Administration and County Services Committee

Michael Crawford

Robert McLeod, Chairman

David Howelman

November 6, 2003

Minutes

Members Present:

Mike Crawford and David Howelman

Members Absent:

Bob McLeod

Others Present:

Pete Garwood, Jack White and Laura Stanek (visiting but not participating)

1.       Meeting called to order at 1:00 p.m.

2.       Health Insurance Services

Patrick Dewey joined the meeting to discuss health insurance and the services the Dewey Insurance Agency provides.

3.       Resolutions

·         Oceana County Resolution-Proposed Changes to the State Drain Code

Mr. Garwood informed the Committee that both the Drain Commissioner and the Road Commission Manager indicated the proposed changes will likely not affect Antrim County.  No action taken.

·         Lake County Resolution Regarding USA Patriot Act/Preservation of Civil Liberties

No action taken.

·         Isabella County Affordable, Quality Health Care Programs

Motion by Dave Howelman, supported by Mike Crawford, to recommend the Board of Commissioners send a resolution to the State and Federal legislature requesting them to take action regarding the unbearable annual increases in health insurance costs, especially prescription.  Motion carried – unanimous.

·         Cheboygan County Resolution Supporting a Cheboygan County Commissioner for the MAC Board

None of the Committee members were familiar with the Cheboygan County Commissioner running for the Michigan Association of Counties board.  The Committee determined that those who attend the MAC Legislative Conference this winter will have an opportunity to meet the candidate and decide at that time whether or not to support him.  No action taken.

4.       Letter from Clarice L. Sperry (attached)

The Committee reviewed a letter from Clarice L. Sperry from Ogemaw County regarding a court decision that affects personal liability of individual members of a County Board of Commissioners.  The Committee directed Mr. Garwood to forward the communication to the full Board of Commissioners.

5.       Life Insurance - Park Manager

Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners reinstate Ms. Eileen Wallick on the County life insurance policy.  Motion carried – unanimous.

6.       Probate Court - Court Appointed Attorneys

Judge Hayes and Bill Hefferan, Court Administrator, joined the meeting and addressed the issue of concerns over the court appointed attorney contract for the Probate/Family Court. Under a Supreme Court order the Judges are mandated to manage the court appointed attorney contract.  The court appointed attorneys must negotiate with the Probate/Family Court Judge.

7.       Committee Appointments

·         Parks and Recreation Commission Appointment

Motion by Dave Howelman, supported by Mike Crawford, to recommend to the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners that Mary Kay McDuffie be appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission.  Motion carried – unanimous.

·         Solid Waste and Recycling Council

No action taken as no letters of interest were received.

·         Planning Commission

The Committee reviewed eight letters of interest for the open Planning Commission position.

Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend to the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners that Jim Gurr be appointed to the Planning Commission.  Motion carried – unanimous.

8.       Commission on Aging (COA)

·         Wage Increases for Irregular Part-time Employees

Ms. Carol Mitchell, COA Director, requested a 3% wage increases for the irregular part-time employees, except the Secretary position, in which they are requesting 7%, for the year 2004.  The Committee had much discussion regarding the increases with Ms. Mitchell and Mike Neubecker, Office Manager.

Motion by Dave Howelman, supported by Mike Crawford, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve a 3% wage increase for all irregular part-time employees in the Commission on Aging starting January 1, 2004 and a 7% wage increase for the irregular part-time Secretary position  beginning January 1, 2004 (see attachment).  Motion carried – unanimous.

9.       Health Insurance Issues

Mr. Roote, Insurance Agent, updated the Committee on how the open enrollment is going to date, as well the meetings held to explain the Community Blue (CB) 12 to the CB 1 Wrap.

·         Retiree Plan - Vision

Mr. Roote informed the Committee that the retired employee group cannot have better benefits than the active employee group.

·         Prescription – Stand Alone Program

Motion by Mike Crawford, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners change the stand alone prescription program from the $2.00 co-pay to a $5/10 co-pay for Unrepresented Employees, provided the labor attorney doesn't find a problem with it.  Motion carried – unanimous.

10.     Community Resource Development (CRD)

Larry Murton joined the meeting to discuss the relationship between the CRD and Antrim County and how it could improve.  Mr. Garwood will communicate, to Mr. Murton, the steps necessary for the County to take action on future programs and initiatives.

11.     Unrepresented Employees

The Committee representing the Unrepresented Employees (Sherry Comben, Karen Day and Dan Bean) presented a proposal for wages and benefits for those employees in the Unrepresented Group.

The Committee caucused to consider the proposal and developed a counter proposal.  The Management counter proposal was given to the Unrepresented Representatives.  Both sides agreed to meet at a future date to further discuss the issue.

Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.