March 8, 2005
The Regular meeting of the Otsego County Board of Commissioners was held in Room
U-111 of the University Center, 80 Livingston Blvd. 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 Bates.
Roll call:
Present: Backenstose, Bates, Beachnau, Liss, Olsen, Glasser, Johnson, Hyde.
Excused: Bentz.
Others present: Mary Jergenson, James McBride, Bob Harden, Elizabeth Haus, Sheri
McWhirter, Jean Nowicki, Diann Axford, Mary Sanders, Jerry Chase, Maureen
Derenzy, Keith Huff, Doty Latuszak, Marie Frick, Mike Turnbill, Bill Kerr,
Sharon Tober, Don Tober, Virginia Christian, Joe Wambold, Ron Chavey, Rudi Edel,
Dave Schuster, Ken Homa, Sarah Schmidt, Chris Knight, Bill Granlund, Jack
Thompson, Joe Edwartowski, Angel Oppermann, Denise Koning, Susan DeFeyter.
The minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 22, 2005 were approved as
presented.
The agenda was amended to add under special presentations, Jerry Chase from the
Health Department; Beth Prykucki from the MSU Extension. Under New Business the
Parks & Rec tractor proposal; Veteran Committee appointments; I-75 East/West
crossing study. A closed session was added after Board remarks.
Consent Agenda:
The motion by the Animal Control Committee was removed from the consent agenda.
Administrator’s Report:
Denise Koning gave the Board an update on the Finance Director interviews;
Auditors will be here April 11; Job Analysis interviews with Department Heads
and Elected Officials March 8th & 9th.
Chairman Beachnau, appointed Commissioner Glasser and Commissioner Liss to the
interview team.
Special Presentation:
Beth Prykucki from the MSU Extension gave the Board the 2004-2005 Annual Report.
County Treasurer Diann Axford, gave the Board her Quarterly report.
Dave Schuster, Airport Manager, reported on the Airport.
Ron Chavey updated the Board on the Salvation Army and the United Way services.
Jerry Chase reported on the Health Department.
Maureen Derenzy demonstrated the County’s website.
Motion by Commissioner Glasser, to approve $25.00 per hour up to $2,600.00 per
year to compensate the Library for website maintenance and other services for
the website from the technology line item. Motion carried.
Joe Wambold reported on the City Council meeting.
Mary Sanders announced the next Michigan Township Association meeting is March
15, 2005 at 7:00 pm at the Elmira Township Hall; addressed personal property
statements.
Elizabeth Haus reported on the Village Meeting.
Correspondence:
A letter was received from the Northern Michigan Children’s Museum.
A letter was received regarding the noise issues from Treetops.
A letter was received from Honorable Alton T. Davis regarding Jury Board
Appointments.
New Business:
The Animal Control Committee moved that animal shelter/county employees should
not accept donations on behalf of non-profit organizations or any agency not a
part of or manages by Otsego County.
Commissioner Bates, moved the previous question. Motion carried.
Roll Call Vote on the Motion by the Committee, that animal shelter/County
employees should not accept donations on behalf of non-profit organizations or
any agency not a part of or managed by Otsego County.
Ayes: Beachnau.
Nays: Backenstose, Bates, Liss, Olsen, Glasser, Johnson, Hyde.
Excused: Bentz.
Motion defeated.
Motion by Commissioner Backenstose, to approve Warrant B2005-0 in the amount of
$15,159.42, as presented. Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Olsen, to approve Warrant B2005-9 in the amount of
$153,619.19, as presented. Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Hyde, to approve Warrant B2005-10 in the amount of
$154,778.25, as presented. Motion carried.
Administrator Denise Koning addressed the Board regarding the Otsego County
Vehicle Policy.
Motion by Commissioner Glasser, to approve the new policy dated March 8, 2005
regarding County owned vehicles.
Motion by Commissioner Glasser to call a question.
Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Glasser, to approve the new policy dated March 8, 2005
regarding County owned vehicles.
Ayes: None.
Nays: Backenstose, Bates, Beachnau, Liss, Olsen, Glasser, Johnson, Hyde.
Excused: Bentz.
Motion defeated.
Chairman Beachnau appointed Commissioner Glasser to the Housing Commission.
Chairman Beachnau appointed Bob Harden to NEMCSA.
Chairman Beachnau appointed Commissioner Glasser, Commissioner Hyde and
Commissioner Bates to the Veterans Committee.
Bob Harden addressed the Board regarding NEMSCA.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson, to approve a model 5302 John Deere Tractor as
recommended by the Parks & Rec Commission in the amount of $14,611.63 from
Lappans of Gaylord. Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Glasser, to appropriate $1,000.00 to purchase
presentation materials for East-West Crossing of I-75. Funds to come from the
Contingency fund. Motion carried.
Public Comment:
Sheriff James McBride announced to the Board that the Taser program is up and
running.
Mary Jergenson asked for clarification of County employees accepting donations.
Board remarks:
Commissioner Olsen: Audit done.
Addressed HB4064
Commissioner Backenstose: Attending computer classes.
Commissioner Hyde: Addressed concerns about Animal Control.
Transition house tour in Cadillac March 11, 2005 at 8:30 a.m.
Commissioner Glasser: East/West I-75 crossing meeting April 22, 2005 at 10:00
a.m. at the University Center.
March 21, 2005 from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. legislative representatives will be at
Mama Leone’s Restaurant.
Reported on the Northeast Michigan Consortium.
Commissioner Liss: Attended the Bus meeting.
Commissioner Johnson: Reported on the Northwest Michigan Community Mental
Health.
Reported on the Governor’s budget.
Motion by Commissioner Glasser, to enter into closed session pursuant to the
open meetings act, being MCL 15.268(e).
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Backenstose, Bates, Beachnau, Liss, Olsen, Glasser, Johnson, Hyde.
Nays: None.
Excused: Bentz.
Motion carried.
Closed session called to order at 1:00 p.m.
Returned to open session at 1:15 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
___________________________________
Paul M. Beachnau, Chairman
___________________________________
Susan I. DeFeyter, County Clerk