The Houghton County Board of Commissioners held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 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; Dennis Barrette, District 2; Anton Pintar, District 3; Scott Ala, District 4; and Paul Luoma, District 5.

A motion was made by Commissioner Pintar and seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve the minutes of the July 15, 2008 Regular Meeting / Public Hearing as presented. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve the agenda as presented. 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 Barrette to approve paying the bills of voucher #109062 thru #109132 for a total of $37,427.49 along with the late bills submitted of $36,652.33 for a grand total of $74,079.82. The motion carried by the following vote:

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

NO: None 0.

Correspondence

Commissioner Luoma said the County received a notice from the County Road Association Of Michigan regarding a new law governing ATV and ORV traffic on roads. Eric Forsberg stated that the Board has to decide if Houghton County wants to pass an ordinance allowing for ORV travel on County Roads. If so a 45 day comment period must be set up. A motion was made by Commissioner Barrette and seconded by Commissioner Ala to set up a public hearing regarding a new ORV Ordinance for Houghton County at the October meeting. The motion passed by the following vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Reports Standing Committee

Commissioner Barrette reported to the Board on the following: Western U.P. District Health Department, Morley Study Upgrade Committee for elected and appointed positions in the County, 911 Advisory Committee, Houghton County Airport, and Copper Country Mental Health.

Commissioner Pintar reported to the Board on the following: Commissioner Pintar stated the meetings he attended, the Health Department was covered by Commissioner Barrette and Michigan Works will be covered by Commissioner Ala. The remaining committees do not meet until later in the month.

Commissioner Ala reported to the Board on the following: Houghton County Fair Board, Head Start, Portage Lake Multi Rec, and Michigan Works.

Commissioner Jenich reported to the Board on the following: Keweenaw National Park, Houghton County Medical Care Facility, Commission on Aging, TRIAD, Law Enforcement Committee, UP Wide Jail Project, WUPPDR, and Houghton County Marina.

Commissioner Luoma reported to the Board on the following: Houghton County Road Commission.

County Officers

Eric Forsberg, Houghton County Controller, stated they are progressing on the budget and hope to have it ready for the September meeting.

Kathy Beattie, Houghton County Treasurer, stated the Tax Foreclosure Sale is scheduled for August 13, 2008 at MTU. She is looking into a credit card services for tax payers. It will be with the County collecting 100% of the payment and the taxpayer paying the credit card use additional fee of 2.65%.

Michael Schira, MSU Extension Director, stated there is available in our area a Senior Project Fresh Program which gives vouchers to income eligible seniors to help them purchase fruits and vegetables from qualified participating venders.

Commissioner Jenich made a motion to nominate Larry Harrington for the Oreste Chiantello Public Service Award. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pintar. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

New Business

1. David Murray-Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative. Mr. Murray spoke to the Commissioners regarding the Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative. He said the U.P. is in their 1^st year. There are 18 sites across the state. He said they are having success with the program. Their goal is to reduce recidivism, which is people returning to prison after release. He stated that recidivism has been reduced by 26% with this program. After his presentation, he opened the floor for questions.
2. Draft of Houghton County Planning Commission Ordinance of 2008. Commissioner Pintar presented a draft of the Houghton County Planning Commission Ordinance of 2008. He stated that they are required to adopt an ordinance reestablishing the Houghton County Planning Commission. He proposed that the Planning Commission members be paid a per diem and mileage the same as commissioners. A discussion followed and the Board decided to table discussion of the draft until the September meeting. The Public Hearing and adoption will be at the October Board Meeting.
3. Request for approval of new contract for 911 dispatch services with Michigan State Police. Commissioner Barrette stated that a Memorandum of Understanding between the Michigan Department of State Police and the County of Houghton for 911 dispatch services is in the Board packets. He made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding as submitted. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala. The motion carried by the following vote.

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

   NO: None 0.

   4. Appropriations

   a. WUPSASCA – Request for distribution of P.A. 2 Funds - $63,755.50. A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Pintar to approve the budgeted appropriation of $63,755.50 to the Western Upper Peninsula Substance Abuse Service Coordinating Agency. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

4. Travel Requests
   1. Kathleen Beattie – Treasurer’s Office
   2. John Partanen – Equalization Department

A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Ala

Public Comment

Phil Musser gave an update on the Revolving Loan to Keweenaw Scrap Metal.

Kris Tapani, owner of Big T Towing of Hancock, addressed the Board regarding the lack of a rotation system for local wreckers to be called out. He stated it has been some time since he has received a non-preference call. Sheriff McLean stated that if the accident victim does not have a preference the officer on duty calls a wrecker. 911 no longer dispatches wreckers. He said the officers are asked to call the nearest wreckers to try to keep the cost down. He will address the issue with the officers.

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

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Paul Luoma, Chairman

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Mary Schoos, Clerk