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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS October 1, 2009 The Annual Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:02 p.m., Thursday, October 1, 2009 in the Commissioners Chambers, Calhoun 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, Rocho and Todd. Staff Present: Corporation Counsel Richard Lindsey, Jr., County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott, Sheriff Allen Byam, Water Resources Commissioner Larry Cortright, Chief Prosecuting Attorney Eusebio Solis, Health Officer James Rutherford, Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher, Human Resources Manager Kim Archambault and Deputy Clerk/Board Executive Secretary Mary Lou Barrett. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: A Moment of Silent Prayer was observed; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Gerow. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Gary Sellar, Emmett Township resident, addressed the proposed Health Department fees regulating body art, and inquired who is qualified to assess the businesses and why the county decided to pursue the business owner rather than the individual. Chairman Rae advised Mr. Sellar that his questions can be answered after the meeting. Calhoun County Conservation District Director James Coury announced that the District has been awarded a portion of $27 Million of grant funding allocated to the Kalamazoo, Black and St. Joseph River watersheds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve water quality, irrigation, water utilization and energy conservation. Mr. Carl Alcon, Emmett Township resident, voiced concern regarding the condition of D Drive North. Chairman Rae offered to discuss Mr. Alcon’s concern after the meeting. Mr. Bob Coward, Battle Creek resident, stated that it is his understanding that there is an attempt to ban the use of fertilizers containing phosphorus, to which he is opposed. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Special Tribute to Eusebio Solis Chairman Rae read, and accompanied by the entire Board, presented the following tribute to Attorney Solis.
Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Solis advised that the four years he spent on the Board was very challenging and rewarding. Atty. Solis commended Board members for their service and stated that he knows that the county is in good hands. Board of Canvassers Election
2009 Drain and Lake Level Assessments
Comr. Camp inquired why the assessments for Leroy Drain 5 are not included in the assessment summary. Water Resources Commissioner Larry Cortright responded that those assessments will not be assessed until next year.
Water Resource Commissioner’s 2009 Annual Report
CONSENT AGENDA:
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS: Calhoun County Information Technology Executive Committee Committee Member Camp stated that one of the Board’s strategic goals is to improve the county website and involve the public. Public comments for web site improvements are being accepted by the Administrator’s office. Comr. Camp advised that one position in Information Technology has been filled and that the new site shall be developed by 2010. Comp Camp further advised that the Committee is reviewing the possibility of having the Board meeting videos posted on the site the day after the meeting, bookmarking it whereby viewers will not have to watch the entire meeting, and placement of the videos in the archives. Budget Committee and Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Center Authority Chairman Rae advised that the minutes have been provided. Comr. Camp noted that the proposed Health Department budget provides for a three percent increase, and inquired whether that percentage of increase is anticipated for the other departments. Budget Committee Chairman Todd responded “It’s possible.” Comr. Todd advised that the Committee is looking at the mandated versus non-mandated services. Comr. Todd stated that the increase for the Health Department has been a long time coming and that he believes the three percent increase is pretty reasonable since the need is great for health related services. Comr. Camp stated that she would prefer to receive the budgets all at one time rather than piece meal. Comr. Rocho pointed out that the Health Department has a different fiscal year which is why it is being presented separately. Comr. Camp addressed the Dispatch Center, voicing concern that with the Center located within the County Building and now with the county handling the administrative functions for the Authority, that it gives the appearance of a county function. Comr. Camp requested Chairman Rae convey her concern to the Authority. Chairman Rae pointed out that the Authority is independent of the county. Chairman Rae stated that he believes the Consolidated Dispatch Center is the next step in providing needed services to the county and that the county is committed to making the Center work. PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott reported that the state is on a continuation budget for the next month and that the impact upon the county budget will take awhile to determine. Revenue sharing is addressed within Senate Bill 245, and includes between a ten to fourteen percent cut, which is approximately $300,000 to $400,000 for Calhoun County. Ms. Scott advised that the Michigan Association of Counties shall continue to monitor the Bill which has been passed on to the Governor. Ms. Scott stated that there may be the possibility of a veto and that she will keep the Board apprised. Ms. Scott advised that she will send out her report for September tomorrow. FY 2009-2010 Secondary Road Patrol & Traffic Accident Prevention Program Grant Application
Sheriff Allen Byam advised that the amount of funding is based on a formula determined by Public Act 416. There is no county match required. Comr. Rocho inquired whether the remaining funding for the third deputy shall be within the Department’s budget projection. Sheriff Byam responded that he believes funding for the position is 80/20, and advised that the funding shall be requested in the Department’s budget. Comr. Gerow inquired whether the difference is currently coming from the General Fund. Sheriff Byam responded no, that in the budget process the Department will negotiate for the remaining funds.
Recovery Act Justice Assistance Grant Program Award Agreement Ms. Scott advised that the City of Battle Creek is the fiscal manager of the grant. Sheriff Byam advised that the funding shall be utilized for technical improvements.
FY 2009-2010 Health Department Budget Ms. Scott advised that the Budget Committee reviewed and supports the budget recommended. Ms. Scott stated that the county’s match is a three percent increase from last year for inflation. Ms. Scott pointed out that the county’s revenue forecast does not support an across-the-board increase of three percent for next year and each department shall be reviewed separately to determine what amount is appropriate. Health Officer James Rutherford stated that the Board of Health believes that the budget presented is acceptable. Mr. Rutherford addressed highlights of the budget; e.g., elimination of a 0.8 FTE within Environmental Health, fee increases of approximately two percent, work with the Battle Creek Community Foundation and United Way to improve a teen outreach program, a Nurse Family Partnership Program, the hiring of a epidemiologist, software investment and hiring of a health education position mid year to provide for Nutrition and Health Disparity programming. Mr. Rutherford advised that for the Nurse Family Partnership Program the Department shall be looking to the Kellogg Foundation, the Battle Creek Community Foundation and United Way for funding. Mr. Rutherford continued that the Department shall utilize $148,931 of its fund balance to develop a Health Disparities Program, leaving a reserve of 4.01 percent of expenditures at year end. Mr. Rutherford addressed the 3.09 percent increase, pointing out that the increase amounts to $25,000. Mr. Rutherford further addressed the proposed epidemiologist that will allow the Department to be more competitive in pursuing grant funding, and the Board of Health’s strategic plan to reduce the teen pregnancy population and work on healthy lifestyles. Chairman Rae advised that the Health Department explored the possibility of sharing an epidemiologist, however, the other counties wanted their own. Comr. Haadsma stated that he believes the position is going to provide many returns through better grants. Comr. Rocho addressed the fee increases, and inquired whether people would be denied the services if they are unable to pay. Mr. Rutherford responded no, that if someone cannot afford to pay, the Department will still provide the service. Mr. Rutherford pointed out that there is a sliding scale on the fees based upon income; further, advised that the Department attempts to keep the fees in line with the cost of living.
Comr. Camp stated that inspection of tattoo parlors appears to be another unfunded mandate of the state. Mr. Rutherford responded that in January 2009 Public Act 149 was created that calls for body art parlors to be inspected on an annual basis, and the local health departments are responsible for those inspections. Mr. Rutherford stated that most of the body artists are in favor of this law. Comr. Camp expressed concern regarding approving salary increases for one department when the county is facing funding reductions across-the-board to balance the General Fund budget at the end of the year.
Consolidated Dispatch Center Administrative Services Agreement Ms. Scott stated that the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Center Authority wishes to contract with the county to provide payroll, accounts payable, bookkeeping, accounting, budgeting, etc. services. Ms. Scott advised that Corporation Counsel developed the Agreement.
Comr. Rocho applauded the collaboration. Comr. Rocho inquired whether the services for the Authority can be provided without additional staff. Ms. Scott responded yes, advising that after a year the costs will be reviewed. Ms. Scott advised that information technology costs shall be billed separately. Chairman Rae stated that the collaboration is a win-win for both entities, pointing out that the space which the Center will occupy had been vacant for a long time and is now being remodeled with the cost borne by the Authority.
Jail Population Study Agreement Ms. Scott pointed out that the last study was conducted in 2001 and an updated study is needed to assess current and future demand from federal agencies and other governmental units, and to address location of the Sheriff’s principal office and the adequacy of the Juvenile Home. Ms. Scott advised that the $36,450 cost for the study will come from the current Sheriff Department budget.
Renaissance Zone Status Extension Ms. Scott advised that the request for extension of the renaissance zone status came through Battle Creek Unlimited (B.C.U.) so that the Kellogg Company can utilize economic development incentives. B.C.U. Marketing Director Doug Voshell advised that the renaissance zone is part of the downtown renovation.
Comr. Rocho disclosed that she is a Board Member and Executive Director of BCU that is partnering on the project. Comr. Rocho stated that the transformation of Battle Creek shall have an impact on all of Calhoun County; i.e., employment, tourism, etc. Comr. Camp advised that the people in Athens wish that Calhoun County and all the units of government could give all businesses a tax break. Chairman Rae pointed out that the transformation shall result in 300 new jobs with the new additions to the research facilities; further, addressed the relocation of 600 people from the Porter Street plant. Chairman Rae stated that by approving this extension the county is passing a message to the Kellogg Company that the Board of Commissioners is committed to working with the Company.
CITIZENS’ TIME: Health Board Member Jeff Mitchell thanked the Board for approving the Health Department’s 2010 budget. Mr. Mitchell stated that the Health Board is focusing on long term goals, will be responsible with the funds, and will work hard to improve the health statistics. Health Board Chairman Rick Tsoumas also thanked the Board for approving the budget. Mr. Tsoumas advised that the Health Department went for a number of years with no increase to the budget, and stated that an epidemiologist is going to be extremely important to the Department. Mr. Gerry Keller, Battle Creek resident, inquired “When, why and where, does an elected board conduct a public meeting and does not answer the questions of the people?” COMMISSIONERS’ TIME: Comr. Todd expressed his appreciation to the Health Board, the Health Officer and the Health Department for starting to more aggressively address health disparities. Comr. Camp thanked Administration for launching the effort to place the Board meeting videos on the website, and for the town hall meetings. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Comr. Camp announced that the Potawatomi Resource Conservation and Development Council is having a river clean-up in Bailey Park on Saturday commencing at 8:00 a.m. Comr. Rocho announced that the Wilder Creek Conservation Club is having their haunted house on October 9 and 10, October 16 and 17, October 23 and 24, and October 30 and 31. The cost is $5.00. Comr. Rocho invited everyone to go out and view the improvements at Wilder Creek. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTING:
CLOSED SESSION:
The Board met in Closed Session commencing at 8:40 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with Corporation Counsel Richard Lindsey, Jr., County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott, Finance Director Mark Stuhldreher, Human Resource Manager Kim Archambault, Sheriff Allen Byam and Deputy Clerk/Board Executive Secretary Mary Lou Barrett present. OPEN SESSION -- Lawsuit Settlement:
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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