Board Minutes 02-26-2002

DATE 02/26/2002	The Clinton County Board of Commissioners met February 26, 2002 with Chairperson Arehart presiding.
INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL	Chairperson Arehart called for a moment of silence. 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, Robert Showers and Sara Clark Pierson.
COUNTY PERSONNEL	Ryan Wood, Jeanette Smith, Craig Longnecker, Linda Fox and Annette Devereaux.
VISITORS	John Nagel and Christine Quinn.
MINUTES OF 01/29/2002 & 02/14/2002	The minutes of the January 29, 2002 Board meeting and the closed session minutes of the February 14, 2002 Finance and Personnel Committee meeting were presented. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Zeeb moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to amend the minutes of the January 29^th Board meeting as follows: · On page 6 correct Commissioner’s comments to reflect Francis Trierweiler as Vice-Chairperson of the Road Commission, not Secretary · On page 11 correct the weekly (101) figure to reflect $167,231.66 and the grand total being $1,837.826.84 · Additionally, on page 11 strike Scott Everett’s name from the minutes Further, approve the closed session minutes of the February 14^th Finance and Personnel Committee meeting. Motion carried.
AGENDA	The agenda was amended to include the following: · Letter of Resignation from Annette Devereaux, Clinton County Treasurer BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Showers moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS	The following Communications were reviewed: 1. Ingham County Resolution opposing HB 5497 prohibiting the issuance of Driver’s Licenses to Illegal Aliens and SB 931 prohibiting the issuance of State Identification Cards to Illegal Aliens 2. Letter of Resignation effective March 18, 2002 from Annette Devereaux, Clinton County Treasurer BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Zeeb moved, supported by Commissioner Pierson to accept Communication #1 and place on file. Motion carried. Chairperson Arehart read Communication #2 a Letter of resignation received from Annette Devereaux, Clinton County Treasurer. Chairperson Arehart thanked Ms. Devereaux for her years of service to Clinton County and wished her well in her new endeavor. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Showers moved, supported by Commissioner Zeeb to accept the resignation received from Annette Devereaux, Clinton County Treasurer and further refer the letter to the Prosecutor, Clerk and Judge of Probate for an appointment to fill the vacancy as set by statute. Motion carried.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT	Ryan Wood, Administrator gave the following report: · The Soil Erosion Program is moving forward. Commissioner Bauerle and Administrator Wood met with Southern Clinton County Municipal Utilities Authority Board to discuss their potential role in the Soil Erosion Program. The Authority has referred this matter to their Design and Policy Committee. There appears to be some consideration by the Authority to participate in the program. · Commissioner Martin, Craig Longnecker, Budget Director and Administrator Wood met with Howard Weyers and David Bell of Weyco, Inc. regarding the Health Insurance issues. Unfortunately, the premium calculations, which showed a 25.8% increase, appear to be correct. Other options were discussed. Potentially there could be another plan that could come forward prior to enrollment on May 1^st.
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 for approval. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Rademacher moved, supported by Commissioner Martin to approve the Commissioner’s expense accounts, subject to review by the Chairperson and Clerk. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS	The following are reports of Committee meetings:
FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING	Commissioner Pierson, Finance Chairperson and Commissioner Martin, Personnel Chairperson reported on a Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held February 14, 2002.
AGENDA APPROVED	Chairperson Martin called the meeting to order. COMMITTEE ACTION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS	Chairperson Martin requested limited public comments. There were no public comments.

COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED	Chairperson Martin introduced correspondence received as follows: · Crawford County – Funding for Cooperative Management Initiative · Ottawa County – Local Tobacco Ordinances · Village of Maple Rapids DPW – Wellhead Protection Program · Department of Transportation – Open House to update the public on study for converting US-27 north of St. Johns to Ithaca from a boulevard to a limited-access freeway · County Clerk – Passport/CCW Photo Update COMMITTEE ACTION: Commissioner Zeeb moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to accept the correspondence and place on file. The Village of Maple Rapids correspondence has been referred to the Planning and Zoning Department. Motion carried.
INGHAM COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS TRANSPORTATION SERVICES CONTRACT	Chairperson Martin introduced the Ingham County Veterans Affairs Transportation Services Contract. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Showers moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to recommend authorizing the Chairperson and County Clerk to execute the Ingham County Veterans Affairs Transportation Services Contract Agreement on behalf of the entire Board of Commissioners. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried.
COMMISSIONER’S RETREAT SCHEDULED	Chairperson Martin introduced discussion regarding a retreat to be held on February 25, 2002 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Bengel Wildlife Center. A tentative agenda was discussed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to schedule a Committee of the Whole Meeting to be held on February 25, 2002 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to be held at the Bengel Wildlife Center. Motion carried.
COUNTY CLERK REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL OVERTIME AND TEMPORARY WAGES	Chairperson Martin introduced a request from the County Clerk for additional overtime and temporary wages. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Rademacher moved, supported by Commissioner Zeeb to recommend the appropriate budget adjustment for overtime and temporary wages requested by the County Clerk in the amount of $4,800. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried.
NOTARIZED DOCUMENT FEE	Chairperson Martin introduced discussion regarding the fee charged to notarize documents. Per the Statute, the fee for the purpose of notarizing documents should be $2.00. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to recommend adoption of a $2.00 fee for the purpose of notarizing documents effective January 30, 2002 per State statute. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried.

COUNTY CLERK REQUEST TO PURCHASE MICROFICHE READER	Chairperson Martin introduced discussion regarding a request to purchase a microfiche reader for the Clerk’s office. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Rademacher moved, supported by Commissioner Zeeb to recommend the purchase of a Microfiche Reader along with the appropriate budget adjustment up to $500. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Martin to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried.
GREENHAVEN HOUSEPARENT POSITION AND PROPOSED HOUSEPARENT SUPPORT POSITION	Chairperson Martin introduced discussion regarding the Greenhaven Houseparent position and proposed Houseparent Support position. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Showers moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle per the following recommended action: Motion carried. · Updated job descriptions be adopted · Positions are unclassified, having the Houseparent pay-rate at $11 per hour and the Houseparent Support pay rate at minimum wage, retroactive to January 1, 2002 · Appropriate Budget Adjustment is authorized at approximately $4,000 BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried.
RAVE - MSHDA APPLICATION	Chairperson Martin introduced a MSHDA application from RAVE. RAVE needs the County’s acknowledgement of their non-profit status to be eligible for this application. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Rademacher moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to recommend authorizing the Chairperson to execute the MSHDA certification of local approval for the 2002 Emergency Shelter Grant Program application. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried.
FRIEND OF THE COURT REQUEST FOR OVERTIME	Chairperson Martin introduced a request from the Friend of the Court for overtime. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Zeeb moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to recommend the appropriate budget adjustment adding $2,500 to the Friend of the Court budget for overtime. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Pierson to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried.
FRIEND OF THE COURT REQUEST TO POST ENFORCEMENT OFFICER POSITION	Chairperson Martin introduced a request to post the Enforcement Officer position per a letter received by Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Martlew. This request will be referred to the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting of February 21, 2002. No action taken.

GRANGER PRESENTATION REGARDING SITE REVIEW	Chairperson Martin introduced Peter Preston, Development Director and Gayle Miller, Waste Management, regarding site reviews for solid waste facility expansion. The Site Review Process Timeline was reviewed. The nature of pending requests for site reviews were discussed, along with an explanation of our siting mechanism’s shortcomings. Remedies to the process, such as obtaining qualitative information the Board can use to make siting decisions was reviewed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Commissioner Zeeb moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to authorize scheduling a Finance and Personnel meeting for March 7, 2002 at 1:30 p.m. for presentation by Granger regarding application for pre-application presentation site review to Board of Commissioners. Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS COAM/POAM COLLECTIVE BARGAINING	Chairperson Martin requested a motion to adjourn to closed session to discuss collective bargaining regarding the COAM/POAM. COMMITTEE ACTION: Commissioner Showers moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to proceed to closed session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining. A unanimous vote was received. Motion carried. Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to return to open session. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS	Chairperson Martin requested limited public comments. Administrator Wood reported as follows: - Eagle Mobile Home update - Wal-Mart update - Soil Erosion proposal – meeting scheduled February 19, 2002 with SCCUMA
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS	Chairperson Martin requested Commissioner’s comments. Commissioner Arehart reported as follows: · Met with the City of St. Johns on Feb 4th regarding jail expansion along with Sheriff Kangas and Commissioner Rademacher. Several other items were also discussed. · Disposal of Nuclear Waste in Nevada · CATS Transit System update · FIA – new director possible with State retirement buyout
FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING	Commissioner Pierson, Finance Chairperson and Commissioner Martin, Personnel Chairperson reported on a Finance and Personnel Committee meeting held February 21, 2002.
AGENDA APPROVED	Chairperson Pierson called the meeting to order with additions to the agenda noted. COMMITTEE ACTION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to approve the revised agenda. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS	Chairperson Pierson requested limited public comments. There were no public comments.

RESOLUTION 2002-3 URGING SUPPORT OF THE EFFORTS OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AN NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION TO ESTABLISH PERMANENT REPOSITORY FOR HIGH-LEVEL NUCLEAR WASTE BY OPENING YUCCA MOUNTAIN	Chairperson Pierson introduced a proposed resolution regarding Yucca Mountain, Nevada as a potential site for the safe disposal of used reactor fuel from commercial nuclear power plants and high-level radioactive materials from the Department of Energy facilities and U.S. defense applications. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Zeeb moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to support the proposed resolution to urge Michigan’s U.S. Senators and members of Congress to support the efforts of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish a permanent repository for high-level nuclear waste by opening Yucca Mountain, NV, with the resolution sent to the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Michigan’s U.S. Senators and members of Congress. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Zeeb to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried. (INSERT RESOLUTION)
FRIEND OF THE COURT REQUEST TO POST ENFORCMENT POSITION	Chairperson Martin introduced Terry Clarke, Friend of the Court, regarding the vacancy and posting of the Enforcement Officer position. Chief Circuit Judge Martlew was present in support of filling this position. Lengthy discussion followed. · Commissioner Pierson stated that Clinton County Friend of the Court is a leader in the state and the Commissioners are proud of the work being accomplished by that department. Budget issues are a concern for our County and the total picture is not bright. · Commissioner Zeeb stated that it is not our responsibility to make money, but to receive payments for the children. This service needs to be provided. · Commissioner Showers stated that he understands through arrears and current support the county can pick up additional money needed for this position. Terry Clarke noted that the earned incentive is keyed on FIP (ADC) dollars. Performance incentive comes from the State. Judge Martlew stated that if the position doesn’t pay for itself, we would withdraw the position. · Commissioner Arehart doesn’t pretend to understand the incentive formula. The important issue to the Board is tracking of the position and having it pay for itself, with Administration able to evaluate. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Zeeb to recommend posting and filling a ½ time Enforcement Officer position, and in 6 months, re-evaluate the status of the position for reconsideration. This motion is based on the reluctance of Administration. Commissioner Showers moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to amend the original motion to posting and filling a full time Enforcement Officer position, and in 6 months re-evaluate the status of the position for reconsideration. Those voting aye were Bauerle, Showers, Rademacher, Zeeb and Martin. Voting nay was Pierson. Five ayes, one nay. Amendment carried. Voting on the motion as amended by roll call vote. Those voting aye were Bauerle, Showers, Rademacher, Zeeb and Martin. Voting nay was Pierson. Five ayes, one nay. Motion carried. Administrator Wood stated that it is important to build accountability and Administration will work to that end. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to concur with the Committee recommendation to post and fill a full time Enforcement Officer position and in 6 months re-evaluate the status of the position for reconsideration. Discussion followed. Chairperson Arehart questions the criteria that will be used for the re-evaluation in 6-months. Commissioner Pierson is concerned that it will be difficult to determine the portion of the work that is attributable to this particular position. Additionally she would like to still see a report and a substantial increase in the amount of revenue generated by this enforcement. Craig Longnecker, Budget Director noted that the numbers we have received are aggregate numbers and it may be difficult to get answers to some of the questions being raised as to the specific work attributed to this position. Administrator Wood noted that the Friend of the Court was going to arrange a meeting with the Office of Child Support to get some guidance with sorting the information. Mr. Wood is hopeful that following a meeting with the Office of Child Support, there will be answers to some the questions/concerns, which have been raised. Commissioner Showers outlined his understanding that Mr. Terry Clarke is to provide clear meaningful data on a monthly basis and further, that the position would be re-evaluated in 6-months to determine whether the unfunded salary would be covered by arrears and other sources. Voting on the motion by roll call vote, those voting aye were Showers, Zeeb, Bauerle, Rademacher and Martin. Those voting nay were Pierson and Arehart. Five ayes, two nays. Motion carried.
PLANNING AND ZONING MONTHLY REPORT	Chairperson Pierson introduced Peter Preston, Development Director, who presented a planning and zoning monthly report. No action requested. · Mt. Hope Church Activity Center · Village of Maple Rapids Wellhead Protection · Capital City Canine Club · Haley/Sprint PCS · Comprehensive Plan Update · Wal-Mart Special Use Permit · Capital Estates/Eagle MHP · US-127 Expansion
SHERIFF GRANT APPLICATION FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER POSITION	Chairperson Martin introduced grant application request from Sheriff Kangas for the School Resource Officer position. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to authorize the Sheriff to apply for the grant application for the School Resource Officer, with the Chairperson being authorized to sign on behalf of the entire Board of Commissioners. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Martin to concur with the Committee. Discussion followed. Commissioner Pierson noted that this grant will be used for purposes other than DARE. Commissioner Showers noted that Officer Worthington had indicated that the grant would include Bath and DeWitt. Commissioner Showers moved, supported by Commissioner Pierson to amend the motion that Bath and DeWitt be contacted to determine whether or not they wish to participate in this program. Voting on the amendment. Motion carried. Voting on the motion as amended. Motion carried.

WASTE MANAGEMENT REPORT ON 2002 WASTE REDUCTION GRANT PROGRAM	Chairperson Pierson introduced Gayle Miller, Waste Management, reporting on the 2002 Waste Reduction Grant Program. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to recommend funding from the Waste Reduction Grant Fund to the grant applicants as recommended by the Solid Waste Council. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Zeeb to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried.
WASTE MANAGEMENT SITE REVIEW COMMITTEE COMPOSITION	Chairperson Pierson introduced Gayle Miller regarding the Site Review Committee composition. A list of applicants was presented for consideration. · Host Township (DeWitt) · County Board of Commissioners · Planning Commission or Department · Health Department · Solid Waste Industry · General Public · Environmental Interests The formal appointment will take place at a later date. No action taken.
PROSECUTOR REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY HELP DURING DISABILITY LEAVE	Chairperson Martin introduced a request from the Prosecutor for temporary help during a disability leave June – July, 2002. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to recommend authorizing a temporary clerical position for the Prosecutor during June – July, 2002, with the appropriate budget adjustment up to $2,450 for the disability leave. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried.
CONTRACT FOR FINANCIAL SOFTWARE WITH MUNIS AND CONSULTING CONTRACT WITH ABRAHAM AND GAFFNEY	Chairperson Pierson introduced discussion regarding the Financial System Contract. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Showers moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to recommend the Board Chairperson sign the Financial System Contract with Munis and the Consulting Contract with Abraham and Gaffney on behalf of the entire Board of Commissioners. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION 2002- 4

ESTABLISHING A POST RETIREMENT HEALTH CARE TRUST FUND

AMENDMENT TO COUNTY AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

RESOLUTION 2002-5

ESTABLISHING PREMIUM COST-SHARE FOR HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN

Chairperson Pierson introduced discussion regarding Retirement Health Insurance. The proposed Post-Retirement Health Care Plan and Trust Agreement were reviewed. The Trust provides for the tax-free accumulation of funds and the tax-free distribution of retiree health care benefits upon IRA approval. The monies must be used for the exclusive purpose of providing health benefits.

An actuarial study completed in March of this year determined an unfunded health care liability of $4.1 million. This translated to a required County contribution of 5.3% of payroll to meet the liability. The net present value of current retirees is $1.84 million, which is proposed to be transferred from the Delinquent Tax Fund to fund this portion. This front loading decreases the percentage of payroll to 2.9%, which has been included in the 2002 budget. This scenario is premised on a premium cost contribution from employees. The cost share would be based on future premium price escalations.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Zeeb moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to recommend adoption of the following: Motion carried.

· Resolution of the Clinton County Board of Commissioners Establishing a Post Retirement Health Care Trust Fund,
· First Amendment to the County Amended and Restated Employee Benefit Plan.
· Resolution Establishing Premium Cost-Share for Health Insurance Plan May 1, 2002 through April 30, 2003.

BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to concur with the Committee recommendation to adopt the Resolution Establishing a Post Retirement Health Care Trust Fund and further, appoint Sara Clark Pierson, John W. Arehart and Craig Longnecker as Trustees of the Fund. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Martin to concur with the Committee recommendation to adopt the First Amendment to the County Amended and Restated Employee Benefit Plan. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to adopt the Resolution Establishing Premium Cost-Share for Health Insurance Plan May 1, 2002 through April 30, 2003. (INSERT RESOLUTIONS)

LINKMICHIGAN REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLANNING PROJECT	Chairperson Pierson introduced discussion regarding LinkMichigan. We are looking towards a regional planning effort and working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation towards this goal. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation will be providing $87,000 or a 75% match. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Rademacher moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to recommend Clinton County endorse the LinkMichigan Regional Telecommunications Planning Project on behalf of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton County and further authorize the appropriate budget adjustment in the amount of $5,000 as Clinton County’s match. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to concur with the Committee recommendation and further, that the deliverable product be subject to approval by the County GIS Department. Discussion followed. Administrator Wood noted that the RED Team will oversee this application and preparing an RFP to bring in a consultant to develop this inventory. Mr. Wood felt it is important that deliverable product be compatible with our GIS system. Motion carried.
APPOINTMENT TO HISTORICAL COMMISSION	Chairperson Pierson introduced a Historical Commission Appointment. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Rademacher moved, supported by Commissioner Bauerle to recommend the reappointment of Jeanne Temple as member to the Historical Commission for a 3-year term effective March 1, 2002. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Martin to concur with the Committee recommendation. Chairperson Arehart called for further nominations. None were offered. Motion carried.
RED CROSS MSHDA APPLICATION	Chairperson Pierson introduced a MSHDA application from the Red Cross. They are requesting the County’s acknowledgement of their non-profit status to be eligible for this application. MSHDA funds will be used to support services and provide a portion of the cash match for a grant funded by HUD. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to recommend authorizing the Chairperson to execute the MSHDA certification of local approval for the Coordinated Extended Services program in Clinton County, which provides long-term case management services and direct assistance funds to the homeless population in Clinton County. Motion carried. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to concur with the Committee recommendation. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS	Chairperson Pierson requested limited public comments. There were no public comments.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS	Chairperson Pierson requested Commissioner’s comments. · Commissioner Arehart discussed the upcoming Committee of the Whole Meeting scheduled for Monday, February 25 at 8:30 a.m. at the Bengel Wildlife Center. · Commissioner Showers reported on a Mid-South meeting. The Governor may combine services performed by County Mental Health groups. · Commissioner Showers noted information on a First Time Offenders program in Jackson. · Commissioner Showers stated that Shiawassee County is removing itself from Mid-South and joining Bay County.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING	Chairperson Arehart reported on a Committee of the Whole meeting held February 25, 2002.
AGENDA APPROVED	Chairperson Arehart called the meeting to order. There were no additions to the agenda. Commissioner Arehart noted that this is a Committee of The Whole meeting with no action items to be considered. COMMITTEE ACTION: Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Showers to approve the agenda as printed. Motion carried.
AGRICULTURE AND OPEN SPACE INITIATIVE	Chairperson Arehart introduced Dave Skjaerlund regarding the Agriculture and Open Space Initiative. Peter Preston gave an update on the Comprehensive Plan, and a map was presented on the Open Space and Agricultural Land Preservation Scenario. Discussion followed on common vision. Public Relations and education is very important to the process. Comp Plan Outline · Draft – March · Public Forum – May · Public Hearing – June · Adoption by Commissioners – June/July Zoning Ordinances are very important. Administrator Wood stated that current ordinance organization is conflicting. We expect a complete restatement in new text. Once the Zoning Ordinance is completed, it becomes vision for County. There is need to: Zoning Ordinances · Simplify · Identify approaches (interest) location restrictions site specific · Procedural Issues refinement of text Agricultural Preservation Task Force · PDR – PA262 · Framework County Commissioners Agriculture Preservation Board Selection Criteria Application List Offer · Ordinance Public Hearing – Public Awareness Adoption of PDR Ordinance by Commissioners - May Agricultural Preservation Board is appointed after the PDR Ordinance is adopted. A resolution by Charter Townships would allow their citizens to participate in County Programs. Commissioner Showers questioned the PA 116 process. Dave Skjaerlund explained as follows: PA116 – 10 year commitment Property Taxes – local government State – credit >3.5% increase Sewer/water – exempt Payback – 7 years – State Ag Preservation Fund Green Space Commission Chuck Nelson presented an update on the Green Space Plan. A survey has been completed with HNTB drafting the Green Space Plan. This should be completed in June. Many uses were defined such as hunting, wildlife, open space, public access, Recreation and etc. · Open Space · Farmland · Forrest · Open Grassland Acquisition and Development – State and Federal Funding Link positively (partnerships) Build on Access to Lakes and Rivers for recreation Water Access Sites on rivers where they are not available currently Non-motorized trails Work with challenges (people in agriculture) Some major county park Design in low maintenance Foundations and endowments for projects Greenspace Parks and Recreation Plan · Draft – June · Public Hearing · Adoption - July Commissioner Bauerle asked how the County would tap into the opportunity of the Federal Farm Bill funding? Skjaerlund stated there must be a match, whether funding or transfer of land etc. This will help preserve farms and farming for the future. Survey Results Stacey Sheridan, MSU Intern, presented an overview of the survey results and what is important to Clinton County residents: - Loss of farmland - Preserve farmland and open space - Education (citizens not familiar with development rights program) - Cross tabulations regarding support (urban/rural) Education and information is very important - Comp Plan Draft/Adoption - Newsletter - Mailings - Media/Newspaper - Organizations State Representative Conservation District Farm Bureau - Ag PDR Pre-Ordinance Post-Ordinance Flyer - Green Space Updates Grass-roots education. Organizations step up to ownership. Funding 1) Group Support 2) Champion network 3) Public Understanding/Support 4) Other Issues (Economy) Other local initiatives 1 mill – cost to implement PDR Programs connections to non-farm community farm community support public perception of county’s stewardship of $$. Summary needs to be completed. Presentation of overall issue and workings was discussed. The three major accomplishments in the near future should be: - Adopt ordinances/plan - Education and Information - Ballot Initiative Dave Skjaerlund stated the need to create a committee to discuss Agriculture. A proposal on educating the public will be presented to the Board in the near future. The committee concurred.
BUDGET/FINANCE UPDATE	Chairperson Arehart introduced a budget/finance update. Budget Director Longnecker presented the following: a) 2001 Year End Reserves b) Indirect Costs c) 2002 Revenues d) Other items 1) revised municipal finance act (act 34 of 2001) 2) GASB 34 (adopting capitalization threshold) 3) Auditors contract 4) Tri-county metro financing (tier II reimbursements)

RESIGNATION OF COUNTY TREASURER	Chairperson Arehart introduced discussion regarding the County Treasurer’s resignation. This vacancy provides the opportunity to enact the Controller’s Statue, which consolidates accounting functions under an accountant. The Treasurer would be responsible for the investment and management of county funds and management of tax rolls.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONER’S WAGE AND BENEFIT SURVEY	Chairperson Arehart introduced discussion regarding the Board of Commissioners Wage and Benefit survey.
POSTING AND FILLING OF COUNTY POSITIONS DISCUSSED	Chairperson Arehart introduced Personnel discussion regarding posting and filling county positions.
ADJOURNMENT	Chairperson Arehart requested a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Bauerle moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to adjourn to lunch. Motion carried.
TAX COLLECTION AND REVENUE SHARING PROPOSED CHANGES PRESENTED BY REPRESENTATIVE HUMMEL	Chairperson Arehart introduced Representative Hummel who gave a brief overview of proposed changes in tax collection and revenue sharing during lunch.
END OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
APPROVAL OF AUDIT, PAYROLL AND GENERAL FUND WEEKLY BILLS	Commissioner Pierson, Finance Chairperson reported that the audit was conducted with bills totaling $480,212.08, plus payroll of $557,501.95 and general fund weekly bills totaling $57,072.90 for a grand total of $1,094,786.93. BOARD ACTION: Commissioner Pierson moved, supported by Commissioner Zeeb to approve the audit, payroll and general fund weekly bills. Motion carried.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS	Chairperson Arehart called for Commissioner’s comments: · Commissioner Pierson noted that a couple weeks ago she had the opportunity to work with a Landscape Architect on a personal matter. The Architect was very pleased when she discovered that the County had a GIS system that was so versatile. The Architect worked with Jeremy Vermeer to obtain maps and expressed her appreciation for all the help she received from him.
ADJOURNMENT	BOARD ACTION: With no further business to come before the Board, Commissioner Martin moved, supported by Commissioner Rademacher to adjourn. Motion carried. ___________________________________ Diane Zuker, County Clerk NOTE: These minutes are subject to approval on March 26, 2002.