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 Minutes Archive |
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Board of
Commissioners Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
April 2, 2009
The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
convened at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 2, 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: Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher, County
Administrator/Controller Kelli Sproule, Human Resource Manager Kim
Archambault, Sheriff Allen Byam, Veterans Service Officer Jude Lonergan,
Senior Services Manager Carl Gibson, Executive Secretary Chris Zuidema,
Corporation Counsel Richard Lindsey, Jr., Extension Director Rita
Klavinski and Deputy Clerk/Board Executive Secretary Mary Lou Barrett.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
A Moment of Silence was observed for Chairman Rae’s Mother-in-law who
passed away yesterday. Invocation was given by Father Chuck Fischer of
St. Phillip Catholic Church; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led
by Comr. Lee.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Haadsma, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the April 2, 2009 agenda as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Haadsma, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the March 3, 2009 and the March 4, 2009 Special Session
minutes, the March 5, 2009 Regular Session minutes, the March 14, 2009
Special Session minutes, and the March 19, 2009 Regular Session
minutes as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
2010 Census Partner Proclamation and Census “Kick-Off”
U.S. Census Bureau Relationship Specialist Dizzy Warren thanked the
Board for inviting her and addressed the importance of the local
municipalities supporting and promoting the 2010 census which gathers
population statistics that impacts schools, businesses, programs, etc.
Ms. Warren advised that the long questionnaire form is no longer used,
and that those requiring assistance in completing the form may go to a
Be Counted Center. Ms. Warren advised that all individuals’ information
is confidential and cannot be released for 72 years, and that only
aggregate information can be released.
Battle Creek City Mayor Mark Behnke encouraged the residents of
Battle Creek to participate in the census count.
Marshall City Mayor Bruce Smith reminded everyone of the importance
of the census information in terms of funding for public transportation
and the elderly; further, advised that the information is vital to
investors.
Comr. Rocho advised that the schools use the information that was
provided within the long form to determine needs assessment. Ms. Warren
advised that the information that was provided through the long form has
been turned into a program; e.g., American Community Survey, and that
information from six percent of the population is collected every month.
Chairman Rae stated that census data guides important decisions for
the community and that an incomplete count could mean missing out on
funding. Chairman Rae encouraged everyone to fill out the census
questionnaires.
Mr. Gerry Keller, Battle Creek resident, introduced Emmett Township
Supervisor Gene Adkins.
Chairman Rae read the following proclamation into the record.
Res. 60-2009
“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Rocho, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, an accurate census count is vital to our community and
residents’ well-being by helping planners determine where to locate
schools, day-care centers, roads and public transportation, hospitals
and other facilities, and is used to make decisions concerning
business growth and housing needs; and
WHEREAS, more than $300 Billion per year in federal and state
funding is allocated to states and communities based on census data;
and
WHEREAS, census data ensures fair Congressional representation by
determining how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of
Representatives as well as the redistricting of state legislatures,
county and city councils, and voting districts; and
WHEREAS, the 2010 Census creates jobs that stimulate economic
growth and increase employment opportunities in our community; and
WHEREAS, the information collected by the census is protected by
law and remains confidential for 72 years.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners,
proclaim that Calhoun County, Michigan is committed to partnering with
the U.S. Census Bureau to help ensure a full and accurate count
in 2010 and as a 2010 Census partner, we will:
- Support the goals and ideals for the 2010 Census and will
disseminate 2010 Census information to encourage those in our
community to participate.
- Encourage people in Calhoun County to place an emphasis on the
2010 Census and participate in events and initiatives that will
raise overall awareness of the 2010 Census and ensure a full and
accurate census.
- Support census takers as they help our community complete an
accurate count.
- Create or seek opportunities to collaborate with other
like-minded groups in our community, such as Complete Count
Committees, to utilize high-profile, trusted voices to advocate on
behalf of the 2010 Census.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Comr. Lee inquired regarding the amount of census collecting jobs
that shall be available in Calhoun County. Ms. Warren estimated one
hundred.
“Parents Who Host Lose The Most: Don’t Be A Party To Teenage
Drinking” Month Proclamation
Comr. Lee read the following proclamation. Chairman Rae presented the
proclamation to Substance Abuse Council Executive Director Suzanne
Horsfall and Sheriff Allen Byam.
Res. 61-2009
“Motion by Comr. Gerow, supported by Comr. Rocho, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, adults who provide alcohol to those below the legal
drinking age of 21 are placing those youth at risk for health, safety
and legal problems; and
WHEREAS, alcohol use by young people is dangerous, not only because
of the risks associated with acute impairment, but also because of the
threat to their long-term development and well-being; and
WHEREAS, it is illegal to give or allow your teen’s friends to
drink alcohol in your home, even with their parents’ permission; and
WHEREAS, anyone found guilty of providing alcohol to youth can face
up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, in addition to any civil
action that can be brought as a result of damages or injury related to
the offense; and
WHEREAS, adults have the authority and responsibility to our youth
to provide them with alternative opportunities by creating alcohol
free activities; and
WHEREAS, each year about 1,900 persons who are under 21 die in
motor vehicle crashes that involve underage drinking; and
WHEREAS, alcohol is also involved in about 1,600 homicides and 300
suicides each year among persons under 21; and
WHEREAS, alcohol abuse is linked to as many as two-thirds of all
sexual assaults and date rapes of teens and college students and is a
major factor in unprotected sex among youth, increasing their risk of
contracting HIV or other transmitted diseases; and
WHEREAS, 13 percent of all youth, ages 12 -17, had at least one
serious problem related to drinking in the past year; and
WHEREAS, the Substance Abuse Council, through the “Parents Who
Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking” campaign
provides the educational materials to raise community awareness
regarding this illegal and unhealthy practice; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners not only discourages the use of alcohol by those below
the legal age of consumption but also exhorts all residents of Calhoun
County to refuse to provide alcoholic beverages to those underage
youth, and will continue to take the necessary steps to discourage
this illegal and unhealthy activity; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County
Board of Commissioners, hereby proclaim that April 2009 is “Parents
Who Host Lose the Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking” Month in
Calhoun County. We also call upon all citizens, parents, youth,
governmental agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and
workplaces, hospitals, and schools in Calhoun County to support
efforts that will reduce and prevent underage drinking in our
community.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Ms. Horsfall thanked the Board for its support, and Sheriff Byam for
chairing the committee.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Res. 62-2009
“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Rocho, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the following April 2, 2009 Consent Agenda as presented:
- Petitions, Communications, Reports:
| (1) |
Copy of a communication remitted to
Mr. Randy Hammer, Battle Creek resident, received from the
Michigan Department of Agriculture advising that the complaint
against his farm operation has been classified as not verified
and that the file shall be closed. (Received and placed on file,
with a copy remitted to Health Officer Jim Rutherford) |
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| (2) |
Resolutions received from Berrien
and Lake Counties opposing the fifty percent funding reduction
and merger of the Michigan State University Agriculture
Experiment Station and Michigan State University Extension.
(Referred to the Legislative Liaisons, with a copy remitted to
Extension Director Rita Klavinski) |
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| (3) |
Resolution received from Ogemaw
County requesting legislative assistance in the remedy of
funding litigation brought upon counties by courts. (Referred to
the Legislative Liaisons, with a copy remitted to Circuit Court
Administrator Jeffrey Albaugh, District Court Administrator
Michelle Hill and Probate Court Administrator Michael Boltz) |
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| (4) |
Resolution received from Wayne
County requesting that the Governor and the Michigan Legislature
implement a plan to improve Michigan roads and highways.
(Referred to the Legislative Liaisons, with a copy remitted to
Road Commission Managing Director Kevin Henning) |
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| (5) |
Copy of a communication remitted to
Mr. Stuart Love, Marshall resident, received from the Michigan
Department of Agriculture advising that the complaint against
his farm operation has been classified as not verified and that
the file will be closed. (Received and placed on file, with a
copy remitted to Health Officer Jim Rutherford) |
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| (6) |
Copy of a communication remitted to
Mr. Kevin Webber, Marshall resident, received from the Michigan
Department of Agriculture advising of March 6, 2009 inspection
results of his equine facility and advising that a follow up
inspection has been scheduled for May 29, 2009. (Received and
placed on file, with a copy remitted to Health Officer Jim
Rutherford) |
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| (7) |
Notice of mass permanent layoff of
fifty employees within its facility located at 101 Spires
Parkway, Tekonsha, Michigan commencing May 29, 2009 through
September 11, 2009 received from the Electrical Division of
Cequent Performance Products. (Received and placed on file) |
- Resolutions:
| (1) |
Calhoun County
Community Corrections Advisory Board Appointment |
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{a} |
Cindy Rude -- Probate Court
Alternate Representative |
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| (2) |
Calhoun County Youth
Council Appointments |
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(Terms Expire December
31, 2009) |
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{a} |
Rico Bailey -- Battle Creek Central
High School Representative |
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{b} |
Sara Urspruch – Pennfield Junior
High School Representative |
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{c} |
Gabriel Fitzpatrick – Battle Creek
Central High School Representative |
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| (3) |
Summit Pointe Board of
Directors Appointments |
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(Terms Expire March 31,
2012) |
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{a} |
Brenda Minter |
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{b} |
Jeffrey Phillips |
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{c} |
Carl Word |
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:
Battle Creek Area Transportation Study Policy Committee
Committee Member Todd reported that he has a copy of proposed road
work projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act available
to share.
Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Center Authority Governing
Board
Chairman Rae reported that the Governing Board is making excellent
progress and is currently seeking a director. Chairman Rae advised that
he shall keep Board members apprised.
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
County Administrator/Controller’s Report
County Administrator/Controller Kelli Sproule reported that she
attended a meeting at the Calhoun Intermediate School District at which
an attorney who has dealt with other casinos that have the same compact
as the Firekeepers provided many good recommendations regarding the
revenue sharing board. Ms. Sproule stated that in a couple of months
Administration needs to work closely with Emmett Township Supervisor
Adkins regarding the bylaws for the revenue sharing board. Ms. Sproule
further reported that she attended a Road Commission/Parks Trustees
Board meeting last evening and heard a presentation from the Cass County
Road Commission of how their Parks Trustees Board has changed from
Public Act 90, which Calhoun County operates under, to operating under
Public Act 261. Ms. Sproule advised that Corporation Counsel shall be
reviewing the Acts.
Ms. Sproule advised that she placed an invitation to the opening
celebration of Panera Bread in Battle Creek on Saturday, April 4 in
Board members’ mailboxes. Ms. Sproule continued that she is working with
Ms. Klavinski in setting up some dates and a facilitator for the Board’s
strategic planning session which Administration hopes to have scheduled
for May, or June at the latest.
Calhoun County Administrative Organizational Chart
Ms. Sproule presented an administrative organizational chart,
advising that the executive team shall report to her, as well as the
Equalization Director and the Health Officer. Ms. Sproule advised that
the Drain Commissioner shall be corrected to the Water Resources
Commissioner.
CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:
Mr. Creighton Burrows, Marshall resident, addressed the proclamation
supporting the census, which states that the information collected
remains confidential for 72 years, pointing out that if that was true,
those that desire the information would not be able to use the
information for the purposes stated tonight. Mr. Burrows stated that in
this age of technology the information is not even confidential for one
year. Mr. Burrows challenged anyone to search their name through the
computer, advising that they will find lots of information on
themselves. Mr. Burrows questioned the necessity of the census with the
advent of computer technology, and with cameras placed everywhere and
the geographic information system fly-over. Mr. Burrows stated that in
this day and age individuals have no privacy, and that it is time that
the American people say “No. We have had enough of this.”
Ms. Horsfall thanked the Board for their support of the Substance
Abuse Council. Ms. Horsfall advised that the designation transfer to the
agency in Kalamazoo is going very well and that the Council is using the
funding given to it through that relationship.
Senior Services Manager Carl Gibson commended the Parks Trustees
Board for considering switching to a Parks Commission which will bring
the authority of the parks’ administration under the County Board. Mr.
Gibson advised that he supports the census as the Senior Services
Department requires the information to determine the senior population
growth rate.
Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, addressed the
Calhoun County administrative organizational chart, pointing out that it
is the citizens who should be at the top of the chart as it is the
citizens who are in charge of the Board of Commissioners.
COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:
Comr. Rocho advised regarding the census and confidentiality of
information collected, that only aggregate information is released.
Comr. Haadsma introduced Calhoun County Youth Council Members Rico
Bailey, Sara Urspruch and Gabriel Fitzpatrick.
CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTING:
Res. 63-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Lee, 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 $1,605,521.10 for the two {2}weeks ending March 25, 2009.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Comr. Haadsma announced that he shall be meeting with constituents on
Saturday, April 18 at 9:00 a.m. at Continental Bakery.
CLOSED SESSION:
Res. 64-2009
“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners meet
in Closed Session for the purpose of discussing labor negotiations.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
The Board met in Closed Session commencing at 7:46 p.m. until 8:05
p.m. with County Administrator/Controller Kelli Sproule, Human Resources
Manager Kim Archambault, Corporation Counsel Richard Lindsey, Jr.,
Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher and Deputy Clerk/Board Executive
Secretary Mary Lou Barrett present.
OPEN SESSION -- Michigan Nurses Association 2009-2011 Labor
Agreement Ratification:
Res. 65-2009
“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
ratify the 2009-2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners and the Michigan Nurses
Association for the period of January 1, 2009 through December 31,
2011; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Agreement
on behalf of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 6 (Comrs. Haadsma, Lee, Rae,
Rocho, Todd and Gerow) |
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No - 1 (Comr. Camp) |
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Motion CARRIED |
Comr. Camp stated that the Human Resource Department has done a
admirable job in following the directives of the previous Board,
however, that she believes it is time for the county to address some
cost saving measures.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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Several photos included in this 
