ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Thursday, June 10, 2004

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 Public Hearing on the Antrim County Farmland and Open Space Ordinance started at 9:10 a.m. Comments against the Ordinance were offered by the following individuals: Lawrence Wolgamott, Jim Gurr, John Koslosky, Kent McNeil, Rolland Kotz, Ed Martel, Mary Tocco, Greg Karem, Lawrence Hayes. Comments in favor of the Ordinance were given by the following individuals: Dean Crandall, Bill White, Dorance Amos, Lon Bargy, Paul Hubbell, Rick Sayler, Joe Anderson, Gordon Kilmer, Norm Veliquette, Brett Pharo, Jim King, Rob Larrea, Kim Schmidt, John King, Brian Altonen.

The Public Hearing closed at 10:00 a.m.

ORDINANCE #01-04 by Larry Bargy, seconded by Laura Stanek

Antrim County Farmland and Open Space Development Rights Ordinance

It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Dawson to table action on Ordinance #01-04 until the July meeting. Motion DEFEATED by a yea and nay vote as follows: No – Bargy, White, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore; Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Howelman, Allen; Absent – None.

It was decided to defer action on Ordinance #01-04 until the July meeting to examine the wording of the Ordinance.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Dawson to approve the minutes of May 13, 2004. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

The Chairman requested Public Comment. Jim Gurr, Kent McNeil, and Ed Martel spoke on farmland preservation. Janet Person reported that approximately $100 was raised for the Wetzel Lake Project from the Bass Festival ice cream sale. Scott Everett spoke of Farmland Preservation in relationship to Zoning.

Scott Everett and Charles Koop were requested to be present at the next Lands Committee meeting set for June 28, 2004.

Ellen Kohler and Chris Grobbel spoke on the principle of Regulatory Takings.

Terry Johnson, Sheriff gave the Sheriff Department 2003 Annual Report.

It was moved by Bargy, seconded by McLeod the Sheriff Department 2003 Annual Report be accepted. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12:00 Noon

The meeting reconvened at 1:00 p.m.

George Perkins presented the Veterans Counselor and Meadowview 2003 Annual Reports.

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Allen to the Veterans Counselor and Meadowview 2003 Annual Reports be accepted. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

RESOLUTION #20-04 by Robert McLeod, seconded by Eugene Dawson

WHEREAS, Public Act 245 of 1935 was established to provide education tuition assistance for the orphans of Michigan military service persons killed in war, and was later expanded to include children of veterans who died subsequently from a service-connected disability, and those with a total disability incurred in time of war or peace; and

WHEREAS, State funding for this program was initially provided to the state board of education and educational institutions; and

WHEREAS, Public Act 9 of 1946 established the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund to provide temporary emergency financial assistance to eligible wartime veterans and their dependents from the interest earned on the Trust; and

WHEREAS, also in Public act 9 of 1946 the administration of Public Act 245 – Education of Children of Veterans, was transferred to the Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees, but except for some occasional Trust replenishment after borrowing from the principal, State appropriations to the Board to pay for Act 245 were not made as the law provided they were to be; and

WHEREAS, the use and cost of this Public Act 245 education program has continued to increase so that the cost out of the interest earned on the Trust is now near $1 million peer year, which is insufficient, requiring the Trust principal to be spent for this purpose; and

WHEREAS, as Public Act 245 education costs continue to rise on the one hand, and the actual cost of mortgage, utilities, groceries and other emergency needs continue to rise on the other requiring the Trust principal to be spent to help our veterans, the very future of the Michigan Veterans Trusts Fund is in doubt unless some action is finally taken to more appropriately fund this Act 245 education program.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners hereby requests that Governor Granholm and the Michigan Legislature take the necessary action to fund the Public Act 245 of 1935 education program from a more appropriate source than from the interest earned on the principal of the Veterans Trust Fund so that it can be used as intended to help our Michigan wartime veterans and their families in times of temporary emergency need.

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

No - None;

Absent – None.

RESOLUTION #20-04 DECLARED ADOPTED.

Sherry Comben, County Treasurer, gave the County Treasurer 2003 Annual Report.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy the County Treasurer 2003 Annual Report be accepted. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

Mark Stone, Drain Commissioner, presented the Drain Commissioner 2003 Annual Report.

It was moved by Allen, seconded by Dawson the Drain Commissioner 2003 Annual Report be accepted. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

Carl Goeman, Emergency Services Coordinator, gave the Emergency Services 2003 Annual Report.

It was moved by Dawson, seconded by McLeod the Emergency Services 2003 Annual Report be accepted. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the claims and accounts totaling $58,186.54 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 Finance Committee Chairman reported the Star Township Treasurer had resigned and the County Treasurer had been contacted to collect the Star Township taxes.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the County Treasurer and Star Township enter into a contract in which the County Treasurer would collect the summer taxes for the Township of Star at a rate of $2.50 per every parcel billed and receipt sent out by the County Treasurer. 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 Crawford that Janet Person of the Antrim Conservation District apply on behalf of the County for a grant for Antrim Creek Natural Area in the amount of $54,725 with a cash match of $8,700 to be paid from the Antrim Creek Natural Area Fund and the ACNA Fund budget 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 Janet Person of the Antrim Conservation District apply on behalf of the County for a grant for Wetzel Lake in the amount of $50,200 with a cash match of $5,040 to be paid from the Grant Match Reserve Fund and the budget of the Grant Match Reserve Fund 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 $500 be transferred from Contingencies (General Fund) to the Wetzel Lake Fund to assist in payment for Soil Erosion Control at that site 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 McLeod, seconded by Stanek that Casey Guthrie be hired as Appraiser in the Equalization Department contingent upon his obtaining his Level II certification. 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 #21-04 by Robert McLeod, seconded by Michael Crawford

WHEREAS, Antrim County is a major recreation area throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, many citizens spend their vacations and free time traveling the trail systems throughout Antrim County enjoying the beauty and wildlife; and

WHEREAS, these trails run through State and Federal forest lands that are uninhabited; and

WHEREAS, there are times when an emergency arises and help is needed but the riders are not certain where they are located; and

WHEREAS, this greatly impedes rescue personnel in reaching an accident scene resulting in great delays and possibly deaths.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners asks that all State and Federal ORV and Snowmobile Trails in all Northern Michigan counties be signed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the signage have GPS coordinates to enable 911 Dispatch Centers to quickly send emergency personnel to the remote scenes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to all Northern Michigan counties including the Upper Peninsula, the MI Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service.

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

Absent – None.

RESOLUTION #21-04 DECLARED ADOPTED.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Dawson to hire Julie Palka as Nifty Thrifty Sales Clerk and is she does not accept the job, it be offered to Terra Kirts. 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 the hiring freeze be lifted and the hiring process be started to fill the soon to be vacant position in the maintenance/custodial department. 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 the hiring freeze be lifted and the vacant Executive Secretary position in the Michigan State University Extension office be posted and the Administration/County Services Committee be authorized to fill the position. If the position is filled with an existing employee who is currently a Secretary in the MSU Extension office, the Administration Committee is authorized to post and fill the resulting open Secretary position. 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 appointed Richard Diebold to the Economic Development Commission/Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Bargy the appointment of Richard Diebold to the EDC/BRA, term to expire May 10, 2007, 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.

The Chairman appointed Donald Schuiteman to the Commission on Aging.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Dawson the appointment of Donald Schuiteman to the Commission on Aging, term to expire December 31, 2004, 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.

The Chairman appointed Thomas Maleck, James Pascoe, and Barbara Bradford to the Planning Commission.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Howelman the appointment of Thomas Maleck, James Pascoe, and Barbara Bradford to the Planning Commission, terms to expire July 1, 2007, 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.

RESOLUTION #22-04 by Eugene Dawson, seconded by Joseph Allen

WHEREAS, Robert Straw has been employed by Antrim County as Antrim County Transportation Director since May 1, 1986, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Straw provided excellent service to the People of Antrim County as Director of the Antrim County Transportation from May 1, 1986 through June 10, 2004, and as Interim Director of the Antrim County Commission on Aging from June 1, 1991 through October 3, 1992, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Straw has retired from the Antrim County Transportation, and

WHEREAS, the Antrim County Board of Commissioners wishes to recognize 18 years of county services,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners expresses its sincere appreciation to ROBERT STRAW for 18 years of outstanding, dedicated service to the Citizens and Taxpayers of Antrim County.

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

No – None;

Absent – None.

RESOLUTION #22-04 DECLARED ADOPTED.

The following bids were presented for construction of a display case for the lobby of the County Building:

Twin Bay Glass $ 3,500

John Strehl 3,250

James Shugar’s Home Remodeling & Repair 4,975

It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson the bid of John Strehl for $3,250 for construction of a display case for the lobby of the County Building be accepted. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

Bids were presented from North Country Sanitation and American Waste for trash pick-up.

It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson the bid for trash removal at various county locations be awarded to North Country Sanitation for three years at a cost of $8,250 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.

There was considerable discussion on the new Animal Shelter and how to proceed with deficiencies in the construction. The matter was referred back to committee in consultation with the Prosecuting Attorney.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee presented a letter from the Central Lake Area Historical Society requesting the County give them an old wood file cabinet currently in storage. The Society would display the file cabinet in their museum.

It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson the wooden shallow drawer forms cabinet requested by the Central Lake Area Historical Society be loaned to the CLA Historical Society for display in their Knowles Museum with the stipulation the cabinet cannot be sold or given away and would be returned to the County if requested. 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 #23-04 by Robert McLeod, seconded by Michael Crawford

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED the Chairman and County Clerk be authorized to sign the Family Independence Agency Lease Agreement Addendum extending the current lease until 2009.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the lease may contain an option for extension to 2014.

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

Absent – None.

RESOLUTION #23-04 DECLARED ADOPTED.

It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Howelman the bid policy be waived and the bid from Northern Restoration and Waterproof Systems Inc. for sealing on all exterior windows and vents (excluding the clock tower) of the 1905 Courthouse at a cost of $9,390 be accepted. 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 McLeod the Parks and Recreation Commission be authorized to apply on behalf of the County for a Great Lakes Energy People Fund grant to fund the resurfacing of the entrance area of Barnes Park for a total project cost of $18,000 with no cash match. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

There was discussion on the current and future status of the Construction Code Enforcement Department. The Chairman and Peter Garwood will proceed with various options for temporary direction of the Department.

Michael Crawford left the meeting at 2:45 p.m.

It was moved by Allen, seconded by McLeod the State Bureau of Construction Code and Fire Safety be requested to take over construction code inspections for Antrim County for a three month period until such time as Antrim County can establish a reorganization program for the Department. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – Crawford.

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Howelman to rescind the motion of March 11, 2004 concerning ballot language for the 911 proposal for the November 2, 2004 General Election. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore; No – Bargy, Allen; Absent Crawford.

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Howelman the following ballot proposal be approved to be presented to the Antrim County electorate at the November 2, 2004 General Election:

E-911 PROPOSAL

Being a renewal, for the purpose of equipping, operating and maintaining of the Antrim County E-911 emergency services and consolidated dispatch costs, shall there be a monthly assessment by the County of Antrim of no more than an additional twelve percent (12%) of the highest monthly flat rate charged by a telephone service supplier for a single party access line, not to exceed $2.89 per month, upon telephone service users within the Antrim County 911 Service District for a period not to exceed four years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008?

Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – Crawford.

RESOLUTION #24-04 by David Howelman, seconded by Laura Stanek

BE IT RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners has reviewed the Fiscal Year 2005 Area Implementation Plan of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan and believe that the plan addresses the needs of the aging population in Region 10.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners approves the Fiscal Year 2005 Area Implementation Plan of the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan.

Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen;

No - None;

Absent – Crawford.

RESOLUTION #24-04 DECLARED ADOPTED.

Joseph Allen left the meeting at 3:30 p.m.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Howelman the County Clerk’s 2003 Annual Report be accepted. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m. to the Call of the Chair.