|
DATE 02/27/2001 |
The Clinton County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, February 27, 2001 at 9 a.m. with Chairperson Arehart presiding. |
|
INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL |
Diane Zuker, County Clerk gave the invocation. The pledge of allegiance was given to the flag. Roll was called and a quorum reported. Present were Larry Martin, Mary L. Rademacher, John W. Arehart, Russel Bauerle, Virginia Zeeb, Scott Hummel and Sara Clark Pierson. |
|
COUNTY PERSONNEL |
Ryan Wood and Craig Longnecker |
|
VISITORS |
John Fifarek and Ronald Andrews |
|
MINUTES OF 01/30/2001 |
The minutes of January 30, 2001 were presented. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to approve the minutes as printed. Motion carried. |
|
AGENDA |
The agenda was amended to include the following:
BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Zeeb moved, supported by Commissioner Hummel to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried. |
|
COMMUNICATIONS |
The following communications were reviewed:
BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to accept the communications and place on file. Discussion followed. Commissioner Zeeb noted that the Transportation in DeWitt is not a County program, it is made available by a Grant in DeWitt Township. Commissioner Hummel is the liaison to the Transportation Committee and he has been sharing letters that are received outlining transportation concerns with the local units of government and CRV. Motion carried. |
|
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT |
Ryan Wood, Administrator gave the following report:
|
|
ZONING |
John Hodges, County Planning Director presented the following Zoning matters: |
| PC-37-12-2000 REZONE GARY VANDENBERG BINGHAM TOWNSHIP SECTION 15 (TABLED 12/15/2000) |
PC-37-12-2000 Rezone request submitted by Gary Vandenberg (Wal-Mart) to rezone a parcel from R-3 under the City of St. Johns Zoning to B - Commercial under Bingham Township Zoning in Section 15 of Bingham Township. Chairperson Arehart noted that this matter will remain tabled, in view of the fact that official documents have not been received from the City of St. Johns regarding the transfer of the property. |
| PC-01-02-01 REZONE RONALD ANDREWS VICTOR TOWNSHIP SECTION 24 APPROVED |
PC-01-02-01 Rezone request submitted by Ronald Andrews in Section 24 of Victor Township to rezone a parcel of property (2.8 acres) at 9748 Round Lake Road from B-Commercial to D-Developmental to construct a single-family dwelling. Chairperson Arehart called for Commissioner comments and/or questions:
Chairperson Arehart called for public comments:
BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Martin to concur with the recommendation of the Planning Commission to approve the request for Rezoning. Voting on the motion by roll call vote, those voting aye were Pierson, Hummel, Martin, Rademacher, Zeeb, Bauerle and Arehart. Seven ayes, zero nays. Motion carried. |
|
PUBLIC COMMENTS |
Chairperson Arehart called for public comments. There were no public comments. |
|
APPROVAL OF COMMISSIONER'S EXPENSE ACCOUNTS |
Commissioner's expense accounts were presented. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Hummel moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to authorize the Chairperson and Clerk to approve the expense accounts following their review. Motion carried. |
|
COMMITTEE REPORTS |
The following are reports of Committee meetings: |
|
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING |
Chairperson Arehart reported on a Committee of the Whole meeting held February 8, 2001. |
|
AGENDA APPROVED |
Chairperson Arehart
called the meeting to order.
COMMITTEE ACTION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Hummel to approve the agenda as printed. Motion carried. |
|
PUBLIC COMMENTS |
Chairperson Arehart requested limited public comments. There were no public comments. |
|
PURPOSE OF THE MEETING |
Chairperson Arehart noted that this is a meeting of the Committee of the Whole and there will be no action items at this meeting. |
|
BUDGET OVERVIEW |
Chairperson Arehart
introduced Administrator Wood who presented an overview on the current budget
and the impact if the County has any significant changes in the following
areas:
The Administrator noted the importance of all new activity having a new revenue source. |
|
TRANSPORTATION DISCUSSED |
Chairperson Arehart
introduced discussion regarding Transportation.
|
|
AGRICULTURE AND OPEN SPACE |
Chairperson Arehart
introduced discussion regarding Agriculture and Open Space.
Public Services and Open Space draft survey discussion - Graduate Student project
|
|
HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS DISCUSSED |
Chairperson Arehart
introduced discussion regarding Health Insurance Benefits
|
|
ETHICS POLICY DISCUSSED |
Chairperson Arehart
introduced discussion regarding Ethics Policies. It was noted that Ethics
Policies are not standard policy among many Michigan Counties. Commissioner
Hummel stated policy is a standard by which to judge a persons conduct.
Such policy would set an example for other Elected Officials.
Commissioner’s Bauerle and Pierson questioned the need for such a policy. |
|
INTRA-COUNTY COMMITTEE MEETINGS |
Chairperson Arehart introduced discussion regarding Intra-County Committee meetings, i.e. Road Commission, Planning Commission etc. Meetings should have an agenda and have discussions on in-service procedures, how they operate etc. It was suggested to have the Road Commission on the Finance meeting in March blocking l hour for discussion. |
|
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT POSITION DISCUSSED |
Chairperson Arehart
introduced discussion regarding the filling of the Solid Waste Management
position. Concern for other areas of the County were discussed:
The committee recognized shortcomings of the aforesaid. There was no consensus regarding direction for Solid Waste Management. |
|
CONDUCT AT PUBLIC MEETINGS |
Chairperson Arehart introduced discussion regarding acceptable conduct at public meetings. Discussion followed regarding restricting personal attack. |
|
COUNTY PER DIEM POLICY |
Chairperson Arehart introduced discussion regarding the County’s per diem policy, with clarification by the Board Chairperson on any questioned payment. |
|
COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE DISCUSSED |
Chairperson Arehart introduced discussion regarding the committee meeting schedule. The Committee felt the schedule meets current needs. |
|
PUBLIC COMMENTS |
Chairperson Arehart requested limited public comments. There were no public comments. |
|
FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING |
Commissioner Pierson, Finance Chairperson and Commissioner Martin, Personnel Chairperson reported on a Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held February 15, 2001. |
|
AGENDA APPROVED |
Chairperson Pierson
called the meeting to order.
COMMITTEE ACTION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Hummel to approve the agenda as printed. Motion carried. |
|
PUBLIC COMMENTS |
Chairperson Pierson requested limited public comments. |
|
CCW LEGISLATION |
The County Clerk introduced information on the CCW Law. The law allows carrying concealed weapons in Government buildings. Circuit Judge Martlew will be writing the Commissioners regarding this issue. There is concern that this law does not prohibit concealed weapons in county offices and jails. The Judge suggests the County adopt a resolution prohibiting weapons in the Government Buildings. |
|
JURY BOARD APPOINTMENTS |
The Clerk discussed HB 5962, which revises the appointment process for County Jury Boards. The bill was signed by the Governor and became effective January 9, 2001. The Appointments will now be made by the Board of Commissioners based on the recommendation of the Circuit Judge. Formerly, the Governor made the Appointments on the recommendation of the Circuit Judge. |
|
CONSERVATION DISTRICT UPDATE REGARDING RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN GRANT |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced Mr. Bill Lasher, Clinton Conservation District, regarding an
update on the Resource Management Plan grant. The District did not receive
the grant. They are looking for funds to continue with the plan, at a target
amount of $18,000. Commissioner Bauerle questioned whether the District
had explored having a graduate student from MSU assist with the Resource
Plan. Commissioner Pierson questioned if townships were interested in sharing
cost of Resource Management Plan? Mr. Lasher stated the District would explore
these areas.
Mr. Lasher also noted the filter-strip program has been successful. Thirty acres were enrolled last fall, with an additional 30 acres since January. This will have a positive long-term effect, with additional wildlife and recreational benefit from the program. |
|
SHERIFF REQUEST TO PURCHASE COMPUTER, SHELVING AND LCD PROJECTOR FROM DRUG FORFEITURE FUND |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced a request from County Sheriff Kangas to purchase one computer,
shelving and a LCD projector from the Drug Forfeiture Fund. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Martin to recommend the purchase of one computer, shelving and a LCD projector from the Drug Forfeiture Fund at a total cost of $2,300. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried. |
|
SHERIFF REQUEST TO PURCHASE MATRESS/PILLOW UNITS FROM INMATE COMMISSARY FUND |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced a request from Sheriff Kangas to purchase 100 mattress/pillow
units out of the Inmate Commissary Fund at a total cost of $9,000.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Hummel moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to recommend the purchase of 100 mattress/pillow units from the Inmate Commissary Fund (595-35100-740000) at a total cost of $9,000. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried. |
|
SHERIFF REQUEST TO APPLY FOR PREVENTION AND FINGERPRINT GRANTS |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced a request from Sheriff Kangas to apply for Crime Prevention and
Fingerprint grants. COMMITTEE ACTION: Commissioner Rademacher moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to authorize the Sheriff to apply for the Crime Prevention grant, with the Chairperson signing on behalf of the entire Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Pierson voted no. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to concur with the Committee. Commissioner Pierson voted no. Motion carried. COMMITTEE ACTION: Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Zeeb to authorize the Sheriff to apply for the computer technology fingerprint grant, with the Chairperson signing on behalf of the entire Board of Commissioners. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Martin to concur with the Committee. Motion carried. |
|
COUNTY CLERK REQUEST TO INCREASE ELECTION BUDGET TO COVER COSTS OF SPECIAL STATE SENATE ELECTIONS |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced a request from County Clerk Zuker to increase the Election Budget
to cover costs of Special Senate Primary and General Elections scheduled
for February 27th and March 20th.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Hummel moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to recommend Increasing Election Expenditures – Printing and Binding (101-19100-728000) by $22,000 and Increase Revenues – Reimbursements (101-19100-684000) by $6,000, reducing contingency by $16,000 (101-89000-800000) to cover costs of Special Senate Primary and General Elections scheduled for February 27th and March 20th. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Hummel to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried. |
|
ROAD COMMISSION APPOINTMENT INTERVIEWS |
Chairperson Martin
introduced Road Commission candidate interviews as follows:
|
|
RAVE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION CERTIFICATION |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced a request from the RAVE Emergency Shelter for the County to give
certification for Non-Profit Organization on behalf of RAVE. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to recommend approval of the Certification (Attachment IIA) Michigan State Housing Development Authority Certification of Local Approval for Non-Profit Organizations on behalf of Relief After Violent Encounter, with the Chairperson signing on behalf of the entire Board of Commissioners. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Hummel to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried. |
|
PUBLIC COMMENTS |
Chairperson Pierson
requested limited public comments.
|
|
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS |
Chairperson Pierson
requested Commissioner's comments.
|
|
FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING |
Commissioner Pierson, Finance Chairperson and Commissioner Martin, Personnel Chairperson reported on a Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held February 22, 2001. |
|
AGENDA APPROVED |
Chairperson Pierson
called the meeting to order with additions to the agenda noted.
COMMITTEE ACTION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to approve the revised agenda. Motion carried. |
|
PUBLIC COMMENTS |
Chairperson Pierson requested limited public comments. There were no public comments. |
|
MID-MICHIGAN DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENT ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION ISSUES |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced Ms. Kim Singh, Mid-Michigan Health Department Director, regarding
issues related to the environmental division of the department.
In 1998 the Health Department committed to revising our Environmental Health Code. This code serves as the regulatory basis for governing water supply, sewage disposal, refuse disposal and housing for the counties of Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm. The first phase has just been completed. Ms. Singh presented a brief summary of progress to date along with an overview of upcoming phases where the revision committee will be concentrating. The second phase of the revision process includes incorporating the various stakeholders into the process. The third and final phase will be to present revisions in a public hearing format before review and subsequent approval from the Board of Health and Boards of Commissioners from Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm Counties. It is still the goal to have final approval and enactment of the Code by the end of 2001. No action requested. |
|
PHONE/DATA FM-200 FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced correspondence received from Mr. Blaine Stevens, Maintenance
Director, regarding the Phone/Data FM-200 Fire Suppression System. These
systems are used to protect areas where computers or sensitive electronic
equipment environment exist in the courthouse. They are not a water system,
but special chemical gases that is electronic and human environment friendly.
On February 7, 2001 this system discharged with only one/half of its capacity
working. This situation was never anticipated during the building of the
Courthouse. Mr. Stevens requests $6,000 to be transferred from contingency
to the Maintenance line item for fire fighting to recharge the FM-200 Fire
Suppression System.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Hummel moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to recommend decreasing contingency by $6,000 and increasing the Maintenance line item for Fire Fighting by $6,000 to allow the recharge of the FM-200 Fire Suppression System for the Courthouse. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Hummel to concur with the Committee recommendation. Discussion followed. Administrator Wood stated that the County’s Insurance Carrier has been contacted for possible reimbursement. Motion carried. |
|
2001 REMONUMENTATION PROGRAM CONTRACTS |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced information received from Ms. Barbara Moss regarding contracts
for the 2001 Remonumentation Program.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Hummel to recommend the 2001 Survey and Remonumentation Grant Program, with the Chairperson signing on behalf of the entire Board of Commissioners. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried. |
|
ILLEGAL DUMPING PROGRAM |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced Ms. Gayle Miller, Interim Waste Management Coordinator, regarding
the Illegal Dumping Program. The Solid Waste Council approved the Illegal
Dumping Program for recommendation.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Hummel to recommend approval of the Illegal Dumping Program as presented, and authorize the Waste Management Department to process reimbursements to eligible agencies and individuals as needed and according to pre-approved budgets up to $6,000. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried. |
|
WASTE MANAGEMENT LOCAL GRANT PROGRAM FOR 2001 |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced discussion regarding the Local Grant Program for 2001. The Department
of Waste Management’s 2001 budget contains $50,000 for this program. Grant
requests totaled $39,303.05. The Solid Waste Council recommended approval
of all grant requests as presented. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Zeeb moved, supported by Commissioner Martin to recommend awarding Local Grant Funds to all grant applicants as recommended by the Solid Waste Council and authorize the Department of Waste Management to enter into grant contracts in the amount of $39,303.05. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Hummel to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried. |
|
RECOGNITION FOR DEVELOPING CLINTON COUNTY'S RECYCLING PROGRAMS |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced a request from Waste Management to provide special recognition
to persons and organizations that have been instrumental in developing Clinton
County’s recycling programs over the last ten years.
Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to authorize the awards and presentation to be held at the Board of Commissioners meeting of April 24, 2001. Motion carried. |
|
SOLID WASTE ORDINANCE AND LANDFILL USER FEE AGREEMENT |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced discussion regarding Solid Waste Ordinance and Landfill User
Fee Agreement with Granger. The Solid Waste Council meet February 15, 2001
to review the budgetary needs of the Department of Waste Management for
2001, and recommend that the User Fee remain at $.20/cubic yard.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to recommend the Solid Waste Ordinance and Landfill User Fee remain at $.20/cubic yard per the agreement with Granger for 2001. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Zeeb to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried. |
|
HISTORICAL COMMISSION APPOINTMENT |
Chairperson Pierson
introduced Historical Commission terms expiring on March 1, 2001. Ms. Betty
Jane Minsky and Ms. Janet Tiedt are seeking reappointment to the three-year
terms. There is also a current vacancy on the Commission. Mr. William Serviss
and Ms. Maureen Shank are interested in the appointment. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to recommend the reappointment of Ms. Betty Jane Minsky and Ms. Janet Tiedt to three-year terms beginning April 1, 2001, and the nomination of Ms. Maureen Shank to fill the vacancy of a three-year term expiring March 1, 2003. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Zeeb to concur with the Committee recommendation. Discussion followed. It was noted that current member Betty Moore is unable to continue to serve for health reasons, thus leaving the vacancy to expire March 1, 2003 for which Ms. Shank is being nominated. Commissioners agreed there should be some official communication from Ms. Moore resigning her position, either verbal or written. Chairperson Arehart restated the motion to concur with the Committee recommendation with the contingency that a verbal or written resignation be received by Betty Moore prior to Ms. Shank assuming the appointment. Chairperson Arehart called for further nominations. None were offered. Motion carried. |
|
ROAD COMMISSION APPOINTMENT |
Chairperson Martin
introduced discussion regarding the Road Commission Appointment.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Zeeb moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to recommend Mr. Francis Trierweiler to the 6-year term as Road Commissioner, expiring December 31, 2006. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to concur with the Committee recommendation. Chairperson Arehart called for further nominations. None were offered. Motion carried. |
|
ANIMAL SHELTER PROJECT DISCUSSED |
Chairperson Pierson introduced Mr. Ryan Wood, Administrator, regarding discussion of the future Animal Shelter project. Mr. Wood stated that the County would be proceeding with seeking qualified architectural firms to provide services related to the construction of a new animal shelter. The Building and Grounds Committee will conduct the interviews. No action requested. |
|
PUBLIC COMMENTS |
Chairperson Pierson
requested limited public comments.
|
|
COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS |
Chairperson Pierson
requested Commissioner comments.
|
|
BOARD MEETING |
|
|
APPROVAL OF AUDIT, PAYROLL AND GENERAL FUND WEEKLY BILLS |
Commissioner Pierson, Finance Chairperson reported that the audit was conducted with bills totaling $858,154.73 plus payroll of $540,018.23 and general fund weekly bills totaling $58,967.32 for a grand total of $1,457,140.28. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Hummel to approve the audit, payroll and general fund weekly bills. Motion carried. |
|
ADJOURNMENT |
BOARD ACTION: With no further business to come before the Board, Commissioner Zeeb moved, supported by Commissioner Hummel to adjourn. Motion carried. ________________________________ Diane Zuker, County Clerk NOTE: These minutes are subject to approval on March 27, 2001. |