COUNTY OF OSCEOLA

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

 

MINUTES

DECEMBER 18, 2007

 

The committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Emig for the purpose of reviewing the claims at 9:00 a.m.

 

Regular committee business was called to order at 9:14 a.m. by Chairman Emig.

 

Present:  Commissioners Hoaglund, Brooks, Sikkema, Tiedt and Emig.

Also present:  Lt. Justin Halladay-Sheriff’s Dept., Ed Nettle-EMS Director, Mark Watkins-EMD Director, Russ Wayne-Jail Administrator, Charles Brooks-Brooks Security, Sue VanderPol-County Coordinator and Karen Bluhm-County Clerk.

 

Motion by Commissioner Sikkema, support by Commissioner Tiedt to approve the agenda as amended.  Motion carried.

 

Brief public comment:  None.

Employee comment:  None.

 

Motion by Commissioner Sikkema, support by Commissioner Tiedt to approve committee minutes as presented for December 4, 2007.  Motion carried.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Brooks, support by Commissioner Sikkema to approve the claims in the amount of $92,009.09.  Recommendation carried.

 

Budget Amendments and Cash Transfers

Recommendation by Commissioner Brooks, support by Commissioner Tiedt to approve the following budget amendments and cash transfers:

Line Item                    Description                                         Increase                      Decrease

101.965.695.015 Unreserved Fund Balance                                  $   40,000

101.861.720.000 MERS                                                                                    $   40,000

210.000.702.003 Perm. Employees                                                 $   23,000

210.000.702.005 Overtime                                                                               $   28,200

210.000.722.000 Workers Compensation                                                                                                    $     7,000

210.000.860.000 Travel Expense                                                                                                                     $     1,000

210.000.956.000 Training & License                                                                                                            $     4,000

210.000.979.001 Capital Equipment                                                                                                               $    10,000

210.000.981.000 Capital Outlay-Vehicles                                                                                                    $    16,000

210.000.983.000 Lien/Lease                                                                                                                            $    11,000

210.000.980.016 Capital Lease                                                                                                                       $      2,000

210.000.728.000 Printing & Binding                                                                                                            $      1,300

210.000.719.000 FICA                                                                                      $    6,000

210.000.720.000 Retirement Cty. Share                                                       $    6,000

210.000.721.001 Health Insurance                                                                                                 $   11,000

210.000.721.002 Dental Insurance                                                 $       800

Page 2

Committee Minutes

December 18, 2007

 

210.000.726.000 Postage                                                                                  $       300

210.000.702.008 Sick Pay                                                                                                                                $      1,000

101.101.702.001 Elected Officials Payroll                                                                                                    $      2,000

101.101.713.000 Per Diem                                                                               $     2,000

269.000.695.000 Transfer In                                                                           $        300

269.000.729.000 Publications                                                                         $        300

101.131.808.013 Transcripts                                                                                                                          $         300

101.965.999.024 Transfer Out                                                                        $        300

101.265.724.002 Disability                                                                              $          80

101.253.728.000 Printing & Binding                                                                                                            $           80

101.283.724.002 Disability                                                                              $          38

101.283.726.000 Postage                                                                                                                                  $           38

101.284.724.002 Disability                                                                              $        185

101.284.727.001 Misc. supplies                                                                                                                      $          185

101.332.720.000 Retirement                                                                           $        520

101.332.940.000 Perm. Employees                                                                                                 $          702

101.332.724.001 Life Insurance                                                                     $          15

101.332.724.002 Disability                                                                              $          68

101.332.931.000 Equipment                                                                             $          99

101.253.402.000 Real Property                                                                       $ 133,537

101.253.402.001 Personal Property                                                                                                               $ 133,537

101.257.702.003 Permanent Employees                                                                                                        $     8,200             

101.257.702.004 Temporary Employees                                                        $     8,200

101.253.721.002 Dental Insurance                                                 $        165

101.253.724.002 Life Insurance                                                                     $          35

101.253.728.000 Printing & Binding                                                                                                            $        200

101.253.402.000 Real Property                                                                       $    7,268

101.301.720.000 Retirement                                                                           $    7,268

101.315.724.002 Disability                                                                              $      135

101.315.932.000 Vehicle Maintenance                                                                                                          $       135

101.331.720.000 Retirement                                                                           $      820

101.331.724.001 Life Insurance                                                                     $        23

101.331.724.002 Disability                                                                              $      104

101.331.720.003 Permanent Employees                                                                                                        $       947

 

Cash transfer of $300 from the 101 General Fund to the 269 Law Library Fund.

Recommendation carried.

 

Bids Received for Sheriff’s Department Truck Purchase

Lt. Justin Halladay, from the Sheriff’s Department, was present and shared the bids received for the purchase of a new truck for the department from the 2008 budget.  Justin was previously before the committee asking to look at used vehicles, since he only budgeted $18,00 for this purchase; however committee members asked him to look into a new vehicle.  Justin reviewed all bids from lowest to highest explaining any differences between the quotes.  When asked by the committee members, Justin reported this vehicle will be used mainly for the Marine and Snowmobile patrols; however it will be used during bad weather for patrol and for carrying large quantities of evidence when needed.  After some discussion, the committee members felt the ¾ ton truck would be the best option for the department.  Discussion was held on how to fund the

Page 3

Committee Minutes

December 18, 2007

 

purchase.  Babb Ford is willing to do a two-year lease on the vehicle, so it was decided to put down $14,000 now and the remainder of the 2008 budget money will be used to outfit the vehicle.  Justin was told to budget the remaining cost of the vehicle in the 2009 budget.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Brooks, support by Commissioner Hoaglund, to purchase through a lease option the 2008 Ford F250 Crew Cab 4x4 at a cost of $23,995.13 from Babb Ford for the Sheriff’s Department with $14,000 to come from their 2008 budget for the first year of the lease.  Recommendation carried.

 

Justin Halladay left at 9:35 a.m.

 

Baker College Institutional Training Affiliation Agreement

Ed Nettle, EMS Director, was present to explain the Institutional Training Affiliation Agreement with Baker College.  This agreement has been reviewed by our Risk Management and given the go ahead.  Liability for students and ride-alongs are covered under the policy.  MMRMA has seen this kind of agreement in other counties and approves of such an agreement.  The program would begin in 2008.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, support by Commissioner Tiedt to approve the Baker College Institutional Training Affiliation Agreement as presented and authorize Chair to sign.  Recommendation carried.

 

A brief discussion on the use of helicopters in transfers and the possibility of adding another helicopter by Spectrum for such transfers.

 

Ed briefly advised committee members of a housing problem in Evart for our paramedics.  Ed is working with the landlord to remedy the problem.

 

Ed Nettle left the meeting at 9:58 a.m.

 

Courthouse Building Security Systems & Annex Building Update

Lance Cornelius, Maintenance Supervisor, was present with Charles Brooks, from Brooks Security.  They reported checking the equipment and making necessary adjustments to reduce response time on calls from 35 seconds to as little as 11 to 18 seconds.  Mr. Brooks reported the industry standard is 2 minutes for response time.  Discussion was also held regarding the need for a designated line going into the booking room at the jail, which is staffed 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  Currently the calls go into a phone line, which is only staffed 8 hours per day for 5 days per week.  After some discussion it was decided to go ahead with the designated phone line at an additional cost of $260 per year.  Mr. Brooks again explained the advantages of their monitoring the system to be sure it is in proper working order at all times.  Mr. Brooks also explained the first year full warranty on the system to committee members.  Discussion then

 

Page 4

Committee Minutes

December 18, 2007

 

moved to changing the courthouse over to this security system and eliminating the ADT system currently in place.  The committee members would like to see continuity with the security

systems and this would also alleviate the Sheriff’s Department staff dealing with so many different systems for security purposes.  Mr. Brooks provided a cost of approximately $4,752.00 for the Courthouse being added to the system.  After further discussion, the committee felt the money no longer being paid to ADT for their contract and monies available through the Homeland Security Terrorist Grant would be enough to fund the project.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Tiedt, support by Commissioner Sikkema to approve the bid from Brooks Security in the amount of $4,752.00 for a new security system in the courthouse with the majority of the funding to come from Homeland Security Terrorist Grant.  Upon completion of installation of the new system, the County shall terminate service with ADT for their services.  Recommendation carried.

 

Charles Brooks left at 10:46 a.m.

 

Lance then talked with the committee about being called the night before to help salt an area of road on 1 mile between 155th Avenue and 165th Avenue when a semi-truck jack knifed and the Road Commission refused the request from Michigan State Police to assist.  MDOT was also called to the scene.  The committee members were advised by Lance as to why they were even called.  After some discussion, Lance and his assistant Brad were commended for their assistance, but advised not to assist in such calls in the future.  Discussion then turned to why the Road Commission refused to assist.  Commissioners asked the County Coordinator, Susan VanderPol, to contact Cliff Youngs from the Road Commission to attend the next Board meeting.

 

Lance then spoke regarding the MIOSHA letter received last month.  He reported walking through the Annex building with Gene VanGordon, Plumbing Inspector, regarding the issues addressed in the MIOSHA correspondence.  Mr. VanGordon is putting a letter with recommendations together for the County.  Once the letter from Mr. VanGordon is received MIOSHA shall be contacted.

 

Commissioner Tiedt was excused at 11:07 a.m.

Lance Cornelius and Russ Wayne left at 11:07 a.m.

 

Emergency Management/Management Assistance Compact

Mark Watkins, Emergency Management Director, was present asking the committee to approve the Management Assistance Compact.  County Counsel has now reviewed the agreement and finds it to be the standard agreement already in place in many other areas of the state.  Mark noted it does not supercede existing mutual agreements already in place.  Mark then explained when we might see it put into place.

 

Page 5

Committee Minutes

December 18, 2007

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, support by Commissioner Hoaglund to adopt the following resolution:

 

MICHIGAN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE COMPACT

AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan Emergency Management Act, Act 390 of the Public Acts of 1976, amended M.C.L. 30.401 et.seq. authorizes the State and its political subdivisions to provide emergency aid and assistance in the event of a disaster or emergency; and

 

WHEREAS, the statutes also authorize the State to coordinate the provision of any equipment, services, or facilities owned or organized by the State or its political subdivisions for use in the affected area upon request of the duly constituted authority of the area; and

 

WHEREAS, this Resolution authorizes the request, provision, and receipt of interjurisdictional mutual assistance in accordance with the Emergency Management Act, Act 390 of the Public Acts of 1976, as amended among political subdivisions within the State;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Osceola County Board of Commissioners that in order to maximize the prompt, full and effective use of resources of all participating governments in the event of an emergency or disaster we hereby adopt the Michigan Emergency Management Assistance Compact which is attached hereto and incorporated  by reference.

 

Recommendation carried.

 

Emergency Management/Interoperability Communication Equipment Purchase

Mark Watkins, EMD Director, talked about the on-going 18-month regionalization process, and the shifting of how they manage grants.  He explained some of the reasons for doing it this way.  He also talked about some of the challenges incurred to be sure Osceola County gets its fair share of the grant monies available.  Mark noted we are ahead of the curve as related to public safety.  He explained the City Watch Box equipment and how it works.  That system is currently not in use and Mark explained why to the committee.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Brooks, support by Commissioner Hoaglund to approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Interoperability Communication Equipment Purchase agreement.  Recommendation carried.

 

Mark Watkins left at 11:58 a.m.

 

 

 

Page 6

Committee Minutes

December 18, 2007

 

Non-union Employee Un-paid Leave Benefit Invoicing

Brief discussion was held.  This item will be placed back on agenda for late January committee meeting.

 

Board/Commission Appointments

Recommendation by Commission Sikkema, support by Commissioner Brooks to approve the following commission appointments:

AAA: Commissioner Larry Emig for period of Jan. 1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2009.

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority:  Lori Mitchell, Bob Godbold and Terry Grabow for term Jan. 1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2010.

Building Authority:  Gloria Eisenga for term Jan. 1, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2011.

9-1-1:  Commissioner Mark Brock.

Public Health:  Commissioners Ron Sikkema and Dave Brooks.

Community Corrections:  Commissioner Elmo Hoaglund.

Human Services Collaborative Board:  Commissioner Larry Emig.

Michigan Northern Counties:  Commissioner Larry Emig with Commissioner Dave Brooks as alternate.

Michigan Works:  Commissioner Larry Emig.

NEMSAS:  Commissioner Larry Emig.

Region 8:  CEDS Committee Appointment-Larry Morlock and Dan Massy.

Parks:  Commissioners Mark Brock, Alan Tiedt and Elmo Hoaglund.

Planning Commission:  Pete Ermatinger and Commissioners Larry Emig and Alan Tiedt.

Youth Attention Center:  Commissioner Larry Emig.

Recommendation for appointments carried.

 

Electric Choice Agreement

At the previous committee meeting a recommendation was made to participate in the Electric Choice Agreement through MMRMA.  Susan VanderPol, County Coordinator, reported how the money flow for payment of this utility works within the agreement which committee members have been provided.  We now need to officially approve the agreement and authorize our MMRMA Member Representative to sign on behalf of the County.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, support by Commissioner Hoaglund to approve the Electric Choice Agreement through MMRMA and authorize the County’s MMRMA member representative to sign.  Recommendation carried.

 

Advisory Counsel-COA By-Laws

Commissioner Emig asked committee members to review the proposed by-laws for a Commission on Aging Advisory Board.  He reported Diane Phelps and Mary Lou Proefrock have met with Loraine McCall, COA Director, to develop the proposed by-laws for the group. 

Page 7

Committee Minutes

December 18, 2007

 

Discussion was held on the possible functions for the group with Commissioner Emig noting the group would be a non-authority group.  The group would serve in an advisory capacity only.

 

Road Commission

A brief discussion was held regarding some concerns the Board members have with current operations at the County Road Commission.  Some area residents have expressed concern that this Board is waiting to expand the Road Commission to a 5-member board until after the 2008 election.

 

One-Year Reduction in Remonumentation Representative Salary

Susan VanderPol, County Coordinator, and grant administrator for the Remonumentation Grant reported the 2008 grant has been reduced by $22,000.  Bill Sikkema, County Surveyor and Remonumentation Representative, is asking his salary be reduced for 2008 and the money put toward the completion of the corners so they may be completed timely.  After some discussion the following recommendation was made.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Brooks, support by Commissioner Sikkema for a reduction in salary for 2008 for the Remonumentation Representative at his request.  Recommendation carried.

 

2008 Remonumentation Corner Contract

Susan VanderPol, County Coordinator, briefly reviewed the proposed 2008 Remonumentation Corner Contract and asked the committee to approve.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, support by Commissioner Brooks to approve the proposed 2008 Remonumentation Corner Contract and authorize the Chair to sign.

Recommendation carried.

 

Resolution for Public Health

The committee reviewed a resolution from Isabella County loaning funds to the Central Michigan District Health Department.  This was done because the State is not timely disbursing Federal funds belonging to the agency.  After some discussion on this issue the following resolution was introduced.

 

SUPPORT FOR ISABELLA COUNTY DUE TO FAILURE OF STATE OF MICHIGAN TO MEET FUNDING OBLIGATIONS

 

Whereas, The Central Michigan District Health Department is a component unit of Isabella County, meaning the Department is an organization legally separate from the County while the County remains financially accountable for its actions; and

 

 

Page 8

Committee Minutes

December 18, 2007

 

Whereas, the State of Michigan received Medicaid payment from the Federal Government in August, 2007 for disbursement to local health departments; and

 

Whereas, the State of Michigan has failed to meet its disbursement obligation, opting instead to hold Medicaid funds intended for disbursement to local health departments; and

 

Whereas, the Central Michigan District Health Department provided Medicaid-related services in good faith and in anticipation of timely disbursement of Federal funds now held by the State of Michigan; and

 

Whereas, despite numerous inquiries regarding release of these funds, state officials refuse to commit to a date upon which funds owed to local health departments will be released; and

 

Whereas, the Central Michigan District Health Department continues to incur expenses related to providing mandated Medicaid services to citizens of Isabella and Osceola Counties and its service region; and

 

Whereas, the financial strain on Health Department finances, caused by the State of Michigan through its decision to withhold federal funds intended for distribution to local health departments.

 

Whereas, the Isabella County Board of Commissioners, in order to assure fiscal solvency of the Central Michigan District Health Department, agreed to loan to Central Michigan District Health Department the sum of $196,000, to be repaid with interest calculated at an annual rate of 4.5% upon the Department’s receipt of Medicaid funds from the State of Michigan. 

 

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, the Osceola County Board of Commissioners formally protests decisions by the State of Michigan to withhold Federal Medicaid funds intended for distribution to local health departments, and calls on the State to immediately disburse these funds with accumulated interest, and

 

Be It Further Resolved, the Osceola County Board of Commissioners appreciates the Isabella County Board of Commissioners for assuring fiscal solvency to the Central Michigan District Health Department with a loan due to the fiscal irresponsibility of the State of Michigan.

 

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that a copy of this resolution shall be distributed to federal and state legislative delegations that represent Osceola County, to Governor Jennifer Granholm, the Michigan Association of Counties and Isabella County. 

 

Page 9

Committee Minutes

December 18, 2007

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Brooks, support by Commissioner Sikkema to adopt.  Recommendation carried.

 

Employee comment:  Commissioner Hoaglund expressed concern that the State does not send the full 38% of the gasoline tax to local governments for road maintenance as provided for in the law.

 

Extended Public Comment:  Judge Nichols spoke briefly about a possible MAC appointment.  He also reported they have hired Terri Pontz to the vacancy in their office.

 

Motion by Commissioner Sikkema, support by Commissioner Hoaglund to adjourn at 1:30 p.m.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

________________________________                                ______________________________

Karen J. Bluhm, County Clerk                                      Larry Emig, Chairperson