The Houghton County Board of Commissioners held a
Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 12, 2007, 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 May 15 and May 23, 2007 meetings. The motion was
carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich to approve
the agenda with the following amendment of moving item
#4 to #1, and moving the remaining down one. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Barrette. The motion
carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.
Public Comment None
A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded
by Commissioner Ala to approve paying the bills of
vouchers # 103895 thru #103984 along with the late bills
presented for a total of $111,600.78.
The motion carried by the following vote.
YES: Jenich, Ala, Barrette, Pintar, Luoma 5.
NO: None 0.
Correspondence Commissioner Luoma announced the
various correspondence that was received for the month.
Reports
Standing Committee
Commissioner Barrette reported to the Board on the
following: Copper Country Mental Health, and the
Houghton County Memorial Airport.
Commissioner Pintar reported to the Board on the
following: Houghton – Keweenaw Conservation District.
Commissioner Ala reported to the Board on the
following: Houghton County Fair Board, Michigan Works,
and Portage Lake Multi Rec.
Commissioner Jenich reported to the Board on the
following: Houghton County Medical Care / Department of
Human Services, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance,
Commission on Aging, Western Upper Peninsula Planning
and Development Region, UPCAP, Houghton County Marina,
and Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.
Commissioner Luoma reported to the Board on the
following: Tri County Corrections, Houghton County Road
Commission, Western U.P. Substance Abuse, and a Public
Hearing regarding proposed DNR increase in fees.
County Officers
Jack Dueweke, Emergency Management Director,
announced the snow totals and wanted to thank the
individuals responsible for reporting these totals.
Debbie Pindral reported 288 inches for Painesdale, and
George Turner reported 185 inches for Laurium.
New Business
Request to enroll in State of Michigan’s "Benefits
for Life" Program. Tim Easterwood was present to give a
brief review of the program and answer any questions. It
would be optional coverage available to employees at
their expense if they chose to participate. The program
offers Life Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Auto
and Home Insurance. A motion by Commissioner Pintar to
approve the Benefits For Life Program and give Houghton
County employees an opportunity to participate in the
program. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala.
The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.
Houghton County Revolving Loan Fund Committee
appointments. Phil Musser was present and updated the
Board of the need of appointments. He stated Richard
Woodbury was interested in being re-appointed to a
3-year term which started October 2006 to September
2009. The HCRLF Board recommended Lauri Kneebone to fill
the remaining term of Chester Rheault, ending September
2007. Commissioner Jenich made a motion to approve the
appointments of Richard Woodbury and Lauri Kneebone for
the terms designated in the memo. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Pintar. The motion carried by a
voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.
UPEDA Request for membership. Eric Forsberg, Houghton
County Controller stated that there is no record that
the County is a member of the UPEDA and it is not a
budgeted item. Phil Musser stated the County has been a
member for the past 3 or 4 years. Commissioner Jenich
made a motion to pay the membership fee if it has been
paid in the past, but if it has not been paid to bring
it back to the Board for review in July. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Ala. The motion carried by a
voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.
Attorney Agreement for Transfer Tax Case. Eric
Forsberg stated it is an agreement between Houghton
County and Attorney James Tercha. He recommended that
the County approve the agreement. Commissioner Jenich
made a motion to approve the agreement. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Barrette. The motion carried by
a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.
Approval of final landscape plan for Canal Crossings
Project. A representative from Moyle Construction was
present. The plans were reviewed. There was discussion
on the stumpage removal and gravel road. Commissioners
Jenich and Luoma toured the site earlier in the day. The
landscaping Moyle Construction will do is in return for
the agreement made to infringe on County property during
the construction of their building.
Public Comments None
Announcements None
A motion was made by Commissioner Ala to adjourn.
There being no objection, the meeting was adjourned.
_____________________________________
Paul Luoma, Chairman
_____________________________________
Mary Schoos, Clerk
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