ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS      Thursday, November 13, 2003

 

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

 

Present:  Eugene Dawson, Larry Bargy, Jack White, David Howelman, Michael

               Crawford, Laura Stanek, Bernard Blackmore;

Absent:   Robert McLeod, Joseph Allen.

 

            The Pledge of Allegiance was given.

 

            The Chairman requested Public Comment.  Ed Martel commented on wetlands regulations.

 

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Blackmore the minutes of October 9, 2003 and November 6, 2003 be approved.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

 

            It was moved by Blackmore, seconded by Dawson the Chairman sign an agreement with Quicksilver Resources Inc for drilling on county property in Custer Township – SE Ό of SW Ό of NE Ό of Section 9, T29N, R7W.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

RESOLUTION #29-03 by Michael Crawford, seconded by David Howelman

 

            WHEREAS, MSU Extension in Antrim County provides educational programming to address local issues that affect families, economic enterprises, and communities, MSU Extension utilizes the research and knowledge base of the state’s land grant university, and MSU Extension represents a three-way partnership among federal, state and local governments, and

 

            WHEREAS, MSU Extension in Antrim County provides 4-H programming for youth, works with agricultural producers, offers nutrition education, offers training about land use and planning laws and policies, offers natural resource education, and offers family resource education; and

 

            WHEREAS, Antrim County provides $93,032 to help support MSU Extension programming: the county investment being coupled with state and federal appropriations, as well as grants, ensuring the programming will meet the needs and interests of the county’s citizens; and

 

            WHEREAS, the state currently provides $28.6 million in funding for MSU Extension and elimination of that funding would destroy this important educational network;

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners opposes any suggestion that state funding for MSU Extension be eliminated.

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this board conveys to Governor Jennifer Granholm and to its state legislators that the elimination of state funding for MSU Extension is an unacceptable solution to the state’s budget problem.

 

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

No  - None;

Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

RESOLUTION #29-03 DECLARED ADOPTED.

 

RESOLUTION #30-03 by Laura Stanek, seconded by Larry Bargy

 

            WHEREAS, Public Act 738 of 2002, requires the Antrim County Board of Commissioners to adopt a resolution to authorize electronic transactions, and

 

            WHEREAS, Public Act 738 of 2002, effective December 20, 2002, authorizes counties to make electronic transactions involving public funds by electronic payment, debit or credit transfer processed through an automated clearing house, and

 

            WHEREAS, Public Act 738 of 2002, authorizes the Antrim County Treasurer to enter into an ACH arrangement for a national and governmental organization that has authority to process electronic payments (ACH) including, but not limited to, the National Automated Clearing House Association and Federal Reserve System, and

 

            WHEREAS, the Antrim County Treasurer and County Clerk have prepared a written automated clearing house (ACH) policy as required by the Act, for the purposes of maintaining effective internal control by clarifying and emphasizing the department initiating ACH transactions through systems provided by the County.

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners authorizes the County to utilize electronic transactions in compliance with the written procedures and internal controls developed and adopted by the Antrim County Treasurer and the Antrim County Clerk as the County’s ACH policy and presented to the Antrim County Board of Commissioners on November 13, 2003.

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

No  - None;

Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

RESOLUTION #30-03 DECLARED ADOPTED.

 

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy the County Treasurer purchase two computers for $1,266 each, as budgeted in the 2003 General Fund budget.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            It was moved Stanek, seconded by Bargy that two copiers, one for the first floor and one for the second floor, be leased from Xerox at $357.47/mo for one copier and $427/mo for the second copier to be paid for from funds currently budgeted for maintenance agreements on currently owned copiers.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy that $14, 148 be transferred from Contingencies to Sheriff in the 2004 General Fund budget to cover both increases and decreases in various line items.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy that a Pathfinder ProXR GPS Field Kit be purchased for 911 from Fund #262 (Wireless Fund) at a total cost of $4,790.00.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes -  Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Howelman that a sign be purchased for the Animal Shelter from ProImage Design of Rapid City for $5,470 to be paid for from the Animal Donations Fund.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Dawson that $3,691.42, which is the unused portion of the funding for Household Hazardous Waste Day be transferred back to Solid Waste Reserve Fund.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy that Chairman be authorized to sign the NETCOM maintenance agreement plan; total cost for 2004 to be $5,072.08.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy that the Register of Deeds purchase work stations from Excel Office Interiors for $7,350 as budgeted in the 2003 General Fund budget.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Howelman the Register purchase an electric sealer for $1,150 and a table top copier for $1,500 from the Technology Fund, total cost not to exceed $3,000.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            There was discussion on the remodeling of the Register of Deeds office and whether costs could be paid from the Technology Fund.  The matter was tabled.

 

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Bargy the claims and accounts totaling $78,518.21 be approved and paid.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

RESOLUTION #31-03 by Michael Crawford, seconded by David Howelman

 

            A Resolution of the Antrim County Board of Commissioners urging the State

            and Federal Legislature to address the escalating costs of health insurance

            in Michigan and throughout the United States.

 

            WHEREAS, in the last five years the cost for health care insurance has doubled for the County of Antrim, while the Consumer’s Price Index has stayed below three (3) percent, and

 

            WHEREAS, the cost of prescription drugs has been a major factor in the increased cost to Antrim County as well as throughout the nation, and

 

            WHEREAS, the United States business community and consumers continue to bear the manufacturers cost of supplying prescription drugs to other countries, and

 

            WHEREAS, the prescription drug manufacturers continue to indicate the high cost of supplying drugs is due to the research and development costs, yet much of these costs are covered through a United States government subsidy, and

 

            WHEREAS, the increasing costs of prescription drugs and health care in general are becoming financially unbearable for Antrim County and its employees as well as other employers and employees throughout the nation and

 

            WHEREAS, shifting the cost between the employer and the employees will not resolve a problem which appears to not have a resolution in sight.

 

            NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners strongly but respectfully request the State and Federal Legislators waste not another minute to address the crisis of the escalating cost of health insurance which affects the health, safety and welfare of every citizen in the State of Michigan as well as throughout the United States.

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to our State and Federal Legislators, Michigan Counties, and the Michigan Association of Counties.

 

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

No  - None;

Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

RESOLUTION #31-03 DECLARED ADOPTED.

 

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Howelman that Eileen Wallick be reinstated on the county life insurance policy.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Howelman a 3% wage increase for all irregular part-time employees in the Commission on Aging (see page 102) and a 7% increase for the irregular part-time secretary position in Commission on Aging be approved effective January 1, 2004.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Blackmore.

 

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson to change the stand alone prescription program from $2.00 co-pay to $5/10 co-pay for unrepresented employees.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Howelman  Mark Haynes be hired as Mechanical Inspector with Francis Carmichael to be considered as second choice.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

 

            The matter of appointments to various boards was tabled.

 

            Janet Person and Chris Groebel reported on the results from the wetland assessment mapping project.

 

            Ed Martel  reported on the rights of riparian owners and property easements.

 

            Alan Martel and Jim Pascoe from the Planning Commission presented a proposed Resolution concerning Antrim County water and natural resources.  The matter was tabled.

 

            It was moved by Bargy, seconded by Howelman that Antrim County act as sponsor of a grant from the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Association for the snowmobile academy.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

 

            It was moved by Bargy, seconded by Blackmore  that application by  the Emergency Services Coordinator for a Homeland Security Assessment and Strategy Grant totaling $5,000 be approved.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            Alexis Kaczynski gave an update on activities of the North Country Community Mental Health.

 

            It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Crawford the Chairman sign an agreement among Michigan Snowmobile Association, Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority and Antrim County for operation of the snowmobile academy.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

 

            It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson that Antrim County continue to operate the Elk Rapids Day Park and the originally submitted 2004 budget for the Elk  Rapids Day Park be reinstated.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – Dawson, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – Bargy;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            It was moved by Dawson, seconded by Crawford that Pecar Electric run four-inch conduit from the Animal Shelter to M-88 at a cost of $866.96.  Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows:  Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore;  No – None;  Absent – McLeod, Allen.

 

            The Buildings and Grounds Committee was requested to obtain a quote on insulating the floor of the attic in the ’05 Courthouse.

 

            Theresa Salveta, Solid Waste Coordinator, reported on the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day held October 11, 2003.

 

            It was moved by Dawson, seconded by Stanek the Airport Manager apply for a grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation for payment for the environmental assessment (Mead & Hunt) of the runway safety area (RSA); the county share to be approximately $2,500.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

 

            It was moved by Dawson, seconded by Stanek the Chairman sign a commercial fueling (airplane) agreement with Dura Automotive.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

 

            It was moved by Dawson, seconded by Bargy that, in the matter of the proposed Construction Code Enforcement appeal, any irregularities regarding the 60-day appeal deadline be waived and the appeal go to the Construction Code Appeals Board, the waiver to be effective for 30 days from today ( November 13, 2003).  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

 

            Kent McNeil and Melinda Lautner (Leelanau County Commissioner) gave a presentation on reasons for not participating in the Farmland Preservation program.

 

            It was moved by Howelman, seconded by Stanek the Chairman sign an agreement with Leelanau County for use of Non-Secure Detention Home Services by the Family Division of Circuit Court.  Motion carried all members present voting yes.

 

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

                                                                                    Increase                       Decrease

GENERAL FUND      

Revenue

            From Taxes                                                        7,200

            From Other Agencies                                         4,350

            From Current Services                          13,250

 

Expenditures

            ’05 Courthouse – utilities                                    5,200

            Marine – wages & fringes                                 10,500

            Secondary Roads                                               1,900

            Health – Autopsies                                             5,000

            Appropriations – to Law Library                         2,000

 

ANIMAL CONTROL DONATIONS FUND

            Revenue – interest                                                  100

 

CONSTRUCTION CODE ENFORCEMENT FUND

            Revenue – inspections                                       88,700

                              interest                                                100

            Expenditures – rent (bldg. space)                        7,100

 

REGISTER OF DEEDS AUTOMATION FUND

            Revenue – recording fees                                    4,000

 

911 – WIRELESS FUND

            Revenue – from state                                          2,500

 

ANTRIM K-9 FUND

            Expenditures – services                              200

 

LAW LIBRARY FUND

            Revenue – from General                                     2,000

            Expenditures – books                                         2,000

 

EMERGENCY SERVICES GRANT

            Expenditures – equipment                                   5,000

 

HOUSING PROJECT INCOME

            Expenditures – projects                                    30,000

 

HOUSING 03/04 GRANT

            Revenue – from grant                                        63,000

            Expenditures – projects                                    50,000

 

JUVENILE OFFICER GRANT

            Expenditures – close fund                                   3,600

 

CHILD CARE FUND

            Expenditures – state wards                               63,000

 

CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND

            Revenue – interest                                              3,700

 

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

 

            The meeting adjourned at 1:10 p.m. to the Call of the Chair.