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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS March 19, 2009 The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2009 in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Building, 315 West Green Street, Marshall, Michigan. Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Camp, Gerow, Haadsma, Lee, Rae, Rocho and Todd. Staff Present: Asst. County Administrator Bradley Wilcox, Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher, County Administrator/Controller Kelli Sproule, Human Resource Manager Kim Archambault, Road Commissioner Scott Brown, Sheriff Allen Byam, Road Commissioner Eric Tobin, Veterans Service Officer Jude Lonergan, Circuit Court Administrator Jeffrey Albaugh, Senior Services Manager Carl Gibson, Treasurer Ann Rosenbaum and Deputy Clerk/Board Executive Secretary Mary Lou Barrett. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: A Moment of Silence was observed for Commissioner Todd’s Father who unexpectedly passed away. Invocation was given by CitiLinc Executive Director Dale Boyer; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Lee. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
CITIZENS’ COMMENTS: Mr. Creighton Burrows, Marshall resident, advised that he owns 12.8 acres along the Kalamazoo River, and as he previously stated, objects to the proposed Calhoun County Trailway and believes that any funding could be better utilized repairing the roads. Mr. Burrows stated that he will fight the project “tooth and nail” should anyone come onto his property. Mr. Burrows inquired when the Board is going to do something about getting the Sheriff’s Office back to the county seat, pointing out that the Sheriff is in violation of the State Constitution. Mr. Burrows advised that he shall continue to address this issue until something is done. Mr. Adrian Begal and Ms. Amy Strand, Marshall residents; and Mr. Jim Whitehouse, Albion resident, supported the proposed trailway plan. Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, questioned the salary rate for the District Court Attorney Magistrate, Deputy Court Administrator; further, inquired whether a majority of the people supporting the proposed trailway live in apartments or own their own property. Mr. Berezonsky inquired who is going to pay for the trailway, and advised that he is not hearing any questions being posed by the Board regarding the trailway. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: “Cover the Uninsured Week” Proclamation Chairman Rae read and presented the following proclamation to Regional Health Care Chairman A.J. Jones and Senior Services Manager Carl Gibson.
CONSENT AGENDA:
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report U.S. Census Bureau Activities Presentation Discussion County Administrator/Controller Kelli Sproule thanked the Board for the opportunity to attend the Board’s Unity and Cooperation Team Building Session with Dr. Bender. Ms. Sproule advised that she took notes of some things for her to do and to follow up with the departments. Ms. Sproule further advised that she shall begin to provide Board members with written reports. Ms. Sproule reported that she had a meeting with the Relationship Specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, and addressed the packet of information she placed in each Board member’s mailbox. Ms. Sproule stated that the Bureau has been aggressive and hired field representatives to work with the municipalities in developing community partnerships to educate the public regarding the importance of the census report. Ms. Sproule further advised that there is also an opportunity of temporary jobs to gather the census information. Ms. Sproule advised that she hopes that the field representative shall be able to conduct a “kick-off” at the April 2 Board Meeting; further, that at the April 2 Board Meeting a proclamation shall be presented to create awareness of the census. Chairman Rae added that he also attended the meeting with the Census Bureau representative, and that there may be 150 to 250 jobs available. Chairman Rae advised that the rate of pay would be somewhere around the minimum wage. SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS: Underage Drinking Forum Comr. Gerow reported that the Forum of the Substance Abuse Council shall be having a Parents Who Host Lose the Most event Monday, March 23 at 4:00 p.m. at the Lakeview Square Mall. Community Action Comr. Camp reported that at the February 23 Community Action Board Meeting the Housing and Support Services Director detailed in-take procedures and recommended some uniformity in guidelines in continuing services to those who are sanctioned. Ms. McFarland reported the start up of the Burnham Brook Café and Catering service which is now run through Community Action. Community Action was able to start the service due to $40,000 received from the Battle Creek Community Foundation. Comr. Camp stated that the annual Walk For Warmth was held February 28. Comr. Camp advised that the Community Action’s federal stimulus is anticipated to be $800,000 which will be expended by the end of September of 2010, primarily for the Head Start Program and the Housing Winterization Program. Calhoun County Agricultural Preservation Board Comr. Camp reported that the Board’s farmland purchase project is on hold because the state has run out of money for those types of projects. Potawatomi Resource Conservation and Development Council Comr. Camp reported that the Council is working on a five-year area plan update which has been submitted for $6 Million for 42 projects. Comr. Camp advised that the Council is a sponsor of the Athens Farm Market, the Battle Creek Children’s Water Festival, and are part of the Michigan Resources Environmental Competition held at Fort Custer for 65 area high school students. Calhoun County Youth Council Comr. Haadsma stated that it has been rewarding to go to the many committee meetings; i.e., Goguac Lake Board, Health Board, and Substance Abuse Committee. Comr. Haadsma reported that he shall be meeting with ten students and shall be submitting their names next week for appointment to the Council. Calhoun County Five Year Recreation Plan Update Ms. Sproule advised that the Plan Update to the Plan adopted by the Board for 2002-2007 is provided by the Park Trustees Board. Ms. Sproule requested Mr. Garnett, President of the Calhoun County Trailway Alliance address the trailway plan. Mr. Garnett advised that the Alliance assumed a role in preparing the Recreation Plan, and that the trailway plan is a very important part of the Plan. Mr. Garnett stated that approval of the Recreation Plan is a requirement of the Department of Natural Resources, further, that the Plan must be approved by April 1 for the county to make applications for funding, and is also required for any recreational developments for any township that does not have their own plan. Comr. Camp stated that it is her understanding that the endowment fund has not been established yet. Mr. Garnett advised that the fund will be established in the form of grants from most likely more than one foundation and from individuals. Mr. Garnett advised that the Alliance is approaching a number of people; further, there is the potential of funding from the National Parks Service. Mr. Garnett stated that the endowment fund will be for trailway repair and maintenance. Chairman Rae requested clarification that the Alliance is only requesting that the Board support the Plan, not provide any funding. Mr. Garnett responded that no funding shall be requested from the county. Chairman Rae stated that the trailway in Benzie County is gorgeous and has been an economic “boom” for Frankfort, Beula and other surrounding communities. Chairman Rae advised Mr. Garnett that he supports the Alliance’s initiative.
Comr. Camp stated she enjoyed going through the Plan and talking to the staff. Comr. Camp advised that the Department of Natural Resources funding comes from a timber project, that the funding to be received is not road money, and that it is not possible to transfer road monies to the trailway initiative. Comr. Camp continued that there shall be nothing to compel a property owner to have to sell their land for the trailway. Road Commissioner Eric Tobin stated that the Park Trustees Board is in full support of the Trailway Master Plan. Mr. Tobin stated that he believes it will be a great thing for community residents and shall affect tourism. Mr. Tobin urged the Board to approve the Plan. Comr. Haadsma advised that he regularly uses the Kal-Haven Trail. Comr. Haadsma stated that the Linear Trail has been a great benefit to the City of Battle Creek, and advised that he shall support the Plan.
District Court Attorney Magistrate, Deputy Court Administrator Appointment Confirmation Ms. Sproule advised that the Attorney Magistrate position has been vacant since January. Ms. Sproule stated that it is within Chief Judge Holmes’ purview to make the appointment. Comr. Haadsma stated that he supports the appointment. Comr. Rocho advised that she has worked with Attorney Miller and believes she is a good choice.
Circuit Court Hearing Rooms Recording System Purchase Bid Award Asst. County Administrator Bradley Wilcox advised that the recommendation is the result of a formal bid, required as the purchase amount is over $20,000. Mr. Wilcox advised that two bids were received and the evaluation committee recommends bid award to BIS that presented the lowest cost and most responsible proposal. Circuit Court Administrator Jeffrey Albaugh stated that the court’s current audio recording system located in four hearing rooms is no longer supported by the manufacturer and parts availability has become an issue. Also the current system does not allow for remote appearances. Mr. Albaugh advised that the current system will go to the District Court for use as parts in maintaining their system. Mr. Albaugh further advised that the new system is eligible for Title IV-D funding reimbursement, and that the Court shall be receiving $20,000 in reimbursement of Friend of the Court funds from the state. Chairman Rae stated that the equipment has been in the hearings rooms for some time, and that trying to get things off the system has not worked well. Mr. Wilcox stated that the system is an important link for arraignments, and advised that he shall be working with the Sheriff Department to acquire funding. Comr. Camp inquired whether the system displaces any court reporters/stenographers. Mr. Albaugh responded No.
Corporation Counsel and Freedom of Information Act Coordinator Appointment Ms. Sproule stated that at the last Board meeting she was authorized to negotiate with Attorney Lindsey, which has occurred and all the necessary H.R. work has been completed. Ms. Sproule advised that Attorney Lindsey graduated from Marshall High School, did his undergraduate work at Albion College and graduated from the George Washington University National Law Center. Attorney Lindsey comes to the county with fifteen years of experience practicing law at Marcoux, Allen, Schomer, Bower, Nichols, Kendal & Lindsey, P.C., which is Jackson’s largest and oldest law firm specializing in corporate, municipal and local government law. Ms. Sproule advised that Attorney Lindsey is scheduled to commence work on Monday, March 23. Attorney Richard Lindsey, Jr. advised that he was born in Battle Creek and used to live in Marengo Township. Atty. Lindsey stated that he is glad to be back working in Calhoun County and looks forward to commencing work on Monday. Chairman Rae advised Attorney Lindsey that all of the Board members were very impressed with his qualifications.
February 2009 Financial Statements Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher presented the Report and apologized for its late delivery. Mr. Stuhldreher explained the format of the Report and advised that activity through February indicates that the revenue and expenditure balances of all funds are within the budget standard, however, that General Fund expenditures are not in line with expectations due to the number of payrolls reflected within the February financial statements. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS: Mr. John La Pietra, Marshall resident, urged everyone to observe Dark Earth Hour tonight at 9:00 p.m. by turning off all unnecessary lights and power. Mr. La Pietra advised that this month is also the observance of the world-wide Dark Earth Hour which will be observed on a Saturday evening. Mr. La Pietra advised that this month is also the anniversary of the loss of a good person, Rachel Corrie, who died six years ago. Mr. La Pietra encouraged anyone interested in assisting him in his Calhoun County Public Participation Project to join him Sunday, March 22 at the Marshall District Library at 1:30 p.m. Mr. La Pietra advised that he can be contacted at 781-9478 or by email at jalp@triton.net. Mr. Burrows stated that when he purchased his 12.8 acres along the river it was with the same intention as those that offered their comments regarding the proposed trailway; e.g., having a place for his kids and grand kids to come out and enjoy nature. Mr. Burrows stated that if those that live in the cities want nature and hiking trails, they should do as he did and buy the land, then see how many people they want stomping around through their land. Mr. Burrows stated that he is opposed to the creation of trailways that would trespass through other people’s land. Mr. Burrows continued that it is too bad that people that live in the cities think the people in the rural areas should provide nature trailways for them, pointing out that is the purpose of sidewalks. Mr. Berezonsky again inquired regarding the salary rate for the Attorney Magistrate. Mr. Berezonsky stated that he hopes the new Corporation Counsel will update the Board regarding notification of meetings. Mr. Berezonsky advised that the notices are posted inside the building where the public cannot see them on the weekends. Mr. Berezonsky stated that either the notice should be posted outside or the building should remain open. Road Commissioner Tobin thanked Ms. Sproule for coming out to the Road Commission last night. COMMISSIONERS’ TIME: Comr. Lee advised that recently Albion lost Gerry Sigarski, who was the founder of T-ball. Comr. Lee announced that starting tomorrow running through April 30 is the Pride and Passion Exhibit at the Albion Public Library and encouraged everyone to come and visit. Comr. Camp thanked Mr. Albaugh for providing advance notice regarding the bid process, and Mr. Stuhldreher for the financial update tonight. Comr. Todd expressed his appreciation to Board members and staff for the flowers that arrived at his Father’s funeral. Comr. Todd stated that when he walked into the funeral home and saw that the flowers were from his fellow colleagues it meant a lot to him and he shall never forget it. Comr. Todd advised that he was raised by his Mother, however, that he and his Father had a good relationship; and he is thankful to God that his Father took his gift of playing the bass back to playing in the church. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTING:
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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