The Houghton County Board of Commissioners held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 6, 2007, in the 5th Floor Conference Room of the Courthouse, City of Houghton.

The meeting was called to order by 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.

A motion by Commissioner Ala, seconded by Commissioner Pintar to approve the minutes of the January 9, 2007 meeting. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

A motion by Commissioner Ala, seconded by Commissioner Barrette to approve the agenda with the addition of #6, approve Chairman to sign on behalf of the County for MSHDA and Remonumentation Grant. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Pubic Comment None

A motion by Commissioner Jenich, seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve paying the bills of vouchers # 102429 through #102517 along with the late bills submitted for a total of $158,060.56.
Carried by the following vote.
YES: Jenich, Ala, Barrette, Pintar, Luoma 5.
NO: None 0.

Correspondence

Commissioner Luoma reported receiving correspondence from Keweenaw County Register of Deeds. A resolution of intent to pursue purchase of long-term access for a multi-use recreational trail system with GMO Renewable Resources L.L.C and other land owners.

Reports Standing Committee:

Commissioner Barrette reported to the Board on the following: Torch Lake Sewage Authority, 911 Advisory Board, Copper Country Mental Health, Parcel mapping for the County, The Western U.P. Health Department, and the Houghton County Airport.

Commissioner Pintar reported to the Board on the following: Houghton County Planning Commission, Houghton - Keweenaw Conservation District, Western U.P. Michigan Works, and the Copper Country Trails Advisory Board

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

Commissioner Jenich reported to the Board on the following: Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, Main Street Calumet, Department of Human Services/Medical Care Facility, Western U.P. Planning & Development Region, Commission on Aging,
and the Houghton County Finance Committee.

Commissioner Jenich presented a letter addressed to Representative Lahti to make him aware of the Counties concern regarding proposed state cuts. Commissioner Jenich made a motion to send a copy of the prepared letter or a similar letter to State Representative Mike Lahti and State Senator Michael Prusi. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Barrette. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Commissioner Luoma reported to the Board on the following: Copper Country Heritage Trail, Western U.P. Substance Abuse, Houghton County Road Commission, and a meeting with Jack Dueweke and the Sheriff Dept. regarding the Duncan tower used for Houghton County communications.

Reports County Officers None

New Business

1. Habitat for Humanity funding request: A motion by Commissioner Barrette,
seconded by Commissioner Ala to allocate $10,000.00 of the County’s CDBG funding from the single-family housing program for the construction of a Habitat home in 2007.
Carried by the by the following vote.
YES: Barrette, Ala, Jenich, Pintar, 4
NO: None 0.
Abstain: Luoma 1.

2. Forestry Assistance Program-Rachel Tarpey, Houghton Keweenaw Conservation
District. Rachel was present and spoke about the free forestry assistance program that is available to all land owners. She said the program will offer free forestry advice and she will visit the site at the land owner’s request.

3. International Paper land sale and transfer tax issue: Eric Forsberg gave a brief
description of the land sale and turned the floor over the Jim Tercha. Mr. Tercha
gave an update to the Board of what he has done prior to the meeting, including who he has spoken to regarding the deeds to be recorded. He has also contacted other counties involved with similar sales of large parcels of land. He stated the exemption listed on the deeds in question is a consideration of less than $100. He stated he would be interested in representing Houghton County and filing a suit with Circuit Court to get the background information needed. “I suggested to the County that since the state statue indicates that the deeds should not be recorded if the transfer tax is not paid, and since it appears as though transfer tax is due, that the documents not be recorded.” He further suggested that the County get to the Circuit Court as soon as possible and have the Circuit Court review this matter, and make a decision on the basis of the facts once we discover them, regarding the transfer tax. Mr. Tercha stated he is prepared to file a complaint with Circuit Court tomorrow. A motion by Commissioner Ala, seconded by Commissioner Barrette to have James Tercha proceed with filing a complaint with Circuit Court. In further discussion, Houghton County would be in touch with other counties to see if they would be a part of this action. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

4. Appropriations
a. UPACC dues $174
b. Copper Country Mental Health $13,704.48
c. Western U.P. District Health Department $9,034.09
d. Western U.P. Planning & Development Regional Commission $2,459
A motion by Commissioner Jenich, seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve the budgeted appropriations as listed. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

5. Travel Requests
a. Friend of the Court – Brenda Cadwell
b. Treasurer’s Office – Kathleen Beattie
A motion by Commissioner Barrette, seconded by Commissioner Pintar to approve the travel requests as listed. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

6. A motion by Commissioner Barrette, seconded by Commissioner Jenich to authorize Chairman, Paul Luoma to be the Grant Administrator for both MSHDA and Survey and Remonumentation Grants. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Public Comment None

Announcement None

A motion 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