Return to Commission Home Page

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Re-organizational meeting

January 3, 2003

County Courthouse                

Bessemer, MI 49911

9:00A.M.

 

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 9AM by Clerk Gerry Pelissero

OATH OF OFFICE

The Oath of Office was administered to the newly elected Commissioners by Clerk-Register of Deeds Gerry Pelissero.

Roll Call

Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,

         Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts   

           Absent:  (0) None

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Lewinski supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve of the agenda as presented along with three additions: 1. Road Commission Appointment, 2. Treasurer Salary for 2003, 3. Investment Resolution

CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

( 5 minute limit )

There was none.

ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON

The floor was opened for nominations by Clerk Pelissero.

Commissioner Lewinski nominates Commissioner Don Bennetts.

The Chair called three times for additional nominations and there were none.

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice vote to close the nominations and cast a unanimous vote for Don Bennetts as Chairperson.

Commissioner Bennetts assumed the Chair.

ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRPERSON

Chairperson Bennetts opened the floor for nominations for vice-chairperson, Kangas nominates Wiemeri. The Chair called three times for additional nominations there were none. A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Winkowski and carried to close the nominations and cast a unanimous vote for Michael Wiemeri as Vice-Chairperson.

ADOPTION OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to adopt Roberts Rules of Order as follows:

1.     The Chairperson will vote on all issues and will vote last.

2.     The roll call will be conducted on a rotating basis by  Commissioner District.

 

 

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 3, 2003

Page Two

APPOINTMENT OF A PARLIAMENTARIAN

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to appoint Gogebic County Prosecuting Attorney Richard Adams as Parliamentarian.

DESIGNATION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES AND PLACES

Current Schedule:

Location:  Gogebic County Courthouse

           District Courtroom

           Bessemer, Michigan

Dates and Times:

Regular Board Meeting – 2nd Wednesday at 5:00PM

Finance Committee -       4th Wednesday at 4:45PM

Regular Board Meeting – 4th Wednesday at 5:00PM

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to set the following Schedule:

Regular Board Meeting – 2nd Wednesday at 5:00PM

Finance Committee -       4th Wednesday at 4:30PM

Regular Board Meeting – 4th Wednesday at 5:00PM

COMMUNICATIONS

1.     Jim Stingle, Executive Director WUPPDR

(RE; county Representatives on commission)

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to re-appoint Don Bennetts and Michael Wiemeri to the WUPPDR commission.

Agenda Additions:

Investment Resolution:

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to adopt the investment resolution for two years.

RESOLUTION FOR THE COUNTY OF GOGEBIC

 

WHEREAS, under the laws of the State of Michigan, Act. No. 40 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1932, lst Extra Session, as amended, this Board is required to provide, by  resolution, for the deposit of all public monies, including tax monies, belonging to, or held for, the State, County or other political units coming into the hands of the County Treasurer, in one or more banks within the State.

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that: (1) the Board of Commissioners of the County of Gogebic hereby directs the Gogebic County Treasurer to deposit all public monies, including monies and funds held for the State Board of Escheats or missing heirs, coming into her hands as Treasurer in any bank within the State which is a legal depository as defined by States and/or Federal law, and  (2) the Treasurer is authorized to invest funds in these institutions in any investment

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 3, 2003

Page Three

permitted by State Statute which is Act No. 20 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1943, as amended, or Federal law or regulation within the limits set therein.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that: The County Treasurer is authorized to enter into and execute on behalf of the County any contracts with any bank or trust company for the safekeeping or third party custodianship of any of the County’s securities as well as any contracts or repurchase agreements with any corporation for the purchase of any such securities which will be the subject of such safekeeping or third party custodianship arrangements, on such terms and conditions as the County Treasurer shall require.

 

County Treasurer Sharon Hallberg informed the Board her salary in the 2003 Budget resolutions was approximately $20.00 short from the $1,100.00 increase given to all Elected and Appointed officials. After discussion, a motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to refer the matter to the Personnel and Negotiations Committee.

INTERVIEWS/APPOINTMENTS

1.     Road Commission Board Interviews

  (Schedule attached/ begin at 9:30am)

A motion was made by Winkowski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to recess until 9:25am and then begin the interviews. The seven applicants for the Road Commission Board were interviewed by the Commissioners with each interview lasting approximately 15 minutes. After interviewing all seven candidates a motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice vote place all applicants into nomination. John Mclean, Barry Bolich, James Cebolski, Leonard Rooni, Joe LoMastro, Bob Morin, Eugene Vittone were the nominees.

The Chair called for a Roll Call Vote.

Ramme   ---    LoMastro

Lewinski---    Vittone

Wiemeri ---  Morin

Koivisto---    Vittone

Kangas  ---    Bolich

Winkowski-- Vittone

Pezzetti --    Vittone

Peterson -- LoMastro

Bennetts --    Cebolski

No candidate received the required majority of the votes cast.

 

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 3, 2003

Page Four

The Chair then called for another roll call vote.

Ramme   ---    LoMastro

Lewinski---    Vittone

Wiemeri ---    Vittone

Koivisto---    Vittone

Kangas  ---    Vittone

Winkowski-- Vittone

Pezzetti --    Vittone

Peterson -- LoMastro

Bennetts --    Cebolski

By majority vote Eugene Vittone was appointed to the Road Commission Board for a six year term.

A motion was made by Commissioner Ramme, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a letter of thanks to all applicants for the time and consideration in applying for the Board Seat.

OTHER MATTERS

There was none.

PUBLIC COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)

Mr. Joe LoMastro thanked the Board for the consideration and the time given his application.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski and carried to adjourn to the call of the Chair.

 

______________________________     _____________________________

Don Bennetts, Chair                 Gerry R Pelissero, Clerk

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 8, 2003

County Courthouse                

Bessemer, MI 49911

5:00 P.M.

 

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairperson Wiemeri at 5PM.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Roll Call

Present: (8) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,

         Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski,  

           Absent: (1) Bennetts

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES (minutes of December 27, 2002 meeting)

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the minutes as presented.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the agenda as presented.

CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

( 5 minute limit )

There was none.

Appearances:

1.         Robert Dunn, Gogebic County Medical Care Facility Administrator

Mr. Dunn addressed the Board regarding the impact of Governor Engler’s executive order on December 5, 2002. The Executive Order and other unrelated reductions will cost the Facility a loss of revenue of approximately $170,000.00. The impact on the 2003 budget will cause a reduction of 3 Full time jobs and 3 Part time jobs. Two of the full time job reductions will be through retirements with the positions not being filled. Mr. Dunn and the FIA Board are hoping that through attrition and the bumping process within the unions that no one will lose their employment with the Facility. No services at this point will be affected by the reduction of revenue.

Mr. Dunn then answered questions from the Commissioners concerning the layoffs and the general operations of the Facility. The Board thanked Mr. Dunn for the update. No Board action taken.

COMMUNICATIONS:

1.          Jim Stingle, Executive Director, WUPPDR

(RE: Notice of Intent for WESTERN U.P. Trail Network)

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a letter of support for the project.

OTHER MATTERS

Commissioner Lewinski updated the Board on the Airport VOR problem, and informed the Board that the FAA is allowing the Ashland Airport VOR to be used as the backup for the planes to land and that planes

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 8, 2003

Page Two

were expected to be flying regularly Thursday. Skyway Airlines has rescheduled the open house for this coming Monday, January 13, 2003 at noon, with a flight do in at 1pm.

Vice-Chairperson Wiemeri informed the Board of a seminar for a team comprised of three from the County to attend a National Institute of Corrections seminar “The Jail as a part of County Government” which will be held in Indiana Feb 5-7, 2003. The team is comprised of the Sheriff, Jail Administrator and a County Commissioner. A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to authorize one commissioner if interested to be apart of the team. MMRMA’s Bill Page has indicted that the MMRMA will split the cost of travel and lodging up to $2000.00.

 

Sheriff Sanders informed the Board of a new bill passed that will allow the Department to charge up to $10.00 to a person posting bond for someone arrested on a warrant. Further discussion included two other new bills relating to jury fees and jury trial demand fees. It was suggested that all of these issues be sent to the Judiciary and Law Enforcement committee.

Commissioner Ramme asked the Sheriff about the money being lost through the foreclosure of property with-in his department. A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to refer all these matters to the Judiciary and Law Enforcement Committee.

PUBLIC COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)

There was none.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Lewinski and carried to adjourn to call of the chair.

 

__________________________________    _______________________________

Michael Wiemeri, Vice-Chairperson  Gerry R Pelissero, Clerk

 

   

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 22, 2003

County Courthouse        

Bessemer, MI 49911           

5:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 5PM by Chairperson Bennetts.

Roll Call

Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,

         Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts   

           Absent:  (0) None

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES (from January 3, 2003 re-org. meeting and January 8, 2003 regular meeting.)

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve of the minutes from the January 3, 2003 meeting. A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve of the January 8, 2003 minutes.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the agenda as presented along with one addition: Jim Loeper’s Travel request

CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

( 5 minute limit )

There was none.

Committee Meetings - Summary Reports

1.         Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee----12/27/02

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to receive the report and place it on file.

APPEARANCES:

1.         Richard Davalos, District Ranger, Ottawa National Forest

Mr. Davalos invited the Commissioners to one of several public meetings the Ottawa National Forest is holding to get public comment on the Ottawa’s Forest Plan Revision. The meeting will be held February 4, 2003 at the Ironwood Memorial Building from 6pm to 9pm. Mr. Davalos explained the reasons for the meetings is the existing plan was approved in 1986 and the Ottawa wants public opinion input.

The Board then asked questions of Mr. Davalos regarding how the Forest is managed now and exactly how much public input would have on the new plan. The Board also discussed the PILT money and public access to lakes within the Ottawa National Forest. No Board was taken.

COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS

1.  Animal Control Officer George Beninghaus

(RE: September through December reports)

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to receive the reports and place them on file.

2.  Robert Philips, assistant Director for Grants Admin.

      (RE: cops SCGP grant)

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 22, 2003

Page Two

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to receive the communication and place it on file.

APPOINTMENTS

1.          Gogebic County Transit

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to appoint Howard Aspinwall and Carrie Hampston to the Gogebic County Transit Board. Aspinwall and Hampston were the only applicants responding to the Advertising.

Chair Request

1.          Formation of AD HOC Committee

Chairperson Bennetts informed the Board of his plans for the formation of an Ad Hoc committee which will be comprised of four commissioners, department heads and representatives of the unions, to work together and share ideas on how the County can save and or make money to off set the loss of State revenue sharing. A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to purchase a suggestion box at a price no higher than $50.00, to be taken from the Board of commissioners contractual line item(101-101-805.02).

BUDGET AMENDMENT

1.          Emergency Management Budget

        Revenue 101-000-505.00---Expenditure 101-426-980.00

        Both increased by $1000.00

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve of the amendment.

Roll Call

YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,

         Pezzetti, Ramme Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts

          NO:  (0) None

Motion carried.

TRIAL BALANCE/CASH BALANCE

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the preliminary report as presented.

GENERAL FUND REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE CONTROL

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the report as presented.

CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Pezzetti and carried to pay the claims excluding the DOVE cellular phone bill until clarification on the bill is made by the Sheriff and to include to two bills, one for $1000.00 to Bentley furniture out the 2002 accounts payable from Treasurer’s budget and the other for $51.18 District Court phone for 2003.

 

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 22, 2003

Page Three

OTHER MATTERS

Jim Loeper informed the board of a training conference in Lansing in February he plans on attending. There is money in his travel budget and is asking for approval of Board as has done in the past. A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve of the request.

Mr. Loeper also advised the Board he has completed the Gogebic County Emergency Operations Plan document. He provided the Board a copy and in the future when the Board has had a chance to look over the document, signatures will be needed by the Chair.

Commissioner Ramme informed the Board of request by County Soil Conversation District to use the Expo Building at the fairgrounds for the annual tree sale. Commissioners that sit on Fair Board will refer the request to the Fair Board at their next meeting.

Ramme also asked that the Federal surplus card and duties be reassigned to Jim Loeper. Currently, Tom Gerovac of Community Mental Health is handling those responsibilities. A motion was made by Ramme, supported by Pezzetti to have Jim Loeper take over the duties associated with Federal Surplus. The Chair called for roll call vote.

Roll Call

YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,

         Pezzetti, Ramme Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts

     NO:  (0) None

Motion carried.

Ramme again brought the subject of forfeitures handled by the Prosecutors office when dealing with property confiscated by the Sheriff Department. A meeting of the Judicial and Law enforcement committee has yet to be scheduled. At the January 8, 2003 meeting a motion was made to refer the matter to committee.

Ramme also asked the Board to consider hiring expert grant writers to seek grants to help the County with revenues. No action was necessary.

PUBLIC COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)

Kathy Johnson, secretary of the Bessemer Chamber of Commerce invited the Board to a social gathering to welcome the new Bessemer Downtown Development Authority Director, Thomas Chatel. The gathering will be held at Blackjack at 5:00 PM.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried to adjourn to the call of the Chair.

 

________________________________       ____________________________

Don Bennetts, Chair                   Gerry R Pelissero, Clerk

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

February 12, 2003

County Courthouse                

Bessemer, MI 49911

5:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 5PM by Chairperson Bennetts.

Roll Call

Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,

         Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts   

          Absent:  (0) None

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES(minutes of January 22,2003 regular meeting.)

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the minutes as presented.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the agenda as presented along with two (2) additions: US 2 Highway corridor visual enhancement and Animal Control vehicle bids.

CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

( 5 minute limit )

There was none.

APPEARANCES:

1.         Fred Geissler, Grand View Health System

Mr. Geissler couldn’t attend and has rescheduled his appearance to the February 26th meeting.

COMMUNICATIONS:

1. Richard Davalos, Ottawa National Forest, Bessemer Ranger 

District

(RE: Nesting Platform Projects)

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to receive the communication and place it on file.

2. Phillip J. Stoddard, Director, Office of Retirement Services

    (RE: Probate Judge 457 resolution)

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to refer the matter to Probate Judge Joel Massie.

Agenda Additions:

3. US 2 Corridor Visual Enhancement Projects                                   

Commissioners Peterson and Ramme informed the Board that Watersmeet Township, the City of Ironwood, the City of Wakefield and       Wakefield Township and are all applying to be one of six communities to be chosen for the Visual Enhancement Projects. A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Ramme to send a letter of support to each in support of the applications. The selection will be made in April.

 

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

February 12, 2003

Page Two

4. Animal Control Vehicle Bids

Five bids were received by the deadline, two(2) from Quality Used Cars, one(1) from Jeff Ramme and two (2) from Bessemer Auto. After discussion, a motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the bid from Bessemer Auto on the 1998 Dodge full 4x4 super cab $11,937.00 with trade in off $800.00 for total coast of $11,137.00.

OTHER MATTERS

Commissioner Pezzetti mentioned the increasing cost of gasoline and how it may impact our travel budgets.

Commissioner Kangas mentioned a program with AAA of Michigan and MAC, which could save county employees premium dollars on their home and auto insurance, he will hand the material over to the Administrator.

Commissioner Ramme asked Sheriff Sanders if the contract with Ironwood has been approved yet and also the status of the negotiations. Sanders replied that the contract has been approved by Corporate Counsel and the discussion and negotiations will be begin.

PUBLIC COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)

There was none.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Lewinksi and carried to adjourn to call of the chair.

 

_______________________________        _____________________________

Don Bennetts, Chair                 Gerry R Pelissero, Clerk

 

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

February 26, 2003

County Courthouse        

Bessemer, MI 49911     

5:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 5PM by Chairperson Bennetts.

Roll Call

Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,

         Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts   

           Absent:  (0) None

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES(Minutes of February 12, 2003 meeting)

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the minutes as presented.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the agenda as presented along with the following additions:

Longevity/Increment requests

1.              Char Hoffner, Friend of the Court, 15 years longevity

2.              Jay Holm, Maintenance, 1 year increment

Vacation carry over

1.              Julie Osterman, vacation carry over

Communications:

  1.   Jim Loeper, County EMC,

          (RE: FEMA Grant Money)

2.              Maureen Woods, Manager, Airway Facilities Division, FAA

   (RE: VOR reply)

3.              Mark Halkola-Western U.P. Substance Abuse Agency

       (RE: request for release of Public Act

               Two Funds)

CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

( 5 minute limit )

Bessemer City Manager, Joseph Erickson appeared in front of the Board to discuss the Industrial Park Development Plan item #2 communications. Erickson informed the Board of the availability of copies of the plan from his office. In a another matter he asked the Board for a letter of support for the US 2 Corridor visual enhancement project application on behalf of the City of Bessemer. A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a letter of support.

Committee Meetings - Summary Reports

1.     Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee-----01/22/03

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to receive the report and place it on file.

2.     Personnel & Negotiations Committee----------01/30/03

A.  A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to deny the request from Mamie Johnson for prorated Blue Cross/ Blue Shield

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

February 26, 2003

Page Two

   hospitalization insurance due to the fact it was not a      negotiated fringe benefit at the time of hire.

B.  A motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to adjust the County Treasurer’s 2003 salary by $19.10 making the salary $38,938.00 with the money to be transferred from the County Board’s contractual line item 101-101-805.02

3.     Judiciary and Law Enforcement Committee-----01/30/03

A.  A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice vote to authorize the Sheriff to purchase the metal detector in the amount of $500.00 from line item 101-101-805.02

B.  A motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice vote, that if the Sheriff Department reaches the projected $12,500.00 for 2003 in the Jail Day Collection line item, then the sheriff should appear before the County Board and request anything over the fore-mentioned amount collected to be spent on items for the jail.

C.  A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to request the sales representative from Evercom make a presentation to the  County Board at their soonest availability regarding the payphone at the jail.

D.  A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas to retain the Harley Davidson Contract for the remaining four years and to review it at that time and also to request a clarification on Article 18 Duration. After discussion, Pezzetti withdrew his motion and Kangas withdrew his support, the motion died. 

APPEARANCES:

1.     Fred Geissler, Grand View Health System

Mr. Geissler spent about 15 minutes updating the Board on the financial status of GVH, indicating that the Hospital is in the top ten financially country wide with other hospitals. Geissler spoke of the plans for renovations at the facility. Geissler also opened the floor to the Board for questions. No Board action necessary.

COMMUNICATIONS

1.         Probate Judge Joel Massie

        (RE: 457 plan)

A motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to adopt the resolution.

2.         Cheryl Sowels, Secretary, Bessemer Planning Commission

        (RE: Industrial Park Development Plan)

This matter was taken up by Joseph Erickson earlier in the agenda.

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

February 26, 2003

Page Three

AGENDA ADDITIONS:

Longevity/Increment requests

3.              Char Hoffner, Friend of the Court, 15 years longevity

4.              Jay Holm, Maintenance, 1 year increment

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve of both requests.

Vacation carry over

5.              Julie Osterman, vacation carry over

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by a 7 yea – 2 nay vote to approve of the carry over of vacation time.

Communications:

  1. Jim Loeper, County EMC,

          (RE: Grant Application)

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to authorize Mr. Loeper to apply for the grant.

2. Maureen Woods, Manager, Airway Facilities Division, FAA

   (RE: VOR reply)

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to receive the communication and place it on file.

3.         Mark Halkola-Western U.P. Substance Abuse Agency

       (RE: request for release of Public Act

               Two Funds)

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to release the Public Act Two funds.

Commissioner Request:

Commissioner Peterson requests to discuss a Transit Bus route.

Peterson discussed the lack of Gogebic County Transit Authority Bus routes provided to District #9, Marenisco Township and Watersmeet Township. Peterson invited the Township Supervisors to attend the meeting to express their displeasure with the service. Peterson referred to the County Tax Base provided by the Townships and service in return for taxes paid. Marenisco Township Supervisor Robert Raisanen and Watersmeet Township Supervisor Kathy Stupak-Thrall addressed the Board on how the current routes affect their residents. Jim Mildren, director of County Transit Authority was unable to attend the meeting, but agreed to attend as soon as possible to discuss the situation. A motion was made by Peterson, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote to set up an advisory committee to discuss the blue bus routes for District #9 and to include Gwen Pierce and Kathy Stupak-Thrall on that committee, with Peterson as Chairman. The Committee will include some commissioners appointed by Chairperson Bennetts.

TRIAL BALANCE/CASH BALANCE

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the Trail balances from 12/31/2002

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

February 26, 2003

Page Four

and 01/31/2003, along with cash balance.

GENERAL FUND REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE CONTROL

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to accept the reports as presented.

CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Ramme and to pay the claims as presented except a portion of the Grand View Hospital bill which is a reduction of $2,387.55, the deleted bill is from an inmate, hospital visits and needs to be clarified, and to pay four additions to the claims, $4.00 building and grounds 101-265-750.00 to Classical Fabricators, NLP Labs $ 900.00 from 101-900-711.02, West Group $72.00 from 101-229-810.00 and Scott Voit $356.16 from 101-000-584.22 search and rescue.

Roll Call

YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,

         Pezzetti, Ramme Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts

           NO:  (0) None

Motion carried.

OTHER MATTERS

Commissioner Pezzetti informed the Board he attended the video conference at the College by Governor Granholm regarding the budget crisis for 2003-2004. Details of the Budget are due out on March 6, 2003

PUBLIC COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)

Delmar Smith MTA representative also expressed the views of Gogebic County MTA on the Transit Routes, and asked about 2nd and 3rd offenders through animal control.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Pezzetti and carried to adjourn to the call of the Chair.

 

_______________________________        ______________________________

Don Bennetts, Chair                         Gerry R Pelissero, Clerk

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

March 12, 2003

County Courthouse                

Bessemer, MI 49911

5:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 5PM by Chairman Bennetts.

Roll Call

Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,

         Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts   

           Absent:  (0) None

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES(February 26, 2003 regular meeting)

A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the minutes as presented.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve of the agenda as presented along with the following additions:

Agenda Amendments

Committee Reports

1.     Personnel & Negotiations Committee-------2/26/03

Longevity Request

1.     Wendy Mesich, Probate Court, 25 years

Communications