The Houghton County Board of Commissioners held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 11, 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: Dennis Barrette, District 2, Anton Pintar, District 3; Scott Ala, District 4; and Paul Luoma, District 5. Edward Jenich, District 1, was absent.

A motion was made by Commissioner Ala, and seconded by Commissioner Barrette to approve the minutes of the August 14, 2007 meeting. The motion was carried by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.

A motion was made by Commissioner Barrette, and seconded by Commissioner Pintar to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was carried by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.

Public Comment

Maxine Zerbst was present and asked if the County could help her in any way. She stated that she now receives her water from the Houghton County Airport and was informed that the Airport can no longer supply her and her neighbors with water. She is requesting that Houghton County investigate all areas of possible funding to assist her obtain a source of water. Commissioner Luoma stated they were advised to abandon the line because they have no easement to repair the line.

A motion by Commissioner Barrette, seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve paying the bills of vouchers #105070 thru #105151 along with the late bills presented for a total of $100,466.83. The motion carried by the following vote.

YES: Barrette, Ala, Pintar, Luoma 4.

NO: None 0.

ABSENT: Jenich 1.

Correspondence

Commissioner Luoma announced the Road Commission sent a plan to MDOT stating they could save them $2,000,000 on Houghton County roads snow removal. They received a response but it is not sure if anything will happen.

Reports: Standing Committees

Commissioner Barrette reported to the Board on the following: Western U.P. Health Department, 911 Advisory Committee, Houghton County Mental Health, and Houghton County Airport.

Commissioner Pintar reported to the Board on the following: Michigan Works, and Houghton County Planning Commission.

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

Eric Forsberg, read Commissioner Jenich’s report to the Board of the following: Commission on Aging, WUPPDR, Western U.P. Health Department, Department of Human Services / Medical Care, and Keweenaw National Park.

Commissioner Luoma reported to the Board of his attendance at the MAC Conference.

Commissioner Luoma appointed Commissioner Ala to represent the Board on the Houghton County Medical Authority Board.

County Officers

Eric Forsberg stated they received the Rural Development Grant for the 2 squad cars that was applied for.

Mary Schoos, Houghton County Clerk, announced that the County is again able to process passports with birth records that are issued from Houghton County.

John Partanen, Houghton County Equalization Director, stated he has been invited to speak at the Michigan Townships Association Meeting and will be attending the Tri Media Mapping Meeting.

Gerald Juntunen, Houghton County Building Inspector, said that all the inspectors for Houghton County are now deputized and are able to write citations for violations of construction codes.

New Business

1. Request for approval of revised contract addendum & resolution for Marina Grant

A motion was made by Commissioner Ala and seconded by Commissioner Pintar to approve the Agreement Addendum between the County and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.

Commissioner Barrette made a motion to approve the resolution as submitted between the County and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pintar.

Carried by the following vote.

YES: Barrette, Pintar, Ala, Luoma 4.

NO: None 0.

ABSENT: Jenich 1.

2. Request for approval to seek bids for a new Transfer Station truck

A motion was made by Commissioner Barrette to approve getting bids for a plow truck for the Transfer Station. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pintar. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.

3. Request to raise fees for Houghton County Building Department

Gerald Juntunen, Houghton County Building Inspector said the County charges $10.00 Adm Fee for permits. The State raised the application fee to $50. Gerald suggested that the County raise their fee from $10 to $25. He also asked that the fee tables be adopted as submitted. A motion was made by Commissioner Barrette and seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve as recommended in the letter and raise the fee to $25.00 and adopt the square foot construction cost table as submitted. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.

4. 911 resolution to amend service plan (Tabled)

5. 911 resolution to adopt new surcharge (Tabled)

Commissioner Barrette explained the rate increase proposed for Houghton County to remain with the 911 system as it is. The current cost is $158,544 annually. The proposed new cost would be $382,363. This is an increase of $223,819, a 141% increase. Commissioner Barrette made a motion to table both line items #4 and #5, the 911 resolutions on the agenda until the outcome of Senate Bills 410 and 411. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.

6. Scheduling of September budget hearing and meeting

The budget hearing will be held at the Annual Meeting, September 26, 2007 at 12:00 noon.

7. Appropriations

a. Copper Country Mental Health

Commissioner Ala made a motion to approve the budgeted appropriation of $41,126.97 for Copper Country Mental Health. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pintar. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.

8.Travel Requests

a. Sheryl Ala-District Court

b. John Partanen-Equalization Department

A motion was made by Commissioner Pintar, and seconded by Commissioner Barrette to approve the travel requests for both departments. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 4, Nays 0.

Public Comment None

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

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Paul Luoma, Chairman

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Mary Schoos, Clerk