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 Minutes Archive |
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Board of
Commissioners Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
April 14, 2009
The Equalization Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
convened at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2009 in the Commissioners'
Meeting Room, County Building, 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, Corporation Counsel Richard Lindsey,
Jr., Equalization Director David Jager, Deputy Equalization Director
John Hippensteel, Prosecutor’s Office Administrative Secretary Fran
Smith, Prosecutor’s Office Court Coordinator Shirley Lawcock, Prosecutor
Susan Mladenoff and Deputy Clerk/Board Executive Secretary Mary Lou
Barrett.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Invocation was given by Pastor John Sterner of the Presbyterian
Church of Albion; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr.
Lee.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
“Motion by Comr. Camp, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the April 14, 2009 agenda as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Gerow, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the April 2, 2009 minutes as presented.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
Comr. Todd read the following proclamation into the record.
Res. 66-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Lee, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, the month of April 2009 has been designated as National
Child Abuse Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, youth between the ages of 12 and 19 experience the highest
rate of violent victimization in the United States; and
WHEREAS, of the approximately 906,000 children found to be victims
of child maltreatment, 63 percent were neglected, 19 percent were
physically abused, 10 percent were sexually assaulted, and 8 percent
were psychologically maltreated; and
WHEREAS, of the approximately 1500 children who died of abuse or
neglect in 2006, 79 percent of the children were younger than 4 years
of age.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that April 2009 is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention
Month in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
thank and recognize those victims of crime, the Calhoun County
Prosecutor’s Office, the Calhoun County Sheriff Department, the Child
Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council and other law enforcement and
service agencies, who, through their cooperative efforts in
coordinating the events of Child Abuse Prevention Month, help heighten
awareness of the plight of those who are or become a victim of crime.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Crime Victims’ Rights Week Proclamation
Comr. Gerow read the following proclamation into the record.
Res. 67-2009
“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Todd, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
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, since 1981, America has joined together annually to
recognize the needs and rights of crime victims and survivors during
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week; and
WHEREAS, the week of April 26-May 2, 2009 has been designated as
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with the theme “25 Years of
Rebuilding Lives: Celebrating the Crime Victims’ Rights Act;” and
WHEREAS, despite impressive accomplishments 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.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that April 26-May 2, 2009 is recognized as Crime
Victims’ Rights Week in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners thank and recognize those victims of crime, the Calhoun
County Prosecutor’s Office, the Calhoun County Sheriff Department and
other law enforcement and service agencies, who, through their
cooperative efforts in coordinating the events of Crime Victims’
Rights Week, help heighten awareness of the plight of those who are or
become a victim of crime.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation
Comr. Rocho read the following proclamation into the record.
Res. 68-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Todd, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, the month of April 2009 has been designated as National
Sexual Assault Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, only 40 percent of rapes and sexual assaults are reported
to law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, among female victims of rape and sexual assault, 74
percent of the crimes were committed by intimate partners, relatives,
friends, or acquaintances; and
WHEREAS, one in six girls/women and one in thirty-three boys/men
will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that April 2009 is recognized as Sexual Assault
Awareness Month in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners thank and recognize Sexual Assault Services of Calhoun
County, the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office, the Calhoun County
Sheriff Department and other Law Enforcement and Service Agencies,
who, through their cooperative effort have coordinated the events of
Sexual Assault Awareness Month.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Chairman Rae presented the proclamations to Prosecutor Mladenoff.
Special Tribute to Shirley E. Lawcock
Chairman Rae read and presented the following tribute to Ms. Lawcock.
Res. 69-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Camp, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following tribute:
WHEREAS, SHIRLEY E. LAWCOCK began her career with the Calhoun
County Prosecutor’s Office on January 17, 1984; and
WHEREAS, Shirley E. Lawcock, as of January 17, 2009, has
continuously served as a member of the staff of the Calhoun County
Prosecutor’s Office for Twenty-Five (25) years; and
WHEREAS, Shirley E. Lawcock will be retiring from the Calhoun
County Prosecutor’s Office on May 1, 2009; and
WHEREAS, the Attorneys and the Staff of the Calhoun County
Prosecutor’s Office as well as the Calhoun County Law Enforcement
Community have been privileged to work with someone whose work ethic,
depth of knowledge, kindness and willingness to help has earned her
the respect and admiration of all who have worked with her over the
years; and
WHEREAS, Calhoun County Law Enforcement and the Citizens of Calhoun
County are honored by the dedicated service that Shirley E. Lawcock
has given to this county.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that SHIRLEY E. LAWCOCK is hereby honored and
thanked for her Twenty-Five years of dedicated service to the Citizens
of Calhoun County and the Law Enforcement Community and we wish her a
long and happy retirement.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
2009 Equalization Report
Deputy Equalization Director John Hippensteel addressed the process
of equalization and reported that the total equalized valuations of the
county increased 0.56 percent over 2008 valuations. Mr. Hippensteel
advised that the Report represents the recommended 2009 county equalized
values for each class of property in each of the 19 townships and 4
cities within the county. Mr. Hippensteel pointed out that the growth
rate was less than the 2.81 percent in equalized values that occurred
between 2007 and 2008, indicating a rapidly softening real estate
market.
Mr. Hippensteel advised that the Report had to be revised due to a
reporting error within the residential classification for Albion City
which changed the totals.
Comr. Rocho inquired how the taxable increase compares to the 2009
budget. Equalization Director David Jager responded that the increase is
“Right on.”
Comr. Camp questioned the error for Albion City. Mr. Hippensteel
responded that one parcel had been pulled out and put in the land bank.
Comr. Camp inquired regarding foreclosures. Mr. Hippensteel advised that
two years ago the state commenced allowing counties to look at those and
include those sales if they are good sales. Comr. Camp inquired whether
a special report must be filed for foreclosed properties. Mr.
Hippensteel responded Yes.
Chairman Rae requested Mr. Jager provide his best estimate of where
property values are headed over the next two years. Mr. Jager responded
“Stagnant.” Mr. Jager stated that there may still be some decreases this
year and that the Department should know within a month. Mr. Jager
stated that the Department had been utilizing a two-year sales study,
however, received an email from the state to do a one-year study.
Res. 70-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Gerow, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners adopt the following:
WHEREAS, the Equalization Department has examined the assessment
rolls of the 19 Townships and four Cities within Calhoun County to
determine whether the real and personal property in the respective
Townships and Cities has been equally and uniformly assessed; and
WHEREAS, based on this examination and studies it conducted, the
Equalization Department has prepared and presented to the County Board
of Commissioners the attached (ATTACHMENT A) 2009 Equalization Report;
and
WHEREAS, said Equalization Report presents recommended County
equalized valuations for each of the 19 Townships and four Cities
within the County; and
WHEREAS, the recommended County equalized valuations were
determined by adding to or deducting from the assessed valuations of
taxable property in the 19 Townships and four Cities within the County
an amount which represents true cash value.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners accept and adopt the recommended County equalized
valuations presented in the 2009 Equalization Report prepared by the
Calhoun County Equalization Department for a total 2009 equalized
valuation of real and personal property of $4,578,712,887, with the
breakdown of equalized valuation by property classification as
follows:
| Agricultural Real Property |
$ 388,939,088 |
| Commercial Real Property |
$ 601,437,497 |
| Industrial Real Property |
$ 221,112,502 |
| Residential Real Property |
$2,811,258,960 |
| Developmental Real Property |
$
3,886,010 |
| |
|
| Total Real Property |
$4,026,634,057 |
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|
| Total Personal Property |
$ 552,078.830 |
| |
|
| Total Real and Personal Property |
$4,578,712,887 |
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board Chairwoman
and the County Clerk/Register of Deeds are authorized to sign the
Report; further, that the County Administrator/Controller and the
Equalization Director/Deputy Director are authorized to represent
Calhoun County at both preliminary and final State equalization
sessions, if deemed necessary.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
CONSENT AGENDA:
Res. 71-2009
“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the following April 14, 2009 Consent Agenda as presented:
- Petitions, Communications, Reports:
| (1) |
Resolutions received from Ottawa
and Antrim Counties opposing a fifty percent funding reduction
for Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan
Agricultural Experiment Station. (Referred to the Legislative
Liaisons, with a copy remitted to Extension Director Rita
Klavinski) |
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| (2) |
Resolutions received from Oceana
County {1} opposing a fifty percent funding reduction for
Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan
Agricultural Experiment Station, and {2} supporting use of $15
Million of the economic stimulus monies for the State of
Michigan Survey and Remonumentation Program for 2009 and an
additional $15 Million to supplement the Program through fiscal
year 2010. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons, with a copy of
{1} remitted to Extension Director Rita Klavinski and a copy of
{2} remitted to Planning Consultant Jennifer Bomba) |
| |
|
| (3) |
Resolution received from Hillsdale
County supporting use of $15 Million of the economic stimulus
monies for the State of Michigan Survey and Remonumentation
Program for 2009. (Referred to the Legislative Liaisons, with a
copy remitted to Planning Consultant Jennifer Bomba) |
| |
|
| (4) |
Notice of Mechanical Permit
PM080016 Expiration received from Emmett Township. (Received and
placed on file, with a copy remitted to Assistant County
Administrator Bradley Wilcox) |
| |
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| (5) |
Resolutions received from Oscoda
County {1} requesting that the Governor and the Michigan
Legislature implement a plan to improve Michigan roads and
highways, {2} supporting use of $15 Million of the economic
stimulus monies for the State of Michigan Survey and
Remonumentation Program for 2009 and an additional $15 Million
to supplement the Program through fiscal year 2010, and {3}
requesting legislative assistance in the remedy of courts
bringing lawsuits against the counties. (Referred to the
Legislative Liaisons, with a copy of {1} remitted to Road
Commission Managing Director Kevin Henning, a copy of {2}
remitted to Planning Consultant Jennifer Bomba, and a copy of
{3} remitted to Circuit Court Administrator Jeffrey Albaugh,
District Court Administrator Michelle Hill and Probate Court
Administrator Michael Boltz) |
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:
Legislative Liaisons
Liaison Rocho reported that the Legislative Liaisons have been
reviewing the resolutions received from other counties over the last
couple of months to determine whether or not the Board should take
action, and have determined to get staff involved. Comr. Rocho advised
that the Legislative Liaisons will have a recommendation in the near
future.
Homer Lake Board
Lake Board Member Lee reported that the Lake Board met today and an
attorney gave his opinion regarding whether the Board can or cannot levy
assessments to continue the project of dredging the lake.
Comr. Camp addressed recently appointments to a Casino/Casino
Baseline Advisory Committee, and offered the following motion.
“Motion by Comr. Camp, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun
County Board of Commissioners that the Casino/Casino Baseline Advisory
Committee be a committee of the whole.”
Chairman Rae declared the motion out of order as it is not a
committee report.
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
County Administrator/Controller’s Report
County Administrator/Controller Kelli Sproule addressed a recent
newspaper article regarding the Consolidated Dispatch Center Authority
Governing Board which stated that the county is to hire a director for
the center. Ms. Sproule advised that it is not the county that shall be
hiring, that it is the Authority operating under an interlocal
agreement. Ms. Sproule stated that the county shall be receiving the
applications and forwarding them on to the Authority.
FY 2009 Budget Amendment
Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher advised that the budget amendment
is required to correct understated revenue and expenses for the Child
Care Fund. Mr. Stuhldreher advised that inaccurate information contained
in the documentation used as the basis for adoption of the 2009 budget
caused the adopted balances to be approved at a level that was $100,000
less than what was recommended.
Comr. Rocho inquired whether the problem has been addressed. Mr.
Stuhldreher responded Yes.
Res. 72-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Gerow, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the 2009 Budget Amendment to correct the Child Care Fund
(ATTACHMENT B), as presented by the Finance Department.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
Byrne Memorial Formula Grant Program Subcontract
Ms. Sproule advised that the agreement is to accept a federal grant
for approximately $14,000 for the Sheriff Department to have a deputy be
part of the Southwest Enforcement Team.
Sheriff Allen Byam advised that the Department has received the grant
for many years. Sheriff Byam advised that in the past fifty percent of
the deputy’s funding had been provided by the grant, however, that for
the current year grant funds have been cut whereby only twenty percent
of the position shall be funded under the grant.
Comr. Rocho questioned the additional $4,300 per month. Sheriff Byam
advised that the amount is the additional cost per month. Comr. Rocho
inquired whether the remaining salary for the deputy is included within
the Department’s 2009 budget. Sheriff Byam responded yes, however, that
funding for the program will be exhausted in July. Sheriff Byam stated
that he hopes to acquire more funding whereby the program can continue.
Comr. Rocho inquired regarding the staff impact after July. Sheriff Byam
responded that it shall depend upon whether there is a vacancy for the
deputy to go to or whether the position shall be eliminated. Comr. Rocho
asked Sheriff Byam whether he shall be requesting that the Program be
continued for 2009 with funding provided out of the Sheriff Department’s
budget. Sheriff Byam responded that it is possible.
Comr. Camp advised that the City of Battle Creek shall be opting out
after this year, and asked Sheriff Byam if that shall influence his
decision. Sheriff Byam responded that he has not had discussion with
Battle Creek officials regarding whether they shall be opting out of the
Program. Sheriff Byam advised that there are many opportunities for
requesting monies through grants. Comr. Camp inquired whether there are
any ramifications to the integrity of the grant should the county
terminate the position in the middle of the year. Sheriff Byam responded
no, pointing out that the grant commenced October 1, 2008 and that the
state is aware that if funding runs out, the Program will terminate.
Res. 73-2009
“Motion by Comr. Lee, supported by Comr. Camp, adopt the following:
Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the
Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Subcontract {ODCP Project #
70888-1-09-B} between the Michigan Department of Community Health,
Office of Drug Control Policy, and the Calhoun County Sheriff
Department in the amount of $13,860 for the period of October 1, 2008
through September 30, 2009; further, authorize the Board Chairman to
execute said Grant Subcontract on behalf of Calhoun County and the
Calhoun County Sheriff Department.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
March 2009 Financial Statements
Mr. Stuhldreher reported that the revenue discrepancy is a transfer
that will be made in April rather than in March of last year.
Chairman Rae inquired whether the budget is “on track.” Mr.
Stuhldreher responded Yes.
“Motion by Comr. Camp, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun
County Board of Commissioners that the Casino/Casino Baseline Advisory
Committee be a committee of the whole.”
Chairman Rae declared the motion out of order, and advised
Commissioner Camp that if she wishes to offer the motion, to have it
placed on the next Board agenda.
COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:
Comr. Camp addressed the Board’s team building session and discussion
regarding committee of the whole meetings as the Board has many
decisions that shall be forthcoming. Comr. Camp stated that she hopes
that the Board shall be moving in that direction.
CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
Res. 74-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Todd, 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 $780,082.16 for the two {2}weeks ending April 7, 2009.”
Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
The Board adjourned at 8:11 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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Several photos included in this 
