**APPROVED MINUTES**

 

 

Mason, Michigan

March 18, 2008

 

 

The Board of Ingham County Road Commissioners met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at 6:00 P.M. in the Board Room of the Ingham County Road Commission’s Austin E. Cavanaugh Administration Building located at 301 N. Bush Street, Mason, Michigan.

 

Present:  Larry R. Smith, Chair, Joseph A. Guenther, Vice Chair, and Shirley M. Rodgers, Member.

 

Also Present:  William M. Conklin, Managing Director, Deborah L. Bellows, Secretary to the Board, and Joseph D. Pulver, Director of Operations.

 

Others Present:  Dan Chapman, Engineering Department employee and OPEIU Local 512 Chief Steward, and Richard Phillips, Construction Engineer.

 

Absent & Excused:  Robert H. Peterson, Director of Engineering.

 

The meeting was called to order by the Chair and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

AGENDA ITEM #4 – CONSENT ITEMS.

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers, that the following items be approved under consent:

 

A.         Agenda Item #5, Minutes.

B.         Agenda Item #6A-C, Routine and Special Permits.

C.         Agenda Item #9A, Final Plat of Georgetown.

D.         Agenda Item #9B, Preliminary Site Plan for the extension of Dunckel Road east.

E.         Agenda Item #10G, Revisions to the provisions of the Family Medical Leave Act.

 

3 yes, 0 no.  Resolution carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #5 – Minutes.

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers, that the Minutes of the meeting of March 4, 2008, be approved as presented.  3 yes, 0 no.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #6A-C – Routine and Special Permits.

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers, that routine permits be approved as follows:

 

08-0078 08-0079            08-0070            08-0080            08-0081

 

3 yes, 0 no.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers, that special permits be approved as follows:

 

A.         The following milk haulers special permits during spring weight restrictions:

 

                        (1)            Permit #08-0071 for Robert Cooley Trucking of Bath.

                        (2)            Permit #08-0072 for Maxson Milk Transport of Pittsford.

                        (3)            Permit #08-0073 for Jack Gantz Trucking of Webberville.

                        (4)            Permit #08-0074 for George Mohr of Leslie.

                        (5)            Permit #08-0075 for Traver Milk Hauling of Williamston.

                        (6)            Permit #08-0076 for Wadsworth Milk Transport of Petersburg.

                        (7)            Permit #08-0082 for Blackhawk Produce of Rives Junction.

                        (8)            Permit #08-0083 for Every Farms of Mason.

                        (9)            Permit #08-0084 for Grombir Transport of New Lothrup.

 

B.         Permit #08-0085 for the purpose of hanging a banner over Hamilton Road to announce the Okemos Fine Arts Council’s Fine Arts Festival to be held from March 21-28, 2008.  The permit is applied for by the Okemos Schools and has been approved by Meridian Charter Township.

           

C.         Permit #08-0077 for the purpose of conducting the MSU Cycling Collegiate Road Race to be held on March 29, 2008, from 9:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.  The event is sponsored by the MSU Cycling Club and is sanctioned by Ingham Township.

 

3 yes, 0 no.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #9A – Final Plat of Georgetown Subdivision Phase 1.

 

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF GEORGETOWN SUBDIVISION PHASE 1 IN MERIDIAN CHARTER TOWNSHIP.

 

RESOLUTON #016-08

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers.  3 yes, 0 no.  Resolution carried unanimously.

 

BE IT RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the Director of Engineering, the Board approves the Final Plat of Georgetown Subdivision Phase 1 located in Section 14 of Meridian Charter Township.  The proprietors are Louis J. Eyde and George F. Eyde.  The Board approved and signed a Bituminous Pavement Agreement in the amount of $82,500.00.  The Board hereby accepts Anocostia Drive and Twinging Drive into the county road system.

 

            Agenda Item #9B – Preliminary Site Plan for the Extension of Dunckel Road.

 

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN FOR THE EXTENSION OF DUNCKEL ROAD IN DELHI CHARTER TOWNSHIP.

 

RESOLUTION #017-08

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers.  3 yes, 0 no.  Resolution carried unanimously.

 

BE IT RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the Director of Engineering, the Board approves the Preliminary Site Plan for the extension of Dunckel Road east to connect with Pine Tree Road located in Delhi Charter Township.  The proprietor is Dart Container of Michigan.

 

            Agenda Item #10G – Implement Changes to the Family Medical Leave Act.

 

RESOLUTION ADOPTING CHANGES TO THE FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW ENACTED ON JANUARY 28, 2008.

 

RESOLUTION #018-08

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers.  3 yes, 0 no.  Resolution carried unanimously.

 

BE IT RESOLVED that in accordance with Federal Law enacted by the President of the United States on January 28, 2008, the Board adopts the following changes in the Family Medical Leave Act for Non-Bargaining employees, effective immediately.  Similar changes will be included in the bargaining process for current ongoing contract negotiations with OPEIU Local 512, SEIU Local 517M and AFSCME Local 1499 employees.  The following changes in the FMLA portion of the Non-Bargaining employees handbook shall be made in its entirety and shall be inserted in the Non-Bargaining Employees Handbook and shall replace Section XXIV - MEDICAL AND PERSONAL LEAVES OF ABSENCE, A.  Family and Medical Leave of Absence.

 

A.         Family and Medical Leave of Absence.

 

1.         Non-bargaining unit employees who have been employed for twelve months, and who have worked at least 1250 hours in the y ear prior to the requested date of commencement of a leave, may take up to a cumulative total of 12 weeks off in a year for Family and Medical Leave.  When a husband and wife are both employed by the Employer and request Family and Medical Leave to care for a dependent, as defined below, such leave shall be limited to a total of twelve (12) weeks between them.

 

2.         A “year”, for purposes of determining eligibility for Family and Medical Leave, is defined as the 365 days that preceded the commencement date of the requested leave.

 

3.         Qualified non-bargaining unit employees may request up to 12 weeks of Family and Medical Leave for the following reasons:

 

                        A.            Birth of a child.

                        B.            Care of a child after birth.

                        C.            Care of a child after adoption.

D. Care of a seriously ill family member.  “Family member” is defined as spouse, child, parent or foster parent.

                        E.            Serious personal illness.

F. For any “qualifying exigency” (as defined by the Secretary of Labor) arising out of the fact that the spouse, son, daughter, or parent of an employee is on active duty (or has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty) in the Armed Forces in support of a contingency operation.

 

3.5        Qualified non-bargaining unit employees may request a single leave of up to a total of 26 weeks of Family and Medical Leave for the following reason:

 

If the employee is the spouse, son, daughter, parent or next of kin of a covered service member and requires leave to care for a “covered service member” who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation or therapy, is otherwise in outpatient status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness.”

 

A. A “covered service member” is a member of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, “who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is otherwise in outpatient status, or is otherwise on the temporary disability retired list, for … an injury or illness incurred by the member in line of duty on active duty … that may render the member medically unfit to perform the duties of the member’s office, grade, rank, or rating.”

 

B. The leave provided under this provision is combined with that set forth in paragraph 3 for a combined total of 26 weeks of FMLA leave during a single 12 month period.  This means that if an employee also has some other FMLA qualifying event in that 12 month period (for example, the birth of a child, or the employee’s own serious health condition), his or her total amount of FMLA leave during that 12 month period is still limited to 26 weeks.  This also means that even if the service member’s recovery lasts longer than the initial 12 months, the 26 weeks of Service Member Family Leave cannot be “renewed”, and the employee would not be eligible for an additional 26 weeks of Service Member Family Leave in the following 12 month period.

 

C. The Road Commission may require a certification by the service member’s health care provider.

 

4.         Employees must request use of Family and Medical Leave thirty (30) days before the beginning of the leave, if possible.  When this is not possible, the employee must request the leave of absence as soon as possible once the need for the leave is determined.  Requests must be made in writing to the employee’s supervisor and must include medical certification that the absence is necessitated by a serious illness as defined below.

 

5.         Serious illness for purposes of granting Family and Medical Leave of Absence is defined as one of the following:

 

A. A condition resulting in in-patient hospital care of at least one (1) night.

B. A condition causing incapacity of more than three (3) calendar days that also:

(1) Requires treatment two (2) or more times by a health care provider; or

(2) Requires treatment on at least one (1) occasion by a health care provider resulting in continuing regimen of treatment, i.e., prescription medication or physical therapy, not aspirin and bed rest.

                        C.            Pregnancy including prenatal care.

D. Chronic conditions requiring treatments which require periodic visits to a health care provider, which condition continues over an extended period of time and may cause episodic periods of incapacity.

E. Permanent long-term conditions requiring supervision, i.e., Alzheimer’s, severe stroke, terminal stages of disease but which may not need active treatment.

F. Conditions requiring multiple treatments such as cancer (chemotherapy), severe arthritis (physical therapy), or kidney disease (dialysis).

 

6.         The Employer may require a second opinion as to the need for the leave from a medical provider designated by the Employer, and at the Employer’s expense.  In the event the second opinion differs from the first, a third opinion may be required, again, at the Employer’s expense, which third opinion shall be binding.  The medical provider for the third opinion shall be agreed upon jointly by the employee and the Employer.

 

7.         If medically necessary, an employee may take leave in the form of a reduced work schedule or intermittent leave.  Total time off for leave taken as a reduced work schedule or intermittent leave may not exceed twelve (12) weeks in a year.

 

8.         An employee must use all available floating holidays, banked sick leave and leave time as part of, and to cover, his/her medical leave.  However, an employee may, at his/her discretion, retain up to 120 hours in his/her leave time bank.

 

9.         Health insurance coverage for employees on Family and Medical Leave will be continued for up to twelve (12) weeks by the Employer (or up to 26 weeks if the leave is requested pursuant to Section 3.5).  If the employee fails to return to work for at least thirty (30) days following the leave of absence, he/she will be required to reimburse the Employer for the cost of health insurance provided during the leave.

 

10.        A medical provider statement of release to work shall be presented to the Employer prior to the employee returning to work.  The employee is to report to his/her supervisor before beginning work.  The Employer may require a second opinion as to the employee’s ability to return to work from a provider chosen and paid for by the Employer.  In the event the second opinion differs from the first, a third opinion may be required from a provider mutually selected and paid for by the employee and Employer.

 

11.        An employee returning from Family and Medical Leave will be reinstated to the same, or equivalent, position he/she held prior to the commencement of the leave.

 

AGENDA ITEM #7 – MANAGING DIRECTOR REPORTS.

 

A.            Managing Director Conklin will be participating in a call-in show for Meridian Township’s HOM-TV on Thursday, March 20th from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  Director of Operations Joe Pulver will accompany him.

 

B.         The audible pedestrian signals at Lake Lansing Road and Hagadorn Road will be installed on Thursday, March 20th.  The installation was previously scheduled for today, but was postponed because of rain.

 

C.            Managing Director Conklin submitted a “wish” list of roads for future improvements.  This list was requested by Commission Guenther at a previous meeting.  It is only preliminary and is not “set in stone”.  This list contains possible projects that can be chosen for future calls for projects.  Commissioner Rodgers said that at some point in the future she would like to try and prioritize these possible projects and have community discussion regarding the list.

 

AGENDA ITEM #8A – EXTENSION OF 2007 BID PRICES FOR VARIOUS MATERIALS.

 

Director of Operations Joe Pulver reviewed his request to extend some of the 2007 bid prices for various materials.  He indicated that language was incorporated in last year’s bids for possible extension of prices to 2008 if mutually agreed.  Six of the vendors have agreed to extend their 2007 prices to 2008.  There were a few who declined.

 

RESOLUTION APPROVING EXTENSION OF 2007 BID PRICES TO 2008 FOR VARIOUS MATERIALS.

 

RESOLUTION #019-08

 

Moved by Commissioner Rodgers and Supported by Commissioner Guenther.  3 yes, 0 no.  Resolution carried unanimously.

 

BE IT RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the Director of Operations, the Board approves the extension of 2007 bid prices to 2008 for the following Proposals:

 

A.            Proposal #1498 (2007) for mineral well brine for $0.17 per gallon.  The supplier is Michigan Mineral Resource of Albion.

B.            Proposal #1502 (2007) for treated timber structures for $3,795 per thousand board feet.  The supplier is Krenn Bridge Company of Vicksburg.

C.            Proposal #1506 (2007) for spray patching for $7.50 per gallon.  The supplier is Quality Asphalt of Mason.

D.            Proposal #1508 (2007) for overband crackfilling for $0.92 per pound.  The supplier is Interstate Sealant of Lansing.

E.            Proposal #1511 (2007) for processed road gravel, delivered and spread, for $12.35 per ton for 21AA and $8.10 per ton for 23A.  The supplier is Sunrise Aggregates of Dansville.

F.            Proposal #1518 (2007) for micro-surfacing for $2.87 per square yard.  The supplier is Pavement Maintenance Systems of Imlay City.

 

AGENDA ITEM #8B – EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF OT MIX ASPHALT.

 

Director of Operations Joe Pulver informed the Board that the asphalt plant was recently open for three days for an MDOT project.  He said the Road Commission took advantage and purchased 425 tons of hot asphalt in order to make more permanent repairs of potholes.  He said they are trying to repair the areas that are the worst.  Mr. Pulver recommended approval of the emergency purchase.

 

RESOLUTION APPROVING EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF HOT MIX ASPHALT.

 

RESOLUTION #020-08

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers.  3 yes, 0 no.  Resolution carried unanimously.

 

BE IT RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the Director of Operations, the Board approves the emergency purchase of approximately 500 tons of hot mixed asphalt from Aggregate Industries of Mason.  The cost is $70.00 per ton, or a total expenditure of $35,000.  This material is being used for a more permanent repair to many pothole areas.

 

AGENDA ITEM #8C – PURCHASE OF TIRE CHANGER FOR THE EQUIPMENT REPAIR SHOP.

 

Director of Operations Joe Pulver recommended the purchase of a new tire changer for the Equipment Repair Shop.  The current changer is old and inadequate for 16 inch and larger wheel sizes.  Quotes were received for a new one and the low quote is from Cornwell Quality Tools of Holt, for $6,993.00.  This piece of equipment is in the 2008 budget for replacement.  Vice Chair Guenther asked if the optional operator protector cage would be purchased?  Mr. Pulver said yes.

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A TIRE CHANGER FOR THE EQUIPMENT REPAIR SHOP.

 

RESOLUTION #021-08

 

Moved by Commissioner Rodgers and Supported by Commissioner Guenther.  3 yes, 0 no.  Resolution carried unanimously.

 

BE IT RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the Director of Operations, the Board approves the purchase of a tire changer from Cornwell Quality Tools of Holt, in the amount of $6,993.00.

 

AGENDA ITEM #9C – REQUEST FOR DRIVEWAY VARIANCE IN DELHI CHARTER TOWNSHIP.

 

Present for this discussion:  Joe White, Engineer with Wolverine Engineers & Surveyors, and Barry Wood, Architect with Keystone Design Group.

 

Permits and Development Supervisor Francisco Llinas presented that the Road Commission has received a request for a variance for the installation and replacement of two commercial driveways for the proposed Delhi Senior Center on the old VFW property on Cedar Street in Holt.  The site has approximately 266 feet of road frontage with two existing drive openings.  The proprietor is proposing the reconstruction of these driveways using MDOT type “M” openings spaced 153 feet apart near edge to near edge.  Mr. Llinas continued that the proposed north drive is a distance of 29 feet from the adjacent drive.  The south drive will be a distance of 89 feet to the nearest drive.  In accordance with Road Commission commercial drive standards, the spacing required for a road with a posted speed of 35 MPH is 150 feet.

 

Mr. Llinas said that the project engineer, Mr. Joseph White, has considered alternatives including a one-way drive with angled parking and a single drive for the site.  However, both options have negative impact by decreasing the number of parking spaces from 10 to 20.

 

Mr. Llinas said there are currently many commercial driveways on both sides of Cedar Street between Holt Road and Keller Road that do not meet the Road Commission’s required spacing standard.  The proposed drive configuration would allow smooth traffic flow and sufficient parking within the property.  Additionally, the reconstruction of the existing drives using Type “M” openings represent an improvement of the existing conditions for that section of Cedar Street.

 

Chair Smith asked if the engineering department recommends the variance.  Mr. Llinas said yes, especially considering that this will probably not generate a great amount of traffic.

 

Mr. Wood indicated that Delhi Township Supervisor Stuart Goodrich lives right next door to the site.  He said the township board has approved the site plan.

 

Commissioner Guenther stated he would like to see the township approval in writing.

 

RESOLUTION APPROVING DRIVEWAY VARIANCE FOR THE PROPOSED DELHI SENIOR CENTER LOCATED AT 2108 CEDAR STREET, HOLT.

 

RESOLUTION #022-08

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers.  3 yes, 0 no.  Resolution carried unanimously.

 

BE IT RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the Permits & Development Supervisor, Francisco J. Llinas, the Board approves the variance request to allow Delhi Senior Center to construct the commercial drives as shown on the site plan dated March 13, 2008.  This approval is contingent upon receiving written notification from Delhi Township that the Township Board has approved the site plan for this parcel.

 

AGENDA ITEM #10A – CONFIRM ACCOUNTS PAYABLE.

 

Moved by Commissioner Rodgers and Supported by Commissioner Guenther, that the accounts payable for the two week period of February 18-March 2, 2008, be confirmed as follows:  check numbers #90267 through #90355, totaling $228,398.54.  3 yes, 0 no.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

AGENDA ITEM #10B – TITLE SHEET FOR BARNES ROAD PROJECT.

 

Managing Director Bill Conklin related that the Director of Engineering has recommended approval and signing of the title sheet for the 2008 project on Barnes Road.  The project is scheduled to begin around mid to late June.

 

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TITLE SHEET FOR THE 2008 PROJECT ON BARNES ROAD IN AURELIUS TOWNSHIP.

 

RESOLUTION #023-08

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers.  3 yes, 0 no.  Resolution carried unanimously.

 

BE IT RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the Director of Engineering and concurrence by the Managing Director, the Board approved and signed the title sheet for the 2008 project on Barnes Road from Aurelius Road to College Road.

 

AGENDA ITEM #10C – LOCAL BRIDGE FUNDING PRIORITIES.

 

Managing Director Bill Conklin reviewed the recommendation from the Director of Engineering for prioritizing the local road bridge funding application projects.  He informed the Board that application has to be made by June 2, 2008, and these applications are for 2011 funding.  Only five applications can be made at a time.

 

Vice Chair Guenther commented that of these five bridges, three are currently one lane structures and the one on Columbia Road carries a large volume of traffic.  Commissioner Rodgers asked how these can be prioritized when they all have major issues, particularly the ones that are currently one lane structures?

 

Mr. Conklin stated that while he understands that, MDOT needs to know what we would want done first if only one were to be approved, and so on ranking all five structures.

 

Commissioner Rodgers asked that since Columbia Road is ranked number 3, if we only got two bridges, could we resurface the roadway in order to extend its life.  Mr. Conklin responded no, the Columbia Road structure is too far gone, the entire deck needs to be replaced.

 

RESOLUTION APPROVING RECOMMENDATION FOR LOCAL BRIDGE PROGRAM APPLICATION PRIORITIES.

 

RESOLUTION #024-08

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers.  3 yes, 0 no.  Resolution carried unanimously.

 

BE IT RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the Director of Engineering and concurrence by the Managing Director, the Board authorizes and supports the submission of applications for Local Bridge Program funding for the replacement of the following structures (in order of priority):

 

1.         The Willoughby Road Bridge over Sycamore Creek located in Alaiedon Township, Ingham County, Michigan.  Application for Local Bridge Program funds will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation. The Ingham County Road Commission will provide the local matching funds required for the replacement of the structure.  Identification of the bridge is:  MDOT Bridge ID 33301H00008B010, Structure No. 3890.  Sections 7 and 18 of Alaiedon Township, Ingham County, Michigan.

 

2.         The VanAtta Road Bridge over the Red Cedar River located in Meridian Charter Township, Ingham County, Michigan.  Application for Local Bridge Program funds will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation. The Ingham County Road Commission will provide the local matching funds required for the replacement of the structure.  Identification of the bridge is:  MDOT Bridge ID 33310H00023B010, Structure No. 3909.  Section 36 of Meridian Charter Township, Ingham County, Michigan.

 

3.         The Columbia Road Bridge over the Grand River located in Aurelius Township, Ingham County, Michigan.  Application for Local Bridge Program funds will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation. The Ingham County Road Commission will provide the local matching funds required for the replacement of the structure.  Identification of the bridge is:  MDOT Bridge ID 33200021000B010, Structure No. 3862.  Sections 6 and 7 of Aurelius Township, Ingham County, Michigan.

 

4.         The Zimmer Road Bridge over the Red Cedar River located in Williamstown Township, Ingham County, Michigan.  Application for Local Bridge Program funds will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation. The Ingham County Road Commission will provide the local matching funds required for the replacement of the structure.  Identification of the bridge is:  MDOT Bridge ID 33316H00033B010, Structure No. 3924.  Section 27 of Williamstown Township, Ingham County, Michigan.

 

5.         The Noble Road Bridge over Doan Creek located in Leroy Township, Ingham County, Michigan.  Application for Local Bridge Program funds will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation. The Ingham County Road Commission will provide the local matching funds required for the replacement of the structure.  Identification of the bridge is:  MDOT Bridge ID 33307H00007B010, Structure No. 3899.  Sections 8 and 17 of Leroy Township, Ingham County, Michigan.

 

AGENDA ITEM #10D – ACT 51 MILEAGE REPORT AND CERTIFICATION.

 

Managing Director Bill Conklin stated the Director of Engineering has recommended Board approval of the Act 51 Mileage Report and Certification, and authorization for the Chair to sign the cover sheet.  This is due to be submitted to MDOT by March 31st.

 

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ACT 51 MILEAGE REPORT AND CERTIFICATION.

 

RESOLUTION #025-08

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers.  3 yes, 0 no.  Resolution carried unanimously.

 

BE IT RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the Director of Engineering and concurrence by the Managing Director, the Board approves the Act 51 Mileage Report and Certification and authorizes the Chair to sign the cover sheet.

 

AGENDA ITEM #10E – 2008 SEASONAL POSITIONS.

 

Managing Director Bill Conklin reviewed the staff request for seasonal positions for 2008.  Operations has requested five positions and Engineering has requested three.  The 2008 budget for seasonal positions is $12,000.  The cost for eight positions is approximately $40,000.  Mr. Conklin said that the scope of the 2008 signal work at Marsh Road and Newman Road has been reduced and the additional $28,000 needed for the seasonal positions can be transferred from this signal budget item.

 

Commissioner Rodgers asked if the gentleman who worked for the Engineering Department last year who agreed to stay later in the fall to help us, would be coming back this year.  Mr. Conklin said yes, if he is interested.  Commissioner Rodgers suggested contacting MSU’s minority engineering program to enlist applicants for the other two engineering positions.

 

Engineering Department Construction Engineer Rick Phillips stated there have been two minorities and three females who have worked in the past in seasonal positions for the Engineering Department.  He suggested that LCC has a similar program and that they be contacted as well.

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADVERTISING FOR THE 2008 SUMMER SEASONAL EMPLOYEE POSITIONS.

 

RESOLUTION #026-08

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Rodgers.  3 yes, 0 no.  Resolution carried unanimously.

 

BE IT RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the Managing Director, the Board approves and authorizes advertising and filling the eight recommended summer seasonal positions for 2008.

 

AGENDA ITEM #10F – STAFFING RECOMMENDATION.

 

Managing Director Bill Conklin stated that in accordance with his written recommendation, justification, and proposed job descriptions, he requested authorization to create and open for advertising, two Non-Bargaining positions, i.e., Director of Finance and Human Resources Director.  In keeping with comparisons of other county road commissions and the County of Ingham, Mr. Conklin recommended the Director of Finance position be at a Grade 5 level in the Non-Bargaining employees pay scale, and the Human Resources Director position be at a Grade 4 level in the Non-Bargaining employees pay scale.

 

Commissioner Guenther suggested that since applications are going to be accepted and interviews conducted for the seasonal positions, that only one of these director positions be opened and filled immediately.  The second one can be done at a later date.  Mr. Conklin said he would open and fill the Director of Finance position first.

 

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CREATION AND FILLING OF A DIRECTOR OF FINANCE POSITION AND A HUMAN RESOURCES POSITION.

 

RESOLUTION #027-08

 

Moved by Commissioner Guenther and Supported by Commissioner Smith.  Commissioner Smith, yes, Commissioner Guenther, yes, Commissioner Rodgers, abstain.  2 yes, 1 abstain, 0 no.  Resolution carried.

 

BE IT RESOLVED that upon recommendation of the Managing Director, the Board authorizes creating, opening and advertising for two non-bargaining positions, i.e., a Finance Director position and a Human Resources Director position.  The Finance Director position will be a Grade 5 on the non-bargaining employees wage scale, and the Human Resources Director will be a Grade 4 on the non-bargaining employees wage scale.

 

AGENDA ITEM #11 – BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES.

 

A.            Commissioner Guenther thanked the crews for keeping on top of the pothole problem and keeping us out of the press the last few weeks.  He said the crews have done a wonderful job with patching.

 

B.            Commissioner Guenther announced that Larry Hawkins passed away recently.  Mr. Hawkins’ residence is adjacent to the Aurelius Gravel Pit. 

 

C.            Commissioner Rodgers stated she wanted to echo Commissioner Guenther’s comments and said the crews have done a wonderful job with winter maintenance.

 

D.            Commissioner Rodgers stated that this year’s CRAM conference was outstanding from beginning to end.  She said all of the sessions she attended were outstanding.  She commended Mr. Bair of Oakland County on the presentation he did regarding the Bill to return the money the state took to balance the budget.  She said she contacted Representative Cushingberry’s office in support of the Bill.  His office told her there isn’t too much opposition to the Bill and they hope it gets through the House.  Commissioner Rodgers said she also called Ed Noyola and spoke with him regarding this issue.

 

E.         Chair Smith echoed the sentiments of Commissioner Guenther and Commissioner Rodgers regarding the work done on winter maintenance this year by the crews.  They’ve done a fabulous job.  He said he is looking forward to seeing the pothole repair list later this spring.  There are some real craters out there!  The repairs will be an extremely expensive undertaking.

 

F.            Commissioner Rodgers stated that regarding one of the sessions she attended at the CRAM conference, she learned that the State also collects the six percent sales tax at the front end of the gas at the pump.  She said she did not realize that.  Commissioner Guenther stated there is no better time than now to talk about a gas tax increase, considering the state of the road system with potholes this year.

 

G.            Managing Director Conklin asked the Board if they want to continue approving and signing title sheets for road construction projects.  He said he doesn’t think it is necessary, unless the Board wants to continue doing so.  Mr. Conklin stated he has not seen this done before.  He indicated that the plans are accepted, sealed and signed by the County Highway Engineer.  Mr. Conklin said he does not think it is legally necessary for the Board to sign them.  The Board agreed that if it is not legally necessary, then they no longer need to approve and sign title sheets for projects.

 

No public comment was offered.  The meeting adjourned at 6:55 P.M.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

Larry R. Smith, Chair                                                     Deborah L. Bellows, Secretary to the Board