Antrim County Board of Commissioners

ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Thursday, December 14, 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, Joseph Allen.

Absent: None

Pledge of Allegiance

The Chairman requested Public Comment. Jerroll Drenth, newly elected Commissioner from District #1 presented a hand-made wooden plaque to outgoing District #1 Commissioner, Robert McLeod, in recognition of his outstanding service to the County. Bill Trahan spoke in support of the new health code. Ed Martel advised about the advantages of the new health code. Patty Niepoth reported that H.B. 1524 would not be coming to the floor of the House. Ed Martel spoke on the state tax code. Public Comment closed at 9:14 a.m.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford the minutes of November 9, 2006 be approved as corrected. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

Prosecuting Attorney Charles Koop informed about the status of the Murray and Habitat for Humanity tax parcels. He also reported that requests for gas & oil leases had been received for the Meadowbrook facility and surrounding lands.

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Dawson the Chairman be authorized to sign purchase agreements and deeds for sale of the Murray and Habitat for Humanity properties. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blakemore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

Coordinator/Planner Peter Garwood informed that the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance would like support for small business incubators they are locating around the area.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Allen the Chairman be authorized to sign a letter of support for the small business incubators which are being established in the area by the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

Mr. Garwood also reported that Cheboygan County had expressed an interest in joining the NLEA and Director Andy Hayes would be addressing the Board in January on that subject.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod, the claims and accounts totaling $86,388.98 be approved and paid. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows;

Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy the 2007 budget for Sheriff Capital Outlay be increased by $2,700 for completion of the evidence room. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the 2007 expenditure budget of Fund #470, Capital Projects Fund, be increased by $70,000 for installation of new carpeting in the 1978 County Building. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy that the 2007 expenditure budget of Fund #470, Capital Projects Fund, be increased by $1,733 for addition expense for remodeling of the Abstract Department area of the 1978 County Building. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the 2006 expenditure budget for costs for disposal of household hazardous waste be increased by $3,459.46. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Allen that Ferguson and Chamberlain be hired to survey the Antrim County property on Leonard Road – Section 28 of Custer Township at a cost of $3,290 with the stipulation that the results of the survey be recorded in the Register of Deeds office. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It as moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy the 2006 expenditure budget of Fund #470, Capital Projects Fund, be increased by $33,000 for completion of the Meadowview Project. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Blackmore, the hours of the Veterans Counselor be increased to 30 hours per week for January and February, 2007. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the Probate Court purchase a digital tape recorder for $6,545.00 and this amount be transferred from legal expense to Probate Court Capital Outlay in the 2006 General Fund budget. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy that $40,000 be transferred in December from the General Fund to the Commission on Aging Fund and returned in February, 2007 and the budgets of both years be adjusted accordingly. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the 2006 expenditure budget of the Abstract Department be increased by $800.00 for purchase of 2 monitors and the 2007 expenditure budget of the Abstract Department be increased by $800.00 for purchase of 2 additional monitors. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Crawford, the Maintenance Director purchase a tractor from Voelker Implement of Lake City for $10,000 as budgeted in the 2007 General fund budget. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

Mark Randolph, Grass River, informed about enrolling county forest lands in the Chicago carbon exchange. The expected revenue from this would be approximately $6.00 per acre. The matter was referred to the Lands Committee.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Howelman the funds be restored to fill the vacant position in the Maintenance Department. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford the agreement with the Unrepresented Employees be approved and the following wages for 2007 be established:

County Clerk $ 50,948.31

Stipend 10,223.00

County Treasurer 49,901.76

Drain Commissioner 8,142.57

Sheriff 58,804.60

Stipend 6,890.00

Prosecuting Attorney 81,205.16

Stipend 11,216.00

Stipend 6,400.00

Abstractor 46,350.85

ACT Director 53,567.25 55,176.00 (6/1/07)

ACT Secretary 15.32/hr

Adm. Asst. - Cord/Plan 18.11/hr

Adm Asst. Pros. Atty. 16.89/hr 17.40/hr (5/22/07)

Airport Manager 46,485.00

Asst. Pros. Atty 50,854.52

Assoc. Planner 37,061.97 38,208.00 (8/1/07)

Building Official 52,468.73 54,043.00 (7/5/07)

Chief Asst. Pros. Atty. 63,279.91

Comm. On Aging Director 43,571.61

Stipend 1,560.00

Coordinator/Planner 63,033.01

Coord/Planner Secretary 14.79/hr

Emergency Services Coord. 23,161.93

Equalization Director 55,937.18

Housing Director 38,066.58

Jail Nurse 51,475.00

Maintenance Director 39,176.89

Parks Manager 15.77/hr

Undersheriff 54,052.62

Veteran’s Counselor 15,209.79

Victim’s Advocate 32,181.47

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

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek the Prosecuting Attorney be given a 3.3% increase in wages (see previous motion) for his salary and legal representation stipend and the cooperative reimbursement stipend remain at $6,400. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Dawson the Laura Evans be hired as a driver at Antrim County Transportation. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford the Chairman be authorized to sign the contract between Antrim County and the Bellaire Computer Center, yearly payment to BCC to be $80,000. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:

Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Allen the Chairman be authorized to sign the contract with Kalkaska County for sharing of administration of the housing programs. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

The chairman made the following appointments:

Road Commission Glen Paradis term expires 12/31/2012

Economic Development Corp/

Brownfield Redevelopment Tom Lane term expires 12/31/2009

Peter Garwood term expires 12/31/2009

Solid Waste & Recycling Council Mike McPherson term expires 12/31/2012

Jim Palmer term expires 12/31/2012

Raelene Reilly term expires 12/31/2012

Veterans Affairs Committee George Ouvry term expires 12/31/2010

Raymond Rayl term expires 12/31/2010

Board of Public Works Adam Jankowski term expires 01/01/2010

Leonard Klein term expires 01/01/2010

Commission on Aging Bob Straw term expires 01/01/2008

Mary Kokosky term expires 01/01/2008

Ed Bradford term expires 01/01/2008

Don Schuiteman term expires 01/01/2008

Planning Commission Jill Barnard term expires 12/31/2009

Marshall Wright term expires 12/31/2009

Terry Morris term expires 12/31/2009

Housing Commission Burt Thompson term expires 01/01/2010

Construction Code Brd of Appeals Edgar Boettcher term expires 12/31/2008

Michael Lanning term expires 12/31/2008

E-911 Board Bill Chapman term expires 01/01/2010

Burt Thompson term expires 01/01/2010

Daniel Robinson term expires 01/01/2010

Farmland & Open Space

Preservation Board Heidi Lang term expires 12/31/2009 Antrim Creek Natural Are Comm. Carl Veenstra term expires 01/01/2010

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

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford the members of the Board of Commissioners be subject to the same caps on health insurance premiums as those in the General Unit. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek the Coordinator/Planner receive a 3.3% increase in wages for 2007 (see previous motion). Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford the Chairman be authorized to sign the approved contract between Antrim County and the Teamsters Union representing the employees at Antrim County Transportation. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

The Transportation Committee presented the proposed Antrim County Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy. (See p )

It was moved by Dawson, seconded by McLeod the Antrim County Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy be approved. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

It was moved by Allen, seconded by Dawson the Board support the Solid Waste and Recycling Council in their efforts to approach the townships for support of a countywide recycling program utilizing Public Act 138 of 1989. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Allen, seconded by Dawson that the Building Official proceed with initiating a Construction Code change concerning remodeling of manufactured homes. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Dawson the Board of Commissioners prefers Option 2 for lease of the Mancelona Township Senior Center (lease of the building for five (5) days per week at a cost of $25.00 per day) if also agreed to by the Commission on Aging. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

The Chairman of the Parks Committee announced the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund had awarded a 2.1 million dollar grant for acquisition and improvement of land at the Grass River Natural Area.

The County has received a dividend of $35,000 from the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Fund.

The matter of establishing bid specifications for surveys was referred to the Lands committee.

It was moved by Bargy, the District Health Department Sanitary Code be approved. Motion died for lack of support.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford the proposed Sanitary Code be sent to all townships for review with the request that all comments be returned in time for action to be taken at the January 11, 2007 meeting. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod, the budget adjustments (see p ) be approved. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

RESOLUTION 29-06 by Robert McLeod, seconded by David Howelman

WHEREAS, Jim Boni has been employed by Antrim County since March 20, 1979; and,

WHEREAS, during that time, Jim Boni has provided excellent service to the People of Antrim County as Maintenance worker from March, 1979, to December, 1997; and,

WHEREAS, Jim Boni was promoted to Maintenance Foreman January, 1998, and served in that capacity until December, 2006; and,

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

ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Thursday, December 14, 2006

Resolution #29-06 – continued

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

JIM BONI

for 27 years of outstanding, dedicated service to the citizens of Antrim County.

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

No - None;

Absent – None.

RESOLUTION #29-06 DECLARED ADOPTED.

RESOLUTION #30-06 by Laura Stanek, seconded by Michael Crawford

WHEREAS, Robert McLeod has been an Antrim County Commissioner since January 1, 1997; and,

WHEREAS, from 1997 through 2003 Robert McLeod provided significant leadership as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Commissioners; and,

WHEREAS, Robert McLeod also served as Chairman of the Administration and County Services Committee from 1997 through 2006, providing extremely valuable guidance on personnel and policy issues; and,

WHEREAS, Robert McLeod also served on several other committees and commissions, always as a key member, during his ten years of service; and,

WHEREAS, all of us here at Antrim County have come to appreciate Robert McLeod’s integrity and loyalty to Antrim County; and,

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

ROBERT McLEOD

for 10 years of outstanding, dedicated service to the citizens of Antrim County.

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

No - None;

Absent – None.

RESOLUTION #30-06 DECLARED ADOPTED.

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m. to the Call of the Chair.

The Board members and Department Heads attended a lunch at Shanty Creek in honor of Bob McLeod.