occurred in length regarding budget shortfalls with escalating costs of services and it is getting harder to do more with less. The board discussed the sharing of services with adjoining counties.

Motion by Hanson, second by Pinkelman, to accept the FY2007/08 General Fund Special Revenue and Library Fund Budgets, and set them for Hearing on Thursday, September 27, 2007. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Unfinished Business – None.

Commissioner’s Report

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

School Tennis Court Repairs

Motion by Rogers, second by Lange, to authorize $2,500 from the Environmental Fund and $2,500 from the Economic Development Fund to be allocated to the Crawford AuSable School District for tennis court repairs. Roll Call: Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson - aye, Motion Carried.

Land Use Committee

Motion by Rogers, second by Anderson, to review DNR properties for land exchange in Crawford County with NEMCOG and submit a request using the same excel spreadsheet as the DNR uses and prepare a letter of support to the State DNR. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Fair Grounds/Animal Shelter Drive

Motion by Rogers, second by Lange, to enter into a Professional Services Agreement between Crawford County and Northwest Design Group, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $6,000 for Professional plans and specifications to the entrance Fair Grounds Animal Shelter property. Roll Call: Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Motion Carried.

FY2007 General Fund Budget Amendments

Motion by Rogers, second by Pinkelman, to accept the FY2007 General Fund Budget Amendments to the new amount of $5,341,208.64. Roll Call: Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Motion Carried.

FY2007 Special Revenue Budget Amendments

Motion by Rogers, second by Hanson, to accept the following FY2007 Special Budget Amendments:

Revenue Sharing $250,000

Road Patrol Millage 475,500

Economic Development 25,500

Friend of the Court 282,841

Family Counseling 161,000

Building & Zoning 170,900

Sheriff’s Youth Services 12,000

Homestead PRE 500

Remonumentation 80,000

MSU Extension 55,250

Central Dispatch 461,804.02

Correction Officer Training 2,000

Courthouse Preservation 61,000

Law Library 5,300

Revenue Sharing Reserve 1,006,000

Social Services 14,000

Child Care 427,500

MI Veterans Trust 4,500

Hatchery Restoration 68,100

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

MDOT Letter/Road Commission Category “A” Funding

Motion by Rogers, second by Lange, to prepare a letter to the Michigan Department of Transportation in support of the Road Commission to attempt to access Category “A” Funding for economic development purposes within Crawford County. Roll Call: Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange - aye, Motion Carried.

Sheriff Vehicle Purchase

Motion by Rogers, second by Beardslee, to authorize the Sheriff to purchase a Sheriff patrol vehicle in an amount not to exceed $26,000 in the FY2006-07 budget year. Roll Call: Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Motion Carried.

9-6-07 Executive Session Minutes

Motion by Rogers, second by Lange, to accept the Executive Session Minutes of 9-6-07 as read. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Stipulated Order for Restitution as to Pensions

Motion by Rogers, second by Hanson, to accept the Stipulated Order for Restitution as to Pensions and enter into the Joint Agreement on Transfer of MERS Pension Assets and Liabilities for all 46^th Circuit Trial Court active employees, retirees, deferred vested and terminated non-vested members. Roll Call: Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Motion Carried.

Commissioner Hanson - The Commissioner advised he has no Personnel & Labor Committee Recommendations to make.

Commissioner Pinkelman - The Commissioner advised she has no Law Enforcement Committee Recommendations to make.

Commissioner Lange –The Commissioner advised the Grayling Country Club is having a golf outing for Irv McIsaac this Saturday, September 22, 2007.

Commissioner Stephenson – The Commissioner reported he submitted information from MAC regarding a dental program and will bring the issue to the Ways & Mean’s October meeting. The Commissioner placed an e-mail on file from Kalamazoo County regarding Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) for retirees health care in FY2007.

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

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

New Business

Jury Board Appointment

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Lange, to allow the Chairman to appoint MaryRuth Lowe to the Jury Commission for a term ending 4-30-09. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Citizens to Speak – None.

Announcements – None.

Adjournment

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Lange, to adjourn meeting at 12:26 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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