ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Thursday, February 13, 2003

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.

The Chairman led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Chairman requested Public Comment. Tim Hannert and Ed Martel spoke on environmental issues.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Howelman that the minutes of January 3, 2003 and January 9, 2003 be approved. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Crawford that Antrim County Transportation and Commission on Aging be reimbursed for the difference between the originally proposed payroll deduction for employees health insurance and the amount designated by action of the Board of Commissioners on November 14, 2002 and the 2003 General Fund budget be increased by this amount. 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 that the MSU Extension Department purchase two work stations from Smart Office Systems at a cost not to exceed $7,160 as budgeted. 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 Abstract Department purchase a Lexmark printer for not more than $670.00 and a desk from National Business Furniture for not more than $820.00 as budgeted. 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 that the Equalization Department purchase a fax machine for not more than $460.00 and a computer for GIS for not more than $2,730 as budgeted. 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 Sheriff purchase a Network Server for 911 from Tele-Rad Inc. For not more that $11,250 as budgeted; expense to be paid from Fund #262. 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 Sheriff purchase portable radios for Animal Control for not more than $1,235; $1,100 as budgeted and $225.00 to be transferred from Animal Control operating (cell phone) to Capital Outlay - Animal Control and the budgets of these departments 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 that Dr Benson and David Kopkau attend Medicolegal Investigation of Death class in Dearborn at a cost of $425.00 per person plus lodging and the expense be paid from Special Projects in the General Fund. 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 Sheriff hire a temporary part time court officer at a maximum of $14.00 per hour plus FICA and Workers’ Compensation with the stipulation that no court officer be used for District Court civil matters. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - None.

William Gadwau, Central Lake Township Trustee spoke on the Township recycling program for paper and cardboard.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy that the county contract with Marvin Rubingh for a recycling project for paper only for two years at a cost of $4,800 per year. 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 that the invoice for drilling of a second well at Barnes Park totaling $5,967.02 be paid and $6,000 be transferred from Capital Outlay Reserve Fund to Barnes Park Grant Fund for that purpose and the budgets of both funds 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 Bargy that $25,000 be appropriated to the Housing Program as local match and $25,000 be transferred from Grant Match Fund to the General Fund and the budgets of both funds be adjustment 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 that the Prosecuting Attorney purchase a overhead projector for not more than $3,900 as budgeted. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes

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

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy that the Register of Deeds purchase three chairs for $50 per chair as budgeted. 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 County Treasurer purchase three workstations for not more than $4,820 total as budgeted. 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 that the claims and accounts totaling $75,182 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.

The Chairman made the following appointments:

Parks and Recreation Commission Stan Moore term exp. 1/1/2006

Antrim Creek Natural Area Gale Murphy term exp. 1/1/2005

Board of Public Works Joe Allen term of office

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Laura Stanek term of office

Economic Development Corp. Laura Stanek term of office

Antrim Creek Natural Area Robert McLeod term of office

Multi-purpose Collaborative Board Laura Stanek term of office

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Allen that the above named appointments 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 McLeod, seconded by Stanek that the funds budgeted for a transcriptionist position in the Sheriff Department be reinstated. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford that the payroll functions relating to the Sheriff Department including but not limited to time records and leave records be transferred to the County Clerk’s (Payroll) 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 was moved by McLeod, seconded by Howelman that the following changes in the health insurance plans be approved:

1) Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO - Establishment of a $10 (generic)/$40 (name-brand) co-pay for prescription drugs with the difference of $30 on a name brand drug to be reimbursed by the county to the employee if the employee produces a doctor certification that a generic substitute is not available or cannot be used in this case and a paid receipt for the drug.

2) Priority Health HMO - Establishment of a $10 (generic)/$20 (name brand) co-pay for prescription drugs with the difference of $10 on a name brand drug to be reimbursed by the County to the employee if the employee produces a doctor certification that a generic substitute is not available or cannot be used in this case and a paid receipt for the drug.

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 Howelman that the following increases in amounts paid on behalf of employees who elect to take an annuity in lieu of health benefits be approved effective May 1, 2003:

1) $200 for not taking the hospitalization coverage

2) $20 for not taking the prescription rider

3) $10 for not taking the dental rider.

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 that the hourly rate of the MeadowView Apartments Manager be increased by 3.5% retroactive to January 1, 2003. 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 Blackmore that $889.09 to paid to Professor Cleland for Archeological Survey work performed at the Antrim Creek Natural Area. 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 Howelman that the use of metal detectors in the Antrim Creek Natural Area be prohibited and the Antrim Creek Natural Area Ordinance be amended to reflect this change. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - Dawson, Bargy, Absent - None.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek that $544.00 be paid for a “Park in Designated Areas Only” sign for Antrim Creek Natural Area. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - None.

Gary Knapp gave a presentation on the Ground and Surface Water Contamination (Dura Plume) in the Mancelona, Custer, and Kearney Township area.

RESOLUTION #09-03 by Robert McLeod, seconded by David Howelman

WHEREAS, a Trichloroethylene (TCE) plume (also known as the “Wicks” TCE Plume) has spread through the groundwater from property currently owned by Dura Automotive systems, Inc. (Dura) in the Village of Mancelona, Antrim County to the Cedar River over four (4) miles away, and poses a potential significant threat to human health, environment and the economy in Antrim County, and

WHEREAS, even though Dura was not the party responsible for the pollution, they have offered to dedicate one million five hundred thousand ($1,500,000) dollars to the effort to keep the plume from reaching the Cedar River, and

WHEREAS, the Antrim County Board of Commissioners believes the effort has been stalled much too long while in the meantime the plume continues to move, and

WHEREAS, a Broad Based Public and Private Coalition is being formed to work with the Community Resource Development, Inc. in Mancelona, the Mancelona Area Water and Sewer Authority, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the EPA to address this threat and formulate a course of action, and

WHEREAS, the Antrim County Board of Commissioners is being requested to appoint a commissioner to the Broad Based Coalition to represent the Board, and

WHEREAS, the Antrim County Board is being requested to provide support for the work of the Coalition.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, this 13th day of February, in the year 2003, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners, Antrim County, Michigan, does hereby approve the following:

* Make appointments from the Board to the Broad Based Public and Private

Coalition to work with other entities to formulate a course of action to address

the threats of the TCE Plume.

* Commit to provide support for the work of the Coalition, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Antrim County Board of Commissioners strongly urges the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (DPA) to no longer delay in the urgent matter of cleaning up the TCE plume including eradication of the source of the pollution.

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

No - None;

Absent - None.

RESOLUTION #09-03 DECLARED ADOPTED.

The Chairman appointed David Howelman and Michael Crawford to the Broad Based Coalition referred to in Resolution #09-03.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Blackmore that the appointment of David Howelman and Michael Crawford to the Broad Based Coalition 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.

John Arnheim of MSU Extension spoke on training possibilities for County Commissioners.

The Chairman requested Laurie Stanek, Mike Crawford to meet with MSU Extension about possible training sessions in May or June.

Bill Birch, Temporary Mental Health Director, reported on the merger of Mental Health Departments to become North Country Mental Health.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek that letters of appreciation be sent to Bill Birch as well as former County Commissioners John Conway, Donald Schuiteman, and Robert Wilson. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

Mark Randolph, Grass River Director, introduced the Grass River Natural Area Inc President, Dale Hanson, and gave the 2002 Annual Report.

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Dawson that the 2002 Grass River Natural Area Annual Report be accepted. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Bargy that the Family Independence Agency 2002 Annual Report be accepted. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Dawson, seconded by Stanek that Airport Owners and Operators Liability Insurance for 2003 be purchased from Avsurance (ACE Property & Casualty Ins. Co.) for $11,500.00 per year. 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 Dawson, seconded by Stanek that the Chairman sign a hangar lease with Dale Snook for the following Airport property:

Commencing at the NE Corner of Section 19, T30N, R7W, Kearney Township, Antrim

County, Michigan; thence 00*00'35"W 1950.88 feet along the east line of said Section

19 and the center line of Derenzy Road; thence N89*50'41"W734.51 feet to the POINT

OF BEGINNING; thence continuing N89*50'41"W68.00 feet; thence N00*09'19"E 80.00

feet; thence S89*50'41"E68.00 feet; thence S00*09'19"W80.00 feet to the POINT OF

BEGINNING, being a part of the NE 1/4 of said Section 19, T30N, R7W, containing

0.125 acres of land.

Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson that carpeting for the Grove Street Annex be purchased from the Carpet Barn for $986. 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 Crawford, seconded by Bargy that a software update for the computer that runs the heating and cooling systems for the Maintenance Department be purchased from Havel Brothers for $887.00 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 Crawford, seconded by Dawson that the small room adjacent to the Veterans Counselor be allocated for use by the Veterans Affairs Department. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Bargy, seconded by Blackmore that Sheriff Department Ford Expedition be transferred to the Airport. By general agreement the motion was tabled until March.

It was moved by Bargy, seconded by Blackmore that the old weight machine at the Jail plus various pieces of equipment, etc. in the County Building be put up for bids. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Bargy, seconded by McLeod that the Chairman sign an Ordinance Enforcement Agreement with Kearney Township. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

RESOLUTION #10-03 by Larry Bargy, seconded by Robert McLeod

WHEREAS, the Northern Michigan Law Enforcement Training Group (the “Training Group”) was established under the Michigan Constitution of 1963, Article VII, Section 28, and the Urban Cooperation Act, 1967 P.A. 7, extra session. Governor John Engler approved the intergovernmental agreement establishing the Training Group as a separate public body on May 14, 2001. MCL 124.501 et seq; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of the Training Group is to provide law enforcement training opportunities and training resources in such areas as, but not limited to, jail and lockup training facility, driving simulator and facility, small arms ranges, building search, SWAT tactical training, canine training, marine training, and other training events utilizing available resources; and

WHEREAS, the Training Group has entered into an agreement with the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to utilize existing small arms ranges, buildings, classrooms, sleeping quarters, dining facilities and training areas at Camp Grayling at reduced costs; and

WHEREAS, by utilizing established military facilities, savings can be passed on to law enforcement agencies that become a member of the Training Group and training costs can be reduced saving valuable public funds.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Antrim County does hereby accept the invitation to become a member of the Northern Michigan Law Enforcement Training Group.

Yes - McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Blackmore, Allen;

No - None;

Absent - Stanek.

RESOLUTION #10-03 DECLARED ADOPTED.

It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Blackmore that MeadowView Apartments purchase 2 commercial coin-operated washers and 3 commercial coin-operated dryers at a total cost of $4,105. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Stanek.

It was moved by Crawford, seconded by McLeod that a Public Hearing be held in March for the Barnes Park Grant. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

RESOLUTION #11-03 by Michael Crawford, seconded by David Howelman

WHEREAS, de-icers of various types are in widespread use to prevent ice formation around boats, docks, marinas, and their supporting structures in and around inland lakes traditionally used for winter recreation in Antrim County and elsewhere in Michigan, and

WHEREAS, in many cases, operation of these devices, by successfully preventing ice formation around their intended locations, has also compromised the structural integrity of ice cover in the general vicinity of the de-icers, and

WHEREAS, there have been instances in Antrim County and elsewhere where ice skaters, hockey players, ice fishermen, cross country skiers, snowshoers, and ice boaters, unaware of the reduced load-bearing capacity of the thinner ice in the general vicinity of the de-icers, have fallen through the ice into the water, and

WHEREAS, continued unrestricted use of de-icers in Antrim County and elsewhere in Michigan will certainly cause more accidents of this type, and will eventually result in fatalities to recreational users of winter ice cover on lakes, and

WHEREAS, there are currently no restrictions, safety regulations, or insurance regulations specifically governing use of de-icers in and around lakes in Michigan;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners strongly recommend that the relevant state authorities such as the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Natural Resources, in the interest of protecting public safety and winter recreation, establish regulations, safe operating procedures, and other safeguards governing the use of de-icers in and around lakes in Michigan.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be distributed to Antrim County’s State legislative contingent and the Governor; all Michigan counties; Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Natural Resources.

Yes - McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Blackmore, Allen;

No - None;

Absent - Stanek.

RESOLUTION #11-03 DECLARED ADOPTED.

It was moved by Crawford, seconded by McLeod that the Board of Commissioners apply for a Rotary Charities planning grant for the Elk Rapids Day Park. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Allen, seconded by Dawson that an application to the EPA for Solid Waste education in the amount of $6,000 be approved. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

The Chairman announced that, on recommendation of the Public Works Committee, the Board of Public Works would be working on the Capital Improvement Plan section of the proposed County Master Plan.

Don Schuiteman informed the Board that work has begun on a plan for the proposed Little League Ball Fields to be adjacent to the new Animal Shelter on county land across M-88 from Meadowbrook Medical Care Facility.

The meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m. to the Call of the Chair.

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Jack White, Chairman

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Laura Sexton, County Clerk