Public Works Committee Larry Bargy                               Joseph Allen, Chairman                   Eugene Dawson
	Minutes
	December 6, 2006
	Members present:		Larry Bargy, Joe Allen and Gene Dawson
	Members absent:		None
	Others present:		Pete Garwood and Jack White
	1.        Meeting called to order at 10:00 a.m.
	2.        Public Comment
		None.
3.        Elk Rapids Hydro Dam Facility Update
Peter Garwood, Coordinator/Planner, informed the Committee that the Elk Rapids Hydro Ad Hoc Committee had met and established a list of concerns that would need to be addressed in an agreement with Michiana Hydroelectric Co. if the County sells the hydroelectric operation to them.  The Ad Hoc Committee also generated a communication to Mr. Stockhausen requesting him to prepare an agreement between the County and Michiana Hydroelectric Co. with the inclusion of the County’s concerns.  It is anticipated that the agreement will be complete for the Committee’s review at the beginning of 2007.
4.        Household Hazardous Waste Days
Joe Meyers, Associate Planner, joined the meeting.  Mr. Meyers explained that the program cost this year exceeded the budget by $3,459.46.  The cost is going up from Drug and Laboratory Disposal and more citizens are using the service.
Motion by Gene Dawson, supported by Larry Bargy, to recommend the Finance Committee and the Board of Commissioners approve increasing the 2006 Household Hazardous Waste day budget by $3,459.46.  Motion carried – unanimous.
v Recycling Program
Mr. Meyers informed the Committee that the Solid Waste and Recycling Council is asking the Committee and the Board of Commissioners to support the Council in proceeding with approaching the Townships for their support of a countywide recycling program utilizing Public Act 138 of 1989.
Motion by Gene Dawson, supported by Larry Bargy, to recommend the Board of Commissioners support the Solid Waste and Recycling Council in proceeding with approaching the townships for their support of a countywide recycling program utilizing Public Act 138 of 1989.  Motion carried – unanimous.
5.        Construction Code Department
Bob Massey, Building Official, joined the meeting and presented his monthly report.
Mr. Massey and the Committee reviewed the results of a survey the Department has been conducting of individuals that use services of the Building Department.  The survey, although just a small sample of those who use the Building Department services, indicate by a large margin that most customers are satisfied with the services provided by the Building Department.
Mr. Massey informed the Committee that the Building Code for when an individual desires to put an addition on to a manufactured home has a flaw in it.  An individual purchasing a manufactured home is expected to completely set up the manufactured home, put the siding on and get an occupancy permit before they can even consider an addition. Once they get a permit for an addition they then must remove the siding and begin the remodeling.
The Committee discussed the possibility of asking Representative Elsenheimer and Senator Allen to propose legislation to change the above outlined requirement.
Mr. Massey informed the Committee there exist a code change process.
Motion by Gene Dawson, supported by Larry Bargy, to recommend the Board of Commissioners authorize the Building Official to file the proper paperwork to initiate the code change process to address the above problem.  Motion carried – unanimous.
Mr. Garwood read a communication from Moore Plumbing and Heating regarding an invoice they sent the County July 27, 2006.  Mr. Garwood will prepare a letter for the Committee Chairman's signature, reflecting last month's decision of the Committee regarding the issue.
Permit Fees
Discussion took place regarding whether or not the permit fees should be increased.  The Committee decided to wait until the next meeting to consider an increase after they have the financial numbers for the entire year.
Mr. Massey informed the Committee of two issues that may come up in the future.
Meeting adjourned at 12:10 a.m.