ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS                  Thursday, July 12, 2006

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

Present:  Robert McLeod, Eugene Dawson, Jack White, David Howelman, Michael

              Crawford, Laura Stanek, Bernard Blackmore, Joseph Allen.

Absent:  Larry Bargy.

            Pledge of Allegiance

            The Chairman requested Public Comment.  Dewey Benson, Medical Examiner, thanked the Board and Coordinator/Planner’s office for all the help in reorganizing the Medical Examiner’s office.  He will be giving quarterly reports and an Annual Report.  Ed Martel commented about the Sheriff Department and fugitives running loose in Echo Township.  He also commented on the MDEQ overcharging applicants for soil erosion control permits.  Public Comment closed at 9:10 a.m.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Allen the minutes of June 8, 2006 be approved as corrected.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            Charles Koop updated the Board on the lawsuit between the Antrim County treasurer and the State concerning tax foreclosures.  The County of Appeals has upheld the Circuit Court’s decision but says it applies to Antrim County only. 

            Mr. Koop also advised that the county should formulate a policy concerning what would be done with county properties obtained through the tax foreclosure procedures.  The Habitat for Humanity is interested in obtaining county property obtained through tax foreclosure.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Allen the matter of formulating a policy concerning what should be done with county properties obtained through tax foreclosure be referred to the Finance Committee.  All voted yes.

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Allen the Chairman be authorized to sign a letter to Grass River Inc. indicating the county intends to have a lease with Grass River Inc. for the Grass River Center.  All voted yes.

RESOLUTION #17-06 by David Howelman, seconded by Joseph Allen

            WHEREAS, the “Wickes” TCE Plume extends from the Dura Automotive plant in Mancelona to Shanty Creek Resort, approximately six miles away, and is progressing in a northwest direction.  At the leading edge the plume is approximately 1.25 miles wide.

            WHEREAS, the TCE plume has had and will continue to have a tremendous potential impact on public health, may pose an environment hazard, and is negatively affecting the welfare of the general public.

            WHEREAS, the plume has had substantial negative impact on the local economy since its discovery in 1985, including decreasing property values to the point certain properties are not marketable.

            WHEREAS, the State of Michigan has recently completed a six million dollar drinking water supply system to provide potable water to properties affected by the plume.

            WHEREAS, in late 2002, M-DEQ took over as the lead agency and initiated an extensive investigation to identify the progression and scope of the groundwater contamination.  Since the investigation was commenced, new residential wells have been found to be contaminated with TCE to levels in excess of six (6) times the safe drinking water standard.

            WHEREAS, the MDEQ’s investigation has resulted in the M-DEQ’s request for funds from the Michigan State Legislators in an amount sufficient to extend the existing municipal water system to newly identified properties affected by the TCE groundwater contamination plume.

            WHEREAS, ACUTE was formed in March of 2003 as a coalition of local unites of government, local regulatory agencies, citizen activists, homeowner associations, local businesses and environmental advocacy groups with the mission to facilitate a non-adversarial community consensus process aimed at solutions to the Plume, including extension of the existing public water system and remediation of the contamination.

            WHEREAS, in furtherance of its mission, ACUTE has been in close communications with the M-DEQ, their contractors, local public officials, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) during their investigation of this plume.

            WHEREAS, ACUTE and its members are concerned with protection of public health, environmental hazards, and protection of the local economy.

            WHEREAS, ACUTE and its members strongly support the extension of the current municipal water system to protect the health and safety of the public and to protect the local economy.

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Antrim County Board of Commissioners states as follows:

1. It is necessary for the protection of public health, protection of the environment and protection of the local economy to extend the current water system to areas affected by the TCE Plume.

2. We strongly support and urge the Michigan’s State Legislature to appropriate the necessary funds, as requested by the M-DEQ, to extend the municipal water system to areas affected by the TCE Plume and that these funds be included in the 2007-2008 State of Michigan Appropriations Budget.

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

No  - None;

Absent – Bargy.

RESOLUTION #17-06 DECLARED ADOPTED.

            Dave Erickson from DTE presented a lease for a non-development, no surface operation in Helena Township (Grass River) in which Antrim County has a 25% interest.  The matter was referred to the Prosecuting Attorney and the County Lands Committee. 

            The Board decided Charles Koop, Prosecuting Attorney, could act as counsel to the Antrim Farm and Family Fair Board during the negotiations for a lease with the Village of Bellaire for Craven Park.

            Mike Crawford informed that UBU Construction would be remodeling the “old” health department of the 1978 County Building for use by the Equalization Department and Moon Electric would be doing the electrical.  Moon is requesting an increase in the contract amount due to the rising costs of copper.

            It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Dawson that $260.00 be added to the Moon Electric bid with the stipulation that this be the final adjustment with the exception of unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the work.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the claims and accounts totaling $154,469.52 be approved and paid.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the time of the part time temporary employee in the Register of Deeds office be extended to September 1, 2006.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Howelman the following changes in the Construction Code Enforcement Department be implemented in 2006:

1. Payments on the loan from the Self Insured Reserve Fund not be made in

2006 and 2007.

            2.   Payments of rent for 2006 and 2007 be postponed until 2008 and succeeding

                  years.

2. A 10% increase in fees be implemented effectively immediately.

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

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod that $75,500 be transferred from Contingencies to Appropriations in the 2006 General Fund and consequently transferred to the Construction Code Enforcement Fund to remove the fund deficit of $4,917 as revealed by the 2005 audit and the subsequent deficits in the first six months of 2006 and the budgets of both departments be adjusted accordingly.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod that eight vehicles be leased for the Sheriff Department from Ford for four years at a cost of $51,144.32 per year and the Chairman be authorized to sign the lease agreement.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            The matter of leasing a vehicle for use by Marine and Snowmobile programs was tabled until August.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod that $13,500 be designated in the Capital Outlay Reserve Fund for replacement of computers containing Windows 98.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Dawson that video monitoring cameras be purchased from Sound and Video Systems for the Airport from the following sources:  $5,000 from Airport Capital Outlay, $2,500 from the 2006 Airport operating budget, and $3,932.25 from Contingencies and the corresponding budget adjustments be made.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod a letter be written to the Village of Elk Rapids informing them the County Board would support tax abatements for Elk Lake Tool Company and MTD Tool and Die LLC for up to 15 years.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Allen the Technology Implementation Plan Request for Proposals be circulated.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            Robert Englebrecht, Equalization Director, introduced Blake Terhune, the new GIS Technician. 

            Bonnie Robbins from the Habitat for Humanity explained the Vision 2020 and why the Habitat wants the tax foreclosure properties in Mancelona.  They intend to put affordable housing on them.

            Alexis Kacsynski presented the North Country Community Mental Health update.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Howelman the draft contract between Antrim County and Kalkaska County for administration of the Housing program be approved.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek Resolution #40-05 of October 13, 2006 be rescinded.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford the funds be released and the hiring process started for a driver at Antrim County Transportation.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek the funds be released and the hiring process started for a Deputy Sheriff.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek that Beth Lacy be hired as Assistant cook at the Commission on Aging at the 6-month step of the pay grade and if she does not take the position, it be offered to Jody Garchow at the entry pay level and the third choice be Kate Lord at the entry pay level.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent- Bargy.

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson that J&W Construction (Joe Wirtz) be hired to the emergency work at Meadowview Apartment Building.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson that $5,000 for carpeting be added to the Prosecuting Attorney office remodeling project for 2006 to be paid for from Fund #470, Capital Projects Fund and the budget be adjusted accordingly.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek an additional $90,000 be budgeted in Fund #470, Capital Projects Fund, for additional work (roof patching and re-roofing) on the Meadowview Apartments project.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Blackmore the Meadowview Apartments 2006 budget adjustments be approved:

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

RESOLUTION #18-06 by David Howelman, seconded by Bernard Blackmore

            BE IT RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners has reviewed the Fiscal Year 2007-2009 Multi Year Implementation Plan of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan and believe that the plan addresses the needs of the aging population in Region 10.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners approves the Fiscal Year 2007-2009 Multi Year Implementation Plan of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan.”

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

No  - None;

Absent – Bargy.

RESOLUTION #18-06 DECLARED ADOPTED.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Blackmore the rent at Meadowview Apartments be increased by 5% effective January 1, 2007 and an additional rent increase be reviewed in June of 2007.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Stanek the Chairman be authorized to sign the 2006-2007 Child Care Fund agreement with the State of Michigan.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes- McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Howelman a letter of agreement between Antrim County and the Antrim County Road Commission for the 60kw generator operation be approved contingent on legal counsel review and approval.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

            The matter of selecting bids on removal of the 60kw generator was tabled and referred to the Finance Committee.

            There was discussion on the sale of 40 acres of county property located in Section 29 of Kearney Township, the proceeds from which would be used for purchase of the Sevald property.

            It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Dawson that the county take bids on 40 acres of county property in Section 29 of Kearney Township (off Batchelder Rd) with reservation of the right to refuse any and all bids.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;  No – None;  Absent – Bargy.

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the following 2006 budget adjustments be approved:

                                    (See pages  )

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

            The meeting adjourned at 12 Noon to the Call of the Chair.