The Houghton County Board of Commissioners held a Regular / Public Hearing Meeting on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 5:00 p.m., 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.

Commissioner Luoma announced the Public Hearing was open for the application for Rural Development funding for a patrol car. Eric Forsberg, Houghton County Controller, stated Houghton County would like to apply for a Grant for a new patrol car. The total cost of the vehicle would be $35,000. The cost to the County would be 60% and 40% would be funded from the grant. With no further comment, Commissioner Luoma announced that the Public Hearing was closed.

Commissioner Pintar stated the approval of the minutes was omitted from the October 21 meeting. He made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 9 and September 23 meetings and the October 21 and October 31 meetings. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

A new agenda was passed out prior to the meeting. Commissioner Barrette made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pintar. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Public Comment None

Commissioner Jenich made a motion to approve paying the bills submitted of vouchers #110225 thru #110296 for a total of $56,605.38, along with the late bills submitted of $14,890.26, for a grand total of $71,495.64. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala. The motion carried by the following vote.

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

NO: None 0.

Correspondence No discussion

Reports

Standing Committee

Commissioner Barrette reported to the Board on the following: GIS meetings, Copper Country Mental Health, and the Houghton County Memorial Airport.

Commissioner Pintar reported to the Board on the following: Western U.P. District Health Department, and Houghton - Keweenaw Soil Conservation District.

Commissioner Ala reported to the Board on the following: Portage Lake Multi Rec, Michigan Works, and the Great Start Program.

Commissioner Jenich reported to the Board on the following: Attended a presentation on the Emerald Ash Borer, the National Park Advisory Commission, the Houghton County Medical Care, and the up coming KEDA meeting.

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

County Officers None

New Business

1. Appointment to Houghton County Road Commission. Commissioner Luoma made a recommendation to reappoint William (Bill) Siler. Commissioner Luoma called for nominations. Commissioner Ala nominated William Siler, Commissioner Pintar supported the nomination. There being no further nominations, Commissioner Luoma announced that William Siler was reappointed to the Houghton County Road Commission Board.

2. Resolution for adoption of Benefit Program E. A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve the resolution as presented and adopt the Benefit E Increase for retirees and beneficiaries of Division 11. The motion carried by the following vote.

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

NO: None 0.

3. Suggested language change for ORV ordinance from M.A.C. A motion was made by Commissioner Barrette and seconded by Commissioner Ala to amend the language to the ORV Ordinance passed on October 23, 2008. The amended language deals with the definition of an ORV. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

4. Request for appointment to the U.P. 911 Authority Administrative Policy Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Ala to appoint the Under Sheriff, Roy Britz, for a 3 year term to the U.P. 911 Authority Administrative Policy Board. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

5. Request for re-appointment to Houghton County Dept. of Veterans Affair’s Board. A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Ala to re-appoint Gene La Rochelle to the Houghton County Veterans Affairs Board for a 4 year term. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

6. Request for adjustment to Building Department fees for municipal projects. A motion was made by Commissioner Barrette and seconded by Commissioner Jenich to adopt the policy of any municipal owned project constructed with volunteers in Houghton County will be allowed a 50% reduction in the original building permit fee. The reduction does not pertain to the electrical, plumbing or mechanical fees. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

7. Request for resolution from WUPPDR. A motion was made by Commissioner Jenich and seconded by Commissioner Pintar to approve the resolution as submitted regarding the support of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region’s annual Community Economic Development Strategy dated December 31, 2008. The motion passed by the following vote.

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

NO: None 0.

8. Appropriations

a. WUPPDR - $2,866.50 Commissioner Jenich made a motion to approve the budgeted appropriation of $2,866.50 to WUPPDR. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

9. Travel Requests

a. Annette Schaefer – Houghton County Medical Examiner. Commissioner Barrette stated it is not a budgeted item. He said there are 4 people who do this work within Houghton County. Commissioner Barrette made a motion to not approve the travel expense of $1,800 for Annette Schaefer to attend the Medical Death Investigators Course. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jenich. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Public Comment

Commissioner Luoma said there could be legislation coming with options for Road Commission Boards to have 3 or 5 commissioners and they could be appointed or elected positions.

Announcements

William Siler was in the audience and thanked the Board for his re-appointment to the Road Commission Board.

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

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Paul Luoma, Chairman

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Mary Schoos, Clerk