April 26, 2005

The Regular meeting of the Otsego County Board of Commissioners was held in the Multi-Purpose Room of the J. Richard Yuill Alpine Center. The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Chairman Beachnau. Invocation by Commissioner Glasser, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Olsen.

Roll call:
Present: Backenstose, Bates, Beachnau, Liss, Olsen, Glasser, Johnson, Hyde, Bentz.

Others present: Mary Jergenson, James McBride, Doty Latuszak, Joe Edwartowski, Richard Edmonds, Maureen Derenzy, Bob Harden, Bill Kerr, Craig Ryan, Elizabeth Haus, Phil Alexander, Lori Lancaster, Matt Nowicki, Trisha Adam, Melissa Fitzgerald, Charles Rorie, David Delaney, Keith Huff, Mike Turnbull, Sandie Green, Rachel Frisch, Denise Koning, Susan DeFeyter.

The minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 12, 2005 were approved as presented.

The agenda was amended to add Mike Turnbull from Probation and Parole under special presentations; Under new business add Sheriff Department staffing; A closed session was added after Board remarks.

Consent Agenda:
OCR-05-08 dedicating demonstration kitchen was removed from the Consent Agenda.

Motion by Commissioner Bates to approve, OCR-05-08 Dedicating Demonstration Kitchen.
Roll call vote:
Ayes: Backenstose, Bates, Beachnau, Liss, Olsen, Glasser, Johnson, Hyde, Bentz.
Nays: None.
Motion carried/Resolution adopted with corrections.

Administrator’s Report:

Denise Koning reported a public forum will be held on May 4, 2005 at 7:00 p.m at the Hayes Township Hall; Commissioner’s bus tour is April 28, 2005; Addressed the Otsego County purchasing policy.

Special Presentation:

David Delaney and Sandie Green addressed the Board regarding Helen Schmitz’s Estate.
Chairman Beachnau referred the matter to the Animal Control Committee.

Trisha Adam, HR Director gave her annual report to the Board.

Mike Turnbull, Probation and Parole gave his annual report to the Board.
Joe Edwartowski from Chester Township announced that Chester Township is hosting a dinner/dance on May 14, 2005 at 5:00 p.m.to help with the 4th of July fireworks display.

Elizabeth Haus from the Village of Vanderbilt announced the Village is hosting a garage sale and the proceeds to benefit the Vanderbilt Area School; reported on the Village and Township cleanups.

Unfinished Business and General Orders:

Motion by Commissioner Hyde, to approve $4,274.00 for the purchase of video equipment for the Sheriff’s Dept., funds to be taken from Contingency. Any grant money that comes back, to be returned to the Contingency fund. Motion carried with Commissioner Johnson abstaining.

Commissioner Johnson abstained from the vote because he chairs the MMRMA committee that awards the grants.

The motion to approve the Building Inspection Department budget amendment as presented, which was postponed to this meeting, was presented for discussion. The motion carried.

New Business:

Motion by Commissioner Bates, to approve Warrant B2005-16 in the amount of $223,475.53, as presented. Motion carried.

Motion by Commissioner Johnson, to approve Warrant B2005-17 in the amount of $85,162.68, as presented. Motion carried.

County Clerk Susan DeFeyter addressed the Board regarding budget amendment requests.

Motion by Commissioner Glasser, to approve $774.75 plus benefits to hire replacement help early to provide training in the clerk’s office. Motion carried.

Sheriff James McBride and Undersheriff Matt Nowicki addressed the Board regarding Sheriff staffing.

Public Comment:
Maureen Derenzy thanked Mary Jergenson from the Herald Times.

Board remarks:
Commissioner Johnson:                 Attended the Parks and Rec meeting.

Motion by Commissioner Johnson, to increase imprest cash from $25.00 to $50.00 at the Community Center. Motion carried.

Commissioner Glasser:                  Attended budget meeting.
                                                    Attended Veteran affairs meeting.
                                                    State Resource alliance meeting at Shanty Creek
                                                    Received a Thank you email from Cindy Shawn.
                                                    Received a letter from the DNR

Commissioner Beachnau:              Attended Livingston Township meeting.
                                                    Reported on the City Council meeting.


Commissioner Bates:                    Reported on the Veteran’s affairs
                                                    Reported on the City Council meeting.

Commissioner Bentz:                    Reported on the Health Department.

Commissioner Hyde:                    Attended the Airport meeting.

Commissioner Backenstose:         Attended the Library meeting.
                                                   Reported on Otsego Lake Township.

Motion by Commissioner Olsen, to enter into closed session to discuss attorney-client privileged communication pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, being MCL 15.268(e).
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Bates, Liss, Olsen, Glasser, Johnson, Hyde, Bentz, Backenstose, Beachnau.
Nays: None.
Motion carried.

Entered into closed session at 11:40 a.m.

Regular meeting called back to order at 11:50 a.m.

Motion by Commissioner Glasser, to repeal motion to allow access to WaterWonderland, to exchange information free of charge from Equalization department, to review fee schedule involved. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m. at the call of the Chair.


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Paul M. Beachnau, Chairman

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Susan I. DeFeyter, County Clerk