Public Works Committee Larry Bargy                               Joseph Allen, Chairman                   Eugene Dawson
	Minutes
	March 7, 2007
	Members present:		Larry Bargy, Joe Allen and Gene Dawson
	Members absent:		None
	Others present:		Pete Garwood
	1.        Meeting called to order at 10:00 a.m.
	2.        Public Comment
		None.
3.        Elk Rapids Hydro Dam
Mark Stone, Drain Commissioner, joined the meeting.  Mr. Stone explained to the Committee that he had met with the North American Hydro, Inc. (NAH) Representatives at the Elk Rapids hydroelectric facility.  The Committee reviewed a proposal submitted by NAH for purchase of the hydroelectric power producing operation.
The Committee reviewed the recommendations of the Elk Rapids Hydro Facility Ad Hoc Committee.
Motion by Gene Dawson, supported by Larry Bargy, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the following:
Direct the Ad Hoc Committee to meet with North American Hydro, Inc. and any other parties interested in the purchase or lease of the hydroelectric power producing operation at the Elk Rapids dam.
Contact Howard and Howard law firm and request their client send us a proposal.  The proposal must be received by April 3, 2007.
Regarding Stockhausen, contact him and let him know that we now have another proposal for purchase of the hydro facility as well as another interested party.
Give the Drain Commissioner and Coordinator/Planner authority (on behalf of the Ad Hoc Committee) to hire James Coughlin, Engineer, to assist us with this possible sale/lease of electrical generating equipment.
Give the Drain Commissioner and the Coordinator/Planner the authority to hire outside counsel (specializing in hydroelectric facilities) and bond counsel.
Motion carried – unanimous.
4.        Cardboard Recycling Program
Joe Meyers, Associate Planner, joined the meeting. Mr. Meyers informed the Committee that Marv Rubingh, who is currently handling the paper fiber recycling program for the County through a contract, has made a proposal to include cardboard in the materials he handles.  The Solid Waste and Recycling Council have recommended that the County extend the program to include cardboard.  It would add an additional cost of $9.00 a cubic yard for an approximate additional 50-60 yards per month.
No action taken.
5.        Building Department
Bob Massey, Building Official, joined the meeting.  Mr. Massey distributed a written monthly report.
Mr. Massey also presented updated numbers for leasing vehicles for each of the inspectors.
Motion by Gene Dawson, supported by Joe Allen, to recommend the Finance Committee and the Board of Commissioners consider the lease package of vehicles for the Building Department inspectors.
Yes - Dawson, Allen, No - Bargy
Mr. Massey demonstrated how the inspectors use the laptop computers assigned to them.
Mr. Massey informed the Committee of the new process for environmental permits through the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Army Corp of Engineers.
Mr. Massey informed the Committee about a meeting he and Mr. Garwood had with Representative Kevin Elsenheimer and Banks Township representatives.
Meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.