David Belden

The Committee of the Whole meeting agenda included several key discussions relating to county operations and finance. Old Business items covered the COVID-19 Response Update, including building access policies and updates on the American Recovery Grant (ARPA). Other discussion points included an update from the Finance Committee meeting, and a tour of county buildings. New Business featured a Sheriff Fleet Overview presentation with Enterprise Fleet Service regarding an aging fleet, review of the DHHS Annual Report, Animal Control staffing, bid results for a standby generator, grant agreements (HMEP), a Prosecutor consulting agreement, Register of Deeds legislation, Treasurer items such as credit cards and commissary account authorization, appointments to the Parks Board, and consideration of a resolution regarding 4-year Commissioner terms.

The meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the September 5, 2023 meeting, as well as the acceptance of the Financial Report. Key unfinished business involved finalizing options for public input on the County Master Plan, including the decision to use a draft survey and establish a plan for survey distribution and public forums. The Commission also determined that the 2023 goal regarding the status of dams in Osceola County had been met. New business included discussion with the MSU Extension Land Use Coordinator regarding a grant-funded partnership opportunity for solar farm planning, leading to a motion encouraging the County Board of Commissioners to enter into an agreement for a landowner survey. Additionally, an Economic Development Update was provided by the Middle Michigan Development Corporation, covering local activities and a review of a marketing video for the Evart Industrial Park.

A meeting of the Osceola County Planning Commission was called to order, but due to a lack of quorum, no motions were made. The agenda was adjusted to feature Rebecca Bode, Recycling Educator and Coordinator for the Missaukee County Recycling Program, who provided an update on their program, detailing funding mechanisms through a USDA grant, reliance on various labor sources, and current low revenue from recyclables. Due to the lack of quorum, several items from the previous meeting were tabled, including the approval of January 20, 2016 recommendations and minutes, acceptance of the financial report, and additions to 2016 goals. New business included a review of a January 22, 2016 MLive article regarding underground gas well records.

The agenda for the Committee of the Whole meeting included several discussion items. Old Business involved updates from the MERS Ad Hoc Committee and the Health, Safety & Grounds Committee. New Business covered topics such as Sheriff Inmate Housing Rates, Treasurer items including 2021 budget amendments after January 1, 2022, and the MI Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) Provider Participation Agreement. Other New Business included the County Education Coordinator Job Description, appointments of Deputy Medical Examiners, the Continuity of Operations Plan, the E.M.D. Homeland Security FY21 Grant Agreement, the MERS Defined Contribution Plan, the MSU Extension Services Agreement FY22, the LCM Surveying & Engineering, Inc. FY21 Agreement, the Remonumentation FY22 Grant Application, the Board of Commissioners 2022 Meeting Schedule, and a request for a Closed Session regarding Collective Bargaining Agreements.

The Committee of the Whole meeting addressed several key operational and financial items. Agenda approvals were passed, followed by a review of county claims totaling $114,052.76. Budget amendments and the Treasurer's Journal Register were approved. Updates included information on the CDBG CARES grant, which the Board subsequently approved for signature authorization. A decision was made allowing departments to close between December 28th and 30th, provided departments service the public by appointment. The CESF Grant Addendum was approved for signature. Discussions also covered the Prosecutor's second office space, an update on the Social Media Policy, and revisions to the Friend of the Court job description, including approving a new description for the Assistant Friend of the Court and allowing the Friend of the Court to fill Enforcement and Accountant positions. The incoming Sheriff Elect presented several items, resulting in approvals to fill a vacant Road Patrol Deputy position, establish the 2021 Undersheriff position compensation and benefits (including canine officer maintenance), and move the Sheriff and Undersheriff into the MERS B3 nonunion retirement group effective January 1, 2021. The Treasurer's office secured approvals for continuing 2020 budget amendments into the new year, the Tax Deferment for Elderly, Disabled, etc. resolution, the Osceola County Investment Policy resolution for 2021, and the Depositor Resolution for 2021. Finally, the updated job description for the Community Corrections Director was approved, and the Board set the date for its organizational meeting for January 5, 2021.