ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 12-08-05

ANTRIM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Thursday, December 8, 2005

Jack White, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 9:04 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 requested Public Comment. Ed Martel commented on the public health code and the rights of disabled citizens. Public Comment closed at 9:12 a.m.

It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Howelman the minutes of November 10, 2005 be accepted as corrected. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by McLeod the claims and accounts totaling $111,143.57 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.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Howelman $20,000 be transferred to the Commission on Aging to end the fiscal year; funds to be returned in February, 2005. 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 the 2006 operating expenditure budgets for Cedar River Natural Area ($1,000) and Wetzel Lake ($5,000) be transferred from Fund #232 (Cedar River Fund) and Fund #238 (Wetzel Lake Fund) to the General Fund; the Wetzel Lake Fund revenue and expenditure budgets be amended to reflect only the possible grant proceeds; and the Cedar River Natural Area Fund be closed in 2005. 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 Dawson that, for 2006, $40,000 be budgeted in Fund #161 (Grant Match Fund) for Airport Grant match, and for 2005 the remainder of $1,706.86 in Fund #195 (Airport Grant Match Fund) be transferred to the Grant Match Fund, and the Airport Grant Match Fund be closed. 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 matter of the Planning Commission request for changes in the Ordinance was postponed until January.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek the hiring of Judy Parliament for the regular part time secretary position at the Commission on Aging 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 made the following appointments:

Economic Development Robert Peterson term expires 12/31/2008

Jerome Simowski term expires 12/31/2008

Allyn Wright term expires 12/31/2008

Brownfield Redevelopment Robert Peterson term expires 12/31/2008

Jerome Simowski term expires 12/31/2008

Allyn Wright term expires 12/31/2008

Solid Waste & Recycling Council Leonard Klein term expires 12/31/2008

Jill Barnard term expires 12/31/2008

William Gadwau term expires 12/31/2008

Veterans Affairs Committee Roger Simon term expires 12/31/2008

Board of Public Works Marshall Wright term expires 01/01/2008

Commission on Aging Donald Schuiteman term expires 01/01/2007

Mary Kokosky term expires 01/01/2007

Edward Bradford term expires 01/01/2007

Planning Commission Allen Luurtsema term expires 12/31/2008

Alan Martel term expires 12/31/2008

Jim Gurr term expires 12/31/2007

Housing Commission Bridget Russell term expires 01/01/2008

Vincent Olach term expires 01/01/2008

Parks & Recreation Commission Stanley Moore term expires 01/01/2010

Russ Blasdell term expires 01/01/2010

Donald Schuiteman term expires 01/01/2010

Construction Board of Appeals Marshall Wright term expires 12/31/2009

Antrim Creek NA Commission Mary Kay McDuffie term expires 01/01/2009

911 Board Paul Trumble term expires 01/01/2009

N. MI Substance Abuse Board Donald Schuiteman

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Dawson 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 Dawson the mileage rate be set at $.40 per mile effective immediately. 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 current specifications for purchase of a Power Stand-alone Personal Computer and Stand-alone Personal Computer be adopted as presented. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford the Sheriff hire Scott Boni as a non-certified Corrections Officer at the first year wage, due to his past eight years of experience in the military police. 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 funds be released and the hiring process begun to fill a soon to be vacant dispatcher 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.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Crawford the Park Manager be authorized to work an additional ten half days in the month of December. 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 #48-05 by Robert McLeod, seconded by David Howelman

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan is required and mandated to adopt a balanced budget each year, and

WHEREAS, as part of complying with balanced budget rules and regulations, the state is bound to adhere to sound accounting and financial practices including the timely payment of bills and invoices, and

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan has chronically violated generally accepted accounting practices by withholding authorized reimbursements to county governments for several months covering child care, transportation , payments in lieu of taxes, Remonumentation, and several other program areas, and

WHEREAS, these continued tardy payments by the state have placed an undue hardship and burden on county governments in Michigan.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Antrim County Board of Commissioners hereby strongly recommends that state legislation be adopted requiring that the State of Michigan pay all of its approved invoices and obligations in a timely manner according to sound financial practices, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be forwarded to Governor Jennifer Granholm, Senator Cameron Brown, Representatives Dudley Spade and Leslie Mortimer, and the Michigan Association of Counties.

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

No - None;

Absent – None.

RESOLUTION #48-05 DECLARED ADOPTED.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Dawson the proposed health benefit changes for the Antrim County Road Commissioners 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 Crawford, the Chairman be authorized to sign the Community Corrections Agreement between Antrim County and Grand Traverse County. 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 Public Hearing was held at 10:00 a.m. on the proposed changes to the E-911 Plan. Steven Bratschi explained the changes and presented some history on the Antrim County E-911 Plan. There was no public comment. The Public Hearing ended at 10:10 a.m.

RESOLUTION #49-05 by Bernard Blackmore, seconded by Larry Bargy

WHEREAS, Antrim County Board of Commissioners called for a Public Hearing on December 8, 2005 to be held at the Antrim County Building, Commissioners Room to receive input into the proposed language change in Article VI of the tentative 911 Plan; and

WHEREAS, Notice of Public Hearing was published in the Antrim County News and Towns Meeting on November 2, 2005 and November 30, 2005; and

WHEREAS, the Public Hearing has been held and it is the determination of the Antrim County Board of Commissioners to approve the tentative Antrim County Emergency 911 Plan as the County’s final Plan,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Antrim County Board of Commissioners the Tentative Antrim County Emergency 911 Plan is hereby the Antrim County Emergency 911 Final Plan.

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

No - None;

Absent – None.

RESOLUTION #49-05 DECLARED ADOPTED.

It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson that Joseph Wirtz be hired at $32.00 per hour, time and materials, to reinforce the areas around the base of the clock tower of the 1905 Courthouse contingent upon Arthur Lennox’s recommendation. 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 the Construction Project Change Order Policy (see p ) be approved. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson the telephone maintenance agreement with Norlight 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 Crawford, seconded by Howelman the “graffiti” wall in the clock tower of the 1905 Courthouse be preserved. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Dawson that, in the event the grant application for Wetzel Lake has not yet been submitted, it be changed to be submitted in the name of Antrim County and, if the grant application has been submitted, a letter of support to the tribe be prepared to go with the grant application. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Crawford, seconded by Allen a letter be written to the Michigan Department of Transportation requested signs on U.S. 31 for Barnes Park in Eastport and the Elk Rapids Day Park. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

Peter Garwood was requested to research verbal and vague agreements and consequently formalize working relationships with other government entities and the private sector.

Kent McNeill spoke on his FOIA request, the resulting denial of his request and his appeal of the denial.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Blackmore that Mr. McNeill be given written notice upholding the denial of his appeal. Motion DEFEATED by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford; Absent – None.

Considerable discussion followed on when a public document is considered created.

Mr. White being on the prevailing side of the vote, he presented it for reconsideration.

It was moved by White, seconded by Crawford that Mr. McNeill be given written notice upholding the denial of his appeal. 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 the Administration Committee to study and determine when a document is determined to be created and therefore subject to a FOIA request.

It was moved by Bargy, seconded by Blackmore the motion of November 10, 2005 concerning bidding out the generator for sale be rescinded and the generator be placed in a Road Commission building in Mancelona which will used as an alternate EOC/911 center. 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 Bargy, seconded by McLeod the 1998 Expedition 4x4 formerly used by the Sheriff Department be transferred to Emergency Services and Emergency Services retain the Ford. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Blackmore, Allen; No – Stanek; Absent – None.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Crawford the letters of support to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians to support the following grant applications: 1) Elk Rapids “Finish the Dream” project for enhancements to the sports complex 2) Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan project for youth mentoring services to at-risk children. Motion carried all members present voting yes.

It was moved by Stanek, seconded by Howelman the following budget adjustments (see p ) 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 Allen, seconded by Dawson the Chairman be authorized to sign the Solid Waste Reciprocal Agreement with Leelanau County. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – McLeod, Dawson, Bargy, White, Howelman, Crawford, Stanek, Blackmore, Allen; No – None; Absent – None.

Caroline Pfund asked if there were any questions about her letter concerning her continued applications for employment at Meadowbrook.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek the Board retire to Closed Session to discuss labor negotiations. 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 Board went into Closed Session at 1:27 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 1:35 p.m.

It was moved by McLeod, seconded by Stanek the agreement with the unrepresented for 2006 is approved and the provisions of the agreement apply also to the Coordinator/Planner, the resulting salaries and wages to be as follows:

Abstractor 44,870

Antrim County Transportation Director 50,346

Antrim County Transportation Secretary 14.95/hr.

Administrative Assistant – Coordinator/Planner 17.67/hr

Administrative Assistant – Prosecuting Attorney 17.51/hr

Airport Manager 41,866

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney 49,230

Associate Planner 34,801

Building Official 49,699

Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney 59,302

Commission on Aging Director 42,180

Stipend 1,511

Coordinator/Planner 61,020

Coordinator/Planner Secretary 14.32/hr.

Emergency Services Coordinator 21,917

Equalization Director 53,721

Housing Director 35,468

Jail Nurse 49,831

Maintenance Director 37,365

Parks Manager 15.27/hr

Undersheriff 52,326

Veterans Counselor 14,724

Victims Advocate 31,397

County Clerk 49,706

Stipend 3,020

Stipend 6,954

County Treasurer 48,308

Drain Commissioner 7,883

Sheriff 56,927

Stipend 6,670

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 the members of the Teamsters Union in the General Unit take the first half of New Year’s Eve work day in 2005 as a holiday (the second half already being a holiday) contingent upon the union members approving the proposed Union contract. 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 County Clerk announced the Organizational Meeting would be Thursday, January 5, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.

The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m. to the Call of the Chair.