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 Minutes Archive |
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Board of
Commissioners Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
April 7, 2005
The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
convened at 7:07 p.m., Thursday, April 7, 2005 in the Commissioners'
Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan.
Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Miller, Moore, Segal, Solis,
Strowbridge and Todd. Excused: Comr. Bolger.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Comr. Segal, followed by a Moment
of Personal Prayer.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the April 7, 2005 agenda and addendum as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Moore, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the March 3, 2005, the March 5, 2005, and the March 17, 2005
minutes as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
CITIZENS’ TIME:
Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, pointed out that
Commissioner Miller was absent from the March 17 Board Meeting,
therefore, he believes that Commissioner Miller should abstain from
voting on the minutes of that meeting as he does not know whether the
minutes are correct or not.
Ms. Pearl Gray-McWhorter, Battle Creek resident, advised that the
food being served at Washington Heights Community Ministries is not
being properly prepared and requested the Board conduct an
investigation.
Ms. Gray-McWhorter advised that she has a daughter that is mentally
retarded who is being taken advantage of and she has been unable to
acquire any assistance from law enforcement. Ms. Gray-McWhorter inquired
whether there is someone who can help her protect her child.
ELECTED/APPOINTED COUNTY OFFICIALS’ COMMENTS:
Juvenile Home Director Reggie LaGrand presented a brochure regarding
the Juvenile Home, advising that the brochure was an effort of the
entire staff who worked on it for months.
Assistant County Administrator Wendee Woods expressed appreciation to
Ms. LaGrand who printed the brochure free of charge.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Crime Victims’ Rights Week Proclamation
Res. 42-2005
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Moore, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, the week of April 10-16, 2005 has been designated as
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week; and
WHEREAS, President Ronald W. Reagan first declared “National Crime
Victims’ Rights Week” in 1981 to focus our Nation’s attention on the
plight of crime victims; and
WHEREAS, this Silver Anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights
Week provides a national opportunity to reflect on the devastating
impact of crime and terrorism on victims and our entire Nation, and to
strengthen our national resolve to ensure that victims’ needs are
identified and addressed; and
WHEREAS, this 20th Anniversary of the passage of the Michigan Crime
Victims’ Rights Act provides an opportunity for the citizens of this
state to recognize the significance of ensuring fundamental rights for
crime victims; and
WHEREAS, since 1981, the crime victim assistance field has expanded
from a handful of assistance programs to include over 10,000 community
and justice-based programs, and in 2005, there are more than 32,000
federal and state statutes that define and protect victims’ rights;
and
WHEREAS, despite impressive accomplishments over the past 25 years
in crime victims’ rights and services, there remain many challenges to
ensure that all crime victims and survivors are treated with dignity
and respect, recognized as key participants within our systems of
justice, and afforded services that provide help and hope to them; and
WHEREAS, America has joined together annually for the past 25 years
to recognize the needs and rights of crime victims and survivors
during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each April.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that April 10-16, 2005 is recognized as Crime Victims’
Rights Week in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners thanks and recognizes those Victims of Crime, members of
the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s
Department and other Law Enforcement and Service Agencies, who,
through their cooperative effort in coordinating the events of Crime
Victims’ Right Week, help heighten awareness of the plight of those
who are or become a victim of crime.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Chairman Miller and Prosecutor John Hallacy presented the
proclamation to Victim Services Unit Director Maria Markos. Prosecutor
Hallacy thanked Ms. Markos and her staff for doing an excellent job, the
Board for their support, and the Sheriff and his staff.
Special Tribute to Maria L. Markos
Res. 43-2005
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Moore, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following tribute:
WHEREAS, Maria L. Markos has tendered her resignation as Director
of the Victim Services Unit for the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s
Office, effective April 15, 2005; and
WHEREAS, Maria L. Markos began her career with the Prosecutor’s
Office on April 1, 1991 as a paralegal in the C.R.P. Division. On May
24, 1994 Maria L. Markos began her work with crime victims, when she
was promoted to the position of Assistant/Advocate in the Victim
Services Unit; and
WHEREAS, on August 18, 1997 Maria L. Markos was promoted to the
position of Director of the Victim Services Unit; and
WHEREAS, Maria L. Markos has been a leader, both locally and
statewide, in professional and community education on the issues
relating to victim rights; and
WHEREAS, throughout her career Maria L. Markos has worked to bring
peace and closure to those who are victims of crime; and
WHEREAS, Maria L. Markos has been recognized as Michigan’s 2005
Crime Victim Advocate of the Year, by The Crime Victim Foundation of
Michigan; and
WHEREAS, the professionalism, dedication and integrity of Maria L.
Markos shall be greatly missed by the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s
Office, Calhoun County Law Enforcement and the citizens of Calhoun
County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that Maria L. Markos is hereby honored and thanked for
her many years of dedicated service to the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s
Office, Calhoun County Law Enforcement and the citizens of Calhoun
County. We offer our best wishes for the future to Maria and her
family.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Chairman Miller and Prosecutor Hallacy presented the tribute to Ms.
Markos. Prosecutor Hallacy stated that Ms. Markos has served the county
with professionalism throughout her career; that she did not just do her
job, but lived her job, and made sure those that came into her office
were treated with respect. Prosecutor Hallacy stated that Ms. Markos
will be missed and wished her the best.
Ms. Markos stated that she could not have done her job as well
without the efforts of the entire staff, Prosecutor Hallacy, Sheriff
Byam and his staff, and all the law enforcement agencies.
Equal Pay Day Proclamation
Res. 44-2005
“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Segal, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, forty years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act and
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, women and people of color continue
to suffer the consequences of inequitable pay differentials; and
WHEREAS, according to statistics released in 2003 by the U.S.
Census Bureau, year-round, full-time working women in 2002 earned only
77 percent of the earnings of year-round, full-time working men,
indicating little change or progress in pay equity; and
WHEREAS, according to a January 2002 report released by the General
Accounting Office (the investigative arm of Congress), women managers
in 7 of 10 industries surveyed actually lost ground in closing the
wage gap between 1995 and 2000; and
WHEREAS, according to an analysis of data in over 300
classifications provided by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics in
2001, women earn less in every occupational classification for which
enough data is available, including occupations dominated by women
(e.g., cashiers, retail sales, registered nurses and teachers); and
WHEREAS, higher education is not free from wage discrimination
according to a U.S. Department of Education analysis, reporting that,
after controlling for rank, age, credentials, field of study and other
factors, full-time female faculty members earn nearly 9 percent less
than their male counterparts; and
WHEREAS, national statistics rank the State of Michigan among the
lower one-third of all U.S. states in fair pay, citing that an average
of 68 cents is earned by women to every dollar their male counterparts
are paid – a gap of 32 cents; and
WHEREAS, over a working lifetime, this wage disparity costs the
average American woman and her family as estimated $500,000 in lost
wages, impacting Social Security benefits and pensions; and
WHEREAS, fair pay equity policies can be implemented simply and
without undue costs or hardship in both the public and private
sectors; and
WHEREAS, fair pay strengthens the security of families today and
eases future retirements costs, while enhancing the American economy;
and
WHEREAS, Thursday, April 7th symbolizes the time in the new year in
which the wages paid to American women catch up to the wages paid to
men from the previous year.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners, do
hereby proclaim Thursday, April 7, 2005:
EQUAL PAY DAY
in Calhoun County and urge the citizens of Calhoun County to
recognize the full value of women’s skills and significant
contributions to the labor force, and further encourage businesses to
conduct an internal pay evaluation to ensure women are being paid
fairly.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Chairman Miller presented the proclamation to Mary Leonardson,
President of the Albion Chapter of the Business and Professional Women’s
Association, and Ms. Barbara Frederick.
Ms. Frederick expressed appreciation to the Board for supporting the
proclamation to raise public awareness.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Res. 45-2005
“Motion by Comr. Strowbridge, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the following April 7, 2005 Consent Agenda as presented:
- Petitions, Communications, Reports:
| (1) |
Notice of a public
hearing scheduled for March 21, 2005 regarding granting an
Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate to Miller Brothers
Manufacturing received from Homer Village. (Received and placed on
file, with a copy remitted to Equalization Director Richard
Gruber) |
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| (2) |
Resolution received from
Washtenaw County urging the Federal Government to maintain
community development funding in fiscal year 2006. (Referred to
the Legislative Liaisons, with a copy remitted to Road Commission
Managing Director Dennis Randolph) |
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| (3) |
Notice of a public
hearing scheduled for April 12, 2005 regarding granting an
Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate to Prairie Farms
Dairy, Inc. received from Battle Creek City. (Received and placed
on file, with a copy remitted to Equalization Director Richard
Gruber) |
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| (4) |
Copy of a communication
remitted to Holloo Farms, LLC of Marshall received from the
Michigan Department of Agriculture requesting a written manure
nutrient management plan and implementation schedule or letter of
intent to address the identified problem be provided by May 1,
2005. (Received and placed on file, with copies remitted to
Environmental Health Director Ted Havens and Drain Commissioner
Blaine Van Sickle) |
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| (5) |
Resolution received from
Newaygo County opposing closure of the Michigan Youth Correctional
Facility. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons, with a copy
remitted to Juvenile Home Director Reggie LaGrand) |
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| (6) |
Resolution received from
Lake County supporting GEO, Inc. in regards to the Michigan Youth
Correctional Facility. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons, with
a copy remitted to Juvenile Home Director Reggie LaGrand) |
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| (7) |
Invitation to attend the
“Future Leaders Award” Banquet on April 17, 2005 received from
Commissioner Terris Todd. (Received and placed on file) |
- Resolutions:
| (1) |
Community Corrections
Advisory Board Appointments |
| |
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{a} |
Barbara Frederick -- Business
Community Rep. |
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{b} |
Laraine Van Lopik -- Circuit Court
Probation Rep. |
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{c} |
Laura Hoye – Alternative Program Rep.
Alternate |
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{d} |
Michael Boltz -- Probate Court Rep.
Alternate |
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| (2) |
Summit Pointe Board of
Directors Appointment |
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(Term Shall Expire March
31, 2008) |
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{a} |
John Seita |
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:
Calhoun County Youth Council
Council Chairperson Segal reported that the Council’s project for
National Youth Service Day is clean up at the Veterans Administration’s
Medical Center. Comr. Segal advised that she shall be joining the
students there on Saturday, April 16.
Employee Recognition and Relations Committee
Committee Chairperson Segal advised that the birthday luncheon for
this month at Captain Luey’s Calabash is provided by Commissioner Todd,
and requested he draw the winner.
Comr. Todd announced the winner to be Amy Cannon. Comr. Segal wished
a happy birthday to Ms. Cannon and everyone having a birthday in April.
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
County Administrator/Controller’s Report
Juvenile Home Medical Services Agreement
County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that the new
agreement was negotiated by General Counsel.
Res. 46-2005
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the Medical Services Agreement for the period commencing March
1, 2005 through February 28, 2007 between Marshall Medical Associates,
P.C. and Calhoun County for provision of medical services to
individuals residing at the Calhoun County Juvenile Home; further,
authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Agreement on behalf of
Calhoun County.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 6 (Comrs. Miller, Moore, Segal,
Solis, Strowbridge and Todd) |
| |
Excused - 1 (Comr. Bolger) |
| |
Motion CARRIED |
A.F.S.C.M.E. - County Employees Labor Agreement Ratification
Mr. Purcell advised that the agreement was negotiated by the Asst.
County Administrator, the Human Resource Director and General Counsel.
Ms. Woods advised that the two-year agreement covers six supervisory
employees and provides for paid time off in lieu of vacation and
personal time, co-pay on health insurance premiums and prescriptions,
language changes referring to county policies, and a wage increase of
two percent for 2005 and two percent for 2006.
Res. 47-2005
“Motion by Comr. Strowbridge, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
ratify the Employee Labor Agreement between the Calhoun County Board
of Commissioners and the American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees (AFSCME - Supervisory Employees) effective January
1, 2005 through December 31, 2006; further, authorize the Board
Chairman to execute said Agreement on behalf of the Calhoun County
Board of Commissioners.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 6 (Comrs. Moore, Segal, Solis,
Strowbridge, Todd and Miller) |
| |
Excused - 1 (Comr. Bolger) |
| |
Motion CARRIED |
Interim Emergency Services Coordinator Appointment
Authorization
Mr. Purcell stated that the request presented is for authorization
for the Sheriff to appoint an Interim Emergency Services Coordinator
necessary for utilizing grant funding.
Sheriff Allen Byam advised that appointment of an Interim Emergency
Services Coordinator shall allow the Department to continue the search
for a full-time permanent replacement.
Res. 48-2005
“Motion by Comr. Moore, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
authorize the Sheriff to appoint an Interim Emergency Services
Coordinator.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 6 (Comrs. Segal, Solis, Strowbridge, Todd,
Miller and Moore) |
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Excused - 1 (Comr. Bolger) |
| |
Motion CARRIED |
Criminal Justice Records Improvement Program Grant Application
Mr. Purcell stated that the request is for authorization for the
Sheriff to submit a grant application in the amount of $42,000. Mr.
Purcell congratulated the Sheriff for the collaborative effort.
Sheriff Byam advised that the grant application is for an additional
$42,000 which will be used along with the JAG Grant to fund the
completion of the Livescan and Mugshot System for Albion, Battle Creek
and Marshall.
Res. 49-2005
“Motion by Comr. Solis, supported by Comr. Segal, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the FY 2004-2005 Byrne Memorial Formula and Local Law
Enforcement Block Grant Application for the Criminal Justice Records
Improvement Program for the period of October 1, 2004 through
September 30, 2005 in the amount of $42,000 for remittance to the
Michigan Department of Community Health, Office of Drug Control
Policy.”
Comr. Strowbridge advised that in his role as Interim Public Safety
Director in Albion he had been involved in the negotiations that
proceeded the application, therefore, shall abstain from voting.
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 5 (Comrs. Solis, Todd, Miller, Moore and
Segal) |
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Excused - 1 (Comr. Bolger) |
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Abstain - 1 (Comr. Strowbridge) |
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Motion CARRIED |
CITIZENS’ TIME:
Ms. Gray-McWhorter advised of problems she encountered when she
attempted to acquire her medications at the Burnham Brook Center.
Ms. Gray-McWhorter stated that she is new in dealing with mental
problems and requested that the Board assist her in acquiring classes in
tough love.
COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:
Comr. Todd thanked those who responded to his letter regarding the
Future Leaders Award Banquet he is sponsoring on April 17 to honor
students in the community for their academic achievements in social
studies and government.
CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
Res. 50-2005
“Motion by Comr. Segal, supported by Comr. Solis, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve payment of the list of claims against the county in the total
amount of $647,530.89 for the week of March 15, 2005; further, approve
payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount
of $66,406.21 for the week of March 22, 2005; and finally, approve
payment of the list of claims against the county in the total amount
of $464,489.91 for the week of March 29, 2005.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 6 (Comrs. Strowbridge, Todd, Miller, Moore,
Segal and Solis) |
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Excused - 1 (Comr. Bolger) |
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Motion CARRIED |
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Prosecutor Hallacy announced that next week is Crime Victims’ Rights
Week during which there shall be a luncheon and an awards presentation
at the Kellogg Foundation, as well as a vigil at the Rotunda in Lansing
commencing at 6:00 p.m. at which Ms. Markos shall receive her award.
RECESS:
The meeting recessed at 7:46 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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Several photos included in this 
