Muskegon County

The meeting included the approval of the minutes from July 7, 2020. Public comment addressed concerns regarding proposed changes to the public transportation system (MATS), specifically opposing changes that would eliminate seniors from the Go Bus service and expressing worry about the impact on low-income individuals and those with disabilities needing access for medical appointments and groceries. Another public commenter opposed proceeding with the MATS proposal (items 57, 58, 59), citing concerns about discrimination, unequal impact of service reductions, lack of resident input in the federally funded transit services planning process, and non-compliance with Limited English Proficiency standards in past reports. The committee also discussed budget updates, including applications for reimbursement grants under Senate Bill 690 and allocated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for COVID-related expenses. A significant portion of the meeting involved debate over approving payment of accounts payable for June 20th to July 3rd, 2020, and approving the second amendment for Muskegon County Human Resources to continue providing services to the City of Muskegon through June 30, 2023, with some commissioners questioning the financial structure and timing of the latter item. Finally, a motion was made to authorize MATS to implement a service change proposal effective September 27, 2020, which would remove the fixed route and Go Bus system in place prior to COVID-19 and implement new routes and ADA service based on a recent operational analysis.

The meeting included public comment where a representative from Fruitport Township discussed modifying the proposed Downtown Development Authority (DDA) footprint, particularly in light of a future casino development, aiming to focus on including the mall area and potentially stopping development at Sternberg to aid in sewer and water improvements. The committee handled several items for consideration, including the approval of Accounts Payable payments totaling over $18.3 million for specific periods in September and October 2020. Business also involved approving the renewal of assessment administration services for Fruitport Township and authorizing the County Board of Commissioners Chair to execute the agreement. Further agenda items included approving the use of an inter-local agreement for a county designated assessor and adopting the 2020 Apportionment Report from the Muskegon County Equalization Department. The committee also authorized the airport to apply for funding in MDOT's fiscal year 2021 pavement preservation program. Several human resources items were approved, including selecting Infinite Source as the third-party administrator for Cobra and Section 125 benefits, renewing Reliance Standard for basic life and long-term disability insurance, and contracting with Delta Dental for dental benefits for active employees and retirees.

The meeting required multiple procedural motions, including a motion to return to open session following an executive session, which involved a roll call vote. A primary agenda item addressed the authorization of a settlement in the case of BMA Leaking Scaf Llc versus City of Montague et al., in the amount of six thousand five hundred dollars, which was also subject to a roll call vote. Following these actions, a motion to adjourn the meeting was passed.

The meeting addressed several items for consideration, primarily focused on resource recovery center operations and engineering projects. Key discussions involved the authorization to bid the gas collection system expansion project and the reclassification of an engineering operations and maintenance management position, effective February 23, 2022, due to changes in responsibilities. The board also discussed the sale of two used trucks from the resource recovery center, noting internal discussions about retaining the four-wheel drive trucks. Furthermore, authorization was granted to proceed with a pre-engineering soil study for the Aid to Sea Force Main, and approval was sought for constructing an office for the Resource Recovery Center Operations Maintenance Supervisor, requiring an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget. Discussions also touched upon the existing contract with the engineering services provider and the necessity of monitoring quotes.

The meeting commenced with administrative procedures, including a roll call and an invocation, followed by the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the February 11th, 2024, regular and closed sessions. Public comment was not utilized. Committee reports included updates from Community Development and Strategic Planning (meeting February 18th with no action items) and Transportation (meeting February 18th with approval of motion TR 2002). The Ways and Means Committee discussed several items (WM2002-17 through 21 and HHS-02-9), including an amendment related to hiring for the sheriff or prosecutor's office, which required a subsequent full vote. The Chairman's report involved the reappointment of Sheryl Nati to the Health West Board of Directors and a proclamation declaring March 30th, 2020, as Spark Success Day. Committee liaisons provided updates, notably Commissioner Learing detailing the multifaceted community response, led by Shire (Community Health Improve), to the closure of Muskegon Family Care, involving resource coordination from various agencies, potential state and federal funding applications to support Hackley Community Care, and assistance for laid-off employees. Discussions also covered ongoing issues with the Road Commission regarding ditch maintenance and large farm equipment hauling manure. The Veterans Committee reported on selecting a new PR for the organization and noted the health status of the former chair. Finally, a reminder was given regarding Medicaid recipients potentially facing work or training requirements. Kathy Moore, Public Health Director, provided an update confirming zero positive cases of novel coronavirus in Muskegon County.