Doreen Clark

Key discussions included the recommendation to authorize the hiring of a Veterans Services Officer at Step 1, based on the candidate's extensive qualifications and certifications, with a step re-evaluation planned after one year. The committee also recommended approving a change to the CMH Table of Organization to eliminate the vacant Triage/MICCS Clinical Coordinator position and create a full-time Intake/DBT Supervisor position to meet new Region 10 requirements, noted as budget-neutral for the County General Fund. Furthermore, the committee recommended amending the recently adopted Paid Vacation Policy to set the effective date for all new full-time non-union employees hired on or after January 1, 2025.

This five-year Parks & Recreation Plan serves as a strategic guide for the management and development of parks, recreational lands, and open spaces across Lapeer County. It outlines priorities and goals to ensure long-term stewardship, enhance public access, and meet the evolving needs of residents and visitors. The plan focuses on four key areas: operating existing facilities sustainably, increasing planning and development for new opportunities, fostering intergovernmental cooperation, and preserving natural features, open space, and farmland, including addressing underserved areas within the county.

The full board meeting included opening ceremonies with prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Agenda amendments were approved, including the addition of motions from the Properties Committee meeting. Discussions covered the approval of minutes from the previous regular board meeting, which included an amendment regarding the Lapeer County Separation Policy and related addendums. The board authorized Central Dispatch to purchase Dell computers for compliance, and approved an increase in monthly service fees for county-provided internet services, effective January 1, 2026. Approvals were also granted for the construction contract for the remodeling of the county building located at 1505 Suncast Drive, and for the release of a Request for Bid (RFB) for household hazardous waste collection events. Motions were passed to authorize contracts for the historic courthouse flooring restoration project and to upgrade the Sofa Central email protection subscription. The board also initiated the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for the construction of a new Community Mental Health (CH) building and authorized engagement letters for legal counsel and financial advisory services related to the CH bond project. Several board appointments were confirmed across various committees, including the Central Dispatch Authority 911 Board, the Community Mental Health Board, the Emergency Management Advisory Council (EMAC), and the Valley Area on Aging (VAOA). Finally, the payment of mileage expense reimbursement for a commissioner and the approval of county and road commission audits were addressed.

The Personnel Committee agenda was approved, and the minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting were approved. Discussions included authorizing the District Court to provide one week of paid overlap training for a new Court Clerk I due to staff shortages, primarily related to criminal case docket training. The committee also authorized the Prosecuting Attorney's Office to hire one transitional Prosecuting Intern (December 1, 2025 – June 1, 2026) and one temporary traditional Prosecuting Intern (December 1, 2025 – September 1, 2026), both paid from the Prosecutor's budget. Furthermore, the Committee recommended approval of the revised Lapeer County Compensation and Transfer policy to the Committee of the Whole, and approved designating the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners as the authorized plan signer for MERS to expedite plan changes. The Health Department received authorization to hire a candidate for the vacant Public Health Nurse I position at Step 1 based on extensive experience. Finally, the County Administrator was authorized to research and negotiate with MERS regarding establishing a minimum employment requirement for future MERS eligibility. The committee also agreed to adjust future meeting dates to Mondays or Wednesdays.

The meeting commenced with the call to order, role call establishing a quorum, opening prayer, and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the October 23rd regular board meeting. Elected officials and department heads provided updates. The Sheriff discussed the aftermath of an officer-involved shooting, detailing the independent investigation by the State Police, the justification of the deputies' actions, and the ongoing care for the suspect. An update on Community Corrections funding for FY26 was provided, noting an increase in award despite increased county participation and delays in contract finalization. Public time addressed proposed county-wide camera installation, raising Fourth Amendment and privacy concerns, and also included commentary on the reappointment of a member to the Lapeer District Library Board of Trustees.