COUNTY OF OSCEOLA

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

COMMITTEE OF WHOLE

MINUTES

FEBRUARY 19, 2008

 

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

 

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

Also Present:  Susan VanderPol-County Coordinator, Michelle Kuz-Animal Control Director, Deputy Jed Avery and Deputy Bary (K-9 officer) and Sara Youngs-Chief Deputy County Clerk.

 

Official committee business began at 9:10 a.m.

 

Motion by Commissioner Brooks, support by Commissioner Tiedt to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion carried.

 

Brief public comment:  None.

Employee comment:  None.

 

Motion by Commissioner Sikkema, support by Commissioner Brock to approve the committee minutes of February 5, 2008 as presented.  Motion carried.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Brooks, support by Commissioner Hoaglund to approve payment of accounts payable in the amount of $32,597.57.  Recommendation carried.

 

Meet & Greet Bary, New K-9 Officer

Deputy Jed Avery introduced the new K-9 Officer, Bary, to the committee members.  He explained Bary’s background and noted they have been called out three times since Bary came to the department in August last year.  Deputy Avery answered questions from the committee.  Deputy Avery noted the dog was obtained through the generous donations of members of the community.

 

Sara Youngs left the meeting at 9:20 a.m. with County Clerk-Karen Bluhm arriving to replace her for the purpose of taking committee minutes.

 

Deputy Avery and K-9 Officer Bary left the meeting at 9:25 a.m.

 

Purchase of Animal Control Vehicle

Michelle Kuz, Animal Control Director, was present asking for direction from committee members regarding the budgeted money for the purchase of a new department vehicle in 2008.

She reported the old vehicle is a 2000 with 166,000 miles and although it is still running and has good tires, there are some operational problems with the truck.  She recommended that the 1995

pick-up, after removing the radio, be sold or re-assigned.  Susan VanderPol-County Coordinator, asked the committee if they wanted to purchase through the State bid process or look at a possible lease from local vendors over the next two years?  After some discussion, it

 

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February 19, 2008

 

was decided to request bids from the Osceola County dealerships for a total purchase or lease option for the new vehicle.

 

Lance Cornelius, Maintenance Supervisor, arrived at 9:25 a.m.

Carol Halladay, County Treasurer, arrived at 9:28 a.m.

Loraine McCall, Commission on Aging Director, and Robin Fuerneisen, Meals Coordinator, arrived at 9:34 a.m.

 

Personal Property Tax Collection

Carol Halladay, County Treasurer, presented a Resolution for approval which allows the County to collect delinquent Personal Property Taxes for local units of government.  She explained that she has sent a proposed contract out to all taxing units in the County and has received 13 contracts back consenting to the proposed change.   The law allows that once 50% of the taxing units agree upon the collection by the County of delinquent personal property taxes, the County may begin the process of that collection for the entire county.  Carol explained that the new BS&A software allows for this function and will make the process easier for all concerned.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Faber, support by Commissioner Sikkema to approve the following resolution:

 

            WHEREAS, the TOWNSHIPS, VILLAGES AND CITIES, now wish to enter into an agreement with the COUNTY providing that the TREASURER shall collect delinquent personal property taxes of the TOWNSHIPS, VILLAGES, AND CITIES for all years subsequent to this Resolution.

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises of the parties to this Resolution, the TOWNSHIPS, VILLAGES AND CITIES and the COUNTY agree as follows:

 

1.                  Pursuant to Section 56 of Act No. 539 of the Public Acts of 1982, as amended, the

TREASURER shall be responsible for the collection of delinquent personal property taxes of the TOWNSHIPS, VILLAGES AND CITIES for all years subsequent to this Resolution.

2.                  The TOWNSHIPS, VILLAGES AND CITIES and the COUNTY, including the TREASURER, agree to comply with the requirements of the Act and other applicable law governing the collection of delinquent personal property taxes.

3.                  For services performed, the TREASURER shall add to the amount of the assessed tax and retain; any collection or administration fee, distrait and sale fee, interest, penalty, and any other charge provided by this Act and shall also collect whatever costs, fees, or expenses are allowed by a court if remedy is pursued through the courts.

4.                  This entire Resolution may be terminated by any party upon 60 days written notice prior to the first day of March, the date upon which the personal property taxes became delinquent.  If the entire Resolution is terminated, the TREASURER shall continue to collect all previous years’ delinquent personal property taxes pursuant to the terms above, but shall not collect delinquent personal property taxes that accrue subsequent to the termination date.

 

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Recommendation carried.

 

Folding Machine Purchase

Carol Halladay, County Treasurer, shared a quote on a piece of equipment for sorting, folding and stuffing of envelopes to the committee.  She reported this was the only quote she has been able to find on this type of equipment, noting the vendor holds the State Bid contract for this type of equipment.  She noted that Equalization and the County Clerk will also be able to use this equipment.  After some discussion the following recommendation was made.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, support by Commissioner Brooks to approve the purchase of the PFE Minimailer 4 Plus Folder/Inserter/Sealer mailing system through Automated Business Equipment in the amount of $7,625.00.  Recommendation carried.

 

Carol Halladay left the meeting at 10:02 a.m.

 

Maintenance Update

Lance Cornelius, Maintenance Supervisor, advised committee members that the 2000 GMC pickup is in need of some repair work.  He was advised money was available in contingencies and to proceed with the repair.  Lance then updated the committee on the work being done at the Senior Center in Tustin.

 

Lance left the meeting at 10:09 a.m.

 

Commission on Aging Advisory Board

Loraine McCall, COA Director, and Robin Fuerneisen, Meals Coordinator, presented the proposed By-Laws for a Commission on Aging Advisory Board.  Brief discussion was held on the By-Laws and suggestions and changes were made.  Loraine will make the revisions and bring back to the Board meeting on February 21, 2008.

 

Loraine and Robin left the meeting at 10:25 a.m.

 

2008 Marion Human Services Rental Agreement

Susan VanderPol, County Coordinator, reviewed the proposed annual rental agreement for the Marion Human Services building. The total rent for year 2008 is $4,270.50.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Faber, support by Commissioner Brooks to approve the 2008 Marion Human Services Rental Agreement as presented.  Recommendation carried.

 

Resolution Supporting Senate Bill 4323

Committee members reviewed a proposed resolution supporting HB 4323 regarding off-road vehicle and all-terrain vehicle use in northern Michigan.

 

 

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RESOLUTION TO ENCOURAGE SUPPORT

FOR THE PASSAGE OF HOUSE BILL 4323 OF 2007

 

WHEREAS, the ownership and use of off-road and all-terrain vehicles in northern Michigan has increased significantly in recent years; and

 

WHEREAS, House Bill 4323 would provide uniform standards of operation on county roads open to these vehicles; and

 

WHEREAS. House Bill 4323 would improve public safety and the safety of riders of these vehicles; and

 

WHEREAS, House Bill 4323 increases penalties for environmental damage caused by the illegal operation of these vehicles; and

 

WHEREAS, House Bill 4323 would further limit public liability arising from negligent operation of these vehicles; and

 

WHEREAS, House Bill 4323 would provide dedicated funding for law enforcement and signing through citations; and

 

WHEREAS, House Bill 4323 would clarify the legal ability of county boards of commissioners to open and close portions of county roads to the operation of these vehicles with notification given to the county board of road commissioners and/or Michigan Department of Natural Resources;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Osceola County Board of Commissioners supports the passage and enactment of House Bill 4323 and that copies of this resolution be sent to State Representative Joe Sheltrown and State Senator Michelle McManus.

 

Recommendation by Commissioner Brock, support by Commissioner Brooks to adopt the resolution in support of HB 4323.  Recommendation carried.

 

Employee Comment:  Karen Bluhm, County Clerk, reported conversation with State Representative, Darwin Booher, regarding the reimbursement to county and local units of government for the January Presidential Primary costs.

 

Extended public comment:  None.

 

Motion by Commissioner Hoaglund, support by Commissioner Sikkema to adjourn at 10:41 a.m.

 

 

 

 

_____________________________                                      ______________________________

Karen J. Bluhm, County Clerk                                      Larry Emig, Chairperson