The Houghton County Board of Commissioners held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 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. 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 Barrette made a motion to approve the minutes, which would include the minutes of the November 10, Regular / Public Hearing Meeting and the November 25, 2008 Special Meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ala. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Commissioner Ala made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. 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

# 110524 thru #110602 for a total of $51,288.01, along with the late bills submitted of $38,693.84, for a grand total of $89,981.85. 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

Commissioner Luoma stated he received a letter from a concerned citizen regarding a situation involving the Medical Examiner. Commissioner Luoma stated he would look into the matter.

Reports Standing Committee

Commissioner Barrette reported to the Board on the following: The Houghton County Airport, the Western U.P. Health Department, and a GIS meeting.

Commissioner Pintar reported to the Board on the following: The Houghton – Keweenaw Conservation District, the Houghton County Planning Commission, and the Copper Country Trail Committee.

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

Commissioner Jenich reported to the Board on the following: Keweenaw National Park, Main Street Calumet, North End Fire & Rescue, KEDA, WUPPDR Houghton County Medical Care, and a brief report on Houghton County finances.

Commissioner Luoma stated the other commissioner covered the meetings he attended.

County Officers

Kathleen Beattie, Houghton County Treasurer, stated she had material for the Commissioners to review regarding the possibility of Houghton County forming a Land Bank Authority. The Land Bank would have the ability to hold tax foreclosed property from being auctioned.

John Partanen, Houghton County Equalization Director, requested to purchase monitors for his department. He stated it was in his department budget.

New Business

1. Request for re-appointments to the Houghton County Planning Commission. Commissioner Pintar made a motion to reappoint Susan Burack, Jack Dueweke, and Guy St. Germain, for a 1 year term from Jan. 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009, Bill Fink and Barbara LaFex Lewis to a 2 year term from Jan. 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010, and Truman Obermeyer, Bruce Petersen and Don van Uum to a 3 year term from Jan. 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011. Commissioner Ala seconded the motion. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

2. Request for appointment of Freedom of Information Act Coordinator. Commissioner Jenich made a motion to appoint Eric Forsberg as Houghton County Freedom of Information Act Coordinator. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pintar. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

3. Appropriations

a. WUPSASCA – State Liquor Tax - $21,388

b. WUPDHD – State Cigarette Tax - $8,740.24

Commissioner Jenich made a motion to approve the appropriations as listed above in the stated amounts to Substance Abuse and the Health Department. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pintar. The motion carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Public Comment

Phil Musser stated that in these hard times, credit is becoming difficult for small businesses. He stated there are Houghton County Revolving Loan Funds available to small businesses.

Announcements None

A motion was made by Commissioner Barrette to adjourn.

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Paul Luoma, Chairman

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Mary Schoos, Clerk