ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Thursday March 10, 2005

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 Pledge of Allegiance was given.

The Chairman called for Public Comment. The following persons gave comments: Ed Martel –wetland issue and court matter, Bud Hierlihy –well drilling at Schuss Mtn, Robert Wilson - Arlen Turner and court procedures, Dennis Wolgamott- State Building Department issues.

A motion was made by McLeod and seconded by Howelman that public comments in the minutes be summarized rather than specified in detail. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- Dawson; Absent- None.

Laurie Stanek stated that on page 3 of the February 10, 2005 minutes regarding authorizing adjustments for Animal Control – to include the wording within line items.

A motion was made by Stanek and seconded by McLeod to approve minutes of the February 10, 2005 meeting as corrected. Motion carried by all members voting yes.

Terry Smith – Ambulance Authority- gave a presentation on the proposed sites for the Ambulance Facility. One proposed site would be across M-88 from MeadowBrook- north of the Animal Control Building. The other site would be on the same side of M-88 as MeadowBrook- south of Huntington Bank. Discussion followed by Board members.

A motion was made by Bargy and seconded by Dawson to have the Ambulance Authority meet with the Building & Grounds committee to continue plans for the Ambulance Facility to be built on up to two (2) acres of land on property south of Huntington Bank next to MeadowBrook. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- McLeod; Absent- None.

The Public Hearing on Antrim Creek Natural Area Grant , Wetzel Lake Grant and Antrim Creek Natural Area Interpretive Center Grant began at 9:35 a.m. Discussion followed.

The Public Hearing closed at 9:45 a.m.

RESOLUTION #07-05 by Bernard Blackmore, seconded by Robert McLeod.

WHEREAS, the Antrim County Board of Commissioners fully supported and adopted the Antrim County Comprehensive Recreation Plan dated February 10, 2000, and

WHEREAS, the Antrim Creek Natural Area Plan, a component of the Comprehensive Recreation Plan states that we need to provide historical and environmental educational opportunities to the visitors to the Antrim Creek Natural Area, and

WHEREAS, the improvements named in the implementation plan of the Comprehensive Recreation Plan and thus also in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Application are necessary to provide better recreational amenities, increased access, and to comply with the provisions of the American Disabilities Act (ADA), and

WHEREAS, the proposed informational arbors would provide for increased educational experience and natural heritage of the area and the history that shows the excellent care that was taken of the Natural Area in past history, and

WHEREAS, due to budgetary constraints the County of Antrim does not currently have the ability to finance these capital improvements, without additional funds.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners authorizes a grant application for funding in the amount of $54,700 ($41,000 from grant dollars) through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund program for the aforementioned improvement to the Antrim Creek Natural Area in West Banks Township, Sections 11 and 14, T32N, R9W, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners agrees to accept the grant if awarded, and will provide a local match of twenty-five percent (25%) in the amount of $13,700.

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

No- None

Absent- None

RESOLUTION #07-05 DECLARED ADOPTED

RESOLUTION #08-05 by Bernard Blackmore and seconded by Robert McLeod.

WHEREAS, the Antrim County Board of Commissioners fully supported and adopted the Antrim County Comprehensive Recreation Plan on February 10, 2000, and

WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Recreation Plan states the desire for Antrim County to create a park at Wetzel Lake including picnic areas, camping and hiking trails, and

WHEREAS, the proposed improvements would provide for increased enjoyment of the lake by providing an up-graded, semi-modern bathhouse, a trail allowing access around the lake, installing seven (7) new primitive campsites, thereby upgrading the recreational experience, and

WHEREAS, due to budgetary constraints the County of Antrim does not currently have the ability to finance these capital improvements, without additional funds.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners authorizes a grant application for funding in the amount of $50,200 ($37,700 from grant dollars) through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund program for the aforementioned improvements to the Wetzel Lake Recreational Center in Mancelona Township, Section 2, T29N, R6W, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners agrees to accept the grant if awarded, and will provide a local match of twenty-five percent (25%) in the amount of $12,500.00.

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

No- None

Absent- None

RESOLUTION #08-05 DECLARED ADOPTED

RESOLUTION #09-05 by McLeod and seconded by Crawford.

WHEREAS, the educational interpretive centers in the Antrim Creek Natural Area are vital to the area, and

WHEREAS, the public will benefit from various information on the endangered species and cultural and historical information about the natural area, and

WHEREAS, funding is available from the US Department of Commerce through the Coastal Management Program, and

WHEREAS, total project cost is estimated at $19,200, 50% of which would be funded through the Coastal Management Program and 50% would be a local match ($9,600).

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners approves the submission of the grant application to the Michigan Coastal Management Program in the amount of $19,200 for the educational interpretive centers in Antrim Creek Natural Area, and commits that the local match shall be provided if the project is funded.

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

No- None

Absent- None

RESOLUTION #09-05 DECLARED ADOPTED

Peter Garwood presented information regarding a meeting on Pipeline Group- Midwest, Inc. to be held on March 30, 2005 at Treetops Resort in Gaylord.

The Chairman appointed Laura Stanek and Joe Allen to the Upper Manistee River Board.

A motion was made by McLeod and seconded by Dawson to approve the appointments of Laura Stanek and Joe Allen to the Upper Manistee River Board. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Stanek, and seconded by Bargy to recommend payment of $500 to Mancelona Auto Body for the cost of storing a “seized” automobile; cost to be paid from Pros Attny Legal Fund #217. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent None.

A motion was made by Stanek and seconded by Crawford to authorize Bob Massey to accept the bid with RDM Technologies for purchase of computers and software, not to exceed $30,000 from Capital Outlay (Construction Code) as budgeted in the 2005 Construction Code 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

A motion was made by Stanek and seconded by Crawford to approve payment of the cost to continue the Parks & Recreation mapping and website project with LIAA not to exceed $2500 from the Parks Account. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Stanek and seconded by McLeod to approve payment of the two (2) medical bills totaling $290 that resulted from the pre-employment physical and podiatrist exam for Betsy St. Pierre- Associate Planner. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes-McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None.

A motion was made by Stanek and seconded by Howelman to approve payment of $2,180 from Capital Outlay (County Treasurer) for the purchase of two (2) Dell computers as budgeted in the 2005 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

A motion was made by Stanek and seconded by Bargy to approve the claims and accounts in the amount of $106,457.55. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:

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

Gene Dawson reported that ACT had increased the fare rates. Reserves are decreasing due to State cuts.

A motion was made by McLeod and seconded by Howelman to approve reinstating funds to allow the Sheriff to initiate the hiring process to fill the vacant Road Deputy position in the Sheriff Department. Motion carried by yea and nay vote as follows: Yes-McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

The Chairman appointed Louis Scholl to the North Country Mental Health Board.

A motion was made by McLeod and seconded by Crawford to the appointment of Louis Scholl to the North Country Mental Health Board 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

A motion was made by McLeod and seconded by Dawson to approve Amendment to the Planning Commission Ordinance, EDC By-Laws, and BRA By-Laws to change the term of expiration dates for EDC, BRA and the Planning Commission from May 10 and July 1 to December 31 for all three boards. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by McLeod and seconded by Dawson to approve Amendment to the Planning Commission Ordinance increasing the membership of the Planning Commission from 9 to 10 members. 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 #10-05 by McLeod and seconded by Crawford

WHEREAS, The Antrim County Health Department has been receiving state funds in the approximate annual amount of $14,000 to conduct testing and counseling for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and

WHEREAS, a portion of these funds have been utilized for “court ordered” testing that is mandated by the state of Michigan, and

WHEREAS, The Health Department has been able to conduct these tests and provide for counseling at very nominal rates using the state reimbursed funds and fees charged to individuals, and

WHEREAS, The State of Michigan has eliminated funding to the Antrim County Health Department for HIV testing and counseling effective January l, 2005, and

WHEREAS, The annual cost for the mandated court ordered testing will need to be paid, in most instances, by local taxpayers as individuals ordered by the courts for testing and counseling are usually indigent.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners strongly recommends that the state legislature restore HIV/AIDS categorical funding to Antrim County consistent with other areas of the state which are continuing to receive funding in fiscal year 2005, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be forwarded to Governor Jennifer Granholm, Senator Jason Allen, Representative Kevin Elsenheimer, the Michigan Association of Counties and all other eighty-two counties in Michigan.

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

No- None

Absent- None

RESOLUTION #10-05 DECLARED ADOPTED

A motion was made by McLeod and seconded by Dawson to send a letter to MAC to support Crawford County’s letter regarding the recent legislation to freeze the PILT payments of the Counties. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None.

A motion was made by McLeod and seconded by Stanek to approve the Computer, Network System, and Internet Use Policy. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None, Absent None.

A motion was made by McLeod and seconded by Howelman to approve the Chairman sign the letter of support for the ACUTE grant application to the Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network and the ACUTE grant application to the Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund. Motion carried by yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No None; Absent- None

Chairman appointed Mike Crawford to the MAC Worker’s Compensation Board.

A motion was made by McLeod and seconded by Dawson to approve the appointment of Mike Crawford to the MAC Worker’s Compensation Board. Motion carried by yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by McLeod and seconded by Crawford that due to the complexity of administering the $.40 additional charge to the employees who subscribe to family coverage under the Blue Cross Blue Shield Wrap plan and that the additional charge is due to an oversight by county administration, the Board authorize paying the additional $.40 for each of the employees for the 2005 year. Motion carried by yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Bargy and seconded by Blackmore to approve Carl Goeman working one day a month for the Sheriff Department in order to maintain his police officer certification. Motion carried by yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen No; - None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Bargy and seconded by Blackmore to allow Carl Goeman to explore prices for fuel for the generator, and make the final decision based on cost for installation of the generator, as well as the cost of the propane fuel connection. Motion carried by yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Crawford and supported by Dawson to approve donating the Register of Deeds 35 mm microfilm camera to the Historical Society, with the stipulation that it can be used by County Departments when necessary. Motion carried by aye and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White Howelman, Crawford, Stanek,Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

RESOLUTION #11-05 by Crawford and seconded by McLeod

WHEREAS, the Antrim County Board of Commissioners adopted the County of Antrim Comprehensive Recreation Plan on February 10, 2005, and,

WHEREAS, acquisitions named in the Comprehensive Recreation Plan and in the Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Application are necessary for protection of the environment and to provide for the recreation needs of the public, and

WHEREAS, due to budgetary constraints, Antrim County does not currently have the ability to finance these acquisitions without additional funding;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners authorize the grant application for funding through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for the above mentioned acquisitions at the Grass River Natural Area, in Forest Home and Helena Townships.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners agree to accept the grant, if awarded, and will provide a local match of twenty-five (25%), as required.

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

No- None

Absent- None

RESOLUTION #11-05 DECLARED ADOPTED

A motion was made by Crawford and seconded by McLeod for Pete Garwood to check if $500 training for Heather Janek had been prepaid; if not, to allow for up to $500 to be paid for the training to develop the Wetzel Lake website. LIAA will determine how many people can attend the training. Motion carried by aye and nay vote as follows: McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Crawford and seconded by McLeod to approve the resolution to apply for funding through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund program to acquire park lands for Grass River Natural Area utilizing the value of the Skinner property to provide a 25% local match. Motion carried by any and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Crawford and seconded by McLeod to approve the quote for $3500 from Nealis Engineering to provide the specifications for adding electric to 27 additional sites at Barnes Park. Motion carried by aye and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

John Strehl presented the 2004 Airport Annual Report.

A motion was made by McLeod and seconded by Howelman to approve the 2004 Airport Annual Report. Motion carried all members voting yes.

Chuck Edwards- NW Michigan Community Health Agency gave a presentation on well permits for the TCE areas of Schuss Mountain. The Mandatory Protocol for installation of residential drinking water wells is in draft form at this time. Discussion followed.

A motion was made by Howelman and seconded by Crawford to support the Health Department’s “draft” mandatory protocol for the installation of residential drinking water wells within areas subject to contaminated groundwater near Mancelona. Motion carried by aye and nay vote – Yes- Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore; No- McLeod, Allen; Absent- None

Gene Dawson presented the 2004 Annual Report – Northern Lakes Economic Alliance.

A motion was made by Blackmore and seconded by Allen to approve the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance 2004 Annual Report. Motion carried all members voting yes.

A motion was made by Howelman and seconded by Stanek to approve up to $1600 for Advanced Cleaning Experts as long as Fischer Restorations is asked to bid and the lowest bid is selected for MeadowVeiw Apartments. Motion carried by yea and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Howelman and seconded by Stanek to purchase three (3) replacement stoves @ $300 ea for MeadowView Apartments. Motion carried by aye and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Allen and seconded by McLeod to enter into a two (2) year contract with Marvin Rubingh and Central Lake Township for the Paper Fiber Recycling Program at a cost of $410 per month beginning March 1, 2005 and ending March 1, 2007. Motion carried by aye and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman,Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Allen and seconded by Dawson to authorize Bob Masssey to contract with a mechanical inspector and plumbing inspector (both on a part-time basis) contingent on the County receiving authority to administer the Construction Code program in Antrim County. Motion carried with aye and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Allen and seconded by Bargy to approve extending the part-time clerical position in Construction Code Department up to 6 months. Motion carried by aye and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Allen and seconded by Blackmore to authorize amending the House Numbering Ordinance to require the posting of an address prior to the first inspection. Motion carried by aye and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

A motion was made by Allen and seconded by Howelman to approve a 70 lbs per square foot ground snow load for trusses throughout the County, effective April 1, 2005. Motion carried by aye and nay vote as follows: Yes- McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No- None; Absent- None

RESOLUTION #12-05 by Dawson and seconded by McLeod

WHEREAS, pursuant to Act No. 51 of the Public Acts of 1951, as amended (Act 51), it is necessary for the Antrim County Board of Commissioners, (hereby known as THE APPLICANT) established under Act 94-1933, to provide a local transportation program for the state fiscal year of 2006 and, therefore, apply for state financial assistance under provision of Act 51; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Applicant to name an official representative for all public transportation matters who is authorized to provide such information as deemed necessary by the State Transportation Commission or department for its administration of Act 51; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to certify that no changes in eligibility documentation have occurred during the past state fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, the performance indicators for this agency have been reviewed and approved by THE APPLICANT; and

WHEREAS, the Applicant has reviewed and approved the proposed balance (surplus) budget, and funding sources of estimated federal funds $73,989, estimated state

Funds $259,672, estimated local funds $217,039, estimated farebox $80,000, estimated other funds $45,000, with total estimated expenses of $675,700.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that THE APPLICANT hereby makes its intentions known to provide public transportation services and to apply for state financial assistance with this annual plan, in accordance with Act 51; and

HEREBY appoints Sheridan Rhoads as the Transportation Coordinator for all public transportation matters, who is authorized to provide such information as deemed necessary by the State Transportation Commission for department for its administration of Act 51 for 2006

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

No- None

Absent- None

RESOLUTION #12-05 DECLARED ADOPTED

A motion was made by Blackmore and seconded by McLeod to go into closed session at 1:30 p.m. to discuss labor negotiations. Motion carried all members voting yes. Bernie Blackmore left during the closed session.

Regular meeting continued at 1:50 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m. to the Call of the Chair.

_______________________

Jack White, Chairman

____________________________________

Margaret VanLooy, Deputy County Clerk