The Houghton County Board of Commissioners held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. in the 5^th Floor Conference Room of the Courthouse, City of Houghton.

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Paul Luoma. 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.

Commissioner Barrette made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 14, 2009 Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Commissioner Ala made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pintar. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Public Comment

Carol Clouthier was present regarding a letter she sent to the Board about her retirement. The Board stated they were waiting for direction from MERS on how to handle the retirement situation. Eric stated that the County can’t make any promises until they hear what MERS says.

Sheriff McLean presented a plaque to Mark Bukovich in recognition of his heroic endeavors on September 17, 2008. Mark thanked the Board and the Sheriff.

Dave Mattila and Dennis Mulari regarding the Tri Mountain Sewage Project were present and requested the Board to waive the $60.00 inspection fee for the residents of Tri Mountain and Portage Township sewer projects. They said it was not brought to their attention that there is an inspection fee and the residents can not afford the additional cost. The Board stated that they have to have the connections inspected because it is a state law. The inspectors are private contractors and the County can not waive the fees.

The Board was in favor of keeping the fee where it is because if they waive it for one project they would have to waive it for all.

Commissioner Jenich made a motion to approve paying the bills submitted of vouchers #112232 thru #112321 for a total of $55,807.02 along with the late bills of $27,018.08 for a total of $82,825.10. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala. The motion carried by the following vote.

YES: Jenich, Ala, Barrette, Pintar, Luoma 5.

NO: None 0.

Correspondence None

Reports Standing committee

Commissioner Barrette reported to the Board on the following: He attended a Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting held at the Coast Guard Station, Copper Country Mental Health, and the Houghton County Airport.

Commissioner Pintar reported to the Board on the following: Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District, The Planning Commission, Michigan Works Administration Board, Western Upper Peninsula District Health, and Upper Peninsula Trail Committee.

Commissioner Ala reported to the Board on the following: Michigan Works, CDBG Meeting, Head Start, and Fair Board Meeting.

Commissioner Jenich reported to the Board on the following: Department of Human Services, Houghton County Medical Care Facility, he attended the Keweenaw Sustain Ability Project, Commission on Aging, National Park Advisory Commission, attended the Parade of Thanks Veterans Dinner.

Commissioner Jenich made a motion to Proclaim, Friday, May 15 as Mattila Brothers Day, in Houghton County to honor the Mattila boys that were in the service. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Commissioner Jenich continued his report on the UPCAP Meeting, the KEDA Meeting and Houghton County Finance Board.

Commissioner Luoma reported to the Board on the following: Western U.P. Substance Abuse and Houghton County Road Commission.

Reports County Officers

John Partanen, Houghton County Equalization Director, stated he would like to purchase a scanner for his department. He stated it was in his budget.

New Business

Interlocal agreement to establish an Upper Peninsula State Fair Authority. A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve the Interlocal Agreement To Establish an Upper Peninsula State Fair Authority as submitted and have the Board Chairman sign on behalf of Houghton County. The motion was carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Request to ask for bids to replace the roof on the DHS Building. A motion was

made by Commissioner Ala and seconded by Commissioner Pintar to approve the request to bid the new roof for the DHS Building. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Request to purchase new trailer and two containers for the Transfer Station. A motion was made by Commission Ala and seconded by Commissioner Jenich to approve the bids for the trailer and two containers. The motion carried by the following vote.

YES: Ala, Jenich, Barrette, Pintar, Luoma 5.

NO: None 0.

Request for raise for Houghton County Marina part-time staffer. The Harbor requested a raise of $.35 for a return employee. He also asked that it be standard policy at the Marina that all part-time help start at minimum wage and then receive a raise of $.50 if they return the following year. A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Pintar to approve the request. The motion carried by the following vote.

YES: Jenich, Pintar, Barrette, Ala, Luoma 5.

NO: None 0.

Resolution regarding DHS lawsuit settlement. A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve the Resolution Supporting Adequate State Funding To Hold Counties Harmless From The Department Of Human Services Lawsuit Settlement Agreement as presented. The motion carried by the following vote.

YES: Jenich Ala, Barrette, Pintar, Luoma 5.

NO: None 0.

Resolution regarding 2009 Summer Property Tax. A motion was made by Commissioner Barrette and seconded by Commissioner Pintar to approve the Resolution Imposing 2009 Summer Property Tax Levy as submitted. The motion carried by the following vote.

YES: Barrette, Pintar, Jenich, Ala, Luoma 5.

NO: None 0.

Appropriations

a. Western U.P. Planning & Development Regional Commission $2,866.50

b. NACo Dues

A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve paying the appropriations as listed. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Travel Requests

a. Susan O’Connell – Family Court

b. Brittany Bulleit – Prosecutor’s Office

c. Sue Gassittie – Probate Court

A motion was made by Commissioner Ala and seconded by Commissioner Pintar to approve the travel requests as listed above. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Public Comment

Announcements

Commissioner Jenich announced that WUPPDR has cancelled their May 18 meeting and there will be a full session on June 15.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich to adjourn. There being no objection the meeting was adjourned.

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Paul Luoma, Chairman

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Mary Schoos, Clerk