The Houghton County Board of Commissioners held a
Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 5, 2008, in the 5th
Floor Conference Room of the Courthouse, City of
Houghton.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Paul
Luoma, at 5:00 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance the
following commissioners responded to roll call: Edward
Jenich, District 1; Dennis Barrette, District 2; Anton
Pintar, District 3; Scott Ala, District 4; and Paul
Luoma, District 5.
A motion was made by Commissioner Barrette and
seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve the minutes of
the January 15, 2008 meeting. The motion was carried by
a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ala and seconded by
Commissioner Pintar to approve the agenda as presented.
The motion was carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nay 0.
Pubic Comment None
A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded
by Commissioner Ala to approve paying the bills of
vouchers #106862 thru #106926 along with the late bills
submitted for a total of $132,279.72. The motion carried
by the following vote.
YES: Jenich, Ala, Barrette, Pintar, Luoma 5.
NO: None 0.
Correspondence
Commissioner Luoma said the Board received a letter
from Pat Coleman stating he is resigning from the
Planning Commission effective March 1, 2008.
Commissioner Luoma asked that a letter be sent to Mr.
Coleman thanking him for serving on the Planning
Commission and to advertise for a replacement.
Commissioner Luoma stated the Board received a letter
from Lawrence Harrington, Vice Chair and State ORV Board
Member, asking for a letter of support in favor of
HB4323. HB4323 would allow local units of government the
authority to open county road shoulders to ORV traffic.
A motion was made by Commissioner Barrette and seconded
by Commissioner Ala to send a letter of support
regarding HB4323. The motion carried by a voice vote.
Ayes 5, Nays 0.
Reports Standing Committee
Commissioner Barrette reported to the Board on the
following: U.P. 911 Negaunee meeting, and the airport
meeting.
Commissioner Pintar reported to the Board on the
following: Western U.P. District Health Board Meeting.
Commissioner Ala reported to the Board on the
following: B-H-K Headstart, Michigan Works, and Portage
Lake Multi Rec.
Commissioner Jenich reported to the Board on the
following: WUPPDR, Houghton County Medical Care
Facility, Keweenaw National Historical Park and he gave
a brief Houghton County finance report.
Commissioner Luoma reported to the Board on the
following: Houghton County Road Commission.
County Officers
Eric Forsberg, Houghton County Controller, said
negotiations are ongoing with the four unions.
New Business
1. Houghton County Road Commission commissioner’s
compensation package. Commissioner Luoma suggested the
Board hold off approving the package due to possible
changes that could come shortly. A motion was made by
Commissioner Jenich to table taking any action until the
March meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Barrette. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5,
Nays 0.
2. Request for new contract for Revolving Loan Fund
administration. A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich
to table any action until next month. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Barrette. The motion carried by
a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.
3. Portage Lake Water & Sewage Authority easement.
Commissioner Barrette made a motion to approve the
easement as submitted. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Pintar. The motion carried by the following
vote.
YES: Barrette, Pintar, Jenich, Ala, Luoma 5.
NO: None 0.
4. Request for appropriation.
a. UPCAP $1,100
b. WUPPDR $2,459
Commissioner Jenich made a motion to approve the
budgeted appropriations as listed UPCAP for $1,100 and
WUPPDR for $2,459. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Ala. The motion carried by the following
vote.
YES: Jenich, Ala, Barrette, Pintar, Luoma 5.
NO: None 0.
5. Western U.P. District Health Department request
for resolution. Commissioner Jenich made a motion to
approve the IGT Authorizing Resolution as presented. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Barrette. The motion
carried by the following vote.
YES: Jenich, Barrette, Pintar, Ala, Luoma 5.
NO: None 0.
6. Travel requests
a. Karen Karinen-Magistrate’s Office
Commissioner Pintar made a motion to approve the
travel request. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Ala. The motion carried by the following vote.
YES: Pintar, Ala, Jenich, Barrette, Luoma 5.
NO: None 0.
Public Comments
Phil Musser, on behalf of the Michigan Tech
Enterprise Smart Zone, extended an invitation to the
commissioners and staff to tour the Power House.
Commissioner Ala made a motion to adjourn. There
being no objection, the meeting was adjourned.
_____________________________________
Paul Luoma, Chairman
_____________________________________
Mary Schoos, Clerk
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