The Houghton County Board of Commissioners held a
Regular Meeting on Tuesday, August 14, 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; Anton Pintar, District 3; Scott Ala,
District 4; and Paul Luoma, District 5. Dennis Barrette,
District 2, was absent.
Commissioner Luoma announced the Public Hearing for
the Houghton County Revolving Loan Fund was open.
Phil Musser was present and presented the details of
the proposed Houghton County Revolving Loan to Endres
Machine Innovations. The loan would be partnered with
Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, each loaning the
amount of $80,000.00 for the purchase of a CNC lathe and
tooling. Mr. Musser stated the Houghton County Revolving
Loan Fund recommended that the Board approve the loan.
The floor was opened for public comment.
Commissioner Luoma announced the Public Hearing for
the Houghton County Revolving Loan Fund was closed.
Commissioner Luoma announced the Public Hearing for
Houghton County Truth in Taxation was open.
John Partanen, Houghton County Equalization Director,
was present to explain that each year the County and
Townships have to comply with State law to allow them to
levy the maximum millage. By holding a hearing, if
approved, the County can levy an additional .2189 mills.
This is the difference between the base rate of 5.9095
mills and the Headlee maximum amount of 6.1281 mills.
Mr. Partanen recommended the Board approve the increase
to the maximum allowance. The floor was opened for pubic
comment.
Commissioner Luoma announced the Public Hearing for
Houghton County Truth in Taxation was closed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Pintar and seconded
by Commissioner Ala to approve the minutes of the July
10, 2007 meeting. The motion was carried by a voice
vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded
by Commissioner Ala to approve the agenda with the
additions of #7 Passport Resolution and #8 designation
of Chiantello Award. The motion was carried by a voice
vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.
Public Comment
Major Barry Getzen of the Michigan State Police and
State Representative Mike Lahti were present to give a
synopsis of the meeting held earlier regarding the
State’s plans for the Calumet State Police post. The
floor was then opened for comments and questions. There
were a number of people in the audience that spoke
regarding their concerns.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded
by Commissioner Ala to approve paying the bills of
vouchers #104693 thru #104810 along with the late bills
presented for a total of $115,140.11.
The motion carried by the following vote.
YES: Jenich, Ala, Pintar, Luoma 4.
NO: None 0.
ABSENT: Barrette 1.
Correspondence
Commissioner Luoma stated there was a lot of
correspondence but wanted to address the support of
Lawrence Harrington, Iron County Commissioner, to serve
on the Michigan Association of Counties Board of
Directors.
Eric Forsberg wanted to announce the Check
Presentation on August 16, to the County for the grant
the County received to purchase remote rescue equipment.
Commissioner Jenich stated the Counties on the WUPPDR
Board have chosen a candidate to support for the
Chiantello Award.
Reports
Standing Committee
Commissioner Pintar reported to the Board on the
following: Houghton Keweenaw Soil Conservation District,
Houghton County Planning Commission and the Western U.P.
District Health Department.
Commissioner Ala reported to the Board on the
following: Michigan Works, Houghton County Airport,
Portage Lake Multi Rec. and the Houghton County Fair.
Commissioner Jenich reported to the Board on the
following: Main Street Calumet, the Law Enforcement
Committee, the Commission on Aging, Department of Human
Services / Medical Care Facility, WUPPDR, Keweenaw
National Park, and meeting with Department Heads
regarding their 2007 / 2008 budget requests.
Commissioner Luoma reported to the Board on the
following: The Western U.P. Substance Abuse Board.
County Officers
Kathy Beattie, Houghton County Treasurer, reported
that the delinquent tax settlements have been mailed.
New Business
1. Revised agreement and resolution regarding Marina
Grant from Michigan DNR.
A motion by Commissioner Ala, and seconded by
Commissioner Jenich to approve the resolution as
submitted.
Carried by the following vote.
YES: Ala, Jenich, Pintar, Luoma 4.
NO: None 0.
ABSENT: Barrette 1.
2. Revolving Loan Fund
A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded
by Commissioner Ala to accept the recommendation of the
Revolving Loan Committee and approve the loan to Endres
Machining Innovations as presented.
The motion was carried by the following vote.
YES: Jenich, Ala, Pintar, Luoma 4
NO: None 0.
ABSENT: Barrette 1.
3. Truth in Taxation
A motion by Commissioner Pintar, and seconded by
Commissioner Jenich to accept the recommendation of the
Equalization Director and approve the increase of .2189
mills in the operating tax millage rate to be levied in
2007.
The motion was carried by the following vote.
YES: Pintar, Jenich, Ala, Luoma 4
NO: None 0.
ABSENT: Barrette 1.
4. Visit from MAC Executive Director, Thursday, Sept.
20, 10:00 a.m.
The Board decided to hold a special meeting on
September 20 at 10:00 a.m. to meet with the MAC
Executive Director.
5. Appropriations
a. Western U.P. District Health Department -
$8,291.17
b. Western U.P. Planning & Development Regional
Commission - $2,459
Commissioner Jenich made a motion to approve the
budgeted appropriations of $8,291.17 to the Health
Department, $2,459 to WUPPDR and the travel request of
the Houghton County Treasurer for $891.65. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Pintar. The motion carried
by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.
6. Travel Request this was incorporated in #5.
7. Passport Resolution
A motion was made by Commissioner Pintar and seconded
by Commissioner Ala to adopt the passport resolution as
presented.
Carried by the following vote.
YES: Pintar, Ala, Jenich, Luoma 4.
NO: None 0.
ABSENT: Barrette 1.
Public Comment
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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