ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS               Thursday, March 9, 2006

            Jack White, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Present:  Robert McLeod, Eugene Dawson, Larry Bargy, Jack White, David Howelman,

               Michael Crawford, Laura Stanek, Bernard Blackmore .

Absent:   Joseph Allen.

            Pledge of Allegiance

            The Chairman requested Public Comment.  Kent McNeil asked questions on the proposed Soil Erosion Control Ordinance and commented on the violation of FOIA requests and the resulting liability.  Don Schuiteman, Antrim County representative to the Northern Michigan Substance Abuse Agency, reported on activities of that agency.  Ed Martel commented on the Health Code and alternative methods of enforcement.

            Public Comment closed at 9:17 a.m.

            Charles Koop reported on the court case involving the County Treasurer and mineral rights on tax reverted properties which is currently at the Supreme Court.

            Mark Randolph requested application to the Michigan Trust Fund for a grant to acquire the “Hunt Club” property.  The Hunt Club members will donate ½ of the appraised value for a local match.  The grant request will be for 1.2 million dollars.  He also requested that he be named the primary contact for the grant.

RESOLUTION #09-06 by Michael Crawford, seconded by Robert McLeod

            A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE APPLICATION FOR FUNDING

            THROUGH THE MICHIGAN NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND

            (MNRTF) TO ACQUIRE PARK LANDS FOR INCLUSION IN THE GRASS

            RIVER NATURAL AREA

WHEREAS, the Antrim County Board of Commissioners adopted the Antrim County Comprehensive Recreation Plan on February 10, 2005, and

            WHEREAS, acquisitions named in the Comprehensive Recreation Plan and in the Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Application are necessary for protection of the environment and to provide for the recreation needs of the public, and

            WHEREAS, due to budgetary constraints, the County of Antrim does not currently have the ability to finance these acquisitions without additional funding

            BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners authorizes a grant application for funding through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund program for the above mentioned acquisitions at the Grass River Natural Area, in Forest Home and Custer Townships, and

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners agrees to accept the grant if awarded, and will provide a local match of twenty-five (25%) to fifty (50%) percent as required.

Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;

No  - None;

Absent – Allen.

RESOLUTION #09-06 DECLARED ADOPTED.

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Howelman that Mark Randolph be named the primary contact for the grant referred to in Resolution #09-06 of March 9, 2006.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Dawson that Pete Garwood be authorized to sign the Remonumentation grant (Grant No. BCCFS 06-05) for $57,463.00.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Dawson the Chairman with the Building and Grounds Committee be authorized to approve full payment of $9,792.09 to J&W Construction for work on the Clock tower after final inspection is done and the expenditure budget of Fund #470 be increased to cover this expense..  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford that Peter Garwood look at Charlevoix County’s handling of Remonumentation.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            Additional Public Comment:      Dean Willson of D&M Services spoke on the problems with contractors installing inadequate heating systems.

            The matter of the Construction Code Enforcement Department requiring load calculations to determine the size of equipment duct work on heating systems to referred to the Public Works Committee.

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson the minutes of February 9, 2006 be approved.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            George Perkins, Veterans Counselor, gave that department's 2005 Annual Report and introduced George Ouvry and Roger Simon, members of his committee.

RESOLUTION #10-06 by Laura Stanek, seconded by Bernard Blackmore

            WHEREAS, George Perkins has been employed as the Antrim County Veterans’ Counselor since March 2, 1987; and,

            WHEREAS, during that time, George Perkins has provided excellent support and has been a positive force in assisting Antrim County Veterans to obtain needed services and hard-earned benefits; and

            WHEREAS, George Perkins and his wife, Betty, also served as Managers of the Meadowview Apartments from 1996 to 2005; and

            WHEREAS, all of us here at Antrim Country have come to appreciate George’s optimistic attitude and cheerful greeting daily; and

            NOW, THERE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the citizens and employees of Antrim County, expresses its sincere appreciation to

GEORGE PERKINS

For 19 years of outstanding, dedicated service to the Citizens and Veterans of Antrim County.

Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;

No  - None;

Absent – Allen.

RESOLUTION #10-06 DECLARED ADOPTED.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek the Veterans Counselor 2005 Annual Report be accepted.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            Sherry Comben, County Treasurer, gave the County Treasurer’s 2005 Annual Report.

            It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Dawson the County Treasurer’s 2005 Annual Report be accepted.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            Peter Garwood, Coordinator/Planner, presented the Coordinator/Planner’s 2005 Annual Report.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Dawson the Coordinator/Planner’s 2005 Annual Report be accepted.

            Carl Goeman, Emergency Service’s Director, gave that department’s 2005 Annual Report.

            It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Stanek the Emergency Service’s 2005 Annual Report be accepted.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            Marna  Robertson and Blair Coutant from Meadowbrook showed a promotional video for Meadowbrook Medical Care Facility.

            Carol Mitchell, Director, gave the Commission on Aging 2005 Annual Report.

            It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Crawford the Commission on Aging 2005 Annual Report be accepted.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the claims and accounts totaling $69,527.08 be approved and paid.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy that the following proposal be placed on the August 8, 2006 Primary Election ballot:

            Shall the tax limitation on general ad valorem taxes within Antrim County,

            Imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution, be increased

            For said County by up to 1.00 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value upon real

            And tangible personal property) for a period of four (4) years, from 2007

            Through 2010, both inclusive, for the purpose of providing fund to continue the

            Operation of Antrim County Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility; and, shall

            The County levy such increase in millage for said purpose, thereby, raising in the

            First year an estimated $1,676,136.00?

Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – McLeod;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the Coordinator/Planner purchase work stations for $9,840.65 as budgeted.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Crawford that $2,000 be transferred from Contingencies to Parks and Recreation Commission in the 2006 General Fund budget for the Petoskey Stone Festival (May 27).  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

RESOLUTION #11-06 by Robert McLeod, seconded by Michael Crawford

            WHEREAS, Antrim County Public Safety Officials are hereby requesting the Antrim County Board of Commissioners to encourage members of the Michigan Legislature to support 9-1-1 in Michigan to act in a timely and collaborative manner to actively pursue 9-1-1 funding mechanisms that are reliable and equitable across technology lines; and

            WHEREAS, 9-1-1 is recognized by citizens nationwide as the number to call for emergency assistance, from police, fire, and emergency medical services; and

            WHEREAS, the Michigan 9-1-1 Service is enabled and governed by P.A. 32 of 1986 and its subsequent amendments (the Emergency Telephone Service Enabling Act); and

            WHEREAS, the Emergency Telephone Service Enabling Act provides funding in the form of surcharges from both landline and wireless, that supports the network backbone and provides a capital and operational funding mechanism for Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs); and

            WHEREAS, Antrim County 9-1-1 Central Dispatch provides 9-1-1 Services that are critical to the protection of life, safety, and property in Antrim Count; and

            WHEREAS, all citizens are served quickly and effectively regardless of whether their 9-1-1 calls are made from a landline or a wireless line; and

            WHEREAS, during Fiscal Year 2005, there was a considerable increase in the number of 9-1-1 calls place in Antrim County from wireless phones; and

            WHEREAS, since the number of landlines is decreasing , the wireless 9-1-1 surcharge funding received through P.A,. 78 of 1999 is a means of achieving some parity for 9-1-1 operational funding; and

            WHEREAS, newer methods of accessing telecommunications through other devices and methods are rapidly affecting the 9-1-1 System; and

            WHEREAS, the 9-1-1 System as it exists faces restrictions in fund collection because the current legislation does not address modern technology that has not previously existed; and

            WHEREAS, the widespread replacement of traditional landline telephones with wireless phones, VoiceOver Internet Protocol (VOIP), and other emerging technology has caused a flattened or reduced source funding for many 9-1-1 PSAPs and network providers; and

            WHEREAS,  this inconsistency is not the product of one single cause, but rather a combination of emerging technology, broader access to 9-1-1, and a funding system that is based on traditional landline technology surcharges; and

            WHEREAS, this combination results in Michigan’s 9-1-1 System costs being paid by certain users, while others bear little or no weight of the burden; and

            WHEREAS, some combined landline technical and 9-1-1 Operational Surcharges in Michigan are in excess of $3.00 a month, while there are pre-paid wireless calling devices and VOIP systems that are not subject to any 9-1-1 surcharges; and

            WHEREAS, to meet these challenges Michigan’s 9-1-1 Systems needs support that can only be facilitated through legislative changes that keeps pace with developing technology; and

            THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Antrim County Board of Commissioners recommends the Michigan Legislature must act in a timely and collaborative manner to actively pursue 9-1-1 funding mechanisms that are reliable and equitable across technology lines.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Clerk be requested to send a copy of this resolution to Governor Jennifer Granholm, Senator Jason Allen, and State Representative Kevin Elsenheimer, all Michigan Counties and the State 911 Administration.

Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;

No  - None;

Absent – Allen.

RESOLUTION #11-06 DECLARED ADOPTED.

            The Chairman appointed Raelene Reilly to the Solid Waste Planning Committee and Robert Straw to the Commission on Aging Board.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford the appointment of Raelene Reilly to the Solid Waste and Recycling Council, term to expire December 31, 2006 and Robert Straw to the Commission on Aging Board, term to expire January 01, 2007 be approved.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford that the terms of Mental Health Board members previously appointed expire as follows:

                        Louis Scholl                              March 31, 2008

                        Betsy Brown                            March 31, 2008.

Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford the funding for a vacant Road Officer position in the Sheriff Department be restored and the hiring process begin.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford the funding for a vacant part-time irregular position for Animal Control be restored and the hiring process begin.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None; Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford that the Sheriff hire a temporary full-time Animal Control Officer, while the regular Animal Control Officer is on leave.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford  that Cherie Watrous be hired at the six month rate for the recently created part-time regular Clerk/Typist position in the Construction Code Enforcement Department.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, Allen,  Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek the following pay rates be adopted (see page    ) for seven part time positions in the Commission on Aging.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

RESOLUTION #12-06 by Robert McLeod, seconded by Michael Crawford

            WHEREAS, the educational interpretive centers in the Antrim Creek Natural Area (ACNA) are vital to the natural area, and

            WHEREAS, the public will benefit from various information on the threatened species and cultural and historical information about the natural area, and

            WHEREAS, funding is available from the US Department of Commerce through the Coastal Management Program, and

            WHEREAS, total project cost is estimated at $30,000, 50% of which would be funded through the Coastal Management Program and 50% would be a local match;

            WHEREAS, the Coastal Management Program has played an extremely important role as a partner with Antrim County in the formulation of the ACNA Master Plan, and the completion of Phase I and Phase II of the construction efforts that have made the ACNA accessible to thousands of visitors, and

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners approves the submission of the grant application to the Michigan Coastal Management Program in the amount of $30,000 for the educational interpretive centers in Antrim Creek Natural Area, and commits that the local match shall be provided if the project is funded.

Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;

No  - None;

Absent – Allen.

RESOLUTION #12-06 DECLARED ADOPTED.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford, the funds for a vacant non-union Administrative Assistant position in the Prosecuting Attorney office be released and the hiring process begin and, in the event the position is filled by a current employee, the funds for the resulting vacancy be released and the hiring process begin for that position.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;   Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Dawson the Board retire to closed session to discuss settlement of litigation against the county and the Sheriff and Coordinator/Planner be requested to remain in the meeting.  Motion carried all members voting yes.

            The Board went into Closed Session at 11:45 a.m.

            The Board returned to Open Session at 12:15 p.m.

            The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.

                                                            P.M.

            The meeting reconvened at 1:20 p.m.

            There was discussion about providing office space for the Medical Examiner.  The matter was referred to the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson the privacy panels in storage be given to Habitat for Humanity.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson the Chairman sign a contract with Lakeshore Energy to provide natural gas at $1.095/cubic foot through March, of 2008.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – White;  Absent – Allen.

             It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson that time and material quotes be obtained for repair on the Meadowview Apartments exterior; quotes not to exceed $30,000 and the Coordinator/ Planner, the Chairman, and the Buildings and Grounds Chairman be authorized to examine the quotes.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by McLeod the Chairman be authorized to sign an agreement with Mancelona Township for upkeep and maintenance of the Wetzel Lake property.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford a letter be written to Grass River Natural Inc indicating the County’s intent to lease the building and property to Grass River Inc. for not less than 20 years with the option of renewal at $1.00 per year contingent upon the county’s approval of the building and site.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Blackmore a fire alarm system be installed by Northern Fire and Safety at Meadowview Apartments that would automatically alarm Meadowbrook and 911 Dispatch, the cost to be $7,110.00 and the expenditure budget of Meadowview be increased by this amount.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Blackmore the formal process be authorized to annex the property on which Meadow Brook Medical care Facility and Meadowview Apartments is located into the Village of Bellaire.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – Allen.

            It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Dawson a letter be written to the Department of Natural Resources requesting reclassification of 340 acres in Section and 14 of Forest Home Township as leasable developmental.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White Howelman, Crawford, Blackmore;  No – Stanek;  Absent – Allen.

RESOLUTION #13-06 by Eugene Dawson, seconded by Robert McLeod

            WHEREAS, pursuant to Act No. 51 of the Public acts of 1951, as amended (Act 51), it is necessary for the Antrim County Board of Commissioners, (hereby known as THE APPLICANT) established under Act 94-1933, to provide a local transportation program for the state fiscal year of 2007 and, therefore, apply for state financial assistance under provisions of Act 51; and

            WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Applicant to name an official representative for all public transportation matters who is authorized to provide such information as deemed necessary by the State Transportation Commission or department for its administration of Act 51; and

            WHEREAS, it is necessary to certify that no changes in eligibility documentation have occurred during the past state fiscal year; and

            WHEREAS, the performance indicators for this agency have been reviewed and approved by THE APPLICANT; and

            WHEREAS, the Applicant has reviewed and approved the proposed balance (surplus) budget, and funding sources of estimated federal funds $104,000, estimated state funds $272,000, estimated local funds $106,700, estimated farebox $185,200, estimated other funds $25,300, with total estimated expenses of $693,200.

            NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Applicant hereby makes its intentions known to provide public transportation services and to apply for state financial assistance with this annual plan, in accordance with act 51; and

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Antrim County Board of Commissioners hereby appoints Sheridan Rhoads as the Transportation Coordinator for all public transportation matters, who is authorized to provide such information as deemed necessary by the State Transportation Commission or department for its administration of Act 51 for 2007. 

Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;

No  - None;

Absent – Allen.

RESOLUTION #13-06 DECLARED ADOPTED.

            It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Dawson the Board retire to closed session to consider pending litigation and the Sheriff and Coordinator/Planner be requested to stay in the meeting.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            The meeting closed at 3:00 p.m.

            The meeting re-opened at 3:10 p.m.

            It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Stanek that the mediation offer concerning the pending litigation be rejected.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No  - None;  Absent – Allen.

            The meeting adjourned at 3:12 p.m. to the Call of the Chair.