ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Thursday, October 9, 2003

Jack White, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Present: Robert McLeod, Larry Bargy, Jack White, David Howelman, Michael Crawford, Laura

Stanek, Bernard Blackmore, Joseph Allen.

Absent: Eugene Dawson

The Pledge of Allegiance was given.

The Chairman requested Public Comment. Ed Martel spoke against the proposed Farmland Preservation program. Jerry Green inquired about who sets the lake levels for Intermediate Lake and stated he thought the level had been set prior to 1913. Janet Person commended the Equalization Department on services they provided to her. Public Comment closed at 9:10 a.m.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek the minutes of September 11, 2003 be approved. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Howelman the Chairman be authorized to sign an agreement with Otec Tower Systems for lease of a tower at 3005 Mancelona Rd.; lease to be for one year beginning October 1, 2003. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:

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

Peter Garwood presented a request from the Planning to appoint a county-wide committee to address questions on preservation of water and natural resources, committee to be under Planning Commission oversight. The matter was tabled until the next meeting.

Mark Randolph, Grass River Natural Area, Inc. Director, gave a presentation on the proposed fund raising for and construction of a new Center, target date for completion to be 2006. He requested the Board pass a motion of support for the project.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek the Board of Commissioners support the plans of Grass River Natural Area, Inc. to plan for and construct a new Center at the Grass River Natural Area. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod that the $25,000 in the Forestry Fund designated for Jabara Property be changed to an appropriation to the Antrim Conservation District in the 2004 budget and the debt of $20,000 owed to the county by the Antrim Conservation District for Skaff Property purchase be canceled. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the Meadowbrook operating millage be set at .50 mills for 2003. Motion tabled until later in the meeting.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Crawford that $1,000 be advanced from the General Fund to Fund #237, Public Access Book Fund, to finance publication of an updated Public Access Book; funds to be returned to the General Fund from proceeds from sale of the books. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy that the Sheriff purchase a server from Dell for $4,225 as budgeted in the 2003 General Fund budget. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy that the Sheriff purchase a desk and utility box for the Jail for a total of $1,750 as budgeted in the 2003 General Fund budget. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Crawford that $67,000 be budgeted in Fund #470 for replacement and repair of the outside panels and roof of the 1978 County Building. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the Register of Deeds purchase a condominium cabinet for $4,100 as budgeted in the 2003 General Fund budget. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy that the claims and accounts totaling $88,100.92 be approved and paid. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson.

Mike Paradis, Chairman of the FIA Board, urged rejection of the proposed .50 mills for Meadowbrook and requested adoption of .69 mills.

The Public Hearing on the General Fund budget opened at 10:00 a.m. Laura Stanek, explained cuts that had been made in the proposed budget. There was no public comment and the hearing closed at 10:15 a.m.

RESOLUTION #26-03 by Robert McLeod, seconded by Michael Crawford

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners sets the millage rate of 5.1467 for General Operating and 0.3811 for Commission on Aging for 2003, and

BE IT ALSO HEREBY RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners adopts the following General Fund budget for 2004:

Beginning Fund Balance January 1, 2004 500,000.00

REVENUE

From Taxes 7,043,987.00

From Licenses & Permits 156,300.00

From Other Agencies 1,407,798.00

From Current Services 1,322,635.00

From Other Sources 384,000.00 10,314,720.00

$ 10,814,720.00

EXPENDITURES

Commissioners 94,250.00

Circuit Court 347,318.00

Family Division - Circuit Court 385,540.00

Circuit Court Probation 4,300.00

District Court 476,148.00

Friend of the Court 66,700.00

Probate Court 209,023.00

Jury Commission 5,750.00

Elections 47,800.00

Budget/Accounting Services 53,434.00

County Clerk 182,738.00

Communications 149,350.00

Equalization 147,077.00

Prosecuting Attorney 274,430.00

Pros. Atty. - Victims Rights 50,943.00

P.A. Child Support/IV-D 46,517.00

Purchasing 39,398.00

Abstract 72,656.00

Survey and Remonumentation 26,000.00

Microfilm 16,050.00

Tax Allocation Board 500.00

County Treasurer 172,913.00

Cooperative Extension 93,032.00

Computer Department 160,500.00

Buildings and Grounds 258,890.00

‘05 Courthouse 77,550.00

Grove Street Annex 12,500.00

Plat Board 250.00

Drain Commissioner 10,472.00

Economic Development Commission 13,500.00

Airport 306,698.00

Sheriff 1,262,731.00

Marine 57,803.00

Secondary Roads 134,700.00

Jail 314,085.00

Planning/Coordinator Department 148,597.00

Planning Commission 28,850.00

Resource Recovery 20,050.00

Emergency Services 38,198.00

Gun Board -0-

Animal Control 91,308.00

Dams 5,250.00

Health 419,550.00

Welfare 403,640.00

Veterans Affairs 56,912.00

Housing Projects 25,000.00

Parks Commission 2,260.00

Parks 163,851.00

Fringe Benefits 1,920,800.00

Insurance & Bonds 313,000.00

Special Projects - Other 325,000.00

Capital Outlay 26,514.00

Appropriations 613,842.00 10,306,007.00

Ending Fund Balance December 31, 2004 508,713.00

10,814,720.00

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners adopts the following policies for implementation of the 2004 General Fund budget:

1. That any increase in Total Receipts or Total Expenditures shall be approved in advance by Resolution of the Board of Commissioners.

2. That the Chief Administrative Officer for 2004 shall be the County Clerk.

3. That over-expenditures of the total budget of any General Fund Cost Center must be approved in advance by the Board of Commissioners.

4. That any position or supplement adopted for 2004 and not covered elsewhere by Union agreement and which is reimbursed by grants or other monies from an outside unit may be terminated if the grant and/or other reimbursements are discontinued.

5. That, if any position should become vacant any time after November 2003, the position shall immediately and automatically be deleted from the 2004 budget of the Cost Center involved and the monies shall be transferred to contingencies, until such time as the position may be reinstated by the Board of Commissioners or its designated representative and a new wage or salary set. A hiring freeze having been established by action of the Board of Commissioners at the meeting of September 11, 2003, the position shall not be reinstated.

6. That no budgeted capital outlay purchase may be made without making prior request to the Finance Committee at the time of contemplated purchase. The purchase price of any capital outlay item must be approved in advance by the Finance Committee. Any capital purchase over $1,500 must be approved in advance by the Board of Commissioners. The County Clerk will determine as to whether an item is a capital matter or not if the question arises. Capital items cannot be purchased from any Cost Center other than Capital Outlay (901) unless specifically budgeted in that Cost Center.

7. That the County Clerk is authorized to make transfers between line items (excluding salaries, wages, overtime, training, capital outlay, and specific appropriations) of up to $500 within the Cost Center provided sufficient data is provided by the Department Head definitely showing that the Cost Center’s total budget will not at any time during the budget year be increased as a result of the transfer.

8. That any questions concerning assignment of account to any purchase will be decided by the County Clerk.

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

No - None;

Absent - Dawson.

RESOLUTION #26-03 DECLARED ADOPTED.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod that the 2004 budgets for Special Revenue, Debt Retirement, Capital Projects, and Enterprise Funds as on file in the office of the County Clerk/Administrative Officer be approved. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson.

The following motion from earlier in the meeting was removed from the table.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod that the Meadowbrook operating millage be set at .50 mills for 2003. Motion DEFEATED by a yea and nay vote as follows: No - Bargy, White, Howelman, Blackmore, Allen; Yes - McLeod, Crawford, Stanek; Absent - Dawson.

It was moved by Bargy, seconded by Howelman that the Meadowbrook operating millage be set at .69 for 2003. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - Bargy, White, Howelman, Blackmore, Allen; No - McLeod, Crawford, Stanek; Absent - Dawson.

Kent McNeill spoke on the proposed Farmland Preservation program. He is against using tax dollars for buying farmland development rights.

The Public Hearing for Farmland Preservation convened at 11:00 a.m. Scott Everett gave a brief explanation of the program. Kim Schmidt, Brett Pharo, Lon Bargy, Glenn Kole, Chris Weinzapel, Dorance Amos, John King, Stan Moore, Brian Altonen, Dean Veliquette, Jack White, and Janet Person spoke in favor of the program. Ed Martel, Kent McNeill, and Jerry Green spoke against the program. The Public Hearing closed at 11:55 a.m.

Michael Crawford left the meeting at 12:00 Noon.

Robert Englebrecht gave the 2003 Apportionment Report. (See pp )

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Stanek that the 2003 Apportionment Report be accepted as presented. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

RESOLUTION #27-03 by Robert McLeod, seconded by Laura Stanek

WHEREAS, enrolled Senate Bill 293 was passed by the Michigan Legislature and presented to the Governor on June 30, 2003, and

WHEREAS Senate Bill 293 allowed local governmental public safety agencies to attach communications equipment to state-owned towers potentially saving local communities millions of dollars, and

WHEREAS Senate Bill 293 was vetoed on July 11, 2003, and

WHEREAS the Governor issued Executive Directive No. 2003-12 which intends to provide local law enforcement agencies access to state owned communication towers, and

WHEREAS an Executive Order is subject to change or termination, it does not provide the long term stability required for planning, building and operation of a Public Safety Communications system, and

WHEREAS, the Executive Order imposes restrictions and fees on local agencies seeking to utilize state owned towers that were not part of Senate Bill 293, and

WHEREAS the restrictions and fees required for the use of state owned towers effectively denies access to the towers to many agencies and departments.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners urges that Governor Jennifer Granholm reconsider her veto of Senate Bill 293 and sign the Bill into law.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to Governor Jennifer Granholm, Antrim County’s State Representatives and Senators, the Michigan Association of Counties, and all County Boards of Commissioners in Michigan.

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

No - None;

Absent - Dawson, Crawford

RESOLUTION #27-03 DECLARED ADOPTED.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Howelman that the Equalization Director participate in the Homestead Audit program with the Treasurer and local Assessors. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Howelman that any benefits awarded to employees of the Sheriff Department under union contract be extended to the Sheriff and Undersheriff also. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

RESOLUTION #28-03 by Robert McLeod, seconded by David Howelman

WHEREAS, the ACUTE (Antrim County United Through Ecology) coalition has been formed in order to reach consensus on a plan of action to address the Wickes trichloroethylene (TCE) groundwater contamination plume, and

WHEREAS, the TCE plume extends over six (6) miles from the Dura plant in Mancelona to the Schuss Mountain Village and the Cedar River Village in Shanty Creek, and

WHEREAS, the ACUTE membership consists of representation from the following organizations and associations: The Antrim County Board of Commissioners; Bellaire Realtors; Three Lakes Association; Mancelona Area Water and Sewer Authority; Community Resource Development; Shanty Creek Resort; Gourdie-Fraser; Cedar River Association; Schuss Property Association and the Lodge at Cedar River Association, and

WHEREAS, the Antrim County Board of Commissioners shares concerns with the other ACUTE partners regarding the impact of the plume on the health, safety and welfare of County residents, as well as the impact on the environment and economy.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Antrim County Board of Commissioners supports the ACUTE Coalition by; Appointing a minimum of one (1) representative to serve on the ACUTE Coalition to help formulate the plan of action to address the threat of the TCE plume, assist in the education and outreach efforts, assist in the efforts to broker agreements among all the stakeholders in order to ensure a timely and holistic set of solution to address the TCE plume problem.

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

No - None;

Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

RESOLUTION #28-03 DECLARED ADOPTED.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Howelman that the Board of Commissioners support the $100,000 grant request submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency to address the TCE plume coming from the Dura property. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Howelman, seconded by McLeod the Chairman sign a Letter of Understanding with Teamsters Local 214 (General Unit) giving three employees at the Commission on Aging a reduction in hours for the last quarter of fiscal year 2003 only. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Blackmore that the hiring freeze be lifted, the funds be released, and the process be started to fill the vacant position of Mechanical Inspector. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Blackmore that $440.00 be budgeted in the Antrim Creek Natural Area Fund for purchase of signs. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

It was moved by Bargy that funds in the Animal Control Donations Fund be used for purchase of equipment for the new Animal Shelter. The matter was tabled and sent back to committee.

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by McLeod that camping rates at Barnes Park be raised as follows: Resident Non-resident

Electric Sites $ 18.00 $ 22.00

Non-electric sites 15.00 17.00

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

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by McLeod that the pavilion rent be raised as follows: Resident Non-resident

Pavilion Rental $ 35.00 $ 55.00

Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - none; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by McLeod that a usage fee for the solid waste dump station at Barnes Park be set at $10.00. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by McLeod that up to $1,700 be expended for afton stone for the Wetzel Lake site. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Stanek that the floors and carpet be repaired and replaced at Meadow View Apartments at a cost of not to exceed $5,080.10. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

It was moved by Bargy, seconded by Howelman that the amendment to the fire and bomb threat plan be adopted. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - Bargy, White, Howelman, Blackmore, Allen; No - McLeod; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

It was moved by Bargy, seconded by Blackmore that the request of the Emergency Services Director to apply for a $9,000 grant be approved. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Allen that Elk Rapids Village be granted permission to temporarily store dewater spoils on county land. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Allen that the Mellem Family Trail sign be erected at the Cedar River Natural Area at a cost not to exceed $1,000 to be paid from the Forestry Fund. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek that the request of Grey Avey to construct a new hangar at the Airport be approved. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

The Chairman made the following appointments:

Abstractor Theresa Kent

Chief Administrative Officer Laura Sexton

Animal Control Director Terry Johnson

Airport Manager John Strehl

Dial-a-Ride Manager Robert Straw

Building Official Arlen Turner

Commission on Aging Director Carol Mitchell

Coordinator/Planner Peter Garwood

Emergency Services Coordinator Carl Goeman

Equalization Director Robert Englebrecht

Maintenance Director David Vitale

Medical Examiner Dr. Dewey Benson

Purchasing Agent Laura Sexton

Veterans Counselor George Perkins

911 Manager Terry Johnson

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod that the above named appointments be approved. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Blackmore that the following budget adjustments be approved:

GENERAL FUND Increase Decrease

Revenue

From Licenses & Permits -0-

From Other Agencies 29,500

From Current Services 2,100

From Other Sources 35,000

Expenditures

Jury Commission 300

Elections 300

Computer 11,000

Health

Medical Exams 2,000

Autopsies 3,000 5,000

Special Projects 5,000

LAND USE GRANT FORUM FUND

Expenditures 1,500

MASTER PLAN GRANT FUND

Expenditures 3,910

Revenue 9,000

K-9 FUND

Expenditures 200

JAIL INMATE PROCEEDS FUND

Expenditures 2,000

LAW LIBRARY

Expenditures 1,000

SHERIFF - FINGERPRINT GRANT

Revenue 10,800

EMERGENCY SERVICES GRANT 02-03

Expenditures 1,300

HOUSING - PROJECT INCOME FUND

Revenue - debt payments 73,800

Expenditures - projects 73,800

HOUSING - HOME PROJECTS

Revenue - from Grant 50,000

Expenditures - projects 50,000

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

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Blackmore that the Chairman sign the Community Corrections Agreement with Grand Traverse County. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes - McLeod, Bargy, White, Howelman, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No - None; Absent - Dawson, Crawford.

Laura Stanek reported on a meeting she attended at Boyne Falls about septic sewage.

The Clerk announced the Organization Meeting will be Monday, January 5, 2004 at 1:00 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m. to the Call of the Chair.

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Jack White, Chairman

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Laura Sexton, County Clerk