OSCEOLA COUNTY
COMMITTEE OF WHOLE
FEBRUARY 7, 2012
Present: Commissioners Brock, Stoner, Brooks, Tiedt,
Sikkema and Emig.
Meeting called to
order at 9:30 a.m. by Chairman Dave Brooks.
Motion
by Commissioner Emig, supported by Commissioner Brock, to approve agenda with
additions.
Motion carried with a voice vote.
Public Comment:
John Iler of
Sherman Township addressed the Committee regarding the location of the 3rd
EMS base. He referenced the study and
number of runs and locations. He asked
the County Commission and Road Commission to work together so local units
aren’t duplicating services.
Elmo Hoaglund spoke
about an article in the Marion Press and asked to be able to speak when the
Committee comes to the issue of the Road Commission. He asked members of the public to be brief.
David Eggle,
Sherman Twp Supervisor, urged the Committee to take action and pass a motion
reprioritizing EMS plans to correct deficiency in service, publish a public
information release,
develop a plan for the EMS issue, and visit each EMS site as a
group including possible sites in the NW quadrant. He asked for an equitable and logical plan
not based on emotions.
Kevin Draper asked
the Committee to consider the Road Commission garage on 20 Mile Road.
Alan Gingrich also
spoke about the garage on 20 Mile Road.
He believes it to be a viable option for a much lower
price tag. He asks the Committee to work with the Road Commission on that
property.
Lori Leudeman,
County Treasurer, would like to address the Committee about the lump sum
payment to employees when the item comes up on the agenda. She spoke briefly about her concerns.
Scott Schryer,
Commission on Aging, also spoke regarding the lump sum payment. He would like to provide that to his
part-time employees.
Sue Vander Pol
spoke briefly about a letter that was handed out regarding a Friend of the
Court issue.
Tammy Stoner asked
how to get a letter from David Eggle added as part of the minutes of
1-17-12. The Clerk will look into
attaching the letter as an addendum.
Motion by Commissioner Sikkema, supported by Commissioner Tiedt, to approve the minutes of 1-17-12, with addition of letter from David Eggle. Motion carried with a voice vote.
Recommendation
by Commissioner Brock, supported by Commissioner Emig, to approve the claims
for the County in the amount of $46,336.38. Recommendation was unanimously
supported.
Recommendation
by Commissioner Tiedt, supported by Commissioner
Sikkema, to approve the claim from Hallmark Construction in the amount of $19,
529.37. Recommendation was unanimously
supported.
Page 2
Committee of the
Whole
February 7,
2012
EMS Base
Commissioner Stoner
asked about the 20 Mile Road, Road Commission Garage for the EMS Base.
Commissioner Brooks
answered saying the County has not entered into any agreements for a new
base. We are currently doing cost
studies. The goal is to find an energy
efficient building as the Governor has requested. He talked about possible sites in Evart, but
reiterated the fact that the County has not signed any agreements. Brooks advised he would not support anything
that did not provide equal services. No
decisions have been made at this point.
Elmo Hoaglund asked
for ample notice of any decisions.
Committee agreed that will always happen.
Merit Network Service Agreement – Eric Grandstaff
Mr. Grandstaff
summarized the nature of the service that would be available. Commissioner Brooks asked JT Burgess, IT
Coordinator, to provide input. Burgess
explained the benefits of the network.
He noted it would be more expensive, but would have more potential for
growth. It would be possible to connect
all the county buildings. He thinks the
timing is bad for this project due to the financial constrictions on the County’s
budget at this time. There may not be
enough money to take advantage of all the network has to offer. Commissioner
Brooks invited Dan Massy, Community Developer, to offer his thoughts. Massy believes this is a “visionary”
project. At first, we will utilize just
a little bit, but over time, it will be a huge benefit. Commissioner Stoner asked for more
information about how this would benefit county businesses. Other businesses could connect through splice
casings along the pathway. Commissioner
Tiedt asked questions about costs to the County. There will be initial
costs. The service we have now is
sufficient, but there is potential for growth with the proposed network and
this is the wave of the future. It will
provide lots of options and Burgess suggests this is an excellent opportunity. Grandstaff notes nothing will be charged to
the county until the service is “lit”, but a commitment is needed now. Additional discussion followed on emails, web
hosting and costs savings with bundling.
Recommendation by Commissioner Emig, supported by Commissioner Sikkema, to approve the Merit Network Service Agreement for a five year period and authorize the Chair to sign. Recommendation was supported with Commissioner Stoner voting no.
Tax Tribunal Hearing – Roy Kissinger
Mr. Kissinger spoke
about a tax tribunal hearing on an appeal of an assessment on a property in
Sylvan Township. Sylvan Township has
been able to defend the assessed value so far, but it has cost them
approximately $28,000. Kissinger asked
if the County would be interested in setting up a policy to help local units
defend an assessment. Rosie McKinstry,
Equalization Director, said that some of the smaller units all around the state
are stipulating to lowered assessments because they can’t afford to defend the
assessment. She also said she spoke with
an attorney yesterday about the property in question, and had figured the County
portion alone would be nearly $4000 lost per year if the assessment is
reduced. She agreed that defending the
assessments is a huge burden on the local units. Commissioner Brooks told the Committee he
would like to hear from more of the local units and other counties before they
consider moving forward on this issue.
Commissioner Emig said he could speak with peers at upcoming
conferences. Commissioner Tiedt asked if
schools have been approached for assistance.
McKinstry was unaware of any information from schools. Commissioner Brooks asked everyone to seek
out information on this issue and report back as soon as possible.
Register of Deeds Update – Nancy Crawford
Mrs. Crawford
offered a department update. She also
spoke about two law suits currently taking place regarding Register of Deeds
offices. She does not intend to opt out
of the first lawsuit. Most counties are
staying in as there is no cost but we may wish to be involved in any
award. She discussed the 2nd
lawsuit which is a class action lawsuit.
She is not opting out of this lawsuit either. It is in regards to the transfer tax. She believes there will be an opportunity to
recoup some of the losses plus interest.
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Committee of the
Whole
February 7,
2012
Review Board Motion for General Employees Lump Sum
Payment for 2012
County Treasurer
Lori Leudeman and HR Specialist Laurie Grein joined the Committee for the
discussion. Sue Vander Pol asked for
clarification on who should be included in this payment. The initial motion was vague as to which
part-time employees are included and she asked for a specific number of hours
per week expected to qualify.
Commissioner Emig noted the motion should also be clarified to include
Osceola County employees only, not shared employees. Vander Pol noted elected
officials will also be eligible as this is the last year of their terms. Discussion followed on costs of the one-time
lump sum payment. Vander Pol noted
seasonal employees are not included as they are considered irregular part-time
employees.
Commissioner Emig
proposed that part-time employees be paid $250 and full time employees be paid
$500. Commissioner Brooks asked for input
from department heads. Rosie McKinstry
agreed with Commissioner Emig’s proposal. Scott Schryer and Brad Halladay also
agreed. Nancy Crawford also agreed but
reminded the Committee to add “Osceola County” employees.
Recommended by
Commissioner Emig, supported by Commissioner Sikkema, to rescind Motion #5 of
the Board of Commissioners minutes of October 18, 2011. Recommendation was unanimously supported.
Recommendation by Commissioner Emig, supported by Commissioner Sikkema, to approve a one-time lump sum payment of $500 to all Osceola County full-time non-union general employees, and $250 for each general non-union part-time employee scheduled to work each week. Recommendation was supported with Commissioner Stoner voting no.
NACO Conference Reimbursements for Commissioner
Larry Emig
Chairman Brooks
explained that Commissioner Emig has attended the NACo conference for a number
of years as a liaison for the County.
Commissioner Emig is asking for financial support for expenses to attend
this year. Discussion followed.
Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, supported by Commissioner Tiedt, to approve allowing Commissioner Emig to attend the NACo conference and authorize up to $1000 reimbursement for the conference. Recommendation was supported with Commissioner Stoner voting no.
IT Office Space Needs
Sue Vander Pol
explained the lack of space for the IT department. The IT Coordinator is asking to take over the
office that Dan Massy is currently using.
Vander Pol advises there is a new requirement as well, under the ADA
that requires a room for nursing mothers.
Vander Pol suggests that the “crow’s nest” be designated as the Nursing
Mothers’ room, and employees be moved to accommodate IT’s request for
space. Dan Massy would be moved upstairs,
and the Drain Commissioner would be moved downstairs. Brad Halladay, Maintenance, talked to the
Committee about changes that had been made in the basement office space
previously and said it would not be a problem to open up a walkthrough between
offices in the basement. Dan Massy said he
would not have a problem moving upstairs and would just need accommodation for
private meetings when necessary.
Recommendation
by Commissioner Brock, supported by Commissioner Tiedt, to recommend moving the
Community Developer position upstairs to the old board room and the Drain
Commissioner to the office downstairs by the Technology department. Recommendation was supported with
Commissioner Sikkema voting no.
AT & T Contract Release for Reed City Public
Schools
Sue Vander Pol,
County Coordinator, explained the release form submitted by AT&T allowing
the Reed City Schools phone numbers to be released from the Centrex system
currently in place.
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Committee of the
Whole
February 7,
2012
Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, supported by Commissioner Brock, to approve the AT&T Contract Release for Reed City Schools for the Centrex lines and authorize the chairman to sign. Recommendation was unanimously supported.
Budget Amendments, Cash Transfers & Budget
Amendment Report
Chairman
Brooks reviewed budget amendments, cash transfer and the budget amendment
report submitted by the County Treasurer with the committee.
Recommendation by Commissioner Emig, supported by Commissioner Brock, to approve the budget amendments and the treasurer’s journal entry report for December as presented. Recommendation was unanimously supported.
Parks Grant Application – Morris Langworthy, Jr.
Morris Langworthy,
Jr. presented information on a grant application for the Parks. He noted he will be asking for a match from
the county of $19,000. He offered
additional information about the need for the grant. Commissioner Sikkema asked Langworthy if the
$19,000 would be a loan. Langworthy
acknowledged this would be a loan. Commissioner
Stoner asked about repayment of the $20,000 which was previously loaned to
them. Langworthy explained they are
receiving reservations now and should be able to repay that soon.
Recommendation by Commissioner Tiedt, supported by Commissioner Brock, to approve the submission of a grant for the Parks bathroom remodeling, authorize appropriate signatures, and approve a $19,000 no-interest match loan for the Parks from the County to be paid back over four years at $5,000 each year. Recommendation was unanimously supported.
Snow Removal on County Property – Brad Halladay
Brad Halladay has
received notice from the City that there will not be regular snow removal from
the County’s parking lots due to shortage of personnel there. Halladay has talked with Cliff Youngs from
the Road Commission. He has agreed to
provide equipment for moving snow to the County’s vacant lot in the event of an
emergency. Halladay will check with
Youngs on the costs and report back to the Committee.
Recommendation
by Commissioner Tiedt, supported by Commissioner Sikkema, to approve
utilization of the Road Commission to remove snow when necessary, but utilizing
the most cost effective method. Recommendation was unanimously supported.
Request for Irregular Part-time Detective – Justin
Halladay
Undersheriff, Justin
Halladay, presented information on the need for a new position within their
department. With the changes in the
Michigan State Police, access to a Detective has been lost. Halladay is asking for a Special Investigator/Consultant
to be called in as needed to assist with investigations. He intends to limit the position to
approximately 500 hours per year. He
offered budget information to cover the position. He asks that the position be indefinite
depending on whether or not the position is helpful.
Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, supported by Commissioner Tiedt, to approve the creation of a Special Investigator/Consultant (Detective) position within the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office with the wage set at a starting deputy’s wage and payment from part-time employees for 2012. Recommendation was unanimously supported.
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Committee of the
Whole
February 7,
2012
Treasurer – Lori Leudeman
Lori Leudeman,
County Treasurer, asked for approval to purchase a new computer for her
department. The old one will be revamped
for a public terminal.
Recommendation by Commissioner Emig, supported by Commissioner Sikkema, to approve a computer purchase for the County Treasurer with money from her budget and a budget amendment submitted. Recommendation was unanimously supported.
Lori Leudeman also asked
for approval of a budget amendment to correct an overage in payroll line items
for the Treasurer and the Prosecutor.
She said the line items had been lowered for some reason and she did not
catch the change in time to correct it.
Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, supported by Commissioner Emig. to approve the budget amendments for the salary line-items for the County Treasurer and County Prosecutor for 2011’s budget. Recommendation was unanimously supported.
Emergency Management – Mark Watkins
Mark Watkins, EMD,
asked for approval of the 2012 Osceola County Emergency Plan and a work report
review.
Recommendation
by Commissioner Tiedt, supported by Commissioner Sikkema, to approve the
authorization of the 2012 Osceola County Emergency Plan as submitted. Recommendation was unanimously supported.
Recommendation
by Commissioner Emig, supported by Commissioner Sikkema, to approve the 1st
Quarter Work Agreement for Emergency Management and authorize the Chair to
sign. Recommendation was unanimously
supported.
Mark Watkins asked
for approval of a grant for medical reserve corps.
Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, supported by Commissioner Tiedt, to approve the NAACHO Grant for the Medical Reserve Corps and authorize the chairman to sign. Recommendation was unanimously supported.
Commission on Aging – Scott Schryer
Scott Schryer, COA
Director, presented information on a Community Impact Grant from Home Depot and
asked for approval to apply for the grants.
Recommendation by Commissioner Tiedt, supported by Commissioner Emig, to approve the application for a Home Depot Foundation grant and authorize the chairman to sign. Recommendation was unanimously supported.
Robin Fuerneisen,
Senior Meals Coordinator, spoke to the Committee to request application to the
Community Foundation for another grant.
She is hoping to get money for AED units and kitchen equipment for the
Tustin site. She is hoping for
$10,000. She talked about also
requesting a $28,000 grant from United Way.
Recommendation by Commissioner Tiedt, supported by Commissioner Brock, to approve the Commission on Aging’s application to the Community Foundation for a grant for approximately $10,000 and authorize the appropriate signatures. Recommendation was unanimously supported.
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Committee of the
Whole
February 7,
2012
Recommendation
by Commissioner Sikkema, supported by Commissioner Tiedt, to approve the
Commission on Aging application to the United Way for approximately $30,000 and
authorize the appropriate signatures.
Recommendation was unanimously supported.
Scott Schryer told
the Committee that the Eagles in Marion have been offered as a congregate site
for activities such as those in other sites in the county. Schryer noted there is a bar at the entrance
of the building. He has cleared any
concerns with the Area Agency on Agency and asks the Committee if they have any
concerns. There will be no charge for
the use of the facility. Sue Vander Pol
advises an agreement will still be necessary even though there is no
charge. She and Schryer are researching
this and will offer more information later.
The Committee agreed to pursue use of the building.
Scott then spoke to
the Committee about Home Health Aides and CPR training. The job description does require an employee
to pass CPR training. One of his
employees has been unable to pass the test.
He asks if the requirement can be waived as an accommodation under ADA. Discussion followed and the Committee agreed
to look at the situations case by case.
Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, supported by Commissioner Emig, to approve an Americans with Disability Act accommodation for a COA employee in regards to CPR training per the COA Director’s request. Recommendation was supported with Commissioner Stoner voting no.
Schryer offered
information on using MOTA to deliver meals.
He asked the Committee for the ability to negotiate with MOTA for
delivery. Robin Fuerneisen, Senior Meals
Coordinator, gave additional information about issues with her drivers. MOTA would be able to provide backup buses
and drivers and may be more
cost-effective.
Recommendation by Commissioner Tiedt, supported by Commissioner Sikkema, to authorize pursuing a contract with MOTA for delivery of home meals for seniors. Recommendation was supported.
Schryer brought up
changes to rooms in his office to develop a conference room that could be used
in different ways. He has already talked
with Brad Halladay who says it can be done.
Recommendation by Commissioner Emig, supported by Commissioner Brock, to allow the COA Director to work with the Maintenance department to make room/wall changes and put in dividers within his existing budget. Recommendation was supported.
COAM Union Contract-Sue Vander Pol
Sue Vander Pol,
County Coordinator, spoke about the union-approved COAM contract for 2012-2013
and asked Commissioners to approve the contract.
Recommendation by Commissioner Tiedt, supported by Commissioner Sikkema, to approve the COAM 2012-2013 union contract. Recommendation was supported.
Uncollectible
FOIA Fees-Sue Vander Pol
Sue Vander Pol
talked to the Committee regarding outstanding FOIA requests. Some of them are uncollectible and the
auditors require authorization from the Board to write off the amounts due.
Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, supported by Commissioner Tiedt, to write off the outstanding FOIA requests in the amount of $422.13. Recommendation was supported.
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Committee of the
Whole
February 7,
2012
Safety
Training for Employees-Sue Vander Pol
Sue Vander Pol said
that Trooper White talked with her about providing a program for Safety
Training program at no cost. He would
like to offer it to employees.
Recommendation by Commissioner Sikkema, supported by Commissioner Tiedt, to approve the State Police Community Service Trooper to bring Safety Training for the County’s employees. Recommendation was supported.
Marion
Rental Agreement-Sue Vander Pol
Sue Vander Pol
asked for approval on a lease agreement in Marion for the satellite Health Department
office.
Recommendation
by Commissioner Sikkema, supported by Commissioner Emig, to approve the lease
agreement with the Jacksons for the Marion building utilized by the Health
Department. Recommendation was supported.
Employee/Board
Comments
Mark Watkins
introduced Jeff Weber, Regional Homeland Security Planner. He also thanked the Committee for being
available to department heads and for the lump sum payment they approved for
the employees.
Tammy Stoner spoke
briefly about her Leadership Summit trip to Lansing.
Extended Public
Comment: None.
Motion by Commissioner Emig, supported by Commissioner Brock, to adjourn. Motion carried.
____________________________________ ___________________________________
Sara Youngs, Chief Deputy County Clerk Dave Brooks, Chairman