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 Minutes Archive |
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Board of
Commissioners Minutes
CALHOUN COUNTY
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
May 7, 2009
The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
convened at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2009 in the Commissioners
Meeting Room, County Building, 315 West Green Street, Marshall,
Michigan.
Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Camp, Gerow, Haadsma, Lee,
Rae, and Rocho. Excused: Comr. Todd.
Staff Present: Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher, County
Administrator/Controller Kelli Sproule, Human Resource Manager Kim
Archambault, Veterans Service Officer Jude Lonergan, Senior Services
Manager Carl Gibson, Corporation Counsel Richard Lindsey, Jr., Assistant
County Administrator Bradley Wilcox and Deputy Clerk/Board Executive
Secretary Mary Lou Barrett.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
A Moment of Silence was observed; followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance, led by Comr. Gerow.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
“Motion by Comr. Gerow, supported by Comr. Haadsma, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the May 7, 2009 agenda as presented.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 5 (Comrs. Gerow, Haadsma, Lee,
Rae and Rocho) |
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Excused - 1 (Comr. Todd) |
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No - 1 (Comr. Camp) |
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Motion CARRIED |
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Comr. Camp requested correction to Page No. 155 to place her comments
at the end of New Business.
“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Lee, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the April 14, 2009 minutes, with correction.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:
Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, questioned which
statute mandates the Sheriff to operate a Marine Safety Program,
advising that the only mandate he could locate pertained to removal of
dead bodies.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Special Tribute to James Moreno
Res. 75-2009
“Motion by Comr. Gerow, supported by Comr. Camp, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following tribute:
WHEREAS, JAMES MORENO was one of the early supporters and
proponents of the Calhoun County Senior Millage; and
WHEREAS, James Moreno has been a continuous member of the Senior
Millage Allocation Committee since its inception in 1997; and
WHEREAS, James Moreno most recently completed his 4th term and 12th
year as an Allocation Committee member, he has been instrumental in
maintaining focus on services directly benefitting seniors while
protecting the public’s funds; and
WHEREAS, the Senior Millage Allocation Committee and the Senior
Citizens of Calhoun County are honored by the enduring and dedicated
service that James Moreno has given to this county and its citizens,
both the hearty and the frail.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners that JAMES MORENO is hereby honored and recognized for
his many years of dedicated service to the Senior Citizens of Calhoun
County and the enduring legacy of generations to come.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Older Americans Month Proclamation
Res. 76-2009
“Motion by Comr. Camp, supported by Comr. Gerow, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, Calhoun County, Michigan, is a community in which 36,753
citizens age 60 or older make their home, and older adults in Calhoun
County and throughout the U.S. are a growing population with evolving
needs; and
WHEREAS, older Americans are valuable members of our community who
are rich with experience, deserving of our respect, and enhance our
communities and personal lives; and
WHEREAS, the increasing number of baby boomers reaching traditional
retirement age highlights the need for more support for older adults
because our older citizens of today and tomorrow promise to be among
the most active and involved older adult populations in our nation’s
history; and
WHEREAS, many members of our community also serve as caregivers for
older adults and often need support and assistance to keep their loved
ones at home to effectively delay premature nursing home placement;
and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of Calhoun County and all U.S.
communities to work collaboratively to address older adults’ unique
health and long-term care challenges; and
WHEREAS, communities can improve older citizens’ overall quality of
life by helping them:
- Make behavioral changes in their lifestyles to
reduce the risk of disease, disability and injury
- Obtain the tools to make informed decisions about,
and gain better access to, existing health and long-term care
options in their communities
- Have more options available to help them remain at
home as long as possible
- Insuring caregivers for older adults are equipped
and supported in their important role
NOW THEREFORE, WE, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners do
hereby proclaim May 2009 to be Older Americans Month. We urge everyone
to take time this May to honor our older adults and the many
professionals, family members, and citizens who care for older adults.
Our collective efforts can improve the lives of our older citizens and
help pave the way for future generations.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Community Health Care Annual Report
Community Health Care Executive Director Samantha Pearl advised
regarding the merger of Calhoun Health Plan and the Nursing Clinic.
National County Government Week Proclamation
Res. 77-2009
“Motion by Comr. Gerow, supported by Comr. Rocho, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following
proclamation:
WHEREAS, the nation’s 3,068 counties provide a variety of essential
public services to communities serving 300 million Americans; and
WHEREAS, Calhoun County and all counties take seriously their
responsibility to protect and enhance the health, welfare and safety
of its residents in sensible and cost-effective ways; and
WHEREAS, many county government initiatives and programs involve
the protection of valuable and vulnerable environmental resources in
communities; and
WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties created
National County Government Week in 1991 to raise public awareness and
understanding about the roles and responsibilities of the nation’s
counties to meet the needs of the community; and
WHEREAS, NACo and Calhoun County are working together to restore
the partnership between all levels of government to better serve
American communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Chairman of the Calhoun
County Board of Commissioners, hereby proclaim May 3 - 9, 2009
National County Government Week and encourage all Calhoun County
officials, employees, schools and residents to participate in county
government week activities.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
CONSENT AGENDA:
Res. 78-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Lee, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the following May 7, 2009 Consent Agenda as presented:
- Petitions, Communications, Reports:
| (1) |
Copy of a communication remitted to
Mr. Larry Metzgar, Ceresco resident, received from the Michigan
Department of Agriculture advising that he has met all of the
requirements set forth by the MAEAP Livestock System. (Received
and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Health Officer Jim
Rutherford) |
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| (2) |
Resolution received from Oceana
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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| (3) |
Public notice received from the
United States Environmental Protection Agency of intent to issue
an injection well permit to Legacy Oil & Gas, L.C. of Mason,
Michigan. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to
Health Officer James Rutherford) |
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| (4) |
Resolution received from Bay County
supporting legislation entitled “Hire Michigan First.” (Referred
to the Legislative Liaisons) |
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| (5) |
Equal Pay Day Proclamation.
(Received and placed on file) |
- Resolutions:
| (1) |
Calhoun County
Retirement Committee Appointment Confirmation |
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{a} |
Richard Lindsey, Jr. -- Appointed
Officials’ Representative |
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| (2) |
Calhoun County Security
Committee Appointment Confirmation |
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{a} |
Richard Lindsey, Jr. -- Term
Expires December 31, 2009 |
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| (3) |
Casino/Casino Baseline
Advisory Committee Appointment Confirmations |
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{a} |
Mike Rae, Chairman |
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{b} |
Kelli Sproule |
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{c} |
Kirk Lee |
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{d} |
Jim Haadsma |
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:
Legislative Liaisons
Res. 79-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Gerow, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners adopt the following:
WHEREAS, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s FY 2010 Budget identifies
a 50% reduction in the funding for both the Michigan State University
(MSU) Agriculture Experiment Station and MSU Extension and would merge
the two into one organization; and
WHEREAS, agriculture and agricultural processing are significant to
the economy of Calhoun County inasmuch as the County has a diverse
agricultural economy; and
WHEREAS, the Michigan State University Extension Service and
Agricultural Experiment Station provide critical research and
education to the agricultural industries allowing them to remain
profitable in an increasingly competitive global economy; and
WHEREAS, the Calhoun County MSU Extension supports the 4-H Youth
Program, teaches basic nutrition to eligible adults and children,
supports farm operators and workers through educational programs aimed
at enhancing agriculture, and provides many other local officials and
residents with educational services and information; and
WHEREAS, MSU Extension helps to reduce economic losses by providing
the most current research to agricultural producers and industries,
offers opportunities for youth to grow and learn in safe environments
with caring adults, and reduces health care costs by teaching youth
and families how to select and prepare nutritious meals; and
WHEREAS, a 50% reduction of state funding for Extension outreach
and agricultural research would jeopardize the three-way partnership
between federal, state and local governments supporting local
residents and businesses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners oppose the 50% State funding reduction and merger of
Michigan State University Agriculture Experiment Station and MSU
Extension as it is an unacceptable solution to the State’s budget
problem; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that certified copies of this Resolution be
forwarded to Governor Granholm, the Michigan Association of Counties
and the other 82 Michigan counties.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Res. 80-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Lee, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners adopt the following:
WHEREAS, counties depend heavily upon state revenue sharing to
provide numerous essential public health, safety and welfare services;
and
WHEREAS, the residents of the State of Michigan demand an
efficient, professional level of public services; and
WHEREAS, in 2005 State Revenue Sharing payments were discontinued
to counties, relieving the State budget of $183 Million in annual
State Revenue Sharing payments to counties, with the promise and
agreement that these payments would be restored when each of the
individual counties Revenue Sharing Reserve Fund were exhausted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners joins with other counties and the Michigan Association
of Counties in supporting and urging the State of Michigan to fulfill
its obligations and promises and fully and unconditionally restore
State Revenue Sharing for all Michigan’s 83 counties; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution be forwarded
to Governor Jennifer Granholm, our State Senators and State
Representatives, and the Michigan Association of Counties.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Res. 81-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Gerow, resolved by the
Calhoun County Board of Commissioners adopt the following:
WHEREAS, the property tax system in the State of Michigan is an ad
valorem system and as such property owners pay, within the framework
of the Constitution, equitable taxes based on the value of their
property; and
WHEREAS, Proposal A was passed by the voters of the State of
Michigan in 1994 to limit the increase in taxable value, within the
existing and continuing ad valorem framework, in such a way as to
allow a property owner to predict future property tax burden by the
change in the consumer price index and physical improvements to the
property while that owner held the property; and
WHEREAS, many property owners have received significant benefit
from the limitation on increase in taxable value mandated by Proposal
A by paying property taxes on a basis less than the value of their
property and continue to realize that significant benefit in the
current economic circumstances; and
WHEREAS, recent purchasers of property, many younger and with less
stability in their finances, are already shouldering a greater share
of the relative tax burden because the basis for their property taxes
is the full value of their property; and
WHEREAS, the Michigan Senate has passed Senate Joint Resolution H,
(SJR-H), a proposal to amend Article 9, Section 3 of the 1963
Constitution of the State of Michigan by requiring that, effective in
2010, the taxable value of a property would be unchanged if the
assessed value of that property declined and the taxable value was
less than the assessed value; and
WHEREAS, while the intent of Proposal A was to provide stability
and predictability for property owners, the effect of this proposed
amendment is to, in declining markets, freeze the position of relative
tax benefit that certain property owners enjoy while other property
owners continue to pay property taxes on the constitutional ad valorem
basis; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the unfair shift in relative tax burden
that will result from this proposal, the reduced revenue to local
taxing authorities will likely result in reduced services, increased
millage rates or both, which will exacerbate the shift in the relative
tax burden.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners oppose Senate Joint Resolution H, (SJR-H), because the
proposal contradicts the long history of a fair and equitable tax
structure in the State of Michigan and promotes poor tax policy by
shifting the relative tax burden of the property tax without regard to
the consequences to affected taxpayers and local taxing authorities;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that while the Calhoun County Board of
Commissioners oppose SJR-H because it does not provide an equitable
solution to Michigan’s property tax concerns, the Calhoun County Board
requests that the Legislature of the State of Michigan work together
with the Governor to examine all taxes, including the Michigan
Business Tax, income tax, sales tax, use tax and property tax, with a
goal of providing a means of generating revenue and managing
expenditures that is fair and equitable to all the taxpayers of the
state; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution be sent to
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, Representative Kate Segal,
Representative James Bolger, the Michigan Association of Counties, the
Michigan Municipal League, the Michigan Townships Association, and the
Clerks of all municipalities.”
| Voice Vote: |
Yes - 5 (Comrs. Lee, Rae, Rocho, Gerow and Haadsma) |
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Excused - 1 (Comr. Todd) |
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No – 1 (Comr. Camp) |
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Motion CARRIED |
Casino/Casino Baseline Advisory Committee
Chairman Rae thanked members who attended the casino visits in
Manistee, Petoskey and St. Joseph. Corporation Counsel Richard Lindsey,
Jr. provided a summary of the trips.
Budget Committee
Chairman Rae advised that the Committee met April 23 and received an
overview of county finances, a budget calendar and protocol. An item of
discussion was a flexible time schedule.
County Administrator/Controller Kelli Sproule advised that some
department guidelines have been implemented and department heads shall
be responsible for monitoring the flexible time schedules.
Senior Millage Allocation Committee
Committee Member Rocho reported that the Committee is refocusing its
mission and reviewing consolidation of vendors.
Homer Lake Board
Comr. Lee reported that a public hearing has been scheduled.
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
Letter of Intent to Collect 9-1-1 Surcharge Fees
Res. 82-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Haadsma, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
authorize the County Administrator/Controller to remit a Letter of
Intent advising that Calhoun County shall continue collection of the
local 9-1-1 surcharge fees from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 as
approved by MPSC U-15489, along with the completed Form SNC-500, to
the State 9-1-1 Committee no later than May 15, 2009.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
United Solar Ovonic, LLC Economic Development Grant Agreement
Res. 83-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Gerow, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the Economic Development Grant Agreement between the Michigan
Strategic Fund and the County of Calhoun, State of Michigan Community
Development Block Grant Program, subject to any non-substantive
changes which do not alter or increase the responsibilities or
liability of Calhoun County under said Agreement, as determined by the
Board Chairman in conjunction with Corporation Counsel; further,
authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Agreement on behalf of
Calhoun County.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
United Solar Ovonic, LLC Community Development Block Grant
Development Agreement
Res. 84-2009
“Motion by Comr. Lee, supported by Comr. Gerow, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the Community Development Block Grant Development Agreement
between Calhoun County and United Solar Ovonic LLC, subject to any
non-substantive changes which do not alter or increase the
responsibilities or liability of Calhoun County under said Agreement,
as determined by the Board Chairman in conjunction with Corporation
Counsel; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said
Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
FY 2009 Marine Safety Program Grant Agreement
Res. 85-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Gerow, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve the FY 2009 Marine Safety Program Grant Agreement between the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, for and on behalf of the
State of Michigan, and Calhoun County in an amount not to exceed
$33,888 for the period of January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009;
further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Agreement on
behalf of Calhoun County.”
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
Palm Live Scan Grant Acceptance and FY 2009 Sheriff Department
Budget Amendment
Res. 86-2009
“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Lee, adopt the
following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners
approve acceptance of the Palm Live Scan Grant from the Michigan
Department of State Police in the amount of $16,000 and authorize the
Sheriff to execute and remit the Grant Acceptance Form to the Michigan
Department of State Police on behalf of Calhoun County and the Calhoun
County Sheriff Department; further, approve the following FY 2009
budget amendment to the Sheriff Department budget to fund the purchase
of the live scan equipment:
| 101-1315-54000 |
Sheriff - Administration, State Grant |
$16,000.00 |
| 101-1315-98000 |
Sheriff - Administration, Equipment
Purchase |
$16,000.00" |
Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED
CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:
Mr. Berezonsky advised that former Commissioner Bolger advised that a
condition of the county collecting the 9-1-1 surcharge was dependent
upon the consolidated dispatch center being operational by February
2009.
CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTING:
Res. 87-2009
“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Gerow, 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 $14,714,962.74 for the three {3}weeks ending April 29,
2009.”
| Roll call vote: |
Yes - 6 (Comrs. Gerow, Haadsma, Lee,
Rae, Rocho and Camp) |
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Excused - 1 (Comr. Todd) |
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Motion CARRIED |
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Comr. Haadsma advised that JONAH is having their annual banquet on
Saturday between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Battle
Creek.
Comr. Haadsma further advised that Commissioner Gerow and he are
conducting a town hall meeting at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on May 11
at 7:00 p.m. Corporation Counsel, the Water Resources Commissioner and a
Department of Natural Resources representative shall be present to
answer questions regarding the flooding which occurred in Minges Brook.
Comr. Camp advised that she is a member of the Drainage Board which
conducted an informational meeting regarding the flooding and is
completing a model of the dynamics of the flooding.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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Several photos included in this 
