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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
The Oath of Office was administered to the newly elected Commissioners by Clerk-Register of Deeds Gerry Pelissero.
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.
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.
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.
Present: (8) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO:
(0) None
Motion
carried.
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.
_______________________________
______________________________
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
March
12, 2003
County
Courthouse
Bessemer,
MI 49911
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
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:
Committee
Reports
1.
Personnel & Negotiations Committee-------2/26/03
1.
Wendy Mesich, Probate Court, 25 years
1.
U.P. Association of County Commissioners
(RE: Date Change)
2.
County Credit Card increase per user.
3.
ACH
Policy Resolution
4.
Fiduciary
Insurance for the Retirement Commission
5.
Appearance
by Jim Mildren, Director, County Transit Authority
6.
2002
Forestry and Parks Annual Report
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(
5 minute limit )
Robert
Raisanen, Chair of the Gogebic Range Solid Waste Management Authority informed
the Board he was present to answer any questions that would relate to item # 3
in communications.
APPEARANCES:
1.
Tim Vaughn, Account Executive, Evercom Systems Inc.
Mr.
Vaughn made a presentation to the Board on a new phone system for the jail. The
presentation lasted about 15 minutes, and detailed the capabilities of the
system including benefits of saving time and money. Evercom is in (8) eight U.P.
Counties and 33 total in Michigan. Mr. Vaughn answered questions from the Board
including costs of the contract, technical support and internet access. A motion was made by
Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to direct
Evercom to provide a detailed contract and bid available for the Board at the
next meeting.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
March
12, 2003
Page
Two
2.
Rick Minkin, CEO, Community Mental Health Authority
(RE:
property resolution and reversion)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous
voice vote to adopt the resolution as presented.
Appearance
by Jim Mildren, Director, County Transit Authority.
Mr.
Mildren addressed the Board regarding the services provided to the residents of
the County and especially Watersmeet and Marenisco Townships. Mildren discussed
the history of services provided to those Townships and what is being provided
now. After his presentation a question and answer session was held with the
Board. Commissioner Peterson informed the Board that a meeting of the County
Transit advisory committee will be held March 24, 2003 in Watersmeet at 3:30pm
at the LVD Casino. No Board action was taken.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.
Jonathon Mead, Director U.P. Association of County Commissioners
(RE:
Spring Conference)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
2.
Billie Peterson, Administrator, Gogebic Conservation Dist.
(RE:
soil erosion sedimentation program)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice
vote to refer the matter to the Forestry and Parks Commission.
3.
Jim Stingle, Executive Director WUPPDR
(RE:
Notice of Intent)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to send a letter of support for the project.
Committee
Reports
A.)
A motion was
made by Wiemeri, supported by Ramme and carried to send the 2003 Dispatch
Agreement Proposal to the City Ironwood for their consideration.
YES: (8) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (1) Pezzetti
Motion carried.
B.)
A motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote that
the County Board Chairman and/or Vice Chairman authorized to determine whether
or not a Commissioner can attend a meeting outside the parameters of his
Standing Committees
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
March
12, 2003
Page Three
and/or
Agency Appointments and be entitled to a per diem.
A
motion was
made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to
approve of the longevity request.
4.
U.P. Association of County Commissioners
(RE: Date Change)
A
motion was
made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to
receive the communication and place it on file.
5.
County Credit Card increase per user.
A
motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to
authorize the increase of the Credit Card limit per cardholder from $1,000.00 to
$2,000.00.
6.
ACH
Policy Resolution
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to adopt the resolution to draft an ACH Policy and to authorize the County Treasurer to draft the policy.
7.
Fiduciary
Insurance for the Retirement
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to authorize the County Clerk to seek bids for fiduciary insurance for the Retirement Commission.
8.
2002
Forestry and Parks Annual Report
A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to receive the Annual report and place it on file.
Commissioner Lewinski informed the Board on the increase in emplanements is up 49% since Skyways Airlines has been providing air service.
PUBLIC
COMMENT (5 minute limit)
Jim
Loeper informed the Board that at his recent conference he learned of a lot of
grant money that will be available to municipalities and he will actively seek
those grant dollars.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri 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
26, 2003
County
Courthouse
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
Absent: (0) None
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES(minutes from March 12, 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 Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the agenda as presented along with the following additions to
other matters:
1.
Jim Loeper, County Emergency Management Coordinator planning grant budget, 2.
County Clerk’s salary, 3. Evercom System, 4. Retirement age clarification, 5.
MAC liaison appointment, 6. Michigan Works Summer Youth slots, 7. Little Girls
Point Advisory Committee appropriation for 2003, 8. Grand View Health System
Veteran’s outpatient Clinic, 9. Transit committee update.
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(
5 minute limit )
There
was none.
Committee
Meetings - Summary Reports
1.
Economic Development & Capital Improvements------02/27/03
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to accept the Commercial Lease agreement between H.O.P.E. Animal Shelter
and Gogebic County with the change in Section 7, omitting the wording
“interior of the premises” and the appropriate officals be authorized to
sign the lease.
2.
Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee----------03/12/03
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the report and place it on file.
Commissioner
Request
1.
Commissioner Kangas, RE: Lake Superior Extension Camp
Commissioner
Kangas informed the Board of the wishes of the Little Girls Point Advisory
Committee to have the County Forestry and Parks take over the management of the
Extension Camp from the Committee. The Committee would like the Board to
continue their appropriation to the camp ($4,000.00 in 2003.) The committee will
still be active and continue to be advisors to the Forestry and Parks Committee.
A motion was made by
Pezzetti, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a
letter of support to the Forestry and Parks Committee, and encourage them to
take over management of the Extension Camp.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
March
26, 2003
Page
Two
COMMUNICATIONS
1.
Gerry Pelissero, County Clerk/Register of Deeds
(RE: new fee increase and Automation fund Resolution)
Clerk/Register
Pelissero informed the Board of the new fee schedule and the need to adopt the
resolution to setup the Automation Fund. A
motion was made by Pezzetti,
supported by Kangas and carried to adopt the Resolution.
REGISTER OF DEEDS – ESTABLISH REGISTER OF DEEDS AUTOMATION FUND PURSUANT TO 2002 PA 698
WHEREAS
Public Act 698 of 2002 takes effect March 31, 2003, expanding the Revised
Judicature Act to require all counties in Michigan to create an “automation
fund”; and,
WHEREAS
the act requires the register of deeds to deposit $5.00 for each recorded
instrument into an automation fund, in accordance with directives contained in
Letter Number 2003-3 from the Local Audit and Finance Division of the State of
Michigan Department of Treasury; and
WHEREAS
the county treasurer is charged with the responsibility of investing the
deposited funds and crediting the interest and earnings to the automation fund;
now therefore,
BE
IT RESOLVED that the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners authorizes the county
treasurer to establish the revenue activity fund number 256, Register of Deeds
Automation Fund, pursuant to 2002 PA 698.
Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
Absent: (0) None
Motion
carried.
2.
Missy Lane, Executive Secretary CMH
(RE: amended by laws)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the amended by-law changes as presented.
1.
2nd Quarter 2003 Appropriations Airport Fund and Capital
Outlay
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous
voice vote to release the 2nd quarter appropriation to Airport Fund
and Capital Outlay.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
March
26, 2003
Page
Three
TRIAL
BALANCE/CASH BALANCE
A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Winkowski and carried by
unanimous voice vote to approve the Trial balance and Cash balance as presented.
GENERAL
FUND REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE CONTROL
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Peterson and carried by
unanimous voice vote to approve the Revenue and Expenditure reports as
presented.
CLAIMS
AND ACCOUNTS
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried to pay all claims
along with the prepaids except the claim from A-1 Drain Cleaning in the amount
of $772.50, the Board wants their corporate counsel to contact the company to
discuss the charges; and to add two claims from Expanets, Inc. out of Building
and Grounds in the amounts of $580.97 and $305.97 and make the claims and
prepaids apart of the minutes.
Agenda Additions:
1.
Jim Loeper, County Emergency Management Coordinator Planning Grant Budget
A motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to
approve the Planning Grant and to authorize Mr. Loeper to work with the Clerk
and Tresurer to setup a separate budget for the Grant which will total
approximately $16,500.00.
2. County Clerk’s salary
A motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to
decline the Clerk’s request for a salary adjustment.
3.
Evercom System, jail inmate phone system
Sheriff Sanders
addressed the Board regarding the jail inmate phone system. The current
Ameritech phone contract will renew in May of 2003, the contract includes an
automatic renewal clause that can be canceled, the contract would continue month
by month, if it is not canceled the contract renews for five more years. Sheriff
Sanders suggested the automatic renewal be canceled ASAP and the Board would
have time to workout the problems with the Evercom contract if they choose, and
also have time to invite Ameritech personnel to address the Board. A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice
vote to cancel the automatic renewal provision within the Ameritech Contract and
to invite representatives of Ameritech to give a presentation to the Board on
their phone products for the jail inmate phones.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
March
26, 2003
Page Four
4.
Retirement age clarification
County
Treasurer Sharon Hallberg addressed the Board of a correction to the minutes of
November 28, 2001, regarding the Elected and Appointed officials retirement age.
Commissioner Wiemeri and
Koivisto were at
the Personnel and Negotiations when the agreement was reached. The E&A
retirement benefit age should’ve read as follows: age 60 with 8 years of
service; sum of age and years of service equals 80 with a minimum age of 55
years.
A motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried to correct the November 28,
2001 meeting minutes to read as follows:
A motion was
made by Thomas, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to
grant the Elected and Appointed Officials the optical reimbursement of $350.00
for 2002 and $400.00 for 2003, retirement
benefit will be sum of age and years of service equaling 80 with a minimum age
of 55 years, and keeping age 60 with 8 years of service; and that the
County will pay the 1% for retirement health insurance for the employee and the
2% for the increase in retirement multiplier and the that the County will cover
the cost of the health insurance 2002.
5. MAC liaison appointment
A letter was received from Larry Inman, MAC President appointing John Lewinski as the County Board’s Liaison to MAC Board. No Board action necessary.
6.
Michigan Works Summer Youth slots
Commissioner
Pezzetti informed the Board that the Michigan Summer Youth Slots have been
assigned for the County, 43 were allocated and 28 have been requested so far,
fifteen are still available.
7.
Little Girls Point Advisory Committee appropriation for 2003
A motion was
made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to
release the 2003 appropriation to the advisory committee.
8.
Grand View Health System Veteran’s outpatient Clinic
Commissioner Kangas
informed the Board of the loss of the Veteran’s contract with the VA by Grand
View Health System to provide a community based outpatient clinic. GVH has held
the contract for three years and lost the bid for the new contract by $1.00 per
veteran. A motion was
made by Kangas, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to
send a letter to Congressman Bart Stupak to express the Board’s concerns on
how the bidding process was handled and the disappointment the contract wasn’t
renewed with the current contract holder, Grand View Health System.
9.
Transit committee update
Commissioner
Peterson updated the Board on the County advisory committee to the Transit
Authority. The meeting was held in Watersmeet on Monday, March 24, 2003, the
committee and the Transit Autority have put together a plan to address the needs
of the
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
March
26, 2003
Page Five
residents of
Watersmeet and Marenisco Townships. A survey will be
sent out to get
ideas from the residents. No Board action taken.
County Clerk/Register Gerry Pelissero asked the Board for approval to negotiate a fee from a company interested purchasing criminal records information on file in the Clerk’s office. Brad Noren would have to write the program and then a fee would be set for the cost of the program and for each search requested. A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to allow the clerk to negotiate with the company.
PUBLIC
COMMENT (5 minute limit)
There
was none.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, 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
April
9, 2003
County
Courthouse
Bessemer,
MI 49911
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
Present: (8) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Bennetts
Absent: (1) Winkowski,
APPROVAL
OF THE MINUTES(from March 26, 2003 regular meeting)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the minutes as presented.
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 two additions:
APPEARANCES:
3.
Sal Vanadia, SBC Ameritech, Director of inmate sales
COMMUNICATIONS:
3.
Michael
Foley, County Highway Engineer
(RE: Black River Lake Public
Hearing)
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(
5 minute limit )
There
was none.
APPEARANCES:
1.
Pat Merrill, Director, Gogebic County EDC
Mr.
Merrill introduced himself to the Board as the new EDC Director replacing Cylde
Eilo. Merrill announced to the Board he is working on a few projects and will
present them to Board at one of their next meetings. No Board action taken.
2.
Dale A MacDonald, Director, Gogebic-Ontonagon FIA
Mr.
MacDonald of FIA informed the Board of the State changes to his operations in
Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties. The State is establishing Dual County Single
Business Offices. The establishment of the Dual County Single Business Office
will not affect any staffing of the offices and will not create any problems
with the financial aspects of the offices. Mr. MacDonald also thanked the local
enforcement agency for their continued hard work and support of the FIA and also
thanked the Board for their support of FIA. No Board action taken.
3.
Sal Vanadia, SBC Ameritech, Director of inmate sales
Mr.
Vanadia upon Board request, presented to the Board SBC Ameritech’s inmate
phone system. The current SBC Ameritech contract is on a month to month basis.
By signing a new three contract with SBC, the County would receive a $13,000.00
signing bonus 45 days after the new contract is signed and would receive a 25%
commission
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
April
9, 2003
Page
Two
on
all local and long distance calls. SBC would upgrade the current system (an
$11,000.00 equipment upgrade). Seventy percent of the commission expected from
the inmate phone system can be requested upfront under the new contract. Mr.
Vanadia answered questions from the Board relating to the Evercom proposal and
how each contract and equipment compare. Sheriff Larry Sanders added that a
third company would like to bid on the contract as well. A motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to
refer the bids and contracts to the Judiciary and Law Enforcement committee and
the committee will make a recommendation to the full Board as to which company
should be awarded the jail inmate phone system.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.
Jack Kann, Manager County Jail Services Unit
(RE: final jail inspection report)
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.
Richard Adams, County Prosecuting Attorney
(RE: A-1 Drain Cleaning bill)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice
vote to pay the bill as recommended by the Mr. Adams.
3.
Michael Foley, County Highway Engineer
(RE: Black River Lake Public
Hearing)
A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a letter of support of the Road Commission’s opposition of the removal of the dam to MDNR.
LONGEVITY:
1.
Mary Ann Erickson, Clerk’s Office, Three years
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the longevity request.
RESOLUTIONS:
1.
Arenac County Board of Commissioners
(RE: Health Care Resolution)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice
vote to send a letter of support to Arenac County regarding the resolution.
Commissioner Lewinski, MAC Liaison, updated the Board on Legislative news via a MAC communication.
County Clerk/Register Gerry Pelissero informed the Board of a special meeting with Congressman Bart Stupak to be held on April 22nd at 9am at the Courthouse.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
April
9, 2003
Page Three
County Treasurer Sharon Hallberg addressed the Board of a Budget Error concerning the Reimbursement from TSA for airport security provided by the Sheriff Department. $41,750.00 is the expected reimbursement from TSA and this amount was added into Sheriff Contractual Other revenue line item. Hallberg wanted to know why the Expenditures for overtime in the Sheriff budgets wasn’t adjusted accordingly. Finance Chair Commissioner Pezzetti disagreed with the added expenditures, because the budget was balanced with the $41,750.00 added into the overall budget. After Lengthy discussion, Commissioner Lewinski suggested that the matter be sent to the Finance Committee, no formal motion was introduced, the discussion continued without resolution and no Board was taken.
Sheriff Sanders informed the Board that the Gogebic County Victims Services Unit was notified they were awarded as the top Victims Services Unit in the State of Michigan.
PUBLIC
COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)
There
was none.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice
vote to adjourn to the call of the chair.
___________________________
______________________________
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
April
23, 2003
Bessemer,
MI 49911
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
Present: (8) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Winkowski, Bennetts
Absent: (1) Wiemeri
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES(minutes of April 9, 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 Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the agenda as presented along with three additions:
Communications:
8.
Jerry
Griffin, Director of Legislative Affairs
(RE: FIA Budget and Private Foster Care Placement)
9.
Harold
R. Fitch, Chief, Geological and Land Division
(RE: Black River Dam Inspection)
10.
Jim
Saari, Michigan Works
(RE: Summer Youth
requests)
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(
5 minute limit )
There
was none.
Committee
Meetings - Summary Reports
1.
Technology Committee--------------------03/13/03
2.
Personnel & Negotiations Committee------03/26/03
A
motion was made by Winkowski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive communications 1 & 2 and place them on file.
3.
Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee-03/26/03
4.
Health & Welfare Committee--------------03/28/03
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive and place on file reports 3 & 4.
APPEARANCES:
1.
Dave Hardie, County Equalization Director
2003 County Equalization report adoption
Mr.
Hardie presented to the Board the 2003 County Equalization Report. The 2003 CEV
is $501,531,057.00, which is an increase of 10.90%. A
motion was made by Lewinski,
supported by Kangas and carried to adopt the 2003 Gogebic County Equalization
Report.
YES: (8) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO:
(0) None
Motion
carried.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
April
23, 2003
Page
Two
2.
Sharon Hallberg, County Treasurer, 2002 tax settlement DTRF.
Treasurer
Hallberg presented to the Board the County Treasurer’s Settlement Report for
2002 Delinquent Taxes. The Taxable Value as settled is $329,555,470.00. The
total amount of delinquent taxes, administration fess & special assessments
due to Governmental units to be paid from the DTRF is $1,153,095.27. A motion was made by
Pezzetti, supported by Peterson and carried to authorize the Treasurer to
release the funds to the Governmental units in the amount of $1,153,095.27.
YES: (8) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) none
Motion
carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
1.
Bob Larson, U.P. Resource Conservation and Development Project
(RE: 5 year revised Project Plan)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous
voice vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
2.
Michael A. Zacharis, Grand View Hospital Board Appointee
(RE:
Resignation from Board)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
3.
Jim Mildren, Director, County Transit Authority
(RE:
increased services)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
4.
Richard Bolen, Director of County Forestry & Parks
(RE:
Black River Lake Dam)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to ask the D.E.Q. to extend the deadline until April 1, 2004. A letter
expressing the Board action will be written by Director of County Forestry and
Parks Richard Bolen and then signed by the chairman.
5.
Jonathan Mead, President of UPCAP
(RE:
2003 dues refund)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice
vote to deposit the refund into general reimbursements in the amount of $800.00.
6.
Keith A Johnson, Ironwood City Manager
(RE:
dispatch proposal)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Winkowski and carried to receive the
communication and place it on file. A
motion was made by
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
April
23, 2003
Page
Three
Ramme,
supported by Winkowski and carried by a 7 yeas, 1 nay vote
to
send a letter of thanks to the City of Ironwood for consideration
of
the proposal, and to keep the door open for other proposals in the future.
7.
Larry Sanders, County Sheriff
(RE:
Harley-Davidson lease contract)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the report and place it on file.
Communications:
8.
Jerry Griffin, Director of Legislative Affairs
(RE: FIA Budget and Private Foster Care Placement)
A
motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to
table the matter until Probate Judge Massie and Juvenile Officer Brad Noren can
compile an estimate of the cost of this new bill to the County.
9.
Harold R. Fitch, Chief, Geological and Land Division
(RE: Black River Dam Inspection)
A
motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to
receive the report and place it on file.
10.
Jim Saari, Michigan Works
(RE: Summer Youth
requests)
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve of the summer youth slots as presented and if any one has an additional request to contact Jim Saari at Michigan Works. 43 slots were available and 29 were requested as of April 17, 2003.
1.
Cheryl Ruppe, Clerk’s Office, three year increment
2.
Tammy Stella, Clerk/Register office, three year increment
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve of the increment requests 1 & 2.
BUDGET
AMENDMENTS
1.
Emergency Management Services budget
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Peterson and carried to adopt the
Budget Amendment.
$1,000.00 increase to 101-000-505.00 revenues
$1,000.00
increase to 101-426-980.00 expenditures
YES: (8) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) none
Motion
carried.
2.
Federal Grant/Terrorism original budget
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried to adopt the
original budget as it appears in the revenue and expenditure reports.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
April
23, 2003
A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Peterson and carried by
unanimous voice vote to accept the reports as presented.
GENERAL
FUND REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE CONTROL
A
motion was made by Winkowski, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the reports as presented.
CLAIMS
AND ACCOUNTS
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried to pay the claims as
presented excluding the claim from the City of Ironwood for televising the
plugged sewer at the jail in the amount of $910.00, to write a letter to the
City asking to negotiate a better price; to pay the prepaids and make the claims
and prepaids
apart
of the minutes.
YES: (8) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) none
Motion
carried
Commissioner Lewinski reviewed the meeting with the Congressman Stupak for the Commissioners unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting.
Commissioner Kangas announced that Stupak also wanted the bill paid by the Airport Board for the tree removal from Superior Tree Service forwarded to his attention for a possible reimbursement of the cost.
Commissioner Ramme asked permission to use County letterhead so he could FOIA information from Blue Cross Blue Shield. A motion was made by Ramme, supported by Pezzetti, and carried by unanimous voice vote approving the use of County letterhead to request information from Blue Cross Blue Shield via the Freedom Of Information Act regarding coverage and renewal for the past two years. The information received will be shared with Personnel and Negotiations Committee.
Sheriff Sanders asked permission to apply for two grants for personnel in his office. One is a grant similar to the School Liaison program and the second is a universal hiring grant for one officer for three years. After discussion, a motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to authorize the Sheriff to apply for both grants and the Board will decide whether or not to go with the grants once they are approved.
Commissioner Peterson complemented the Sheriff Department and the Board for the purchase of the Animal Control vehicle, saying the visibility of the vehicle is great.
PUBLIC
COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)
There
was none.
ADJOURNMENT
___________________________
_____________________________
Special
Meeting
April
22, 2003
County
Courthouse
Bessemer,
MI 49911
9:00
A.M.
AGENDA
CALL
TO ORDER
The
meeting was called to order at 9:05am by Chairman Bennetts.
Present: (7) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Winkowski, Bennetts
Absent: (2) Peterson,
Wiemeri
APPROVAL
OF AGENDA
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski 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.
WITH U.S. CONGRESSMAN BART STUPAK
Congressman
Stupak informed the Board, he is holding Town Hall meetings through out his
District to answer questions and hear the concerns of the people of the 1St
Congressional District of Michigan. He then opened the floor for questions of
the Board. Stupak answered questions concerning the Airport VOR system, TSA
reimbursement, health care, prescription drugs, the economy of the Country and
the County. Stupak also shed some light into the VA clinic bid that was awarded
to a national company, CR Associates of Virginia, rather than the current
contract holder the Grand View Health System. Other matters discussed included
PILT money, Notch Baby Social Security Benefits, Great Lakes water levels, Army
Corp of Engineers project delays. Commissioner Lewinski thanked Congressman
Stupak for his time well spent with the Board. The forum ran approximately 60
minutes.
Commissioner Pezzetti made a motion, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to change the meeting date for May 14th to May 7th at 5PM.
Commissioner Lewinski made a motion, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to adopt the resolution to increase membership of the FIA Board to five from three.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Special
Meeting
April 22, 2003
Page Two
WHEREAS;
The State of Michigan’s Family Independence Agency
Board is currently
a
three member Board, and
WHEREAS;
The Board is made up of one Governor’s Appointment
and two (2) County
Commissioner Appointments, and
WHEREAS;
The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners has
determined that more
Representation is needed to meet the needs of Gogebic County residents
NOW THEREFORE, BE
IT RESOLVED; The Gogebic County Board of
Commissioners supports the expansion of the Family Independence Agency
Board to a five (5) member Board.
YES:
(7) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Pezzetti, Ramme,
Winkowski,
Bennetts
NO: (0) None
Motion carried.
PUBLIC
COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)
There
was none.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, Supported by Lewinski and carried to adjourn to the
call of the chair.
_______________________________
______________________________
Don
Bennetts, Chairman
Gerry R Pelissero,
Clerk
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
May
7, 2003
County
Courthouse
Bessemer,
MI 49911
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
Absent: (0) None
APPROVAL
OF THE MINUTES(minutes from April 22
and April 23, 2003)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve of the minutes as presented.
APPROVAL
OF AGENDA
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve of the agenda as presented along with four additions:
Communications:
1.
Dale
MacDonald, Director, Gogebic-Ontonagon County FIA
(RE: single business office)
2.
Susan
Moroni, Contracting Officer, TSA
(RE: Notification of Termination)
Tabled
Communications:
1.
Juliane
Giackino, Administrator,
(RE: FIA budget and private foster
care placement)
Other
Matters:
1.
Jail inmate phone
system
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(
5 minute limit )
There
was none.
APPEARANCES:
1.
Pat Merrill, Director, Gogebic County EDC
Mr.
Merrill addressed the Board regarding the establishment of a County Brownfield
Authority, which will comprise all municipalities in the County except Bessemer.
The City of Bessemer has already established a Brownfield Authority. Merrill
discussed with the Board the benefits of the County wide Authority and answered
questions from the Board. Merrill informed the Board that a public hearing must
be held and a resolution adopted to form the Authority. The Authority Board
would consist of 5 to 9 members, appointed by the County Board of Commissioners.
A motion was made by Peterson, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice
vote to move ahead with the formation of the County-wide Brownfield Authority.
2.
Guy St. Germain,
Administrator, Western U.P. District Health,
Mr.
St. Germain addressed the Board with an update on the Department’s structure,
the FY 2002 Revenues and Expenditures, and the services provided to the
residents of the Western U.P. District
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
May
7, 2003
Page
Two
Health
Department. St. Germain answered questions from the Board. No action taken.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.
Richard Davalos, Ottawa National Forest, Bessemer District
(RE: Invasive Plant Projects)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
2.
Jim Stingle, Executive Director, WUPPDR
(RE:
Notice of Intent)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to send a letter of support for the Notice of Intent
3.
Jim Stingle, Executive Director, WUPPDR
(RE:
Notice of Intent)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice
vote to send a letter of support for the Notice of Intent.
4. & 5. Dennis Platte, Executive Secretary, State Tax Commission
(RE: tax status)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice
vote to support both resolutions revoking the exemptions for Extreme Tool and
Engineering 1999-077 (personal property) and Dimension Tec Inc. 1999-344(real
and personal property) effective December 30, 2003.
6.
Brad Noren, County Juvenile Officer
(RE:
BCBS)
The
Board agreed with Mr. Noren’s letter that there is breakdown in communication
with Blue Cross Blue Shield. The Board advised Mr. Noren that the AdHoc
committee is looking into these types of problems with Blue Cross/ Blue Shield
and will meet soon with representatives of BCBS.
Agenda
Additions:
Communications:
7.
Dale
MacDonald, Director, Gogebic-Ontonagon County FIA
(RE: single business office)
A
motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice vote to
receive the communication and place it on file.
8.
Susan
Moroni, Contracting Officer, TSA
(RE: Notification of Termination)
Commissioner
Pezzetti informed the Board that the TSA contract will be terminated on May 31,
2003. The termination will amount to a loss of $23,000.00 to the 2003 general
fund budget. A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and
carried by unanimous voice vote
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
May 7, 2003
Page Three
to
refer the matter to the Finance, Budgeting and Auditing Committee.
Tabled
Communications:
1.
Juliane Giackino, Administrator,
(RE: FIA budget and private foster
care placement)
A
motion was
made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice vote to
take the matter of the table.
A
motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to
receive the communication and place it on file.
RESOLUTIONS:
1.
Michigan Association of County Clerks
(RE:
elimination of Republican Presidential Primary)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to adopt the resolution.
2.
County Of Baraga
(RE:
Welfare and Treatment of Veterans)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote
to adopt the resolution.
1.
Jail inmate phone system
Lewinski informed the Board that at the Judiciary and Law Enforcement Committee meeting earlier in the day, it was moved to recommend to the full Board, to go with the Evercom three year contract to provide the jail inmate phone system. The Contract is for three years with a 35% commission and a $10,000.00 signing bonus. A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Wiemeri and carried by a 8 yeas - 1 nay vote to with the Evercom three year contract to provide the jail inmate phone system.
PUBLIC
COMMENT (5 minute limit)
There
was none.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Ramme and carried to adjourn to the call
of the chair.
___________________________________
____________________________
Don
Bennetts, chair
Gerry R Pelissero,
clerk
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
June
11, 2003
County
Courthouse
Bessemer,
MI 49911
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri,
Winkowski, Bennetts
Absent: (0) None
APPROVAL
OF THE MINUTES( minutes from May 28,
2003 meeting)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to accept 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 along with the following additions:
APPEARANCES:
1.
Dave Anderson, Flintsteel Restoration
(RE: Soil Erosion Program)
2.
Jim Loeper, County EMS
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.
Joe Braspenick, Airport Board 3rd Quarter Appropriation
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(
5 minute limit )
There
was none.
APPEARANCES:
1.
Naomi Kauppi, RE: Easements For Powderhorn Area Water Projects
Naomi
Kauppi presented to the Board a request for an easement from the Gogebic County
Board of Commissioners to the Powderhorn Area Utility District a utility
easement, this easement shall be 50 feet in width. A 50 foot wide strip of land,
the Southerly line of which is parallel and adjoining the Northerly right of way
line (100 ft wide)of the Canadian National Railroad; together with;
A
50 foot wide strip of land, the Westerly line of which is parallel and adjoining
the Easterly right-of-way of Highway 513 (Black River Rd) over the following
described parcel:
Part
of the Southeast ¼ of the Southeast ¼,of Section 33,T.48N., 46W., Gogebic
County; beginning at the Northwest corner of the Southeast ¼ of the Southwest
¼ of said Section 33; thence South 300 feet; thence Southeast 600 feet; thence
Northeast 640feet; thence West 1080 feet to the Point of Beginning. 5.50 Acres
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the easement as presented.
Regular
Meeting
May
28, 2003
County
Courthouse
Bessemer,
MI 49911
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
ROLL
CALL
Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
Absent: (0) None
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES(minutes from May 7, 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 Kangas, supported by Peterson and carried to approve the
agenda as presented along with the following additions:
Communications:
1.
Richard
Bolen, Director, County Forestry and Parks
(RE: Soil Erosion Control Program)
2.
Richard
Bolen, Director, County Forestry and Parks
(RE: Extension Camp)
3.
John
Katona, Regional Risk Manager, MMRMA
(RE: Liability Coverage)
Resolutions:
(RE: PILT Resolution)
Commissioner
Additions:
1.
Manpower summer youth slots
2. Health Insurance BCBS/GAP change
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(
5 minute limit )
There
was none.
Committee
Meetings - Summary Reports
1.
Personnel & Negotiations Committee ----------- 04/23/03
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the report and place it on file.
2.
Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee------- 04/23/03
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the report and place it on file.
3.
Judiciary & Law Enforcement Committee---------------- 05/07/03
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the report and place it on file.
4.
Technology Committee ------------------------- 05/12/03
A
motion was made by Winkowski, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous
voice vote to purchase the router and software to install the proper firewall
and the 768KBS/256KBS through Charter Pipeline at a cost of $229.00 per month
with free installation, which would provide high-speed internet capabilities.
Regular
Meeting
May
28, 2003
Page
Two
APPEARANCES:
1.
Pat Merrill, EDC Director, (Brownfield Resolution)
Mr.
Merrill presented to the Board a resolution of intent to create and provide for
the operation of a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority for Gogebic County. A
public hearing must be scheduled to allow for public comment. This Public
hearing will be set for July 9, 2003. Advertising for Board positions will take
place and the County Board of Commissioners will appoint a Board with membership
between 5-9 members. A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried to adopt the
resolution, advertise for Board members and to allow Chairman Bennetts to
appoint a Commissioner to sit on the Board and to establish length of terms on
this Board.
YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
2.
Pat Kitzman
Mr.
Kitzman addressed the Board for 15 minutes on what he perceives as the ENRON
Economics as practiced by the Court in Gogebic County. No Board action taken.
COMMUNICATIONS
1.
Commissioner Dave Ramme
(RE:
Health Care)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice
vote to authorize County letterhead to be added to the letter and then sent out
to the entities listed for signatures.
2.
Billie Peterson, Administrator, Gogebic Conservation District
(RE: Insurance Coverage)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to refer the matter to Corporate Counsel for a opinion on the Errors and
Omission coverage that the Gogebic Conservation District is asking for under the
County’s plan.
3.
Jim Loeper , County Emergency Management
(RE:
Emergency Management Performance Grant)
Mr.
Loeper asked the Commissioners, when attending their UPACC conference May 30th
and 31st, to seek out legislatures and ask for support for the
Emergency Management Performance Grant funding be added to Homeland Security. Mr.
Loeper covered several matters with the Board including an update on flooding in the County that occurred
May 11 and 12th. Because of the flooding in Marquette County, Gogebic
County may be eligible for funding from FEMA. Loeper informed the Board the
Grant application for a County Clean Sweep was denied. A Grant application for
AED Defibrillators was approved, with the County receiving 6 AED’s, 2 are with
the Sheriff Department and 4 were sent to Michigan State Police. Loeper will be
attending a training session for an Emergency Operations Center in June in
Norway, and Loeper updated the Board on the Search and Rescue teams
Regular
Meeting
May
28, 2003
Page
Three
work recently involving a body
recovery in the Presque Isle River.
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote send a letter of appreciation for the efforts of the Search and Rescue
team. Loeper also informed the Board on the supplemental grant received from the
Department of Justice totaling $37,874.00. The Revenues and Expenditures will
amended as presented. A motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried to adopt the amended budgets.
101-000-505.00 and 101-426-980.00 will be increased by $37,874.00.
4.
Susan L Young, Community Corrections Director
(RE:
FY 2004 Community Corrections Program)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the grant application.
5.
Jim Pawloski, Dam Safety Program
(RE:
Black River Lake Dam)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous
voice vote to authorize the Forestry and Parks to coordinate the repairs at the
Dam.
6.
Kim Stoker, Planning Director, WUPPDR
(RE:
Community Economic Development Strategy)
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to allow the Forestry and Parks Commission to present a shower construction
project at Lake Gogebic to WUPPDR.
7.
Tracy Tophooven, District Ranger, Ottawa National Forest
(RE:
ATV permit Forest system roads)
A motion was made by Lewinski to receive the communication and place it on file, with no support the motion died. A motion was made by Peterson, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a letter of support for the ATV rally.
8.
Richard Mikula, SESC Program, MDEQ
(RE:
third party administration)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice
vote to refer to the letter when discussing the Soil Erosion letter from Richard
Bolen regarding the SECS program.
Agenda
Additions:
Communications:
9.
Richard Bolen, Director,
County Forestry and Parks
(RE: Soil Erosion Control Program)
A
motion was
made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to
approve the Professional Service Agreement with Flintsteel Restoration
Association for a cost of $4,750.00. The County had appropriated $3,000.00 for
the program, the balance of the funding for the program, hopefully, will come
from the permit fees.
10.
Richard Bolen, Director,
County Forestry and Parks
(RE: Extension Camp)
A
motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to
approve of a loan from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund up to $70,000.00 for
structural improvements to the
Regular
Meeting
May
28, 2003
Page Four
camp
and the money paid back along with other Forestry and Parks
Commission
agreements with the County Board.
11.
John Katona, Regional Risk
Manager, MMRMA
(RE: Liability Coverage)
A
motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by
unanimous
voice vote to refer the communication to Corporate Counsel in association with
the letter from Billie Peterson.
Resolutions:
1. Tim
Hickson, MAC Legislative Coordinator
(RE: PILT Resolution)
A
motion was
made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice vote to
adopt a similar resolution.
Commissioner
Additions:
1.
Manpower summer youth slots
A
motion was
made by Lewinski, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to
authorize three additional summer youth slots; two for the city of Ironwood and
one for Jim Loeper for Emergency Management Services.
2.
Health Insurance BCBS/GAP change
A motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to present to the two bargaining units and the Elected and Appointed officials, a recommendation for an addendum to the contracts to go with Community Blues #1 and a 10/40 prescription plan. The Current GAP Plan is renewing at a very high price and will not be renewed and the community Blue #1 will cover what the GAP Plan was providing for co-pays and deductibles. If approved the change will take place August 1, 2003.
REPORTS:
1.
Annual Report of the Gogebic County Employees Retirement System
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to accept the Annual report as presented.
APPOINTMENTS:
1.
Fair Board
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to re-appoint Stephanie Lewis to the Fair Board for a three-year term.
1.
Joann Niemela, Prosecutors Office, 20 year longevity
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the longevity request.
TRIAL
BALANCE/CASH BALANCE
A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the report as presented.
GENERAL
FUND REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE CONTROL
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the report as presented.
Regular Meeting
May 28, 2003
CLAIMS
AND ACCOUNTS
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried to pay all claims
presented along the prepaids, the April claim from the City of Ironwood in the
amount of $910.00 paid out of 101-301-933.00, and to make the claims and
prepaids apart of the minutes.
YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
Commissioner Ramme asked on behalf of the Gogebic Conservation District for the use of the Fair Grounds in May of 2004 for the annual tree sale. A motion was made by Ramme, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to notify the Fair Board of the request.
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to setup a separate fund for the Search and Rescue Team for contributions and expenses and to allow the Treasurer to transfer $4,479.37 from fund balance into that new fund, with expenses journalized into the fund for year to date expenses.
PUBLIC
COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)
There
was none.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, 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
June
11, 2003
Page
Two
2.
Pat Kitzman
Mr.
Kitzman again addressed the Board regarding the Courts and the Friend of the
Court. Kitzman followed up his May 28, 2003 appearance with more information on
the matters he discussed then. No Board action was taken.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.
Joe Braspenick, Airport Manager
(RE:
contract with Bureau of Aeronautics)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to authorize the Chairman to sign the contracts.
2.
98th District Judge Anders Tingstad, Jr.
(RE:
Jail Overcrowding)
Judge
Tingstad addressed the Board on the problem of jail overcrowding. He informed
the Board everything is being done to keep the bad folks in jail. The jail
overcrowding is something the Board has been aware of and is in agreement that
this message has to get out to the public. After lengthy discussion, a
motion was made by Lewinski,
supported by Kangas and carried by
unanimous voice vote to refer the matter to the Judiciary and Law Enforcement
Committee.
3.
Circuit Court Judge Roy Gotham/Probate Judge Joel Massie
(RE:
family court plan)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
RESOLUTIONS:
1.
Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners
(RE:
Bovine TB)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to adopt a similar resolution.
Agenda
Additions:
APPEARANCES:
3.
Dave Anderson, Flintsteel Restoration
(RE: Soil Erosion Program)
Mr.
Anderson presented to the Board a proposed fee schedule for the County’s Soil
Erosion and Sedimentation Control program. The fee schedule is in line with what
other County’s in the U.P. charge. The schedule proposed is as follows:
Residential:
$40.00/ acre and $30.00 per
inspection
Commercial:
$50.00/acre and $30.00 per inspection.
Mr.
Anderson also presented a resolution, which must be adopted and then sent to
Michigan DEQ. A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and
carried to adopt the Resolution as presented and to set the fee schedule as
proposed. $30.00 for an inspection and $40.00/Acre Residential and $50.00/Acre
Commercial.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
June
11, 2003
YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
Chairman
Bennetts also advised the Board that he received a letter of resignation from
Tom Leaf of the Road Commission. Mr. Leaf submitted his letter of resignation as
the enforcing agent for the County’s SESC program. A motion was made by
Wiemeri, supported by Ramme and carried to accept the letter of resignation and
send a letter of thanks to Mr. Leaf for his work as the enforcing agent.
4.
Jim
Loeper, County EMS
Mr.
Loeper addressed the Board regarding a weather radio transmitter grant. The
United States Department of Agriculture is asking the County to provide a
contact person for this grant. A motion was made by Peterson, supported
by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote to authorize the Chairman to sign
the letter provided to name Jim Loeper as the contact person.
COMMUNICATIONS:
4.
Joe Braspenick, Airport Board 3rd Quarter Appropriation
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Winkowski and carried to release the 3rd
Quarter Appropriation to the Airport.
YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
MAC Liaison Lewinski informed the Board of Legislative news from Lansing regarding PILT money. The payment and how much to Counties is still being discussed.
County Clerk Gerry Pelissero informed the Board that the 2004 Republican Preference Primary has been canceled; it was scheduled for Feb 22, 2004.
PUBLIC
COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)
Andy
Hill asked if the County Board is thinking of limiting time allowed to citizens
wishing an appearance on the agenda. No action taken.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Ramme, supported by Pezzetti and carried to adjourn to the
call of the chair.
_____________________________
_________________________
Regular
Meeting
June
25, 2003
County
Courthouse
Bessemer,
MI 49911
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
Absent: (0) None
APPROVAL
OF THE MINUTES(minutes from June 11,
2003 meeting.)
A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the minutes as presented.
APPROVAL
OF AGENDA
A
motion was made Kangas, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote
to approve of the agenda as presented along four additions:
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.
Joanne Pihlaja, County Extension Director
(RE: 4-H position)
2.
John R. Katona, Regional Risk Manager MMRMA
(RE: liability limit)
3.
Jerry Griffin, Director MAC Legislative Affairs
(RE: Revenue Sharing)
RESOLUTIONS:
1. A revised Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(
5 minute limit )
There
was none.
Committee
Meetings - Summary Reports
1.
Personnel & Negotiations Committee----------05/28/03
A.)
A motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Koivisto and carried by an 8 yeas – 1
nay vote that the addendum in the AFSCME contract due to expire on June 30, 2003
is to remain as stated at which time the position will revert back to a
half-time 03 and a half-time 06 and that the issue will be revisited in August
before the Personnel & Negotiations Committee for further discussion.
B.)
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice
vote to change the hospitalization plan to a Community Blues Plan 1 with a
$10/40 prescription plan with the County reimbursing the employees as the
process is presently being done with the employees requesting generic drugs when
and where possible with the effective date being 8/1/03 and that the AFSCME and
WPPA union representatives be notified as well as the Elected and Appointed of a
meeting to explain such changes.
2.
Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee-----05/28/03
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the report and place it on file.
Regular
Meeting
June
25, 2003
Page
Two
COMMUNICATIONS
1.
Kim Stoker, Planning Director, WUPPDR
(RE:
United Landfills of America)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice
vote to issue a Letter of Consistency to ULA.
2.
Sharon Hallberg, County Treasurer
(RE:
Retiree Health Care Program Resolution)
Treasurer
Hallberg presented to the Board the Gogebic County Retiree Health Care Plan for
adoption. After discussion and Q & A with the Board, a
motion was made by Pezzetti,
supported by Kangas and carried to adopt the resolution as presented with
language changes that state the employee at retirement will receive coverage as
he/she was receiving while employed, and to cover the Board of Trustees of the
plan under the County Risk Management E and O policy.
Treasurer
Hallberg also presented to the Board a proposal from Gabriel, Roeder, Smith
& Company for retiree health care evaluation proposal fees and data request.
After discussion, a motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried to accept the
proposal for four studies. A valuation study, sensitivity analysis, cash flow
projection and alternate funding method and to authorize the payment of the
studies to be taken from Fund Balance.
YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
3.
Roland Sweeney, U.P. RC&D Council Secretary/Treasurer
(RE: Bylaw Change)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
4. Congressman Bart Stupak
(RE:
VA Outpatient Clinic contract)
Sheila
Begalle, Clinic Manager, Grand View Health System addressed the Board regarding
the letter from Congressman Stupak. Mrs. Begalle informed the Board that CEO
Fred Geissler was out of town and couldn’t attend the meeting, but she
expressed his disappointment in the letter and pointed out the inconsistencies.
The Board has been aware of how the contract was awarded to CR Associates. The
Board thanked Mrs. Begalle for attending and updating the Board. A
motion was made by Ramme, supported
by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to have Corporate Counsel
investigate the contract bid and award process and report back to the Board in
thirty days of his findings.
Regular
Meeting
June
25, 2003
Page
Three
5.
Jim Stingle, Executive Director WUPPDR
(RE: Notice of Intent)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to send a letter of support for the project.
6.
Rod Liimatainen, Executive Director B-H-K Child Development
(RE:
Thank you)
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
Agenda
Additions:
COMMUNICATIONS:
(RE: 4-H position)
A
motion was
made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to
receive the communication and place it on file.
(RE: liability limit)
A
motion was
made by Wiemeri, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice vote to
lower the County’s Liability limit to $10,000,000.00 from $15,000,000.00.
(RE: Revenue Sharing)
A
motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to
receive the communication and place it on file and to have County Clerk Gerry
Pelissero contact State Rep Rich Brown to ask for a no vote on the Pumford
Substitute.
RESOLUTIONS:
1.
A revised Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program
A
motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried to adopt the revised SESC
program resolution naming the Gogebic County Forestry and Parks Commission as
enforcing agent.
YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
RESOLUTIONS:
1.
Mackinac County, RE: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice
vote to send a letter of support for the resolution.
Regular
Meeting
June
25, 2003
Page
Four
2.
Marquette County, RE: Prescription Joint Purchasing Program
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski and carried
to adopt a similar resolution.
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 Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to accept the trial balance/cash balance as presented.
GENERAL
FUND REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE CONTROL
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice
vote to accept the report as presented.
CLAIMS
AND ACCOUNTS
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried to pay the claims as
presented along with the pre-paids and make them a part of the minutes.
YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
A motion was made by Ramme, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to require the Marine/ORV/Snowmobile officers to file a monthly report with the Board during their respective seasons.
Sheriff Sanders informed the Board, that the City of Bessemer and City of Wakefield law enforcement contracts were recently approved by the respective councils and now need to be signed by the Chairman and Clerk. A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Ramme and carried to authorize the signatures on the contracts.
YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
PUBLIC
COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)
There
was none.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to adjourn to the call of the chair.
___________________________
_______________________________
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Public
Hearing and Regular Meeting
July
9, 2003
County
Courthouse
Bessemer,
MI 49911
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
The
meeting was called to order at 5PM by Chairman Bennetts.
Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
Absent: (0) None
APPROVAL
OF THE MINUTES(minutes from June 25,
2003 regular meeting)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski and carried
by unanimous voice vote to accept the minutes as presented.
****PUBLIC
HEARING****
A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to open the public hearing. The hearing will remain open until the appointments are to be made on the agenda.
APPROVAL
OF AGENDA
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice
vote to accept the agenda as presented along with the following additions to
communications:
COMMUNICATIONS:
3.
Robert
Tremp, Attorney at Law
(RE: land reversion resolution)
4.
Richard
Adams, Prosecuting Attorney
(RE: Veterans clinic contract)
5.
Debbie
Stabenow, US Senator
(RE: FEMA denial)
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(
5 minute limit )
There
was none.
APPEARANCES:
1.
Dean Beaudoin of Joki, Makela and Pollack,
RE: 2002 Gogebic County Audit
Mr.
Beaudoin presented to the Board an outline, which highlighted the 2002 Gogebic
County Audit. The auditing firm of Joki, Makela and Pollack gave the County a
Clean Audit Opinion. The General Fund’s fund balance as of 12/31/2002 was
$603,634.00. Beaudoin discussed the pension fund, the component units,(Road
Commission, Mental Health, Western U.P. Manpower and EDC Corporation) The
Enterprise funds, Tax Funds and compliance reports. After discussion and Q &
A with the Board, Beaudoin thanked the Board for contracting with the company. A motion was made by
Lewinski, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to accept
the Audit report as
presented
and place it on file.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Public
Hearing and Regular Meeting
July
9, 2003
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.
Jerry Griffin, Director of Legislative Affairs, MAC
(RE: Revenue Sharing Update)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous
voice vote to send a letter to Senator Prusi asking for a no vote on the Pumford
substitute.
2.
Jim Stingle, Executive Director, WUPPDR
(RE: Notice of Intent)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to send a letter of support for the Notice of Intent.
3.
Robert Tremp, Attorney at Law
(RE: land reversion resolution)
A
motion was
made by Wiemeri, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to
adopt the resolutions and to authorize the signatures on the resolutions for the
land revision from the County to the city of Wakefield for Economic Development.
4. Richard Adams, Prosecuting Attorney
(RE: Veterans clinic contract)
A
motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried on a 8 yeas – 1 nay vote to
receive the communication and place it on file.
5. Debbie Stabenow, US Senator
(RE: FEMA denial)
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote send a letter thanking Senator Stabenow for continuing to work with FEMA to reconsider the disaster relief request from Governor Granholm.
APPOINTMENTS:
1.
Grand View Health System Inc., Board of Directors
Commissioner
Peterson informed the Board that Mr. Don Parling contacted him directly to
withdraw his name from consideration. After discussion, a
motion was made by Pezzetti,
supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to appoint William Hall
and James Loeper to the Grand View Health System Board.
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to close the Public Hearing.
2.
Gogebic County Brownfield Development Authority Board
Mr.
Pat Merrill addressed the Board regarding the appointments and requested
additional time to seek more applicants to fill the desired amount on the BDA
Board. A motion was made by Wiemeri,
supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to table the
appointments until the August 13th 2003 meeting. Merrill presented a
resolution to the Board to establish a Brownfield Redevelopment
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Public
Hearing and Regular Meeting
July
9, 2003
Page
Three
Authority.
A motion was made by Wiemeri,
supported by Peterson and carried to adopt the resolution.
YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
County Administrator Juliane Giackino informed the Board of a request to advertise in a directory, which will be distributed in Hotels/Motels and the Hospital, a motion was made by Winkowski, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice vote to refuse the request to advertise.
Commissioner Wiemeri presented to the Board a resolution for the U.P. Area agency on aging annual implementation plan. A motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to adopt the resolution and authorize the chairman’s signature.
Commissioner Peterson thanked Sheriff Sanders for being a part of the Watersmeet 4th of July parade and mentioned the County Transit is still providing bus service on Thursdays and Fridays in Watersmeet and Marenisco.
Chairman Bennetts handed out a thank you from the family of Geno Alessandroni, former commissioner, who passed away earlier this year.
PUBLIC
COMMENT (5 minute limit)
There
was none.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Lewinski and carried to adjourn to the
call of the Chair.
______________________________
____________________________
July
23, 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(minutes from July 9,
2003 meeting)
A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to accept the minutes as presented.
APPROVAL
OF AGENDA
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice
vote to accept the agenda as presented.
(
5 minute limit )
There
was none.
Committee
Meetings - Summary Reports
1.
Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee------ 6-25-03
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 ---------- 7-10-03
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Pezzetti 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 addressed the Board regarding the secure rural schools and community
self-determination act of 2000 Public Law 106-393. As in 2001, Counties must
choose between two options when receiving the monies. #1. 25% Method or #2. High
3 Method. In 2001, Gogebic County choose the 25% Method. Mr. Davalos presented
both options to the Board, a spreadsheet of payments received by the County and
future projections of the money that may be received through 2006. After Q &
A with the Board and asking for recommendation from County Treasurer Sharon
Hallberg, a motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Lewinski and carried to stay with the
25% Method of payment.
YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
2.
Jim Oliver, Spokesman for Snowflake Aquatics, Inc.
Mr.
Oliver, representing the Snowflake Aquatics, Inc. addressed the Board regarding
the possibility of a county-wide millage to keep the pool at the College open.
The pool at G.C.C. may close because of budget cuts. The Board questioned if the
County could levy millage for such a project. A
motion was made by Kangas, supported
by
July
23, 2003
Page
Two
Pezzetti
and carried by unanimous voice to refer the matter to Corporate Counsel, and ask
if such a millage can be levied.
3.
Pat Merrill, Director, Gogebic County EDC
Mr.
Merrill addressed the Board regarding the Community Development Block Grant and
Revolving Loan Fund Application. In order to be in compliance with Michigan EDC
regulations, an application must be completed and a public hearing must be held.
A motion made by Kangas,
supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to authorize Pat
Merrill to complete and sign the application and to set August 13, 2003 at 5PM
for the public hearing.
COMMUNICATIONS
1.
Jeff Knoll, Financial Specialist, Office of Community Development
(RE:
CDBG Grant)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
2.
Richard Davalos, District Ranger, Ottawa National Forest
(RE:
Snowmobile reroute)
Mr.
Davalos during his appearance earlier in the meeting discussed the re-route of
the snowmobile trail. The matter was informational only and no Board action was
necessary.
3.
Chuck Rackow, Bessemer 4th of July Committee
(RE:
4th of July coverage)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
4.
Kim Stoker, Planning Director, WUPPDR
(RE:
Letter of Consistency for ULA)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
5.
Richard Mikula, MDEQ
(RE:
SESC program resolution)
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
6&7&8.
Micheal Prusi, 38th State Senator
(RE:6.
Revenue Sharing, 7. State Purchasing, 8. Bovine TB)
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
to receive the three communications and place them on file.
9.
Rich Brown, 110th State Representative
(RE: Bovine TB)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
July
23, 2003
Page
Three
10. Regina Keskes, Executive Assistant, MAC
(RE:
Bovine TB)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
11. Jamie Nara, Project Coordinator, Copper Country Mental Health
(RE:
Western U.P. community Partnership for older adults)
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice
vote to table the matter until the Board has a chance to review the plan.
12. Bart Stupak, United States Congressman
(RE: veterans program cuts)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
13. Stephen Thomas, Chairman, Fair Board
(RE: cash advance, appropriations release)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried to release the 2003
appropriation and to authorize a cash advance of up to $60,000.00 for operation
of the fair, which, will be paid back by proceeds from the Fair.
14.
Richard Bolen (RE:4-year open term on Forestry & Parks Comm.)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous
voice vote to appoint Stephen Thomas to the four-year term on the Forestry and
Parks Commission, and send a letter of thanks to Mr. James Lorenson for his 16
years of service on the Board.
15.
Jerry Griffin, Dir. Leg. Affairs-RE:Revenue Sharing Agreement
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
REPORTS:
1.
Marine Safety
2.
ORV
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the reports and place them on file.
1.
Terttu Anderson, MSU Extension/FAIR
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the increment request.
TRIAL
BALANCE/CASH BALANCE
A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to accept the report as presented.
GENERAL
FUND REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE CONTROL
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice
vote to accept the report as presented.
July
23, 2003
Page
Four
CLAIMS
AND ACCOUNTS
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Ramme and carried to pay the claims as
presented along with the prepaids and make them apart of the minutes.
YES: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
Jim Loeper, 911 Coordinator updated the Board on the most recent meeting of the 911 committee. The committee hopes to have E-911 up and running by late 2004.
Commissiner Lewinski updated the Board on the Airport including the on going saga of the VOR. Lewinski also mentioned that negotiations with the Skyways pilots went well and an agreement has been reached.
Commissioner Winkowski updated the Board regarding the request for funding from the Western U.P. Health Department. The 2004 request is about $150,000.00. This matter is on going and will be discussed further in the 2004 budget hearings.
County Clerk Gerry Pelissero informed the Board of an invite by the County Search and Rescue Team to observe the training session that will be held Saturday August 2nd. MDOT also sent out a packet for the Commissioners regarding the 2003 herbicide spraying program set to begin July 30, 2003 in Gogebic County.
Pat Merrill informed the of a meeting of community leaders which will be held August 12, 2003 at the Ironwood Memorial Building at 9am, and all will be invited to attend.
PUBLIC
COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)
There
was none.
ADJOURNMENT
_______________________________
____________________________
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
August
13, 2003
County
Courthouse
Bessemer,
MI 49911
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
The
meeting was called to order at 5PM by Chairman Bennetts
Present: (9) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Pezzetti, Ramme,
Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts Absent:
(0) None
A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous vote to open the Public Hearing.
APPROVAL
OF THE MINUTES(minutes from July 23rd
2003 regular meeting)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous
voice vote to accept the Minutes as presented.
APPROVAL
OF AGENDA
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice
vote to accept the Agenda as presented, including the amendments as follows:
(1)
Appointments to the Gogebic County Brownfield Development Authority;
(1)
Communication from Joseph Braspenick, Airport Manager on the
Lease Agreement from FAA relative to VOR;
(2)
Communication from Joanne Pihlaja, Gogebic Co. Extension Director on the
Citizen Planner Program; and
(3)
Communication from Sharon
Hallberg, Director of the Gogebic County Retirement Commission concerning
needing a County Board Representative appointed to the Gogebic County Retiree
Health Care Plan.
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(
5 minute limit )
There
was none.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.
Joanie Kollek, Office of the Great Seal
(RE:
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority)
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
2.
Gary M Erickson, Under Sheriff
(RE:
hiring of cook)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the hiring of Dixie Dennis as cook at the Sheriff’s
Department.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
August
13, 2003
Page
Two
3.
Richard E. Whitmer, President and CEO BCBS of Michigan
(RE:
letter of Thanks)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Winkowski, and carried by unanimous
voice vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
4.
James Stingle, Executive Director, WUPPDR
(RE:
letter of Intent)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Wiemeri, and carried by unanimous voice
vote to send a letter of support to James Stingle, Ex. Director, WUPPDR on the
Notice of Intent by the Ironwood Area Schools to apply for Federal Assistance.
5.
Jennifer Ramby, Public Affairs Coordinator, Enbridge
(RE:
$500.00 grant)
A
motion was made by Ramme, supported by Wiemeri, and carried by unanimous voice
vote to accept the Grant from the Enbridge Energy 911 Fund and send a letter of
appreciation.
6.
Jim Loeper, Medical Examiner,
(RE:
medical examiner training)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Pezzetti, and carried by unanimous
voice vote to table the request by Jim Loeper for the Medical Examiner Training
until Mr. Loeper can make an appearance before the Board.
7.
Dan Wyant, Director, Michigan Director of Agriculture
(RE:
Bovine TB resolution)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Wiemeri, and carried by unanimous
voice vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
8.
Randal Charles, Acting Forest Supervisor
(RE:
Land Purchase)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas, and carried by unanimous voice
vote that the Gogebic County Board go on record to oppose the purchase of the
259 acres, which includes the shoreline on the Presque Isle River in Gogebic
County north of M-28, and send letters indicating its opposition to Mr. Charles,
Congressman Bart Stupak, and the U.S. Forest Service.
Agenda
Amendments
Communications:
1.
Joseph Braspenick, Airport Manager
(RE:
Lease Agreements from FAA relative to VOR)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas, and carried by unanimous voice
vote that Gogebic County give another 10 year Lease on the land with the proper
authorities to sign the Lease.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
August
13, 2003
Page
Three
2.
Joanne E. Pihlaja, Gog, Co. Extension Director
(RE:
Citizen Planner Program)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Peterson, and carried by unanimous voice
vote to appoint Mr. Kangas and Mr. Bennetts to the Extension Advisory Council.
3.
Sharon Hallberg, Director of Gogebic County Retirement Commission
(RE:
Representative on Gogebic Co. Retiree Health Care Plan)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Peterson, and carried by unanimous
voice vote to appoint Mr. Pezzetti as the representative on the Gogebic County
Retiree Health Care Plan.
Appointments:
1.
Gogebic Co. Brownfield Development Authority
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Peterson, and carried by unanimous
voice vote to appoint Kathy Stupak-Thrall, Mary Servia, Peter Baron, Edward
Rickard, and Suzanne Toth to the Gogebic County Brownfield Development
Authority.
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Winkowski, and carried by unanimous voice vote to remove the tabled matters from the table so they could be acted upon.
1.
Richard Adams, Prosecuting Attorney
(RE: Soil Conservation
District request for Liability coverage)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Winkowski, and carried by unanimous
voice vote to send a letter to the Gogebic Conservation District that they are
not eligible to be under County Insurance Policy.
2.
Western U.P. Community Partnerships for Older Adults Project
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Kangas, and carried by unanimous voice
vote to support the project.
3.
Capital Improvements Committee
(RE: Mechanism on Elevator)
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Kangas, and carried by unanimous voice
vote to go ahead with placing the mechanism on the elevator which will prevent
problems when the power goes out.
4.
Discussion of Finance Meeting held at 3:30 pm on August 13, 2003
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Winkowski, and carried by unanimous
voice vote to request Sheriff Sanders to present a plan to the Finance &
Budget Committee, at their next regular meeting at 4:00 pm on August 27, 2003,
regarding his budget for the remainder of 2003 and what steps can be taken to
cut costs.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
August
13, 2003
Page
Four
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas, and carried by unanimous voice
vote to request Sheriff Sanders to present to the Board at the first regular
Wednesday meeting of each month a detailed Inmate Count Report listing the total
number of inmates per day, including male and female, sentenced and not
sentenced, for the County Board’s review.
Discussion
was held at this time of the meeting held on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 of the Law
Enforcement and Judiciary Committee with Iron County and tour of Iron County
Jail and facilities. A plan is
being worked out in which Iron County would take our inmates, per our request,
on a day to day basis, if needed. A
contract would be needed due to extradition problems and to tie into a price,
which appears to be $45 per day to start, and we will be obligated to pick up
the inmates for Mental Health evaluations, hospital runs, doctor appointments,
and we need to iron out whether or not they will take people on day parole.
Commissioner Ramme requests time to discuss health care.
Ramme has been working on this issue for several months. Ramme met with Mental Health and has a meeting on Monday with the Road Commission. Before going any further, if it comes down to the Road Commission signing up to get the actuaries and it doesn’t cost us anything, along with another company volunteering information, it will probably come down to where we will have to ask our corporate counsel to sue Blue Cross Blue Shield for information if the Board will authorize this. Pezzetti stated he was under the understanding that information was not available because of the recordkeeping and not because they necessarily do not want to give it to us, but also because we are in a group rating, under 100 contracts. Ramme will obtain information and bring to the Board.
A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski, and carried by unanimous voice vote to close the Public Hearing on the Revolving Loan Fund Application.
PUBLIC
COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)
Kangas
mentioned that the Governor will be at the Bakery in Bessemer at 12:00 noon on
Thursday, August 21, 2003. Wiemeri, Pezzetti, and Peterson may be attending.
Secretary
of State Land will be at the Secretary of State Office in Bessemer on Thursday,
August 14, 2003 from 4:30 – 5:00 pm. Ramme
will attend.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Winkowski, and carried by unanimous
voice vote to adjourn.
_______________________
__________________________
DON
BENNETTS, Chairman
GERRY R.
PELISSERO, Clerk
Regular
Meeting
August
27, 2003
County
Courthouse
Bessemer,
MI 49911
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
ROLL
CALL
Present: (8) Kangas, Koivisto, Lewinski, Peterson,
Ramme, Wiemeri, Winkowski, Bennetts
Absent: (1) Pezzetti
APPROVAL
OF THE MINUTES(minutes of August 13,
2003 regular meeting.)
A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Ramme 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 along with four additions:
Communications:
1.
Dale MacDonald, MSW Director, FIA
(RE: State Appointed term on FIA Board)
Reports
Marine
Safety Patrol, July Report
1. Videoconference equipment contract with the State of Michigan.
2. Meeting dates for finance committee.
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(
5 minute limit )
There
was none.
Committee
Meetings - Summary Reports
1.
Judiciary & Law Enforcement Committee-------- 07/23/03
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried to receive the
report and place it on file.
2.
Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee------ 07/23/03
A
motion was made by Winkowski, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the report and place it on file.
3.
Economic Development & Capital Improvements-- 07/30/03
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the five year contract with Otis Elevator Company and to pay the
fee annually at a cost of $1,624.32 with the adjustments made annually to
reflect increases or decreases in material and labor costs and the appropriate
officials be authorized to sign.
4.
Technology Committee ------------------------ 08/12/03
A
motion was made by Winkowski, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous
voice vote to receive the report and place it on file.
Regular
Meeting
August
27, 2003
Page
Two
5.
Judiciary & Law Enforcement Committee-------- 08/12/03
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to authorize the Prosecutor to meet with the Corporate Counsel for Iron
County, Jodi Bednar-Clemens to develop a contract with Iron County, Wisconsin to
house Gogebic County inmates and to proceed with the $45.00 per day rate and
both boards/committees receive a copy when completed.
6.
Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee------ 08/13/03
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Winkowski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the report and place it on file.
Agenda
Additions:
7. Video conference equipment contract with the State of Michigan.
A motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote to authorize the Chairman to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the State Court Administrators Office to provide video conferencing equipment for Probate Court. The cost is approximately $7,135.00, which will be reimbursed by the State.
8. Meeting dates for finance committee.
A
motion was made by Lewinski, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous
voice vote to set two special Finance, Budgeting and Auditing meetings for
September 3rd at 3pm and September 5th at 4PM.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.
Mary M Pachmayer, Assistant Coordinator, W.U.P. Substance Abuse Agency
(RE:
Memorandum of Agreement)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Lewinski and carried by unanimous voice
vote to authorize the signing of the contracts.
2.
Joseph Braspenick, Airport Manager, Gogebic/Iron Airport
(RE:
contracts from Michigan Bureau of Aeronautics)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice to
authorize the chairman to sign the contracts for the marketing grant and the
crack sealing projects and to adopt the resolutions that coincide with the
contracts.
3.
Circuit Court Judge Roy Gotham
(RE:
Law Library)
A
motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve of the law library billing system suggested by Judge Gotham.
Agenda
Additions:
4.
Dale MacDonald, MSW Director, FIA
(RE: State Appointed term on FIA Board)
After discussion on the appointment, a motion was made by Wiemeri, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to receive GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
Page Three
the
report and place it on file.
Reports
Marine
Safety Patrol, July Report
A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to receive the report and place it on file.
1.
Medical Examiner Investigator training (Tabled 08/13/03)
A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Wiemeri and carried by unanimous voice vote to take the communication off the table. Mr. Loeper was in attend