The Houghton County Board of Commissioners held a Regular Meeting / Public Hearing on Tuesday October 14, 2003, in the 5^th Floor Conference Room of the Courthouse, City of Houghton.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Mike Lahti, 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; Michael Lahti, District 3; Scott Ala, District 4; and Paul Luoma, District 5.

Judge Hood, Houghton County Circuit Court Judge, was present and spoke to the Board informing them of a Michigan Supreme Court recommendation to the Legislature regarding judicial apportionment. The proposal is that the 12^th Circuit which covers the same area as the 97^th District, loose 1 judge and the part time Probate Judges in Baraga and Keweenaw Counties become full time judges. Judge Hood explained that the proposal is that the District Court would be eliminated in the 12^th Circuit. The District Court is created by legislature and is not a constitutional court. By Michigan law a county must have a Probate and a Circuit Court. Judge Hood did state that as long as Judge Kukkonen was the sitting judge the District Court Judge position can not be eliminated. Judge Hood pointed out some of his concerns with the proposal given to the legislature and his hope is that the three counties involved will come up with a unified position.

A motion by Commissioner Jenich, seconded by Commissioner Ala to go on record to support keeping Houghton County’s full judge status, and remain the same. With discussion the motion was amended to include, To come out against the proposed changes of elimination of the 97^th District Court.

Carried by the following vote.

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

NO: None 0.

Commissioner Lahti announced the Public Hearing was open for the Main Street Calumet, Inc. Loan. Phil Musser was present and stated the money is a RLF Grant. Mr. Musser stated the Board at its March 11, 2003 meeting approved a $5,000 grant to Main Street Calumet conditioned upon their receiving Main Street designation. Mr. Musser stated a discussion in March indicated that $5,000 grants would also be considered for 2004 and 2005. He included and listed the $15,000 in grant funds in the public hearing announcement and paperwork that was sent to the MEDC. The County is not committed to provide the additional 2 years of grant funds but will have the authorization to do so if they wish.

With no further discussion, Commissioner Lahti announced the Public Hearing was closed.

A motion by Commissioner Ala, seconded by Commissioner Barrette to approve the minutes of the September 9, Regular Meeting, the September 12, Special Meeting, and the September 22, Public Hearing / Special Meeting. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Commissioner Jenich asked for the addition to the agenda of #10 Meeting Date Change for November, and Commissioner Lahti asked for the wording change for #9 to Union Contract Issue. A motion by Commissioner Luoma, seconded by Commissioner Barrette to approve the agenda with the requested changes. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

A motion by Commissioner Jenich, seconded by Commissioner Barrette to approve paying the bills as submitted being vouchers #86813 through #86936 along with a late bill submitted for a total of $153,200.42. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Correspondence None

Commissioner Luoma reported on the following: Tri County Corrections Grant was approved for $123,000. Their GED funding was cut from $125,000 to $50,000.

The Houghton County Planning Commission will hold 3 public meetings next week to unveil the County’s Existing Land Use Map.

The Road Commission set a public hearing for October 20 at 4:00 and 6:00 P.M. The Road Commission has informed the State they will precede with the State Highway Maintenance Contract through May of 2005.

The Western U.P. RC&D approved an application for a grant to clean up the Gay smoke stack area, and a walking trail by the Houghton Elementary School. The 3 Super Fund Sites are 90% complete.

The Airport Board hired Dennis Hext as the new Houghton County Airport Manager. He will start on November 3, 2003. Approved the bid for new heaters in the maintenance hanger.

Commissioner Barrette reported on the following: Torch Lake Sewage Authority regular business and reviewed the results of a visit by the Michigan DEQ personal. The Authority must have an updated plan for sewage authority facilities in to the State as soon as possible. The plan is in the final stages.

The Health Department announced at their meeting there has been 1 death in the State caused by West Nile Virus. That has since been updated to 3. Flu Vaccine is now available in some cases by nasal spray. The local Health Dept. opted not to have it available. It is only used for younger people up to the age of 49, and there is an additional cost of $40.00 over the regular inoculation fee. The bid for the Hancock Office area was let to Julio Contracting. The Budget was finalized.

Copper County Mental Health Board reviewed a customers satisfaction report which showed excellent results. Approved the budget for 2004 and had an appraisal of the Director, Dr. Larry Pollack, who received high marks for his work.

Attended a U.P. MAC Conference. Learned the legislature is working on a constitutional amendment to have revenue sharing protected. Also learned that if a County is applying for any Home Land Security Grants to notify Representative Bart Stupak he may be able to help.

Commissioner Lahti reported on the following: Spent time interviewing with other commissioners throughout the month.

Attended a Michigan Works meeting where the BHK Child Development Board was awarded the bid to operate the GED instruction to the Western U.P.

After interviews were completed, the position of Houghton County Controller was offered to Gerald Jarvey, who accepted the offer. A motion by Commissioner Jenich, seconded by Commissioner Ala to hire Gerald Jarvey as Houghton County Controller, and send a letter to the other candidates thanking them for their applications. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0. Commissioner Lahti stated he will tentatively begin on November 3.

Commissioner Ala reported on the following: Houghton County Fair Board accepted a bid from DP Construction to build a 20' X 60' building that will be a Poultry Barn. The Fair Board is looking at getting a web site set up.

Attended the annual WUPPDR meeting in Silver City at which they adopted the Community Economic Development Strategy and their 2003 - 2004 budget.

Attended the Portage Lake Multi Rec meeting. They have ice and will be starting the hockey season pretty soon. They are eligible to apply for an energy grant that if awarded they will be able to purchase new lighting and a cover that will aid for warmth in the arena. Discussed giving the Houghton County Fair Board 6 feet of additional office space for their added personal.

Commissioner Jenich reported on the following: The FIA Board discussed the renewal of their millage which will be coming up next year and will be making a presentation to the County Board. Awarded Gilbert Dairy with the low bid for the dairy products for the Medical Care Facility. Was updated of Phase II of the renovations and approved a 2% wage increase for all management and non union effective 10-1-03.

Keweenaw Academy restructured and combined their Substance Abuse Board with their Advisory Board and continues to struggle with approximately 40 clients. Some placement are now coming from the lower peninsula.

911 negotiations are basically complete and have a tentative contract waiting for some wording changes.

Commissioner Jenich asked Phil Musser to address the Keweenaw Industrial Meeting he was not able to attend. Mr. Musser reported: The theme was The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is more than just a casino. They are going to build a large community center which will have a gymnasium, community meeting rooms and a ceremonial area. Health Insurance cost was also discussed.

Mr. Musser is looking into the possibility of grouping employers into a large pool which in turn could negotiate lower health insurance costs. Found a company, American Community, who has expressed interest. They have existing contracts with local providers. The draw back is the pool would have to be 750 to 1000 employees. It is still in the early planning stages.

Undersheriff, Roy Britz was present and said do to the scaffolding needed for the Court House construction, the fence has been removed from the exercise yard not allowing prisoners to use the yard. He stated they are doing all they can and hope to have the fence up within a short period.

Cheryl Patrick, Houghton County Equalization Director asked they Board to set a date for her to present the Houghton County Apportionment Report. The Board will meet Friday October 24, 2003 at noon to review the Apportionment Report.

Gerald Juntunen, Houghton County Building Inspector, stated when the new fees went into effect the language was eliminated that stated there was a 50% late fee if construction was started without a permit. He requested that the late fee be reinstated. A discussion followed and the board agreed to reinstate the 50% late fee charge. A motion by Commissioner Jenich, seconded by Commissioner Luoma to reinstate the 50% late fee on all Mechanical and Building projects that require a permit. Effective November 1, 2003 all projects found without a permit will be subject to the late fee. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0. Tracy Smith will publish the late fee charge in the paper.

A motion by Commissioner Barrette, seconded by Commissioner Jenich to approve Jack Dueweke assuming the Keweenaw County Emergency Coordinator’s Position along with him holding the Houghton County Office of Emergency Measures Director Position. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

A motion by Commissioner Jenich, seconded by Commissioner Ala to approve as earlier discussed the Main Street Calumet, Inc. RLF Grant in the amount of $15,000. $5,000 now and the remainder of $10,000 to be paid over the next 2 years, if approved by the Board each year. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

A motion by Commissioner Barrette, seconded by Commissioner Luoma to send a letter in support of Medical Care Access Coalition (MCAC’s) proposal to implement and administrate the Adult Benefits Waiver (ABW) and have Commissioner Lahti sign on behalf of the Board. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Commissioner Lahti read the nominees submitted by the Republican and Democratic Party Chairs to fill the term of November 1, 2003 through October 31, 2007 on the Houghton County Board of Canvassers. Nominated by the Republican Party were Marilyn Sager, Tom Burns and Carmen Murphy. Nominated by the Democratic Party were Mary Wiitanen, Jerry Mitchell and Carol Kurz. The commissioners voted the ballots prepared by the Clerk. The votes were tallied and the results were Tom Burns was elected for the Republican Party and Mary Wiitanen was elected for the Democratic Party.

A motion by Commissioner Luoma seconded by Commissioner Ala to reappoint Pat Coleman, Jack Dueweke and Paul Luoma to the Planning Commission Board and to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Janet Metsa by appointing Bruce Petersen. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

A motion by Commissioner Jenich, seconded by Commissioner Barrette to approve the budgeted 1^st quarter appropriation of $43,750 to the Western Upper Peninsula District health Department. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

A motion by Commissioner Luoma, seconded by Commission Jenich that Houghton County issue an Executive Declaration in Observance of November 2003 as Alzheimer’s Disease Month. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

A motion by Commissioner Barrette, seconded by Commissioner Luoma to change the November Board Meeting date from Tuesday, November 11 to Wednesday November 12 in observance of Veterans Day. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Phil Musser updated the Board on the second stage of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant, which is implementing the strategy for taking care of older adults. Eight grants will be awarded for $750,000 each. He is hopeful they will be one of the eight.

The Industrial Council will be starting its Fall Membership Campaign November 3^rd and 2004 is their 35^th anniversary.

Commissioner Lahti announced they will need to go into executive session to address item #9, Union Contract Issue. A roll call vote was taken to go into executive session regarding union contract issue. 6:10 P.M.

Carried by the following vote.

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

NO: None 0.

A motion by Commissioner Jenich, seconded by Commissioner Luoma to come out of executive session. 6:45 P.M.

Carried by the following vote.

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

NO: None 0.

A motion by Commissioner Luoma, seconded by Commissioner Jenich to deny Grievance #03454 WPPA/LEER Local: Houghton County Correctional Officers Association. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

A motion by Commissioner Barrette, seconded by Commissioner Luoma to keep the custodial staff as is at the Court House, and enter into negotiations with the Court House Union to make the FIA custodian position a Temporary Full Time Position with a one year term to be reviewed by October 2004. Carried by a voice vote. Ayes 5, Nays 0.

Commissioner Lahti asked Commissioner Barrette and Commissioner Luoma to follow up and meet with the union representatives regarding the Temporary Full Time hire needed.

There was a short discussion regarding no fee charged for light medal taken at the Transfer Station.

A motion by Commissioner Luoma to adjourn was seconded by Commissioner Ala.

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Michael Lahti, Chairman

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Mary Schoos, Clerk