Administration and County Services Committee
Jerroll Drenth			Michael Crawford, Chairman	Laura Stanek
July 3, 2008
Minutes
Members Present:		Mike Crawford, Laura Stanek and Jerroll Drenth
Members Absent:		None
Others Present:		Pete Garwood and Jack White
1.       Meeting called to order at 12:45 p.m.
2.       Public Comment
	Bob Spencer, Torch Lake Township resident expressed his opposition to the repayment of a portion of the legal expenses for Arlen Turner's defense in 2004-2005. Gene Dawson, Central Lake and Commissioner indicated he was at the meeting just to hear what people have to say. Deborah Hughes, Antrim County resident indicated that she would be against the County paying for any of Mr. Turner's legal expenses.
3.       Employee Legal Fees
	Jerroll Drenth, Commissioner informed the Committee that he had called a past commissioner for additional information on this issue. Jack White, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners informed the Committee that he had informally asked Mr. Crawford to look into the issue at the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) conference last spring.  He wanted to know if there were any questions for the insurance company, that were left un-asked when funding a portion of Mr. Turner’s legal expenses was originally considered.  Mike Crawford, Chairman of the Committee indicated that the response from the insurance company did not bear any new information and the issue was originally not going to be brought up at this meeting.  However, due to perceived interest he thought it would be important to let all in attendance know that no action will be recommended to the Board of Commissioners on this issue.
4.        Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG) Budget Request
	Bud Shipstead, Director and Elaine Woods, Deputy Director joined the meeting and presented the 2009 appropriation request for the Council of Governments. Mr. Shipstead and Ms. Woods also updated the Committee on the activities of the organization for the past year. Motion by Laura Stanek, supported by Jerroll Drenth, to approve the 2009 appropriation request for the NWMCOG.  Motion carried – unanimous.
5.        Coordinator/Planner Budget
	Peter Garwood, Coordinator/Planner presented the proposed 2009 budget for the Coordinator/Planner Office.  The committee decided the Network Engineer position should be removed from the Coordinator/Planner budget and put into the computer budget. Motion by Laura Stanek, supported by Jerroll Drenth, to approve the Coordinator/Planner 2009 budget and capital improvements request, as amended, for submittal to the Finance Committee. Motion carried - unanimous
6.         Information Technology (IT) Budget Request
	Valerie Craft Network Engineer presented the 2009 budget request for the IT department.  The committee will review and make recommendation on the IT budget and the compensation for the Network Engineer position at the next meeting.
7.        Computer Network Staff Study
	Fred Trimble, Consultant joined the meeting. Mr. Trimble informed the Committee of his investigation into staffing levels and costs, and presented his recommendation for technical support of the computer network and related equipment. The Committee directed Mr. Trimble to compose a request of proposals, for immediate release, for technical support on a contractual basis.
8.        Abstract Budget Request
	Theresa Kent, Abstractor joined the meeting and presented the 2009 budget for the Abstract Department. Motion by Laura Stanek, supported by Jerroll Drenth, to approve the Abstract Department budget request for submittal to the Finance Committee. Motion carried – unanimous.
9.        Weekend Use of County Building Policy
	Mr. Garwood distributed a document which outlined the recommendations for changes to the building Use Policy fee. Motion by Laura Stanek, supported by Jerroll Drenth, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve an amendment to the Weekend Use of County Building Policy, by changing the fee to $30 per hour.
10.       Mileage Rate Reimbursement
	The Committee reviewed a communication which indicates the Federal Government has increased the reimbursement rate for mileage from $ .505 to $ .585. Motion by Jerroll Drenth, supported by Laura Stanek, to recommend the Board of Commissioners increases the mileage reimbursement rate to $ .585 per mile. Motion carried – unanimous.
11.      Livingston County Resolution
	Motion by Jerroll Drenth, supported by Laura Stanek, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve a resolution similar to the Livingston County resolution opposing House Bill 6112 which would mandate Act 312 binding arbitration.  Motion carried – unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m.