Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

September 17, 2009

The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 17, 2009 in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Building, 315 West Green Street, Marshall, Michigan.

Chairman Rae called the meeting to order and requested the Clerk call the roll.

Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Camp, Gerow, Haadsma, Lee, Rae and Todd. Excused: Comr. Rocho.

Staff Present: Corporation Counsel Richard Lindsey, Jr., County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott, Assistant County Administrator Bradley Wilcox, Senior Services Manager Carl Gibson, Sheriff Allen Byam, Treasurer Ann Rosenbaum, Foreclosure Specialist Nina Marcos and Deputy Clerk/Board Executive Secretary Mary Lou Barrett.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

Mr. Gary Lincoln addressed separation of religion and government and led a Moment of Silence. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Comr. Gerow.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

“Motion by Comr. Camp, supported by Comr. Lee, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the September 17, 2009 agenda as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

“Motion by Comr. Gerow, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the September 3, 2009 minutes as presented.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:

Boy Scout Collin Mengle, Marshall resident, presented pictures and explained his Eagle Scout signage project at the Ott Preserve.

ELECTED/APPOINTED COUNTY OFFICIALS’ COMMENTS:

Treasurer Ann Rosenbaum addressed the history and provided an overview of the property tax foreclosure process and the financial hardship extension process. Foreclosure Specialist Nina Marcos advised of Land Bank initiatives; e.g., demolishment of blighted properties, the side lot program, collaborations to redevelop abandoned and vacant properties, and a marketing housing portfolio for developers and potential home buyers.

Treasurer Rosenbaum stated that Legal Services acquired a grant for an individual to lead a coalition regarding foreclosures, and advised that the Office shall be very involved with the coalition.

Comr. Haadsma questioned the reason why calls to 211 requesting resources to assist with property tax foreclosures have increased. Treasurer Rosenbaum responded that more people have lost their jobs, and health care and utility costs have increased.

Comr. Todd inquired regarding the cost to demolish homes. Treasurer Rosenbaum responded that the cost is between $7,500 to $10,000, assuming that there is lead and/or asbestos abatement.

Chairman Rae stated that he believes that it is important that people recognize that the Treasurer’s Office is doing a good job in collaborating with other entities to leverage what can be done to attack the problem.

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:

Special Tribute to Edward Scully

Res. 148-2009

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

WHEREAS, Fr Edward Scully has been a long standing supporter and advocate of the Calhoun County Senior Millage within Albion and throughout the county; and

WHEREAS, Fr Scully has been a continuous member of the Senior Millage Allocation Committee for many years, beginning in 2001; and

WHEREAS, Fr Scully recently retired as pastor of St. James Episcopal Church which hosted a senior congregate meal site, who had been a leader in the Albion Interfaith Ministries supporting people of all ages and life situations, who dared and cared to challenge the status quo while advocating for better coordination among community service agencies, all the while being instrumental in maintaining focus on services directly benefitting seniors; and

WHEREAS, the Senior Millage Allocation Committee and the Senior Citizens of Calhoun County are honored by the enduring and dedicated service that Fr Scully 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 Fr EDWARD SCULLY 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

Comr. Camp stated that it was a pleasure working with Mr. Scully and that he is sorely missed. Senior Services Manager Carl Gibson accepted the tribute on behalf of Mr. Scully.

“Sonny Holley Day” Proclamation

Chairman Rae read and presented the following proclamation to Mr. Holley and his family.

Res. 149-2009

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

WHEREAS, this year is the 50th Anniversary of Motown Records, we wish to honor a well-recognized musician, singer, songwriter and entertainer for Motown Records and other labels, who was born and raised in Battle Creek, SONNY HOLLEY, also known as Otis Holley, Jr.

Sonny Holley was a Motown Recording Artist with Jr. Walker and the All Stars for over thirty years and his talent is woven into the cultural fabric of Battle Creek and throughout the world. Sonny’s incomparable jazz, rhythm and blues career included touring with Michael Jackson and The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Gladys Knight and The Pips, James Brown, The Spinners, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and many more artists. Sonny also performed on may television shows; i.e., American Bandstand, Soul Train, Jerry Lewis Telethon and the Steve Allen Show, just to name a few; and

WHEREAS, Sonny’s musical talent has been enjoyed by countless millions of fans world-wide for over 60 years; and

WHEREAS, Sonny Holley may also be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame under the newly created category of “Sideman.”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners wish to honor Motown’s SONNY HOLLEY for his life long musical contributions to our community and the world by proclaiming Sunday, September 20, 2009

“SONNY HOLLEY DAY”

in Calhoun County and encourage every one to attend Motown Record’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at Gary Field’s Comedy Club Theater in downtown Battle Creek on Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and congratulate Sonny for his many years of artistic accomplishments.”

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

Calhoun County Farmers Care Initiative Presentation

Calhoun County Farm Bureau Members and local farmers Mark Crandall, Kim Kerr, Bruce Barton and Kenneth Blight advised regarding their farming operations and care of their livestock and addressed pending farm animal care legislation which shall impact policy and budgets in the future and poses a threat to the livelihood of farmers and their families.

Chairman Rae stated that the Board recognizes how important agriculture is to the county and the state and how critical agriculture is to everyone’s health and well-being. Comr. Todd inquired whether there is any collaboration with the schools to allow for farm field trips. Mr. Crandall responded yes, advising that school field trips to local farms used to be an annual event, however, that now those visits are rare. Mr. Crandall advised that the farmers have hosted some visits to Marshall Elementary Schools.

Comr. Haadsma thanked the farmers for the presentation, and Mr. Blight for chairing the Calhoun County Agricultural Preservation Board. Chairman Rae urged the farmers to explore the county’s geographic information system.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Res. 150-2009

“Motion by Comr. Camp, supported by Comr. Todd, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners approve the following September 17, 2009 Consent Agenda as presented:

Petitions, Communications, Reports:

(1) Resolution received from Alger 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)

(2) Resolution received from Lapeer County stating its intent to explore legal means of withholding payments due to the State of Michigan where the State has withheld payments to Lapeer County that are mandated. (Received and placed on file)

(3) Resolutions received from Lake County {1} supporting House Bill No. 5019 {Limiting the Benefit Package received by State Legislators}, and {2} supporting House Bill Nos. 4785 and 4786 {Expansion of Unemployment Benefits and Acceptance of Federal Stimulus Funds}. (Received and placed on file)

(4) Notice of public hearings scheduled for September 15, 2009 regarding granting an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate Application for Plymouth Packaging, Inc. , and establishment of an obsolete property rehabilitation district received from Battle Creek City. (Received and placed on file, with copies remitted to Equalization Deputy Director John Hippensteel)

Resolutions:

(1) Senior Millage Allocation Committee Appointment

(Term Expires April 30, 2012)

{a} Rod Auton

(2) Family Day Proclamation

” Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS:

Senior Millage Allocation Committee

Committee Member Gerow reported that the Committee is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Committee. Citizens interested in serving should contact Rodna Stealy at 781-0846.

Board of Health

Board of Health Member Gerow reported that the Health Department is offering flu vaccinations beginning September 11. The cost is $25, with no charge for Medicare and Medicaid Part B carriers.

PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott reported that the Budget Committee met this week, and approved the Health Department’s budget. The budget shall be coming before the Board at the October 1 Board Meeting. Ms. Scott addressed information she remitted regarding the amended compact between the Tribe and the state, advising that Administration shall be discussing it further with Board members and that the Board shall have to approve a new interlocal agreement.

Ms. Scott further reported that she attended a Michigan Townships Association meeting in Albion and encouraged Board members to attend the next meeting in December. Ms. Scott addressed the state budget, which may impact the county’s budget; e.g., senior services and school-based health clinics. Ms. Scott advised that the House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to vote on the proposed budget next Wednesday.

Ms. Scott advised that she attended Senator Schauer’s meeting regarding economic development strategy. Ms. Scott stated that in reviewing the Board’s proceedings she noted that the Board adopted a regional economic development strategy in 2004. Ms. Scott advised that there are 12 economic development districts in the state and that Calhoun County is 1 of 2 that does not have an adopted economic development strategy in place. Ms. Scott advised that a follow-up meeting shall be scheduled for October.

Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority Risk Avoidance Program Grant

Asst. County Administrator Bradley Wilcox advised that the grant award is a result of a recommendation by the Security Committee to address safety concerns within the Toeller Building. Mr. Wilcox stated that a risk consultant from the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority was requested to conduct a risk assessment, and coming from that study was a recommendation to place surveillance cameras in various places throughout the building. Mr. Wilcox advised that the estimated total cost to the county shall be an additional $11,700.

Comr. Camp inquired whether cameras was the only item to come out of the report that needs to be addressed. Mr. Wilcox responded that there were other recommendations which the Committee is evaluating and shall bring before the Board at a later time. The Committee is presently in the process of costing out those items and searching for other grant opportunities.

Comr. Camp stated that it would be helpful to know all the recommendations. Mr. Wilcox stated that the full recommendation of the Security Committee can be provided.

Res. 151-2009

“Motion by Comr. Haadsma, supported by Comr. Lee, adopt the following: Resolved by the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners accept the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority’s Risk Avoidance Program Grant award in the amount of $5,000 towards purchase and installation of security surveillance cameras at the Toeller Building.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 6 (Comrs. Gerow, Haadsma, Lee, Rae, Todd and Camp)

Excused - 1 (Comr. Rocho)

Motion CARRIED

August 2009 Financial Statements

The statements were received as an informational item.

COMMISSIONERS’ TIME:

Comr. Haadsma advised that this week is U.S. Constitution Week.

Comr. Haadsma expressed appreciation to Mr. Lincoln for addressing the Board during Invocation, and advised that the Board is in no way attempting to push any form of religion on anyone. Comr. Haadsma stated that his faith is at his central core and advised that he shall continue to enlist faith-based individuals to lead invocation.

Comr. Lee announced that the Albion Festival of the Forks is this weekend.

Comr. Gerow announced that the Superfest is next weekend at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School.

CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTING:

Res. 152-2009

“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 $1,432,245.00 for the two {2}weeks ending September 9, 2009.”

Roll call vote: Yes - 6 (Comrs. Haadsma, Lee, Rae, Todd, Camp and Gerow)

Excused - 1 (Comr. Rocho)

Motion CARRIED

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Comr. Camp invited everyone to attend the 4-H Fund Raiser sponsored by the Fredonia Grange next Sunday at the B.E. Henry Building.

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m. at the call of the Chair.

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

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