Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

July 2, 2009

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 2, 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. Temporarily Excused: Comr. Todd (Arrived at 7:08 p.m.)

Staff Present: Corporation Counsel Richard Lindsey, Jr., County Administrator/Controller Kelli Sproule, Budget Analyst Pam Kline and Deputy Clerk/Board Executive Secretary Mary Lou Barrett.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Invocation was given by Reverend Billie Dalton of First United Methodist Church of Battle Creek; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Gerow.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Rocho, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the July 2, 2009 agenda as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

“Motion by Comr. Lee, supported by Comr. Haadsma, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the June 18, 2009 minutes as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:

Mr. Creighton Burrows, Marshall resident, addressed Agenda Item 11.A. (1), stating that government is getting too big and costing the taxpayers too much money; further pointed out that the county has a Finance Department, therefore, he does not understand the reason for contracting preparation of the central services cost allocation plan to an outside firm.

Mr. Richard Lowe, Marshall resident, stated that the formula the county uses to determine property taxes is flawed and needs to be changed as property taxes continue to increase while property values have drastically decreased.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 123-2009

“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Gerow, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following July 2, 2009 Consent Agenda as presented:

Petitions, Communications, Reports:

(1) Resolution received from Charlevoix County encouraging the Michigan Legislature and the Governor to work with the Michigan Association of Counties to pursue activities which will relieve counties of the financial commitment of the agreement with Children’s Rights. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Family Court Administrator Michael Boltz)

(2) Resolution received from Bay County urging Congress to develop a comprehensive and efficient health care system. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Health Officer James Rutherford)

(3) Resolutions received from Oscoda County {1} urging the Legislature and the Governor to hold counties harmless from the increased County Child Care Fund expenses associated with the agreement reached between the Department of Human Services and Children’s Rights, {2} opposing Senate Joint Resolution H {taxable value of property}, {3} proclaiming July 12-18, 2009 as Road Rage Awareness Week, and {4} requesting the State of Michigan to support filling available seats on local Road Commission Boards by either election, appointment, or election by district. (Received and placed on file, with a copy of {1} remitted to Family Court Administrator Michael Boltz, a copy of {2} remitted to Equalization Director David Jager, a copy of {3} remitted to Sheriff Allen Byam, and a copy of {4} remitted to Road Commission Managing Director Kevin Henning)

(4) Resolutions received from Alger County {1} supporting County Remonumentation Programs; {2} opposing changes to Public Act 451 {Elimination of Baseline Environmental Assessments}; {3} requesting the Michigan Legislature add $5 Million for Local Public Health operations in the Department of Community Health budget for fiscal year 2009-2010, restore the Healthy Michigan Fund and Department of Community Health proposed funding reductions, and to make no further reduction to State revenue sharing payments to counties; {4} endorsing the “Hire Michigan First” legislation; {5} urging the State of Michigan to restore State Revenue Sharing for all Michigan counties; and {6} opposing Senate Joint Resolution H {taxable value of property}. (Received and placed on file, with a copy of {1} remitted to Planning Consultant Jennifer Bomba, a copy of {2} remitted to Treasurer Ann Rosenbaum, a copy of {3} remitted to Health Officer James Rutherford, and a copy of {6} remitted to Equalization Director David Jager)”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:

Budget Committee and Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Center Authority Board

Chairman Rae reported that the Committee and the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Center Authority Board have been meeting and that staff is preparing the reports.

Senior Millage Allocation Committee

Committee member Rocho reported that the Committee met and discussed with Mr. Wilcox extending the service provider agreements for more than one year.

Board of Commissioner’s Strategic Planning Session

Chairman Rae reported that the Board met on Thursday, June 25 to establish short and long-term goals and objectives, and thanked Board members and staff for their work.

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

County Administrator/Controller Kelli Sproule reported that the county’s bond rating improved from “A” to “AA-.” Ms. Sproule advised that she hopes to bring a strategic plan back for the Board’s adoption, further, that the 2010 budget process has commenced.

Central Services Cost Allocation Plan Preparation Bid Award

Res. 124-2009

“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners award the bid {RFP#103-09} for preparation of the Calhoun County Central Services Cost Allocation Plan for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 in the annual amounts of $15,250, $15,750 and $16,250 respectively to MAXIMUS Consulting Services, Inc. of Bay City, Michigan; further, authorize the Board Chairman to enter into a contractual agreement with MAXIMUS Consulting Services Inc. for the three {3} years for a total expense of $47,250.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Mr. Burrows addressed the county’s new bond rating, pointing out that the company that issues the rating must think the taxpayers are stupid as Marshall has lost its larger companies and the industrial park which Marshall built sits empty. Mr. Burrows pointed out that although the Board approved the Calhoun County Trailway, no Board members nor any township representatives attended the meeting in Kalamazoo.

Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, stated that he has seen no report from the Health Department regarding the Calhoun County Smoking Regulation and that he would like to know whether there have been any violations. Mr. Berezonsky inquired whether changing the Fourth of July to July 3 is to save the taxpayers money.

Mr. Berezonsky objected to the County Administrator/Controller adding reports to the agenda after the agenda has been approved as presented. Mr. Berezonsky further objected to the Road Commission mowing road sides and questioned whether the money utilized for mowing could be better used for road repair.

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Comr. Camp stated that she looks forward to Administration and the Board Chairman moving the Board towards workshops prior to a meeting of the Casino Revenue Sharing Board.

Comr. Haadsma thanked staff for improving the county’s bond rating.

Comr. Lee announced that Albion’s fireworks are tomorrow and also on Friday.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTING:

Res. 125-2009

“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, 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 $1,454,309.00 for the two {2}weeks ending June 24, 2009.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Comr. Todd announced that tomorrow is his Tenth Wedding Anniversary and his birthday on July 6.

Comr. Camp invited everyone to attend Newton Township’s Fourth of July Parade, and the Township’s 25th Anniversary of their Old Fashioned Gathering at the Grange commencing at 11:00 a.m.

Chairman Rae wished everyone a great and safe Fourth of July holiday.

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. at the call of the Chair.

Calhoun County
315 West Green Street
Marshall, MI 49068
Phone: (269) 781-0700
Fax: (269) 781-0140

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