Berrien County public meetings in 2021

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is considering a resolution to modify the 2021 General Fund Budget by approving appropriations and transfers totaling up to $2.6 million. The transfers would fund health care insurance, capital projects, vehicle capital, and other fund balance transfers. The resolution also authorizes the County Administrator/Controller to make necessary budget transfers and amend the resolution as needed for the fiscal year's conclusion.

• Up to $1,000,000 transfer to Health Care Insurance Fund
• Up to $1,000,000 transfer to Capital Projects Fund
• Up to $300,000 transfer to Vehicle Capital Fund
• Up to $300,000 for other fund balance transfers
• Total transfers authorized up to $2,600,000

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting virtually to handle year-end business, including a resolution for a General Fund year-end appropriation. The agenda is brief and contains only this one substantive item.

• Resolution F2112391 – General Fund Year-End Appropriation

The Berrien County Finance Committee approved Finance Resolution F2112391, authorizing $2.6 million in year-end transfers, with a 3-0 vote (one absent). The committee also reviewed the year-end estimate of funds, projecting a $762,065 decrease in fund balance. Commissioner Scott requested a breakdown of overtime by department and asked about potential COVID funds for the Health and Sheriff's Departments; the chair suggested sending this information to the Committee on Committees.

• Approved Finance Resolution F2112391 for $2.6M year-end transfers (3-0, 1 absent)
• Requested overtime breakdown by department and COVID fund inquiry referred to Committee on Committees

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to discuss the county strategic plan, plan topics for the January 6th meeting, and consider a grant writing contract with SWMPC. They will also discuss adding three new non-voting members and a StoryMap draft presentation.

• Discussion of Berrien County Strategic Plan
• StoryMap Draft Presentation for January 6th meeting
• Connected Nation Michigan presentation by Dan Manning on January 20th
• Grant Writing Contract with SWMPC
• Inclusion of three new non-voting members

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force discussed a recommendation to allocate $6 million in ARPA funds for high-speed internet, as presented by Jim Hettinger. No formal decisions were made; the group covered upcoming meeting topics, including a story map draft, a guest speaker, and a grant writing contract. They also discussed inviting three local municipal leaders as general public participants with no formal role.

• Discussed $6M ARPA allocation recommendation for broadband (no vote)
• Story map draft expected in January (no action)
• Grant writing contract with SWMPC to be finalized in New Year (no action)
• Invited three municipal leaders as general public participants (no formal role)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive an update from the Prosecutor and hold a Q&A with county administrators. The committee will also conduct routine business, including approving minutes, discussing sheriff's funds distribution, and considering resolutions.

• Prosecutor update by Steve Pierangeli
• Q&A with Annette Christie, Brian Dissette, and Mac Elliott
• Minutes of December 2, 2021
• Sheriff's Funds Distribution
• Resolutions

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee is meeting to approve routine personnel matters, including an advanced step hire for Animal Control, monthly pension refunds, quarterly retirements, a pension lost credited service purchase, and a collective bargaining settlement resolution. The Health Department will also present a resolution for approval. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of Advanced Step Hire Request – Animal Control
• Approval of Resolution P2112 387, Collective Bargaining Settlement
• Approval of Monthly Pension Refunds
• Approval of Quarterly Retirements
• Approval of Pension Lost Credited Service Purchase

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved several personnel actions, including an advanced step hire for Rebekah Capiak as Animal Control Volunteer and Event Coordinator at an annualized salary of $31,821. They also approved pension refund/rollover requests, quarterly retirements, a prior credited service purchase, and reviewed collective bargaining agreements for dispatchers and supervisors. All votes were unanimous (3-0).

• Approved minutes from 12/02/2021 (3-0)
• Approved advanced step hire for Rebekah Capiak, Animal Control Volunteer and Event Coordinator, grade 4, step 3, $31,821 annualized (3-0)
• Approved monthly pension refund/rollover requests (3-0)
• Approved quarterly retirements (3-0)
• Approved prior credited service purchase request by Lenette Nelson (3-0)
• Reviewed and signed resolutions for Dispatchers/Call Takers and Dispatch Supervisors collective bargaining agreements
• Reviewed and signed resolutions for November per diems ($4,289.04), adding five Medium Equipment Operators to Road Department, and MSUE annual work plan agreement
• Reviewed and signed resolutions for Michigan Medical Marijuana Act application ($42,577) and ALE Ambassadors agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Chairman to execute the annual work plan agreement with Michigan State University for Extension Services in Berrien County for FY2022. The county's assessment for MSU is $245,733, as approved in the budget. The agreement has been reviewed by Corporate Counsel.

• Authorizes execution of MSU Extension annual work plan for FY2022
• County assessment for MSU: $245,733
• Agreement reviewed by Corporate Counsel

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee to approve the auditing report for December 9–15, 2021, totaling $1,197,141.79. This is a routine financial approval item.

• Approval of auditing report for Dec 9–15, 2021 in the amount of $1,197,141.79

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to establish a self-supporting Commissary Fund (595.0) for the jail commissary. The fund would track revenues and expenses, with no county markup and any surplus used to benefit inmates.

• Establish Commissary Fund (595.0) for Berrien County Jail
• Commissary operated by contracted provider
• No inventory maintained by county
• No markup on items; contractor pays commission
• Surplus funds to benefit jail inmate population

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee to transfer $3,857,165 from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund to the General Fund as surplus. The resolution also continues the 2022 Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund and authorizes the issuance of General Obligation Limited Tax Notes to fund it. This action is part of the county's annual process for managing delinquent property taxes.

• Transfer of $3,857,165 from Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund to General Fund
• Continuation of the 2022 Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund
• Authorization to issue General Obligation Limited Tax Notes, Series 2018
• Amendment of paragraphs 101 and 102 of the September 2017 Resolution

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee that would designate specific banks and credit unions where the county treasurer may deposit or invest public monies, including tax funds, for fiscal year 2022. The resolution also allows use of any insured state or federally chartered financial institution with a Michigan office, and requires interest rates comparable to or better than published rates for similar municipal investments.

• Designates 16 financial institutions for county deposits, including Morgan Stanley, Huntington Bank, Fifth Third Bank, and JP Morgan Chase Bank
• Lists local institutions such as United Federal Credit Union (St. Joseph), Teachers Credit Union (New Buffalo), and Honor Credit Union (Berrien Springs)
• Allows any insured bank or credit union with a Michigan branch to be used
• Requires interest rates comparable to or better than published municipal investment rates

Resolutions

The County Administration Committee recommends accepting a supplemental award under the FY 2021 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) through the American Rescue Plan Act. This funding is intended to support emergency management programs and offsets costs for the Emergency Management Coordinator's salary.

• Acceptance of FY 2021 EMPG ARPA supplemental award
• Grant agreement with Michigan State Police
• Total award amount of $77,134

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on Resolution B2112105 to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $8,897,481.78, as listed in the attached reports. The items include blanket contracts for jail health care, utilities, fuel, and various services, as well as appropriations to senior centers and mental health. The resolution allows individual commissioners to abstain from specific requisitions via an attached statement.

• Jail health care contracts: Correct Care Solutions/Wellpath ($1.4M) and Correct RX Pharmacy ($340,921)
• Senior center millage distributions: seven centers at $360,988 each
• Utility contracts for county buildings, including Indiana & Michigan Power and Constellation NewEnergy
• Road department equipment: AIS Midland Machinery road widener ($98,310) and Felling trailer ($66,060)
• Fuel contracts for road department: Co-Alliance, Pri-Mar, Ceres Solutions (total $465,000)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to appoint Kevin Stack as Interim Road Department Director, effective January 1, 2022, at step 1 of the pay scale ($97,266). The appointment follows an interim director serving since February 2021 under a contract expiring at year-end.

• Appointment of Kevin Stack as Interim Road Department Director
• Effective date January 1, 2022
• Salary set at step 1 of pay scale: $97,266

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to formally appoint Thaddeus J. Hackworth as Corporate Counsel, effective January 3, 2022, for a three-year term through December 31, 2024. The position has been filled by an interim counsel since March 2020. The resolution sets the base salary at $128,000 per year with annual increases matching those of appointed officials, and includes a benefit package per the employment agreement and Non-Union Employee handbook.

• Appointment of Thaddeus J. Hackworth as Corporate Counsel effective Jan 3, 2022
• Three-year employment term through Dec 31, 2024
• Base salary of $128,000 per year
• Annual salary increases equivalent to appointed officials
• Employment agreement to be executed at the Dec 16, 2021 board meeting

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee recommending approval of commissioner per diems for November 2021 in the amount of $4,289.04. The agenda contains only this single item, which is a routine administrative approval.

• Approval of commissioner per diems for November 2021: $4,289.04

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will hold its annual meeting to consider a consent calendar of routine resolutions, including renewing contracts for psychiatric and drug lab services, establishing a jail commissary fund, and approving salary increases. The board will also vote on two union agreements, appoint an interim road department director, and approve a road abandonment.

• Renew agreement with Riverwood for psychiatric services for juveniles
• Renew annual contract with Andrews University for drug lab services
• Establish Commissary Fund for Jail Inmates
• Authorize salary increase for appointed and non-union employees
• Approve road abandonment in Watervliet Charter Township

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Police Officers Labor Council for public safety dispatchers and call takers, covering January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. The board also approved a consent calendar with multiple resolutions, including appointments, contracts, and grants. All votes were unanimous with no nays.

• Approved collective bargaining agreement with Police Officers Labor Council (9-0)
• Approved consent calendar including per diems, bills, requisitions, and contracts (9-0)
• Approved appointments to Health & Human Services, Planning Commission, and other boards (9-0)
• Approved work plan with Michigan State University (9-0)
• Approved minutes of December 9, 2021 regular and special meetings (9-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the process and progress of updating the Berrien County Master Plan, which was last adopted in 2015. The update, required by state law every five years, is being done with consultant Williams & Works and is in Phase 2 (data and analysis), including community engagement results. A draft plan is expected by April 2022, followed by review and adoption.

• Master Plan update required by Michigan Planning Enabling Acts, PA 33 of 2008
• Williams & Works selected as consultant
• Online community survey conducted August-September 2021
• Draft plan expected April 2022
• ARPA priorities to be considered in update

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss a General Fund status update, consider bids for countywide tree removal and an Eau Claire garage heater, and handle routine business including waiver requests, approval of weekly bills, and meeting minutes.

• Bid 2021-062 – Countywide Tree Removal – Road Department
• Bid 2021-063 – Eau Claire Garage Heater – Building & Grounds
• Resolution F2112057 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• General Fund Status Update
• Farmland Lease discussion

The Finance Committee concurred with renewing a 48.3-acre land lease with Current Farms on Napier Avenue, re-appointed members to the Planning Commission and Public Works, and approved a Road Department budget amendment. It also referred two road department bids (tree removal and heating) back to the department with authorization to proceed with the lowest responsible bidder, and moved several resolutions to the full board, including a delinquent tax fund transfer.

• Concurred to renew land lease with Current Farms for 48.3 acres on Napier Avenue
• Re-appointed Gary Wood and Rodney Krieger to Planning Commission
• Re-appointed Bill Smith, Rachel Barnard, Joshua Caitham, Daniel Stanage to Public Works
• Approved Road Department 2021 budget amendment
• Referred Bid 2021-062 (Countywide Tree Removal) with authorization to proceed with lowest bidder
• Referred Bid 2021-063 (Eau Claire Garage Heating) with authorization to proceed with lowest bidder
• Approved waivers
• Approved minutes from December 2, 2021

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a Professional Services Agreement with Riverwood Center for on-site psychiatric services at the Berrien County Juvenile Center. The agreement would run from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, at rates of $442.50 per hour for a psychiatrist and $177.00 per hour for other licensed prescribers. This is a routine contract renewal following the expiration of the previous agreement on December 31, 2021.

• Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Riverwood Center for psychiatric services at the Juvenile Center
• Contract period: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022
• Rates: $442.50/hour for psychiatrist, $177.00/hour for other licensed prescriber
• Over 35% of youth at the Juvenile Center have mental health diagnoses and are on psychotropic medications

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a one-year forensic laboratory services agreement with Andrews University. The contract, valued at $136,986, would fund analysis of seized controlled substances for law enforcement agencies from January 1 to December 31, 2022.

• Forensic Laboratory Agreement with Andrews University for $136,986
• Funding source: 26532672-801000
• Contract period: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to amend a professional services agreement with Berrien Mental Health Authority (Riverwood) for psychiatric services at the Berrien County Juvenile Center. The amendment adds a second, lower reimbursement rate of $177.00 per hour for licensed prescribers, alongside the existing $442.50 per hour rate for licensed psychiatrists. The amendment applies through the end of the current agreement on December 31, 2021.

• Amendment to professional services agreement with Riverwood for psychiatric services
• Adds $177.00/hour rate for licensed prescribers to existing $442.50/hour rate for licensed psychiatrists
• Applies to services at Berrien County Juvenile Center, Detention and Residential Treatment and Family Services Programs
• Agreement term runs through December 31, 2021

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to abandon a 67' x 100' section of Central Ave./Knoll Ct. county right of way in Watervliet Charter Township. The property owner, Patrick Cibula, requested the abandonment, and the township and county road department support it. No formal objections were received. The resolution also reserves easements for utilities and drainage.

• Abandonment of 67' x 100' section of Central Ave./Knoll Ct. right of way
• Property owner: Patrick Cibula, Parcel #11-21-0875-0018-7, Lot #18 of Beechwood Shores Development
• Watervliet Charter Township approved the abandonment
• Berrien County Road Department recommends abandonment
• Easements reserved for public utilities and drainage

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to approve a 2.5% increase to all grades and steps on the salary schedules for appointed officials and non-unionized employees, including non-union Road Department staff, effective January 1, 2022. The County Administrator is not on a salary schedule and is not affected. If approved, the affected budgets may be supplemented by the contingency fund at year-end 2022 if necessary.

• 2.5% salary increase for appointed officials and non-union employees
• Effective January 1, 2022
• Includes non-union Road Department employees
• County Administrator not affected
• Potential contingency fund use at year-end 2022

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize five new full-time Medium Equipment Operator positions in the County Road Department. The positions were already approved in the 2022 budget and are intended to support road maintenance, winter operations, and storm response.

• Authorize 5 new Medium Equipment Operator (MEO) positions
• Positions are union-grade MEO
• Funding included in Road Department 2022 budget

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve the Health Department's application for a $42,577 grant from the Medical Marihuana Operation and Oversight Grant Program. The funds would support a digital and social media campaign to educate youth and pregnant women about the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. The grant period would run from January 1 to September 15, 2022.

• Grant application for $42,577 to Medical Marihuana Operation and Oversight Grant Program
• Digital and social media campaign targeting youth and pregnant women
• Grant period: January 1, 2022 to September 15, 2022

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to authorize an Action Level Exceedance Ambassador Agreement. This agreement is part of a $190,530 award from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for lead response, aiming to expand community outreach on lead exposure hazards.

• Authorizes Action Level Exceedance Ambassador Agreement for lead exposure outreach
• Funding: $190,530 from MDHHS Emerging Threats for Local Health Departments contract

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a collective bargaining agreement with the Police Officers Labor Council, which represents Communications Center Supervisors. The tentative agreement covers January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024, and has been ratified by the union. The current contract expires December 31, 2021.

• Ratification of collective bargaining agreement with Police Officers Labor Council
• Contract term: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024
• Union has ratified the tentative agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a collective bargaining agreement with the Police Officers Labor Council, which represents public safety dispatchers and call takers. The tentative agreement covers January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024, and has been ratified by the union. The board will vote on this resolution at the meeting.

• Ratification of collective bargaining agreement with Police Officers Labor Council
• Contract period: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024
• Union has ratified the tentative agreement

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss routine business, including approving minutes and reviewing requisitions. They will also hear presentations on the county master plan update and mental health services from Riverwood Center. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Approval of minutes from December 2, 2021
• Requisition review presented by Annette Christie
• Master Plan Update presentation by Community Development Director Dan Fette
• Mental Health Services presentation by Riverwood Center CEO Ric Comptom

The Committee of the Whole met and approved the minutes from the December 9 meeting. Presentations were given on the county master plan update and on Michigan's mental health system redesign proposals. No formal decisions were made on these topics; discussion only. The board also discussed a possible letter or resolution opposing Senate Bills 597 and 598, but deferred action to a later meeting.

• Approved minutes of December 9, 2021 meeting (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is hearing a presentation from Riverwood Center CEO Ric Compton on two legislative proposals to redesign Michigan's public mental health system. The presentation outlines concerns about Senate Bills 597 and 598 and House Bills 4925-4929, which would eliminate the current PIHP system. The discussion is informational, with no formal action listed on the agenda.

• Senate Bills 597 and 598 would eliminate the PIHP system and give managed care functions to health plans
• Riverwood Center could lose up to two-thirds of its funding under the Senate bills
• House Bills 4925-4929 would replace the PIHP system with a single Administrative Service Organization (ASO)
• Presentation cites $550 million in 2020 profits for Michigan Medicaid health plans
• Health plan administrative costs estimated at 12-15% vs. 6% for the current public system

Administration Committee

The committee directed the Road Department to continue planning for a new facility at the Pucker Street Dam location, with a standard design for dump trucks. Sheriff Bailey reported on the mobile command unit, estimated at $750,000 with ARPA funds, and discussed jail and school safety updates. The committee approved the November 18, 2021 minutes and noted the chairman's approval of $13,201.66 in Sheriff's Department funds for motorcycle expenses.

• Road Department to continue Pucker Street Dam site project as planned
• Approved minutes of November 18, 2021 meeting
• Chairman approved $13,201.66 for Sheriff's motorcycle expenses and lease

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $280,825.31, as listed in the attached report. This is a routine approval of payments to vendors for road equipment, sheriff supplies, drain work, and economic development services.

• $98,310 for AIS Midland Machinery road widener
• $66,060 for Felling 40,000-pound trailer
• $20,663.31 County Road Association service charge
• $20,000 Cornerstone Alliance economic development pledge
• $11,065 for gas mask canisters for Sheriff

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $77,559 state grant for the 2022 Survey and Remonumentation Plan. The grant, offered by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, would fund eligible remonumentation expenses. The resolution authorizes the County Remonumentation Grant Administrator to sign and implement the grant agreement.

• Acceptance of $77,559 state grant for 2022 remonumentation work
• Authorization for County Remonumentation Grant Administrator to sign grant agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to replace the vacant Operations Manager position in the Information Systems department with two new manager positions: Infrastructure and Security Manager and Customer Services Manager. Both new roles are non-union, Grade 13. The resolution would take effect on the date of approval, with any necessary funding drawn from the contingency fund.

• Delete Operations Manager position (non-union, Grade 13)
• Add Infrastructure and Security Manager (non-union, Grade 13)
• Add Customer Services Manager (non-union, Grade 13)
• Funding supplemented by contingency fund as necessary

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will hold its annual meeting to consider routine consent calendar items and two added resolutions related to opioid litigation. The board will vote on approving a settlement agreement and a participant agreement associated with the opioid litigation, along with routine financial approvals and grant acceptances.

• Approve settlement agreement associated with Opioid Litigation (B2112376)
• Approve participant agreement associated with Opioid Litigation (B2112377)
• Support of Michigan Prosperity Road Map (B2112363)
• Apply for purchase development rights Land Preservation grant (F2112364)
• Approve bills, requisitions, and road payables

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included a settlement agreement and a participant agreement, along with routine items like bills, requisitions, and road payables. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond these approvals. The meeting also included public comments on school masking and the health department, but no action was taken on those topics.

• Approved consent calendar including settlement agreement (B2112376) and participant agreement (B2112377) (10-0)
• Approved bills, requisitions, road payables, and other routine items as part of consent calendar (10-0)
• Approved minutes of December 2, 2021 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 18, 2021 closed session (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting for a routine session. The agenda includes approval of the November 18 minutes, a requisition review, a presentation from the Michigan Association of Counties, and public comments. No major decisions or proposals are listed.

• Approval of minutes from November 18, 2021
• Requisition review by Annette Christie
• Presentation by Stephan Currie, Michigan Association of Counties Executive Director
• Public comments (2-minute limit per person)

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to interview two candidates for corporate counsel. After a paper ballot poll, the board voted unanimously to offer the position to Thaddeus Hackworth and begin preparing an employment agreement. The board also discussed the need for a hiring policy for corporate counsel.

• Offered corporate counsel position to Thaddeus Hackworth (unanimous)
• Directed preparation of employment agreement for Hackworth

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee to approve the auditing report for December 2–8, 2021, totaling $1,963,296.06. This is a routine financial approval item on the agenda.

• Approval of auditing report for December 2–8, 2021, in the amount of $1,963,296.06

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a Finance Committee recommendation to approve the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #25, covering November 24 to December 7, 2021, totaling $631,203.74. The voucher lists payments to dozens of vendors for road materials, construction, and services. The board will vote on this resolution at its December 9, 2021 meeting.

• Approve $631,203.74 in road department payments for Nov 24–Dec 7, 2021
• Largest payment: $222,536.99 to Michigan Paving & Mat'l Co Inc
• Payments include $126,650.96 to Rieth-Riley Construction Co
• $73,779.21 to Brusky Construction
• $32,738.83 to Primar Petroleum, Inc.

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Community Development Department to submit an application for agricultural conservation easement funding through the Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund. The application follows a review by the County Land Preservation Board and is part of the county's Purchase Development Rights Ordinance program.

• Authorizes application to Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund for FY2022
• Application for purchasing agricultural conservation easements
• Part of County Purchase Development Rights Ordinance (Ordinance No. 21)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to express support for the Michigan Prosperity Roadmap Plan, a proposal for investing the state's $6 billion in American Rescue Plan funds. The resolution highlights five key areas: infrastructure, fiscal health, thriving communities, strong economy, and public health and safety, and specifically calls for including agriculture as a key area. The board is voting on this resolution at the December 9, 2021 meeting.

• Resolution supporting the Michigan Prosperity Roadmap Plan
• Plan allocates $2.5 billion for water infrastructure
• $500 million for broadband investments
• $800 million for fiscal health and local government stability
• $806 million for attainable housing

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting solely to interview two candidates for the corporate counsel position. The board will also discuss the corporate counsel selection process. No other business is scheduled.

• Interview Geoffrey Fields at 10:30 a.m.
• Interview Thaddeus Hackworth at 11:30 a.m.
• Discussion of corporate counsel selection process

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to interview two candidates for the corporate counsel position. After the interviews, the board polled by paper ballot, with a majority favoring Thaddeus Hackworth. Commissioner Curran moved to offer the position to Hackworth and begin preparing an employment agreement; the motion carried with no nays. The board also discussed the need for a hiring policy for corporate counsel, suggesting the PHSC create one.

• Offered corporate counsel position to Thaddeus Hackworth (motion carried, no nays)
• Directed preparation of an employment agreement for Hackworth

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to express support for the Michigan Prosperity Roadmap Plan, a proposal for investing the state's $6 billion in American Rescue Plan funds across infrastructure, fiscal health, thriving communities, strong economy, and public health and safety. The resolution highlights specific allocations, including $2.5 billion for water systems, $500 million for broadband, $800 million for fiscal stability, $806 million for housing, $910 million for economic development, and $500 million for public health and safety. The board's action is a formal expression of support, not a binding commitment of county funds.

• Resolution supporting the Michigan Prosperity Roadmap Plan
• Proposed $2.5 billion for water infrastructure (lead line replacement, drinking water, stormwater)
• Proposed $500 million for broadband investments
• Proposed $806 million for attainable housing
• Proposed $910 million for economic development

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to formally recognize and honor Lynn Kellogg, CEO of the Region IV Area Agency on Aging, for her 45 years of dedicated service to the elderly population. The resolution commends her advocacy, leadership, and contributions to home-based care infrastructure and local organizations. This is a ceremonial recognition item, not a policy or budget decision.

• Resolution honoring Lynn Kellogg for 45 years as CEO of Region IV Area Agency on Aging
• Recognition of her work with Meals on Wheels and PAC of Southwest Michigan
• Acknowledgment of awards from Michigan Society of Gerontology, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and others

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will review and potentially approve several administrative items, including minutes from the previous meeting, resolutions, an advanced step hire request for the Health Department, and a resolution related to GIS mapping. The committee will also discuss a complement change with the Information Systems Director and receive updates from the County Administrator and Board Chair.

• Approval of Advanced Step Hire Request – Health Department
• Resolution Approval and general update for GIS Mapping
• Complement change discussion with Information Systems Director
• Approval of minutes from November 18, 2021
• Board appointments by Annette Christie

The committee agreed by consensus not to issue a 2022 retiree COLA, citing the county's funding threshold. It approved a bid waiver for Public Sector Consultants ($50,000) and other waivers, and gave concurrence to move resolutions F2112055 (weekly bills), F2112132 (road payables), and F2112264 (AG Preservation Board) to the full board. The committee also approved the November 17, 2021 minutes and agreed to let the Information Systems Director take staffing requests to the Personnel Committee.

• Agreed by consensus not to issue a 2022 retiree COLA
• Approved bid waiver for Public Sector Consultants ($50,000) and other waivers
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2112055 (Weekly Bills) to full board
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2112132 (Road Payables) to full board
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2112264 (AG Preservation Board) to full board
• Approved minutes from November 17, 2021 meeting
• Agreed by consensus to let Information Systems Director take staffing request to Personnel Committee

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a Finance Committee recommendation to approve an auditing report covering November 18 to December 1, 2021, totaling $6,182,532.70. This is the only substantive item on the agenda; the rest is procedural.

• Approval of auditing report for Nov 18–Dec 1, 2021, in the amount of $6,182,532.70

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting for its annual session to handle routine business, including approving bills, requisitions, and road payables, as well as several consent calendar items such as renewing agreements for the Clean Sweep Pesticides Program, the Berrien County Historical Association, and jail inmate literacy services. The board will also consider an added resolution expressing support for the Michigan Prosperity Roadmap. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Approve bills, requisitions, and road payables
• Renew agreement for Clean Sweep Pesticides Program
• Renew agreement with Berrien County Historical Association
• Renew literacy contract for jail inmates with Aubrey Hopkins
• Accept spay/neuter grant for Animal Control

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, excluding Resolution B2111360, and approved the November 18, 2021 meeting minutes. The board voted to table Resolution B2112363, the Michigan Prosperity Roadmap, until the next meeting to allow staff to amend the language, following a discussion about including rural communities. All votes were unanimous with 11 yeas and one absent commissioner.

• Approved the November 18, 2021 meeting minutes unanimously.
• Approved the consent calendar, including bills, requisitions, road payables, and several agreements, excluding Resolution B2111360.
• Tabled Resolution B2112363, Michigan Prosperity Roadmap, to the next meeting for language amendments regarding rural communities.

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is receiving a presentation from the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) covering the FY22 state budget, legislative priorities, and advocacy efforts. The presentation includes details on state funding for local services, proposed 4-year commissioner terms, and other legislative updates.

• $148.9M for indigent defense grants
• $14.3M in High Water Infrastructure Grants
• $5.2B transportation budget with $52.8M boost for local road agencies
• Proposed 4-year commissioner terms (SBs 242 & 245)
• Opioid settlement: $800M for Michigan

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss several items, including a retiree cost-of-living adjustment, immediate staffing needs in Information Systems, and a resolution regarding the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board. They will also consider board appointments, a farmland lease, waiver requests, and approval of bills and road payables.

• Retiree COLA discussion
• Board appointments and farmland lease
• Immediate staffing needs for Information Systems
• Resolution F2112364 – AG Preservation Fund Board
• Resolution F2112056 – Approval of Weekly Bills and F2112132 – Road Payables

The committee agreed by consensus not to issue a 2022 retiree COLA, pending the county reaching a 70% funding threshold. It approved a $50,000 bid waiver for Public Sector Consultants and other waivers. It also concurred to move three resolutions to the full board, including weekly bills, road payables, and the AG Preservation Board resolution. The committee approved the November 17, 2021 minutes.

• Agreed by consensus not to issue a 2022 retiree COLA until the county exceeds the 70% threshold.
• Approved a bid waiver for Public Sector Consultants for $50,000.
• Approved other Request for Waivers (details not specified in minutes).
• Agreed by consensus for Chris Swihart to take his staffing request to the Personnel Committee.
• Approved the minutes from November 17, 2021.
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2112055 (Weekly Bills) to the full board.
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2112132 (Road Payables) to the full board.
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2112264 (AG Preservation Board) to the full board.

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a Finance Committee recommendation to approve the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #24, covering November 12-23, 2021, totaling $87,219.60. The voucher lists payments to 38 vendors, including a large $60,378.85 payment to Detroit Salt Company. Approval would authorize these expenditures.

• Accounts Payable Voucher #24 for $87,219.60
• Detroit Salt Company payment of $60,378.85
• Payments to 38 vendors including AT&T, Verizon, and Cintas
• Approval recommended by Finance Committee

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a proposal from Aubrey Hopkins to provide basic literacy educational services to jail inmates. The contract is for $13,154.00 and covers the period from October 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. Funding will come from the General Fund. The resolution was recommended by the County Administration Committee.

• Contract with Aubrey Hopkins for $13,154.00
• Basic literacy classes for jail inmates
• Funding from General Fund (10103801\801000)
• Contract period: October 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022
• Authorizes Sheriff to execute agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $5,000 grant from Two Seven Oh, Inc. for the spaying and neutering of animals at the county animal control shelter. The grant requires no match and must be executed by December 8, 2021.

• Accept $5,000 grant from Two Seven Oh, Inc. for animal spay/neuter
• Grant requires no local match
• Chairperson authorized to sign grant agreement by Dec. 8, 2021

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $1,506,884.18, as listed in the attached report. The payments cover various county departments, including road projects, sheriff's office services, court software, and information systems contracts.

• Action Traffic: Countywide Guardrail Project (Bid 2021-061) - $86,603
• Fox Hudsonville: Motorcycle lease for Sheriff's fleet - $12,000
• Courtview Justice Solutions: Software maintenance - $139,854
• Blue Cross Blue Shield: Inmate medical - $500,000
• AT&T: Fiber for 2022 - $72,108

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $30,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for the Clean Sweep Pesticide Collection Program. The grant covers disposal and related costs for fiscal year 2022, from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. The resolution authorizes the Board Chairperson to sign the grant agreement.

• Accept $30,000 grant (agreement 4220000000460) from MDARD for Clean Sweep Pesticide Collection Program
• Grant period: October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022
• Program continues a permanent collection site established in 1996

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize signing a new operating agreement with the Berrien County Historical Association, Inc., to continue operating Historic Courthouse Square County Park. The current agreement expires December 31, 2021, and the proposed extension would run through December 31, 2026. The agreement has been approved by the Historical Association, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and Corporate Counsel.

• Operating agreement with Berrien County Historical Association, Inc. for Historic Courthouse Square County Park extended to December 31, 2026
• Current agreement expires December 31, 2021
• Park became a county park in January 2014
• Prior agreements authorized in 2014, 2017, and 2019

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to approve minutes, review requisitions, and hear a presentation from Stephan Currie, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Counties. Public comments are also scheduled. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Approval of minutes from November 18, 2021
• Requisition review presented by Annette Christie
• Presentation by Stephan Currie, Michigan Association of Counties Executive Director
• Public comments (2-minute limit per speaker)

The Committee of the Whole approved the minutes from the November 18, 2021 meeting. The board received a presentation from Stephan Currie, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Counties, covering advocacy, education, services, and legislative updates. Public comments were heard on 'Raise the Age', a Health Department Board meeting, and a moment of silence was held for the Oxford Schools tragedy. No other business was conducted.

• Approved the minutes of the November 18, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting.
• Heard a presentation from MAC Executive Director Stephan Currie on the Michigan Association of Counties.
• Heard public comments from three residents on 'Raise the Age' and a Health Department Board meeting.
• Held a moment of silence in honor of Oakland County and the Oxford Schools tragedy.

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to discuss a Road Department site proposal and receive an update from the Sheriff's Department. The agenda also includes a Q&A session with administration and county board leadership, followed by routine committee business such as approving minutes and resolutions.

• Road Department site proposal presented by Kevin Stack
• Sheriff Department update by Sheriff Bailey
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Approval of minutes from November 18, 2021

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to add new members and receive reports on broadband mapping, crowdsourcing, and the Benton Harbor lead service line replacement project. They will also discuss grant writing, state and regional broadband initiatives, and strategies for applying for ARPA funding.

• Addition of three new task force members from Hagar, Oronoko, and Buchanan townships
• Benton Harbor lead service line replacement: 6,000 homes in 18 months
• Report on Merit Broadband Summit in Traverse City, including Aspen Wireless and construction/engineering expertise
• Connected Nation Michigan offers assistance via Dan Manning
• ARPA funding application strategy, similar to Van Buren County example

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force decided to invite three township officials—Peter Colovos, Mike Hildebrand, and Malinda Cole-Crocker—to join as non-voting members at the January 2022 meeting. The group also heard updates on the Story Map project, GEO Crowdsourcing software, Benton Harbor lead line replacement, and a grant writer, but no formal votes were taken on these items. The grant writer's contract approval was deferred to January 2022 due to the county's purchasing system being closed for the year.

• Invited Peter Colovos, Mike Hildebrand, and Malinda Cole-Crocker to join as non-voting members at the January 2022 meeting
• Deferred grant writer contract approval to January 2022
• Noted GEO Crowdsourcing software price reduced by $800
• Discussed using Van Buren County's ARPA application template as a model
• Heard that Benton Harbor lead line replacement is underway with a 6,000-home, 18-month timeline
• Confirmed Dan Manning of Connected Nation Michigan will attend the January 20th meeting
• Discussed creating a centralized infrastructure project database
• Noted the Story Map project is in draft review

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Animal Control and Road Department, followed by a Q&A session with administration and the Board of Commissioners chair. The committee will also consider minutes from the November 4 meeting and any resolutions. No specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.

• Animal Control update by Tiffany Peterson
• Road Department update by Chris Cook
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Approval of November 4, 2021 minutes

The Administration Committee heard updates from Animal Control and the Road Department, then approved the November 4, 2021 minutes. Three resolutions were moved forward to the full Board: A2112366 (jail inmate literacy services contract), A2112368 (accept spay/neuter funds for Animal Control), and A2111367 (accept Emergency Management). No other decisions were made; a scheduled Q&A was skipped due to time.

• Approved minutes of the November 4, 2021 meeting (motion by Wuerfel, supported by Vollrath).
• Moved forward Resolution A2112366 to the full Board: Approve literacy services contract for jail inmates.
• Moved forward Resolution A2112368 to the full Board: Accept spay/neuter funds for Animal Control.
• Moved forward Resolution A2111367 to the full Board: Accept Emergency Management.

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize Animal Control to apply for a $5,000 grant from Two Seven Oh, Inc. The grant, which requires no match, would cover spaying and neutering costs for animals in the county shelter. The application deadline is December 1, 2021.

• Resolution authorizing Animal Control to apply for $5,000 grant from Two Seven Oh, Inc.
• Grant funds exclusively for spaying and neutering shelter animals
• No matching funds required
• Application deadline December 1, 2021

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $182,000 grant from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office for the FY 2022 Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program. The program aims to reduce missed appointments, positive drug tests, recidivism, and probation revocations. The resolution also authorizes the Trial Court Administrator to sign the award agreement.

• Accept $182,000 grant with $6,250.70 in-kind staffing match
• Authorize Trial Court Administrator to execute award agreement via DocuSign
• Program uses two MDOC agents, one funded by $75,000 from grant
• Goals: reduce missed probation appointments, positive drug/alcohol tests, recidivism, revocations

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a FY 2022 Michigan Mental Health Court Program grant of $149,622, with an in-kind match of $13,447.10 in staffing costs. The grant, awarded through the State Court Administrative Office, supports the county's mental health court in partnership with Riverwood. The resolution authorizes the Trial Court Administrator to execute the award agreement.

• Accept $149,622 FY 2022 Mental Health Court grant
• In-kind match of $13,447.10 for staffing
• Partnership with Riverwood
• Program goals include linking 80% of participants to mental health services within 21 days
• Authorizes Trial Court Administrator to sign agreement via DocuSign

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the County Administration Committee to authorize the Berrien County Trial Court to apply for the 2022 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) grant, up to $150,000. The grant funds would support pandemic-related expenses such as remote work technology, remote hearing technology, staff overtime, and office supplies. All awarded funds must be spent by December 31, 2022.

• Authorize application for 2022 CESF grant up to $150,000
• Funds for technology for remote work and hearings
• Funds for staff overtime related to illness or quarantine
• Funds for office supplies and equipment related to COVID-19
• Grant funds must be spent by December 31, 2022

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $40,000 state grant for the county's drug court program, which requires an in-kind match of $80,365.51 in staffing costs. The program has operated for 10 years and combines random drug testing with inpatient and outpatient treatment. The resolution also authorizes the Trial Court Administrator to sign the award agreement.

• Acceptance of $40,000 FY 2022 Michigan Drug Court Program grant
• In-kind match of $80,365.51 for staffing costs
• Authorization for Trial Court Administrator to execute award agreement via DocuSign

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $50,707 federal Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) for FY 2021. The grant offsets 32.86% of the Emergency Management Coordinator's salary and benefits, with a required 50% match already satisfied through in-kind services. Approval would authorize county officials to execute the grant agreement with the Michigan State Police.

• Acceptance of FY 2021 EMPG grant agreement with Michigan State Police
• Grant amount: $50,707
• Grant offsets 32.86% of Emergency Management Coordinator salary and benefits
• Performance period: October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021
• 50% cost match satisfied with in-kind services

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on Resolution B2111101 to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $1,553,597.07. The bulk of spending is for road department equipment and services, including tractors, mowers, a vacuum truck, and survey/design work. Individual commissioners may abstain from voting on specific requisitions.

• $631,658.08 for 4 John Deere tractors with mowers (Sourcewell)
• $483,943.00 for a Vactor Vac Truck from Jack Doheny Company (Sourcewell)
• $150,000.00 to Abonmarche for Kea Arrow Corridor Linear Park Trail survey and design
• $84,000.00 to Wightman for Red Arrow Highway survey and design
• $10,500.00 to James Moeser for assessment at Berrien County Juvenile Center

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to review the General Fund status, consider a bid for guardrail updates, and vote on several resolutions including the FY22 budget, weekly bills, and road payables. They will also approve waiver requests and the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Bid 2021-061 – Guardrail Update, Road Dept.
• Resolution F2111054 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Resolution F2111130 – Road Payables
• Resolution F2111328 – FY22 Budget
• Approval of October 21, 2021 minutes

The Finance Committee approved a waiver request for $224,866 for inmate medical services in the Berrien County Jail. They also referred Bid 2021-061 for guardrail upgrade-replacement to the Road Department, authorizing the County Administrator to execute a contract with the lowest responsible bidder, with modifications up to $5,000. The committee approved minutes from November 4, 2021, and gave concurrence to move three resolutions (weekly bills, road payables, FY22 budget) to the full board.

• Approved waiver request for $224,866 for inmate medical services in Berrien County Jail
• Referred Bid 2021-061 (Guardrail Upgrade-Replacement) to Road Department, authorizing contract with lowest responsible bidder and modifications up to $5,000
• Approved minutes from November 4, 2021
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2111054 (Approval of Weekly Bills) to full board
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2111130 (Road Payables) to full board
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2111328 (FY22 Budget) to full board

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a Finance Committee recommendation to approve an auditing report covering November 4-17, 2021, in the amount of $2,891,581.07. This is a routine financial approval item on the agenda.

• Approval of auditing report totaling $2,891,581.07 for period Nov 4-17, 2021

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a Finance Committee recommendation to approve the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #23 for November 18, 2021, totaling $326,150.52. The voucher covers payments to numerous vendors for road-related expenses. This is a routine financial approval item.

• Approval of Accounts Payable Voucher #23 for $326,150.52
• Payments include $217,182.00 to Truck & Trailer Spec. Inc.
• Payments include $18,197.07 to Kalin Construction Co., Inc.
• Payments include $15,597.89 to Wightman & Associates, Inc.
• Payments include $5,622.17 to Wyoming Asphalt

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is approving the FY2022 Annual Budget, totaling $194.7 million in expenditures across all funds. The budget includes a net decrease in fund balance of $11.1 million, with the General Fund at $66.8 million. The resolution also grants the Finance Committee authority to transfer funds and amend budgets, and requires board approval for legal settlements over $5,000.

• FY2022 total expenditures: $194,721,178
• General Fund budget: $66,794,943 with $1,255,408 fund balance decrease
• Special Revenue Funds: $90,149,377 with $5,018,773 decrease
• Legal settlements over $5,000 require full board approval
• Finance Committee authorized to transfer funds and amend budgets

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve commissioner per diems and mileage for October 2021, totaling $6,505.51. The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends approval. The agenda contains only this single administrative item.

• Approve October 2021 commissioner per diems totaling $6,505.51
• Per diems include $4,262.50 for meeting days and $302.50 for half committee days
• Mileage reimbursement totals $1,939.67 for 3,463.7 miles
• Miscellaneous expenses total $303.34
• Payments to be made with November 12, 2021 payroll

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to reclassify one Deputy Circuit Court Clerk I position to Senior Deputy Circuit Court Clerk I, effective November 18, 2021. The change is prompted by job vacancies, additional duties, and an increase in appeal cases, and has been agreed to by the FOPLC Civilian Unit. The resolution states the County Clerk has sufficient budget funding for the change.

• Reclassify 1 FTE Deputy Circuit Court Clerk I (Grade 3) to Senior Deputy Circuit Court Clerk I (Grade 4)
• Effective November 18, 2021
• County Clerk cites vacancies, added duties, and appeal case increase as reasons
• FOPLC Civilian Unit concurred with the change

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to create a full-time Deputy Elections Clerk position. The new role would serve as a backup to the Election Administrator and support election preparation, worker training, and campaign finance duties. The current temporary part-time Deputy Elections Clerk position would be unfunded and inactivated.

• Create full-time Deputy Elections Clerk position (Grade 4, Union)
• Unfund and inactivate current Temp Part-Time Deputy Elections Clerk

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on the FY2022 budget and several routine items, including grants for courts and animal control. They will also consider amendments to the Health Department agreement and changes to Clerk's office staffing. The meeting includes public comment periods and a closed session for legal matters.

• Approve FY2022 Budget
• Approve amendment to Health Department Comprehensive Agreement for family planning, maternal/infant home visiting, and CSHCS vaccine initiative
• Change Clerk's office deputy clerk to senior deputy clerk
• Increase Clerk's office complement to add Deputy Elections Clerk
• Apply for $5,000 spay/neuter grant for Animal Control

The Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included the FY2022 budget, per diems, bills, requisitions, road payables, and several grant acceptances. The board also approved the minutes from the November 4, 2021 meeting. No public comments were made regarding resolutions, and the board went into closed session to consult with attorneys on two legal matters.

• Approved the minutes of the November 4, 2021 regular meeting.
• Approved the consent calendar, including the FY2022 budget, per diems, bills, requisitions, road payables, and multiple grant acceptances.
• Added Resolution #A2111367 (Emergency Management Performance Grant Acceptance) to the consent calendar and approved it.
• Approved the closed session minutes of October 21, 2021.

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to approve minutes from November 4, review requisitions, and hear a presentation on strategic planning. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific action items detailed.

• Approval of minutes from November 4, 2021
• Requisition review presented by Annette Christie
• Presentation on strategic planning

The Committee of the Whole heard a presentation on proposed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding priorities, but took no formal action. The suggested allocations were $6 million for high-speed internet, $14 million for amenities/water quality/trails, $6 million for roads, and $3.8 million for administrative projects. The board also approved the November 4, 2021 meeting minutes and reviewed county requisitions, including discussion of board seat vacancies. No other business was conducted.

• Approved the minutes of the November 4, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting.
• Heard a presentation on ARPA strategic initiatives with suggested funding levels (no vote taken).
• Reviewed county requisitions, including discussion of board seat vacancies.
• Heard public comments; no action taken.

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will discuss a proposed prioritization process for allocating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The presentation outlines recommended funding areas and strategies, with suggested funding levels totaling $29.8 million. The board is deciding on priorities for these funds.

• High Speed Internet: $6 million
• Amenities, Water Quality, and Trails: $14 million
• Road Funding: $6 million
• Administrative Projects and Unforeseen Expenditures: $3.8 million

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will consider routine approvals including meeting minutes, monthly pension rollover/refund requests, a CPBC amendment, a pesticide collection resolution, and a contract renewal with the Historical Association. The meeting is largely procedural with no major policy decisions.

• Approval of Resolution P2111348, CPBC Amendment
• Approval of Resolution P2112362 – Clean Sweep Pesticide Collection
• Approval of Resolution P2112365 – Renew contract with Historical Association
• Approval of Monthly Pension Rollover/Refund requests

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the minutes from 11/04/2021, the October per diems totaling $6,505.51, and monthly pension rollover/refund requests. It also approved an advanced step hire for Ellen Christie as Assistant Public Defender 1, step 4, at an annualized salary of $65,110. The committee signed resolutions for a Clean Sweep Pesticide Collection Program grant and a five-year renewal with the Berrien County Historical Association, both to be considered by the full Board on December 2, 2021. Acting Health Officer Guy Miller presented a funding amendment to the state agreement adding $69,261.00.

• Approved minutes from 11/04/2021 (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Signed Resolution P2111011 approving October per diems totaling $6,505.51
• Approved monthly pension rollover/refund requests (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved advanced step hire for Ellen Christie as Assistant Public Defender 1, step 4, at $65,110 annualized (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Signed Resolution P2112362 for Clean Sweep Pesticide Collection Program grant
• Signed Resolution P2112365 for five-year renewal with Berrien County Historical Association

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive an update from Sheriff Bailey, followed by a Q&A session with the County Administrator and BOC Chairman. The committee will also review minutes from October 28, 2021, and consider resolutions. The agenda is largely procedural, with the sheriff's update being the main substantive item.

• Sheriff's update by Sheriff Bailey (9:15-9:45 AM)
• Q&A with County Administrator Brian Dissette and BOC Chairman Mac Elliott (9:45-10:00 AM)
• Approval of minutes from October 28, 2021
• Consideration of resolutions

The Administration Committee approved the October 28, 2021 minutes and forwarded seven resolutions to the full Board of Commissioners, including approval of the 800 MHz tower project and several grant applications. The committee also discussed the Southeast Berrien Landfill expansion request, which would require a Letter of Consistency to the DEQ, and heard an update from Sheriff Paul Bailey on October operations, including staffing concerns with the medical services contract.

• Approved minutes of October 28, 2021 meeting (motion carried)
• Moved A2111353 – 800 Mhz tower project approval to full board (11/4)
• Moved A2111357 – Apply for Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Grant for Courts to full board (11/18)
• Moved A2111354 – Authorize Animal Control to apply for spay/neuter grant to full board (11/18)
• Moved A2111355 – Accept Swift & Sure Sanctions Program grant funding to full board (11/18)
• Moved A2111356 – Accept Mental Health Court grant funding to full board (11/18)
• Moved A2111358 – Accept Michigan Drug Court grant funding to full board (11/18)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board is reviewing the proposed 2022 annual budget. The primary government budget includes $173.2 million in revenues and $180.8 million in expenditures, requiring a use of fund balance. Notable items include a $1.0 million increase in property taxes, a $924 thousand increase in state revenue sharing, and a $1.687 million increase in salaries and wages. The General Fund budget is balanced with a use of fund balance, and the County Road Fund, 911 Fund, and Public Safety Millage Fund are also highlighted.

• 2022 budget: $173.2M revenues, $180.8M expenditures for primary government
• General Fund: $65.5M sources, $65.5M uses, with use of fund balance
• Property tax revenue up $2.116M to $55.143M
• Intergovernmental revenue up $7.423M, led by state revenue sharing
• Salaries and wages up $1.687M; 16.3 new FTE positions added

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to review requisitions, hear presentations on broadband and health updates, and address other business. The board will also approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approval of minutes from October 28, 2021
• Requisition review with Annette Christie
• Merit Network broadband update from Ben Fineman
• Health officer update from Brian Dissette
• Public comments limited to two minutes per speaker

The Committee of the Whole received updates on broadband coverage and a health officer appointment, but took no formal votes on these items. The board approved the October 28, 2021 minutes unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved October 28, 2021 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous)
• Heard broadband update showing 52% fewer homes with broadband access than FCC data
• Discussed appointment of Guy Miller as Health Officer for six months (no vote taken)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a Finance Committee recommendation to approve the auditing report for October 28 to November 3, 2021, totaling $16,979,978.16. This is a routine financial oversight item.

• Approval of auditing report for Oct 28 – Nov 3, 2021, totaling $16,979,978.16

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the County Administration Committee to accept an updated allocation for the Secondary Road Patrol and Accident Prevention Programs for fiscal year 2022. The revised total is $181,770, which includes an additional $82,170 on top of the previously approved $99,600.

• Revised allocation of $181,770 for Secondary Road Patrol and Accident Prevention Programs
• Additional allocation of $82,170 from the Department of State Police
• Previously approved $99,600 under Resolution # A2108302
• Funding period October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the county administration to negotiate and sign contracts with Motorola Solutions and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget to expand the MPSCS public-safety radio system. The project, estimated at $7,797,255, includes a new tower in the Buchanan-Bertrand area and a countywide simulcast upgrade, with a $5,000,000 state grant offsetting costs.

• Authorizes negotiation and signing of Motorola purchase contract
• Agreement with Michigan DTMB-MPSCS for countywide simulcast expansion
• New tower site in Buchanan-Bertrand area for enhanced coverage
• Total project cost: $7,797,255
• $5,000,000 Michigan Enhancement Grant (PA 87 of 2021) applied to project

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $223,218.50, as listed in the attached Requisition Approval Reports. Individual commissioners may note abstentions on specific items. The agenda is primarily a routine approval of expenditures.

• $58,684 for Falcon Asphalt Repair equipment (4-ton Falcon hot boxes)
• $84,000 for Wightman survey/design work on Red Arrow Highway in Chikaming Township
• $18,000 to Arcadia Gardens LLC for grass seed, fertilizer, and straw at Pinebrook Drain #408 project
• $31,992.50 to BER Refrigeration Heating & Cooling for HVAC boiler replacement
• $30,542 to Imagesoft Inc. for FY2022 annual maintenance on FOC portion

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to appoint Guy Miller as Acting Health Officer, effective upon approval by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, for up to six months. The appointment follows the departure of Deputy Health Officer Courtney Davis and includes an annualized salary of $94,894, with a guarantee that Miller can return to his Epidemiologist position if desired.

• Appointment of Guy Miller as Acting Health Officer pending MDHHS approval
• Salary set at $94,894 annually (step 1 of Health Officer salary schedule)
• Agreement allows Miller to return to Epidemiologist position if he chooses
• Position has been vacant since July 9, 2021; Davis served as Acting Health Officer until November 3, 2021
• Resolution submitted by the County Committee on Committees

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a contract with Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) for school-based health resource coordination and COVID-19 testing. The contract runs from October 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, with monthly invoicing of $24,888.75 for supplies, staffing, and support. This action is recommended by the County Personnel and Human Services Committee.

• Contract with Berrien RESA for school-based COVID-19 testing and health resource coordination
• Monthly payment of $24,888.75 for supplies, staffing, and support
• Partnership period from October 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022
• Funding source: Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Emerging Health Threats grant
• Authorizes Board Chairman to execute the agreement

Resolutions

The County Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends approving a change to a vacant position in the Friend of the Court office. The current Customer Applications Support Specialist role would be replaced with a new Technical Support Specialist/Data Analyst position, with a grade change from 8 to 9. The recommendation is based on a review that found the old job description outdated for current technology and data analysis needs. Funding for the change is already in the department's budget.

• Position title change from Customer Applications Support Specialist to Technical Support Specialist/Data Analyst
• Grade change from Grade 8 to Grade 9 for the new position
• Job description updated to address technology support and data analysis needs
• Friend of the Court receives 2/3 reimbursement for wages and benefits through Title IV-D program
• Approvals obtained from Trial Court Administrator, Trial Court Judicial Council, and County Administration

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is holding its annual meeting, which includes a public hearing on the FY2022 budget. The board will also consider several routine resolutions on the consent calendar, including agreements and appointments.

• Public hearing on FY2022 budget
• Approve agreement with RESA for school-based health resource coordination related to COVID testing
• Approve amendment for Secondary Road Patrol Agreement
• Authorize complement change in Friend of the Court Office
• Approve 911 Radio Tower Upgrade Project and accept state funding

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on the FY 2022 proposed budget, which showed a net decrease in fund balance of $7,628,619. The board approved the consent calendar except for Resolution #P2111346, which was pulled for a separate vote and failed 4-8. The board also approved re-appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission. The FY 2022 budget will be voted on at the next meeting on November 18, 2021.

• Approved consent calendar minus RESA agreement (12-0)
• Rejected RESA agreement (4-8)
• Approved Parks and Recreation Commission re-appointments (voice vote)
• Opened and closed public hearing on FY 2022 budget (12-0)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss waiver requests, open bids for lawn mowers for the Road Department, and approve weekly bills and prior meeting minutes. The agenda includes a Q&A session and committee business items.

• Bid 2021-060 – Opening – Lawn mowers – Road Dept.
• Waiver Requests presented by Project Engineer Kevin Stack
• Resolution F2110053 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Approval of October 21, 2021 minutes

The Berrien County Finance Committee approved several waiver requests for the Road Department and for firearms and ammunition. The committee also referred bids for two zero-turn mowers back to the department for review, allowing the lowest bidder to proceed if they meet specifications, otherwise returning with a recommendation. Minutes from October 28, 2021, were approved, and concurrence was given to move Resolution F2111053 (approval of weekly bills) to the full board.

• Approved waiver requests for Road Department and firearms/ammunition
• Referred Bid 2021-060 for two zero-turn mowers back to department for review
• Approved minutes from October 28, 2021
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2111053 (weekly bills) to full board

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will consider a contract between the Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) and RESA for parent-approved COVID testing, approve two complement change resolutions, receive a quarterly update from Veteran's Services, and discuss board appointments.

• Resolution P2111346: Contract between BCHD and RESA for parent-approved COVID testing
• Two complement change resolutions (staffing changes)
• Quarterly update from Veteran's Services
• Board appointment discussion

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved minutes from 10/28/2021 and advanced a resolution (P2111346) to approve a contract between the Health Department and RESA for parent-approved COVID testing in schools, sending it to the full Board for consideration. The committee also signed resolutions to convert a temporary elections clerk position to a full-time Deputy Elections Clerk and to modify a Deputy Circuit Court Clerk I position to Senior Deputy Circuit Court Clerk, both to be considered by the full Board on November 18, 2021. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included informational updates on veteran services and health department vacancies.

• Approved minutes from 10/28/2021 (3-0)
• Approved resolution P2111346 for Health Department-RESA COVID testing contract, moved to full Board
• Signed resolution P2111349 to convert temporary elections clerk to full-time Deputy Elections Clerk
• Signed resolution P2111344 to modify Deputy Circuit Court Clerk I to Senior Deputy Circuit Court Clerk

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to hear from the Michigan Municipal League on statewide broadband issues and local legislative approaches, and from Bainbridge Township on its broadband vision. They will also discuss grant writing options, including potentially using SWMPC or Abonmarche for Oronoko Township, and funding details.

• Presentation by Michigan Municipal League's John LaMaccia on statewide broadband perspective
• Bainbridge Township broadband vision presented by Andrew Gardiner
• Discussion of grant writing options: SWMPC and potentially Abonmarche for Oronoko Township
• Funding details for broadband projects

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force met to discuss broadband deployment priorities, including a presentation from the Michigan Municipal League and Bainbridge Township's broadband needs. The task force agreed to proceed with SWMPC writing grants for broadband funding, though the vision statement was noted as potentially too fluid. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting was primarily informational and discussion-based.

• Agreed to proceed with SWMPC writing grants for BCBIT broadband funding
• Discussed a resolution supporting state broadband funding, but no action taken
• Discussed ARPA funding application process used by Van Buren County, but no action taken

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive an update from the Public Defender, Paul Jancha Jr., and to hold a question-and-answer session with Administration's Annette Christie. The committee will also handle routine business, including approving minutes from the October 21 meeting and considering resolutions.

• Public Defender update by Paul Jancha Jr.
• Q&A with Annette Christie, Administration
• Approval of October 21, 2021 minutes
• Consideration of resolutions

The Administration Committee approved the minutes of the October 21, 2021 meeting and moved two resolutions to the full Board: accepting the Snowmobile Law Enforcement Grant Agreement and the Secondary Road Patrol and Accident Prevention Programs additional allocation. The committee also discussed the Public Defender's FY21 financials, potential Road Department relocations, and the purchase of the AEP building in Buchanan, but no final decisions were made on these items.

• Approved minutes of October 21, 2021 meeting (motion carried)
• Moved Resolution A2110347 to full Board: Accept Snowmobile Law Enforcement Grant Agreement
• Moved Resolution A2111351 to full Board: Accept Secondary Road Patrol and Accident Prevention Programs additional allocation

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve the apportionment of property taxes to be raised by various taxing jurisdictions, as summarized in an attached report. The resolution also authorizes the County Equalization Director to certify and submit the required forms to the state. This is a routine annual procedural item required by state law.

• Approval of millage requests from various taxing jurisdictions
• Authorization for Equalization Director to submit reports to State Tax Commission

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a Snowmobile Enforcement Grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The grant, awarded for October 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022, is for up to $4,000 and requires a 15% county match of $705, funded from the Law Enforcement Snowmobile appropriation. The resolution authorizes the Board Chairman to sign the grant agreement and requires the Sheriff to comply with all terms and statutory requirements.

• Grant award of $4,000 from Michigan DNR for snowmobile enforcement
• County match of $705 (15%) funded from appropriation 26454005-539103
• Total budget for the grant period: $4,705
• Sheriff's Department to comply with MCL 324.82107(b)(5) and (b)(6)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $413,188.01, as listed in the attached report. The items include road work, broadband mapping services, and association dues.

• Fairplain Ave. HMA Mill & Fill - $304,145.25 (Rieth Riley Construction)
• Sawyer Road Survey & Design - $53,350 (Abonmarche, pending Finance Committee approval)
• Berrien Street Survey & Design - $23,500 (Wightman)
• Broadband data to GIS Storymap and GEO Partners license - $15,000
• Michigan Association of Counties dues - $17,192.76

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially approve several administrative and financial items, including a bid recommendation, an emergency RFP, election temporary staffing, a job description change, waiver requests, and weekly bills. The agenda also includes a Q&A session and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Bid 2021-055 recommendation
• Emergency RFP
• Election temp position and job description change
• Resolution F2110052 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Resolution F2110129 – Road Payables

The Finance Committee approved splitting Bid 2021-055 between Wightman (Berrien St, $23,500) and Abonmarche (Sawyer Rd, $53,350), despite a $23,000 increase. They also approved waiver requests for Falcon Asphalt Repair Equipment ($58,684) and Veteran's Services entrance improvements. The committee agreed by consensus to forward a request to Personnel to make a part-time Deputy Elections Clerk position full-time and upgrade a Deputy Circuit Court Clerk position. Resolutions for weekly bills, road payables, and equalization apportionment were moved to the full board.

• Approved split of Bid 2021-055: Wightman for Berrien St ($23,500), Abonmarche for Sawyer Rd ($53,350)
• Approved waiver request for Falcon Asphalt Repair Equipment ($58,684)
• Approved waiver request for Veteran's Services entrance improvements
• Agreed by consensus to proceed with request to Personnel for full-time Deputy Elections Clerk and upgrade of Deputy Circuit Court Clerk position
• Moved resolutions F2110052 (Weekly Bills), F2110129 (Road Payables), F2110350 (Equalization Apportionment) to full board

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee recommends that the Board of Commissioners approve the auditing report for October 21–27, 2021, totaling $921,089.89. This is a routine financial approval item on the agenda.

• Approval of auditing report for October 21–27, 2021 in the amount of $921,089.89

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #22, covering October 12–26, 2021, in the amount of $613,702.22. The voucher lists payments to dozens of vendors for road-related supplies, services, and equipment. The board will vote on this routine financial approval.

• Approval of Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #22 for $613,702.22
• Payments include $197,433.51 to State of Michigan - MDOT, $82,166.76 to Rieth-Riley Construction, and $64,371.00 to Signature Ford Lincoln
• One check to Indiana Michigan Power and two to Valley Truck Parts are listed as void

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Chairperson and Clerk to sign contracts with local units of government for property tax notice and roll processing services for January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023. The contracts, subject to review by Corporate Counsel, continue the county-wide tax system and include service and support fees from BS&A that increase annually for 2022 and 2023.

• Authorizes contracts with local units of government for property tax processing services for 2022-2023
• Contracts cover BS&A Tax and Special Assessment applications hosted by the county
• Service fees based on BS&A current rate with increases for 2022 and 2023
• Contracts subject to review and approval by Corporate Counsel

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review the minutes from the October 21 meeting and consider several routine resolutions. Items include renewing local municipality agreements for the county tax system and accepting a snowmobile law enforcement grant.

• Renewal of agreements with local municipalities for County tax system use
• Acceptance of FY21-22 Snowmobile Law Enforcement Grant Award
• Approval of the annual Equalization Apportionment Report
• Approval of bills, requisitions, and road payables

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, including bills, requisitions, road payables, and several agreements, and approved multiple board appointments recommended by the Finance Committee. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved consent calendar including bills, requisitions, road payables, tax system agreements, snowmobile grant, and equalization report (10-0)
• Approved board appointments: Brownfield Authority, Land Preservation Board, Land Bank Authority, Trust Investment Advisory Committee (9-1)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to review routine items including minutes, requisitions, and two presentations: the Annual Equalization Apportionment Report and the 800 MHz Radio Construction Project. Public comments are also scheduled. The agenda is largely procedural with informational presentations.

• Annual Equalization Apportionment Report presentation
• 800 MHz Radio Construction Project presentation
• Requisition review
• Approval of October 14, 2021 minutes

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole met on October 28, 2021, and approved the minutes from the October 14 meeting. Presentations were given on the 2021 Apportionment Report and the 800 MHz Radio Construction Project, which involves a $5 million Community Development Block Grant. No formal decisions were made on the radio project; an authorizing resolution is expected next week.

• Approved minutes of October 14, 2021 meeting (8-0)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee is meeting to approve minutes, consider advanced step hire requests from the Drain Office and Health Department, and discuss a board appointment with Annette Christie. The agenda is mostly routine administrative business.

• Approval of minutes from October 21, 2021
• Advanced step hire requests from Drain Office and Health Department
• Discussion of Annette Christie board appointment

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee to approve the auditing report for October 14–20, 2021, totaling $8,620,513.77. This is a routine financial approval item.

• Approval of auditing report for October 14–20, 2021, in the amount of $8,620,513.77

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee to approve Master Agreement No. 2022-0020 with the Michigan Department of Transportation for passenger transportation services covering fiscal years 2022-2026. The resolution also authorizes the Chairperson to execute project authorizations under the agreement.

• Approval of Master Agreement No. 2022-0020 with MDOT for FY2022-2026
• Authorization for Chairperson to execute project authorizations under the agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept the 2021 Drain Assessment Roll Report and authorize spreading the special assessments onto the tax rolls of townships, villages, and cities. The total for drain maintenance and projects is $3,737,444.35. This is a routine annual approval that affects property owners in areas served by county drains.

• Total drain assessments: $3,737,444.35
• Largest assessments: North Royalton ($269,131.64), Blue Jay ($220,975.00), Lakeshore ($188,532.07), Hollywood Rd Cons ($179,770.00), South Watervliet ($149,589.00)
• Assessments spread across 200+ individual drains
• Includes maintenance and project costs for drains in multiple municipalities

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize a contract with Spectrum Health Lakeland Infectious Disease to provide tuberculosis support services for the Berrien County Health Department. The agreement includes a $7,500 annual stipend plus $100 per hour for clinical work, with automatic annual renewal unless terminated.

• Contract with Spectrum Health Lakeland for TB support services
• $7,500 annual stipend plus $100 per hour for clinical work
• One-year term with automatic annual renewal
• Resolution endorsed by the Berrien County Board of Health

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept additional state funding for public health services. The new funds total $414,530, bringing the amended contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to $1,908,476 for fiscal year 2021-2022. The resolution authorizes the Chairperson to electronically sign the amended agreement.

• New funding: Lead Response $190,530
• New funding: Reopening Schools Health Resource Advocates $224,000
• Amended contract total: $1,908,476
• Previously approved funding: COVID-19 and ELC activities totaling $1,493,946

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a consent calendar of routine items, including renewing a COVID-19 isolation and quarantine agreement with Mosaic Christian Community Development Association and a TB services contract with Spectrum Health. They will also consider road abandonments, a drain assessment roll, and several other contracts. The meeting includes public comment periods and a closed session to discuss opioid litigation strategy.

• Renew Mosaic Isolation and Quarantine Agreement (P2110320)
• Approve contract with Spectrum Health for TB Services (P2110332)
• Approve road abandonments as recommended by Road Department (A2110338)
• Approve annual Drain Special Assessment Roll for 2021 (A2110343)
• Closed session for opioid litigation strategy (MCL 15.268(e))

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved opening an interest-bearing account at Sturgis Bank for the first half of ARPA funds, approximately $15 million. The board also approved the consent calendar, including contracts for Mosaic isolation/quarantine and Spectrum Health TB services, and an honorary resolution for Judge John Dewane. A closed session was held to discuss opioid litigation strategy.

• Approved opening ARPA fund account at Sturgis Bank (9-0)
• Approved consent calendar including Mosaic isolation/quarantine agreement and Spectrum Health TB contract (9-0)
• Approved honorary resolution for Judge John Dewane (9-0)
• Approved minutes of October 14, 2021 (9-0)
• Approved closed session minutes of October 7, 2021 (9-0)
• Held closed session for opioid litigation strategy (9-0)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to abandon and discontinue six unimproved county road right-of-ways in the Village of Bertrand, Niles Charter Township. The roads are not open to traffic, and the petition is supported by adjoining property owners and Niles Charter Township officials. The board will vote on the abandonment, with easements reserved for utilities and drainage.

• Abandon Monroe Street from Berris to Bertrand (1140' x 80')
• Abandon Jackson Street from Berris to Bertrand (1140' x 80')
• Abandon Silspee Street from Madison to Monroe and Monroe to Jackson (325' x 80' each)
• Abandon Garnsey Street from Jackson to 3rd Street and Monroe west (325' x 80' and 278' x 52')
• Reserve easements for existing public utilities and drainage

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to recognize the Berrien County Youth Fair on its 75th anniversary, expressing appreciation for its contributions and encouraging attendance. The resolution is a ceremonial honor, not a policy or budget action.

• Resolution B2110075 honoring the Berrien County Youth Fair's 75th anniversary
• Encourages residents and visitors to attend the fair in August at Berrien Springs fairgrounds

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $149,906.90, as listed in the attached report. The items include software support, facility assessments, appraisals, and bond costs. The resolution is a routine approval of expenditures.

• Tyler Technologies annual Munis software support: $46,287.90
• Wightman services for COVID-19 ARCGIS Hub dashboard: $35,000
• James Moeser facilities and operations assessment of Berrien County Juvenile Center: $10,500
• Pearson Construction review and analysis for property at 500 Circle Dr., Buchanan: $17,800
• MEFCI LLC bond costs for Yellow Creek Subdivision Drainage District #683: $14,172

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is passing a resolution honoring the late Honorable John Edward Dewane, a former circuit court judge and attorney who died October 14, 2021. The resolution expresses sympathy to his family and recognizes his decades of legal service and community involvement. This is a ceremonial tribute item, not a policy or budget decision.

• Resolution B21101940 honoring Judge John Edward Dewane, who died Oct. 14, 2021
• Recognizes his service as Berrien County Circuit Court Judge from 2008 to 2015
• Notes his nearly 40 years of law practice in Berrien County
• Mentions his roles as interim corporate counsel and special counsel to the board

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a recommendation from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to approve commissioner per diems for September in the amount of $8,293.01. The agenda contains only this single item, which is a routine administrative approval.

• Approval of commissioner per diems for September: $8,293.01

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Health Department to renew a contract with Mosaic Christian Community Development Association for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine services for vulnerable residents. The contract runs from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022 at $170 per day per individual, covering lodging, meals, and staffing. The Board of Health has endorsed the agreement, subject to approval by Corporate Counsel.

• Renewal of contract with Mosaic CCDA for COVID-19 isolation/quarantine services
• Rate of $170.00 per day per individual for preapproved isolation/quarantine periods
• Contract period: September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022
• Services target homeless, home insecure, or low-income residents in congregate/vulnerable housing
• Board of Health endorsement included

Resolutions

The Berrien County Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends that the Board of Commissioners approve adding one full-time Trial Court Clerk II position (Non-Union, Grade 4) to address increased court workload, backlogs from the COVID-19 pandemic, and staffing shortages. The board will decide on this complement change at this meeting.

• Add 1.0 FTE Trial Court Clerk II (Non-Union, Grade 4) to the Berrien County Trial Court

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a contract with Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (SWMBH) for substance use disorder services provided by the Berrien County Health Department. The contract covers October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, with a total budget of $282,681.09. The resolution authorizes the Chairperson to sign the contract.

• Contract with SWMBH for substance use disorder services
• Total contract amount: $282,681.09
• Funding sources: $133,193.41 Block Grant, $100,000.00 PA2, $49,487.68 COVID-19 Prevention
• Services include school/community education and tobacco/alcohol vendor compliance checks

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several financial items, including the use of ARPA funds, a bid recommendation, a tax contract with local units, and multiple bid openings. The committee will also consider approval of weekly bills and the previous meeting's minutes.

• Bid 2021-057 – Recommendation
• Resolution F21010345 – Tax Contract with Local Units
• Bid 2021-052 – Copier Lease, IS
• Bid 2021-059 – Fairplain Ave. HMA, Road Dept.
• Bid 2021-060 – Zero Turn Mowers, Road Dept.

The Finance Committee recommended opening a Sturgis Bank account for $15M in ARPA funds and moving board re-appointments to the full board. It approved a modified DNR Waterways bid with TJM Services, referred road and copier bids to departments, and noted no bids for mowers.

• Recommended opening Sturgis Bank account for $15M ARPA funds (consensus)
• Recommended re-appointments to Trust Advisory Board, Land Bank, Land Preservation Board, Brownfield Authority (consensus)
• Approved DNR Waterways bid modification with TJM Services (motion carried)
• Referred Bid 2021-059 Fairplain Ave. HMA to Road Department with lowest bidder authorization (motion carried)
• Referred Bid 2021-052 Copier Lease to Information Systems for review (motion carried)
• Noted no bids received for Bid 2021-060 Zero Turn Mowers
• Approved minutes from October 14, 2021 (motion carried)
• Concurred to move resolutions F2110051 and F2110345 to full board

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes from the previous meeting and monthly pension refunds/rollover requests. They will also hear from Parks & Recreation and the County Administrator/Board Chair. No major policy decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from October 14, 2021
• Approval of monthly pension refunds/rollover requests
• Parks & Recreation update
• County Administrator/Board Chair report

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the minutes from the October 14, 2021 meeting and the monthly pension refunds and rollover requests, both by unanimous 3-0 votes. The committee also received updates from Parks and Recreation Director Jill Adams on various county parks and programs, and discussed the Benton Harbor water main break and Health Department vacancies, but took no formal action on these items.

• Approved minutes from 10/14/2021 (3-0)
• Approved monthly pension refunds and rollover requests (3-0)

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to hear presentations from the Michigan Association of Counties, Comcast, and Merit Pathfinder about broadband expansion and legislative approaches. They will also discuss developing a Request for Information (RFI) and potential grant funding resources.

• Presentation by Michigan Association of Counties on statewide broadband perspective and local legislative approaches
• Comcast presentation on county broadband growth opportunities
• Merit Pathfinder discussion on RFI development
• Grant writer discussion on SWMPC as a resource and funding details

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force discussed next steps for broadband expansion, including developing a Request for Information (RFI) for infrastructure deployment and hiring a grant writer through the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) at $50/hour. Comcast reported expanding broadband to 2,216 homes, 82 businesses, and 238 farms in the county. No formal votes were taken; decisions were procedural and directional.

• Discussed RFI development for broadband infrastructure deployment
• Agreed to use SWMPC as grant writer at $50/hour
• Noted Comcast expansion: 295 miles, 2,216 homes, 82 businesses, 238 farms
• Comcast to provide parcel map of unserved addresses
• Commissioner Freehling to schedule Merit Network presentation to Committee of the Whole in November
• Story Mapping work to begin once purchase order is issued

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive a Building & Grounds update from Robert Ray, followed by a Q&A with County Administrator Brian Dissette and BOC Chairman Mac Elliott. The committee will also handle routine business, including approving minutes from October 14, 2021, and any resolutions. No specific action items or dollar amounts are listed on the agenda.

• Building & Grounds update by Robert Ray
• Q&A with County Administrator Brian Dissette and BOC Chairman Mac Elliott
• Approval of minutes from October 14, 2021
• Consideration of resolutions

The Berrien County Administration Committee met on October 21, 2021, and approved the minutes from the October 14 meeting. They also signed an honorary resolution for Judge Dewane. The meeting included updates on building maintenance issues, wage concerns, and county assistance for a water main break in Benton Harbor, but no substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of October 14, 2021 meeting (motion by Wuerfel, supported by Meeks)
• Signed honorary resolution B21101940 for Judge Dewane

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates from Legal Aid, the 911 radio project, and the Trial Court's strategic plan. The committee will also handle routine business, including approving minutes and any resolutions.

• Legal Aid update by Mary Spiegel and Pam Hoekwater
• 911 Radio Project update by Caitlin Sampsell
• Trial Court Strategic Plan update by Carrie Smietanka-Haney
• Minutes of October 7, 2021
• Resolutions

The Administration Committee heard updates on Legal Aid, the 9-1-1 radio project, and the Trial Court strategic plan, but made no final decisions on these items. It approved the minutes of the October 7, 2021 meeting and moved two resolutions to the full Board: one to abandon six right-of-ways in Niles Charter Township and another to authorize a speed study on Glenlord Road.

• Approved minutes of October 7, 2021 meeting (motion carried)
• Moved resolution A2110338 to full Board: abandon six right-of-ways in Niles Charter Township
• Moved resolution A2110342 to full Board: authorize speed study on Glenlord Road from Washington Avenue to Hollywood Road

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to extend a contractual employment agreement with Lisa Ankenbruck, who provides financial assistance to several county departments. The current agreement expires October 19, 2021, and the proposed extension would continue through December 31, 2021. The resolution authorizes the County Administrator to execute the amended agreement.

• Extension of contractual employment agreement with Lisa Ankenbruck through December 31, 2021
• Scope includes Health Department budget preparation and review, and financial processing for Health, Financial Services, and Road Departments
• Authorizes County Administrator to execute the amended agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to upgrade the Deputy Director position in the Friend of the Court from Grade 11 to Grade 12, effective immediately. The upgrade is recommended due to the position's complex administrative and supervisory duties, and is supported by the Friend of the Court, Trial Court Administrator, Human Resources Director, and County Administrator. Funding is already allocated in the Friend of the Court budget.

• Position upgrade: Deputy Director, Friend of the Court, from Grade 11 to Grade 12
• Effective date: October 14, 2021
• Funding source: Friend of the Court Department budget 2150 1410

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the health department to enter into a 12-month, $19,500 contract with Smartsheet, a workspace tool to support COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing. The cost is covered by existing MDHHS funds for FY21 COVID-19 response activities. The resolution was recommended by the Personnel and Human Services Committee and endorsed by the Board of Health.

• $19,500 contract with Smartsheet for 12 months
• Single source waiver approved by Finance Committee on October 7, 2021
• Tool to support COVID-19 response, case investigation, and contact tracing
• Funded by existing MDHHS FY21 COVID-19 response funds

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Road Department, with Michigan State Police, to conduct speed studies on two segments of Glenlord Road. The studies will determine whether to raise, lower, or keep the current 55 mph speed limit. The resolution was recommended by the County Administration Committee.

• Authorizes speed study on Glenlord Road from Washington Avenue to Lincoln Charter Township line
• Authorizes speed study on Glenlord Road from Hollywood Road to Royalton Township line
• Current speed limit is 55 mph on both segments
• Studies requested by Lincoln Charter Township and Royalton Township boards
• Results to be reported to County Board of Commissioners

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially approve several financial items, including a drain assessment roll and an agreement with MDOT. The agenda also includes routine approvals for weekly bills, road payables, and waiver requests, along with approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Resolution F2110343 – 2021 Drain Assessment Rolls
• Resolution F2110341 – MDOT Agreement
• Resolution F2110050 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Resolution F2110128 – Road Payables
• Approval of October 7, 2021 minutes

The Berrien County Finance Committee approved a waiver request from West Side Tractor Sales for road department equipment totaling $769,697, along with other waiver requests. The committee also gave concurrence to move four resolutions to the full board for action, including the renewal of the Master Agreement with MDOT for FY2022-2026 and the FY2021 Drain Assessment Rolls. Minutes from the October 7, 2021 meeting were approved.

• Approved waiver request with West Side Tractor Sales for road equipment ($769,697)
• Approved other Request for Waivers (details not specified)
• Approved minutes from October 7, 2021 meeting
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2110050 (Weekly Bills) to full board
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2110128 (Road Payables) to full board
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2110341 (MDOT Master Agreement renewal FY2022-2026) to full board
• Gave concurrence to move Resolution F2110343 (FY2021 Drain Assessment Rolls) to full board

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee is meeting to consider routine personnel actions, including an advanced step hire for the Prosecutor's Office, and to approve several resolutions covering per diem payments, annexation, service contracts, and grant amendments. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy debates or public hearings scheduled.

• Resolution P2110337 – Carrie Smietanka-Haney (Trial Court)
• Advanced Step Hire Request – Prosecutor's Office
• P2110320 – Renew contract with Mosaic Christian Community for services
• P2110332 – Renew agreement with Spectrum for TD support services
• P2110339 – Emerging Threats Grant Amendment to receive additional funds

The Personnel & Human Services Committee approved the minutes from 10/07/2021 and an advanced step hire for Kacee Dochenetz as an APA II at grade 12, step 6, with an annualized salary of $78,962. The committee also reviewed and moved several resolutions to the Full Board for formal action, including per diems, an annexation, and various contract renewals. Additionally, the committee signed a resolution to add a Trial Court Clerk II position.

• Approved minutes from 10/07/2021 (3-0)
• Approved advanced step hire for Kacee Dochenetz, APA II at grade 12, step 6, $78,962 annualized (3-0)
• Moved Resolution P2110010 (September Per Diems, $8,293.01) to Full Board
• Moved Resolution P2110306 (Annexation with Pipestone Township and Village of Eau Claire) to Full Board
• Moved Resolution P2110320 (Renew contract with Mosiac Christian Community) to Full Board
• Moved Resolution P2110332 (Renew agreement with Spectrum/Lakeland for TB support) to Full Board
• Moved Resolution P2110334 (Approve User Agreement with Smartsheet) to Full Board
• Signed Resolution P2110337 to add Trial Court Clerk II position

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee recommends the Board of Commissioners approve an auditing report covering October 7–13, 2021, totaling $2,100,421.51. This is a routine financial approval item on the agenda.

• Approval of auditing report for October 7–13, 2021 in the amount of $2,100,421.51

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a Finance Committee recommendation to approve the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #21, covering September 29 to October 11, 2021, in the amount of $502,307.97. The agenda lists payments to various vendors for road maintenance and operations.

• Approve $502,307.97 in accounts payable for the Road Department
• Payments include $217,182.00 to Truck & Trailer Spec. Inc.
• Payments include $169,124.59 to Michigan Paving & Mat'l Co Inc.
• Payments include $34,856.90 to Kalin Construction Co., Inc.
• Payments include $13,418.79 to Wightman & Associates, Inc.

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $456,562.49, as listed in the attached report. The items include road work, child care services, 911 system maintenance, and a data center upgrade. This is a routine approval of expenditures.

• BitMat Emulsion Applications: $14,850.59 for road work
• Rawhide, Inc.: $14,178.90 for residential child care services
• Word Systems, Inc.: $18,518.00 for 911 PSAPS maintenance
• Hedrick Associates: $389,260.00 for Emergency Data Center UPS & HVAC project
• Tyler Technologies: $19,755.00 for jury management system maintenance

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes, bills, and requisitions, and to consider several resolutions such as extending an agreement and approving a user agreement. The board will also enter a closed session for strategy and negotiations related to a collective bargaining agreement.

• Approve minutes of October 7, 2021 meeting
• Extend agreement with Lisa Ankenbruck until December 31, 2021
• Authorize complement change for FOC Deputy Director position
• Approve user agreement with Smartsheets for data tracking
• Closed session for collective bargaining strategy and negotiations

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included the Smartsheets user agreement, road payables, and other routine items, with a 10-1 vote. The board also reappointed members to the Board of Canvassers and approved closed session minutes. No major policy decisions were made beyond these administrative actions.

• Approved consent calendar including Smartsheets agreement, road payables, and other items (10-1)
• Reappointed Sharon Geisler to Board of Canvassers (11-0)
• Reappointed Gretta Van Bree to Board of Canvassers (10-0)
• Reappointed Larry Goldberg as alternate to Board of Canvassers (11-0)
• Reappointed Jerry Sirk as alternate to Board of Canvassers (10-0)
• Appointed Larry Burghdoff to fill vacancy on Board of Canvassers (11-0)
• Approved closed session minutes from 2020 and 2021 (various votes, with abstentions)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to approve minutes, review requisitions, and receive presentations including life saving awards and a road department update. Public comments are also scheduled. The agenda is largely procedural with informational items.

• Approval of minutes from October 7, 2021
• Requisition review led by Annette Christie
• Life Saving Awards presentation by Sheriff Bailey
• Road Department Update by Kevin Stack

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners' Committee of the Whole met on October 14, 2021, and approved the minutes from the October 7, 2021 meeting. The committee received presentations on life-saving awards and a road department update, but took no other substantive actions.

• Approved minutes of October 7, 2021 meeting (motion carried, no nays)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is passing a resolution to recognize Buchanan native Hannah Roberts for her achievements in BMX, including winning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The resolution commends her as a world champion and advocate for women in the sport.

• Resolution B2110810 recognizing Hannah Roberts for her BMX accomplishments
• Hannah Roberts won silver at the 2020 Summer Olympics in BMX freestyle
• She is a three-time world champion and first American to qualify for Olympic BMX freestyle
• Roberts advocates for equal pay for women in BMX

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Sheriff's Department, the County Administrator, and the Road Department, and to discuss a Jack Kinney update. The committee will also handle routine business, including approving minutes from a previous meeting and any resolutions.

• Sheriff's Dept update by Sheriff Bailey
• Q&A with County Administrator Brian Dissette and BOC Chairman Mac Elliott
• Jack Kinney update by Dan Fette
• Road project update by Kevin Stack
• Minutes of September 23, 2021 and resolutions

The Berrien County Administration Committee met on October 7, 2021, and moved three resolutions forward to the full Board: a three-year building security contract with MDHHS, a professional services agreement with Abonmarche/Pearson for a Facilities Master Plan, and a grant acceptance for the Trial Court's Child and Parent Legal Representation program. The committee also approved the minutes of the September 23 meeting, with one member dissenting. No other substantive decisions were made; the Sheriff's Department update and property update were informational only.

• Approved minutes of September 23, 2021 (motion carried, Wuerfel dissenting)
• Moved forward A2110325: three-year building security contract with MDHHS
• Moved forward A2110329: professional services agreement with Abonmarche/Pearson for Facilities Master Plan
• Moved forward A2110330: Trial Court accept Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee recommends the Board of Commissioners approve the auditing report for September 23 to October 6, 2021, totaling $29,988,421.78. The board will vote on this resolution at the October 7, 2021 meeting.

• Approval of auditing report for $29,988,421.78

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to approve a $3,500 agreement with Public Sector Consultants to help determine how the county can spend its $29.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and calculate lost revenue. The Finance Committee has already approved waiving the bid process for this selection.

• Approval of agreement with Public Sector Consultants for ARPA fund guidance
• Waiver of bid process for consultant selection
• $3,500 cost for consulting services
• $29.8 million in ARPA funds received by county

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324, covering Road Department employees. The agreement, which runs from October 10, 2021 through August 31, 2024, was reached by negotiators and ratified by the union.

• Approval of three-year collective bargaining agreement with IUOE Local 324
• Contract covers Road Department employees
• Agreement effective October 10, 2021 through August 31, 2024
• Union has ratified the tentative agreement

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will consider several resolutions, including a collective bargaining agreement, contract extensions, and staffing complement changes for the Sheriff's Office and Friend of the Court. They will also receive an update from the GIS Mapping Department and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Resolution P2110326: Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Resolution P2110331: Extend contract with Lisa Ankenbruck
• Resolution P2110333: FOC Complement Change
• Resolution P2110327: Sheriff's Complement Change
• GIS Mapping Department update

The Personnel and Human Services Committee reviewed and moved four resolutions to the full board for formal action, including a road department collective bargaining agreement, an employment contract extension, and two complement changes. The committee also approved three GIS data requests by consensus, while a fourth request will require full board authorization. No final decisions were made on the resolutions, as they were only forwarded for further action.

• Moved P2110326 Road Department Collective Bargaining Agreement to full board (consensus)
• Moved P2110331 employment contract extension with Lisa Ankenbruck to full board (consensus)
• Moved P2110333 FOC Complement Change to full board (consensus)
• Moved P2110327 Sheriff's Department Complement Change to full board (consensus)
• Approved GIS data requests for doctoral thesis, DHHS, and SWMPC (consensus)
• Deferred GIS data request for BC Conservation District to full board resolution

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a Finance Committee recommendation to approve the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #20, covering September 15–28, 2021, totaling $655,009.88. The voucher lists payments to dozens of vendors for road-related goods and services. This is a routine approval of expenditures.

• Approve Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #20 for $655,009.88
• Payments include $330,751.26 to State of Michigan - MDOT
• Payments include $172,705.40 to Bitmat Products
• Payments include $32,272.54 to Michigan Pavement Marking
• Payments include $22,230.00 to The Daltons Inc

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee recommends the Board of Commissioners approve a new three-year agreement with Rendel Elie & Associates for auditing services at the seven County Senior Centers. The contract would cover fiscal years ending September 30, 2022, 2023, and 2024, replacing the current agreement that expires in September 2021. The board will vote on this resolution at the meeting.

• Approves 3-year audit services agreement with Rendel Elie & Associates for seven Senior Centers (2022-2024)
• Replaces prior agreement (F1905225) expiring September 2021
• Authorizes Board Chairman to execute the agreement
• Agreement reviewed and approved by County Corporate Counsel

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a contract with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) for broadband data mapping and services. The contract includes converting collected broadband data into GIS StoryMap presentations at an hourly rate between $49 and $110, not to exceed $10,000, plus a $5,000 one-year license for GEO Partners Crowd Source and Mapping. This action supports the county's efforts to secure federal funding for broadband expansion in unserved areas.

• Contract with SWMPC for GIS StoryMap conversion, hourly $49-$110, max $10,000
• $5,000 one-year license for GEO Partners Crowd Source and Mapping service
• Supports Berrien County Broadband Internet Taskforce (BCBIT) data collection
• Follows prior agreement with Merit Network, Inc. (Resolution #F2012421, Dec 17, 2020)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a 3-year contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to provide an armed, sworn deputy at the MDHHS building in Benton Harbor. The contract, valued at $231,177.15, would run through September 30, 2024, and the revenue would be deposited into account 26423072-539600. The Sheriff's office has requested board approval to proceed.

• Contract with MDHHS for armed deputy at Benton Harbor building
• Contract value: $231,177.15
• Contract term: through September 30, 2024
• Revenue deposited in account 26423072-539600
• Board to direct Chairman to sign contract

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a professional services agreement with Abonmarche/Pearson for a Facilities Master Plan. The plan will assess the county's facility needs over the next 30 years in three phases. The bid was opened in August and approved by the Finance Committee in September.

• Bid #2021-051 for Facilities Master Plan awarded to Abonmarche/Pearson for $137,335
• Plan covers 30-year facility needs in three phases: condition/safety assessment, space/programming needs, and government-wide master plan
• Professional services agreement reviewed and approved by County Corporate Counsel

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to accept a $146,343 grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for the Trial Court/Family Division. The grant funds high-quality child and parent legal representation in child protective proceedings, including training, ancillary legal services, a social worker for parents' attorneys, and a Parent Partner program. It requires no cash match and is reimbursement-based.

• Accept $146,343 Title IV-E Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant for FY 21/22
• Authorize County Administrator to sign grant agreement with Michigan DHHS
• Funds support training, ancillary legal services, social worker, and Parent Partner program

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $1,361,612.07, as listed in the attached Requisition Approval Reports. The items include payments for drainage projects, road equipment, and other departmental expenses. The board will vote on this resolution at its October 7, 2021 meeting.

• Kalin Construction Co: $679,398.50 for Pinebrook #408 Drainage District Petition Project
• Motorola 800 MHz radios: $359,438.26 for Road Department
• GEI Consultants: $57,644.00 for Grand Mere Lake Outlet wetland assessment and biological surveys
• Detroit Salt Company: $56,043.00 for road salt
• Beaudoin Electrical Construction: $20,640.00 for electrical repairs at History Center at Courthouse Square County Park

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to add one full-time deputy position to the Sheriff's Office, funded entirely by a contract with Brandywine School District, to provide a School Resource Officer. The position would be eliminated if funding stops.

• Add 1 Full-Time Deputy, Grade 6, POLC Union
• Funded by Brandywine Schools contract
• Position subject to elimination if funding unavailable
• Follows prior authorization via Resolution #A2108304

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a consent calendar with routine items and several notable agreements, including a new collective bargaining agreement with Operating Engineers Local 324, a sheriff's office complement change, and contracts for broadband, ARPA fund use, and a facilities master plan. The board will also receive a re-apportionment update from the clerk.

• Approve Collective Bargaining Agreement with International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324
• Approve complement change for Sheriff's Office for contracted police services
• Approve agreement with Public Sector Consultants for loss revenue and ARPA funds use
• Approve agreement with Southwest Michigan Planning Commission for Broadband project
• Approve agreement with Abonmarche/Pearson for Facilities Master Plan project

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar containing 13 resolutions, including a labor agreement, a sheriff's office complement change, and agreements for police services, facilities master plan, and grant funds. The board also received a reapportionment update from the Clerk and heard public comments on school mask mandates and other topics. No substantive decisions were made outside the consent calendar approval.

• Approved consent calendar with 13 resolutions (10-0)
• Approved labor agreement (P2110326)
• Approved sheriff's office complement change (P2110327)
• Approved agreement with MDHHS for police services (A2110325)
• Approved facilities master plan agreement (A2110329)
• Approved acceptance of grant funds (A2110330)
• Approved road payables (F2110127)
• Approved agreement with Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (F2110322)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to approve minutes, review requisitions, and hold a closed session for strategy and negotiations related to a collective bargaining agreement. The meeting is largely procedural, with the closed session being the only substantive item.

• Approval of minutes from September 23, 2021
• Requisition review presented by Annette Christie
• Closed session under MCLA 15.268(c) for collective bargaining strategy and negotiations, requested by Human Resources Director Shelley Jasper

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on October 7, 2021. They approved the minutes from the September 23, 2021 meeting. The board voted unanimously to enter a closed session for collective bargaining strategy and negotiations, as permitted by state law. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included requisition review and public comments.

• Approved minutes of September 23, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved closed session for collective bargaining strategy (10-0)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will open bids for five projects, including road reconstruction and rehabilitation, and consider waiver requests, weekly bill approvals, and road payables. The meeting also includes approval of the September 23, 2021 minutes.

• Bid 2021-054 – Berrien Street Reconstruction Projection, Road Department
• Bid 2021-055 – Sawyer Road Rehab Project, Road Department
• Bid 2021-056 – Casebinders, Courts
• Bid 2021-057 – DNA Waterways Grant, Community Development
• Resolution F2110049 – Approval of Weekly Bills

The Finance Committee approved waiver requests for properties at 500 Circle Drive, Buchanan, MI, the former Berrien General Hospital, a web-based data tool, and replacement of County Data Center backup power and cooling systems. All bids (2021-057, 2021-056, 2021-058, 2021-054, 2021-055) were referred back to departments to move forward with the lowest responsible bidder, with the County Administrator authorized to execute contracts for road bids and modifications up to $5,000. The committee also concurred to move four resolutions to the full board, including approval of weekly bills, road payables, renewal of the Senior Center auditing contract, an agreement with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission for broadband work, and renewal of the MDHHS police services agreement.

• Approved waiver requests for properties at 500 Circle Drive, Buchanan, MI, and the former Berrien General Hospital, and a web-based data tool.
• Referred Bid 2021-057 (DNR Waterways) back to department to move forward with lowest bid, with justification required for non-lowest bidder.
• Referred Bid 2021-056 (Casebinders, Civil/Criminal Court) back to department to move forward with lowest bid, with justification required for non-lowest bidder.
• Referred Bid 2021-058 (Casebinders, Probate) back to department to move forward with the single bid from Ebco if it meets specifications.
• Referred Bid 2021-054 (Berrien Street Reconstruction) back to department to move forward with lowest responsible bidder, authorizing County Administrator to execute contract and modifications up to $5,000.
• Referred Bid 2021-055 (Sawyer Road Rehabilitation) back to department to move forward with lowest responsible bidder, authorizing County Administrator to execute contract and modifications up to $5,000.
• Approved waiver for replacement of County Data Center Backup Power and Cooling Systems.
• Concurred to move resolutions F2110049, F2110127, F2110321, F2110322, and F2100323 to the full board for action.

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to discuss establishing a subcommittee, hear a legislative perspective from the Michigan Townships Association, and receive progress reports on the Merit Pathfinder and SWMPC Broadband StoryMap projects. The agenda also includes updates on statewide broadband efforts from Connected Nation and the State Broadband Office, plus miscellaneous items like a summit presentation and an Oronoko Township application.

• Discussion on establishing SLC/BPC as a subcommittee
• Michigan Townships Association legislative perspective
• Merit Pathfinder progress report
• SWMPC Broadband StoryMap progress report
• Oronoko Township CMIC application

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force agreed to invite three municipal leaders from unserved/underserved areas to join as regular members, beginning the subcommittee's formation. The group also discussed state legislation, a contract with Merit, and a story map project, but took no other formal votes.

• Invited Peter Colovos (Hagar Township), Mike Hildebrand (Oronoko Township), and Malinda Cole-Crocker (Buchanan Township) to join BCBIT as regular members
• Agreed to back away from Leadership Council's Best Practices Committee as lead organization for the subcommittee
• Discussed but did not finalize subcommittee structure, including tech expert and provider representation
• Noted SB 514 and House Bill 5037 moving slowly; would allow townships to create special assessment districts for broadband infrastructure
• Reported Merit contract executed, awaiting Merit's signature
• Authorized SWMPC to proceed with story mapping under contract
• Agreed to reach out to Connected Nation Michigan Executive Director Eric Frederick to invite him to a meeting
• Discussed Oronoko Township CMIC application; Administrator will push Midwest Energy to submit

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept $20,500 in new state funding for a special project called COVID Workforce Development. The funds, provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, would support BCHD workforce training, wellness, and community response needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution also authorizes the BCHD Health Officer/Director to electronically sign the updated agreement.

• Accept $20,500 from MDHHS for COVID Workforce Development project
• Update to Comprehensive Agreement for fiscal year 2020-2021
• Authorize BCHD Health Officer/Director to electronically sign agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee to approve the auditing report for September 16–22, 2021, totaling $3,562,643.81. This is the only substantive item on the agenda; the rest is procedural.

• Approval of auditing report for Sept 16–22, 2021
• Report amount: $3,562,643.81

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to apply for state financial assistance for local public transportation in fiscal year 2022. The plan includes $915,000 in estimated operating expenses and $190,000 in capital expenses to replace up to two vehicles. The resolution also appoints Evan Smith as the Transportation and Planning Coordinator for all public transportation matters.

• Applies for Act 51 state transportation funding for FY 2022
• Approves $915,000 operating budget with $324,613 from state and $163,890 federal
• Approves $190,000 capital budget to replace up to two vehicles
• Appoints Evan Smith as Transportation and Planning Coordinator
• Supersedes prior resolution F2102156 from February 4, 2021

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to reduce the speed limit on Russell Road from Cleveland Avenue to 0.5 miles west in Baroda Township from 55 mph to 45 mph. The change follows a study showing 33 access points in the first quarter mile and is supported by the Michigan State Police. The board will vote on the resolution and, if approved, direct the Road Department to install signage.

• Speed limit reduction on Russell Road from Cleveland Avenue to 0.5 miles west in Baroda Township to 45 mph
• Study found 33 vehicular access points in the first quarter mile west of Cleveland Road
• Resolution directs Berrien County Road Department to erect and maintain signage per Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution authorizing the County Administrator to apply for a $10,000 Risk Avoidance Program grant from MMRMA to help replace an x-ray machine at the South County Courthouse. The total replacement cost is $17,636, with the remainder budgeted in capital projects. The grant application deadline is October 1, 2021.

• $10,000 MMRMA grant application for courthouse x-ray machine replacement
• Replacement x-ray machine quoted at $17,636
• Grant deadline October 1, 2021
• South County Courthouse x-ray machine replacement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $5,000, totaling $17,500. The only listed item is the purchase of analyzers and cartridges for molecular diagnostic testing for the Health Department. This is a routine financial approval item.

• Approval of requisitions over $5,000 totaling $17,500
• Purchase of two analyzers and cartridges for molecular diagnostic testing from Surgical Government Source
• Equipment for Health Department, fiscal year 2021

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the GIS Director to assign specific job duties to named peer group members for the county's 2021 Survey, Monumentation and Remonumentation Program, as required by state law. The resolution comes from the Personnel and Human Services Committee and is on the agenda for approval.

• Authorizes GIS Director as Remonumentation Grant Administrator to assign work to peer group members
• Lists 9 peer group members including alternates and county representative for the 2021 program
• Resolution under Act 345 of 1990 for survey monumentation and remonumentation

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve five firms for the 2021 County Remonumentation Plan, a state-funded program for surveying and monumenting land boundaries. The resolution authorizes the board chairperson and county clerk to execute the annual contracts, which are administered by the county's Remonumentation Grant Administrator. This is a routine annual approval with no other substantive items on the agenda.

• Approval of five survey firms: Abonmarche Consultants, Kesler Land Surveying, Stephenson Land Surveying, Mitchell & Morse Land Surveying, Wightman & Associates
• Contracts renewed annually under Act 345, P.A. of 1990
• Authorizes execution of contracts for 2021 Remonumentation Plan

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve routine consent calendar items, including weekly bills and requisitions, an amended health department funding agreement, remonumentation program approvals, a revised MDOT application for Berrien Bus, and a traffic control order for Russell Road. They will also consider applying for a RAP grant to replace an x-ray machine at the South County Courthouse. The meeting includes public comment periods and committee reports.

• Amend FY20-21 Comprehensive Agreement to accept $20,500 additional Health Dept. funding
• Approve annual peer group and firm contracts for Remonumentation program
• Revised FY22 MDOT application for Berrien Bus due to changed operating costs
• Approve traffic control order to change speed on portion of Russell Road
• Apply for RAP Grant to replace x-ray machine at South County Courthouse

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included an amendment to the comprehensive agreement for health funding and a revised MDOT application for Berrien Bus. The board also untabled the health funding resolution and added a RAP grant application to the consent calendar. All items passed unanimously with 11 yeas and no nays.

• Approved consent calendar including health funding amendment and MDOT application (11-0)
• Untabled Resolution P2109312 - Amend Comprehensive Agreement for Health Funding
• Added Resolution A2109324 - Apply for RAP Grant to consent calendar
• Approved weekly bills and requisitions
• Approved remonumentation grant peer group and firm contracts
• Approved Russell Road Traffic Control Order

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting for routine business, including approving prior minutes and reviewing requisitions. The main item is a closed session to consult with legal counsel about pending litigation or attorney-client privileged matters. Public comments and other business will follow after the session resumes.

• Approval of minutes from September 16, 2021
• Requisition review presented by Annette Christie
• Closed session under MCLA 15.268 to consult with attorneys Matt Derby and Walter Fisher of Kotz Sangster on pending litigation

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on September 23, 2021. They approved the minutes from the September 16 meeting and voted unanimously to recess into a closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding pending litigation. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned after public comments.

• Approved minutes of September 16, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved closed session to consult with legal counsel (11-0)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several financial items, including a bid proposal for the County Facilities Master Plan, a resolution for MDOT funding for Berrien Bus, and the opening of bids for History Center repairs. They will also consider waiver requests, approve weekly bills, and approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Berrien County Facilities Master Plan Bid Proposal
• Resolution F2109316 – Berrien Bus MDOT Funding
• Bid 2021-053 – Opening – History Center Repairs
• Waiver Request Approvals
• Resolution F2109048 – Approval of Weekly Bills

The Finance Committee approved a waiver request for the Berrien County Juvenile Center Facility Assessment and agreed by consensus to move forward with Abonmarche for the Facilities Master Plan, with an edit to include ARRPA. They also approved a single bid for the Historical Courthouse Museum electrical work and signed resolutions for weekly bills and Berrien Bus MDOT funding.

• Approved waiver request for Juvenile Center Facility Assessment
• Agreed by consensus to recommend Abonmarche for Facilities Master Plan
• Approved Bid 2021-053 for Historical Courthouse Museum electrical work ($20,640) from Beaudoin Electrical
• Signed Resolution F2109048 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Signed Resolution F2109316 – Berrien Bus MDOT Funding
• Approved minutes from September 16, 2021

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will consider approval of minutes, two remonumentation-related resolutions, and a comprehensive agreement amendment tabled by the Board of Commissioners. A benefits presentation from the Personnel Department is also scheduled.

• P2109312 – Comprehensive Agreement Amendment (tabled by BOC)
• P2109314 – Remonumentation Peer Group Approval
• P2109315 – Remonumentation Firm Contract Approval
• Personnel Department Benefits Presentation

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and moved three resolutions to the full board for formal action. The committee also discussed health care benefits and agreed to seek a new commissioner for the Solid Waste Consortium.

• Approved minutes from 09/16/2021 (3-0)
• Moved resolution P2109312 (Comprehensive Agreement Amendment) to full board
• Moved resolution P2109314 (Remonumentation Peer Group Approval) to full board
• Moved resolution P2109315 (Remonumentation Firm Contract Approval) to full board
• Agreed to ask another commissioner to volunteer for Solid Waste Consortium appointment

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to discuss forming a subcommittee, including its size, structure, and establishment process. They will also hear a legislative update and a presentation on statewide broadband efforts from Connected Nation.

• Discussion on BCBIT subcommittee ideal size and structure
• Process to establish the subcommittee
• Legislative update from Dan Carrick
• Statewide broadband efforts presentation by Connected Nation

The task force discussed pending state legislation (SB 514, HB 5037) that would allow townships to create special assessment districts for broadband, but noted the bills lack support. They also refined a proposed subcommittee structure, adjusting municipal and organization representation. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational and planning-focused.

• Discussed SB 514 and HB 5037, noting lack of legislative support
• Proposed subcommittee size of 16 members or less
• Adjusted municipal representation to 4 underserved and 5 high-response communities
• Discussed dropping healthcare and planning commission reps for more townships

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Family Division and Juvenile Center, followed by a Q&A on the County Facilities Master Plan bid proposal. The committee will also consider minutes from September 16 and any resolutions. The agenda is largely informational with no major decisions listed.

• Family Division and Juvenile Center updates with Elvin Gonzalez and Rich Dama
• Q&A on Berrien County Facilities Master Plan Bid Proposal with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Consideration of minutes from September 16, 2021
• Resolutions (none specified)

The Administration Committee formally requested that all board terms expiring at year-end be posted for public application. It also moved two resolutions to the full Board: lowering the speed limit on Russell Road from 55 to 45 mph, and authorizing a RAP grant to replace the second x-ray machine at the Courthouse. The committee heard updates on juvenile services, including staff training, Raise the Age planning, and facility needs, but took no formal action on those items.

• Requested public posting of all board terms expiring at year-end
• Moved resolution A2109319 to lower speed on Russell Road from 55 to 45
• Moved resolution A2109324 to authorize RAP grant for Courthouse x-ray machine
• Approved minutes of September 16, 2021 meeting

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $275,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The grant reimburses the Trial Court for added costs of handling 17-year-olds in the juvenile justice system, effective October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. The resolution also authorizes the County Administrator to sign the grant agreement.

• Accept $275,000 Raise the Age grant from Michigan DHHS
• Reimburse Trial Court for costs of adding 17-year-olds to juvenile caseload
• Grant period FY 21/22: Oct 1, 2021 – Sep 30, 2022
• No cash match required; reimbursement-based grant
• Authorizes County Administrator to sign grant agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize signing a work agreement for the FY2022 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG). The grant would offset about 35% of the Emergency Management Coordinator's salary and benefits, with a 50% cost match covered entirely by in-kind contributions. The agreement covers the period October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.

• Authorizes Chairperson, County Administrator, and Emergency Management Coordinator to sign FY2022 EMPG work agreement
• Grant reimburses approximately 35% of Emergency Management Coordinator salary and benefits
• 50% cost match projected as 100% in-kind, requiring $0 budgeted for match
• Performance period: October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022
• Emergency Management Coordinator to serve as program manager

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to approve a Memo of Understanding with the Cass County Road Commission. Under the agreement, Berrien County's Road Department would perform a prime and double seal paving project on Nubour Road in Cass County, with Cass County paying up to $18,500.

• Approval of Memo of Understanding with Cass County Road Commission
• Paving project on Nubour Road in Cass County
• Payment not to exceed $18,500 from Cass County
• Authorizes Board Chairperson to execute the memo

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a Finance Committee recommendation to approve the Road Department's 2021 Accounts Payable Voucher #19, covering September 1-14, 2021, in the total amount of $751,333.63. The voucher lists payments to dozens of vendors for road-related supplies, services, and construction.

• Approval of Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #19 for $751,333.63
• Payments include $361,090.92 to Rieth-Riley Construction Co.
• Payments include $201,448.67 to Bit Mat Products
• Payments include $105,228.30 to Michigan Paving & Mat'l Co Inc
• Payments include $28,841.36 to Michiana Aggregate, Inc.

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a renewal of the State Trunkline Maintenance Contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2026. The contract continues county maintenance work on state trunklines and authorizes the Road Department Engineering Supervisor to sign and administer it.

• Approval of State Trunkline Maintenance Contract #2021-0338 with MDOT
• Contract period: October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2026
• Authorizes Road Department Engineering Supervisor as Contract Administrator

Resolutions

This agenda item is a routine approval of per diem, mileage, and miscellaneous expense reimbursements for county board members for August 2021. The total requested is $6,409.97, covering 100 meeting days and 2,031.2 miles. No other business is listed on this agenda.

• Total per diem and mileage: $6,409.97
• 100 meeting days claimed
• 2,031.2 miles reimbursed at $1,137.47
• Miscellaneous expenses: $75.00
• Individual totals range from $242.39 to $944.34

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a contract with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter. The agreement would allow the association to rent space from the Berrien County Health Department in the Benton Harbor area for $750 for the period of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. The partnership provides local access to sickle cell disease case management and testing at no cost to the County.

• Contract with Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter for $750
• Space rental at Berrien County Health Department in Benton Harbor area
• Agreement period: October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
• Association provides own computer not connected to County network
• Board of Health endorses agreement at no cost to County

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to support the Berrien County Health Department's intent to apply for continued funding from the United Way of Southwest Michigan for the 2022-2025 grant cycle. The funding would support family health programs including Nurse-Family Partnership, Triple P Positive Parenting, Michigan Adolescent Pregnant and Parenting, and the Raising Up Healthy Babies Taskforce. The resolution has been endorsed by the Board of Health.

• Resolution supporting BCHD's application for United Way 2022-2025 funding cycle
• Programs covered: Nurse-Family Partnership, Triple P Positive Parenting, Michigan Adolescent Pregnant and Parenting, Raising Up Healthy Babies Taskforce
• Grant period: July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025
• Funding covers staff time, travel expenses, and supplies

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to approve an amendment to a contract with the Fair Food Network, increasing funding for the Double Up Food Bucks program at the Benton Harbor Farmers' Market by $500, bringing the total to $3,000 for 2021. The program matches SNAP benefits to help lower-income residents buy more fruits and vegetables.

• Approve $500 grant increase for Double Up Food Bucks program
• Total grant funding $3,000 for January 1-December 31, 2021
• Program operates at Benton Harbor Farmers' Market

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve routine items on the consent calendar, including per diems, bills, and road payables, as well as several grant agreements and contract renewals. The board will also hear public comments on these resolutions and receive committee reports.

• Renew Sickle Cell Disease Association space rental agreement
• Apply for United Way grant for NFP, Triple P, Healthy Babies programs
• Approve Fair Food Network Double Up Food Bucks amendment
• Accept $20,500 for COVID Workforce Development project
• Approve State Trunkline Maintenance Contract renewal

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Cass County (Resolution A2109318) after initially tabling it, and approved the consent calendar including per diems, bills, and various agreements. The board did not vote on rescinding support for the health department's mask mandate or on a no-confidence vote, citing a pending lawsuit. Public comments on masks were heard but no action was taken.

• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Cass County (A2109318) (12-0)
• Approved consent calendar including per diems, bills, road payables, and agreements (12-0)
• Tabled Comprehensive Agreement Amendment for Health Department (P2109312) and Cass County MOU (A2109318) initially
• No vote on rescinding support for BCHD mask mandate or no-confidence in health director

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to hear scheduled updates from Kinexus and Harbor. The agenda also includes approval of the August 26, 2021 minutes, public comments, and other business. No votes on specific policy items are listed.

• Approval of minutes from August 26, 2021
• Kinexus update by Al Pscholka
• Harbor update by Dan Fette
• Public comments (2-minute limit per speaker)

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners met as a Committee of the Whole and approved the minutes from the August 26, 2021 meeting. They received informational updates from Kinexus on the state's FY22 budget and labor market, and from Community Development Director Dan Fette on the Twin Cities Sustainable Harbor Strategy study. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational and procedural.

• Approved minutes of the August 26, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting (motion carried, no nays)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to review a reimbursement request, hear the Register of Deeds' 2022 budget presentation, and consider a resolution for Berrien Bus MDOT funding. They will also discuss a radio purchase, engineering services, and work with Cass County, plus approve waivers, weekly bills, road payables, and prior minutes.

• Reimbursement Request
• 2022 Budget Presentation by Register of Deeds Lora Freehling
• Resolution F2109316 – Berrien Bus MDOT Funding
• Radio Purchase and Engineering Services discussion
• Resolution F2109047 – Approval of Weekly Bills; Resolution F2109126 – Road Payables

The Finance Committee agreed by consensus to move forward with a loan agreement for the Broadband Project, and also approved a contract for heating/air conditioning work at the sign shop. Waiver requests were approved, and resolutions for weekly bills and road payables were moved to the full board. No formal votes were taken on these items; decisions were made by consensus.

• Approved moving forward with a loan agreement for the Broadband Project (consensus)
• Approved moving forward with a contract for sign shop HVAC work, with Herman & Goetz at $72,420 (consensus)
• Approved waiver requests (consensus)
• Gave concurrence to move F2109047 (Approval of Weekly Bills) to full board
• Gave concurrence to move F2109126 (Road Payables) to full board
• Approved minutes from August 26, 2021 (motion carried)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will consider routine personnel actions, including pension refunds/rollovers and an advanced step hire for the Health Department. They will also vote on several resolutions covering per diems, a sickle cell agreement, a United Way grant application, and amendments to food and surveyor contracts. The Parks and Recreation department will provide a monthly update.

• Approval of Monthly Pension Refunds/Rollovers
• Approval of Advanced Step Hire – Health Department
• P2109308 – United Way Grant Application
• P2109309 – Double Up Food Bucks Amendment
• P2109314/15 – Remonumentation Peer Group and Firm Contract Approvals

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the August 26, 2021 meeting minutes, monthly pension refunds/rollovers, and an advanced step hire for Health Department Disease Intervention Technician Teri Meyers at grade 7, step 2 ($39,014 annualized). Five resolutions were reviewed and moved by consensus to the Full Board for formal action, covering August per diems ($6,409.97), a Sickle Cell Agreement, a United Way Grant Application, a Double Up Food Bucks Amendment, and a Comprehensive Agreement Amendment. Parks and Recreation Director Jill Adams gave a monthly update; no formal action was taken on that report.

• Approved minutes from 08/26/2021 (3-0).
• Approved monthly pension refunds/rollovers as presented (3-0).
• Approved advanced step hire for Teri Meyers at grade 7, step 2, $39,014 annualized (3-0).
• Moved Resolution P2109009 (Monthly Per Diems, August $6,409.97) to Full Board.
• Moved Resolution P2109299 (Sickle Cell Agreement) to Full Board.
• Moved Resolution P2109308 (United Way Grant Application) to Full Board.
• Moved Resolution P2109309 (Double Up Food Bucks Amendment) to Full Board.
• Moved Resolution P2109312 (Comprehensive Agreement Amendment) to Full Board.

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive an update from Animal Control, participate in a Q&A with the County Administrator and BOC Chairman, and handle routine committee business including approving minutes, a county property use request, and resolutions.

• Animal Control update by Tiffany Peterson
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Minutes of August 26, 2021
• County Property Use Request
• Resolutions

The Berrien County Administration Committee moved three resolutions to the full Board: authorizing an EMPG work agreement for FY22, accepting an MDHHS grant for Raise the Age, and approving State Trunkline Maintenance Contract 2021-0338. A resolution for a Memo of Understanding with Cass County Road Commission for a prime and double seal project was tabled. The committee also discussed an Animal Control update and a proposal to grant right of entry through the county's right of way to resolve a landlocked property issue at Jack Kinney Road.

• Approved minutes of August 26, 2021 meeting
• Moved forward A2109310 – Authorize work agreement with EMPG for FY22
• Moved forward A2109313 – Accept MDHHS grant for Raise the Age
• Moved forward A2109317 – Approve State Trunkline Maintenance Contract 2021-0338
• Tabled A2109318 – Memo of Understanding with Cass County Road Commission

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on September 14, 2021, for FY22 budget hearings. Department heads presented their budget reviews, and questions and answers followed each presentation. No formal decisions or votes were made during the meeting; it was purely informational. The meeting adjourned at 2:23 P.M., and minutes are to be approved at the next BOC meeting.

• No formal decisions or votes were taken during the meeting
• FY22 budget reviews presented by Personnel, Community Development, Health, Sheriff, Tax Equalization, Printing, Felony Probation, Veterans Services, Public Defender, Administration/BOC/Corporate Counsel/MSUE, Parks & Recreation, Clerk, Animal Control, and Building & Grounds departments

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on September 13, 2021, for Fiscal Year 2022 budget hearings. Departments presented their budget reviews, including opportunities, risks, issues, and capital requests, followed by questions and answers. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting was informational only and adjourned at 1:37 P.M.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the meeting
• Financial Services FY22 budget review presented by Doug James
• Treasurer FY22 budget review presented by Shelly Weich
• Trial Court FY22 budget review presented by Judge Mabel Mayfield and Carrie Smietanka-Haney
• Motor Pool FY22 budget review presented by Tod Rainey
• Road Department FY22 budget review presented by Kevin Stack
• Prosecutor FY22 budget review presented by Steve Pierangeli
• 911 & Public Safety Communication FY22 budget review presented by Caitlin Sampsell

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a Finance Committee recommendation to approve the Road Department's 2021 Accounts Payable Voucher #18, covering August 17–31, 2021, in the amount of $832,933.94. The voucher lists payments to dozens of vendors for road-related goods and services. The board will vote on this resolution at the September 9, 2021 meeting.

• Approve Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #18 for $832,933.94
• Largest payment: $449,600.00 to D&K Truck Company
• Payment of $146,716.60 to Bit Mat Products
• Payment of $43,811.66 to Wightman & Associates, Inc.
• Payment of $38,890.00 to CSX Transportation

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on Resolution B2109093 to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $60,256.97, as listed in the attached Requisition Approval Reports. The agenda includes three specific vendor payments for software maintenance, hardware, and a replacement engine.

• $38,500 to Kofile Technologies for CountyFusion maintenance for ROD office
• $10,536 to RDT Solutions for NEO's T24 Overlan Tape System Archive Files hardware
• $11,220.97 to Valley Truck Parts for replacement engine for Sweeper #931110

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is being asked to affirm the County Administrator's appointment of Robert Ray as Interim Building & Grounds Superintendent, effective August 31, 2021. The resolution notes his salary of $90,788 and that the appointment is limited to six months unless extended by the Board.

• Appointment of Robert Ray as Interim Building & Grounds Superintendent
• Salary set at $90,788
• Effective date August 31, 2021
• Six-month limit unless Board grants extension

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve routine financial items and an added resolution appointing Robert Ray as Interim Building & Grounds Superintendent. The agenda is largely procedural, with consent calendar items for bills, requisitions, and road payables.

• Approve appointment of Robert Ray as Interim Building & Grounds Superintendent (Resolution C2109311)
• Approve weekly bills (Resolution F2109046)
• Approve weekly requisitions (Resolution B2109093)
• Approve road payables (Resolution F2109125)

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, including weekly bills, requisitions, road payables, and an added resolution appointing an interim Building & Grounds Superintendent. The board heard extensive public comments, mostly opposing the Berrien County Health Department's school mask mandate, and Commissioner Scott announced plans to introduce a resolution rescinding support for the BCHD's COVID-19 response. No formal action was taken on the mask mandate at this meeting.

• Approved consent calendar including weekly bills, requisitions, road payables, and interim Building & Grounds Superintendent (12-0)
• Approved minutes of August 26, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
• Heard public comments on school mask mandate; no vote taken
• Commissioner Scott announced intention to introduce resolution rescinding support for BCHD COVID-19 response

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to follow up on work tasks from August 5, including legislative engagement on Senate Bill, Merit Pathfinder, GEO Crowd Source Tool, and Broadband StoryMap. They will review Mercury Broadband coverage maps for fiber (RDOF) and wireless (Connect Michigan), and discuss broadband funding inquiries from Buchanan Township and connectivity issues in Hagar Township. The group will also consider the ideal size, structure, and process for establishing a BCBIT subcommittee.

• Follow-up on legislative engagement on Senate Bill
• Review of Mercury Broadband fiber (RDOF) and wireless (Connect Michigan) coverage maps
• Buchanan Township broadband funding inquiry
• Hagar Township broadband connectivity discussion
• Proposal to establish BCBIT subcommittee

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force met to discuss next steps for broadband expansion, including updates on legislative efforts, a mapping tool, and a story map. They reviewed Mercury Broadband coverage maps for fiber and wireless, heard from Buchanan and Hagar townships about their broadband needs, and discussed a proposed subcommittee structure. No formal decisions were made; items were discussed for future action.

• Discussed legislative engagement on Senate Bill 514 and House Bill 5037 to allow townships to create special assessment districts for broadband infrastructure.
• Reviewed next steps for the Merit Pathfinder project, including mapping, community engagement, and RFI development.
• Discussed the expected procurement of a GEO crowdsourcing tool to map broadband coverage gaps.
• Reviewed two Mercury Broadband coverage maps (fiber and wireless) provided in response to Commissioner Freehling's requests.
• Heard from Buchanan Township about interest in broadband funding and buildout.
• Heard from Hagar Township about the need for a county-wide broadband deployment strategy and a resolution supporting broadband.
• Discussed a proposed BCBIT subcommittee structure with up to 16 members, but details remain undefined.
• Commissioner Scott raised the importance of having a grant writer on staff.

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $5,021,968.95. The largest item is a $4.3 million payment for county health insurance, with other items covering drain work, bus staffing, and road signal maintenance.

• $4,336,306 to TCF National Bank for health insurance to Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI
• $398,000 to Berrien RESA for Berrien Bus staffing through EDUSTAFF
• $112,000 to Oselka Construction for Tanner Creek Drain #514 work
• $89,500 to Oselka Construction for additional tree cutting on Tanner Creek Drain #514
• $37,619 to CSX Transportation for signal maintenance at various crossings

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution authorizing the Sheriff's Office to apply for a $9,478 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for snowmobile law enforcement. The grant would be reimbursed at 85% ($8,056), with a 15% county match of $1,422 funded from the Public Safety Millage Fund. The grant period runs from October 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022.

• Grant application for $9,478 from Michigan DNR for snowmobile law enforcement
• County match of $1,422 (15%) from Public Safety Millage Fund
• Grant period October 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022
• 60 miles of state-funded groomed snowmobile trails in Berrien County

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a consent calendar of routine resolutions, including accepting a Secondary Road Patrol Grant for the Sheriff's Office, amending a Title IV-D contract for the Friend of the Court, approving a School Resource Officer contract with Brandywine Schools, and applying for a snowmobile grant. The board will also hear public comments, committee reports, and general public comments. The agenda is largely routine administrative business.

• Accept Secondary Road Patrol Grant for Sheriff's Office
• Amend Title IV-D funding contract for Friend of the Court to extend one year
• Approve School Resource Officer contract with Brandywine School District
• Approve FY21-22 snowmobile grant application for Sheriff
• Approve weekly bills and requisitions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution C2108307, expressing support for the Berrien County Health Department's continued COVID-19 response, including vaccination and mask recommendations. The board also approved the consent calendar, which included grants, contracts, and routine financial items. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included presentations, public comments, and reports.

• Approved Resolution C2108307 supporting Health Dept COVID-19 response (unanimous)
• Approved consent calendar including weekly bills, requisitions, and grants (11-0)
• Approved minutes of August 19, 2021 (unanimous)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a Finance Committee recommendation to approve the auditing report for August 19-25, 2021, totaling $2,957,047.93. This is a routine financial approval item.

• Approval of auditing report for August 19-25, 2021, in the amount of $2,957,047.93

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to accept a state grant for the Secondary Road Patrol and Accident Prevention Programs. The grant provides $99,600 for salaries and expenses, with a total project cost of $109,373 and $9,773 in matching funds from the sheriff's general fund.

• Grant from Office of Highway Safety Planning: $99,600 for Oct 1, 2021–Sep 30, 2022
• Total cost for one deputy and equipment: $109,373
• Matching funds: $9,773 from sheriff's general fund
• Authorizes chairperson, sheriff, and CFO to execute grant documents

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to approve a two-year extension of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Title IV-D Cooperative Reimbursement Contract for Friend of the Court office operations. The extension runs through September 30, 2023, and authorizes the Friend of the Court to execute the contract in the amount of $8,564,703.02.

• Approves extension of MDHHS Title IV-D Cooperative Reimbursement Contract #CSFOC17-1100 through September 30, 2023
• Authorizes Friend of the Court to execute contract in amount of $8,564,703.02
• Continues consolidated Prosecuting Attorney Establishment function within FOC Office

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize a contract with Brandywine Community Schools for a School Resource Officer. The school would pay the county for the deputy's salary, equipment, training, and overhead costs. The resolution, recommended by the County Administration Committee, would allow the board chairman and clerk to sign the agreement.

• Authorizes School Resource Officer agreement between Berrien County Sheriff and Brandywine Community Schools
• School pays actual costs including salary, overtime, equipment, and training
• Contract authorized under Act 35 of 1951 (MCLA 124.2)
• Agreement reviewed and approved by Corporate Counsel

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from its COVID-19 Committee expressing support for the Berrien County Health Department's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution acknowledges the continued health risk from the virus and urges residents 12 and over to get vaccinated, stay home when sick, practice good hygiene, and wear masks when appropriate. This is a symbolic statement of support rather than a binding action or new policy.

• Resolution supporting Berrien County Health Department's COVID-19 response
• Urges residents 12 and over to be vaccinated
• Recommends staying home when sick, hand hygiene, and mask use when appropriate

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to review requisitions and hear scheduled presentations, including a COVID-19 update from the county health officer and an award presentation by Kristopher Martin of SWMPC. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Graham Woodhouse Award Presentation by Kristopher Martin, SWMPC
• COVID-19 Update by Courtney Davis, Berrien County Health Officer
• Requisition Review
• Approval of minutes from August 12, 2021

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners' Committee of the Whole met August 26, 2021, and approved the minutes from the August 12 meeting. The board received a COVID-19 update from the Health Officer and a physician, who reported rising transmission, an 11.52% test positivity rate, and the presence of the Delta variant. They recommended masking indoors and in crowded spaces regardless of vaccination status, and highlighted modeling showing masks reduce transmission in schools. The board also recognized the Paw Paw River Water Trail Project with the 2020 Graham Woodhouse Award.

• Approved the Committee of the Whole minutes from August 12, 2021, with no nays.
• Heard a COVID-19 update from Health Officer Courtney Davis and Dr. Rex Cabaltica, including rising transmission and Delta variant presence.
• Received public health recommendations urging masks indoors and in crowded spaces, vaccination, hand washing, and staying home when sick.
• Recognized the Paw Paw River Water Trail Project with the 2020 Graham Woodhouse Award for intergovernmental cooperation.
• Reviewed requisitions presented by Executive Administrative Assistant Annette Christie.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the Graham Woodhouse Intergovernmental Effort Award, which honors local-government cooperation. The 2020 winner was the Berrien County Road Department for the Paw Paw River Water Trail Project.

• 2020 Graham Woodhouse Award winner: Berrien County Road Department, Paw Paw River Water Trail Project
• Award criteria: relative effort, scope, methodology, project dimension
• Previous winners include 2019 Sink Road Bridge Replacement Project and 2018 Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is receiving a COVID-19 data update from the acting health officer and medical director. The presentation covers case statistics, transmission indicators, vaccination rates, and public health recommendations. No formal decisions are being made at this meeting; it is an informational briefing.

• 7-day rolling average of confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases among Berrien County residents as of 8/23/2021
• Weekly new confirmed and probable cases rose from 15 (7/5-7/11) to 224 (8/16-8/22)
• Test positivity rate increased from 1.51% to 11.52% over the same weekly period
• Vaccination rates: 34% for ages 12-19, 55.6% for ages 12 and older; about 73,275 people initiated vaccination as of 8/16/21
• Public health recommendation: all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, should wear face coverings indoors and in crowded spaces

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to handle routine financial business, including opening a bid for a Facilities Master Plan, discussing engineering services and a radio purchase, and approving weekly bills and contract modifications. Public comments are limited to the start of the meeting.

• Bid 2021-051 opening for Facilities Master Plan
• RFP Engineering Services discussion
• Radio Purchase discussion
• Resolution F2108044 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Contract Modification and Waiver Request Approvals

The Finance Committee approved a waiver allowing the Sheriff's Department to single-source the purchase of 8 FY2022 county vehicles from Berger Chevrolet for $455,000 due to COVID-related supply issues. They also agreed to reimburse Chikaming Township $1,115.26 for expenses from a prior meeting, and to extend Linda Elie's audit contract for 2-3 years. The committee accepted bids for the Facilities Master Plan and referred them for review, and gave concurrence to move the weekly bills resolution to the full board.

• Approved single-source waiver for 8 county vehicles from Berger Chevrolet for $455,000
• Agreed to reimburse Chikaming Township $1,115.26 for meeting expenses
• Agreed to extend Linda Elie's audit contract for 2-3 years
• Accepted bids for Facilities Master Plan and referred to department for review
• Gave concurrence to move weekly bills resolution to full board

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee is meeting to receive an update from the Register of Deeds and to conduct routine committee business, including approving the minutes from the August 19, 2021 meeting. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Register of Deeds update by Lora Freehling
• Approval of minutes from August 19, 2021
• Public comments (2 minutes or less)

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the minutes from the August 19, 2021 meeting with a 3-0 vote. The Register of Deeds presented a first and second quarter 2021 update, highlighting increased document recordings and revenue, technology upgrades, and the final phase of digitizing land records. The County Administrator noted that the Corporate Counsel position was posted. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of 08/19/2021 (3-0)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive an update from the 9-1-1 Director, followed by a Q&A with the County Administrator and BOC Chairman. The committee will also handle routine business including approving minutes and any resolutions. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• 9-1-1 update from Director Caitlin Sampsell
• Q&A with County Administrator Brian Dissette and BOC Chairman Mac Elliott
• Approval of minutes from August 12, 2021
• Public comments (2-minute limit)

The Administration Committee received updates on 9-1-1 operations, including a jail tower HVAC service agreement and console deep cleaning, and discussed staffing, radio coverage, and capital improvements. It also discussed mask mandates, the Health Officer position, and in-house counsel hiring. The committee approved the August 12 minutes and moved a resolution for a Sheriff's Department Brandywine Resource Officer agreement to the full Board.

• Approved minutes of August 12, 2021 meeting
• Moved resolution A2108304 (Sheriff's Department Brandywine Resource Officer agreement) to full Board

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering approval of an auditing report covering August 12-18, 2021, ending in the amount of $1,688,887.06. The Finance Committee recommends approval. This is a routine financial oversight item.

• Approval of auditing report for Aug 12-18, 2021
• Report amount: $1,688,887.06

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $5,000, totaling $30,000, as listed in the attached Requisition Approval Reports. The only listed item is a $30,000 payment to multiple vendors for bituminous mixtures related to road work, pending Finance Committee approval. The agenda is otherwise procedural, including abstention forms for individual commissioners.

• $30,000 requisition for bituminous mixtures (Bid 2021-040) from Michigan Paving, Rieth Riley, and others
• Approval of all requisitions over $5,000 as presented
• Abstention forms for commissioners to note individual votes on specific requisitions

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to accept a Comprehensive Agreement with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for fiscal year 2021-2022. The $3,265,160 contract funds the Berrien County Health Department to provide public health services under the Michigan Public Health Code. The Board of Health has endorsed the agreement, and the resolution authorizes the BCHD Health Officer to sign it electronically.

• $3,265,160 Comprehensive Agreement with MDHHS for FY2021-22 (Oct 1, 2021–Sep 30, 2022)
• Funding breakdown includes $799,407 for WIC Resident Services, $518,154 for Local Public Health Services, and $211,654 for EGLE Drinking Water & Waste Mgmt
• Covers services including immunizations, HIV prevention, TB control, family planning, and public health emergency preparedness
• Authorizes BCHD Health Officer to electronically sign the agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is acknowledging receipt of the Classification and Compensation Study Final Report, prepared by Municipal Consulting Services, LLC. The study was commissioned to update the county's salary information, as the last countywide salary study was completed over twenty years ago. The board is not voting on the study's recommendations at this meeting, only acknowledging receipt of the report.

• Acknowledges receipt of Classification and Compensation Study Final Report
• Study conducted by Municipal Consulting Services, LLC
• Study covers all county employees excluding elected officials, PA 312 eligible positions, and Road Department employees
• Last countywide salary study was over 20 years ago

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee recommends approval of the Road Department's 2021 Accounts Payable Voucher #17, covering August 4-16, 2021, totaling $378,620.73. The Board of Commissioners will vote on this resolution, which includes payments to various vendors for road materials, equipment, and services.

• Accounts Payable Voucher #17 for $378,620.73
• Payments to Bit Mat Products ($134,071.21) and Kalin Construction ($101,789.94)
• Payments to Atherton Asphalt, Wyoming Asphalt, and other road maintenance vendors
• Vendor list includes 70+ suppliers for materials, equipment, and services

Resolutions

The County Administration Committee recommends adopting a resolution to set the speed limit on Old M-60 from a point 555 feet east of Clay Street to Behner Road in New Buffalo Township at 35 mph, based on a traffic study. The Board of Commissioners will vote on this resolution, which also directs the Road Department to post signs and rescinds previous traffic control orders for that section.

• Sets speed limit at 35 mph on Old M-60 from 555 feet east of Clay Street to Behner Road
• Authorizes signing Traffic Control Order No. S 11-01-21
• Directs Road Department to erect and maintain speed limit signs
• Rescinds previous traffic control orders for this road section

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to approve commissioner per diems for July 2021 in the amount of $6,179.17. The agenda contains only this routine administrative item.

• Approval of commissioner per diems for July: $6,179.17

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is asked to accept a new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services funding agreement for the Berrien County Health Department for fiscal year 2021-2022. The $1,493,946 covers COVID-19 infection prevention, immunization, and contact tracing, testing, and monitoring. The resolution authorizes the health officer to electronically sign the agreement.

• Accept $1,493,946 in MDHHS Emerging Threats funding for FY2021-22
• COVID-19 Infection Prevention: $90,000
• COVID Immunization: $887,851
• ELC Contract Tracing, Investigation, Testing, Monitoring and Wrap Around: $516,095
• Authorizes BCHD Health Officer to electronically sign agreement

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider routine consent-calendar items including a $1,493,946 COVID-related funding award from the state health department, a comprehensive health services agreement, and a traffic speed reduction. The board will also hear a presentation on the Red Arrow Gateway project and acknowledge a compensation study.

• Approve $1,493,946 ELPH COVID funding for infection prevention, immunization, contact tracing, testing
• Approve FY21-22 Comprehensive Agreement with MDHHS for health services
• Approve traffic control order reducing speed limit on portion of Old M-60 in New Buffalo Township
• Acknowledge receipt of Compensation and Classification Study
• Presentation on Red Arrow Gateway by Road Department and SWMPC staff

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included resolutions for per diems, bills, requisitions, road payables, a comprehensive agreement, ELPH funding for COVID expenses, acknowledging a compensation study, and a traffic control order. The vote was 11-0. The meeting also featured a presentation on the Red Arrow Gateway vision, but no formal action was taken on that project.

• Approved consent calendar including per diems, bills, requisitions, road payables, comprehensive agreement, ELPH funding, compensation study acknowledgment, and traffic control order (11-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is discussing a comprehensive vision for the Red Arrow Gateway corridor, from the Indiana state line to downtown Bridgman. The discussion covers extending a non-motorized trail and road diet along the remaining corridor, based on community dialogue and safety and economic benefits. No formal votes have been taken; the agenda is informational and for discussion.

• USDA grant of $90,000 for trail design from New Buffalo to Union Pier, matched by New Buffalo and Chikaming Townships
• Proposed non-motorized trail and road diet for Red Arrow Highway corridor
• Corridor spans 11.7 miles in Berrien County, with segments in Chikaming, Lake, and New Buffalo Townships
• Community dialogue held in June and July 2021 with multiple entities
• Funding sources include Act 51, MDOT TAP, ARP, and potential infrastructure bill

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee is meeting to approve the minutes from August 12, 2021, and to approve monthly pension refunds/rollovers. The agenda is mostly procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of minutes from August 12, 2021
• Approval of monthly pension refunds/rollovers

The Personnel & Human Services Committee approved the minutes from the August 12, 2021 meeting and approved pension refunds/rollovers as presented, both by unanimous voice votes. The committee also agreed to allow Register of Deeds Lora Freehling to present her FY2022 budget to the Finance Committee due to a scheduling conflict, with written materials to be provided to the Personnel Committee. No public comment was made, and the meeting adjourned after a brief discussion on a Health Department resolution.

• Approved minutes of 8/12/2021 PHSC meeting (3-0)
• Approved pension refunds/rollovers as presented (3-0)
• Agreed to let Register of Deeds present FY2022 budget to Finance Committee due to schedule conflict

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to adjust staffing in the Public Defender's Office to comply with a new state standard. The changes add two assistant public defenders and a social worker, while replacing an office supervisor with an office administrator. The positions are funded by a state grant and would be eliminated if grant funding is insufficient.

• Add 2 Assistant Public Defender positions (Grade 11, 2 FTE)
• Add 1 Social Worker position (Grade 8, 1 FTE)
• Delete 1 Office Supervisor position (Grade 7, 1 FTE)
• Add 1 Office Administrator position (Grade 9, 1 FTE)
• Positions contingent on continued grant funding

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a Finance Committee recommendation to approve the auditing report for August 5-11, 2021, totaling $2,517,449.27. This is a routine financial approval item on the agenda.

• Approval of auditing report for August 5-11, 2021 in the amount of $2,517,449.27

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $136,437.75, as listed in the attached report. The two items are for drain maintenance and a community development payback. This is a routine financial approval action.

• $125,624.75 to Oselka Constructors for Squaw Creek Holiday Extension Drain Maintenance
• $10,813.00 to State of Michigan for FY2020 Local Bus Operating Preliminary Community Development payback

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve routine consent agenda items, including weekly bills and requisitions, and a complement change for the Public Defender's Office. The meeting also includes public comments, committee reports, and announcements.

• Resolution F2108042: Weekly Bills
• Resolution B2108089: Weekly Requisitions
• Resolution P2108293: Complement Change for Public Defender Office
• Next meeting on August 19, 2021 at Chikaming Township Fire Department

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included weekly bills, requisitions, and a complement change for the Public Defender's Office. The board also approved an amended September 2021 meeting schedule, canceling the September 2 meetings. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved consent calendar including weekly bills, requisitions, and Public Defender's Office complement change (11-0)
• Approved amended September 2021 Board Meeting Schedule, canceling September 2 meetings (no nays)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss two scheduled items: a review of the Senior Center audit by Lynda Elie of Rendel Elie & Associates, and a COVID-19 update from Health Officer Courtney Davis. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of minutes and public comments.

• Senior Center Audit Review – Lynda Elie, Rendel Elie & Associates
• COVID-19 Update – Courtney Davis, Berrien County Health Officer
• Approval of minutes from August 5, 2021
• Public comments (2-minute limit, must identify name and city/township/village)

The Committee of the Whole received a clean audit report for the Berrien County Senior Center, though the auditor noted several internal control weaknesses and untimely filings. The board also heard a COVID-19 data update from the county health officer. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational only.

• Approved minutes of the August 5, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
• Received Senior Center audit report with clean opinion
• Heard COVID-19 update from Health Officer Courtney Davis

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss the commissioner's budget, consider waiver requests, approve weekly bills, and adopt the minutes from the previous meeting. Public comments are limited to the start of the meeting.

• Commissioner's Budget presentation by Executive Assistant Annette Christie
• Waiver Request Approvals
• Resolution F2108042 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Approval of August 5, 2021 minutes

The Berrien County Finance Committee approved moving $143,000 from contingency to cover additional legal ($100,000) and per diem ($43,000) expenses for the Commissioner's Budget. They also approved two contract modifications and gave consensus to proceed with a Request for Waivers. The committee recommended the weekly bills resolution to the full board.

• Approved $143,000 transfer from contingency for legal and per diem costs (4-0)
• Approved contract modifications: Michigan Shores-New Buffalo +$5,620, Napier Ave. & Walton Rd. Bridge Designs +$11,697.89 (3-0, 1 absent)
• Gave consensus to proceed with Request for Waivers
• Recommended F2108042 (Approval of Weekly Bills) to full board
• Approved minutes from August 5, 2021 meeting

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will review several resolutions, including the acceptance of a Classification & Compensation Study and funding agreements for the Berrien County Health Department. They will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and receive a monthly update from the Health Department.

• P2108008 – July Per-Diems
• P2108300 – Acknowledge receipt of Classification & Compensation Study
• P2108268 – FY2021-2022 Comprehensive Funding Agreement (BCHD)
• P2108298 – Emerging Threats for Local Health Department funding Acceptance

The Personnel & Human Services Committee approved minutes from 08/05/2021 and forwarded several resolutions to the Full Board, including July per diems totaling $6,179.17, acknowledgment of a salary study, and state funding for FY 2021-2022 comprehensive planning ($3,265,160) and COVID-19 response ($1,493,946). The committee also approved an educational funding request for Epidemiologist Guy Miller to attend a GIS certificate program at the University of Illinois-Chicago, estimated at $6,740. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 10:18 a.m.

• Approved minutes from 08/05/2021 (3-0)
• Forwarded P2108008, July Per Diems totaling $6,179.17, to Full Board
• Forwarded P2108300, acknowledging receipt of salary study, to Full Board
• Forwarded P2108268, FY 2021-2022 Comprehensive Planning and Budgeting Agreement ($3,265,160), to Full Board
• Forwarded P2108298, State funding for COVID-19 Response Activities ($1,493,946), to Full Board
• Approved educational funding for GIS certificate program for Guy Miller (3-0)

Administration Committee

This is a routine meeting of the Berrien County Administration Committee. The agenda includes updates from the Prosecutor and the Trial Court, a question-and-answer session with the County Administrator and BOC Chairman, and committee business such as approving the minutes of the August 5, 2021 meeting and considering resolutions. Public comments are permitted during the committee business portion.

• Prosecutor's Update by Steve Pierangeli
• Trial Court Update by Judge Mayfield and Carrie Smietanka-Haney
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Approval of minutes from August 5, 2021
• Public comments limited to two minutes per speaker

The Berrien County Administration Committee met on August 12, 2021, and heard updates from the Prosecutor and Trial Court. The only substantive action was approving the minutes of the previous meeting and forwarding a resolution for a traffic engineering study on old M-60 in New Buffalo Township, which would set a new speed limit of 35 mph, to the full Board. No other decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of August 5, 2021 meeting (motion by Vollrath, supported by Meeks)
• Moved Resolution A2108301 to full Board: traffic engineering study on old M-60 in New Buffalo Township, setting speed limit at 35 mph

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates on the 9-1-1 800MHz grant and the Sheriff's Department, followed by a Q&A with the county administrator and BOC chairman. The committee will also handle routine business including approving minutes and any resolutions. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• 9-1-1 800MHz grant update by Caitlin Sampsell
• Sheriff's Department update by Sheriff Bailey
• Q&A with County Administrator Brian Dissette and BOC Chairman Mac Elliott
• Approval of July 22, 2021 minutes
• Public comments (2-minute limit)

The Administration Committee approved the July 22, 2021 minutes and moved seven resolutions to the full Board, including grants for police patrols, a Raise the Age grant, and road changes. The 9-1-1 director announced a $558,000 FEMA grant for portable radios, likely Kenwoods, with a 7% match. No public comment or other business was conducted.

• Approved minutes of July 22, 2021 meeting (motion carried)
• Moved forward A2108284: Accept $27,024 grant for alcohol, speed, and safety belt enforcement patrols
• Moved forward A2108290: Approve abandonment of portion of S. Lincoln Avenue in Hagar Township
• Moved forward A2108291: Authorize grant application to MDHHS for Raise the Age grant ($275,000)
• Moved forward A2108292: Approve grant 2022-107 with MIDC for Family Division contract supervision
• Moved forward A2108295: Approve temporary 45mph speed limit on M-139 detour route for Buckhorn Creek culvert replacement
• Moved forward A2108296: Approve temporary 4-way stop at Hollywood and Lincoln for detour route
• Moved forward A2108297: Approve abandonment of alleys for property at 1202 Territorial Road

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to confirm a temporary traffic control order making the intersection of Linco Road and Hollywood Road a four-way stop. This is tied to an MDOT construction project replacing the Buckhorn Creek culvert on M-139, with the order retroactive to July 8, 2021 through October 4, 2021. The resolution also directs the Road Department to erect signage and asks police agencies to enforce the regulation.

• Temporary four-way stop at Linco Road and Hollywood Road in Royalton Township
• MDOT construction project replacing Buckhorn Creek culvert on M-139
• Traffic control order DET-T 11-007-21, retroactive July 8 to October 4, 2021
• Road Department directed to install signage per Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Enforcement by all police agencies with jurisdiction

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve the abandonment of two unnamed alleys and discontinuance of the right-of-way in Benton Charter Township. The property owner, Ms. Leigh McFall-Bishop of 1202 Territorial Road, owns all parcels on either side of the proposed abandonment, and no formal objections have been filed. The resolution also reserves easements for existing public utilities and drainage.

• Abandonment of two unnamed alleys in Benton Charter Township
• Property owner: Ms. Leigh McFall-Bishop of 1202 Territorial Road
• No formal objections from affected parties
• Easements reserved for public utilities and drainage

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to add a part-time Office Technician (.5 FTE) to the Road Department. The position would handle administrative duties and be eligible for pro-rated benefits, effective August 5, 2021.

• Add 1 Office Technician (.5 FTE), Grade 1, effective August 5, 2021

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept the FY2022 County Veteran Service Fund Grant of $134,683 from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. The grant requires no matching funds and covers costs including advertising for outreach of Veterans Affairs services. The resolution also authorizes the Veterans Affairs Administrator to execute related grant documents.

• Acceptance of $134,683 County Veteran Service Fund Grant from Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
• No matching funds required for the grant
• Grant funds include advertising costs for Veterans Affairs office outreach
• Authorization for Veterans Affairs Administrator to execute grant documents

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is reviewing the 2020 annual report from the regional medical examiner's office, which covers death investigations across 12 Michigan counties including Berrien. The report details case summaries, manners of death, and statistics on drug-related deaths, suicides, and COVID-19. No formal decisions are on the agenda; the item is informational.

• 2020 annual report from the medical examiner's office covering 12 counties
• County-specific data on deaths, including Berrien County
• Statistics on drug-related deaths and suicides by county
• COVID-19 pandemic-related death statistics
• Report compiled by Abigail Grande, MPH, Quality and Research Manager

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee recommends the Board of Commissioners approve an auditing report covering July 22 to August 4, 2021, totaling $3,453,209.55. The agenda contains only this single resolution, which is a routine approval item.

• Approval of auditing report for July 22–August 4, 2021, in the amount of $3,453,209.55

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a Finance Committee recommendation to approve the Road Department's 2021 Accounts Payable Voucher #16, covering July 18 to August 3, 2021, in the total amount of $1,120,749.65. The voucher lists payments to numerous vendors for road-related goods and services.

• Approval of $1,120,749.65 in accounts payable for the Road Department
• Payments to Michigan Paving & Mat'l Co Inc ($398,337.38) and Rieth-Riley Construction Co ($295,282.27)
• Payments to Michiana Aggregate, Inc. ($15,747.89) and Bit Mat Products ($199,814.72)
• Voucher covers July 18 – August 3, 2021

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $27,024 federal grant from the Office of Highway Safety Planning for FY2021 traffic enforcement. The funds will support overtime patrols targeting impaired driving, speeding, and safety belt violations across county law enforcement agencies. The resolution is recommended by the County Administration Committee.

• Accept $27,024 grant for alcohol, speed, and safety belt enforcement patrols
• Grant period: October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022
• Funds cover overtime salaries and fringes for police agencies countywide
• Berrien County serves as fiduciary for the grant

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to abandon and discontinue a 442-foot by 50-foot section of South Lincoln Avenue right of way in Hagar Township. The section is an unimproved county road not open to traffic, and the property owner on both sides has petitioned for the abandonment with support from Hagar Township and adjoining property owners. The resolution would reserve easements for existing public utilities and drainage.

• Abandonment of 442' x 50' South Lincoln Ave. right of way in Hagar Township
• Property owner: Evangelista Brett
• Hagar Township officials support the abandonment
• All adjoining property owners signed the petition
• Easements reserved for public utilities and drainage

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Family Division to apply for a Raise the Age grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The grant would reimburse the county for up to $275,000 in costs of adding 17-year-olds to the juvenile justice system, as required by state legislation effective October 21, 2021.

• Grant application to Michigan DHHS for $275,000
• Reimburses 100% of costs for adding 17-year-olds to juvenile caseload
• Grant period October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
• No cash match requirement

Resolutions

This agenda contains resolutions from the Berrien County Administration Committee regarding grant funding. The text outlines conditions for accepting a grant, including that modifications may be made if not fully funded, and that any employee positions added with grant money would be eliminated if funding becomes insufficient. The agenda is largely procedural and does not specify the grant amount or purpose.

• Resolution allowing County Administrator to modify and resubmit grant request if not fully funded
• Resolution stating formal grant acceptance remains with Board of Commissioners
• Resolution requiring elimination of grant-funded employee positions if funding is no longer sufficient

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to confirm a temporary traffic control order that sets 45 mph speed limits on John Beers, Hollywood, and Linco Roads in Royalton Township. These limits support a detour route during MDOT's Buckhorn Creek culvert replacement project on M-139. The order is retroactive to July 8, 2021 and runs through October 4, 2021.

• 45 mph on John Beers Road from M-139 to Hollywood
• 45 mph on Hollywood Road from John Beers Road to Linco Road
• 45 mph on Linco Road from Hollywood Road to M-139
• Temporary order SP-T 11-015-21, retroactive to July 8, 2021 through October 4, 2021
• Road Department directed to erect speed limit signage

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Health Department to contract with Sabo Public Relations, LLC for public relations and communications support. The contract would provide about 40 hours of services per month for $4,500, to help with COVID-19 response communications. The Board of Health has endorsed the agreement, pending approval of Corporate Counsel.

• Contract with Sabo Public Relations, LLC for $4,500/month, ~40 hours of services
• Services include content development, graphic design, marketing and outreach
• All materials to be reviewed and approved by BCHD before public release
• Resolution endorsed by Berrien County Board of Health

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution authorizing Parks & Recreation and Road Department staff to work with other agencies on the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail project and to execute a Memorandum of Understanding for the partnership. The resolution states the MOU is not a fiscal or funds obligation document, so any future funding would follow county policies.

• Authorizes Parks & Recreation and Road Department staff to work on the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail project
• Authorizes execution of a Memorandum of Understanding for the trail partnership
• MOU is non-fiscal and creates no funding obligation
• Trail expansion vision runs from Niles through Berrien Springs toward Lake Michigan

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider a consent calendar of routine resolutions, including grant acceptances, road payables, and contracts. The agenda also includes an audit presentation and public comments. Most items are administrative and routine.

• Acceptance of Office of Highway Safety Grant for impaired driving, seatbelts, and speeding patrols
• Contract with Sabo Public Relations for health department communication services
• Road abandonment on South Lincoln Ave. in Hagar Township
• Acceptance of Michigan Indigent Defense Commission grant for Public Defender operations
• MOU for Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail Partnership

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included 12 resolutions covering road payables, grant acceptances, road abandonments, and a trail partnership MOU. The board also discussed a potential calendar change for September 2 and a night meeting on August 19 at the Chikaming Fire Department. No substantive decisions were made beyond the consent calendar approval.

• Approved consent calendar with 12 resolutions (12-0)
• Approved weekly bills and road payables
• Accepted Office of Highway Safety grant
• Approved road abandonment on Lincoln Way in Hagar Township
• Approved road abandonment of two alleys in Benton Charter Township
• Approved MOU for Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail Partnership
• Approved traffic control orders for MDOT detour routes

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to hear scheduled updates from the medical examiner and the health officer on back-to-school and COVID-19. The agenda also includes routine items like approval of minutes and public comments.

• Medical Examiner Update by Dr. Joyce L. deJong
• Back to School and COVID-19 Update by Health Officer Courtney Davis
• Approval of minutes from July 15, 2021
• Public comments limited to two minutes per speaker

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole met on August 5, 2021, and heard presentations from the Medical Examiner and the Health Officer. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, with reports on county death statistics and COVID-19 guidance for schools. The committee approved the minutes from the July 15, 2021 meeting.

• Approved minutes of the July 15, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting (motion carried, no nays)
• Heard Medical Examiner update on 2020 county death statistics (no action taken)
• Heard Health Officer presentation on COVID-19 return-to-learn guidance (no action taken)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole is receiving a COVID-19 data and pandemic response update from Acting Health Officer Courtney Davis. The update covers case statistics, deaths, hospitalizations, vaccination rates, and CDC transmission indicators, with the county currently at moderate community transmission. The presentation also outlines the health department's areas of focus, including vaccination, case investigation, and school operations support.

• 7-day rolling average of confirmed cases reached 60.43 as of 8/2/21
• Vaccination rates: 54.2% for ages 12+, 54.9% for ages 16+, 84.8% for ages 65+
• Approximately 71,378 residents have initiated COVID-19 vaccination as of 8/2/21
• CDC community transmission threshold: moderate (36.4 cases per 100,000, 5.8% positivity)
• Census tract vaccination rates range from 27.9% to 89.8% for one or more doses

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the 2020 annual report on drug-related deaths in Berrien County, compiled by the Office of the Medical Examiner. The report details 34 deaths in 2020, up from 24 in 2019, with fentanyl as the most common substance. It includes demographic, health, mental health, social, and substance use history data, as well as naloxone administration and death scene findings.

• 34 drug-related deaths in 2020, up from 24 in 2019 (42% increase)
• Fentanyl contributed to 24 deaths, the most frequent substance
• 62% of decedents were male; 76% White, 24% Black
• 89% of decedents used the fatal substance alone
• 47% were given Narcan; 53% were dead upon EMS arrival

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss the 2020 audit with a representative from Rehmann, and to consider routine financial approvals including weekly bills, road payables, and meeting minutes. Public comments are limited to the start of the meeting.

• 2020 Audit Q&A with Nate Baldermann of Rehmann
• Resolution F2107040 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Resolution F2108123 – Road Payables
• Approval of July 15, 2021 minutes

The Finance Committee reviewed the 2020 audit, noting a $4.2M increase in grant funds, and gave concurrence to move two resolutions—approval of weekly bills and road payables—to the full board for action. The committee also approved the minutes from the July 22, 2021 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved resolution F2108041 – Approval of Weekly Bills (concurrence to full board)
• Approved resolution F2108123 – Road Payables (concurrence to full board)
• Approved minutes from July 22, 2021 meeting

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will review three resolutions: accepting a Veterans Affairs grant, authorizing a memorandum of understanding for the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail, and changing the public defender complement. They will also receive an insurance overview from Benefits Manager Amy Pheifer and consider approval of the July 22, 2021 minutes.

• P2108289 – Accept Veterans Affairs Grant
• P2108294 – Authority to sign MOU for Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail
• P2108293 – Public Defender Complement Change
• Insurance overview from Benefits Manager Amy Pheifer
• Approval of minutes from July 22, 2021

The Personnel & Human Services Committee approved an advanced step hire for a Health Department employee and forwarded two grant resolutions to the full Board of Commissioners. The committee also discussed a Public Defender staffing resolution and the county salary study, with no public comments. All actions were routine approvals or referrals, with no final decisions made on the discussed items.

• Approved minutes from 07/22/2021 (3-0)
• Approved advanced step hire for James Gunter as Teen Parenting Case Manager at grade 7, step 2, $39,014 annualized (3-0)
• Forwarded Resolution P2108289 accepting Veteran's Grant ($134,683) to full board
• Forwarded Resolution P2108294 for Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail MOU signature authority to full board
• Signed Resolution P2108293 for Public Defender staffing changes to be considered by full board

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will hear presentations from the Public Defender's Office and the Sheriff's Department, followed by a Q&A with the County Administrator and Board Chair. The committee will also consider resolutions for a grant application, a temporary traffic control order, and acceptance of state funding for extra patrols.

• Public Defenders Office presentation by Paul Jancha Jr.
• Farm Vehicle Report by Sheriff Paul Bailey
• Resolution A2107280: Grant application for Child and Parent Legal Representation in Child Protective Cases
• Resolution A2107282: Traffic Control Order for Temporary 4-Way Stop related to construction project
• Resolution A2107287: Accept state funding for extra patrols in construction project route

The Administration Committee approved a retroactive traffic control order for a 4-way stop at Linco Road/Hollywood Road, part of the M-139 detour, after accident reports. They also approved minutes from July 15 and three resolutions (A2107280, A2107282, A2107287) to move forward. The Public Defender reported full FY22 budget approval from MIDC, with future changes including indigent classification duties and an additional social worker. The committee concurred with adding a Blackhawk helicopter to the 'Ride to Remember' event on September 12.

• Approved minutes of July 15, 2021 meeting
• Approved traffic control order for 4-way stop at Linco Road/Hollywood Road (retroactive)
• Approved resolutions A2107280, A2107282, A2107287 to move forward
• Concurred with adding Blackhawk helicopter to 'Ride to Remember' event on September 12

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution approving the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #15 for July 4-17, 2021, totaling $1,512,056.85. The voucher covers payments to numerous vendors for road materials, equipment, and services.

• Approval of $1,512,056.85 in accounts payable for the Road Department
• Largest payment: $912,457.12 to State of Michigan - MDOT
• Payments to Great Lakes Chloride, Inc. ($160,948.52) and Bitmat Products ($136,706.39)
• Payments to Michiana Aggregate, Inc. ($51,122.45) and Ozark Materials, LLC ($63,464.50)
• Includes payments to Kalin Construction Co., Inc. ($26,704.88) and Verplank Trucking Co. ($33,496.86)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on Resolution B2107087 to approve requisitions over $5,000 totaling $191,162.00, as listed in the attached Requisition Approval Reports. The items include contracts for drainage work, a sheriff's drone, and youth care, among others. Individual commissioners may abstain from voting on specific requisitions by noting them on the attached Abstention Statement.

• $86,000 to Oselka Construction for Tanner Creek #514 Drainage District work
• $23,910 to IB & ZCo., Inc. for Howe Rhyno #242 drain clearing and restoration
• $34,500 to Lenawee County for blanket CCF youth private institutional care
• $10,151 to Unmanned Vehicle Technologies, LLC for a drone and accessories
• $15,087 to Greenstone Insurance Co. for a summer 2021 short-term bond

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on routine consent calendar items, including contracts, grant applications, and a traffic control order, plus an added police protection agreement with MDOT. Public comments are limited to agenda resolutions.

• Approve amendment to Health Department Comprehensive Agreement (P2107267) with increased funding
• Contract with Lisa Ankenbruk for financial services (P2107278)
• Amend contract with Merit Network for broadband services (F2107279)
• Apply for Child Parent Legal Representation Grant (A2107280) and Treatment Court grant (A2107281)
• Approve police protection agreement with MDOT for detour route patrols in Royalton Township (A2107287)

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar as presented, which included 12 resolutions covering weekly bills, requisitions, road payables, a comprehensive agreement amendment, contracts, grants, a traffic control order, an MDOT police protection agreement, and a rural business development grant. The vote was 10-0. No substantive decisions were made outside the consent calendar; the meeting also included committee and commissioner reports, public comments, and announcements.

• Approved consent calendar including 12 resolutions (10-0)
• Approved Comprehensive Agreement Amendment #4 (consent calendar)
• Approved Police Protection Agreement with MDOT (consent calendar)
• Approved Rural Business Development Grant (consent calendar)
• Approved weekly bills, requisitions, and road payables (consent calendar)
• Approved contract with Lisa Ankenbruk for financial services (consent calendar)
• Approved amendment to contract with Merit Network (consent calendar)
• Approved grants for child parent legal representation and treatment court program (consent calendar)

Resolutions

The Berrien County board is considering a proposal from Merit Network Inc. to provide consulting services for expanding broadband access. The scope of work includes designing a proposed funded service area, preparing a request for information, and evaluating responses. The total cost is $5,000, and the work is expected to run from July through September 2021.

• Consulting contract with Merit Network Inc. for $5,000
• Design of Proposed Funded Service Area (PFSA) for unserved households
• Preparation of Request for Information (RFI) for broadband infrastructure
• Creation of KMZ file and address list of unserved areas
• Evaluation of RFI responses to inform next steps

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Berrien County Trial Court-Family Division to apply for a renewal of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Title IV-E Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant. The current grant expires September 30, 2021. The new grant cycle (October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022) would provide approximately $146,343 in funding with no cash match required. The funding would support high-quality legal representation for children and parents in child protective proceedings, the Parents as Partners Program, and additional social workers.

• Authorizes submission of grant application to MDHHS for Title IV-E Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant renewal
• Grant funding amount: approximately $146,343 for the October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022 cycle
• No cash match required for the grant
• Funding supports child and parent legal representation, Parents as Partners Program, and additional social workers
• Resolution recommended by the County Administration Committee

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is being asked to authorize the Trial Court to submit two grant applications for FY2022 PA2 funding through Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health. The applications seek continuation funding for existing programs, including $48,280.24 for an Intake Assessment Coordinator position and $15,000 for drug testing supplies and services. The board is deciding whether to approve these submissions.

• $48,280.24 grant request for Intake Assessment Coordinator position with $48,280.24 in local matching funds
• $15,000 grant request for drug testing supplies, administration, and lab confirmation for Mental Health and Drug Treatment Courts
• No match required for the $15,000 drug testing grant
• Two grant applications to Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health for FY2022 PA2 funding

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize a temporary four-way stop at the intersection of Linco Road and Hollywood Road in Royalton Township. This action is tied to the Buckhorn Creek culvert replacement project on M-139, and follows a traffic study and consultation with the Michigan State Police. The resolution also sets a temporary 45 mph speed limit on several detour routes.

• Temporary four-way stop at Linco Road and Hollywood Road, Royalton Township
• Temporary 45 mph speed limit on Linco, Hollywood, Scottdale, and John Beers Roads
• Retroactive effective date of July 16, 2021
• Signage to conform to Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Chairperson and County Clerk to execute a police protection agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The agreement provides for additional traffic enforcement by the Berrien County Sheriff in a construction detour area in Royalton Township, using deputies on overtime.

• Authorizes execution of a police protection agreement with MDOT for traffic enforcement in a construction detour area in Royalton Township
• Sheriff's deputies will provide additional police protection on an overtime basis
• Agreement is authorized under MCL 124.2 (Act 35 of 1951)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept Amendment #4 to the Comprehensive Agreement with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for fiscal year 2020-2021. This amendment adds new state funding for COVID immunizations, tuberculosis services, adolescent pregnancy prevention, and contact tracing, bringing the total contract to $6,128,354. The resolution also authorizes the Health Officer to electronically sign the amendment.

• New funding: $100,000 for COVID immunizations
• New funding: $883 for TB services
• New funding: $25,000 for MI Adolescent Pregnancy & Parenting Program
• New funding: $161,036 for Epi Lab Capacity Contract Tracing and Wrap Around Services
• Revised contract total: $6,128,354

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize a contractual employment agreement with Lisa Ankenbruck, former Health Department Business Manager, to assist with financial work across several departments. The contract would help with budget preparation and review for the Health Department, Financial Services Department, and Road Department, ahead of the FY2022 budget process. The resolution was recommended by the Personnel and Human Services Committee and approved as to form by County Corporate Counsel.

• Contract with Lisa Ankenbruck for financial assistance
• Scope includes Health Department budget preparation and review
• Assistance for Financial Services Department and Road Department
• Authorizes County Administrator to execute agreement

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to handle routine financial business, including approving weekly bills and road payables, reviewing a contract modification, and considering waiver requests. Public comments are limited to the start of the meeting, and the agenda is primarily procedural.

• Resolution F2107040 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Resolution F2107122 – Road Payables
• Contract Modification Review and Request
• Approval of July 15, 2021 minutes
• Waiver Requests

The Berrien County Finance Committee approved a sole-source waiver for the Health Department's Communication and Outreach Support Services with Sabo Public Relations, following a recommendation from County Administrator Brian Dissette. The committee also approved three road contract modifications, a requisition for bit mat materials, and concurred on two resolutions for full board action. All votes were unanimous among present members, with one absence.

• Approved sole-source waiver for Sabo Public Relations (3-0)
• Approved contract modification for Bid 2021-026, reduction of $1,175.88 (3-0)
• Approved contract modification for Bid 2021-028, addition of $1,064.88 (3-0)
• Approved contract modification for Bid 2021-014, addition of $9,764 (3-0)
• Approved requisition 50378 for bit mat, $10,850 (3-0)
• Concurred to move resolution F2107040 (weekly bills) to full board
• Concurred to move resolution F2107122 (road payables) to full board
• Approved minutes from July 15, 2021 (3-0)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee is meeting to approve routine items including minutes, a donated fund use request, and quarterly retirements. They will also review two resolutions: a contract with Sabo for communication services at the health department and a complement change for the Road Department. The meeting includes public comments limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Approval of minutes from July 15, 2021
• Approval of Donated Fund Use Request (Health Department)
• Approval of Quarterly Retirements
• Resolution P2108285 – Contract with Sabo for Communication Services at BCHD
• Resolution P2108286 – Complement Change – Road Department

The Personnel & Human Services Committee approved the July 15, 2021 minutes, a donated funds spend request, and quarterly retirements, all by unanimous 3-0 votes. It also forwarded two resolutions to the full Board of Commissioners for formal action: a contract with Sabo Public Relations LLC for the Health Department and a complement change for the Road Department. The committee discussed a USDA grant for the Red Arrow linear trail and a salary study, and concurred with the Veterans Service Fund grant request, with a resolution to be prepared later.

• Approved minutes of 07/15/2021 (3-0)
• Approved donated funds spend request dated July 21, 2021 (3-0)
• Approved quarterly retirements as presented (3-0)
• Forwarded resolution P2108285 (contract with Sabo Public Relations LLC) to full board
• Forwarded resolution P2108286 (Road Department complement change) to full board
• Concurred with FY2022 County Veteran Service Fund grant request ($134,683); resolution to be prepared

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee approved the minutes of its July 8, 2021 meeting and signed two resolutions to move forward to the full Board. Resolution A2107281 applies for a Treatment court program grant, and Resolution C2107283 authorizes the Administrator to proceed with a settlement vote, with the chair signing only. No public comment or miscellaneous items were discussed.

• Approved minutes of July 8, 2021 meeting (all in favor)
• Signed Resolution A2107281 to apply for Treatment court program grant funding
• Signed Resolution C2107283 to authorize Administrator to proceed with settlement vote (chair signed only)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee is meeting to approve routine personnel actions, including an advanced step hire request, monthly pension rollovers/refunds, and several contracts. They will also review resolutions for a comprehensive agreement amendment and a contract with Lisa Ankenbruck. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions expected.

• Approval of Advanced Step Hire Request – Health Department
• Approval of Monthly Pension Rollover/Refunds
• Review of Resolution P2107267 – Comprehensive Agreement Amendment #4
• Review of Resolution P2107267 – Comprehensive Agreement for FY 2021 – 2022
• Review of Resolution P2107278 – Contract with Lisa Ankenbruck

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the minutes from July 8, 2021, and an advanced step hire for Health Department employee Katy Pedroza-Ramirez at an annualized salary of $28,821. The committee also approved monthly pension rollover/refund requests and forwarded two resolutions to the Full Board for formal action. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 10:14 a.m.

• Approved minutes from 07/08/2021 (3-0)
• Approved advanced step hire for Katy Pedroza-Ramirez, Clinical Service Client Associate, grade 3 step 4, $28,821 annualized (3-0)
• Approved monthly pension rollover/refund requests (3-0)
• Forwarded Resolution P2107267 (CPBC Agreement Amendment #4 for Health Department) to Full Board
• Forwarded Resolution P2107278 (contract with Lisa Ankenbruck for accounting consulting) to Full Board

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept $4,500 in funding from the Michigan Association of Local Public Health. The money would support Berrien County Health Department staff with counseling, training, and other stress-relief programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution also authorizes the board chair to sign the grant acceptance documents.

• Accept $4,500 grant from Michigan Association of Local Public Health for BCHD staff support
• Funds for group counseling, threat-handling training, psychological first aid, and other stress interventions
• Purchase of BCHD branded apparel to promote team unity
• Resolution endorsed by Berrien County Board of Health, pending Corporate Counsel approval

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize a contract with Spectrum Health Lakeland's Infectious Disease division for tuberculosis (TB) surveillance and treatment services. The contract includes a $7,500 annual stipend and $100 per hour for clinical work, effective from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022. The Board of Health has endorsed the agreement, pending approval of its Corporate Counsel.

• Contract with Spectrum Health Lakeland for TB services
• $7,500 annual stipend plus $100 per hour for clinical work
• Contract period: January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2022
• Endorsed by Berrien County Board of Health

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reviewing the financial status and future options for Berrien Bus, the county's transit system. The bus service is currently operating with a surplus due to federal COVID relief funds, but these funds will end after FY 2022, and deficits are expected. The board is considering four options: annual county appropriation of about $100K, merging with another transit system, converting to a contract-based system with local governments, or eliminating general public ridership and becoming contract-only.

• Berrien Bus fund balance increased to $228,232 at end of FY 2020; expected to reach about $300K by end of FY 2022
• Four options for Berrien Bus beyond FY 2022: annual $100K appropriation, merger, community contracts, or contract-only service
• Buchanan Dial-A-Ride transfer to City of Niles anticipated October 2021
• Personnel services agreement with RESA approved May 2021; staff migrating to EDUStaff
• Federal reimbursements increased from 18% to 36% of operating costs through FY 2022

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to review routine items including minutes and requisitions, and to hear scheduled presentations on transportation and strategic planning. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Approval of minutes from March 19, 2020
• Requisition review
• Transportation update by Community Development Director Dan Fette
• Strategic planning presentation by Jim Hettinger of JHUDS, LLC

The Committee of the Whole met on July 15, 2021, and approved the minutes from the March 19, 2020 meeting. The board received presentations on Berrien Bus transportation options and a strategic planning process led by Jim Hettinger of JHUDS, LLC. No formal decisions were made on these topics; the board discussed potential next steps, including a possible county-wide survey.

• Approved minutes of March 19, 2020 meeting (unanimous)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee to approve the auditing report for July 8–14, 2021, totaling $978,990.55. This is a routine financial approval item on the agenda.

• Approval of auditing report for July 8–14, 2021, in the amount of $978,990.55

Resolutions

The Berrien County Committee on Committees recommends that the Board of Commissioners authorize a vote in favor of a settlement regarding the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy. The County's legal counsel has recommended accepting the presented settlement offer.

• Vote in favor of Purdue Pharma bankruptcy settlement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to approve commissioner per diems for June 2021, totaling $5,701.52. The amount covers meeting days, half-committee days, and mileage for individual commissioners. This is a routine administrative approval item.

• Approve June 2021 commissioner per diems totaling $5,701.52
• Per diem breakdown: $5,307.50 for meeting days, $394.02 for mileage
• Individual totals range from $0.00 to $827.74

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve submitting a grant application to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for $9,000 in funding to continue Lake Michigan beach monitoring activities from April 1 to December 31, 2021. The resolution was recommended by the County Personnel and Human Services Committee and endorsed by the Board of Health.

• Approve grant application to EGLE for $9,000
• Funding period: April 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021
• Continuation of environmental inspections by Berrien County Health Department

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider several routine resolutions, including approving a contract with Spectrum Health Lakeland for TB testing, accepting state grant funding for beach water monitoring, increasing Health Department fees for COVID immunizations, and accepting grant funding for COVID-related employee support. The meeting also includes approval of minutes, per diems, and weekly bills.

• Approve contract with Spectrum Health Lakeland for TB testing
• Accept EGLE grant for Lake Michigan beach monitoring
• Health Department fee schedule increase for COVID immunizations
• Accept MALPH funding for COVID debriefings and counseling
• Approve monthly per diems and weekly bills

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners tabled Resolution #P2107271, which would add a $40 administration fee for COVID-19 immunizations, until the first week of October 2021 after concerns were raised about discouraging vaccinations and charging insurers for free vaccines. The board approved the consent calendar, including contracts for TB testing, water testing, and COVID-related services, and authorized staff to work with JHUDS, LLC and Williams & Work on community survey activity.

• Tabled Resolution #P2107271 (Health Department Fee Schedule Increase) until October 2021
• Approved consent calendar including monthly per diems, weekly bills, and contracts for TB testing, water testing, and COVID services
• Approved Resolution #C2107283 authorizing County Administrator to submit a vote
• Authorized staff to work with JHUDS, LLC and Williams & Work to prioritize community survey activity
• Approved minutes of the July 8, 2021 meeting

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Commission is holding a strategic planning session to define its vision, mission, and values. The agenda includes draft language for these statements and discussion of priorities such as alternative education and beach resiliency. No formal decisions are listed; the meeting is for discussion and planning.

• Draft vision and mission statements for the county
• Values statement options, including transparency and diversity
• Discussion of alternative education curriculum monetization
• Beach resiliency and potential water management research institution in New Buffalo area
• Plans for a countywide survey and priorities for federal recovery funds

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to handle routine financial business, including approving weekly bills, amending a merit agreement, and approving the minutes from the July 8, 2021 meeting. Public comments are allowed at the start of the meeting.

• Resolution F2107039 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Resolution F2107279 – Amend Merit Agreement
• Approval of July 8, 2021 minutes

The Berrien County Finance Committee met on July 15, 2021, and gave concurrence to move two resolutions to the full board: approval of weekly bills (F2107039) and an amendment to a merit agreement (F2107279). The committee also approved the minutes from the July 8, 2021 meeting. No public comments were made, and no other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved weekly bills resolution F2107039 for full board action
• Approved merit agreement amendment F2107279 for full board action
• Approved minutes from July 8, 2021 meeting

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to conduct routine business, including approving minutes and hearing public comments. The agenda includes a scheduled presentation from Friend of the Court Tom Watson and a Q&A session with County Administrator Brian Dissette and BOC Chairman Mac Elliott. No specific decisions or proposals are listed.

• Presentation by Friend of the Court Tom Watson (9:15-9:45am)
• Q&A with County Administrator Brian Dissette and BOC Chairman Mac Elliott (9:45-10:00am)
• Approval of minutes from July 1, 2021
• Public comments limited to 2 minutes per speaker

The Administration Committee moved Resolution A2107275 to the full Board, which would set a temporary 45 MPH speed limit on county roads used as detours during construction on Linco, Hollywood, Scottdale, and John Beers Roads, and allow for signage. The Committee also approved the Berrien County Riders' request to use the Courthouse parking lot on September 12, 2021, and approved the minutes of the July 1, 2021 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included updates on the Friend of the Court and county administrator reports.

• Moved Resolution A2107275 to the full Board for a temporary 45 MPH speed limit on detour roads during construction.
• Approved the Berrien County Riders' use of the Courthouse parking lot on September 12, 2021, from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
• Approved the minutes of the July 1, 2021 meeting.

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to enter into a contractual employment agreement with Nicki Britten, who is leaving her position as Health Officer on July 9, 2021. The contract would retain her services specifically for work with Berrien RESA and the re-start of schools in the fall, including involving the Acting Health Officer. The proposed agreement has been reviewed by County Corporate Counsel.

• Contract with Nicki Britten for school restart work
• Approval of project-related contractual employment agreement
• Authorization for Chairperson to sign agreement

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will approve minutes, consider advanced step hires for the Health Dept. and Prosecutor's Office, and review several resolutions including contracts, fund acceptance, and a revised fee schedule. Public comments are limited to two minutes.

• Advanced step hires for Health Dept. and Prosecutor's Office
• Resolution P2107276 – Contract with Nicki Britten
• Resolution P2107265 – TB Services Contract with Spectrum
• Resolution P2107266 – Accept funds for water testing
• Resolution P2107272 – Accept funds for COVID counseling

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved minutes from July 1, 2021, and salary adjustments for three positions, including a new Public Health Nurse, Legal Secretary II, and PH Investigation Specialist. The committee also reviewed and signed several resolutions, including a TB services contract with Spectrum/Lakeland, acceptance of $9,000 for beach monitoring, a fee schedule change for COVID vaccinations, and acceptance of $4,500 for staff counseling. Administrator Dissette discussed a contract with Nicki Britten for ongoing support and a draft policy on marijuana tax revenue, but no public comments were made.

• Approved minutes from 07/01/2021 with 3 yeas and 0 nays
• Approved salary adjustments for Jayme Bevington ($51,058), Heather Saberniak ($29,311), and Elizabeth Sullivan ($42,193)
• Reviewed and signed Resolution P2107265 approving TB services contract with Spectrum/Lakeland
• Reviewed and signed Resolution P2107266 accepting $9,000 from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy for beach monitoring
• Reviewed and signed Resolution P2107271 changing BCHD fee schedule to include COVID vaccination administration fee
• Reviewed and signed Resolution P2107272 accepting $4,500 from Michigan Association of Local Public Health for staff counseling/training
• Reviewed and signed Resolution P2107007 for per diem payments totaling $5,701.52 for June

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution from the Finance Committee to approve the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #14, covering June 20 to July 3, 2021, in the total amount of $1,213,612.98. The agenda includes a list of 62 vendor payments, with the largest being to Rieth-Riley Construction Co. for $575,123.70 and Bit Mat Products for $219,891.74. This is a routine approval of expenditures.

• Approval of $1,213,612.98 in accounts payable for the Road Department
• Payment of $575,123.70 to Rieth-Riley Construction Co.
• Payment of $219,891.74 to Bit Mat Products
• Payment of $99,287.65 to IK ALIN Construction Co., Inc.
• Payments to 62 vendors including AT&T, Comcast, and Consumers Concrete

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee to approve an auditing report covering July 1-7, 2021, with expenditures totaling $1,723,213.21. The agenda contains only this single financial approval item, with no other business listed.

• Approval of auditing report for July 1-7, 2021, in the amount of $1,723,213.21

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee to amend the county's Purchasing Policy (ADM-6030), increasing the County Administrator's spending authority to $10,000 and updating the procedure for board approval of larger expenditures. The rest of the policy is slated for later updates.

• Increase County Administrator spending authority to $10,000
• Update section #3 'Thresholds of Purchasing Authority'
• Clarify board approval process for expenditures over the limit
• Policy ADM-6030 last updated in 2012

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to approve a resolution authorizing a $43,185 contract with Williams & Works, Inc. for professional planning services to update the county's Master Plan. The contract was recommended by the Planning Commission and is budgeted under Economic Development consulting services.

• Approve $43,185 contract with Williams & Works, Inc. for Master Plan update
• Contract awarded via Bid #2021-038 to lowest bidder
• Funds from account 24407280-804000 (Economic Development – Consulting Services)
• Master Plan update required by Michigan Planning & Enabling Act, PA 33 of 2008

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to abandon and discontinue a 157-foot by 50-foot section of Lincoln Street in Hagar Township. The road was never developed and the property owner on both sides, Alan Reitman, supports the abandonment, as do Hagar Township officials and adjoining property owners. The resolution reserves easements for public utilities and drainage.

• Abandonment of 157' x 50' of Lincoln Street, Hagar Township
• Property owner: Alan Reitman of 5974 Lincoln St.
• Support from Hagar Township officials and adjoining property owners
• Easements reserved for public utilities and drainage

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to set a temporary 45 mph speed limit on portions of Linco Road, Hollywood Road, Scottdale Road, and John Beers Road in Royalton Township. These roads are being used as a detour route during construction of the Buckhorn Creek culvert replacement project on M-139. The speed limit would remain in effect during construction or until the Road Department determines otherwise.

• Temporary 45 mph speed limit on Linco, Hollywood, Scottdale, and John Beers Roads
• Detour route for Buckhorn Creek culvert replacement on M-139
• Signage to be erected per Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to concur with the Chief Judge's appointment of Lisa Jardine as Friend of the Court, effective August 2, 2021, and to set her annualized salary at $82,347 (Grade 8 / Step 2). The cost is already included in the department's 2021 budget.

• Approve Lisa Jardine as Friend of the Court, effective August 2, 2021
• Set annualized salary at $82,347 (Grade 8 / Step 2)
• Position vacated by Tom Watson's retirement on July 30, 2021

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to handle routine business, including appointing a new Friend of the Court, approving a road abandonment in Hagar Township, and several contracts and policy updates. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items on the consent calendar, but includes a few notable decisions like an emergency traffic control order for M-139.

• Appoint Lisa Jardine as Friend of the Court, replacing retiring Tom Watson
• Approve road abandonment in Hagar Township
• Approve agreement with William & Works for County Master Plan update
• Approve contract with Nicki Britten for RESA Fall 2021 school re-start plan
• Approve emergency traffic control order for M-139 road construction

The Board of Commissioners approved the appointment of Lisa Jardine as the new Friend of the Court Director, effective August 2, 2021. The board also approved the consent calendar, which included an emergency traffic control order, and approved the 2021 board meeting calendar. Additionally, the board passed honorary resolutions recognizing Thomas G. Watson for 21 years of service and Nicki Britten for her work with the Health Department.

• Approved Resolution #P2107259 appointing Lisa Jardine as Friend of the Court Director, effective August 2, 2021.
• Approved the consent calendar, including Resolution #A2107275 for an Emergency Traffic Control Order.
• Approved the 2021 Board Meeting Calendar.
• Approved Honorary Resolution #B2107256 recognizing Thomas G. Watson for 21 years of service.
• Approved Honorary Resolution #B2107270 thanking Nicki Britten for her service to the Health Department.
• Approved the minutes of the July 1, 2021 meeting.

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially approve several resolutions, including a master plan consulting services contract and the approval of weekly bills and road payables. The meeting also includes public comments, an administrator/chair Q&A, and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Resolution F2107274 – Master Plan Consulting Services
• Resolution F2107038 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Resolution F2107121 – Road Payables
• Approval of July 1, 2021 minutes

The Finance Committee approved its July 1 minutes and gave concurrence to move three resolutions to the full board, including a contract for master plan consulting services with Williams & Works, Inc. The committee also discussed a draft policy for spending revenue from the Michigan Marihuana Regulation Fund, but took no action on it.

• Approved minutes from July 1, 2021
• Concurred to move Resolution F2107038 (Approval of Weekly Bills) to full board
• Concurred to move Resolution F2107121 (Road Payables) to full board
• Concurred to move Resolution F2107274 (Master Plan Consulting Services) to full board

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Chairman and Clerk to sign Michigan Department of Transportation Form #2044, which would allow the county to receive a $10,000 annual reimbursement from the state for the salary of a professional engineer employed by the Berrien County Road Department. This is a routine administrative action to secure state funding.

• Authorizes execution of MDOT Form #2044 for $10,000 reimbursement
• Reimbursement covers engineering employee costs per Act 51

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to amend and extend the agreement with Abonmarche for management and technical assistance for the Berrien County Road Department. The extension would run through December 31, 2021, at $19,360 per month, with a total contract amount not to exceed $174,240. The original agreement expired June 30, 2021.

• Extends Abonmarche contract through December 31, 2021
• Monthly cost: $19,360
• Total contract amount not to exceed $174,240
• Agreement allows termination with 30 days written notice
• Corporate Counsel reviewed and approved the amendment

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve routine items on the consent calendar, including the appointment of Courtney Davis as Acting Health Officer, a salary increase for the County Administrator, and an honorary resolution for COVID-19 volunteers. The board will also consider a request for MDOT engineering reimbursement and an amendment to a management services agreement with Abonmarche for the Road Department.

• Appoint Courtney Davis as Acting Health Officer for the Berrien County Health Department
• Approve County Administrator salary increase for 1st anniversary
• Honorary resolution for COVID-19 volunteers
• Request MDOT standard annual Engineering Reimbursement
• Authorize amendment to Abonmarche management services agreement for Road Department

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar as presented, which included eight resolutions covering weekly bills, requisitions, appointment of an acting health officer, a county administrator salary increase, an honorary resolution, a request for MDOT engineer reimbursement, and an amendment to a management services agreement. The motion carried with 10 yeas and no nays. The board also approved the minutes of the June 24, 2021 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included reports, public comments, and announcements.

• Approved consent calendar (10-0) including 8 resolutions: weekly bills, requisitions, acting health officer appointment, administrator salary increase, honorary resolution, MDOT reimbursement request, and management services agreement amendment
• Approved minutes of June 24, 2021 virtual regular meeting (no nays)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting virtually to handle routine financial business, including approving weekly bills, amending the purchasing policy to change spending authority, and considering a waiver request. Public comments are limited to the first five minutes, followed by an administrator/chair Q&A.

• Resolution F2106037 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Resolution F2107273 – Amend Purchasing Policy to change spending authority
• Approval of Waiver Request
• Approval of June 24, 2021 minutes

The Finance Committee approved a request for waiver to repair a John Deere tractor at Silver Beach for $8,991, with a 3-0 vote (2 absent). It also gave consensus to proceed with a K9 partition installation in a Sheriff's Department police vehicle for $3,830 and to accept the higher bidder for Bid 2021-047. The committee signed and moved two resolutions to the full board: F2106037 (approval of weekly bills) and F2107273 (amending the purchasing policy to change spending authority).

• Approved waiver for John Deere tractor repair at Silver Beach, $8,991, 3-0 vote.
• Gave consensus to proceed with K9 partition installation in police vehicle, $3,830.
• Gave consensus to accept higher bidder for Bid 2021-047.
• Signed and moved Resolution F2106037 (weekly bills) to full board.
• Signed and moved Resolution F2107273 (purchasing policy amendment) to full board.
• Approved minutes from June 24, 2021, 3-0 vote.

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to conduct routine administrative business, including approving the minutes from the June 24, 2021 meeting, reviewing the reporting schedule for the remainder of 2021, and considering resolutions. The agenda is largely procedural, with time set aside for Q&A with the County Administrator and BOC Chairman, followed by public comments.

• Approval of minutes from June 24, 2021
• Review of reporting schedule for remainder of 2021
• Consideration of resolutions
• Q&A with County Administrator Brian Dissette and BOC Chairman Mac Elliott
• Public comments limited to 2 minutes per speaker

The Administration Committee approved the June 24, 2021 minutes and forwarded three resolutions to the full Board: authorizing a $10,000 MDOT reimbursement for a Road Department engineer, an agreement with Abonmarche for management assistance through December 31, 2021, and abandonment of a portion of Lincoln Street in Hagar Township. Chairman Curran signed three resolutions: appointing Ms. Davis as acting Health Officer for up to 6 months, appreciating COVID clinic volunteers, and honoring Thomas Watson for 21 years of service. The committee discussed the expected $140,000 in marijuana tax revenue and possible uses, but took no action.

• Approved minutes of June 24, 2021 meeting (4-0)
• Moved resolution A2107263 to full board: authorize MDOT Form #2044 for $10,000 Road Department engineer reimbursement
• Moved resolution A2107264 to full board: authorize Abonmarche agreement for management/technical assistance through Dec 31, 2021
• Moved resolution A2107269 to full board: approve abandonment of portion of Lincoln Street in Hagar Township
• Signed resolution C2107258: appoint Ms. Davis as acting Health Officer effective July 10, 2021, up to 6 months
• Signed resolution B2107261: appreciation of COVID clinic volunteers
• Signed resolution B2107256: honoring Thomas Watson for 21 years of service

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends a salary increase for County Administrator Brian Dissette. The proposed increase is equivalent to that of elected officials.

• Proposed annualized compensation for Administrator Brian Dissette of $145,350

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners issued a resolution to express appreciation for volunteers who assisted the Berrien County Health Department. The resolution notes that over 400 volunteers provided 2,880 donated hours across 150 vaccination clinics.

• Resolution B2107261 expressing gratitude to COVID-19 vaccination clinic volunteers

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to appoint Courtney Davis as Acting Health Officer effective July 10, 2021. This appointment follows a vacancy in the position and has been approved by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

• Appointment of Courtney Davis as Acting Health Officer for a period not to exceed six months
• Annualized salary of $94,894 for the Acting Health Officer position

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will review and discuss several resolutions, including naming a Friend of the Court, an administrator salary increase, an acting health officer, and volunteer appreciation. They will also discuss the Indiana/Michigan River Valley Trail and an evaluation project. Public comments are limited to two minutes.

• Resolution P2107259 – Name Friend of the Court
• Resolution P2107260 – Administrator Salary Increase
• Resolution C2107258 – Acting Health Officer
• Resolution B2107261 – Volunteer Appreciation
• Discussion: Indiana/MI River Valley Trail

The Personnel & Human Services Committee approved minutes from 06/24/2021 and signed several resolutions, including establishing a salary for the incoming FOC and a 2% raise for the County Administrator. The committee reviewed a draft employee performance review form and policy, with changes to be submitted to HR Director Shelley Jasper. Parks & Recreation discussed a trail partnership with no financial commitment, and no decisions were made on board meetings or marijuana tax revenue.

• Approved minutes from 06/24/2021 (3-0)
• Signed honorary resolution B2107256
• Signed volunteer appreciation resolution B2107261
• Approved salary for Lisa Jardine as FOC (P2107259)
• Approved 2% salary increase for County Administrator (P2107260)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting virtually to consider routine consent calendar items, including weekly bills and requisitions, and to accept two donations. They will also approve an added resolution for the Act 51 report submission and make a board appointment to the Workforce Development board.

• Accept Kresge Foundation Grant for COVID-19 vaccination outreach programming
• Accept anonymous Health Department donation of $10,289.14 for staff and volunteer appreciation
• Approve Act 51 report submission for June 30, 2021 deadline
• Appoint Brady Cohen to Workforce Development (private sector vacancy, term ending 12/31/2023)
• Approve weekly bills, requisitions, and road payables

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included accepting a Kresge Foundation grant, a Health Department donation, and the Act 51 report submission. They also approved a board appointment to the Workforce Development Board. The board will resume in-person meetings starting July 1, 2021.

• Approved minutes of the June 17, 2021 meeting (12 yeas, 0 nays).
• Approved consent calendar including weekly bills, requisitions, road payables, Kresge grant, Health Department donation, and Act 51 report (12 yeas, 0 nays).
• Approved appointment of Brady Cohen to the Workforce Development Board, term expiring December 31, 2023 (12 yeas, 0 nays).
• Noted Health Officer Nicki Britten leaving July 9, with Courtney Davis as interim, pending state approval.
• Announced return to in-person meetings starting July 1, 2021, with live streaming on YouTube.

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting virtually to discuss the ACT51 road funding report and consider several financial resolutions, including approval of weekly bills and road payables. They will also act on a waiver request and approve the minutes from the June 10 meeting.

• ACT51 Report on road funding
• Resolution F2106036 – Approval of Weekly Bills
• Resolution F2106120 – Road Payables
• Approval of Waiver Request
• Approval of June 10, 2021 minutes

The Berrien County Finance Committee met virtually and gave concurrence to move the Act 51 report, two resolutions (weekly bills and road payables), and a request for a waiver to repair a John Deere tractor at Silver Beach County Park for $4,231.30 to the full board. The committee also approved the minutes from the June 10, 2021 virtual meeting. No public comments were made.

• Concurred to move the Act 51 report to the full board.
• Concurred to move Resolution F2106036 (Approval of Weekly Bills) to the full board.
• Concurred to move Resolution F2106120 (Road Payables) to the full board.
• Gave consensus to proceed with the Request for Waiver – Repair John Deere Tractor, Silver Beach County Park - $4,231.30.
• Approved the virtual minutes from June 10, 2021, with a 4-0 roll call vote.

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee is meeting to review and discuss several resolutions, including accepting a health department donation, an honorary resolution, setting a salary for the Friend of the Court (FOC), and adjusting the county administrator's salary. The meeting is virtual and includes public comments.

• Resolution P2106257 – Accept Health Department Donation
• Resolution B2107256 – Honorary Resolution
• Resolution P2107259 – Affix Salary for FOC
• Resolution P2107260 – County Administrator Salary

The Personnel & Human Services Committee forwarded four resolutions to the full Board of Commissioners for formal action, including accepting a $10,289.14 donation for the Health Department, an honorary resolution, setting the salary for Lisa Jardine as the new FOC, and a 2% salary increase for the County Administrator. The committee also discussed the Health Officer's resignation and the interim appointment of Deputy Health Officer Courtney Davis. A motion to require a donation worksheet for tracking expenses was approved unanimously.

• Approved minutes of 06/17/2021 (3-0)
• Forwarded resolution P2106257 to accept $10,289.14 donation for Health Department
• Forwarded honorary resolution B2107256
• Forwarded resolution P2107259 to set salary for Lisa Jardine as FOC
• Forwarded resolution P2107260 for 2% salary increase for County Administrator
• Approved motion to require donation worksheet for expense tracking (3-0)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee is recommending that the Board of Commissioners approve auditing reports for three separate check runs. These reports cover expenditures for the period ending June 23, 2021.

• Auditing report for June 17, 2021 — June 23, 2021 in the amount of $818,459.54
• Auditing report for checks to be issued in the amount of $817,459.54
• Auditing report for checks to be issued in the amount of $1,000.00

Resolutions

The Finance Committee recommends the Board of Commissioners approve the Road Department’s 2021 Accounts Payable Voucher #13. These payments cover the period from June 6, 2021, to June 19, 2021.

• Payment of $323,360.28 to Rieth-Riley Construction Co.
• Payment of $107,249.29 to Michigan Paving & Mat'l Co Inc
• Payment of $101,482.49 to Bit Mat Products
• Payment of $94,345.17 to Kalin Construction Co., Inc.
• Payment of $74,880.60 to Wightman & Associates, Inc.

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation from the County Administration Committee to authorize the submission of the Berrien County Road Department's 2020 Annual Financial Report to the State of Michigan. This action is required for compliance with Act 51, Public Acts of 1951.

• Submission of the 2020 Annual Financial Report for the Berrien County Road Department

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing and approving requisitions over $5,000. These expenditures cover park planning, drainage projects, and technical support.

• DLZ Michigan Inc.: $9,000 for Silver Beach County Park Master Plan bid
• IB&Z: $25,000 to clear debris for Big Meadow #039 Drainage District between E. Marquette Woods and Niles Rd.
• REV Excavating, Inc: $14,000 for Dowling Creek #127 sediment removal and bank rebuild
• CDW Government: $7,540 for VEEAM Premium Support technical support renewal

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $50,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation. The funds will support a one-year COVID-19 vaccination outreach campaign involving the training of Vaccine Ambassadors.

• Acceptance of $50,000 Kresge Foundation grant
• Creation and training of Vaccine Ambassadors for COVID-19 outreach
• Grant period from June 01, 2021 through May 31, 2022