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Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

September 3, 2009

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:02 p.m., Thursday, September 3, 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 Scott, Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher, Assistant County Administrator Bradley Wilcox, Senior Services Manager Carl Gibson, Prosecutor Susan Mladenoff, Victim Advocate Stephanie Edwards, Sheriff Allen Byam, Summit Pointe Chief Executive Officer Ervin Brinker and Deputy Clerk/Board Executive Secretary Mary Lou Barrett.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Invocation was given by Pastor Miles Fitzpatrick of Emmanuel Covenant Church; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Gerow.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

“Motion by Comr. Camp, supported by Comr. Rocho, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the September 3, 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 August 20, 2009 minutes as corrected.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:

MAVCON Vice President Ed Ouellette stated that his firm was the low bidder for the 9-1-1 Consolidated Dispatch Center construction project and has more Calhoun County workers than the firm recommended for bid award; therefore, he sees no reason why MAVCON is not being awarded the contract. Mr. Ouellette requested that the Board table award of the contract until the Board has had the opportunity to review MAVCON’s bid, pointing out that MAVCON has been in business for twelve years and has done a lot of work in the county, including the City of Albion’s new fire station and the construction of Panera Bread.

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:

Special Tribute to Maggie Green and Cathy Campbell

Res. 140-2009

“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Todd, resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following tribute:

WHEREAS, the Albion Area Philanthropic Women’s “Giving Circle” was created in March 2007, co-founded by Maggie Green and Cathy Campbell; and

WHEREAS, due to the vision of Cathy Campbell and Maggie Green, the Albion Area Philanthropic Women’s Giving Circle is especially impressive because it embodies inclusiveness and is popular with women of the entire spectrum of income levels; and

WHEREAS, Albion Area Philanthropic Women has conducted seven quarterly meetings with membership continuing to grow from 61 members at its founding to now 112 women strong; and

WHEREAS, Albion Area Philanthropic Women has distributed $73,600 to area non-profits in under two years and a total of $95,300 to date, with funding awarded to the Albion District Library; Johnson’s Childcare for new playground equipment; AIM to keep the food bank open; SAFE Place Albion; Ismon House for a barrier free restroom; the Albion Recreation Department for a new 15 passenger van; Vision of Life Action Team for building renovation; Citizens to Beautify Albion; Albion Public Schools; and the Kids ‘N’ Stuff Museum for sponsoring free monthly family days and new exhibits; and

WHEREAS, due to the vision of Cathy Campbell and Maggie Green, the Albion Area Philanthropic Women’s Giving Circle has become a model for other communities seeking guidance on starting such an organization in their community.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners wish to recognize and honor MAGGIE GREEN AND CATHY CAMPBELL for their contributions to the non-profit organizations of Albion through the founding of Albion Area Philanthropic Women and wish them continued success.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

Res. 141-2009

“Motion by Comr. Todd, supported by Comr. Gerow, resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following proclamation:

WHEREAS, treatment and long-term recovery from substance use disorders provides a renewed outlook on life for the addicted, their families and friends; and

WHEREAS, substance use disorders impact 23.2 million people aged 12 or older in the United States, more than the number of people living with coronary heart disease, cancer, or Alzheimer’s disease combined; and

WHEREAS, people who receive treatment for substance use disorders can lead more productive and fulfilling lives; resulting in the reduction of criminal activity and familial degradation; breaking the cycle of substance abuse and creating a safer, healthier community; and

WHEREAS, studies have consistently found that individualized treatment, combined with community support, is essential for people to be successful in their path of recovery; and

WHEREAS, real stories of long-term recovery can inspire others to ask for help and improve their own lives, the lives of their families, as well as the community; and

WHEREAS, education of the community about the nature and treatability of substance use disorders, encouragement and acceptance for those needing and seeking treatment, and overall community support for recovery, are all critical to the improvement of the recovering individual’s life, as well as the quality of life for the entire community; and

WHEREAS, in observation of the 20th Anniversary of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (September) the Celebrate Recovery Committee of the Substance Abuse Council will host the following events:

  • “Get Active and Celebrate Recovery” kick-off event on September 2nd.
     
  • The Celebrate Recovery Team will participate in the 2009 YMCA Corporate Cup September 10, 11, & 12th.
     
  • Will host additional events to encourage, support, and educate the community about the possibility and positivity of recovery through local events and media.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners proclaim September National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Calhoun County.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

Summit Pointe FY 2008 Annual Report

Summit Pointe C.E.O. Ervin Brinker advised that Summit Pointe is one of 46 mental health centers in Michigan, and that of the 46, Summit Pointe is one of 18 that is responsible for managing the pre-paid inpatient plan for 5 counties.

Mr. Brinker addressed the stigma faced by those with mental illness, advising that Summit Pointe has aggressively campaigned for the last 15 years targeting stigma and confronting stereotypes, and that a recent survey has shown that mental health services are becoming more acceptable. Mr. Brinker stated that Summit Pointe’s programs and services are all about recovery whereby people can work and become a member of the community. Mr. Brinker advised that Summit Pointe has stepped up its performance improvement to promote efficient and effective customer service and outcomes through monitoring of key performance elements.

Mr. Brinker stated that for many with mental illness finding safe and affordable housing has been a struggle and Summit Pointe has played a major role is helping through owning and operating five apartment complexes with a total of 79 units in Battle Creek; further addressed jobs that Summit Pointe provides for its customers; i.e., cleaning of the Federal Center and operation of the Veterans Administration laundry.

Mr. Brinker addressed Summit Pointe’s funding sources, budget, regional responsibility, programs provided, and partners.

Ardyss International Presentation

Ardyss International Representative Cynthia Little advised that the Company provides nutritional supplements and products which assist with weight loss; high cholesterol; decreasing harmful free radicals; fighting funguses, virus and bacterias, and controlling blood sugar levels.

Comr. Rocho thanked Ms. Little for the presentation, however, advised that the presentation does not mean that the Board endorses the products.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 142-2009

“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Lee, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following September 3, 2009 Consent Agenda as presented:

  1. Petitions, Communications, Reports:
(1) Resolutions received from Lake and Lenawee Counties opposing Senate Substitute for House Bill 4436 and urging continuance of the current structure and funding of mental health and substance abuse service coordinating agencies. (Received and placed on file, with a copy remitted to Summit Pointe C.E.O. Ervin Brinker)
   
(2) Resolutions received from Oceana and Schoolcraft Counties supporting House Bills 4785 and 4786 {Expansion of Unemployment Benefits and Acceptance of Federal Stimulus Funds}. (Received and placed on file)

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott provided highlights of her recent report to the Board, addressing the county United Way Campaign; meetings with the local units of government at which she addressed the county’s strategic objectives; the township supervisors meeting at which she presented the GIS system; and union negotiations with six unions which Administration hopes to commence soon. Ms. Scott advised that the Health Department’s fiscal year starts October 1 and that Administration shall present the Department’s budget by the October 1 Board Meeting; further, that the Board will also be requested to approve the Public Act 2 budget through the coordinating agency. Ms. Scott continued that there shall be a closed session to negotiate strategy prior to union negotiations.

Ms. Scott further reported that she attended the House Appropriations Committee meeting yesterday and that legislators are attempting to bring back revenue sharing, however, at the level of 2004. The legislation is scheduled for vote next week.

Prosecutor’s FY 2009-2012 Cooperative Reimbursement Program Grant Agreement

Comr. Rocho requested staff determine the fee reimbursement amount as she would like to know the net cost to the county to accept the grant.

Chairman Rae inquired whether the Office aggressively pursues enforcement of felony child support non-payment cases. Prosecutor Susan Mladenoff responded that the Office attempts to make an effort for those working who pay on their child support. Prosecutor Mladenoff advised that the some of the felony non-support cases are “picked up” by the Attorney General.

Res. 143-2009

“Motion by Comr. Camp, supported by Comr. Rocho, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the Prosecutor’s Office FY 2009-2012 Cooperative Reimbursement Program (IV-D Child Support Enforcement) Grant Agreement CSPA10-13002 between the Michigan Department of Human Services and Calhoun County for the period of October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2012; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

FY 2009-2010 Victim Services Grant Agreement

Res. 144-2009

“Motion by Comr. Lee, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the FY 2009-2010 Crime Victim Rights Grant Agreement between the Michigan Department of Community Health and the County of Calhoun - Prosecutor’s Office for the period of October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010 in the amount of $133,200; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute said Agreement on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

Office Supplies Inventory System Bid Award

Res. 145-2009

“Motion by Comr. Rocho, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners award the bid {RFP #107-09} for the provision of office supplies to all county departments to Staples Business Advantage; further, authorize the Board Chairman to execute a five {5} year Agreement with Staples Business Advantage in an amount approximated at $750,000 on behalf of Calhoun County.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

9-1-1 Dispatch Center General Contractor Services Bid Award

Assistant County Administrator Bradley Wilcox addressed the bidding process. Res. 146-2009

“Motion by Comr. Lee, supported by Comr. Haadsma, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners award the bid {RFP #108-09} for the provision of general contracting services for the construction of the 9-1-1 Consolidated Dispatch Center located within the Calhoun County Building to Schweitzer Inc. of Battle Creek in the amount of $604,000 to be charged to the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Center Authority budget.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:

Mr. Ouellette advised that MAVCON provided a solid and competitive bid, employs more local labor than Schweitzer, Inc., and has numerous references. Mr. Ouellette voiced disappointment with the bid award and use of taxpayers money.

Sheriff Allen Byam announced that next Friday is the T.E.A.M. Up for Kids golf outing and invited everyone to attend.

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Comr. Camp advised that she “ran into” representatives of A & B Janitorial who advised that the people released due to loss of the bid award have been hired by the current contractor.

Comr. Haadsma addressed the number of bids received for the Dispatch Center project and the matrix utilized, and advised that he supports hiring local labor and a local firm. Chairman Rae and Comr. Rocho concurred.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTING:

Res. 147-2009

“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 $1,269,668.73 for the two {2}weeks ending August 26, 2009.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 7 Motion CARRIED Unanimously

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Comr. Lee invited everyone to Albion’s Festival of the Forks on September 18, 19 and 20.

Comr. Rocho announced that the Marshall Historic Homes Tour is September 12 and 13.

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m. at the call of the Chair.

 

   
 

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