The Houghton County Board of Commissioners held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 10, 2007, in the 5^th 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; Anton Pintar, District 3; Scott Ala, District 4; and Paul Luoma, District 5. Dennis Barrette, District 2, was absent.

A motion was made by Commissioner Ala and seconded by Commissioner Pintar to approve the minutes of the June 12, 2007 meeting. The motion was carried by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Ala to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jenich. The motion was carried by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.

Public Comment - None

A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve paying the bills of vouchers # 104274 thru #104363 along with the late bills presented for a total of $ 70,547.51.

The motion carried by the following vote.

YES: Jenich, Ala, Pintar, Luoma 4.

NO: None 0.

ABSENT: Barrette 1.

Correspondence

Commissioner Pintar said the Board received a letter from Congressman Bart Stupak. The letter was in reference to a new rule effective June 25, 2007. An agency that issues a birth certificate can not sign the application for a passport. This will affect all Counties across the U.S. Commission Pintar spoke to Congressman Stupak also and was informed that the National Association of Counties was working on trying to change that position.

Commissioner Luoma said the Board received a letter from Michigan Department of Transportation regarding repair work scheduled for the Portage Lift Bridge for this fall.

Reports

Standing Committee

Commissioner Ala reported to the Board on the following: Michigan Works – Prisoner reentry program and Summer Youth.

Commissioner Pintar reported to the Board on the following: Houghton Keweenaw Soil Conservation District, he attended a Community Conversation sponsored by Fight Crime and Destine Kids, the Planning Commission, and he attended a Community Forum regarding the impact of timberland ownership changes in the U.P.

Commissioner Jenich reported to the Board on the following: Commission on Aging, Department of Human Services / Medical Care Facility, UPCAP meeting. Commissioner Jenich made a motion to approve the Resolution, U.P. Area Agency On Aging FY 2008 Area Plan/Annual Implementation Plan, as submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala.

Motion carried by the following vote.

YES: Jenich, Ala, Pintar, Luoma 4.

NO: None 0.

ABSENT: Barrette 1.

Commissioner Jenich continued his report on: Main Street Calumet, Law Enforcement Committee will meet next week, Keweenaw National Park, Houghton County Marina, Western U.P. District Health Department, WUPPDR, and the Finance Committee will meet with Department Heads on July 13.

County Officers

Eric Forsberg, Houghton County Controller announced that the County received the grant money for the Rural Rescue Sleds in the amount of $24,000. The County received approval from the State for their deficit plan correction which was submitted for FY ending September 2006.

Kathy Beattie, Houghton County Treasurer announced the joint county public land auction will be held in Gogebic County this year on August 3.

John Partanen, Houghton County Equalization Director, thanked the Board for their confidence and support in hiring him.

New Business

Committee assignments for union negotiations, Courthouse, Airport, Deputies & Work camp. Commissioner Luoma announced that the assignments were Commissioner Jenich for the Courthouse, Commissioner Ala for the Airport, Commissioner Pintar for the Work Camp, and Commissioner Luoma for the Sheriff Deputies. Commissioner Barrette will fill in when he gets back.

Request for approval of land sale - Commissioner Jenich made a motion to approve Portage Township selling Section 2, T52N, R34W with the agreement that Houghton County receives 40% of the sale price. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala.

Motion carried by the following vote.

YES: Jenich, Ala, Pintar, Luoma 4.

NO: None 0.

ABSENT: Barrette 1.

Request for resolution approving UPAAA’s Annual Implementation Plan – This was done during Commissioner Jenich’s report to the Board.

Appropriations – Commissioner Jenich made a motion to approve the budgeted appropriation of $41,123.73, for the Copper Country Mental Health. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala. The motion was carried by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.

Travel requests – 2007 MAC Summer Conference, Marcia Houle – Prosecutor’s Office, and John Partanen, Michigan Association of Equalization Director Conference. A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Pintar to approve the travel requests as listed. The motion was carried by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.

Commissioner Jenich announced that the Smithsonian Food Exhibit will be held in Calumet, starting July 13 through August 26.

Commissioner Luoma said the Road Commission accepted bids for the Baltic - Onkalos Road. It will start in August and be completed in October.

Commissioner Ala made a motion to adjourn. There being objection the meeting was adjourned.

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Paul Luoma, Chairman

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Mary Schoos, Clerk