OSCEOLA COUNTY

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

BOARD MINUTES

OCTOBER 18, 2007

 

 

The Osceola County Board of Commissioners was called to order by Chairman Larry Emig at 9:10 a.m. in the Courthouse at Reed city.

 

Roll Call:  Present-Commissioner Hoaglund, Brock, Sikkema, Emig, Brooks, Faber and Tiedt.

 

Commissioner Emig led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance with Commissioner Brock offering prayer. 

 

Brief public comment:  Ron Schalow, appointed to the MOTA Authority Board by the Board of Commissioners, was present to thank the board for his appointment.  He has been appointed Secretary to the MOTA Board and he will be coming periodically to give updates.  He was happy to report MOTA remains solidly in the “black” and although they are talking about a possible millage vote in 2008, that has yet to be determined.

 

Employee Comment:  None.

 

MOTION #1:  Approve Board Agenda

Motion by Commissioner Sikkema, support by Commissioner Brock to approve the Board agenda as presented.  Motion carried.

 

MOTION #2:  Approve Board Minutes from September 21, 2007

Motion by Commissioner Brock, support by Commissioner Hoaglund to approve the Board minutes from September 21, 2007 as presented.  Motion carried.

 

County Apportionment Report

Rosie McKinstry, Equalization Director, was present with the annual County Apportionment Report.  She noted there are no Headlee rollbacks this year, so the millage will remain the same as 2006.  She answered questions presented by Board members.

 

MOTION #3:  2007 Apportionment Report

Moved by Commissioner Tiedt, supported by Commissioner Brooks to approve the 2007 Apportionment Report as presented by the Equalization Department and levy the millage rates presented.  Motion carried with seven yes votes.

 

Chairman Emig reviewed committee minutes from October 2, 2007 with Commissioner Hoaglund offering the following recommendations.

 

MOTION#4:  Approve Tire Cleanup Grant Application 

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, supported by Commissioner Sikkema to approve the tire cleanup grant application and authorize the Chair to sign.  Motion carried with seven yes votes.

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MOTION #5:  Mutual of Omaha Change of Benefit Provider

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Faber to change carriers from Fort Dearborn to Mutual of Omaha for the County’s Life & AD&D and STD and authorizing the County Clerk to sign necessary documents.  Effective Dec. 1, 2007.  Motion carried with seven yes votes.

 

MOTION #6:  County Summit

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, supported by Commissioner Tiedt to approve holding a County Summit with County offsetting the cost by $5.25/partipant.  Motion carried with seven yes votes.

  

RESOLUTION 2007-0013

EXPANSION OF THE OSCEOLA COUNTY

ROAD COMMISSION BOARD MEMBERSHIP

 

WHEREAS, Public Act 598 of 2006 which amended Public Act 283 of 1909 effective January 3, 2007 requires a board of county road commissioners to consist of not less than three nor more than five members pursuant to MCL 224.6 (1) regardless of whether the road board members are appointed or elected; and

 

WHEREAS, under Public Act 598 of 2006, a county board of commissioners is authorized to expand the number of members on a board of county road commissioners to four or five; and

 

WHEREAS, it has been a long standing argument that an expanded county road board could provide better and fairer representation for all residents of a county and would provide greater opportunity for the residents to have their interests represented on the board and would preclude two road board members from controlling the decision making authority of the county road board; and

 

WHEREAS, a county board of commissioners is authorized to determine the timing of its expansion of the number of members on a board of county road commissioners be it immediately, in six months, sometime in 2008, or in conjunction with the November 4, 2008 General Election; and

 

WHEREAS, should the Osceola County Board of Commissioners choose to make the expansion effective immediately, the vacancies in the newly created seats may be filled by appointment even in the context of its elected Road Commission Board; and

 

WHEREAS, since the timing of the expansion of the Osceola County Road Commission Board is within the discretion of the Osceola County Board of Commissioners, the Osceola County Board of Commissioners is not required to appoint the new Road Commission Board members; rather, it may determine that candidates for the new positions must stand for election at the November 4, 2008

General Election in order to assume office January 1, 2009, or it may determine that candidates for the new positions must stand for election at a Special Election; and

 

WHEREAS, regardless of the method of filling the newly created seats on the Osceola County Road Commission Board, the Osceola County Board of Commissioners may, by resolution, provide for

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staggered terms of office for the Road Commission Board members, so that no more than two board members’ terms of office expire in the same year pursuant to MCL 224.6 (1).

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Osceola County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes and determines that the Osceola County Road Commission Board shall consist of five members.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the two additional members to the County Road Board shall stand for election at the November 4, 2008 General election in order to assume office on January 1, 2009.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that at the November 4, 2008 General Election, one of the additional members to the County Road Board shall be limited to a two year term ending December 31, 2010 and the other additional member to the County Road Board shall be limited to a four year term ending December 31, 2012; thereafter, all terms of office shall be for six years.

 

THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that certified copies of this Resolution, be forwarded to Governor Granholm, Senator McManus, Representative Booher, Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Association of County Road Commissions, Osceola County Road Commission, All Osceola County Township Clerks, Osceola County City and Village Managers, and the Osceola County Prosecuting Attorney.

 

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, supported by Commissioner Faber to adopt.  Motion carried with seven yes votes.

 

RESOLUTION 2007-0014

OPPOSITION TO REDUCTION IN NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN

FEDERALLY FUNDED

FOOD COMMODITIES PROGRAM

 

Whereas, the State Board of Education has decided to reduce the number of people that Mid Michigan Community Action Agency can serve under the federally funded food commodities program that is distributed quarterly in our County; and

 

Whereas, this is not an overall reduction in federal dollars available but a decision by the State Board of Education to reallocate the County slots which have been in place since the inception of the program over twenty years ago; and

 

Whereas, this reallocation will severely penalize the low income County residents who are mainly senior citizens living on fixed incomes in our Northern Michigan Counties and the Upper Peninsula; and

 

 

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Whereas, this program is crucial to the basic food needs of these low income County residents who make use of this program so they can make the most of their limited funds for other needs; and

 

Whereas, 40% of the 430 residents currently receiving quarterly food commodities in Osceola County will not receive this needed service,

 

Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that because there are no available alternatives to this program for our County residents that we strongly object to the reduction of this critical program benefiting the low income residents of our County; and

 

Be It Further Resolved, that we wish to make this objection known to Governor Jennifer Granholm and our State Legislators and ask them to request that the State Board of Education rescind their decision and let the program distribution numbers remain as in the past and not take this food away from our people.

 

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Sikkema to adopt.  Motion carried with seven yes votes.

 

MOTION #7:  Case Evaluation-Acceptance

Moved by Commissioner Tiedt, support by Commissioner Sikkema to accept the case evaluation under recommendation of MMRMA in the Vink litigation.  Motion carried with seven yes votes.

 

MOTION #8:  Agent of Record

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Sikkema to make a change in the Agent of Record for Osceola County to Ruthann Northon from Hinkle-Witbeck and review after one year.  Motion carried with seven yes votes. 

 

MOTION #9:  Budget Amendments

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Brooks to approve the following budget amendments and cash transfer.

Account Number                    Description                                         Increase          Decrease

Capital Grants                           245.120.644.001                                    $  5,000

Transfer In                               245.120.695.000                                    $  1,340

Equipment-Jail                           245.903.970.032                                    $  6,340

Contg.-Public Safety                  101.890.999.002                                                            $   1,340

Transfer Out-Capital                 101.965.999.028                                    $   1,340

Approp. Fund Balance               280.120.699.001                                    $ 21,000

Transfer In                               282.120.695.000                                    $ 21,000

Raw Foods 135                         282.135.801.007                                    $ 11,000

Raw Foods 145                         282.145.801.007                                    $   5,000

Raw Foods 139                         282.139.801.007                                    $   5,000

Transfer Out                             280.120.999.000                                    $ 21,000

120 FICA                                 282.120.719.000                                                            $   6,676

135 FICA                                 282.135.719.000                                    $   4,406

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145 FICA                                 282.145.719.000                                    $   2,270

120 Retirement                          282.120.720.000                                                            $   2,000

135 Retirement                          282.135.720.000                                    $   2,000

145 Perm. Employees                282.145.702.004                                                            $   2,200

145 FICA                                 282.145.719.000                                    $   2,200

Cash Transfer of $21,000 from 280 Fund to 282 Fund.

Motion carried with seven yes votes.

 

Carol Halladay, County Treasurer, was present with financial data pertaining to the County Road Commission.  She shared information regarding their Fund Balance, Revenues and Expenditures for years 2003 to current in 2007.  After some discussion the Board decided to invite Cliff Youngs, from the Road Commission, to the next committee meeting regarding the information presented.

 

MOTION #10:  Christmas Lunch for Employees

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Tiedt to close the Courthouse from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Dec. 7, 2007, for the annual Christmas luncheon.  Motion carried with seven yes votes.

 

MOTION #11:  Waive Rental Fee for Pine River Schools

Moved by Commissioner Sikkema, support by Commissioner Brooks to waive the rental fee for the Tustin facility of $350.00 in exchange for “in-kind” services for a Pine River School fundraiser scheduled in November.  Motion carried with seven yes votes.

 

MOTION #12:  Sale of County Vehicles

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Sikkema to award the vehicles to highest bidder as follows:

2004 Dodge Intrepid-VIN2B3HD46V24H701904                  Caleb J. Killingbeck     $   631.79

2000 Ford Crown Victoria-VIN2FAFP71W6YX123046        Matthew Myers                        $   455.00

1997 Ford Crown Victoria-VIN2FALP71W5VX170471        John Gerrity                              $   475.00

1996 Dodge Stratus-VIN1B3EJ46C6TN235040                     Terry & Dorice Koetje             $1,006.00

1992 Dodge Ramcharger 4x4 VIN3B4GM17Y5NM547304 Mark Myers                               $   907.00

1991 Chevrolet Suburban-VIN1GNER16K1MF133838       Paul Perrin                                  $   465.50

and authorize Karen Bluhm, County Clerk to sign the titles over on behalf of the County.  Motion carried with seven yes votes.

 

MOTION #13:  Health Insurance/County Policy Opt Out Language

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Sikkema to approve the policy changes regarding the health insurance policy.  Motion carried with seven yes votes.

 

The Board briefly discussed the participation for Commissioners in the MERS retirement program.  An actuary was prepared earlier this year regarding their participation.  Susan VanderPol, County Coordinator, presented the information previously received.

 

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Commissioner Tiedt was excused from the meeting at 11:10 a.m.

 

MOTION #14:  Public Hearing for 2008 Budget

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Brock to set the public hearing for the proposed 2008 County Budget for 11:30 a.m. on November 6, 2007 and publish the necessary notices.  Motion carried with voice vote.

 

MOTION #15:  Indirect Costs for Building Department

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Sikkema to freeze indirect costs at the 2007 level for the Building Department.  Motion carried with six yes votes, Commissioner Tiedt absent.

 

MOTION #16:  District Court Employee Hours

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Brock to move the District Court hours back to 37 ˝ hours per week beginning Jan 1, 2008.  Motion carried with six yes votes, Commissioner Tiedt absent.

 

RESOLUTION 2007-0015

APPROVAL OF THE 2007 - 2009 COMPREHENSIVE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CEDS)

 

WHEREAS, the U. S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) requires the  submission of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) report from districts wishing to maintain eligibility for EDA grant and loan programs; and

 

WHEREAS, Osceola County currently and actively participates in the economic development district activities of the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission; and

 

WHEREAS, the Region 8 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee has overseen the development of a CEDS Report including the review of goals and objectives,

project development and prioritization, and plan implementation strategies; and recommends the submission of the CEDS Report to EDA as the 2007 – 2009 CEDS for the Region 8 District; and

 

WHEREAS, members of the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission (WMRPC) have approved Region 8’s 2007 - 2009 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Osceola County hereby approves the 2007 - 2009 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy performed by the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission.

 

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Sikkema to adopt.  Motion carried with six yes votes, Commissioner Tiedt absent.

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MOTION #17:  Budget Amendments & Cash Transfer

Account Number        Description                                         Increase                      Decrease

260.120.702.001            Payroll/Appted.                                     $    600

260.120.702.003            Payroll/Permanent                                                                     $    600

101.101.713.000            BOC/Per Diem                                                                         $  2,000

101.101.860.000            BOC/Travel                                          $  2,000

101.228.702.001            IT/Payroll                                             $  1,700

101.890.999.004            Contingencies/Maint.                                                                 $  1,700

269.000.695.000            Transfer In/Law                                                $     800

101.131.808.000            C/C Court Serv.                                                                                    $  1,450

101.131.860.000            C/C Travel                                            $     650

101.965.999.024            Transfer Out/269 Law                           $     800

269.000.729.000            Publications/Law                                   $     800

101.890.999.001            Judicial Contingencies                                                                $   7,500

101.168.899.006            P/C Ct. Appl. Atty.                               $   7,500

101.261.702.004            Temporary Employees                                                               $       300

101.261.931.000            Equp. Maint. & Repair                          $      300

 

Cash transfer of $800 from the 101 General Fund to the 269 Law Library.

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Sikkema to approve the budget amendments and cash transfers.  Motion carried with six yes votes, Commissioner Tiedt absent.

 

MOTION #18:  Approval of Prepaid Invoices

Moved by Commissioner Brooks, support by Commissioner Sikkema to submit the prepaid invoices in the amount of $728,505.46 and recommend the several amounts scheduled therein be allowed also that the Clerk of this Board be allowed to draw orders on the County Treasurer for the same.  Motion carried with six yes votes, Commissioner Tiedt absent.

 

MOTION #19:  Approval of Accounts Payable

Moved by Commissioner Brooks, support by Commissioner Faber to submit the account payable invoices in the amount of $110,105.26 and recommend the several amounts scheduled therein be allowed also that the Clerk of this Board be allowed to draw orders on the County Treasurer for the same.  Motion carried with six yes votes, Commissioner Tiedt absent.

 

MOTION #20:  Payment of Invoice for Picture Frame

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Faber to pay the invoice to Frame Factor in the amount of $283.03.  Motion carried with six yes votes, Commissioner Tiedt absent.

 

Commissioners gave liaison appointment updates.

 

Moved by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Brooks to adjourn at 11:42 a.m.

 

______________________________                                    _______________________________

Karen J. Bluhm, County Clerk                                      Larry Emig, Chairperson