2006 Regular Board Minutes
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Regular
Meeting
January
11, 2006
County
Courthouse
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, 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 Erlenborn and carried by unanimous
voice vote to approve the agenda as presented along with five additions, which
were added to communications. #4 Forestry and Parks Commission letter to DNR,
#5. Livescan fingerprint costs, #6. Dec 12th 2005 minutes amendment,
#7 Letter to Medical Care Facility regarding decorations, #8. Restaurant and
Waterpark Developers.
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(5-minute
limit)
There
was none.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.
Jonathan Mead, CEO, UPCAP
(RE:
2006 UPCAP Dues)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Erlenborn and carried by unanimous voice
vote to pay the 2006 UPCAP dues of $800.00.
2.
Dick Holm, Assistant Airport Manager
(RE:
1st Quarter 2006 Appropriations)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Gerovac and carried by unanimous voice
vote to release the 1st Quarter appropriations to the Airport.
3.
Gary Erickson, Under-Sheriff
(RE:
Buy back into retirement system)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Bennetts and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve of the buy-back requested and forward the matter to the
retirement commission.
4.
Forestry and Parks Commission letter to MDNR
A
motion was made by Gerovac, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter to the Michigan DNR regarding
the deer management strategies for the newly formed Deer Management Unit 127 in
Gogebic County.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
January
11, 2006
Page
Two
The
letter was drafted by the Forestry and Parks Commission and is also signed by
their Chairman.
5.
Livescan Fingerprinting Costs
Sheriff
Sanders provided a letter to the Board outlining the costs and the reimbursement
agreements for the Livescan system. Sanders met with Ironwood Public Safety
Director Bob Erspamer and IPSD has agreed to share fifty percent of the cost.
Michigan State Police claimed they didn’t have any money available to
reimburse the county, Marenisco Township has agreed to a user fee when an arrest
is made at a cost of $10.00 per arrest. After lengthy discussion, a
motion was made by Ramme, supported by Oliver to charge MSP one-third of the
cost, which will be shared with Sheriff Department and IPSD.
YES:
(8) Bennetts, Gerovac, Kangas,
Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski
NO: (1)
Erlenborn
Motion
carried.
6. Amending Dec 12, 2005 minutes.
Commissioner
Ramme pointed out in the December 12, 2005 minutes that the effective date of
the tobacco free jail building should read 1/01/06. Clerk Pelissero informed the
Board that the motion of December 12, 2005 didn’t include any effective date
and only after the motion was voted on, it was suggested by Bennetts that it be
effective 1/1/2006. After discussion, a motion was
made by Bennetts, supported by Oliver and carried by unanimous voice vote to
make the Jail and the Courthouse tobacco free buildings as of 1/11/06, and to
purchase signage from the Building and Grounds to post public notice the
buildings are now tobacco free.
Discussion
followed regarding enforcement and penalties. Administrator Juliane Giackino
will research and respond at a later meeting.
7. Letter to Medical Care Facility
Commissioner
Peterson discussed the Christmas decoration removal at the Medical Care Facility
recently. A
motion was made by Peterson,
supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a letter to the
Medical Care Facility Board and ask them to purchase fireproof decorations for
all holidays.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
January
11, 2006
Page
Three
8. Restaurant and Waterpark developers
Commissioner
Ramme informed the Board he was contacted by developers interested in opening a
Restaurant and Waterpark in Gogebic County. He provided this as informational
only, no Board action necessary.
APPOINTMENTS:
1.
Gogebic County Transit Board
A
motion was made by Ramme, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote
to appoint Howard Aspinwall and Carrie Hampston to the Transit Board.
Director
Jim Mildren updated the Board on the Gogebic County Transit System.
County
EMS director Jim Loeper thanked the Board for their support of the UP EMS
Corporation resolution at the December 28, 2005 meeting.
Bessemer
City Resident Bill MacDonald asked the Board if the County Animal Control
Ordinance banned Pit Bulls. Animal Control Officer George Beninghaus was
attendance and answered the questions relating to the Ordinance and the State
Law that speaks to vicious dogs.
Commissioner
Pezzetti thanked the Clerk, Treasurer and Administrator for their work on the
2005 budget.
Daily
Globe Reporter, Andy Hill, invited the Board to share the positive things going
on in the County for the paper’s annual progress addition.
PUBLIC
COMMENT (5 minute limit)
There
was none.
Consultation
with Attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in pending litigation,
Beninghaus vs. Gogebic County
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Bennetts, to go into closed session to
consult with their attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in pending
litigation, Beninghaus vs. Gogebic County. The time was 5:35pm. The Chairman
asked for a roll call vote.
YES:
(9) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,
Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski
NO:
(0) None
Motion
carried.
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
January
11, 2006
Page
Four
The
Board returned to open session at 6:00PM.
A
motion was
made Pezzetti, supported by Oliver, to pursue the litigation strategy as
outlined by their attorney in the matter of Beninghaus vs. Gogebic County.
YES: (8) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,
Motion
carried.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Erlenborn and carried by unanimous
voice vote to adjourn to call of the Chair. The meeting adjourned at 6:02PM.
_____________________________
_________________________
Keith Winkowski, Chairman Gerry R Pelissero, Clerk
County
Courthouse
Bessemer,
MI 49911
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
The
meeting was called to order at 5:00PM by Chairman Winkowski.
ROLL
CALL
Present: (8) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,
Pezzetti,
Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski
Absent: (1) Peterson
APPROVAL
OF THE MINUTES(January 11, 2006
regular meeting minutes)
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 Erlenborn and carried by unanimous
voice vote to approve of the agenda as presented along with the four (4)
recommendations from Finance meeting of 3:30pm today and a matter regarding
retirement contributions for new hires.
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(
5 minute limit )
There
was none.
Committee
Meetings - Summary Reports
1.
Personnel & Negotiations Committee------------12/28/05
2.
Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee-------12/28/05
3.
Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee-------01/11/06
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive and place on file summary reports one through three.
Agenda
Additions:
4.
Finance, Budgeting & Auditing Committee -------01/25/06
a.
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas to renew the County’s Worker
Compensation Plan with the Michigan Association of Counties underwritten by
Citizens.
YES: (8)
Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,
Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
b.
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Bennetts and carried on a 6 yea – 2
nay vote to bill the Michigan State Police for their 1/3 share of the Livescan
maintenance contract and send the bill to Lansing rather bill the Wakefield
Post.
c.
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Oliver and carried by unanimous voice
vote to correct the mileage rate in the Budget resolution to .40 per mile and on
page
Page
Two
four
of the resolution regarding new non-union hires the paragraph should read: Any
new non-union employee hired after 1/1/2006, shall contribute 15 percent of
their health insurance premium monthly. This does not apply to current General
Fund County employees, also including those in the Retirement Office, Forestry
and Parks Commission and Friend of the Court and Airport.
d.
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Bennetts to set the Undersheriff salary
at $43,000/year, when and if current Undersheriff Gary Erickson retires.
YES: (6)
Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,
Pezzetti, Winkowski
NO: (2) Oliver, Ramme
Motion
carried.
e.
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Oliver, that all new employees hired
after 1/25/06 will pay 3% of the first $4,200 and 5% thereafter, continuously
towards the Gogebic County Retirement System.
YES: (7)
Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,
Pezzetti, Oliver, Winkowski
NO: (1) Ramme
Motion
carried.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.
Dale Gribler, Chair, Emergency Telephone Service Committee
(RE:
Seventh-year certification funds)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Gerovac and carried by unanimous voice
vote to apply for the seventh year funds.
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported Gerovac and carried by unanimous voice
vote that all agencies that require a County Board appointment are to advertise
for the their board openings and vacancies, pay for the advertising themselves
and have all applicants submit their letter of application or interest the
Gogebic County Clerk.
2.
Rick Minkin, CEO, Community Mental Health
(RE:
expiring CMH Board terms)
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice
vote to inform Mr. Minkin that his agency should advertise for the openings and
have the applicants submit their letter to the County Clerk. Questions about the
Membership Category will be referred to CMH for clarification.
Page
Three
RESOLUTIONS:
1.
Isabella County Board of Commissioners
(RE:
High Energy Costs)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Gerovac and carried by
unanimous
voice vote to adopt a similar resolution and forward the resolution to US
Senators Levin and Stabenow and Congressman Stupak.
TRIAL
BALANCE/CASH BALANCE
A motion was made by Kangas, supported by Oliver and carried by unanimous voice vote to approve the reports as presented.
GENERAL
FUND REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE CONTROL
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Gerovac and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the reports as presented.
CLAIMS
AND ACCOUNTS
A
motion was made by Gerovac, supported by Bennetts, to pay the claims as
presented, which includes the Worker Compensation 1st Quarter payment
to MAC, along with the pre-paids and to make them apart of the minutes.
YES: (8)
Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,
Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
A Personnel and Negotiations Committee meeting was set for February 8th, 2006 at 4PM, at the request of Commissioner Peterson through Commissioner Ramme.
PUBLIC
COMMENT (5 minute limit)
There
was none.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Gerovac, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to adjourn to the call of the Chair. The meeting adjourned at 5:30pm.
____________________________
_____________________________
Keith
Winkowski, Chairman
Gerry R Pelissero, Clerk
GOGEBIC
COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular
Meeting
February
8, 2006
County
Courthouse
Bessemer,
MI 49911
5:00
P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER
ROLL
CALL:
Present: (8) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Kangas, Peterson,
Pezzetti,
Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski
Absent: (1) Gerovac
APPROVAL
OF THE MINUTES(January 25, 2006
regular meeting minutes)
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 Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the agenda as presented along with the following additions:
Recommendations from the Personnel and Negotiations Committee meeting from 4pm
today along with a letter of support for UPCAP, a resolution in support of the
establishment of a tribal enterprise in Western Gogebic County, and to add a
closed session to discuss pending litigation.
CITIZENS
WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNTY BOARD ON AGENDA ITEMS
(5
minute limit)
There
was none.
COMMITTEE
SUMMARY REPORTS:
1.
Economic Development and Capitol Improvements Committee 02/01/06
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Bennetts to contact the Community
Action Agency to determine if they are interested in purchasing the Senior
Center building after being the given the opinion of value and be allowed 30
days to make that decision.
YES: (8)
Bennetts, Erlenborn, Kangas, Peterson,
Pezzetti,
Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
Agenda
Additions:
Personnel
and Negotiations Committee Recommendations:
1.
A motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Bennetts and carried by unanimous voice vote to
authorize the Friend of the Court to advertise for the vacancy in her office for
the job class #3 opening.
2.
A motion was
made by Pezzetti, supported by Erlenborn and carried by unanimous voice vote to
send the contract re-opener request letters to the Courthouse employees union
and the Sheriff Department Deputies union.
Regular
Meeting
1. UPCAP letter of support regarding SINGLE POINT OF ENTRY resolution.
A motion was made by Erlenborn, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to authorize the Chairman’s signature on a letter of support for UPCAP’s development of a rural single point of entry for nursing homes.
2. Resolution in support of the establishment of a tribal enterprise project.
A motion was made by Ramme, seconded by Pezzetti to adopt a resolution in support of a tribal enterprise project in Western Gogebic County and to request representatives of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians attend a Board to present their plans and ideas for the project.
YES: (8)
Bennetts, Erlenborn, Kangas, Peterson,
Pezzetti,
Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski
NO: (0) None
Motion carried.
A motion was made by Erlenborn, supported by Peterson and carried by unanimous voice vote to ask EDC Director Pat Merrill to come up with a list of priorities and projects if the EDC was given funding for projects between $100,000 to $250,000.
A motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas to go into closed session to discuss a legal memorandum prepared regarding pending litigation: Beninghaus vs. Gogebic County. The time was 5:18pm.
YES: (8)
Bennetts, Erlenborn, Kangas, Peterson,
Pezzetti,
Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
After
a legal roll call vote in closed session the Board went back into open session.
The time was 5:25pm.
A
motion was made by Pezzetti,
supported by Erlenborn to agree to settle the litigation as recommended by their
legal counsel.
YES: (6)
Bennetts, Erlenborn, Kangas,
Pezzetti, Oliver, Winkowski
NO: (2) Peterson, Ramme
Motion
carried.
PUBLIC
COMMENT (5 minute limit)
There
was none.
ADJOURNMENT
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice
vote to adjourn to the call of the Chair. The meeting adjourned at 5:30pm.
_____________________________
__________________________
Keith Winkowski, Chairman Gerry R Pelissero, Clerk
Regular
Meeting
February
22, 2006
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 8, 2006
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 Pezzetti, supported by Bennetts and carried by unanimous voice
vote to approve the agenda as presented along with three additions to
communications:
#7.
Budget Amendment for Emergency Management Services, #8. Senior Center Building
sale update and #9. Fireman’s Tournament advertising
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 -------01/25/06
2.
Personnel & Negotiations Committee ------------02/08/06
3.
Health and Welfare Committee ------------------02/13/06
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Erlenborn and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive and place on file reports 1, 2 and 3.
APPEARANCES:
1.
Pat Merrill, EDC Director
Mr.
Merrill discussed the need to create a countywide comprehensive plan with the
Board. He mentioned the local EDC is aware of this need as well, and the
importance of having all municipalities working together on this plan. A brief
question and answer period was held with the Board. A
motion was made by Bennetts,
supported by Erlenborn and carried by unanimous voice vote to support the
creation of a countywide comprehensive plan.
2.
Don Flint, update on County map production
Mr.
Flint presented to the Board a newly created year round area attraction map,
fifty thousand maps were created by the Western U.P. Convention and Visitor
Bureau. Flint dropped off 500 for the County Courthouse. No Board action
necessary.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1.
Governor Jennifer Granholm
(RE:
UP-EMS services)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Bennetts and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
Regular
Meeting
February
22, 2006
Page
Two
2.
State Representative Rich Brown
(RE:
High Energy Cost Resolution)
A
motion was made by Oliver, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote
to receive the communication and place it on file.
3.
Kari Beattie, Deputy Director, Office of Governor
(RE:
High Energy Cost Resolution)
A
motion was made by Kangas, supported by Erlenborn and carried by unanimous voice
vote to receive the communication and place it on file.
4.
Bob Lueckel, Forest Supervisor
(RE:
Proposed LVD Land Exchange)
Norman
Nass of the Ottawa was in attendance and discussed the land exchange with the
Board. The land exchange is of mutual benefit to each party, according to Nass. A motion was made by
Erlenborn, supported by Ramme and carried by unanimous voice vote to refer the
matter to Dick Bolen of the County Forestry and Parks Commission for comments of
the project.
5.
Norman Nass, District Ranger
(RE:
Crystal Lake Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project)
Mr.
Nass again discussed with the Board the project for timber harvest and other
fuel reduction treatments to improve forest health and reduce risk of wildfire. A motion was made by
Peterson, supported by Kangas and carried by unanimous voice vote to send a
letter of support for the project.
6.
Sue Pertile, County Treasurer
(RE:
Borrowing Resolution)
Treasurer
Pertile discussed the possibility of borrowing for the delinquent taxes of 2005,
this year. She recommended to the Board the adoption of the borrowing resolution
in case she would have to borrow. A
motion was made by Pezzetti,
supported by Erlenborn to adopt the resolution. (due to the size of the
resolution it will be kept on file in the Clerk’s office.)
YES: (9)
Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,
Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,
Winkowski
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
7.
Budget Amendment for Emergency Management Services Budget.
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Gerovac to amend the EMS budget as
presented by Jim Loeper.
Regular
Meeting
February
22, 2006
Page
Three
101-000-505.00 original budget $0.00 amended to
$10,526.00
Dept
of Justice Grant
101-000-561.00 increased by $662.23
amended to $
8,162.23
State
Grant Emergency Services
101-426-956.00 original budget $0.00 amended
to
$ 3,000.00
Employee
Training and Development
101-426.750.00 increased by $8,188.23 amended to
$ 8,388.23
Supplies
and Materials
YES: (9)
Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,
Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,
Winkowski
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
8.
Senior Center Building update.
Commissioner
Kangas updated the Board regarding the offer by the County Board to Community
Action to purchase the building. Community Action has rejected the Board’s
offer. Discussion followed, a
motion was made by Ramme, supported
by Pezzetti, to put the building up sale to the public.
YES: (4)
Bennetts, Peterson, Ramme, Winkowski
NO: (5) Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas, Pezzetti, Oliver,
Motion
failed.
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Erlenborn and carried by unanimous
voice vote to refer the sale of the building to the Buildings and Grounds
Committee. The Chairman of the committee will set a date.
9.
Advertising in the Fireman’s Tournament program
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Gerovac to take out a half page
advertisement in the Fireman’s Tournament program, which will be held in
Ironwood in mid July. The $100.00 ad will be purchased from the Board’s budget
contractual services 101-101-805.02.
YES: (9)
Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,
Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,
Winkowski
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
Regular
Meeting
February
22, 2006
Page
Four
APPROPRIATIONS:
1.
Airport Operating and Capitol Outlay 2nd Quarter
Appropriations
A
motion was made by Bennetts, supported by Gerovac to release the 2nd
Quarter General fund appropriation to the Airport.
YES: (9)
Bennetts, Erlenborn, Gerovac, Kangas,
Peterson, Pezzetti, Oliver, Ramme,
Winkowski
NO: (0) None
Motion
carried.
APPOINTMENTS:
1.
Community Mental Health Appointments
(Three
Communications related to the appointments from Rick Minkin)
Clerk Pelissero advised the Board of the current membership and classification of the CMH Board. A motion was made by Erlenborn to nominate Diane Kossow for the Primary Consumer position, after a brief discussion he withdrew his motion. Further discussion followed regarding how to begin the voting and the seats that needed be filled. A motion was made by Erlenborn, supported by Oliver to nominate Colleen Kichak to fill the vacancy created by the immediate resignation of Betty Rands. This term will expire in March of 2007.
YES: (1)
Pezzetti,
NO: (7) Bennetts, Erlenborn, Kangas,
Peterson, Oliver, Ramme, Winkowski
Abstaining: (1) Gerovac
Motion
failed.
A
motion was made by Pezzetti, supported by Oliver to place the four general public
applicants in for nomination to fill the two regular terms expiring March 31st
of 2006. The applicants were Marsha Vestich, Colleen Kichak, Kathy Maki and John
Lewinski.
ROLL
CALL: to vote for two of the four candidates
Ramme: Kichak
and Lewinski
Oliver:
Kichak and Maki
Erlenborn:
Kichak and Maki
Kangas:
Kichak and Maki
Bennetts:
Kichak and Lewinski
Pezzetti:
Vestich and Lewinski
Peterson:
Vestich and Kichak