Crawford County
Grayling, Michigan

Crawford County Board of Commissioners
Regular Board Meeting of November 19th, 2008

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 19th day of November, 2008.
Invocation by Commissioner Lange.
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: Kirk Wakefield, Tom Haskel, Trey Ayers, Rich Jaskowski, Jim & Gladys Blossfeld, Mary Jergenson, Tom Wellman, Ilene Geiss-Wilson, Dan Sanderson, Alan Diodore, Richard & Troy Trudo, Chase Sims, Rick & Pam Barringer, Shelley Stone, John Stevens, Richard & Sharon Arndt, Andy Neilson, Gary & Dolores Leslie, Todd Leslie, Mark Pagourkie, Tom & Corrine Baker, Laurence Lindemann, Keith Miles, Dick Ranney, Gary Summers, Tom Smith, and Dawn LaCasse.

Approval of the Regular Board Minutes

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Hanson, to approve the Minutes for the October 15, 2008 Regular Board Meeting as written. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Approval of the Agenda

Motion by Pinkelman, 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 Lange, second by Pinkelman, to authorize payment of the following claims:
General Fund:
Balance from "Open Invoice Rep"	42,703.97
Prepaid Invoices	217,735.46
Gross Payroll	207,553.09
Total General Fund	467,992.52
Millage/Road Patrol Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	8,411.17
Prepaid Invoices	1,176.62
Gross Payroll	25,804.86
Total Millage Fund	35,392.65
Tri-County 46th Trial Court
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	20,705.70
Gross Payroll
Total Tri-County Court	20,705.70
Friend of the Court
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	109.90
Prepaid Invoices	3,240.51
Gross Payroll	9,771.51
Total Friend of the Court	13,121.92
Enforcement/Recycle Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	14,062.67
Prepaid Invoices	358.66
Gross Payroll	3,325.31
Total Enforcement Fund	17,746.64
COPS in Schools Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	58.50
Prepaid Invoices
Gross Payroll	6,746.85
Total COPS Fund	6,805.35
Building & Zoning Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	4,398.58
Prepaid Invoices	162.35
Gross Payroll	5,348.10
Total Building & Zoning Fund	9,909.03
D.A.R.E. Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	500.00
Gross Payroll
Total DARE Fund	500.00
MSU Cooperative Extension Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	1,351.08
Prepaid Invoices	2,673.13
Gross Payroll	951.82
Total MSU Fund	4,976.03
Central Dispatch Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	84.89
Prepaid Invoices	64.83
Gross Payroll	27,227.38
Total Central Dispatch Fund	27,377.10
Family/Probate Court
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	557.30
Prepaid Invoices	26,702.02
Gross Payroll	6,317.43
Total Family/Probate Court	33,576.75
Fish Hatchery Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"	111.65
Prepaid Invoices	196.61
Gross Payroll
Total Fish Fund	308.26
Courthouse Preservation Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	747.50
Gross Payroll
Total Courthouse Preservation Fund	747.50
Law Library Fund
Balance from "Open Invoice Report"
Prepaid Invoices	450.50
Gross Payroll
Total Library Fund	450.50

Approval Correspondence

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

Correspondence

Antrim County Board – Resolution opposing HB 6070 and favoring the passage of HB 5892.
Lake County Board – Resolution in opposition to HB 4454 – 4455 and SB 607 – 608.
Lake County Board - Resolution in support of E-911 funding as proposed by MAC.
Ottawa County Board – Resolution opposing the passage of House Joint Resolution III / Legislative Analysis.
DEQ – Air Quality Pending New Source Review Application Report.
NEMCOG – Public Hearing regarding the project review process.
USDA – Huron-Manistee National Forest’s schedule of proposed actions for 1^st quarter 2009.
DNR – State owned mineral lands scheduled for auction October 27 & 28, 2008.
MAC – Legislative updates for October 10, 17, 24 & 31, and November 7 & 14, 2008. Commissioner Anderson inquired on what is the county’s surcharge. Controller Compo advised it is $2.35 and any change will have to be done through a public vote.
DEQ – City Environmental in compliance.
Michigan Public Service Commission – Notice of Hearing for 12-11-08 for Great Lakes Energy.
DNR – Public Notice of Nonmetallic Mineral Lease.
Gourdie – Fraser – BreitBurn Operating applications for permit to drill, etc.
Lynnette Corlew – Resignation on Board of Canvassers.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Beardslee, to accept the resignation from Lynnette Corlew to the Board of Canvassers effective immediately. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Clark Hill – Application of New Horizons Communications Corp.
MI Public Service Commission – Notice of Hearing for Consumers Energy.
DNR – Payments to the County from the National Forest Revenues
DEQ – New Source Review Application Report.
Russ Reid – Federal Funding for Crawford County Energy Efficiency Initiatives. Commissioner Lange inquired if there could be funding available for the courthouse renovation project. The contractor should be aware of this form of funding.
Visitors Bureau – Response to proposed Special Events Ordinance.
South Branch Township – Remarks on Proposed ORV Ordinance.

 

Department Reports

Controller Paul Compo advised a response to the Animal Shelter well pump is provided for information.

General Fund/EDP/Youth Service Bureau Budget Amendments

Motion by Lange, second by Pinkelman, to amend the County General Fund up to $5,778,343; Economic Development Partnership to $58,333.75; and Youth Service Bureau to $80,000. Roll Call: Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Motion Carried.

Unfinished Business

9-1-1 Emergency Dispatch Funding

Controller Compo advised the 911 Emergency Dispatch Fund is being monitored as it appears 2008 may end in a fund deficit of $21,500. Discussion followed that it may be necessary to place the issue back on the primary ballot in 2010.

Housing Commission Deferred Loans

The Board reviewed loans from the Milltown Theme Fund through the Housing Commission and it was suggested the County turn this fund over to the Economic Development Fund.

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to remove the Milltown Theme Funds from the Housing Commission and place them under the administration of the Controller under the Economic Development Fund. Roll Call: Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Motion Carried.

Recess @ 9:59 a.m. and reconvened in the Circuit Courthouse at 10:04 a.m.

ORV Ordinance – Public Hearing

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to recess the Regular Board Meeting and enter into the scheduled Public Hearing on the County ORV Ordinance (10:04 a.m.) Roll Call: Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Motion Carried.

Chairman Stephenson opened the Public Hearing for the County ORV Ordinance and advised this is a proposed draft and an opportunity to hear public remarks.

Commissioner Hanson advised Governor Granholm passed a law that allows ORV’s to ride along the roadside if the County Board allows it. The County Board requested input from all interested entities and remarked that the Road Commission has the authority to close roads as well as the townships/city through the passage of resolutions. The Commissioner met with DNR officials and other interested personnel to make sure this proposal is in the best interest of its citizenry. The commissioner remarked that we must educate the people and if they don’t abide by the rules then they will pay the price.

AMA D-14 Off-Road Legislative Director, Dick Ranney appeared on behalf of Michigan Motorized Recreation Counsel and State ORV Chairman, and indicated HB 4323/PA 240 has been five (5) years in the making with 19 amendments thus far. Mr. Ranney noted that in the past five (5) years snowmobile permits have declined and ORV permits have increased. Mr. Ranney displayed a largescale northern Michigan map which identified those counties that have adopted the ordinance and those that are in the process. Mr. Ranney submitted a file identifying all actions on Public Act 240 and House Bill 4323, statistical information and general remarks that may be helpful in the process.

Tom Baker - 30 year Grayling resident is in favor of adopting the ordinance.

Keith Mills – AuSable Snowmobile Association indicated a snowmobile workgroup was established and suggested that the group reconvene through the efforts of DNR Forest Manager, Susan Thiel.

Robert Macon - US Forest Service requested review be made through the Mio Ranger District office at 107 McKinley Road, Mio.

Gladys Blossfeld – South Branch Township resident voiced concerns regarding the ordinance. Mrs. Blossfeld advised she lives off of Stephen Bridge Road and the shoulder is an important part of the road. ORVs make a lot of noice, and enforcement may be a huge issue.

Troy Trudo – Frederic resident advised she was in favor of the ordinance passing so they could ride the roads not only to the trails but to local gas stations, restaurants, etc

Susan Theil – DNR Forest Manager circulated written comments on the proposed ORV ordinance relative to: The Safety and Liability Issues; Lack of differentiation between county roads and state forest trail roads; Increased damage to state lands; Increased cost to the community; and offered a recommendation for the County to develop a network of trails to identify destinations that will incorporate trails on state lands as well as county roads. Ms. Theil suggested the county resurrect a plan and associate timelines to provide ORV trail riding opportunities in our area.

Jim Robson – Camp Grayling Facility Engineer advised he has been in contact with Commissioner Hanson and indicated the impact to military lands should be minor.

Gary Summers - Beaver Creek Trustee and avid ORV rider stated we have limited trails, and it may be hard to enforce.

Ruth Chard – Mother of four children that all ride ORV’s want the options to ride from her residence instead of trailering to the trailhead.

Tom Smith – Advised County Road 612 has no identifiable shoulder in some areas and is barely passable.

John Chard – Frederic resident advised he worked on the trails and is requesting this be allowed to connect the present trails.

Keith Mills - Advised the purpose of the trail group was to connect the trails.

Richard Arndt – Indicated he has been known to sneek to ride the trails and has been ticketed and wants the usage so he no longer violates in his usage.

Sharon Ardnt – Has road quads for twelve (12) years, the County needs trail connector to accommodate riders.

Tom Smith – This should stop those violating on private property.

Paige Perry – Trail Analyst for the Eastern Lower Peninsula District of the Michigan DNR urged thoughtful consideration and planning efforts to open appropriate roads to enhance the existing designated ORV system to benefit the recreational trail user and provided copies that identify user confusion; environment; safety; enforcement; as well as a copy of appropriate signage.

Dick Ranney – Expressed the need for good communication and teamwork.

Tom Wellman – City Council member advised he plans to return with a recommendation from the City Council Board.

Bev Luindemann - Advised some riders going to the bar, simply need the restroom.

Troy Trudo – Lives in Arenac County and owns property here in Crawford. She would eventually like to be able to ride from County to County.

Chairman Stephenson offered any last comments.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Anderson, to close the public hearing at 11:04 and resume the regular meeting. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Recess at 11:04 a.m. & reconvened at 11:16 a.m.

NorthWest Design Group Presentation

Lucas Porath advised the Animal Shelter construction project is complete and a final inspection and punch list completed on September 19, 2008. Mr. Porath explained the process for submission and the request for payment. Mr. Porath indicated more aggregate was needed then was in the original proposal and apologized that the original bid was not clear.

Motion by Lange, second by Beardslee, to authorize final payment to Pyramid Paving Company for completion to the animal shelter paving project and entrance to sports complex.

Motion Amended by Lange, second by Beardslee, to identify the amount paid to Pyramid Paving Company is $51,181.86. The Board requested NorthWest Design Group notify all subcontractors that the project is complete. Roll Call: Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Motion Carried.

Amanda Porath advised the courthouse renovation project is moving forward with mechanical contractors here tomorrow to review the heating system. Ms. Porath indicated she will be doing an internal walkthrough with hopes to have a design for the December meeting.

Amendment to Agenda

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to amend the agenda to allow Rich Jaskowski to make a presentation on the Court Appointed Attorney Contract process. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

Court Appointed Attorney Defense Contract

Rich Jaskowski submitted a letter to clarify concerns that his office has regarding the court appointed indigent defense contract. Mr. Jaskowski advised he holds the Court and County in the highest regard, however, he is requesting an explanation of the process as he was the lowest bid. Court Administrator Tom Haskel indicated the committee went through the process and felt that the other firm was more familiar with the caseload and the Court has selected Dawn LaCasse as the Attorney choice.

Motion by Pinkelman, second by Lange, to authorize the County enter into a Court Appointed Attorney Defense Contract with Dawn LaCasse from January 2, 2009 through December 31, 2010 in the amount of $105,000 for 2009 and $108,000 in 2010. Roll Call: Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – nay, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Motion Carried.

Commissioner Pinkelman excused at 12:03 p.m.

Annual Child Care Fund and Budget Plan

Motion by Lange, second by Beardslee, to authorize Chairman Stephenson to sign the Annual Child Care Fund and Budget Plan as presented by the Court in the amount of $594,182.70. Roll Call: Pinkelman – absent, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Motion Carried.

Attorney Dawn LaCasse appeared before the board and thanked Commissioners for their vote of confidence.

Prosecutor Elect Report

Trey Ayers, Prosecutor Elect appeared before the Board to request the part time co-operative reimbursement position be made full time to accommodate a confidential secretarial position. Mr. Ayers advised there are cases from 2006 that need adjudication and the homicide case is already 18 months old and scheduled for trial in January, 2009. Mr. Ayers advised he plans to cross train his employees and is requesting support for a 9 months full time secretary at the union’s rate of $12.52.

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to allow the Prosecutor to hire a full time confidential secretary at the beginning rate of $12.52.

Motion Amended by Lange, second by Hanson, to identify the annual salary amount for the confidential secretary at $22,786.00. Roll Call: Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – absent, Motion Carried.

Recess at 11:24 a.m. and resumed at 11:36 a.m.

Commissioners Reports

Commissioner Rogers – The Commissioner advised she has no report.

Commissioner Hanson - The Commissioner reported his Personnel & Labor Committee recommendations.

Economic Development Committee

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to accept the application from Mark Sloan to the Economic Development Committee and appoint him to the vacant position which term ends 11-20-10. Ayes (6) six, nays (0) none, absent (1) one, Motion Carried.

Commissioner Pinkelman - The Commissioner was absent and had no Law Enforcement Committee recommendations to make.

Commissioner Lange – The Commissioner reported his Ways & Means Committee report.

Annual MSHDA/Riverhouse Emergency Shelter Grant

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to authorize the Chairman to renew the Emergency Shelter Grant and Rural Housing Initiative 2009 Continuum of Care to end homelessness through the Riverhouse Shelter. Roll Call: Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Motion Carried.

USDA – State PILT Payment

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to notify the DNR that Crawford County will continue to accept the full payment method from the State from National Forest Revenues on Title III projects. Roll Call: Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Hanson – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Motion Carried.

Interlocal Governmental Agreement

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to accept the Inter-local Governmental Agreement between the Crawford and Oscoda county’s. Roll Call: Anderson – aye, Beardslee – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Motion Carried.

Executive Session Minutes

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to approve the Executive Session minutes of November 06, 2008 as read. Ayes (7) seven, nays (0) none, absent (0) none, Motion Carried.

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

Commissioner Anderson – The Commissioner advised he has been reviewing HUD property usage requirements when a government entity purchases a HUD home. The Commissioner placed the information on file.

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

New Business – None.

Citizens to Speak – None.

Agenda Amendment

Motion by Lange, second by Anderson, to amend the agenda to allow a closed session be added to the agenda. Ayes (6) six, nays (0) none, absent (1) one, Motion Carried.

Recess at 11:41 a.m. and reconvened at 12:02 a.m.

Executive Session

Motion by Lange, second by Anderson, to recess the regular meeting and enter into an executive session to review pending litigation (12:02 p.m.) Roll Call: Beardslee – aye, Lange – aye, Pinkelman – aye, Rogers – aye, Stephenson – aye, Anderson – aye, Motion Carried

Executive Session began at 12:02 p.m. and concluded at 1:13 p.m.

Approval of Executive Session Minutes

Motion by Lange, second by Beardslee, to approve the executive session minutes of 11-19-08 as read. Ayes (6) six, nays (0) none, absent (1) one, Motion Carried

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to authorize Controller Paul Compo to act as the County Representative in an age discrimination mediation matter in the very near future. Ayes (6) six, nays (0) none, absent (1) one, Motion Carried.

Announcements

Employee Christmas Party

Motion by Lange, second by Hanson, to hold the annual employee Christmas gathering on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 and close the county building from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Ayes (6) six, nays (0) none, absent (1) one, Motion Carried.

Organizational Meeting

County Clerk Sandra Moore indicated she will swear Commissioners in before the annual Christmas party and inquired if Monday, January 5^th 2009 at 10:00 a.m. would work for the organizational meeting. Commissioners agreed to set that date for the organizational meeting.

Adjournment

Motion by Hanson, second by Lange, to adjourn meeting at 1:16 p.m. Ayes (6) six, nays (0) none, absent (1) one, Motion Carried.

____________________________
Dave Stephenson, Chairman
Board of Commissioners

____________________________
Sandra Moore
County Clerk

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