Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

July 16, 2009

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:05 p.m., Thursday, July 16, 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: Corporation Counsel Richard Lindsey, Jr., County Administrator/Controller Kelli Sproule, Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher, Assistant County Administrator Bradley Wilcox, Human Resources Manager Kim Archambault, Senior Services Manager Carl Gibson, Sheriff Allen Byam, District Court Administrator Michelle Hill and Deputy Clerk/Board Executive Secretary Mary Lou Barrett.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Invocation was given by Reverend David Laisum of First Baptist Church of Battle Creek; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Lee.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the July 16, 2009 agenda as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Lee, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the June 25, 2009 minutes as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:

Mr. James Avery addressed the proposed bid award for janitorial services to a company outside the county, advising that he is the owner of the cleaning service in Battle Creek that has been providing the cleaning services to the county for the past four years and that he believed that there had been a good relationship. Mr. Avery advised that he submitted a bid which was less then he submitted five years ago. Mr. Avery requested that the Board reconsider the bid award.

Mr. Steven Mobley, Athens Village resident, introduced himself as an independent candidate for the 19th District in the Michigan State Senate. Mr. Mobley addressed the recent closing of Yorozu, and the State budget and proposed budget reductions. Mr. Mobley stated that he supports stabilization of the States’ revenue base, fair taxes; and accountable, responsible spending by the State.

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:

Area Agency on Aging Multi-Year Plan Presentation

Area Agency on Aging Executive Director Karla Fales presented the Plan, requesting its support.

Battle Creek/Calhoun County Convention and Visitor Bureau Activities Presentation

Bureau President Dwight Butt addressed the history, funding, mission statement, partners and initiatives of the Bureau.

FY 2008 County Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Presentation

Rehmann Robson Principal David Fisher advised that the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report reflects a clean opinion of the county’s FY 2008 financial statements without exception or qualifications. Mr. Fisher addressed the financial highlights listed under Management’s Discussion and Analysis, advising that the assets of the county exceeded its liabilities at the close of the year by $70.6 Million, of which $14.4 Million may be used to meet the county’s ongoing obligations. The county’s total net assets decreased by $2.7 Million during 2008. Mr. Fisher further advised that the General Fund had an increase to its fund balance of $388,060 for 2008; and that the unreserved fund balance for the General Fund was $3,846,820 at the end of the year, or approximately 9.9 percent of total General Fund expenditures.

Mr. Fisher addressed the proprietary funds, advising that the Medical Care Facility has very adequate working capital; e.g., $11,328,815, and the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund has net assets totaling $19,735,010. Mr. Fisher stated that overall the county is in very good financial condition.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 126-2009

“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following July 16, 2009 Consent Agenda as presented:

Petitions, Communications, Reports:

(1) Resolutions received from Lake County and Sheridan Township opposing Senate Joint Resolution H {taxable value of property}. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Equalization Director David Jager)

(2) Notice of a public hearing scheduled for July 13, 2009 regarding granting an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate Application for Jorgensen Steel Machining & Fabrication, Inc. for new equipment received from Tekonsha Village. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Equalization Director David Jager)

(3) Resolution received from Lake County supporting House Bill No. 4893 {Medical Examiner retention of body and organ tissue}. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Health Officer James Rutherford)

(4) Copy of a communication remitted to Mr. Kevin Webber, Marshall resident, received from the Michigan Department of Agriculture scheduling a date for final inspection of Mr. Webber’s equine facility. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Health Officer James Rutherford)

(5) Revised Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act Notice of Mass Layoff received from Cequent Performance Products, Inc. advising that the Electrical Division of its facility in Tekonsha, Michigan will be facilitating mass indefinite layoffs and permanent lay off of 50 employees beginning in May 2009. (Received and placed on file)”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:

Potawatomi Resource Conservation and Development Council

Comr. Camp addressed the Council’s 2010-2014 Area Plan, stating that the Council is seeking opinions, comments and any recommendations.

Community Action

Agency Board Member Camp advised that she provided to each Commissioner a flyer regarding weatherization funding availability.

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

Plaque Placement Request

Res. 127-2009

“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Rocho, resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners adopt the following:

WHEREAS, Calhoun County resident Shelton C. Penn was appointed as Tenth District Court Judge, then continued to be elected as Tenth District Court Judge until his retirement on December 31, 1990; and

WHEREAS, Judge Shelton C. Penn was the first African-American to be appointed, then elected to a judgship in Calhoun County; and

WHEREAS, Judge Shelton C. Penn passed away on January 7, 2009; and

WHEREAS, the Calhoun County Judicial Council and the Calhoun County Bar Association would like to recognize his place in Calhoun County history by mounting a bronze plaque in the entrance of the Calhoun County Justice Center.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the placement of a plaque recognizing Judge Shelton C. Penn as the first African-American Judge in Calhoun County, per Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Policy No. 225.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

Janitorial Services Bid Award Recommendation

Res. 128-2009

“Motion by Comr. Lee, supported by Comr. Gerow, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners award the bid {RFP#102-09} for provision of janitorial services to the county facilities of the Justice/Correctional Center, Toeller Building, Marshall Building and the Albion Human Services Building to CSM Services of Hudsonville, Michigan for an amount not to exceed $369,100.46; further, authorize the Purchasing Department to execute a two {2} year agreement with CSM Services for said services for an amount not to exceed $369,100.46 on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 5 (Comrs. Gerow, Lee, Rae, Rocho and Camp)

No - 2 (Comrs. Haadsma and Todd)

Motion CARRIED

Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Center Lease Agreement

Res. 129-2009

“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Lee, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the twenty {20} year Lease Agreement between Calhoun County and the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Center Authority for lease of 3,220 square feet of space on the First Floor of the Calhoun County Building located at 315 West Green Street, Marshall, Michigan upon completion and renovation of the space, which is estimated to be March 1, 2010 at which time shall be the commencement date of said Lease; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Lease Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

June 2009 Financial Statements

Received.

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Mr. Creighton Burrows, Marshall resident, voiced displeasure with the five Board members who supported bid award to a janitorial services company located in Ottawa County. Mr. Burrows further pointed out that the Sheriff’s Office is still not relocated back to the County seat.

Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, addressed the Lease Agreement for the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Center Authority, inquiring whether the Authority’s staff shall be permitted parking in the county lot next to the County Building.

Mr. Avery advised that the standards to which his business and employees performed for the county were provided by the county, and that the company/employees always attempted to accomplish those standards; further pointed out that his business has a check and balance supervision program, and conducts a monthly audit of services provided.

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Comr. Todd advised that he did not support the bid award as there was not a big difference in the bid amounts; and because he believes that if there had been an issue with the company’s performance, it should have been addressed with the company. Comr. Todd advised that he is in support of the services being provided by local people and expressed his appreciation to Mr. Avery’s firm for services that have been provided.

Comr. Camp stated that she hates the bid process, that it is sterile, and makes her uncomfortable. Comr. Camp stated that she regrets her vote and wished Mr. Avery well.

Comr. Camp requested Board members share with her what is occurring on the committees to which each is assigned.

Comr. Haadsma stated that he believes County Purchasing Policy No. 405 needs to be reviewed and should provide for local preferencing, pointing out that Ottawa County supports local preferencing.

Chairman Rae advised that relocation of the Sheriff’s Office is being addressed.

Chairman Rae advised Mr. Avery that the bid award was a tough call, and stated that he is sorry.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTING:

Res. 130-2009

“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 $417,623.28 for the two {2}weeks ending July 8, 2009.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Comr. Camp invited everyone to attend Athen’s Homecoming on Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25.

Comr. Lee announced that July 31 and August 1 is Homer’s Hogstravaganza.

Comr. Rocho announced that this weekend is the Marshall Blues Festival.

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m. at the call of the Chair.