2005 Regular Board Minutes

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GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Re-Organizational Meeting

January 3, 2005

County Courthouse                

Bessemer, MI 49911

5:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 5PM by County Clerk/Register of Deeds Gerry Pelissero.

OATH OF OFFICE

The oath of office was administered to the newly elected commissioners by Pelissero.

ROLL CALL

Present: (9) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,

             Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,

                Winkowski

           Absent:  (0) None

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

( 5 minute limit )

There was none.

ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON

Clerk Pelissero opened the floor for nominations for chairman. Bennetts nominated Commissioner Winkowski. The Chair called three more times for nominations; there were no more nominations. A motion was made Kangas, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to close the nominations and cast a unanimous vote for Keith Winkowski as chairman. Winkowski assumed the Chair.

ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRPERSON

Chairman Winkowski opened the floor for nominations for vice-chairperson, Kangas nominates Ramme. Chairman Winkowski called three times for any other nominations; there were no more nominations. A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Bennetts and carried by unanimous voice vote to close the nominations and cast a unanimous vote for David Ramme Sr. as vice-chairman.

ADOPTION OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES

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

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

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

APPOINTMENT OF A PARLIAMENTARIAN

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Gerovac and carried by unanimous voice vote to appoint Prosecuting Attorney Richard Adams as Parliamentarian.

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Re-Organizational Meeting

January 3, 2005

Page Two

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 4:30PM

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

A motion was made by Peterson, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote to keep the first meeting of the month on the second Wednesday at 5PM, in the District Courtroom.

A motion was made by Ramme, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to keep the finance, budgeting and auditing meeting at 4:30PM on the fourth Wednesday of the month, in the District Courtroom.

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Bennetts and carried by unanimous voice vote to keep the second meeting of the month on the fourth Wednesday at 5PM, in the District Courtroom.

COMMUNICATIONS

1.     Sue Pertile, County Treasurer

        (RE: Investment Resolution)

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

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 State and/or Federal law, and  (2) the Treasurer is authorized to invest funds in these institutions in any investment

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.

 

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Re-Organizational Meeting

January 3, 2005

Page Three

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.

2.     Joe Braspenick, Airport Manager

(RE: 2005 1st Quarter Appropriations)

A motion was made Kangas, supported by Gerovac and carried by unanimous voice vote to release the 2005 1st Quarter Appropriations as requested.

OTHER MATTERS

Paul Tesanovich, State Senator Mike Prusi’s aide was present at the meeting and introduced himself to the Board, congratulated the new commissioners and mentioned he is available to the Board at any time.

Clerk Pelissero informed the Board he was contacted by Grand View Hospital CEO David Hartberg regarding the Lease Agreement between

the Board and GVHS. Since the Hospital has met their obligation of the agreement, new documentation must be drawn up. Jane Forbes of Dykema Gossitt, PLLC did the original work on behalf of the County, Hartberg is willing to hire her on behalf of the Hospital to draw up the necessary legal paper work. A motion was made by Erlenborn, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice to authorize Clerk Pelissero to send a letter to Ms. Forbes and Mr. Hartberg approving Grand View Hospital’s hiring of Ms. Forbes.

 

Chairman Winkowski congratulated the new Board members, Gerovac, Erlenborn and Oliver. He also discussed the upcoming MAC conference in Lansing this February. After discussion, a motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to authorize a minimum of two commissioners attend the conference.

A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Erlenborn and carried by unanimous voice vote that when a conference or meeting provides meals no additional meal money will be provided on the travel voucher. Winkowski also informed the Board that committee appointments would be made soon.

 

Commissioner Erlenborn asked why the County Board meeting minutes are longer available on line. Pelissero informed the Board that Brad Noren was responsible the posting of the minutes and he discontinued posting of the minutes after January of 2004 due to the amount of time he is able to work on the web site postings. After discussion,

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Re-Organizational Meeting

January 3, 2005

Page Four

a motion was made by Erlenborn to authorize Noren to post the minutes again; he then rescinded his motion and will contact Noren to discuss the matter before further action is taken. 

PUBLIC COMMENT ( 5 minute limit)

There was none.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote adjourn to the call of the Chair at 5:30PM

 

_____________________________      ___________________________

Keith Winkowski,

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 12, 2005

County Courthouse                

Bessemer, MI 49911

5:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER

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

Roll Call

Present: (9) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,

             Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,

                Winkowski

          Absent:  (0) None

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES( December 28, 2004 Regular and January 3, 2005 Re-Organizational meetings)

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Bennetts 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 two additions: 1. Request for the 2005 appropriation to HSCB; 2. Hope 1st quarter appropriation.

CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS

(5 minute limit)

There was none.

COMMUNICATIONS:

1.     Dawn Monk, Deputy State Court Administrator

(RE: Court Equity Funding)

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

2.     Probate Judge Joel Massie

(RE: Soldiers and Sailors Relief Commission)

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

3.     Probate Judge Joel Massie

(RE: Personnel & Negotiations meeting)

A motion was made by Ramme, supported by Kangas and carried on an 8 yea – one nay vote to receive the communication and place it on file.

4.     Deputy Scott Voit

(RE: Search and Rescue Team Grant funds)

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve of the advance purchase agreement for fund 267 based on the $2000.00 grant award from the United Way.

 

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 12, 2005

Page Two

5.     Thomas Chatel, Bessemer City Manager

(RE: Sheriff Contract)

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

APPOINTMENTS:

1.     WUPPDR

A motion was made by Peterson, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote to receive the communication and place it on file. Earlier in 2005 Chairman Winkowski appointed Commissioner Kangas to replace Michael Wiemeri on the WUPPDR Board.

2.     Gogebic County Transit

Jim Mildren, Director of the Gogebic County Transit addressed the Board regarding the appointments that needed to be made. A motion was made by Peterson, supported by Erlenborn and carried by unanimous voice vote to appoint Commissioner Kangas to the un-expired term to February 1, 2007 and appoint Commissioner Pezzetti to a three term ending February 1, 2008.

Longevity/Increments

1.     Jill Novascone, Prosecutors Office, Three year increment

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Bennetts and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve of the three-year increment request.

OTHER MATTERS

Commissioner Pezzetti informed the Board that HSCB Director Betsy Wesselhoft requested the 2005 appropriation be released. A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas to release the 2005 HSCB appropriation in the amount of $2000.00.

Roll Call

Yes: (8) Bennetts, Gerovac, Kangas, Peterson,

         Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski

          No: (0) None

  Abstaining: (1) Erlenborn

Motion carried.

H.O.P.E. Animal Shelter Manager, Randy Kirchhoff sent a communication asking that the 2005 County Appropriation to H.O.P.E. be on a quarterly basis. After discussion, a motion was made by Kangas, supported by Ramme to release the 2005 HOPE funds on a quarterly basis for 2005.

Roll Call

Yes: (8) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas, Peterson,

         Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski

          No: (0) None

Motion carried.

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 12, 2005

Page Three

Commissioner Pezzetti advised the Board that a special Finance, Budgeting and Auditing committee meeting would be held Wednesday January 19, 2005 at 3PM. The purpose of the meeting is to meet with the Manager of H.O.P.E. to discuss 2005 funding. 

Commissioner Erlenborn informed the Board he discussed the posting

of the Board meeting minutes on the County Web site. A motion was made by Erlenborn, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to direct Brad Noren to post the County Board meeting minutes on the County Web site.

PUBLIC COMMENT (5 minute limit)

There was none.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Erlenborn and carried by unanimous voice vote to adjourn to the call of the chair.

 

_______________________________        ___________________________

Keith Winkowski, Chairman          Gerry R Pelissero, Clerk

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 26, 2005

County Courthouse        

Bessemer, MI 49911           

5:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER

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

ROLL CALL

Present: (9) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,

             Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,

                Winkowski

           Absent:  (0) None

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES( January 12, 2005 regular meeting minutes)

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the agenda as presented along with one addition: #6 communication from Dick Bolen, Director, County Forestry and Parks Commission regarding Mark Bale acknowledgement.

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 -----12/28/04

2.     Personnel & Negotiations Committee-----------01/12/05

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to receive and place on file reports 1 and 2.

3.     Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee------01/19/05

a.)         A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote that an article be placed in the newspaper listing the consequences of not having a license on a dog to include the fine, costs, lack of proper shots and where licenses are available.

b.)         A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Pezzetti and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a memo from the County Board Chairman regarding 2005 short falls to departments for their reference. MEMO ADDED TO MINUTES

SUBJECT:   2005 POSSIBLE BUDGET SHORTFALLS

  

If you have followed the budget workshop meetings and the finalization of the 2005 budget, you are aware that all funds are at near critical levels.

 

Therefore, please be forewarned that there will be NO budget amendments for calendar year 2005.  The exception would be only for emergency circumstances such as catastrophic weather emergencies or building system breakdowns.  Should an emergency occur, please contact the Board Chair, Board Vice Chair or County Administrator. Budget shortfalls within your individual department will result in

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 26, 2005

Page Two

reduction of staff and/or services provided.

 

Effective this date, January 26, 2005, a hiring freeze shall be in effect for all General Fund Departments excluding those hires already authorized by the Board of Commissioners (1 Court Reporter for District Court and 1 Court Reporter for Circuit Court).

 

c.)         A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Gerovac and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a letter to the A.N.S.W.E.R.S. Committee indicating that due to budget constraints Gogebic County would not be participating in the Committee for 2005.

d.)         A motion was made by Erlenborn, supported by Gerovac that all employees in the General Fund shall receive no salary increases over and above what they are entitled to per union contract (raise 07/01/05) to also include increments and longevity for 2005.

Discussion of 3d began, with Probate Judge Joel Massie asking if he could have time to discuss his request for increases in his department. Lengthy discussion followed regarding the Morley Study, a personnel and negotiations meeting with Probate Court and Prosecutors office, as well as the Fund balance and the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund.

The motion was then voted on by Roll Call:

Roll Call:

YES: (0) Zero

NO:  (9) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,

         Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,

                   Winkowski

Motion Failed.

APPEARANCES:

1. Dale MacDonald, Retiring Director, Gogebic-Ontonagon County FIA

Mr. Dale MacDonald thanked the Board for the working relationship he has enjoyed with the Board over the years. MacDonald is retiring officially at the end of this week. He introduced his replacement Mr. Gordon Pekuri, who mentioned he is glad to be back in Gogebic County and is looking forward to working with the Board of Commissioners. A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Gerovac and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a letter of thanks and appreciation for the years of service to Mr. MacDonald.

COMMUNICATIONS:

1.     Bob Lueckel, Forest Supervisor, Ottawa National Forest

(RE: Comprehensive River Management Plan)

A motion was made by Peterson, supported by Erlenborn and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a letter to the Ottawa National Forest requesting that the County wants to remain on the mailing list for the Comprehensive River Management Plan.

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 26, 2005

Page Three

2. Bob Lueckel, Forest Supervisor, Ottawa National Forest

(RE: Invasive Plant Control Environmental Assessment)

A motion was made by Peterson, supported by Gerovac and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a letter supporting Alternative #3.

3. Pat Pikka, Wakefield Township Clerk

    (RE: Snowmobile trail safety)

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

4.     Sue Pertile, County Treasurer

(RE: Borrowing Resolution)

Treasurer Sue Pertile discussed the resolution with the Board and why the Board should adopt it. Pertile felt as a safeguard the Board should adopt the resolution, even though at this point Pertile wasn’t planning on borrowing for her tax settlement. After discussion and questions from the Board, a motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Ramme to adopt the borrowing resolution.

Roll Call:

YES:  (8) Bennetts, Gerovac, Kangas, Peterson, Pezzetti,         Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski

 NO:  (1) Erlenborn

Motion carried.                

5.     Bowden V. Brown, DykemaGossett PLLC

(RE: Gogebic County CMH Authority- Refinancing of prior bonds issued by MHF Sub G. Human Services Inc. on behalf of the County of Gogebic)

Rick Minkin, CEO of Gogebic County Community Mental Health Authority addressed the Board asking the Board to adopt the resolution, which, will allow for the refinancing of the bonds at a lower rate. A motion was made by Peterson, supported Kangas to adopt the resolution as presented.

Roll Call:

Yes: (9) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,

             Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,

                Winkowski

           No: (0) None

Motion carried.

6.     Communication from Dick Bolen, Director of Forestry and Parks

(RE: Mark Bale prestigious award)

A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a letter of congratulations to Mark Bale.

APPOINTMENTS:

1.     Gogebic County Transit, At Large position

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to appoint Dave Pawlak to the at large position on the Transit Board.

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 26, 2005

Page Four

LONGEVITY/INCREMENTS:

1.     Cheryl Ruppe, five year increment, Clerks office

A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Oliver and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the five-year increment.

TRIAL BALANCE/CASH BALANCE

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

GENERAL FUND REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE CONTROL

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

CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS

A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Gerovac and carried to pay the claims as presented along with the pre-paids and the four additions: Treasurers 2004 budget 101-253-729.00 to Fidlar Company for $19.90, 101-253-729.00 to Viking Office Supply for $36.11 2005 budget; Indigent Fees/Probate Court 101-900-808.03 for $282.60 2005

budget; Prosecutors Office 101-229-729.00 to Wakefield News for $57.90 and to make the claims and pre-paids apart of the minutes.

OTHER MATTERS

Commissioner Erlenborn wanted an open discussion on the 2005 Budget, he was concerned about the amount committed to the budget from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund, Finance Chairman Pezzetti said approximately $431,000 was committed to balance the 2005 General Fund Budget. After discussion with Treasurer Pertile, a motion was made by Erlenborn, supported by Oliver to cut $100,000 out of the 2005 General Fund Budget.

Roll Call:

Yes: (1) Erlenborn

No:  (8) Bennetts, Gerovac, Kangas, Peterson

         Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski  

Motion Failed.

Erlenborn then made a motion, supported by Peterson to look at the 2005 General Fund Budget non-mandated services for ways to cut the budget.

Roll Call:

Yes: (6) Erlenborn, Bennetts, Gerovac, Kangas, Peterson

                  Winkowski

           No: (3) Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme

Motion carried.

Commissioner Erlenborn mentioned that the previous Board of Commissioners adopted the 2005 General Fund Budget and that the new Board should look at the entire budget and remember that the 2006 budget workshops are only 10 months away, and a serious discussion should take place regarding the funding for 2006. Pezzetti suggested that a finance, budgeting and auditing committee meeting may address the issues. A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Gerovac to look at the entire 2005 General Fund budget.

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 26, 2005

Page Five

Roll Call:

Yes: (9) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,

             Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,

                Winkowski

           No: (0) None

Motion carried.

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Gerovac to amend the 2005 Emergency Management Services budget as presented by Jim Loeper.

REVENUES:

101-000-505.00 Training Grant amended budget will be $20,299.00

original budget was $0.00

101-000-561.00 Equipment Grant amended budget will be $29,527.00

original budget was $7,500.00

 

EXPENDITURES:

101-426-956.00 Employee Training amended budget will be $20,299.00 original budget was $0.00

101-426-977.00 Equipment amended budget will be $22,527.00 original budget was $500.00.

Roll Call:

Yes: (9) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,

             Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,

                Winkowski

           No: (0) None

Motion carried.

 

Sheriff Larry Sanders informed the Board that the State of Michigan, will soon require fingerprints to be transmitted electronically. The new requirement begins in early 2006. New equipment will be necessary to comply with the new procedure and the cost is approximately $16,000. Sanders said a grant application is being processed to provide most of the cost and MMRMA, the County Risk Management will provide funding as well. The County’s share will be about $830.00. A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas to authorize Sanders to proceed with the grant application and as long as the County share is available within his 2005 budget he can purchase the Live-scan equipment needed.

 

Roll Call:

Yes: (9) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,

             Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,

                Winkowski

           No: (0) None

Motion carried.

 

 

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

January 26, 2005

Page Six

PUBLIC COMMENT (5 minute limit)

There was none.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote to adjourn to the call of the chair. The meeting was adjourned at 6:10pm.

 

________________________________       _________________________

Keith Winkowski, Chairman              Gerry R Pelissero, Clerk  

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

February 9, 2005

County Courthouse                

Bessemer, MI 49911

5:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER

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

ROLL CALL

Present: (9) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,

             Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,

                Winkowski

          Absent:  (1) Peterson

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES(January 26, 2005 regular meeting)

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Ramme 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.     Dave Anderson, Gogebic County Conservation District

(RE: County Mine Closure project)

Mr. Brian Aho presented to the Board an update on the Gogebic County Mine closure project. Aho discussed the hazard that open mine shafts present within Gogebic County. After a question and answer period, Aho asked the Board for their continued support of the project and the importance of inserting the mine shaft hazard within the Draft Mitigation plan and to support the Conservation District in its endeavors to bring closure funding from state and federal sources. The Board thanked Aho for keeping them informed of the project.

COMMUNICATIONS:

1.     Susan Olson-Butler and Harry Butler, Waukesha WI.

(RE: Open Pit Lake in the City of Wakefield)

A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Ramme to receive the communication and place it on file. John Siira, Wakefield City Manager was in attendance at the meeting and presented to the Board the development plans by the city. The Board felt this was a City of Wakefield matter not a County Board decision, after Siira completed his discussion, the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

2.     Joel Massie, HSCB Chairman

(RE: Thank you for 2005 appropriation)

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

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

February 9, 2005

Page Two

APPOINTMENTS:

1.     Community Mental Health Board

A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Oliver and carried by unanimous voice to advertise for candidates, with the deadline for applications March 1, 2005 at 4pm.

OTHER MATTERS

Commissioner Pezzetti informed the Board of the Wakefield VFW breakfast buffet this Sunday from 7am to 1pm, US Senator Carl Levin will be in attending and plans to speak at 8:30am. Levin will also be touring the Medical Care Facility and having lunch at the Elk and Hound Restaurant at 11am.

 

Jim Loeper informed the Board that he has been negotiating a better deal for body removals when a coroner is needed. Villa Coach services currently provides the service and will increase the fee up to $155, plus mileage. Peter Burla of Range Funeral Home Services is willing to provide the service at $90. Discussion followed regarding bidding out the process, a motion was made by Erlenborn to seek bids, and he later withdrew his motion.

 

Chairman Winkowski asked the Board to send a Get Well card to Congressman Bart Stupak, who recently had back surgery. A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Erlenborn and carried by unanimous voice vote to send the Get Well Card. 

Erlenborn asked about the scheduling of a personnel and negotiations committee to address Judge Massie’s staff wage increase request as well as when the Board planned to look at the 2005 budget. Finance Chairman Pezzetti mentioned the Sheriff union contract negotiations that are scheduled later this month and if they settle this month, both the Personnel and Negotiations Committee and 2005 Budget workshop would be scheduled.

 

Pat Merrill of the Gogebic County EDC mentioned that a Gogebic County Municipal Alliance meeting is scheduled for Wednesday February 16, 2005 at 10am at the Wakefield City Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to share ideas all municipalities are facing.

PUBLIC COMMENT (5 minute limit)

There was none.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote to adjourn to the call of the chair. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm.

 

______________________________     __________________________

Keith Winkowski, Chairman          Gerry R Pelissero, Clerk

 

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

February 23, 2005

County Courthouse        

Bessemer, MI 49911           

5:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER

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

Roll Call

Present: (9) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,

             Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,

                Winkowski

          Absent:  (0) None

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES (February 9, 2005 regular meeting)

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

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A motion was made by Gerovac, supported by Kangas 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.

Committee Meetings - Summary Reports

1.     Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee ------- 01/26/05

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.     Personnel & Negotiations Committee ------------ 02/02/05

3.     Personnel & Negotiations Committee ------------ 02/16/05

A motion was made by Ramme, supported by Oliver and carried by unanimous voice vote to receive reports 2 and 3 and place it on file.

4.     Finance, Budgeting and Auditing Committee ------ 02/23/05

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Gerovac and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the County’s share of the pistol grant for the Sheriff Department.

5.     Finance, Budgeting and Auditing Committee ------- 02/23/05

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote to authorize the Chairman to sign the court recorder contract for the Circuit Court. Judge Roy Gotham and Tammy Stella, the new employee have already agreed and signed the contract.

APPEARANCES:

1.     David Hartberg, CEO of Grand View Health System

        (RE: Termination of Lease Purchase Agreement)

Mr. Hartberg addressed the Board regarding the termination of the Lease Agreement as outlined in the memo from Jane Forbes of Dykema Gossett. Hartberg mentioned that the Grand View Health System has met all the requirements of the Lease Agreement and having done so the Lease Agreement expired on December 31, 2004. Hartberg said that the GVHSI has fully performed and met all of their obligations through December 31, 2004 and is asking the County Commission and the Commission of Gogebic County Hospital Authority approve the delivery of a deed from the Authority to GVHSI.

GOGEBIC COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Regular Meeting

February 23, 2005

Page Two

A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Bennetts to authorize the Grand View Health System to provide the legal paperwork necessary to transfer the Deed from the Authority to the GVHSI and that the Grand View will pay any and all costs for the preparation of the Deed.

Roll Call:

YES:  (9) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,

             Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,

                Winkowski

      NO:  (0) None

Motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS: