Brian Gutowski

The Ways & Means Committee meeting addressed the finance report, which included the review and approval of January 2026 claims summaries and on-demand checks totaling $2,794,793.10, comprising payrolls and separation payouts. Key actions included recommending entering into an agreement with Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company for OPEB Actuarial Services, and recommending support for a conceptual lease agreement with Mobile Medical Response (MMR) to build a facility on County-owned property, which would lead to an ambulance service agreement. The committee also recommended the approval of a payment for unused accumulated PTO for a former employee.

The regular meeting agenda for the Manistee County Board of Commissioners includes standard opening procedures, approval of the agenda, and the consent agenda items. The consent agenda covers the minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting and the February 2026 monthly appropriations and fund transfers, detailed in Appendix A. Scheduled discussions include committee reports from Policy/Personnel, Ways & Means/Technology, Public Safety, Joint Court, Public Defender, Green Team/Recycling, and updates from the Road Commission and Airport Authority. A specific time is set aside for Board/Commission Appointments, including filling a vacancy on the Manistee County Fair Board. Miscellaneous items include an update on the County-Wide ORV Ordinance, correspondence regarding Planning and Brownfield updates, and a memo from the County Treasurer. Public comment periods are scheduled both before and after the main agenda items.

The meeting commenced with the nomination and unanimous vote for the 2026 Vice Chair and Secretary/Treasurer positions. Key discussions included the review of the financial report for October through December 2025, noting minimal administrative cost overages related to completed demolitions. An update confirmed the finalization of the Bear Lake property (Java Lodge) transfer. Significant time was spent reviewing the Blight Elimination projects, particularly the 7780 Lake Street project where rehabilitation costs significantly exceeded grant funds, leading to a discussion of four potential paths forward, with demolition being deemed the most viable option under current constraints. A special meeting was scheduled for February 2nd, 2026, to review updated information for this project. Extensions were granted for the 518 First Street project due to weather and permitting delays, and for the 141 Washington Street Project with a final deadline of June 1st, 2026. Board members also discussed recent news regarding nonconforming lots and zoning standards in the City of Manistee, and deferred further discussion on the procurement policy to the next meeting. The proposed meeting calendar was approved.

The meeting included the approval of the amended agenda and the Treasurer's Report. The Board approved the payment of January bills totaling $139,545.59. The Director's Report noted plans to schedule a Technology Committee Meeting to discuss purchasing radios for encryption, provided updates on the Financial Audit, and mentioned the beginning of a search to upgrade the Fire/EMS notification system. The Deputy Director reported on participation in a Reunification Exercise at MAPS and advised on upcoming similar trainings. New business included updates on upcoming trainings by City PD for agency participation, the recertification of City PD's Accreditation, and the announcement that Onekama School would host a Career Day on March 11th, 2026, and that their new engine is now in service.

The Public Safety Committee meeting included presentations of monthly statistics for December 2025 from the Sheriff's Office, noting a significant collection of knives at the courthouse entrance and planned drone acquisition by the Sheriff's department. The Jail Administrator reported on current staffing shortages and upcoming training. The City Fire Chief updated the committee on the fire station being placed on the National Register of Historical Places, and reported year-end 2025 incident numbers, noting that 80% of calls were EMS related. Discussions also covered progress on forming a Fire District involving several townships, with dedicated funding for attorney fees. The Emergency Manager provided an update on 911/Central Dispatch statistics and upcoming audits and conferences. The Mobile Medical Response (MMR) operations manager reviewed statistics, noted staffing shortfalls (specifically for paramedics), and mentioned long-term plans for building a station in the northern part of the county. The State Police reported on 2025 statistics, including traffic stops and OWI arrests, and potential staffing changes.