Chippewa County

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Additions or deletions to the agenda were discussed, resulting in a motion to add discussion regarding the summer meeting schedule under old business. The board then acknowledged the receipt of correspondence and forwarded items to various committees. Public comment was a significant portion of the meeting, focusing heavily on continued support for Northern Transitions (NTI), which operates a recycling program and provides employment and training services, particularly for individuals with special needs. Concerns were raised regarding the financial implications if millage support were withdrawn and the potential negative impact on NTI's ability to serve the community, as well as service continuity if recycling were privatized. One commissioner publicly acknowledged the clerk's thorough inclusion of public comments in the previous minutes. The board also approved the minutes from the March 10, 2014, regular meeting.

The meeting began with roll call and subsequent approval of the agenda and the minutes from the February 8th regular board meeting. Discussions involved acknowledging correspondence received by the clerk's office, which was forwarded to appropriate committees for review, particularly resolutions from Bay County and another county. Public comment included a representative from Superior Insurance Agency introducing their services for employee benefits coordination, and the Invasive Species Program Coordinator for the Chickalouma Conservation District requesting Chippewa County become an official partner in their Three Shores program, which prompted a detailed discussion regarding potential liabilities and financial commitments. The board ultimately decided to forward the partnership proposal to the legislative committee for further review. Old business centered on accepting the immediate resignation of Dale French from the Department of Veterans Affairs, followed by the initiation of procedures to advertise the vacancy and the passing of a special tribute resolution recognizing his 24 years of service. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to opposing Section 298 of the executive budget proposal concerning the privatization of mental health services, citing concerns over increased overhead costs and potential cuts to client services. Finally, the board supported a resolution opposing this section of the budget.

The meeting included approval of the current agenda and the minutes from the July 22, 2025 meeting. Key discussions focused on the review of Tier II Sites, including coordination on a Pullar's Plan for the Big Bear Ice Arena and ongoing work for Large Fuel Storage Sites, as well as beginning site plan work for Sanderson Airport. The committee also discussed the status of a US Coast Guard Trailer transfer, reviewed four Department of Defense (DoD) notices regarding Explosive Dump Sites, and noted that planning for the 2024-2025 HMEP Grant would commence in November 2025 following County Board approval. Further discussion covered response and improvement steps following a Hazardous Waste Incident in Whitefish Township and an oil sheen incident on the Waiska River. Committee members also shared updates on a recent brown-out at LSSU, decon processes, spill responsibilities, and designated new contacts for Sault Tribe Hazmat/LEPC matters.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and acknowledgments of received correspondence. Public comments focused on the accessibility of county surveyor records, issues related to substance use disorder prevention and treatment funding, and questions regarding school millage tax appropriations and potential property tax increases influenced by the World Economic Forum. Business addressed during committee reports included the approval of the Chippewa County Health Department's Fiscal Year 2022 audit presentation and the approval of the department's plan of organization. Central Dispatch policy updates, including general orders for law enforcement dispatch and 988 mental health calls, were reviewed and approved, along with the approval of subscriptions for Rave opt-in text alerts and Net Motion software renewal, and the replacement of a UPS unit. Purchases authorized for the Sheriff's Department included an enclosed trailer, a Can-Am four-wheeler, and a Polaris Ranger ATV, to be reimbursed by the Stone Garden program. The board also approved the submission of the Fiscal Year 2024 91st District Court Mental Health Court grant request, funding for the Register of Deeds co-file restoration project, and changes to the Veterans Affairs Grant to include food vouchers. Finally, an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Forest Service and the Conservation District regarding an invasive species program was approved.

The Board of Commissioners meeting included discussions and approvals on several agenda items. Key decisions involved the approval of the Finance Committee agenda, which added a request for Sheriff's Office Road Patrol Officer wages. Correspondence was acknowledged and forwarded. The Board approved the bid from JAMA Development for health department office clinic renovations and authorized reposting the request for quotations for exterior entrance door replacement and interior door security installation, to be funded by a public health infrastructure grant. The renewal of the Advanced Correctional Health Care contract for inmate prescription medication services was approved with conditions for seeking alternatives, despite a significant cost increase. Approval was granted to donate retired Sheriff's Office vehicles to LSSU and Sue High School, transfer one to the Building Department, and scrap another. Sponsorship for up to three individuals to attend the M. Kohl's Academy was approved using grant funds. The hiring of Donald Kurther as a new road patrol deputy was authorized at a three-year rate of pay based on experience. The purchase of two new pager talk groups for the Office of Emergency Services was approved, with one being reimbursed by NZA. Engineering services for the central dispatch electrical room renovation were approved. A Memorandum of Understanding with the Vietnam Veterans of America, Michigan State Council, concerning veteran records access was authorized. The Medical Examiner's proposal for forensic pathology autopsy services was approved. The 2025 remonumentation completion report expenditures were approved. An agreement for a Gadsby 75 actuarial role forward valuation was approved. The renewal of property and liability insurance for FY2026 was approved, involving changes to the self-insured retention and deductibles to achieve premium savings. Finally, payment for October County and Health Department bills and payroll was recommended, followed by entering into a closed session to approve the collective bargaining agreement between Chipua County and the Police Officers Labor Council representing the Corrections Unit.