Berrien County public meetings in 2022

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive an update on the Juvenile Center from Elvin Gonzalez, followed by a Q&A session with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott. The committee will also handle routine business, including approving minutes from the previous meeting and any resolutions.

• Juvenile Center update by Elvin Gonzalez
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Approval of minutes from December 15, 2022
• Consideration of resolutions

The Committee approved the minutes from December 15, 2022, and signed a resolution authorizing the Road Department to proceed with a TAP Grant project. Members received updates on Juvenile Center staffing and security, as well as plans for additional deputies in Niles Charter Township.

• Approved minutes of the December 15, 2022 meeting
• Signed Resolution A2212451 to authorize Road Department to proceed with TAP Grant project
• Signed honorary resolution for Judge Wiley

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will meet to approve minutes from December 15, 2022, and consider resolutions for advanced step hires in the Health Department and Prosecutor's Office. These are routine personnel actions.

• Approval of minutes from December 15, 2022
• Resolution for advanced step hire in Health Department
• Resolution for advanced step hire in Prosecutor's Office

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the minutes from December 15, 2022. The committee also approved two advanced step hire requests for the Prosecutor's Office and the Health Department.

• Approved December 15, 2022 minutes (3-0)
• Approved advanced step hire for James Miller, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney III, $91,494 (3-0)
• Approved advanced step hire for Shawn Wellman, Public Health Nutritionist, $53,904 (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a consent calendar of routine resolutions, including a settlement agreement, funding acceptances, and a lease-to-own for motorcycles. They will also consider added resolutions for a trail project and an honorary resolution.

• Approve settlement agreement in Civil Action No. 1:14-cv-01274
• Authorize lease-to-own agreement with Fox Powersports for six motorcycles for Sheriff's Office
• Accept funding from MDHHS for Local Community Stabilization
• Authorize application for Medical Marihuana Grant
• Authorize Road Department Engineer as agent for Marquette Greenway Project

The Board approved a consent calendar containing 17 items, including various grants, funding acceptances, and a lease-to-own agreement. The Board also passed an honorary resolution recognizing Judge Dennis M. Wiley for his public service. Additionally, the County Clerk administered the Oath of Office to 12 commissioners for the 2023-2024 term.

• Approved Consent Calendar including 17 resolutions (12-0)
• Approved weekly bills and road payables (Resolution #F2212059)
• Approved lease to own agreement with Fox Powersports (Resolution #A2212453)
• Authorized agent for Marquette Greenway Project (Resolution #A2212451)
• Approved honorary resolution recognizing Judge Dennis M. Wiley (12-0)
• Approved minutes of the December 15, 2022 meeting
• Accepted donations from Niles Scream Park and Honor Credit Union
• Accepted funding from United Healthcare Services and Local Community Stabilization

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes, reviewing requisitions, and discussing county bylaws and purchase order change order processes. The sheriff will introduce new deputies. No major policy decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Approval of December 15, 2022 meeting minutes
• Requisition review led by Annette Christie
• Sheriff introduction of new deputies
• Discussion of BOC Bylaws & Rules of Procedure
• Discussion of Purchase Order Change Order Process

The Committee approved the minutes from the December 15, 2022 meeting. Other agenda items consisted of presentations and discussions regarding board bylaws and purchase order processes.

• Approved December 15, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will meet to discuss year-end appropriations with Financial Services Director Doug James and consider a resolution approving weekly bills and road payables. The agenda also includes approval of the December 15, 2022 minutes and a public comment period.

• Year-End Appropriation Discussion
• Resolution F2212059 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Approval of December 15, 2022 minutes
• Public comments limited to 2 minutes, must identify name and city/township/village

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is being asked to authorize the Road Department to proceed with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant approval process for the Marquette Greenway, a non-motorized trail connecting New Buffalo to Chicago. The resolution also authorizes County Engineer Kevin Stack to act as the applicant's agent and requires a maintenance program with local entities. The agenda includes the original 2019 resolution authorizing the grant application and a 2022 New Buffalo Township resolution designating the trail as part of its park department.

• Authorizes Road Department to proceed with TAP grant approval for Marquette Greenway
• Authorizes Engineer Kevin Stack as applicant's agent during project development
• Requires finalizing a maintenance program with local entities
• Project includes 0.4 miles along Grand Beach Road from state line to Oak Street
• 2019 resolution noted estimated project budget of $2,638,530 with $1,590,530 TAP request and $1,048,000 match

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution approving all requisitions over $10,000, totaling $2,695,711.72, as listed in the attached report. The largest item is a $1,886,326 contract for jail inmate health care, followed by $200,000 for juvenile indigent defense and $167,637.72 for public defender office rent. The board is also approving numerous blanket contracts for 2023, including park services, drain maintenance, and GIS services.

• Jail inmate health care contract with Correct Care Solutions: $1,886,326
• Juvenile indigent defense services with Armstrong, Betker, Schaeffer and Neal: $200,000
• Public defender office rent with Fiskars: $167,637.72
• Operating agreement with Berrien County Historical Association: $95,000
• Drain maintenance contracts including Oselka Construction ($22,700) and B & Z Co. ($27,500)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a contract with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for $125,918. The funds will support the Health Department's environmental inspections from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. The resolution, recommended by the County Personnel and Human Services Committee, authorizes the Health Officer to execute the agreement.

• Contract with EGLE for $125,918 for environmental inspections
• Includes Non-Community Water ($25,940), Drinking Water Monitoring ($1,312), Campgrounds ($1,820), Public Swimming Pools ($18,460), Septage ($2,200)
• Funding period: October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $2,500 stipend from United HealthCare Services for the Health Department's participation in the Community Health Equity Challenge. The Board of Health has endorsed the acceptance. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Accept $2,500 stipend from United HealthCare Services for Health Department
• Funding tied to participation in United Healthcare Community Health Equity Challenge
• Board of Health endorsement noted

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve the Health Department's application for a $48,142 grant from the Medical Marihuana Operation and Oversight Grant Program. The funds would support a digital and social media campaign to educate youth, pregnant women, and promote safe storage, running from January 1 to September 15, 2023. The resolution is recommended by the County Personnel and Human Services Committee and is pending County Corporate Counsel approval.

• Grant application for $48,142 from Medical Marihuana Operation and Oversight Grant Program
• Digital and social media campaign on medical marihuana education
• Target audiences: youth, pregnant women, safe storage
• Grant period: January 1, 2023 to September 15, 2023
• Pending County Corporate Counsel approval

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $95,125 state grant for the 2023 Survey and Remonumentation program. 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.

• Accept $95,125 state grant for 2023 remonumentation
• Authorize County Remonumentation Grant Administrator to sign agreement
• Grant from Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a donation of new volleyball posts from Honor Credit Union for Silver Beach County Park. The resolution also authorizes Parks Staff to coordinate the replacement of the donated posts. This is a routine acceptance of a charitable gift.

• Accept donation of volleyball posts from Honor Credit Union
• Authorize Parks Staff to coordinate replacement at Silver Beach County Park

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider approving two Finance Committee recommendations: an auditing report for December 15-21, 2022, totaling $1,890,580.74, and the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #156 for the same period, totaling $2,399,104.80. The agenda is otherwise procedural, covering routine financial approvals.

• Auditing report approval: $1,890,580.74
• Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #156: $2,399,104.80
• Largest Road Department payments: Michigan Paving & Mat'l Co ($1,104,979.02) and State of Michigan - MDOT ($951,956.46)
• Payments to 42 vendors including salt, paving, and supply companies

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to designate specific banks and credit unions for depositing and investing all public monies, including tax funds, for fiscal year 2023. The resolution also allows use of any other state or federally insured financial institution with a Michigan office, and requires interest rates comparable to similar municipal investments.

• Designates Morgan Stanley, United Federal Credit Union, Teachers Credit Union, Huntington Bank, JP Morgan Chase, Fifth Third Bank, Michigan Class, Wells Fargo, 1 Source Bank, Hilliard Lyons, Horizon Bank, Stifel Nicolau, Honor Credit Union, Sturgis Bank, and Flagstar Bank
• Allows additional state or federally chartered banks, savings and loans, or credit unions with Michigan offices
• Requires interest rates comparable to or better than published rates for similar municipal investments

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a Settlement and Release Agreement in a class action lawsuit filed by Wayside Church and others (Civil Action No. 1:14-cv-01274). The settlement, subject to court approval, would resolve the litigation without admitting liability. The Finance Committee recommends adoption.

• Approval of Settlement and Release Agreement in Civil Action No. 1:14-cv-01274
• Settlement negotiated under 6th Circuit Court of Appeals mediation
• Agreement subject to court approval
• County denies liability under settlement terms

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $750 stipend from Niles Scream Park, awarded to the Berrien County Health Department. The funds recognize staff who volunteered at the annual Niles Haunted House in October 2022. The Board of Health has endorsed the acceptance.

• Accept $750 stipend from Niles Scream Park
• Funds awarded to Berrien County Health Department
• Staff volunteered at Niles Haunted House in October 2022

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept $158,522 in state funding from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for essential public health services. The funds are recommended by the County Personnel and Human Services Committee and endorsed by the Board of Health.

• Accept $158,522 from MDHHS Local Community Stabilization Share Revenue
• Funding supports essential public health services per MCL 333.2475
• Payment scheduled for release on November 30

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept an amendment to the Emerging Threats for Local Health Departments contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for fiscal year 2022-23. The amendment adds $15,000 for monkeypox response, bringing the total contract to $1,592,705. If approved, the Health Officer is authorized to electronically sign the amendment.

• Amendment adds $15,000 for Monkeypox Response
• Revised contract total: $1,592,705
• Contract period: October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023
• Authorizes Health Officer to execute amendment electronically

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept an amendment to the Comprehensive Agreement with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for fiscal year 2022-23. The amendment increases the contract by $4,787 for Public Health Emergency Preparedness, bringing the total to $3,431,520. The resolution also authorizes the health officer to electronically sign the amended agreement.

• Amendment to Comprehensive Agreement FY2022-23 with MDHHS
• Increase of $4,787 for Public Health Emergency Preparedness
• Revised contract total of $3,431,520
• Authorizes electronic signature by BCHD Health Officer

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to add one full-time Registered Sanitarian position to the Health Department, funded by $69,492 in additional FY2023 funds. The position aims to increase capacity for environmental health services, including well and septic permits, inspections, and water supply programs.

• Add 1 Registered Sanitarian (1.0 FTE), Union Grade 9, effective December 2022
• Funding of $69,492 from Resolution P2212418 for FY2023
• Addresses growing demand for septic and well permits and non-community water supply services

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution that consolidates and reapproves the terms of appropriation for seven senior centers in the county. These terms must be met for the centers to receive funds from the senior services millage for the period October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. The resolution also allows the county to withhold funds if centers fail to comply.

• Lists seven senior centers eligible for funding, including Benton Harbor/Benton Twp. Senior Services, Buchanan Area Senior Services, Central County Senior Center, Greater Niles Senior Center, North Berrien Senior Center, River Valley Senior Center, and St. Joseph/Lincoln Senior Center
• Requires senior centers to be incorporated as Michigan non-profit membership corporations and hold public meetings per the Open Meetings Act
• Mandates that centers provide county access to financial records and maintain director and officer liability insurance unless cost is prohibitive
• Allows the Financial Services Department to withhold funds if a center is not in compliance with the terms
• Requires publication of the appropriation terms in a local newspaper within 10 days of approval

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Sheriff to purchase six 2014 EG Police motorcycles from Fox Powersports, LLC. The purchase would replace an expired lease and cost $36,000, paid in three annual installments of $12,000 starting March 31, 2023. Funding would come from the Community Foundation Motorcycle Unit account.

• Purchase of six 2014 EG Police motorcycles from Fox Powersports, LLC
• Total cost of $36,000, with three annual payments of $12,000
• Funding source: account 21303280 (Community Foundation Motorcycle Unit)
• Agreement reviewed and approved by Corporate Counsel

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to review a proposed professional services agreement with DCS Solutions, discuss responses to grant applicants, and get updates on the MIHI ROBIN grant program and the FCC broadband map challenge. They will also continue work on the draft BCBIT Road Map and discuss the 2023 membership list.

• Review of proposed DCS Solutions professional services agreement
• Discussion of response to BCBIT grant applicants
• Update on MIHI ROBIN grant program
• Update on FCC broadband map challenge process
• Discussion of 2023 BCBIT membership list

The Broadband Internet Task Force unanimously recommended a new professional services agreement with DCS Technology Design to expand high-speed internet in rural areas. The group also discussed the FCC broadband map challenge process and the state's ROBIN grant program.

• Recommended new DCS Technology Design contract for approval by Finance Committee and Board of Commissioners (unanimous)
• Approved sending response letters to BCBIT grant applicants

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to hear a prosecutor's update, consider an animal control bid waiver, and hold a Q&A with administration and the board chairman. The committee will also review minutes from December 8 and any resolutions. No other substantive decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Prosecutor's update from Steve Pierangeli
• Animal Control bid waiver request from Ashley Herr
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Review of December 8, 2022 minutes

The Committee approved a purchase agreement for six motorcycles funded by the Community Foundation. The Chairperson approved $3,017.44 in Community Foundation funding for Sheriff's Department equipment and recognition. The Committee also approved the minutes from the December 8, 2022 meeting.

• Approved Resolution A2212453 to authorize Purchase Agreement for six motorcycles
• Approved $3,017.44 in Berrien Community Foundation funding for K9 equipment, coins, recertification, employee recognition, and fuel
• Approved minutes of the December 8, 2022 meeting

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will meet to approve minutes, consider an advanced step hire for the Health Department, approve pension refunds/rollovers and quarterly retirements, and discuss bylaw changes with Annette Christie. The meeting is largely routine personnel actions.

• Approval of minutes from December 8, 2022
• Advanced step hire for Health Department
• Approval of pension refunds/rollovers
• Approval of quarterly retirements
• Bylaw discussion with Annette Christie

The committee approved two resolutions to accept a donation and a grant. Two advanced step hire requests for the Family Division and Health Department were approved. Pension refund requests and the quarterly retirement report were also approved.

• Approved minutes from December 8, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved Resolution P2212454 to accept Honor CU donation of Silver Beach volleyball posts
• Approved Resolution P2212448 to accept Remonumentation grant of $95,125
• Approved advanced step hire for Herb Price, Juvenile Center Supervisor, at $66,892 (3-0)
• Approved advanced step hire for Amber Oakley, Prevention Specialist, at $43,459 (3-0)
• Approved monthly pension refund/rollover requests and quarterly retirement report (3-0)

Other Meetings

The Berrien County Land Bank Authority is meeting to review December 2022 financial statements, approve or ratify bills, and approve the 2023 budget. They will also consider resolutions for a blight elimination funding application and a donation of vacant land, along with public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Approval of 2023 Budget
• Review of December 2022 Financial Statements
• Approval/Ratification of Bills
• Blight Elimination Funding Application – Resolution 4 of 2022
• Donation of vacant land – Resolution 5 of 2022

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a consent calendar containing routine resolutions, including the FY2023 salary schedule for appointed officials and non-union employees, and renewals of contracts for drug lab services, jail medical care, body cameras, and tether services. The board will also consider accepting Peace Boulevard into the county road system and approving a Spark Grant application for the M-63 trail project.

• Approve FY2023 appointed official and non-union employee salary schedule
• Renew drug lab contract with Andrews University
• Renew Wellpath contract for jail medical services
• Renew Axon Enterprise body camera agreement
• Accept Peace Boulevard into county road system

The Board of Commissioners approved a consent calendar containing 15 resolutions. These actions included renewing service contracts for jail medical services, drug lab operations, and body cameras, as well as accepting a road extension.

• Approved renewal of Drug Lab Contract with Andrews University (Resolution A2212433)
• Approved extension of Peace Blvd. into the county road system (Resolution A2212437)
• Approved renewal of Wellpath Contract Jail Medical (Resolution A2212441)
• Approved agreement with Axon Enterprise for Body Cameras (Resolution A2212445)
• Approved Spark Grant application for M-63 Trail (Resolution A2212443)
• Approved Army Corps. Of Engineers Pier access lease renewal (Resolution P2212444)
• Approved renewal of BI Inc. Contract for Tether Services (Resolution A2212440)
• Approved minutes of the December 8, 2022 meeting

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to review requisitions, hear presentations on the Winter Park activity and Senior Center terms of appropriation, and address other business. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Requisition review by Annette Christie
• Winter Park activity presentation by Derek Pelc, Chief Naturalist
• Senior Center terms of appropriation presentation by Annette Christie

The Committee approved the minutes from the December 8, 2022 meeting. Members reviewed requisitions for delinquent youth placements and received a presentation on Winter Park activities. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved December 8, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will review a bid for Boss V-Plows for the Road Department, receive a General Fund status update, and consider waiver requests, weekly bills, and road payables. Public comments are limited to the committee business portion.

• Bid 2022-074 – Boss V-Plows, Road Department
• General Fund Status Update
• Waiver Request Approvals
• Resolution F2212058 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Approval of December 8, 2022 minutes

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to renew a forensic laboratory services agreement with Andrews University for 2023. The contract, valued at $141,899, would fund analysis of seized controlled substances for local law enforcement. The current agreement expires December 31, 2022.

• Renewed Forensic Laboratory Agreement with Andrews University for $141,899
• Contract period: January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023
• Funding source: 26532672-801000

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a 1,089-foot extension of Peace Boulevard into the county's local road system, following construction by Royalton Terrace Village, LLC. The resolution also authorizes installing stop signs at the Peace Boulevard and Glenlord Road intersection, based on a traffic study. This is a routine road acceptance and signage action.

• Accept Peace Boulevard extension (1,089 feet) into county road system
• Install stop signs at Peace Boulevard and Glenlord Road
• Quit claim deed recorded in Liber 3392, Page 2189
• Road maintained by Berrien County Road Department

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Chairman to sign a one-year contract with BI Incorporated for electronic monitoring equipment and services for adult offenders, covering January 1 to December 31, 2023. The contract would renew automatically each year unless terminated. The Sheriff's Office and Corporate Counsel have reviewed and approved the contract.

• Authorizes new one-year contract with BI Incorporated for electronic monitoring services
• Contract runs January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023
• Contract renews automatically each year unless terminated per Section 7.1
• Electronic monitoring used as alternative sanction to jail by Criminal Division Judges

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to approve a one-year renewal of the jail's inmate health care services contract with Wellpath LLC (formerly Correct Care Solutions) for January 1 to December 31, 2023. The renewal cost is $1,886,325.76, a 5.4% increase tied to the CPI, with monthly payments of $157,193.81 from the 2023 jail budget. The Sheriff and Corporate Counsel have reviewed and approved the renewal.

• Renew Wellpath LLC jail health care contract for one year, Jan 1–Dec 31, 2023
• Annual cost $1,886,325.76, up 5.4% per CPI
• Monthly payment $157,193.81 from budget line 1013510-834450
• Contract expires Dec 31, 2022; renewal authorized by board chairman

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Parks Department Director to sign an agreement with Green Earth Electronics Recycling for five electronics recycling collection events in 2023. The contract costs $2,000 per event, not to exceed $10,000, funded from the Landfill Use Fund. The resolution was recommended by the Personnel and Human Services Committee.

• Contract with Green Earth Electronics Recycling for 5 events in 2023
• Site fee of $2,000 per event, not to exceed $10,000
• Funding from Landfill Use Fund, Environmental Affairs account
• Green Earth is the only EGLE-registered electronics recycler based in Berrien County

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to incorporate the annual performance evaluation process for the County Administrator and Corporate Counsel into its Bylaws and Rules of Procedure as Appendix I. The process includes form circulation, ratings, and an annual review by the Committee of the Whole, with a required annual review of the process in November.

• Adds Appendix I to Bylaws for annual performance evaluations of County Administrator and Corporate Counsel
• Evaluation forms circulated to commissioners; deadlines: odd years by first January meeting, even years by December 1
• Annual review to be held between January 1 and end of February each year
• Process to be reviewed annually in November by Personnel & Human Services Committee

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider approving two Finance Committee recommendations: an auditing report for Dec 8-14, 2022 totaling $1,201,916.38, and the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #155 for the same period totaling $80,081.41. The agenda is otherwise routine financial approvals.

• Auditing report approval: $1,201,916.38
• Road Department Voucher #155: $80,081.41
• Voucher includes payments to 65 vendors, e.g., Truck & Trailer Spec. Inc ($14,175.41), Ceres Solutions Coop ($9,231.02), United Petroleum Equipment ($8,391.14)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Parks Director to sign an agreement with Kalamazoo County. The agreement would allow Berrien County residents to use Kalamazoo's household hazardous waste (HHW) center for up to $5,500, funded from the Landfill Use Fund. This is a routine inter-county service agreement for the coming year.

• Agreement with Kalamazoo County for HHW center access, effective Jan 1–Dec 31, 2023
• Payment up to $5,500 from Landfill Use Fund, Environmental Affairs account
• Authorizes Parks Director to sign the agreement
• 22nd consecutive year of this arrangement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to authorize the Chairman to execute supplemental agreements renewing a 25-year lease and easement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the south pier, used for public park and recreational purposes. The original lease and easement expired in March 2021, and the renewal documents have been reviewed by county counsel.

• Authorizes execution of Supplemental Agreement No. 3 for Lease No. DACW35-1-96-3001
• Authorizes execution of Supplemental Agreement No. 1 for Easement Agreement No. DACW35-9-96-3001
• Authorizes County Clerk to complete Certificate of Authority
• Renews use of U.S. South revetment and adjacent easement area for public park and recreation

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a 3% 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, 2023. The County Administrator recommended the raise, and the resolution would allow the contingency fund to supplement affected budgets if needed at year-end 2023.

• 3% salary increase for appointed officials and non-union employees
• Effective January 1, 2023
• Includes non-union Road Department employees
• Contingency fund may supplement budgets at year-end 2023

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to approve commissioner per diems for November 2022 in the amount of $5,500.01. The agenda includes a detailed breakdown of per diem payments to individual commissioners.

• Approval of commissioner per diems for November 2022 totaling $5,500.01

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on Resolution B2212105 to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $3,887,107.38, as listed in the attached Requisition Approval Reports. Individual commissioners may note abstentions on the attached statement. The items are mostly blanket contracts for services and supplies across county departments for fiscal year 2023.

• $209,550 to Ace Saginaw for cold patch (Bid#2022-073) for Road Department
• $149,000 to Spicer Group for drain engineering services, including Hollywood Drain #524 and Lighthouse Creek Drain #298
• $615,000 to Rite of Passage for private institutional care for youth in the Courts system
• $389,650 to RESA for Berrien Bus employee payroll
• $175,000 to BC Petty Cash for jury account replenishment

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize a new five-year service agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for body-worn cameras, accessories, and data storage for the Sheriff's Office. The contract would cost $91,668.40 per year, totaling $458,342.00, and would be paid from the Capital Improvement Fund.

• New 5-year Axon body-worn camera service agreement
• Annual cost of $91,668.40; total $458,342.00
• Contract replaces agreement expiring March 15, 2023
• Funding from Capital Improvement Fund
• Approved as to form by Corporate Counsel

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Community Development Department to apply for a $996,600 Spark grant with no matching funds to build the Lakeview Trail, a non-motorized path along M-63 between Higman Park Road and Enterprise Drive. The resolution was recommended by the County Administration Committee.

• Authorizes application for $996,600 Spark grant for Lakeview Trail
• Trail located along M-63 between Higman Park Road and Enterprise Drive
• No matching contribution required
• Project aligns with Spark Grant Program goals for public recreation

Administration Committee

The committee will review a Spark Grant application for the M63 Pedestrian Trail. Updates will be provided by the Road Department and the Trial Court.

• Spark Grant Application for M63 Pedestrian Trail
• Road Department update
• Trial Court update

The Committee approved several service renewals for the Sheriff's Department and a grant application for the M-63 pedestrian trail. Members received updates on road projects, trial court staffing vacancies, and potential sites for a tower.

• Approved Spark Grant application for Lakeview Trail (M-63)
• Renewed Drug Lab Agreement with Andrews University
• Accepted road into the County Road System
• Renewed agreement with BI Incorporated for Electronic Monitoring
• Renewed agreement with Wellpath for Jail Medical Services (Wuerfel abstained)
• Renewed agreement with Axon Enterprises for body cameras
• Approved $4,627.30 in Berrien Community Foundation funding for Shop with a Cop and motorcycle fuel
• Approved minutes of the December 1, 2022 meeting

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will review and approve several health department resolutions, including adding a registered sanitarian position, accepting state and local funding, and applying for a medical marijuana oversight grant. The committee will also discuss a personnel issue and approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Add Registered Sanitarian position (P2212417)
• Approve EGLE Contract FY2022/2023 (P2212418)
• Accept MDHHS Stabilization Authority funding ($158,522)
• Accept Niles Scream Park Stipend ($750)
• Apply for Medical Marihuana Operation & Oversight Grant

The Committee denied a grievance appeal for Kathleen Sircher and approved several resolutions regarding salary schedules, lease renewals, and health department funding. Members also signed resolutions for hazardous waste and electronics recycling agreements. The Health Department accepted $158,522 in MDHHS Stabilization Authority funding.

• Approved December 1, 2022 minutes (2-0)
• Denied Kathleen Sircher grievance appeal (2-0)
• Approved P2212012 Per Diems November $5,500.01
• Approved P2212439 CY23 Appointed Official & Non-Union salary schedules
• Renewed lease agreement with Army Corps of Engineers for South Pier access (P2212444)
• Renewed household hazardous waste and electronics recycling agreements (P2212446, P2212447)
• Added Registered Sanitarian position to complement (P2212417)
• Accepted MDHHS Stabilization Authority funding of $158,522 (P2212421)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a consent calendar containing routine resolutions, including several agreements with Riverwood for court liaison, therapy programs, and psychiatric services, as well as acceptance of various grants. The meeting also includes public comments, committee reports, and other administrative items.

• Agreements with Riverwood for Court Liaison, Functional Family Therapy, Multi Systemic Therapy, and psychiatric services
• Contract with Juvenile Delinquency Defense Group for legal defense services
• Renewal of kayak rental agreement with Third Coast Surf Shop at Silver Beach
• Acceptance of Mental Health Court, Drug Court, Swift & Sure, and Community Corrections grants
• Approve contract with Lange Security for additional security at Juvenile Center

The Board of Commissioners approved a comprehensive consent calendar featuring multiple service agreements, grants, and personnel appointments. This included the appointment of Kaitlin Locke as Interim Chief Public Defender. The board also approved the meeting minutes from December 1, 2022.

• Approved December 1, 2022 meeting minutes
• Appointed Kaitlin Locke as Interim Chief Public Defender (Resolution #A2212425)
• Approved weekly bills and road payables (Resolution #F2212057)
• Approved four agreements with Riverwood for psychiatric and therapy services
• Approved agreement with Juvenile Delinquency Defense Group (Resolution #A2212416)
• Authorized application for state Farmland Preservation funds (Resolution #F2212422)
• Renewed kayak rental agreement with Third Coast Surf Shop (Resolution #P2212424)
• Accepted grants for Mental Health Court, Drug Court, Swift & Sure Program, and Community Corrections

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to review requisitions, receive a health department update from Health Officer Guy Miller, and handle routine business such as approving minutes and public comments. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Requisition review presented by Annette Christie
• Health Department update by Health Officer Guy Miller
• Approval of minutes from December 1, 2022 meeting
• Public comments (2-minute limit per speaker)

The committee approved the minutes from the December 1, 2022 meeting. Members discussed a chimney stack fire at the jail caused by a 42-year-old generator and received a presentation on the county's opioid crisis.

• Approved Committee of the Whole minutes from December 1, 2022 (carried, no nays)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to handle routine financial business. The main action is approving Resolution F2212057 for weekly bills and road payables, along with approving the minutes from the December 1, 2022 meeting. Public comments are allowed during the committee business portion, with a two-minute limit per speaker.

• Resolution F2212057 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Approval of December 1, 2022 minutes
• Public comments limited to two minutes per speaker

The committee approved the minutes from the December 1, 2022 meeting. Resolution F2211057 regarding weekly bills and road payables was moved forward to the full Board. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved December 1, 2022 meeting minutes
• Moved Resolution F2211057 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to full Board

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a Professional Services Agreement with Riverwood Center (Berrien Mental Health Authority) for a part-time licensed Family Court/Community Liaison. The position provides behavioral health screening and linkage for juveniles in the justice system. The agreement runs from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, at $56.37/hour, not to exceed 975 hours.

• Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Riverwood Center for Family Court/Community Liaison
• Rate of $56.37/hour, maximum 975 hours for calendar year 2023
• Co-funded position between Trial Court-Family Division and Riverwood Center
• Agreement period: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is being asked to approve a resolution authorizing the Trial Court to accept an amended $41,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for child and parent legal representation in child protective proceedings. This is in addition to an original award of approximately $80,000. The grant is reimbursement-based, requires no cash match, and funds training, legal services, a social worker, and a Parent Partner program.

• Accept $41,000 amended Title IV-E grant for FY 22/23 (Oct 1, 2022–Sep 30, 2023)
• Original grant award approximately $80,000
• Grant funds child and parent legal representation in child protective proceedings
• No cash match required; reimbursement-structured
• Authorizes County Administrator to sign grant agreement with MDHHS

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a FY 2023 Mental Health Court Grant of $121,400 from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office, with an in-kind match of $20,340.25 in staffing costs. The grant, in partnership with Riverwood Center, supports the county's mental health court program. The resolution authorizes the Trial Court Administrator to sign the award agreement.

• Accept $121,400 Mental Health Court Grant
• In-kind match of $20,340.25 for staffing
• Partnership with Riverwood Center
• Authorizes Trial Court Administrator to execute agreement via DocuSign

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to accept a $30,000 FY 2023 Drug Court grant from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office, with an in-kind match of $125,568.46 in staffing costs. The grant continues an 11-year-old specialty program that combines random drug testing with inpatient and outpatient treatment. The board would authorize the Trial Court Administrator to sign the award agreement.

• Accept $30,000 FY 2023 Drug Court grant
• In-kind match of $125,568.46 for staffing
• Authorize Trial Court Administrator to execute award agreement via DocuSign
• Program funded also by Office of Community Corrections and Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept two grant awards from the Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (SWMBH) for FY 2023. The awards fund the continuation of the Intake Assessment Coordinator position and drug testing for the Drug Treatment Court and Mental Health Court. The resolution authorizes signing the Net Cost Agreement for Substance Use Disorder Services.

• $52,757 award (with $52,756.41 in local match) for Intake Assessment Coordinator
• $15,000 award for drug testing operations for Drug Treatment Court and Mental Health Court
• Authorizes Chairman, Chief Judge, and County Clerk to sign FY 2023 Net Cost Agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Road Department, with Michigan State Police, to conduct a speed study on N. Roosevelt Road from Glenlord Road to the end of the road. The study 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 N. Roosevelt Road from Glenlord Road to end of road
• Current speed limit is 55 mph
• Study conducted by Berrien County Road Department and Michigan State Police
• Results to be reported to Board of Commissioners for potential speed limit changes

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to extend the concession lease for kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals at Silver Beach County Park. The current lease expired on September 15, 2022, and the proposed agreement with Third Coast Surf Shop would run from January 1, 2023 to September 30, 2025. The Parks & Recreation Commission recommends the extension, citing the activity's popularity and lack of reported issues.

• Extend concession lease for kayak and paddleboard rentals at Silver Beach County Park
• New lease term: January 1, 2023 to September 30, 2025
• Lessee: Third Coast Surf Shop
• Agreement includes fee, indemnifications, state licenses, insurance, operation and safety requirements

Resolutions

The County Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends authorizing the Parks Department to apply for a grant to fund new radio equipment. The estimated cost for eighteen radios is $12,000, with a potential grant covering 50% of the expense.

• Authorization to apply for Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority RAP Grant
• Purchase of eighteen radios for park operations
• Estimated radio purchase cost of $12,000

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Community Development Department to submit an application to the Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund for funding to purchase agricultural conservation easements. The application is based on a single application received by the County Land Preservation Board from Royalton Township.

• Authorizes application to Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund for FY2023
• Application supports purchase of agricultural conservation easements
• Lone applicant from Royalton Township
• Resolution recommended by County Finance Committee

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a contract with Lange Investigation and Consulting Service, LLC for enhanced security services at the Berrien County Juvenile Center. The contract, requested by the Family Division of the Berrien County Trial Court, addresses imminent safety risks from youth with assaultive behavior. It would run at $50 per hour, $75.50 on holidays, retroactive to November 29, 2022, funded by unused budget line items.

• Contract with Lange Investigation and Consulting Service, LLC for juvenile center security
• Hourly rate: $50 per hour, $75.50 on holidays
• Retroactive start date: November 29, 2022
• Duration: at least 90 days
• Funding from unused line items in the Center's budget

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to appoint Kaitlin Locke as Interim Chief Public Defender, effective December 9, 2022, at a salary of $107,326. The appointment follows the election of the current Chief Public Defender, Paul S. Jancha, to a District Court Judge position. The interim placement is limited to 90 days unless further approved by the Board.

• Appointment of Kaitlin Locke as Interim Chief Public Defender at grade 10, step 3 salary of $107,326
• Effective date December 9, 2022
• Interim placement not to exceed 90 days without Board approval

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve a one-year, $200,000 contract with a group of seven local attorneys to provide legal defense services to indigent juveniles. The contract follows a failed RFP process that received zero bids, after which a work group formed a plan that led to the attorneys' offer.

• Approves contract with Defense Counsel for juvenile indigent defense, $200,000 for Jan 1–Dec 31, 2023
• Contract awarded after RFP received zero bids
• Group of seven attorneys: Gennel Laluna-Schaeffer, Marikaye Long, W. Brendan Neal, Ryan Wojtowicz, Rodney Fuller, Jason Engram, Alexis Runowski

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a one-year professional services agreement with Riverwood Center to provide on-site outpatient psychiatric services to youth at the Berrien County Juvenile Center. The agreement, effective January 1 through December 31, 2023, would cost $442.50 per hour for a licensed psychiatrist and $177.00 per hour for other licensed prescribers. The previous agreement expired December 31, 2022.

• Approval of professional services agreement with Riverwood Center for psychiatric services at the Juvenile Center
• Contract period: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
• Rates: $442.50/hour for psychiatrist, $177.00/hour for other licensed prescriber
• Over 35% of youth at the Juvenile Center have mental health disorders and are prescribed psychotropic medications

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a Professional Services Agreement with Riverwood Center (Berrien Mental Health Authority) for Multi-Systemic Therapy programs. The agreement, not to exceed $96,000, would fund services for up to 12 youths and families from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. The current agreement expires December 31, 2022.

• Approve $96,000 agreement with Riverwood Center for Multi-Systemic Therapy and MST-PSB programs
• Contract period: January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023
• Services for up to 12 youths and families
• Co-funded service delivery model for behavioral health and case management
• Agreement reviewed by County Corporate Counsel

Resolutions

The Berrien County Administration Committee recommends approving a professional services agreement between the Trial Court/Family Division and Riverwood Center. This agreement funds the Functional Family Therapy program for youth aged 11 to 18. The proposed term runs from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023.

• Professional Services Agreement with Riverwood Center not to exceed $45,000
• Funding for Functional Family Therapy program for youth ages 11-18

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to accept a $175,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Corrections for the Community Corrections program for fiscal year 2023. The grant funds pretrial supervision, crisis intervention, substance abuse testing, behavioral health assessments, training, and advisory board administration. The board would also authorize the chairperson to sign the contract with the state.

• Accepts $175,000 grant from Michigan Department of Corrections for fiscal year 2023
• Funds Pretrial Supervision Program ($77,000), Men in Crisis ($34,500), Substance Abuse Testing ($28,500), Behavioral Health Assessments ($6,060), Training ($2,000), and advisory board administration ($26,940)
• Authorizes Chairperson to sign contract for Grant Number CPS-2023-1-4

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to accept a $182,000 state grant for the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program, which funds two MDOC agents to supervise felony probationers. The resolution also authorizes the Trial Court Administrator to sign the award agreement. The county must provide $6,733.14 in in-kind staffing costs as a match.

• Accept $182,000 FY 2023 Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program grant
• Authorize Trial Court Administrator to execute award agreement via DocuSign
• In-kind match of $6,733.14 for staffing costs
• Grant funds one MDOC agent; $75,000 via SCAO-MDOC inter-agency agreement

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee is meeting to approve minutes, consider a Mental Health Authority Board appointment, and discuss an advanced step hire request for Information Systems. They will also discuss a personnel issue, 2023 salary schedules for appointed officials and non-union employees, and the evaluation process for the Administrator and Corporate Counsel.

• Approval of minutes from November 17, 2022
• Mental Health Authority Board appointment discussion
• Advanced step hire request for Information Systems
• Discussion of 2023 salary schedules for appointed officials and non-union employees
• Discussion of Administrator and Corporate Counsel evaluation process

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommended a 3% salary increase for non-union and appointed officials for Full Board action. The committee also approved a specific hire for the Information Systems Department and closed an investigation into an anonymous complaint regarding the Public Defender Office.

• Recommended 3% salary increase for Non-Union and Appointed Official salary schedules
• Approved advanced step hire of Tad Tomoske as Customer Services Manager at $84,793 (3-0)
• Closed investigation into anonymous complaint regarding Public Defender Office as unfounded
• Appointed MaryAnn Pater to the Mental Health Authority Board
• Approved Resolution P2212424 to renew Kayak Rental Agreement
• Approved Resolution P2212434 for Parks RAP grant application for radios
• Approved November 17, 2022 open session minutes (3-0)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Public Defender on juvenile delinquency defense representation and from the Sheriff's Department. The committee will also hold a Q&A session with administration and county board leadership, and consider minutes and resolutions.

• Public Defender Paul Jancha Jr. update on juvenile delinquency defense representation
• Sheriff's Department update from Sheriff Bailey
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Approval of minutes from November 17, 2022

The Committee signed 14 resolutions, including the acceptance of four grants for court programs and the renewal of four agreements with Riverwood. The Committee also approved a contract for juvenile delinquency defense and additional security for the Juvenile Center.

• Approved four Riverwood agreements for Court Liaison, Functional Family Therapy, Multi Systemic Therapy, and psychiatric services
• Approved agreement with Juvenile Delinquency Defense Group (Bid waiver)
• Appointed Interim Department Head – Chief Public Defender
• Approved contract for additional security services at the Juvenile Center
• Approved amendment to the CPLR grant
• Accepted Mental Health Court, Drug Court, Swift & Sure Program, and Community Corrections grants
• Approved agreement with SWMBH for substance use disorder funding
• Authorized Road Department to conduct a speed study

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve routine items including weekly bills, requisitions, and a trails master plan. The agenda is largely procedural, with a presentation of Sheriff's Office awards and public comment periods.

• Approve Weekly Bills and Road Payables (F2212056)
• Requisition Approvals (B2212103)
• Berrien County Trails Master Plan (A2212303)
• Sheriff's Office Awards presentation
• Minutes of November 17, 2022 meeting

The Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar including weekly bills and the Berrien County Trails Master Plan. Additionally, the board appointed a new member to the Mental Health Authority.

• Approved November 17, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved weekly bills and road payables (Resolution F2212056)
• Approved requisition approvals (Resolution B2212103)
• Approved Berrien County Trails Master Plan (Resolution A2212303)
• Appointed Mary Ann Pater to the Mental Health Authority for a 3-year term expiring March 31, 2025

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to approve minutes from November 17, review requisitions, and receive a legislative update from Mike Krombeen of Midwest Strategies. Public comments are also scheduled. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Approval of minutes from November 17, 2022 meeting
• Requisition review presented by Annette Christie
• Legislative update by Mike Krombeen of Midwest Strategies
• Public comments (2-minute limit per county bylaws)

The Committee approved the minutes from the November 17, 2022 meeting and amended the agenda to move public comments. Members received a legislative update regarding potential state bills and were notified that the Napier Avenue and Walton Road bridges are completed.

• Approved November 17, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)
• Approved moving Public Comments before Legislative Update on the agenda (10-0)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Treasurer and Financial Analyst, open a bid for cold patch materials for the Road Department, and consider routine approvals including waiver requests, weekly bills and road payables, and prior meeting minutes. Public comments are limited to the committee business portion.

• Bid 2022-073 – Opening – Cold Patch Rebid – Road Department
• Resolution F2212056 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Waiver Request Approvals
• Approval of November 17, 2022 minutes

The committee referred a single bid for cold patch to the Road Department for review. Two resolutions regarding weekly bills and an agricultural grant were moved forward to the full Board. The Treasurer reported that the tax auction generated $701,530 in gross sales.

• Referred Bid 2022-073 (CP6 Cold Patch) to Road Department for review (Motion carried)
• Approved minutes of November 17, 2022 meeting (Motion carried)
• Moved Resolution F2211056 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to full Board
• Moved Resolution F2212422 (Agricultural Preservation Grant application) to full Board

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force will hear from 123Net, discuss a draft broadband roadmap, and consider county actions on FCC Fabric challenges. The meeting is a discussion session, with no formal votes scheduled.

• Guest discussion with Jeff Moerschell of 123Net
• Discussion of draft Broadband Roadmap and whether to formally adopt it
• County actions on FCC Fabric Challenge(s)

The Task Force coordinated the submission of FCC Fabric Challenge data through the GIS Department and Community Development. Members reviewed a 19-point proposed Broadband Roadmap, which will be discussed in further detail at the next meeting.

• Assigned GIS Department and Community Development to submit FCC map challenge data
• Tabled formal adoption of the 19-point Broadband Roadmap for further discussion

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to endorse the Berrien County Trails Master Plan, developed by the Friends of Berrien County Trails with $5,000 in county funding. The resolution expresses support for regional trail planning and commits to applying the plan in future county decisions. This is a policy endorsement, not a binding commitment to fund or build specific trails.

• Resolution endorsing the Berrien County Trails Master Plan
• Acknowledges prior $5,000 county contribution to the plan
• References adoption of Policy ADM-5210 on non-motorized transportation facilities (Oct 13, 2022)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on Resolution B2212103 to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $5,420,810.06, as listed in the attached Requisition Approval Reports. The items include contracts, blanket purchases, and services for various county departments, with most funded in fiscal year 2023. Commissioners may note abstentions on the attached statement.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan: $720,000 for Medicare Advantage coverage for county employees (2023)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield: $500,000 for inmate health insurance in jail (2023)
• Cantten: $360,000 for jail commissary services (2023)
• Correct RX Pharmacy Services: $357,000 for inmate medications (2023)
• Co-Alliance: $302,240 for diesel and unleaded fuel for Road Department (Bid 2022-070)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider approving the Finance Committee's recommendations, including the auditing report for November 17-30, 2022, totaling $6,971,841.68, and the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #153 for the same period, totaling $176,882.94. The agenda also includes a separate Road Department voucher #152 for $415,364.58, which appears to be part of the same approval process. These are routine financial approvals for county expenditures.

• Approval of auditing report for Nov 17-30, 2022, totaling $6,971,841.68
• Approval of Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #153 for $176,882.94
• Road Department Voucher #152 for $415,364.58, including payments to Rieth-Riley Construction ($319,784.78) and Mott MacDonald Michigan ($16,717.50)
• Payments to State of Michigan - MDOT ($131,242.62) in Voucher #153
• Various vendor payments for road maintenance supplies and services

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to hear a presentation from Animal Control, followed by a question-and-answer session with administration officials. The committee will also handle routine business, including approving minutes and any resolutions.

• Animal Control presentation by Ashley Herr
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Approval of November 10, 2022 minutes
• Consideration of resolutions

The committee approved a property use request for the Veteran Services Department to host a Food 4 Vets event on December 7th. Members discussed animal control staffing and a resolution regarding the County Master Plan and trails.

• Approved use of Health Department conference room and parking lot for Food 4 Vets event (concurred)
• Approved minutes of the November 10, 2022 meeting
• Resolution A2212303 signed by all committee members except Jim Martin

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to review requisitions, hear a presentation from the Friends of Berrien County Trails, and take public comments. The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes and other business.

• Requisition review
• Presentation by Friends of Berrien County Trails
• Public comments (2-minute limit per speaker)
• Approval of November 10, 2022 meeting minutes

The committee approved the minutes from the November 10, 2022 meeting. Members received a presentation on the Friends of Berrien County Trails Master Plan 2022. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved November 10, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will consider approving the CY23 salary schedule for appointed officials and non-union employees, and will receive a monthly update from the Parks & Recreation Department. The meeting also includes approval of the previous minutes and a closed session on a personnel matter.

• Approval of minutes from November 10, 2022
• Resolution to approve Appointed Official and Non-Union CY23 Salary Schedule
• Monthly update from Parks & Recreation Department
• Closed session at 12:30 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the November 10, 2022 minutes and per diem payments. The committee reviewed reports on park property acquisition, cabin remodels, and staffing challenges. No decision was recorded regarding the Helmen Property Acquisition or salary adjustments.

• Approved minutes of November 10, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved Resolution P2211011 for October per diems totaling $6,030.63

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a consent calendar of routine resolutions, including contracts, grants, and administrative items, plus added resolutions on a professional services contract and a grant application. The meeting includes public comment periods and committee reports.

• Approve contract with Plante & Moran for professional services in developing an RFP
• Express support of grant application for City of St. Joe related to Anchors Way
• Approve purchase agreement for property near Madeline Bertrand County Park
• Approve agreements for outside counsel related to Public Defender's Office
• Approve 3-month extension to WMed Contract

The Board of Commissioners approved the November 10 meeting minutes and a consent calendar containing 17 resolutions. The board also voted to approve weekly bills and road payables after a discussion regarding the need for in-house engineers.

• Approved November 10, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved Consent Calendar including 17 resolutions (12-0)
• Approved contract with Plante & Moran (Resolution #F2211365)
• Approved update to Animal Control License Procedure (Resolution #A2211366)
• Approved lease agreement for Public Defender Offices (Resolution #A2211404)
• Approved extension of WMed Contract (Resolution #P2211407)
• Approved weekly bills and road payables (Resolution #F2211055) (12-0)
• Approved purchase agreement for property (Resolution #P2211402)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is reviewing the final draft of the Berrien County Trails Master Plan, which includes recommendations for regional and local trail connectors. The plan was developed with public input and aims to improve connectivity, including completing the Marquette Greenway connection and creating an east-west corridor from New Buffalo to Niles. The committee is discussing next steps, including seeking resolutions of support from county and municipal bodies.

• Recommendation to complete the Marquette Greenway connection
• Proposed east-west corridor connecting New Buffalo to Niles
• Plan includes infrastructure, policy, and maintenance recommendations
• Public engagement included surveys, open houses, and youth activities
• Next steps include seeking 100% support from county and municipalities

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is reviewing the Berrien County Trails Master Plan, a county-wide planning document that proposes adding 372 miles of trails and other active transportation infrastructure. The plan includes recommendations for infrastructure, construction, maintenance, policy, and education, and identifies specific routes and projects. The agenda is focused on this plan, which is a major policy document for the county.

• Proposed network adds 372 miles of trails, including 191.61 miles of wide shoulders, 109.67 miles of shared use paths, and 45.3 miles of water trails
• Complete three regionally significant routes: Marquette Greenway/Red Arrow Linear Park/Lakeview Trail, Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail, Old Sauk Trail, and McCoy's Creek Trail
• Develop water trail along Hickory Creek and extend Galien River water trail to New Troy
• Explore equestrian trails at new county park north of Watervliet and DNR/Andrews University property south of Berrien Springs
• Adopt a resolution committing to implement the Berrien County Trails Master Plan

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will hear a bid for steel scraper blades for the Road Department and consider approval of weekly bills and road payables. The committee will also approve the minutes from the November 10, 2022 meeting. Public comments are allowed during the committee business portion, with a two-minute limit per speaker.

• Bid 2022-071 – Steel Scraper Blades, Road Department
• Resolution F2211055 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Approval of November 10, 2022 minutes

The committee referred bids for steel scraper blades back to the department for review. Three resolutions regarding bills, professional services, and apportionment were moved forward to the full Board.

• Referred Bid 2022-071 (Steel Scraper Blades) to the Road Department for review with approval to proceed with the lowest responsible bidder
• Approved minutes of the November 10, 2022 meeting
• Moved Resolution F2211055 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to the full Board
• Moved Resolution F2211365 (Contract with Plante & Moran for Professional Services) to the full Board
• Moved Resolution F2211415 (Amendment to the October 2022 Apportionment) to the full Board

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to change dog license renewals from a calendar-year basis to a date based on the pet's rabies vaccination, effective in 2023. This change aims to resolve issues for dog owners who previously could not use the three-year licensing option due to a restricted vaccination time frame.

• Resolution authorizes dog license renewal dates to align with rabies vaccination dates, effective 2023
• Amends prior resolution #A0810168 from October 2008
• Addresses Public Act 339 of 1919 licensing requirements

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to update the Act 51 mileage certification for local roads, reflecting changes caused by the MDOT construction of U.S. Highway 31 from Napier Avenue to I-94 in Benton Charter Township. The changes subtract a total of 0.75 miles from the County Local Road System, with specific adjustments to Empire Avenue and Highland Avenue. This is a routine administrative action to keep road mileage records accurate.

• Empire Avenue: certified length 0.22 miles (east segment) and 0.11 miles (west segment), subtracting 0.17 miles
• Highland Avenue: certified length 0.48 miles (east segment) and 0.45 miles (west segment), subtracting 0.58 miles
• Changes result from MDOT's U.S. Highway 31 construction from Napier Avenue to I-94/I-196 in Benton Charter Township

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is deciding whether 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 2023, from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023. The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends approval, and the County Corporate Counsel has reviewed the agreement.

• Accept $30,000 grant from MDARD for Clean Sweep Pesticide Collection Program
• Grant period: October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023
• Authorizes Chairperson to sign grant agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to extend the county's medical examiner services contract with Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) for 90 days. The extension would run through March 31, 2023, at the 2022 rate of $153,878, or $12,823.17 per month, while staff negotiate a new contract. The current agreement expires December 31, 2022.

• 90-day contract extension with WMed for medical examiner services through March 31, 2023
• Extension at 2022 rate of $153,878 or $12,823.17 per month
• Current agreement expires December 31, 2022
• WMed services used by Sheriff's and Prosecutor's Offices for criminal investigations

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to extend the county's medical examiner services agreement with Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) for 90 days. The current contract expires December 31, 2022, and the extension would run through March 31, 2023 at the 2022 rate while staff negotiate a new contract.

• 90-day contract extension with WMed for medical examiner services through March 31, 2023
• Extension at 2022 rate of $153,878 total or $12,823.17 per month
• Current agreement set to expire December 31, 2022
• WMed services used by Sheriff's and Prosecutor's Offices for criminal investigations

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve an agreement with Plante & Moran, PLLC for professional services to help develop a request for proposals (RFP) for Microsoft 365 and Azure cloud licensing, migration, implementation, and training. The cost is not to exceed $31,000. The Finance Committee already approved a waiver for this specialized consulting service at its November 10, 2022 meeting.

• Approval of agreement with Plante & Moran, PLLC for up to $31,000
• Services to assist with RFP development for Microsoft 365 and Azure cloud platform
• Waiver #22-11-10-01 for technical/specialized consulting services
• County Administrator authorized to execute the agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee to donate six unclaimed bicycles held by the Sheriff's Office to Cycle re Cycle, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Benton Harbor. The donation is authorized under county policy ADM-1270 Section 10, subsection 6.

• Donation of six unclaimed bicycles to Cycle re Cycle
• Bicycles deemed found property with no owners located
• Donation per Berrien County Board Policy ADM-1270 Section 10, subsection 6

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is being asked to approve an updated summary of millage requests from various taxing jurisdictions for 2022, following the November 8 election where new millages were approved by voters. The resolution authorizes the County Equalization Director to certify and submit the required forms to state authorities.

• Approval of updated millage apportionment report for 2022
• Includes new millages approved by voters on November 8, 2022
• Authorizes Equalization Director to submit forms to Michigan Department of Treasury

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept an amendment to the Emerging Threats for Local Health Departments contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for fiscal year 2022-2023. The amendment increases the contract total to $1,577,705 and authorizes the Health Officer to sign it. The amendment includes funding for home visiting support, COVID immunization, and tuberculosis services.

• Amendment adds $778,479 to the Emerging Threats contract, total now $1,577,705
• Home Visiting Support - American Rescue Plan Funding: $4,612
• COVID Immunization: $775,329
• U4U Tuberculosis Services: $1,462
• Authorizes Health Officer to execute the amendment

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to accept an amendment to its Comprehensive Agreement with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for fiscal year 2022-2023. The amendment adds $117,827 to the contract, bringing the total to $3,268,137, and covers WIC breastfeeding, WIC resident services, telehealth family planning, and lead case management. If approved, the Health Officer or designee is authorized to electronically sign the amended agreement.

• Amendment adds $117,827 to MDHHS Comprehensive Agreement, total now $3,268,137
• Includes $92,500 for Telehealth Family Planning
• Includes $16,599 for WIC Resident Services
• Includes $5,000 for Statewide Lead Case Management Fixed Fee
• Authorizes Health Officer to electronically execute amended agreement

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends the Board of Commissioners approve commissioner per diems and mileage for October 2022, totaling $6,030.63. The amount covers meeting days, committee days, and Southwest Planning Commission meetings, with payments to be made in the November 25, 2022 payroll.

• Per diem total: $4,725.00 for 98 meeting/committee days
• Mileage total: $1,305.63 for 2,089 miles
• Individual totals range from $0.00 (Teri Freehling, Jon Hinkelman) to $1,002.50 (David Vollrath)
• Payments to be made with November 25, 2022 payroll

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to support the City of St. Joseph's application for a High Water Infrastructure Grant. The grant would fund analysis and design to address flooding on Anchors Way, the sole access road to the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant, which serves about 57,000 people. The board is voting on whether to formally endorse this application.

• Resolution supporting High Water Infrastructure Grant application for Anchors Way flooding fix
• Anchors Way is sole access to Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Plant serves ~57,000 people across Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, and several townships
• Road is below 1%-annual-chance flood elevation in multiple locations
• Grant available through Michigan EGLE Coastal Management Program

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $1,843,811.81, as listed in the attached report. The items include election ballots, a transit vehicle, professional services, and various blanket contracts for 2023. The resolution allows individual commissioners to abstain from specific requisitions via an attached statement.

• $57,863.81 to Spectrum Printers for November election ballots
• $615,372.00 to Hoekstra Transportation for a 4-12 passenger vehicle with lift for Berrien Bus
• $114,500.00 to Barnes & Thornburg for closing on 32 drainage district notes
• $418,436.00 to BCBS for dental/vision program
• $277,508.00 to Broadspire Services for workers compensation

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a consolidated lease for the Public Defender's Office at 511 Renaissance Dr, Suite 120. The lease covers approximately 8,540 sq. ft. and runs from February 1, 2023, through January 31, 2026, with two three-year renewal options. The rent starts at $15.75/sq. ft./year and increases to $17.22/sq. ft./year plus utilities and CAM charges. The resolution also authorizes the Board Chairperson to execute the lease.

• Lease with Fiskars Properties, Inc. for Suite 120, 511 Renaissance Dr, St. Joseph
• Approximately 8,540 sq. ft. at $15.75/sq. ft./year from Feb 1, 2023 to Sep 30, 2023
• Rent increases to $17.22/sq. ft./year plus utilities and CAM of $4.25/sq. ft./year from Oct 1, 2023 to Jan 31, 2026
• Two three-year renewal options included
• Lease may be terminated if Public Defender's Office ceases to exist or state funding is inadequate

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a contract with a group of defense attorneys to provide legal representation for indigent parents and children in child protective proceedings. The contract, effective January 1 to December 31, 2023, is valued at $416,160 and replaces an expiring agreement. The resolution was recommended by the County Administration Committee.

• Contract with Defense Counsel for $416,160 for 2023
• Legal representation for indigent parents and children in child protective proceedings
• Contract period: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
• Approval authorizes Board Chairperson to execute contract

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider approving the Finance Committee's auditing report for November 10-16, 2022, totaling $861,169.25, and the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #151 for the same period, totaling $526,881.20. The voucher includes payments to various vendors for road maintenance and operations.

• Approval of auditing report for $861,169.25
• Approval of Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #151 for $526,881.20
• Payments include $349,406.32 to Rieth-Riley Construction Co. and $40,442.50 to Michigan Pavement Marking
• Other vendor payments include $38,072.75 to Brusky Construction and $47,631.09 to Wightman & Associates
• Voucher also includes $7,200 to R&M CDL Training LLC

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to change the staffing complement of the Probate Division of the Family Division of the Berrien County Trial Court. The change would remove a temporary Deputy Register position (0.5 FTE) and add a full-time Deputy Register (1.0 FTE), effective with the pay period beginning December 4, 2022. The request is driven by a 45% increase in new filing caseload since 2017 and resulting backlogs.

• Remove Temporary Deputy Register (0.5 FTE)
• Add Full-Time Deputy Register (1.0 FTE), Non-Union Grade 4
• Effective with pay period beginning December 4, 2022
• Probate Court new filing caseload increased 45% since 2017

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the purchase of approximately 33 acres adjacent to Madeline Bertrand County Park. The final purchase price is $425,000, funded by a $300,000 state grant and a $110,800 county parks match, with the county also covering closing costs and title insurance.

• Purchase of 33 acres north of Madeline Bertrand County Park (Tax ID 11-14-0860-0072-01-1) for $425,000
• Property appraised at $700,000 in December 2021
• County to pay all closing costs, surveys, and title insurance
• Parks Director authorized to execute purchase documents
• $5,000 earnest money deposit to Core Real Estate

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to open bids for road department fuel pricing and cold patch materials, and to handle routine business including waiver requests, approval of weekly bills and road payables, and approval of prior meeting minutes. Public comments are allowed during the committee business portion only.

• Bid 2022-070 – 6 Month Fuel Pricing (rebid), Road Department
• Bid 2022-072 – Cold Patch, Road Department
• Resolution F2211054 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Approval of November 3, 2022 minutes
• Waiver Request Approvals

The committee approved a request for waiver for technical consulting services with Plante & Moran. Bids for Road Department gas and diesel fuel were referred back to the department for review. Three resolutions were moved forward to the full Board.

• Approved Request for Waiver for Technical Consulting Services with Plante & Moran
• Referred Bid 2022-070 (Gas & Diesel Fuel for Road Department) back to the Department for review
• Approved minutes of the November 3, 2022 meeting
• Moved Resolution F2211054 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to the full Board
• Moved Resolution F2211408 (Sheriff’s Office donation of lost and unclaimed bicycles) to the full Board
• Moved Resolution F2211396 (FY2023 Budget Approval) to the full Board

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to review the road department's fuel purchase process, hear the WMed annual report, and consider requisitions. The agenda also includes approval of prior minutes and public comments.

• Requisition review by Annette Christie
• Recap of Road Department fuel purchase process
• Presentation of WMed annual report by Dr. deJong
• Approval of November 3, 2022 meeting minutes

The committee approved the minutes from the November 3, 2022, meeting. Members reviewed requisitions and the Road Department fuel purchase process, and received a presentation on the 2021 Annual Medical Examiner Report.

• Approved November 3, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will meet to approve minutes, monthly pension refunds/rollovers, a trial court complement change resolution, and a health department resolution and update. The agenda is largely routine administrative business.

• Approval of minutes from November 3, 2022
• Approval of monthly pension refunds/rollovers
• Trial court complement change resolution
• Health department resolution approval and monthly update

The Personnel and Human Services Committee signed resolutions to purchase 33 acres near Madeline Bertrand County Park and accept a Veteran’s Affairs grant. The committee also approved two MDHHS contract amendments totaling $1,896,956 and converted a temporary Deputy Register position to full-time.

• Approved purchase of 33 acres adjacent to Madeline Bertrand County Park (Resolution P2211402)
• Accepted Veteran’s Affairs annual grant (Resolution P2211406)
• Approved WMed Contract Extension (Resolution P2211407)
• Approved Clean Sweep Pesticide Collection Program (Resolution P2211401)
• Approved MDHHS Comprehensive Agreement Amendment #1 for $117,827 (Resolution P2211394)
• Approved MDHHS Emerging Threats Amendment #1 for $778,479 (Resolution P2211395)
• Approved conversion of temporary Deputy Register position to full-time (Resolution P2211405)
• Approved monthly pension refund/rollover distribution report (3-0)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will hear updates from the Trial Court, Juvenile Center, and Road Department, and consider a resolution for a Probate Deputy Register and a TAP Grant application. The meeting includes Q&A with administration and committee business, such as approving minutes and resolutions.

• Probate Deputy Register Resolution (Trial Court)
• TAP Grant Application (Road Department)
• Minutes of November 3, 2022
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott

The Committee approved several resolutions, including a $900,000 TAP grant application for a non-motorized facility and a fuel contract with Co-Alliance. They also authorized a lease for the Public Defender's office and a contract for indigent defense counsel. A road abandonment request in Watervliet Township was sent back for missing signatures.

• Approved $900,000 TAP Grant application for non-motorized facility in New Buffalo Township
• Approved fuel contract with Co-Alliance (rescinding previous award)
• Approved lease agreement with Fiskars Properties for Public Defender's office
• Approved contract with Defense Counsel for indigent parents and children
• Approved dog license renewal date to coincide with rabies vaccinations
• Adopted changes to County Local Road System Certification
• Sent road abandonment of Central Avenue in Watervliet Township back for missing signatures
• Concurred to move resolution for Trial Court staffing changes to PHSC

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on the FY23 budget, a fuel contract for the Road Department, and a TAP grant application for the Red Arrow Linear Park Pathway. The board will also accept a Veteran Services Fund grant and discuss pending litigation in closed session.

• Approve FY23 Berrien County budget
• Approve contract for gas and diesel pricing for Road Department fleet
• Approve TAP Grant application for Red Arrow Linear Park Pathway construction
• Accept Veteran Services Fund Grant
• Closed session to discuss tax-foreclosure litigation

The Board approved the FY23 Budget and several other resolutions via the consent calendar. Actions included accepting a Veteran Service Fund Grant and approving a contract for gas and diesel pricing. The board also entered a closed session to discuss tax-foreclosure litigation.

• Approved FY23 Budget (11-1)
• Approved Weekly Bills & Road Payables (12-0)
• Approved Requisition List (12-0)
• Approved road signage in St. Joseph Charter Township (12-0)
• Accepted Veteran Service Fund Grant (12-0)
• Approved Contract for Gas and Diesel Pricing (12-0)
• Approved TAP Grant Application (12-0)
• Approved meeting minutes of November 3, 2022 (carried, no nays)

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to discuss county ARPA grant applications, a township coalition request, Bainbridge Township's RFP for broadband, and future GIS mapping. The group will also hear from a guest speaker and receive a report from the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC).

• Discussion of county ARPA grant pool and preferred analysis method
• Township coalition on broadband: the 'ask' and BCBIT response
• Bainbridge Township RFP: proposals and response discussion
• Future broadband GIS mapping, including middle mile mapping and NDA considerations (AEP, Merit)
• FCC fabric challenges and Navigator program update

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to change traffic controls at the intersection of Russell Road and Brownway Road in St. Joseph Charter Township. A traffic study found Russell Road is more heavily traveled and should be the thru street, so the county would remove the stop requirement for Russell Road traffic and instead require Brownway Road traffic to stop. The resolution would rescind part of a 1990 traffic resolution and authorize the Road Department to install new signage.

• Rescinds portion of July 20, 1990 traffic resolution for Russell Road and Brownway Road intersection
• Authorizes Berrien County Road Department to install stop signs for Brownway Road traffic at Russell Road
• Removes stop requirement for Russell Road traffic at the intersection
• Signage to comply with Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is approving the FY2023 annual budget, totaling $198,247,587 in expenditures across all fund groups. The resolution also grants the Finance Committee authority to transfer funds and amend budgets, and requires board approval for legal settlements over $5,000.

• FY2023 total expenditures of $198,247,587
• General Fund budget of $68,188,009
• Special Revenue Funds budget of $90,271,832
• Finance Committee granted authority to transfer funds and amend budgets
• Legal settlements over $5,000 require full board approval

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to accept a Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency grant of $88,878 for the Veterans Affairs Department. The grant funds outreach, recreation, and transportation programs to connect veterans with federal, state, and local benefits. No matching funds are required, and the grant period runs from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023.

• Acceptance of $88,878 County Veteran Service Fund Grant from Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
• Grant period: October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023
• No matching funds required
• Authorizes Chairperson to execute grant agreement
• Veterans Affairs Administrator authorized to submit grant reports

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $286,246. The items include professional services for jail and courthouse projects funded by ARPA, road paving and materials, and a non-motorized path survey. The agenda is otherwise a routine approval of expenditures.

• $15,900 to Maximus, Inc. for FY21 DFR Cost Allocation Plan
• $26,267 to Abonmarche Consultants for Jail Hot Water System Replacement project
• $27,200 to Abonmarche Consultants for Jail Cell Door Internal Mechanism Repair/Replace
• $25,293 to Abonmarche Consultants for Jail Painting of Cell Blocks/Corridors
• $44,992 to Abonmarche Consultants for South County Courthouse Roof Replacement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Road Department to apply for a Michigan DOT Transportation Alternative Program grant for construction of a non-motorized trail along Red Arrow Highway in New Buffalo Township. The project is part of the county's Parks & Recreation Plan and would connect parks with safe pedestrian and bicycle paths.

• Authorizes application for TAP grant up to $540,000 (60% of $900,000 project)
• Requires 40% match up to $360,000, with other entities offering full match and maintenance funding
• Project covers 1.8 miles of right-of-way from US-12 to Community Hall Road in New Buffalo Township
• Engineering Supervisor designated as authorized official for grant documents

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to rescind a previous fuel contract approval and authorize a new six-month contract with Co-Alliance for Road Department fuel. The rebid was necessary because a bid was missed during the initial process. The new contract guarantees fuel prices through May 10, 2023.

• Rescinds resolution #A2211399 for fuel contract
• Authorizes contract with Co-Alliance for 66,000 gallons diesel and 14,000 gallons unleaded
• Guaranteed prices: $2.99/gal unleaded, $3.93/gal diesel (Benton Harbor, Baroda, Three Oaks, Bakertown), $4.13/gal diesel (Watervliet, Eau Claire)
• Contract term through May 10, 2023

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to hold a public hearing on the FY2023 budget and to consider several resolutions, including renewing a recycling agreement with Orchard Hill Landfill and approving a contract for gas and diesel pricing. The agenda also includes routine consent calendar items and committee reports.

• Public hearing on FY2023 budget
• Renew agreement with Orchard Hill Landfill for recycling services
• Approve contract for gas and diesel pricing for Road Department fleet
• Amend Family Division Grant to increase funding for parent representation
• Amend Community Corrections Grant to decrease funding

The Board conducted a public hearing for the FY2023 Budget, which includes $153,927,289 in revenues and $159,253,271 in expenditures. The Board also approved a consent calendar of resolutions and re-appointed one member to the Trust Investment Advisory Committee.

• Approved FY2023 Budget public hearing process (11-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar including bills, road payables, and requisitions (10-0)
• Approved contract for gas and diesel pricing (Resolution #A2211399) (10-0)
• Renewed agreement with Orchard Hill Landfill (Resolution #P2211183) (10-0)
• Amended agreements for Family Division and Community Corrections grants (10-0)
• Revised Policy ADM-1240 and Trial Court Complement Change (10-0)
• Approved FY23 Snowmobile Enforcement Grant (10-0)
• Re-appointed Robert Cultice to the Trust Investment Advisory Committee for a 3-year term

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to review the road department's fuel purchase process and to consider requisitions. The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes and public comments.

• Requisition review
• Review of Road Department fuel purchase process

The Committee approved the minutes from the October 27, 2022 meeting. Members discussed a proposal to move from daily fuel pricing to a six-month contract with the lowest bidder to increase delivery flexibility and reduce costs.

• Approved October 27, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to open a bid for six-month fuel pricing for the Road Department, consider waiver request approvals, and vote on a resolution approving weekly bills and road payables. They will also approve the minutes from the October 27, 2022 meeting. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Bid 2022-070 opening for 6-month fuel pricing, Road Department
• Resolution F2211053 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Waiver Request Approvals
• Approval of October 27, 2022 minutes

The committee referred a single bid for gas and diesel fuel to the Road Department for specification review. The committee also approved the October 27, 2022, meeting minutes and several request for waivers. Weekly bills and road payables were moved forward to the full board.

• Referred Bid 2022-070 (Gas & Diesel Fuel) to Road Department for review
• Approved October 27, 2022, meeting minutes
• Approved Request for Waivers
• Moved Resolution F22110523 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to full board

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee is meeting to handle routine business, including approving the minutes from the October 27, 2022 meeting, reviewing its bylaws, and considering a resolution. No specific policy decisions or public hearings are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from October 27, 2022
• Resolution approval
• Review of committee by-laws

The committee approved the minutes from the October 27, 2022 meeting. Members were asked to review Board Bylaws for potential modifications. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved October 27, 2022 minutes (3-0)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Sheriff's Department and the Public Defender, discuss a lease renewal with Fiskars Properties and a 2023 Child Protective Proceedings contract, and handle routine committee business. The agenda includes a Q&A session with the county administrator and board chairman.

• Sheriff's Department update
• Public Defender update
• Lease renewal with Fiskars Properties
• Child Protective Proceedings 2023 contract
• Minutes of October 27, 2022

The Administration Committee approved a fuel pricing contract and a resolution to install signage at Brownway and Russell Roads. The committee also approved the minutes from the October 27, 2022 meeting.

• Approved Resolution A2211400 to rescind part of a 1990 traffic resolution and install signage at Brownway and Russell Roads
• Approved Resolution A2211399 to authorize a 6-month guaranteed pricing contract with Ceres for gasoline and diesel fuel
• Approved minutes of the October 27, 2022 meeting

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve an agreement with Orchard Hill Sanitary Landfill/Landfill Management Company to continue funding the residential recycling drop-off operation for a seventeenth year. The agreement provides $27,500 from the Landfill Use Fund and keeps the site open to all county residents at no cost through December 31, 2022.

• $27,500 agreement with Orchard Hill Sanitary Landfill for recycling drop-off
• Funding from Berrien County Landfill Use Fund, Environmental Affairs account
• Agreement effective through December 31, 2022
• Site open to all Berrien County residents at no cost

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reviewing a revised policy for reimbursing employees who take college courses related to their jobs. The policy sets eligibility rules, reimbursement limits, and repayment requirements if an employee leaves within three years. The board will decide whether to adopt the updated policy.

• Reimbursement up to 80% of tuition, max $2,500 per calendar year
• Employees must have one year of service and course must be job-related
• Repayment required if employee resigns or is discharged within 3 years (100% within 1 year, 67% within 2 years, 33% within 3 years)
• Temporary employees not eligible
• Approval required before course start using Form PER-14

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to change the staffing complement at the St. Joseph courthouse. The change would replace a Trial Court Clerk II position with a Court Security Officer position, effective November 6, 2022, to align with best practices for court building security.

• Remove Trial Court Clerk II (1.0 FTE), Non-Union Grade 4
• Add Court Security Officer (1.0 FTE), Non-Union Grade 7
• Effective pay period beginning November 6, 2022
• Applies to Berrien County Trial Court, St. Joseph courthouse

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider approving the Finance Committee's auditing report for October 27 to November 2, 2022, totaling $597,207.39, and the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #149 for the same period, totaling $121,330.29. The agenda includes only these routine financial approvals.

• Auditing report approval: $597,207.39
• Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #149: $121,330.29
• Payments to 31 vendors including Wightman & Associates ($57,084.31), Truck & Trailer Spec ($26,727.66), and MCRC-Self Insurance Pool ($7,903.00)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on Resolution B2211100 to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $47,494.32, as listed in the attached report. The two items are for road department purchases: carbide wing cutting edge blades and design/construction administration services. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with an abstention statement form included.

• Carbide Wing Cutting Edge Blades (Waiver 2022-10-27-01) - $13,494.32 - Road Department
• Abonmarche design and construction administration (Waiver 2022-10-27-02) - $34,000.00 - Road Department
• Total requisitions: $47,494.32

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, 2022 through April 30, 2023, 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.

• Grant award of $4,000 from Michigan DNR for snowmobile enforcement
• County match of $705 (15%) from Law Enforcement Snowmobile fund
• Total budget of $4,705
• Grant period: October 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023
• Authorizes Chairman to sign grant agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a change order from the Michigan Department of Corrections that reduces the Community Corrections grant by $50,000, bringing the total award to $125,000 for the period October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. The resolution was recommended by the County Administration Committee.

• Accept change order CPS 2022-1-4 reducing MDOC Community Corrections grant by $50,000
• Grant total reduced from $175,000 to $125,000
• Funding allocations include Pretrial Supervision ($51,540), Men in Crisis ($24,000), Substance Abuse Programming ($31,600), Behavioral Health Assessments ($6,000), and Advisory Board reimbursement ($11,860)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Family Division to amend its Title IV-E Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant application to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The amendment would secure an additional $41,000 in funding, on top of an earlier $80,000 grant, to support programs like Parents as Partners, social work support, and legal training. The grant runs from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023, with no cash match required.

• Authorizes submission of grant amendment for additional $41,000
• Funds Parents as Partners program and social worker for parent attorneys
• Covers ancillary legal services and quality trainings for dependency attorneys
• Grant period: Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023, no cash match

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting for routine business, including approval of the previous meeting's minutes and a requisition review. The agenda includes a closed session for a quarterly litigation update with corporate counsel, as permitted by state law. No major policy decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Approval of minutes from October 20, 2022 meeting
• Requisition review by Annette Christie
• Closed session for quarterly litigation update with Corporate Counsel Thaddeus Hackworth

The Committee approved the minutes from the October 20, 2022, and September 15, 2022 (Closed Session) meetings. The board reviewed requisitions and held a closed session for a quarterly litigation update.

• Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)
• Approved September 15, 2022 Closed Session minutes (carried, no nays)
• Entered Closed Session for quarterly litigation update (12-0)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Building & Grounds, Trial Court, and Road Department, including a proposed complement change for a Court Security Officer and Road Agency Program (RAP) usage. The committee will also consider minutes from October 20, 2022, and any resolutions.

• Building & Grounds update by Robert Ray
• Trial Court complement change – Court Security Officer
• Road Department RAP usage update
• Minutes of October 20, 2022
• Resolutions

The Committee approved three resolutions related to grant funding and legal representation. Members concurred with a budget-neutral staffing change in the Trial Court and a 90-day contract extension for Medical Examiners Services.

• Approved Resolution A2211390 for Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant amendment
• Approved Resolution A2211391 to accept Community Corrections grant funding change order
• Approved Resolution A2211394 to accept Snowmobile Law Enforcement Grant Agreement
• Concurred with Resolution P2211393 to replace Trial Court Clerk II position with Court Security Officer
• Concurred with 90-day extension amendment to WMED Medical Examiners Services Contract
• Approved minutes of the October 20, 2022 meeting

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on routine consent calendar items, including a grant application for a non-motorized trail along M-63 and a new policy for such developments. The meeting also includes public comments, committee reports, and other regular business.

• Approve applying for MDOT Transportation Alternatives Program grant for a non-motorized trail along M-63 between Higman Park Road and Monte Road
• Approve Policy ADM-5210 'Non-Motorized Transportation Facilities Development'
• Approve bills and road payables (F2210052)
• Approve weekly requisitions (B2210099)

The Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included financial requisitions and a grant application. The board also approved meeting minutes from October 19 and 20, 2022.

• Approved Special FY2023 Budget Workshop (Oct 19) and regular meeting (Oct 20) minutes
• Approved Bills & Road Payables (Resolution F2210052)
• Approved Weekly Requisitions (Resolution B2210099)
• Approved MDOT TAP Grant Application (Resolution A2210388)
• Approved Policy ADM-5210 (Resolution A2210389)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to handle routine financial business, including approving weekly bills and road payables, waiver requests, and the minutes from the October 20 meeting. The agenda also includes updates from the Information Systems director and a report on board appointments. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Resolution F2210052 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Waiver Request Approvals
• Approval of October 20, 2022 minutes
• Information Systems Director quarterly update
• Board appointments report

The committee met to receive updates from the Information Systems Director and the Executive Assistant to the Administrator. The agenda included the approval of weekly bills, road payables, and the October 20, 2022 minutes.

• Approved Resolution F2210052 for weekly bills and road payables
• Approved October 20, 2022 minutes
• Processed waiver request approvals

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will meet to approve minutes, an advanced step hire request, and a resolution. They will also receive a quarterly update from the GIS mapping department and discuss a complement change for the trial court.

• Approval of minutes from October 20, 2022
• Approval of advanced step hire request
• GIS mapping quarterly update
• Trial court complement change discussion/resolution

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved a recycling agreement for Orchard Hill Landfill and reinstated the College Course Reimbursement Policy. Members also approved two advanced step hire requests and a Trial Court staffing change.

• Approved Orchard Hill Landfill Recycling Agreement (Resolution P2211183)
• Approved College Course Reimbursement Policy reinstatement (Resolution P2211392)
• Approved advanced step hire for Tahsa Bethea at $43,459 (3-0)
• Approved advanced step hire for Todd Fechner at $35,918 (3-0)
• Approved deleting vacant Trial Court Clerk II position and adding Court Security Officer position (Resolution P2211393)
• Approved October 20, 2022 minutes (3-0)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to support a grant application for the Lakeview Trail, a non-motorized path along M-63 between Higman Park Road and Monte Road. The resolution authorizes the county administrator to apply for $1.4 million in Transportation Alternatives Program funds and commits the county to a 39% match using SPARK and DNR grants. It also commits the county to owning and operating the trail once built.

• $2.3 million estimated construction cost for Lakeview Trail along M-63
• $1.4 million request to MDOT Transportation Alternatives Program
• $600,000 SPARK Grant and $300,000 DNR MNRTF Trust Fund Grant as match
• County commits to owning and operating the trail
• Authorizes County Administrator Brian Dissette to sign project agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution that establishes a process for the Road Department (BCRD) to participate in non-motorized transportation facility projects, such as bike paths and sidewalks. The resolution outlines review factors, funding acceptance, and requires a project agreement with the entity, which must cover local costs and liability.

• Establishes BCRD review criteria including road condition, safety, connectivity, and environmental constraints
• Requires BOC authorization via resolution for BCRD participation in projects
• Mandates a project agreement identifying the entity responsible for local costs, maintenance, and liability
• Allows BCRD to apply for state or federal funding if requested, with funds accepted via BOC resolution

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on Resolution B2210099 to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $1,226,037.91. The list includes purchases for drainage work, software support, road maintenance, and multiple buses for Berrien Bus. Commissioners may note abstentions on individual items.

• Payne Farm Drainage, LLC: $45,995 for drain work on Wright & Woodley and Dip & Grub Drains
• Hoekstra Transportation: $938,317 total for five buses (vans and Champion buses) for Berrien Bus
• Brusky Construction: $106,680 for ice control sand (Bid 2022-068)
• Chorba Asphalt Paving: $45,700 for HMA culvert patching (Bid 2022-069)
• Kofile Technologies: $33,382.83 for microfilm services

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider approving the Finance Committee's recommendations for the Auditing Report covering October 20-26, 2022, totaling $1,935,304.51, and the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #148 for the same period, totaling $632,098.22. The agenda includes only these two financial approvals.

• Auditing Report approval for $1,935,304.51 (Oct 20-26, 2022)
• Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #148 for $632,098.22
• Largest road payment: Rieth-Riley Construction Co. $305,364.99
• Other road payments: State of Michigan MDOT $175,404.02, Wightman & Associates $38,454.39
• Road payments include Detroit Salt Company $13,224.86 and Michiana Aggregate $12,149.61

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the distribution of the draft Berrien County Master Plan to local municipalities, adjacent counties, and interested parties for review. The resolution also asserts the Board's right to approve or reject the plan after the statutory comment period. This is a procedural step in the required five-year update of the county's Master Plan.

• Authorizes distribution of Draft Berrien County Master Plan
• Board asserts right to approve or reject plan after review period
• Plan update required by Michigan Planning Enabling Act (P.A. 33 of 2008)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a consent calendar of routine items, including a grant application for replacing the Silver Beach County Park playground, an agreement amendment for the county-wide broadband project, and several other contracts and reports. Public comments are limited to agenda items.

• Approve application for Spark Grant to replace Silver Beach County Park playground
• Amend agreement with Southwest Michigan Planning Commission for broadband project
• Accept FY22 Emergency Management Performance Grant for Sheriff's Office
• Approve MDOT contract for non-motorized pathway in Oronoko Township
• Approve Health Department contract with SWMBH for substance use disorder programs

The Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar containing 13 resolutions, including agreements with Wightman, Van Buren Conservation District, Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, and MDOT for Oronoko Township, as well as a Spark Grant application and the FY22 Emergency Management Performance Grant. No public comments were made on the resolutions. The meeting also included committee and commissioner reports, and an administrator's report.

• Approved consent calendar with 13 resolutions (10-0)
• Approved minutes of October 13, 2022 regular meeting (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss two scheduled items: a report on the apportionment of millages and the Silver Beach County Park Master Plan. The board will also review requisitions and approve minutes from the October 13 meeting. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Apportionment of Millages Report
• Silver Beach County Park Master Plan
• Requisition Review
• Approval of October 13, 2022 minutes

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners met for a Committee of the Whole session. They heard a presentation on the 2022 Apportionment of Millages Report from the Equalization Director and a presentation on the Silver Beach County Park Master Plan concept design. No formal votes or decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and informational only.

• Approved minutes of October 13, 2022 meeting (voice vote, no nays)
• No other decisions or votes taken; items were for discussion only

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee meets to hear updates from the Public Defender's Office and a presentation on an MDOT TAP grant from Community Development and the Road Department. The agenda also includes a Q&A session with the Administration and BOC Chairman, followed by routine committee business of approving minutes and resolutions.

• Public Defender's Office update by Paul Jancha Jr.
• MDOT TAP grant presentation by Dan Fette and Mark Heyliger
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Approval of October 13, 2022 minutes

The committee approved a resolution authorizing a funding request for a $2.3M non-motorized trail project involving Whirlpool, Harbor Shores, and Cornerstone Alliance, with no county contribution. The project is funded by a $1.4M MDOT TAP grant and additional SPARK/Trust Fund grants, contingent on a maintenance plan. The committee also approved a policy on non-motorized transportation facilities development.

• Approved resolution A2210388 authorizing funding request for MDOT TAP grant for trail project
• Approved policy ADM-5210 Non-Motorized Transportation Facilities Development
• Approved minutes of October 13, 2022 meeting

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to review and discuss bids for juvenile delinquency defense contracts, ice control sand, and culvert patches, as well as a bid procedure for purchasing gas. They will also consider waiver requests, approve weekly bills and road payables, and approve the previous meeting's minutes. Public comments are limited to two minutes per person.

• Bid 2022-067 – Juvenile Delinquency Defense Contract, Indigent Defense
• Bid 2022-068 – Ice Control Sand, Road Dept.
• Bid 2022-069 – Various Culvert HMA Patches, Road Dept.
• Discussion on Bid Procedure for the Purchasing of Gas
• Resolution F2210048 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables

The Finance Committee agreed to let the Road Department change its gas bidding procedure to have bids due, opened, and awarded the same day with a 6-month locked price. They also approved forwarding two bids (ice control sand and culvert patches) to the department with authority to award to the lowest responsible bidder, and moved the weekly bills resolution to the full Board.

• Approved new gas bidding procedure for Road Department (same-day bid due, open, award; 6-month price lock)
• Referred Bid 2022-068 (Ice Control Sand) to Road Department with authority to award to lowest responsible bidder
• Referred Bid 2022-069 (Culvert HMA Patches) to Road Department with authority to award to lowest responsible bidder
• Approved minutes of October 13, 2022 meeting
• Moved Resolution F2210051 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to full Board

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to discuss broadband expansion efforts. They will receive a briefing on state funding, review county mapping and ARPA grant status, and consider a recommendation to approve a signed letter of interest for the Regional Navigator Program.

• State funding briefing by Mike Krombeen (Midwest Strategies)
• County/DCS mapping update
• County ARPA grant status and SWMPC work with townships
• Anchor Institution Subcommittee meeting debrief
• Recommendation for approval of signed 'Letter of Interest' to MEDC for Regional Navigator Program

The task force received updates on the new ROBIN state broadband grant program, a broadband availability study showing 11,940 unserved addresses in Berrien County, and progress on county ARPA broadband applications. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational and procedural.

• No formal decisions or votes recorded; meeting was informational only

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee is meeting to approve the minutes from October 13, 2022, and to receive a monthly update from the Parks and Recreation Department. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Approval of minutes from October 13, 2022
• Monthly update from Parks and Recreation Department

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the minutes from October 13, 2022, with a 3-0 vote. The committee discussed two grant resolutions: a Michigan Spark Grant for Silver Beach County Park playground replacement and a Scrap Tire Collection Grant with Van Buren Conservation District. No final decisions were made on the grants; they were presented for discussion only.

• Approved minutes of October 13, 2022 (3-0)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering approval of an amended professional services agreement with Wightman & Associates to study the drinking water and sanitary sewer systems at the current Juvenile Center in Berrien Township. The work is estimated to cost between $5,000 and $10,000 on a time-and-materials basis. The amendment follows an earlier agreement for design work on a new Juvenile Center.

• Amended agreement with Wightman & Associates for utility system study at Juvenile Center
• Estimated cost $5,000 - $10,000
• Location: 6414 Deans Hill Rd., Berrien Center
• Review of drinking water and sanitary sewer systems
• Authorizes Board Chairman to execute amendment

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is being asked to accept a $58,967 state emergency management grant. The grant reimburses part of the Emergency Management Coordinator's salary and requires a 50% match, which has been met with in-kind services.

• Accept FY22 Emergency Management Performance Grant of $58,967
• Grant offsets 40.29% of Emergency Management Coordinator's salary and benefits
• Grant period: Oct 1, 2021 through Sep 30, 2022
• Agreement must be returned by Nov 18, 2022
• 50% cost match satisfied with in-kind services

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve Contract #22-5335 with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for construction of a non-motorized pathway along Snow Road. The project is funded by federal programs and Oronoko Charter Township, with the county acting as fiduciary. The board will vote on authorizing the chairman to execute the contract.

• Contract #22-5335 with MDOT for $345,600
• Federal funds cover $205,704; balance of $139,896 from Oronoko Charter Township
• Pathway along Snow Road from Berrien Springs south village limits to Shawnee Road
• Includes earthwork, storm sewer, curb and gutter, sidewalk ramps, retaining wall, pavement markings

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve an amendment to the State Trunkline Maintenance Contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The amendment is necessary because MDOT revised appendix G of the contract. If approved, the Road Department Engineering Supervisor is authorized to electronically sign the amendment.

• Approval of State Trunkline Maintenance Contract #2021-0338/Al with MDOT
• Amendment due to MDOT's revision of appendix G
• Authorizes Road Department Engineering Supervisor to sign contract amendment

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on Resolution B2210098 to approve requisitions over $10,000, totaling $440,257.74, for the purchase of nine Ram 3/4 ton 4-door work trucks from LaFontaine CDJR Lansing for the Road Department. The agenda includes only this single requisition approval item.

• Approval of $440,257.74 for nine Ram 3/4 ton 4-door work trucks
• Vendor: LaFontaine CDJR Lansing
• Purchase for Road Department, fiscal year 2022
• Waiver reference 10-13-04 noted

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends approval of commissioner per diems for September 2022, totaling $6,305.26. This includes per diem payments for meeting days and half committee days, plus mileage and miscellaneous expenses. The board will vote on this recommendation.

• Per diem total: $6,305.26
• Meeting days per diem: $4,070.00
• Half committee days per diem: $412.50
• Mileage reimbursement: $1,806.26
• Miscellaneous: $16.50

Resolutions

The County Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends authorizing the Parks Department to apply for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Spark Grant. The funds would support replacing the aging playground at Silver Beach County Park with inclusive and accessible features. The county plans to provide a match of at least 10% through millage funds, endowments, and fundraising.

• Authorization to apply for up to $1 million in Michigan Department of Natural Resource Spark Grant funding
• Planned playground replacement at Silver Beach County Park
• Proposed local match of at least 10% via Parks Millage Funds, County Parks Endowment, and fundraising

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize participation in the 2023 EGLE Scrap Tire Cleanup Grant, with the Van Buren Conservation District applying on the county's behalf. The county would cover costs not paid by the grant, estimated at up to $1,500, funded from the Landfill Use Fund.

• Authorizes signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Van Buren Conservation District
• Scrap tire vendor cost: $135 per ton, $1,000 minimum per trailer
• County responsible for costs above grant coverage, not likely to exceed $1,500
• Funding from Landfill Use Fund, Environmental Affairs account 22707560

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. The contract, totaling $316,715.46, funds the Berrien County Health Department for the period October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023. Services include school and community education, plus tobacco and alcohol vendor compliance checks. The board will vote on authorizing the health officer to sign the agreement.

• Contract amount: $316,715.46
• Funding sources: $133,193.41 Block Grant, $100,000 PA2, $7,500 COVID-BG Supplement, $76,022.05 SOR-3
• Services: substance use education in schools and community, tobacco and alcohol vendor compliance checks
• Contract period: October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023
• Authorizes BCHD Health Officer to sign agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider two Finance Committee recommendations: approval of the auditing report for October 13–19, 2022, totaling $5,832,915.38, and approval of the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #147 for the same period, totaling $494,803.91. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items listed.

• Auditing report approval: $5,832,915.38 (Oct 13–19, 2022)
• Road Department AP Voucher #147: $494,803.91
• Largest vendor payment: Michigan Paving & Mat'l Co Inc – $300,882.85
• Other notable vendors: Detroit Salt Company – $39,702.55, Wightman & Associates – $45,424.04, Rieth-Riley Construction – $88,142.18
• Abstention forms included for commissioners on specific checks

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee to approve the attached Apportionment Report, which summarizes millage requests from various taxing jurisdictions and the county. Approval would authorize the Equalization Director to certify and submit the required forms to the state. This is a routine annual property tax apportionment action.

• Approval of millage requests summary for taxing jurisdictions
• Authorization for Equalization Director to submit state-required forms

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to amend an agreement with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) for additional broadband-related services. The amendment would increase the contract amount by up to $70,000, on top of the previously authorized $20,000, to cover construction cost estimating for the Berrien County Broadband Internet Taskforce. The Finance Committee has already approved a bid waiver for this amount.

• Amendment to SWMPC agreement for broadband construction cost estimating
• Increase of up to $70,000 to the existing $20,000 contract
• Bid waiver authorized by Finance Committee for the additional amount
• Corporate Counsel reviewed and approved the amendment

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is holding a special budget workshop to review the FY2023 general budget, road department, health department, and other budget highlights. The meeting includes presentations from county staff and a facilities overview, with public comments permitted. This is a discussion and review session, not a final budget adoption.

• FY2023 General Budget Preview presented by Doug James and Ben Reynnells
• Road Department Budget Review by Mark Heyliger and Barbie Hoge
• Health Department Budget Review by Guy Miller and Lisa Ankenbruck
• Facilities Overview by Brian Dissette
• FY2023 Other Budget Highlights by Doug James and Ben Reynnells

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners held a special budget workshop to review the FY2023 General Fund budget, including presentations on revenues, expenditures, and capital requests from the Health Department, Road Department, and Facilities. The board discussed the potential demolition of the Truancy and old Animal Control buildings, and short-term needs for the Legal Aid Building and 100 Church Street. No votes or final decisions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on routine consent items, including approving bills, complement changes, and transportation policies, plus added resolutions to oppose state legislation on short-term rentals and appoint a new Animal Shelter Manager.

• Approve Bills & Road Payables (F2210050)
• Approve complement changes for Animal Control and Sheriff's Office
• Adopt Berrien Bus Title VI Plan, ADA Policy, and MDOT Procurement Policy
• Accept 2022 Drain Assessment Roll Report
• Express opposition to HB4722 on short-term rentals

The Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included appointing Ashley Herr as Animal Shelter Manager and expressing opposition to short-term rental legislation. The board also appointed Janet Bermingham to the Mental Health Authority. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved consent calendar including appointment of Animal Shelter Manager and opposition to short-term rental legislation (10-0)
• Appointed Janet Bermingham to Mental Health Authority (term expiring March 31, 2025) (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of October 6, 2022 regular meeting (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will consider two bid waiver requests for contract amendments with Wightman & Associates and SWMPC, approve weekly bills and road payables, and approve the minutes from the October 6 meeting. Public comments are allowed during the committee business portion.

• Bid waiver request for contract amendment with Wightman & Associates (utility review proposal)
• Bid waiver request for contract amendment with SWMPC proposal
• Resolution F2210050 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Approval of October 6, 2022 minutes

The Finance Committee approved bid waivers for Wightman & Associates and SWM Planning Commission proposals. It also approved the minutes from the October 6 meeting and forwarded four resolutions to the full Board of Commissioners, including weekly bills, the annual apportionment report, a SWM Planning Commission amendment, and a master plan distribution.

• Approved bid waivers for Wightman & Associates Utility Review Proposal and SWM Planning Commission Proposal
• Approved minutes of the October 6, 2022 meeting
• Moved Resolution F2210050 (Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to full board
• Moved Resolution F2210368 (Annual Apportionment Report) to full board
• Moved Resolution F2210377 (SWM Planning Commission Amendment) to full board
• Moved Resolution F2210381 (Master Plan Distribution) to full board

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will consider routine business including approval of minutes, board appointments, pension refunds, and a monthly health department update. No major policy decisions are listed.

• Approval of minutes from October 6, 2022
• Board appointment: Annette Christie
• Approval of monthly pension refunds/rollover requests
• Health department resolution and monthly update

The committee approved three resolutions, an advanced step hire, and a board appointment. Resolutions included per diems, a Spark Grant application for Silver Beach playground replacement, and a scrap tire recycling MOU. Jamie Hubbard was approved as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at a $23,743 annualized salary. The committee agreed to submit Janet Bermingham for the Mental Health Authority Board vacancy.

• Approved minutes of October 6, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved Resolution P2210010 – Per Diems
• Approved Resolution P2210348 – Apply for Spark Grant for Silver Beach County Park playground replacement
• Approved Resolution P2210376 – Approve MOU with Van Buren Conservation for scrap tire recycling events
• Approved advanced step hire: Jamie Hubbard, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Grade 3, Step 4, part-time, $23,743 annualized salary
• Agreed to submit Janet Bermingham for Mental Health Authority Board vacancy (to be approved by full Board of Commissioners)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will receive updates from the Road Department and the Prosecutor's Office, followed by a Q&A session with the County Administrator and Board Chairman. The committee will also handle routine business, including approving minutes, considering resolutions, and discussing sheriff funds distribution.

• Road Department update by Mark Heyliger
• Prosecutor's Office update by Steve Pierangelli
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Minutes of October 6, 2022
• Sheriff Funds Distribution

The Administration Committee approved several resolutions, including an amended agreement with Wightman for water and sewer at the Juvenile Center, a contract with MDOT for Snow Road and Shawnee, and a State Trunkline Maintenance Contract. They also accepted EMPG funding for the Emergency Management Coordinator salary and extended a contract with SWMPC for broadband grant writing services. A request from Southwest Michigan Cars & Coffee for 2023 dates was put on hold due to a conflict with the Krasl Art Fair.

• Approved amended agreement with Wightman for water and sewer at Juvenile Center
• Accepted EMPG for Emergency Management Coordinator salary
• Approved contract with MDOT for Snow Road and Shawnee
• Approved State Trunkline Maintenance Contract with MDOT and authorized Engineering Supervisor to sign
• Extended contract with SWMPC for broadband grant writing services for $50,000
• Held Southwest Michigan Cars & Coffee request for 2023 dates due to conflict with Krasl Art Fair
• Approved minutes of October 6, 2022 meeting

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to approve the prior meeting's minutes, review requisitions, and hear a scheduled presentation on broadband mapping from Chris Scharrer of DCS. Public comments are also on the agenda. The meeting is largely procedural aside from the broadband presentation.

• Approval of October 6, 2022 meeting minutes
• Requisition review by Annette Christie
• Broadband mapping presentation by Chris Scharrer (DCS)

The committee heard a presentation on broadband mapping from DCS Technology Design, detailing coverage gaps and estimated costs of $48.6 million to $84.6 million to connect all unserved parcels. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural only.

• Approved minutes of October 6, 2022 (unanimous)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution opposing Michigan House Bill 4722, which would strip local governments of the power to regulate short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods. The board argues that local zoning authority is needed to balance tourism with residential quality of life, citing a Michigan Supreme Court ruling that classifies short-term rentals as commercial use. The resolution urges state representatives to vote against the bill.

• Resolution opposing HB4722, which would eliminate local regulation of short-term rentals
• Cites Michigan Supreme Court case Reaume v. Township of Spring Lake
• Urges elected representatives to oppose HB4722 and similar legislation

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to adopt the Berrien County Public Transportation (BCPT) Transit Agency Procurement Policy. The policy, which has been certified by the Michigan Department of Transportation, governs how BCPT purchases assets and services using federal transit funds. The board will vote on this resolution at the meeting.

• Adoption of BCPT Public Transportation Agency Procurement Policy

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept the 2022 Drain Assessment Roll Report and authorize spreading the assessments onto municipal tax rolls. The total for drain maintenance and projects is $3,597,907.58.

• Accept 2022 Drain Assessment Roll Report
• Spread $3,597,907.58 in drain assessments to townships, villages, and cities

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to adopt the Berrien County Public Transportation ADA Complaint Policy. The policy, already reviewed and certified by the Michigan Department of Transportation, outlines how individuals can submit complaints about ADA violations in transit services. The board will vote on this resolution at the meeting.

• Adoption of BCPT ADA Complaint Policy
• Policy certified by Michigan Department of Transportation

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to adopt the Updated BCPT Title VI Plan, which ensures no discrimination in transit services based on race, color, or national origin. The plan has been certified by the Michigan Department of Transportation.

• Adoption of Updated BCPT Title VI Plan
• Certification by Michigan Department of Transportation

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to reclassify a Deputy position in the Sheriff's Office Homeland Security Planning unit to a Sergeant position, effective October 23, 2022. The change adds supervisory duties and is supported by the Sheriff's Office, Human Resources, and the Police Officer's Labor Council. The Sheriff's Office budget will cover any additional cost without new appropriations.

• Reclassify Deputy-Homeland Security Planning SPL (D-06) to Sergeant-Homeland Security SPL (D-04)
• Effective date: October 23, 2022
• Budget impact: absorbed by Sheriff's Office, no additional appropriation

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to change staffing at the Animal Control shelter. The changes include converting a temporary Clinical Assistant to a permanent position, upgrading a Volunteer/Event Coordinator to an Outreach Coordinator with a higher grade, and adding one full-time Clinical Assistant. The resolution would authorize these complement changes if approved.

• Delete temporary Clinical Assistant; add Clinical Assistant (1 FTE) at Grade 6/Non-Union
• Delete Volunteer/Event Coordinator (Grade 4/Non-Union); add Outreach Coordinator (Grade 5/Non-Union)
• Changes recommended by Interim Animal Shelter Manager and concurred by Administration Committee

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to permanently appoint Ashley Herr as Animal Shelter Manager, with a starting salary of $63,416, effective October 23, 2022. This follows her interim appointment and a formal interview process. The position was created after the Animal Control Director role was eliminated and officers were transferred to the Sheriff's Office.

• Approve Ashley Herr as Animal Shelter Manager (Grade 12) at $63,416 starting Oct 23, 2022
• Position created after Animal Control Director was deleted
• Animal Control officers transferred to Sheriff's Office per prior resolution

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve routine financial items, including weekly bills and requisitions, and to accept grants and renew a lease agreement. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve weekly bills and road payables (F2210049)
• Approve weekly requisitions (B2210096)
• Renew lease with Army Corps of Engineers for south pier access at Silver Beach County Park (P2210360)
• Accept Raise the Age grant from MDHHS (A2210361)
• Approve annual MDOT Performance Resolution for state right-of-way work (A2210364)

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting with no substantive decisions. They approved the previous meeting's minutes, reviewed requisitions, and heard updates on legislation and the FY23 budget. Public comments focused on the salary study and job reclassification. No votes were taken on policy or spending items.

• Approved minutes of September 22, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will consider routine business including approving minutes, a resolution on animal control staffing changes, an advanced step hire request, and a policy discussion on college course reimbursement. They will also receive a quarterly update from the Berrien Mental Health Authority (Riverwood).

• Animal Control complement change presentation and resolution
• Advanced Step Hire request
• Motorpool discussion
• Health Department discussion
• College Course Reimbursement policy discussion

The Personnel & Human Services Committee approved two resolutions to change staffing complements for Emergency Management and Animal Control Shelter Operations, and unanimously approved an advanced step hire for an Automotive Mechanic. They also agreed to allocate funding for a college course reimbursement policy starting in 2023, pending legal review. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved resolution P2210369 to change Emergency Management complement
• Approved resolution P2210346 to change Animal Control Shelter Operations complement
• Approved advanced step hire for Jeff Hackett, Automotive Mechanic, Grade 5, Step 4, annualized salary $38,312 (unanimous)
• Agreed to allocate funding to Policy #1240 (College Course Reimbursement) beginning CY2023, pending legal consultation

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Sheriff's Department, 9-1-1, and Animal Control, and to discuss a trail policy. The committee will also consider a complement (staffing) change for Animal Control and handle routine business including minutes and resolutions.

• Animal Control complement change
• Sheriff's Department update
• 9-1-1 update
• Trail policy discussion
• Minutes of September 22, 2022

The Administration Committee concurred to forward a request to create a full-time Clinical Assistant position in Animal Control to the PHSC. The committee also agreed to draft a resolution regarding short-term rental mandates in response to House Bill and to hold a work session to finalize the trail policy wording. No final votes were taken; actions were concurrences or requests for future work.

• Concurred to move Animal Control full-time Clinical Assistant request to PHSC
• Concurred to create a resolution on short-term rental mandates for current legislation and letters to new legislators
• Requested a work session for final wording of the trail policy
• Noted Sheriff's Office update on staffing and academy progress
• Noted 9-1-1 update on vacancies, console furniture, tower construction, and CAD implementation
• Approved minutes of September 22, 2022 meeting

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to review requisitions, receive updates on state legislation and the FY23 budget, and hear public comments. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific action items listed.

• Requisition review
• Legislation update by Mike Krombeen of Midwest Strategy
• FY23 budget update by Doug James, Financial Services Director
• Public comments (2-minute limit)

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners met as a Committee of the Whole on October 6, 2022, and heard presentations on legislation and the FY23 budget. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was informational and included discussion of a salary study. The minutes of the September 22 meeting were approved.

• Approved minutes of September 22, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting (voice vote, no nays).
• Heard legislation update from Mike Krombeen of Midwest Strategy (discussion only, no action).
• Heard FY23 budget update from Financial Services Director Doug James (discussion only, no action).
• Noted upcoming Budget Workshop on October 19, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. (no vote).

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially approve several items, including Berrien Bus plans and policies, board appointments, a bid opening for a trial court social worker, and the FY2022 annual drain rolls. The committee will also consider waiver requests, approve weekly bills and road payables, and approve the minutes from the September 22, 2022 meeting.

• Resolution F2210370 – Berrien Bus Title IV Plan
• Resolution F2210371 – Berrien Bus AEDA Plans
• Resolution F2210372 – Berrien Bus MDOT Procurement Policy
• Bid 2022-063 – Trial Court Social Worker
• Resolution F2210373 – Approval of FY2022 Annual Drain Rolls

The Berrien County Finance Committee voted to forward five resolutions to the full Board of Commissioners, including approval of weekly bills, Berrien Bus plans, and the FY2022 annual drain rolls totaling $3,597,907.58. The committee also referred a single bid for a Trial Court Social Worker back to the department for review, and approved minutes from the September 22, 2022 meeting. No final decisions were made on the salary study, Microsoft implementation, or Juvenile Center work, as those items remain under discussion or pending further committee action.

• Approved minutes of the September 22, 2022 meeting
• Forwarded Resolution F2210049 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables to the full board
• Forwarded Resolution F2210370 – Berrien Bus Title IV Plan to the full board
• Forwarded Resolution F2210371 – Berrien Bus ADA Plans to the full board
• Forwarded Resolution F2210372 – Berrien Bus MDOT Procurement Policy to the full board
• Forwarded Resolution F2210373 – Approval of FY2022 Annual Drain Rolls to the full board
• Referred Bid 2022-063 – Trial Court Social Worker (one bid from Faith Shreve at $45/hour for 2,080 hours) back to the department for review
• Agreed by consensus to move forward with Eric Lester for the Mental Health Board and to ask the Planning Commission about having someone else serve on Parks

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to receive a status update from the Department of Computer Services, discuss the possible renewal of a contract with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission for grant writing services, and review broadband grant submittal deadlines. The group will also schedule its next meeting, with October 20, 2022, suggested.

• DCS briefing/status update
• Discuss SWMPC contract (grant writing services) status and possible renewal
• BCBIT broadband grant submittals deadline
• Schedule next meeting: 10/20/22 at 12:30 p.m. suggested

The task force received a briefing on a parcel-level broadband survey and discussed renewing a grant-writing contract with SWMPC for $50,000 through 2024, with measurable outcomes. They also identified a need to contract DCS Technology Design for technical review and project management. The ARPA broadband grant application deadline remains October 31, 2022, with no further extensions.

• Discussed renewal of SWMPC contract for broadband grant writing at $50K through Dec 31, 2024, with measurable outcomes and milestones
• Identified need to pursue contract with DCS Technology Design for technical review and project management
• Confirmed ARPA broadband grant application deadline remains October 31, 2022, with no further extensions
• Scheduled next meeting for October 20, 2022, with GIS dashboard presentation

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $290,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The grant reimburses the county for added costs of handling 17-year-olds in the juvenile justice system, following a state law change. The board would authorize the county administrator to sign the grant agreement.

• Accept $290,000 Raise the Age Grant from Michigan DHHS
• Grant covers FY 2022/23 (Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023)
• No cash match required; reimbursement-based
• Authorizes County Administrator to sign grant agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is being asked to adopt a resolution required by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for issuing individual permits to work within state highway rights of way. The resolution authorizes the Board Chairman or designee to execute the annual performance resolution with MDOT, effective October 6, 2022. It also specifies that the Road Department Director, Engineering Supervisor, and/or Road Superintendent are authorized to apply for such permits.

• Adoption of MDOT annual performance resolution (Form 2207B)
• Authorizes Chairman or designee to execute resolution with MDOT
• Names Road Department Director, Engineering Supervisor, and Road Superintendent as permit applicants

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $559,740.35, as listed in the attached reports. The purchases include road salt, paving materials, laptops, a truck, and other supplies for various departments.

• Detroit Salt: 5,600 tons of salt for $366,520 (Road)
• Signature Ford Lincoln Mercury: Ford F-150 truck for $31,541 (Motorpool)
• Dell Marketing: laptops for Animal Control vehicles for $18,375.78
• St. Regis Culvert: pipe for Sawyer Village Drain for $13,860
• Berrien Community Foundation: return of unexpended Frederick S Upton Grant funds $18,775.51

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to renew a 25-year lease with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the U.S. South revetment and adjacent easement area in St. Joseph, used for public park and recreational purposes. The lease expired in March 2021 but remains in holdover status. Approval would authorize the board chairman to sign a Letter Agreement and pay up to $9,000 in administrative fees from the county parks budget.

• Renewal of lease DACW35-1-96-3001 with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for U.S. South revetment and easement area
• Up to $9,000 administrative fee to USAED Detroit from Berrien County Parks budget
• Lease expired March 28, 2021; currently in holdover status
• Letter Agreement prepared by U.S. Army Engineer District, Detroit and approved by county counsel

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

This is a roundtable meeting of the Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force (BCBIT) with anchor institutions to discuss broadband needs, challenges, funding targets, and potential solutions. The agenda is largely discussion-oriented, with a presentation on broadband mapping and no formal decisions or votes scheduled.

• Discussion of broadband needs from the perspective of anchor institutions
• Presentation on DCS Broadband Mapping
• Review of grant funding sources being considered by BCBIT
• Discussion of critical dates and timelines for institutions

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force received a presentation from DCS Technology Design detailing broadband coverage maps and data. The presentation identified 11,940 addresses in the county that lack access to minimum 100/20 Mbps wired internet as of August 2022, and reviewed RDOF-funded areas and parcel-level service data. No formal decisions or votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

• No decisions or votes recorded; meeting was informational

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will review and potentially approve minutes from September 15, 2022, consider board appointments, and act on a resolution. They will also discuss an advanced step hire request from the Mental Health Authority and receive a monthly update from Parks & Recreation.

• Approval of minutes from September 15, 2022
• Resolution approval
• Board appointments
• Advanced Step Hire request from Mental Health Authority
• Parks & Recreation monthly update

The committee reviewed applications and recommended Dr. Eric Lester to fill a Mental Health Board vacancy left by Brenda Layne. They also signed a resolution to implement a salary study for non-union classifications and approved an advanced step hire for a clinical supervisor position. Parks and Recreation updates were presented but no decisions were made on those items.

• Recommended Dr. Eric Lester for Mental Health Board vacancy (Brenda Layne stepped down)
• Signed Resolution P2209344 to implement salary study recommendations for non-union classifications
• Approved advanced step hire for Dionne Rigozzi, Clinical & Community Health Services Supervisor, grade 10, step 6, annual salary $66,892
• Approved minutes of September 15, 2022 as presented (3 yeas, 0 nays)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Family Division and the Friend of the Court, followed by a question-and-answer session with administration and the Board of Commissioners chair. The committee will also handle routine business, including approving minutes from September 15, 2022, and any resolutions. No specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.

• Family Division update by Elvin Gonzalez
• Friend of the Court update by Lisa Jardine
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Approval of minutes from September 15, 2022
• Consideration of resolutions

The committee approved three resolutions: accepting a DHHS Raise the Age grant to cover costs of adding 17-year-olds to the juvenile caseload, signing a work agreement for the FY23 Emergency Management Performance Grant, and authorizing the annual Performance Resolution for State Highway Right-of-Way designees. They also heard updates on the Pre-Arrest Diversion Program, juvenile firearms offenses, and Friend of the Court operations. No public comment was received.

• Approved A2210361: Accept DHHS Raise the Age grant for juvenile caseload costs
• Approved A2210362: Sign work agreement for FY23 EMPG
• Approved A2210364: Authorize annual Performance Resolution for State Highway Right of Way designees
• Approved minutes of September 15, 2022 meeting

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on several routine resolutions, including implementing a classification and compensation study for non-union employees, accepting a donation for Love Creek County Park, approving a 5-year copier lease with Canon, and approving an emergency management grant agreement. The agenda also includes a foreclosure report from the Treasurer and committee reports.

• Implement Classification Study recommendations for Non-Union employees
• Accept donated funds for Love Creek County Park cabin renovation
• Approve 5-year lease with Canon for Printing Department copier/printer
• Approve Emergency Management Performance Grant work agreement for FY23
• Approve annual Remonumentation contracts and peer group members

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, including a 5-year lease for printing equipment and an emergency management grant work agreement, all with unanimous votes. The board also made several appointments to county boards and authorities. Treasurer Shelly Weich presented the foreclosure report for 2020, detailing sales and proceeds.

• Approved consent calendar including 5-year printing equipment lease and emergency management grant (12-0)
• Appointed Sam Felton to Mental Health Authority (12-0)
• Appointed John Janick to Economic Development Board (12-0)
• Appointed Brian Maynard to Economic Development Board (12-0)
• Appointed Chris Marzke to Brownfield Authority Board (12-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to review requisitions, hear a presentation, and discuss a grant application for the Whirlpool Trail. The agenda includes approval of previous minutes and public comments.

• Requisition Review by Stephanie Carlson
• Presentation/Discussion P2209344 by Brian Dissette and Shelley Jasper
• Whirlpool Trail Grant Application discussion by Dan Fette

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole met on September 22, 2022, and approved the minutes from the September 8 meeting. Presentations were given on a resolution to implement a compensation and classification study and on a Lakeview Trail grant application along the M-63 corridor, with no county contribution requested for the trail project. No final decisions were made on these items; they were discussed for future action.

• Approved minutes of the September 8, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting.
• Discussed Resolution #P2209344 regarding implementation of a compensation and classification study.
• Discussed Lakeview Trail grant application along M-63 corridor; no county contribution requested.

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to handle routine financial business, including approving weekly bills and road payables, a 5-year copier/printer lease for the Printing Department, and waiver requests. They will also hear from the Building & Grounds Superintendent about a professional services request and approve the previous meeting's minutes.

• Resolution F2209048 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Resolution F2209362 – Copier/Printer 5-year Lease Agreement for Printing Department
• Waiver Request Approvals
• Review of request for Professional Services by Building & Grounds Superintendent Robert Ray
• Approval of September 15, 2022 minutes

The Finance Committee agreed by consensus to authorize the Building & Grounds Superintendent to proceed with Abonmarche for design and drafting of capital projects. It also referred two cement replacement bids (Silver Beach and Love Creek County Park) back to the Parks Department, allowing them to move forward with the lowest responsible bidder. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Consensus to move forward with Abonmarche for capital project design/drafting
• Referred Bid 2022-064 (Silver Beach cement replacement) to Parks Dept with approval to proceed with lowest responsible bidder
• Referred Bid 2022-065 (Love Creek cement replacement, $10,640 from Pearson) to Parks Dept with approval to proceed if responsible
• Approved minutes of September 15, 2022 meeting
• Moved Resolution F2209048 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to full Board
• Moved Resolution F2209362 (Copier/Printer 5-year Lease Agreement) to full Board

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Sheriff's Office to apply for the FY 2023 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) from the State of Michigan. The grant would offset about 30% of the Emergency Management Coordinator's salary and benefits, with a required 50% match that the county expects to cover entirely with in-kind contributions. The resolution also authorizes the chairperson, county administrator, and emergency management coordinator to sign the work agreement and related forms.

• Authorizes application for FY 2023 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)
• Grant performance period: October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023
• Grant offsets approximately 30% of Emergency Management Coordinator's salary plus benefits
• Requires 50% cost match, projected to be met entirely with in-kind contributions
• Authorizes chairperson, county administrator, and emergency management coordinator to sign work agreement and reports

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $488,090.64. The largest item is a 2023 Ram 5500 chassis for the Road Department, with smaller amounts for drain easement and invasive species removal.

• 2023 Ram 5500 Reg Cab 1-ton Chassis from LaFontaine CDJR Lansing for $449,090.64 (Road Department)
• Easement acquisition for Lighthouse Creek Drain from Gayle Wormuth for $22,000.00
• Blanket invasive species removal on various drains by Native Landscaping for $17,000.00

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $40,000 donation from the Bitzer Family Fund for renovating the Simpson Cabin at Love Creek County Park. The cabin has been vacant since 2015 and the renovation is a priority in the county parks plan. The resolution directs the Parks Department to deposit and spend the funds with prior committee approval.

• Accept $40,000 donation from Bitzer Family Fund
• Renovate Simpson Cabin at Love Creek County Park
• Cabin to be repurposed as public space
• Donation honors retired Chief Naturalist Kip Miller

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize contracts with five land surveying firms for the 2022 Survey, Monumentation and Remonumentation program, funded through an agreement with the State of Michigan under Act 345 of 1990. The resolution would allow the board chairperson and county clerk to sign contracts after review by Corporate Counsel, with job assignments managed by the county's Remonumentation Grant Administrator.

• Authorizes contracts with Abonmarche Consultants, Kesler Land Surveying, Stephenson Land Surveying, Mitchell & Morse Land Surveying, and Wightman & Associates
• Contracts are part of the 2022 state-funded Monumentation and Remonumentation Plan
• Additional firms that qualify during 2022 may also be contracted
• Contracts require review and approval by Corporate Counsel before signing

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a list of individuals to serve as peer group members for the county's 2022 Survey, Monumentation and Remonumentation program under state agreement. The resolution authorizes the chairperson and county clerk to sign the plan and directs the Remonumentation Grant Administrator to manage the listed individuals.

• Approves peer group members for 2022 Survey, Monumentation and Remonumentation program
• Lists Mike Freehling, Dale Kesler, Thomas Stephenson, Ed Morse, Brian Lieberg, V.J. Strebs as members
• Names Matt Reinking and Jeff Bradford as alternates
• John Kamer designated as county representative
• Authorizes chairperson and county clerk to sign resolution implementing county plan

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on two Finance Committee recommendations: approving the county auditing report for September 15-21, 2022, totaling $4,743,424.13, and approving the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #143 for the same period, totaling $424,572.85. The voucher lists payments to dozens of vendors for road maintenance and operations.

• Auditing report approval: $4,743,424.13
• Road Department Voucher #143: $424,572.85
• Largest vendor payment: State of Michigan - MDOT, $218,431.62
• Other large payments: Rieth-Riley Construction Co. $69,187.47, The Daltons Inc $42,030.00
• Payments cover supplies, equipment, utilities, and contractor services

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a new 5-year lease with Canon Solutions America, Inc. for an upgraded color copier/printer (Canon Imagepress 810) for the Printing Department. The lease rate is $1,296 per month, replacing the previous lease that ended in June 2022. The Finance Committee recommends approval and also requests a waiver of competitive bidding, citing the upgrade of existing machinery and use of a purchasing cooperative.

• New 5-year lease for Canon Imagepress 810 at $1,296/month
• Lease replaces expired Canon Imagepress 750 lease (was $1,633.24/month)
• Waiver of competitive bidding requested for copier upgrade
• Funding: $15,551 for new lease, $39,000 for copier counts/maintenance
• Purchase via Omnia Partners cooperative for Canon Solutions

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider several resolutions, including approving classification and compensation study recommendations for non-union positions, accepting grants for housing repair and public defense, and adding a health educator position. The board will also hear an audit presentation and hold a closed session for legal matters.

• Approve Classification & Compensation Study recommendations for non-union classifications
• Authorize guidelines for Emergency Housing Repair Grant Funds using CDBG income guidelines
• Accept Baby's Own Bed Grant funding
• Approve complement change for Health Department to add Health Educator position
• Accept FY2023 MIDC grant for Public Defender's Office

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, including per diems, bills, and grants, and voted to enter closed session to discuss attorney-client privileged matters. After closed session, the board authorized corporate counsel to pursue legal action regarding unauthorized tree trimming on county property. No substantive policy decisions were made on the main agenda.

• Approved consent calendar with 12 yeas, no nays
• Approved closed session minutes of July 14, 2022 and August 11, 2022 (unanimous)
• Authorized corporate counsel to pursue legal action for unauthorized tree trimming on county property (unanimous)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive an update from the Trial Court, followed by a question-and-answer session with the County Administrator and Board Chairman. The committee will also handle routine business, including approving minutes from the previous meeting and any resolutions.

• Trial Court update by Judge Mayfield and Carrie Smietanka-Haney
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Approval of minutes from September 8, 2022

The Administration Committee concurred to pull the wage study resolution for further information, including time and cost, as requested by the Finance Committee. The committee also heard updates on trial court staffing challenges and the Juvenile Center, and approved the minutes of the September 8, 2022 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Pulled wage study resolution for further information (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 8, 2022 meeting (motion carried)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will review minutes, consider resolutions, discuss board appointments for the Mental Health Authority Board, and review advanced step hire requests for the Health Department and Public Defender's Office. A quarterly update from Veteran's Services is also scheduled.

• Approval of minutes from September 8, 2022
• Resolution approval
• Board appointment discussion for Mental Health Authority Board
• Advanced step hire requests for Health Department and Public Defender's Office
• Quarterly update from Veteran's Services

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommended Samuel Felton to fill a vacancy on the Mental Health Authority Board, with paperwork to be prepared for full board action. The committee also approved several resolutions, including accepting a $40,000 donation for Love Creek cabin renovations and implementing salary study recommendations for non-union classifications, though the latter was later recommended for tabling by the Finance Committee. Two advanced step hire requests were unanimously approved, and the Veterans Affairs administrator provided an update on services and outreach.

• Recommended Samuel Felton for Mental Health Authority Board vacancy (consensus)
• Approved resolution P2209357 accepting $40,000 Bitzer family donation for Simpson cabin renovations at Love Creek
• Approved resolution P2209358 naming surveying firms for Remonumentation Program
• Approved resolution P2209359 naming surveyors for Remonumentation Program
• Approved resolution P2209344 implementing salary study recommendations for non-union classifications (later recommended for tabling by Finance Committee)
• Approved advanced step hire Amy McDowell, APD III, grade 14, step 5, annualized salary $93,270 (unanimous)
• Approved advanced step hire David Jeffery, Business Analyst, grade 10, step 3, annualized salary $57,784 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 8, 2022 (2-0)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to receive an audit presentation from Rehmann Robson, consider board appointments, and handle routine committee business. The committee will also vote on a resolution approving weekly bills and road payables, and approve the minutes from the September 8, 2022 meeting. Public comments are permitted only during the committee business portion, with a two-minute limit per speaker.

• Audit presentation by Nate Baldermann of Rehmann Robson
• Board appointments presented by Executive Assistant Annette Christie
• Resolution F2209047 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Approval of September 8, 2022 minutes
• Waiver request approvals

The Finance Committee discussed the PHSC Resolution P2209344 regarding the Salary Study at length and agreed to pull the resolution for further discussion next week. The committee also reviewed the 2021 audit, which showed $7.3M in federal awards with no findings, and recommended Chris Marzke for the Brownfield Board and John Janick and Brian Maynard for the Economic Development Board. The minutes of the September 8, 2022 meeting were approved, and a Request for Waiver was approved.

• Pulled PHSC Resolution P2209344 (Salary Study) for further discussion
• Approved minutes of the September 8, 2022 meeting
• Approved a Request for Waiver
• Recommended Chris Marzke for the Brownfield Board
• Recommended John Janick and Brian Maynard for the Economic Development Board
• Signed Resolution F2209047 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to receive a status update from the Department of Computer Services (DCS) and discuss a middle mile grant application for a project connecting St. Joseph to Buchanan. The group will also review options for grant targets and hear a projection from the Anchor Institution Subcommittee for its upcoming September 29 meeting.

• DCS briefing/status update
• St. Joseph to Buchanan Middle Mile Grant Application discussion
• Options for grant targets
• Anchor Institution Subcommittee projection for 9/29 meeting

The task force received an update that the countywide parcel-by-parcel broadband mapping project is nearly finished, with only the analysis and executive summary remaining. The report will provide a detailed inventory of available internet technologies down to the parcel level, based on a 12-week field study rather than FCC self-reported data. A grant application for a middle-mile fiber line from St. Joseph to Buchanan is being pursued with a September 30 deadline. No formal votes or decisions were taken.

• No formal decisions or votes recorded; all items were informational updates or discussions

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is approving Grant Number 2022-107 between Berrien County and the MIDC, authorizing the Chairman to execute the agreement. The resolution also allows for modifications if not fully funded and states that any employee positions added with this funding will be eliminated if the grant becomes insufficient.

• Approves Grant Number 2022-107 between Berrien County and the MIDC
• Authorizes Chairman of the Board of Commissioners to execute the agreement
• Allows modifications and resubmission by County Administrator if not fully funded
• Employee positions added with grant funding will be eliminated if funding is insufficient

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to appoint SGT David Albers as a delegate to CPT Rockey Adams on the 5th Region Homeland Security Advisory Committee, filling a vacancy created by SGT Bush's retirement. The resolution also affirms CPT Adams' continued appointment as the primary representative. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Appoints SGT David Albers as delegate to CPT Rockey Adams on the 5th Region Homeland Security Advisory Committee
• Affirms CPT Rockey Adams' continued appointment as primary representative
• Fills vacancy created by SGT Bush's retirement in 2022

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Finance Committee to adopt CDBG Program Income Guidelines. The county received $57,361 in program income from repaid zero-interest homeowner loans during the 2021-2022 program year, which must be spent according to federal rules. Approval would authorize the Community Development Department to implement the program.

• Approval of CDBG Program Income Guidelines
• $57,361 in program income received for 2021-2022
• Authorizes Community Development Department to implement program
• Chairman designated as Certifying Officer per 24 CFR 58.13

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider approving the Finance Committee's auditing report for September 8-14, 2022, totaling $2,401,199.05, and the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #142 for the same period, totaling $859,890.86. The voucher lists payments to 31 vendors, including large amounts to Jack Doheny Supplies Inc ($483,943.00), Rieth-Riley Construction Co ($207,659.19), and Bit Mat Products of Indiana LLC ($49,081.52).

• Approval of auditing report for $2,401,199.05
• Approval of Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #142 for $859,890.86
• Payment of $483,943.00 to Jack Doheny Supplies Inc
• Payment of $207,659.19 to Rieth-Riley Construction Co
• Payment of $49,081.52 to Bit Mat Products of Indiana LLC

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends the addition of one full-time Health Educator to the Berrien County Health Department. This role is intended to support family health programs, including parenting education and maternal and infant mortality initiatives. The change is supported by existing budget and funding.

• Addition of 1 Health Educator (FTE), Grade 8, Union

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to accept a $2,000 grant from Great Start Collaborative, via United Way of Southwest Michigan, for the Health Department's Baby's Own Bed program, which addresses unsafe sleep environments linked to high infant mortality. The Board of Health has endorsed the acceptance, pending Corporate Counsel approval.

• Acceptance of $2,000 grant from Great Start Collaborative for Baby's Own Bed program
• Funding provided through United Way of Southwest Michigan as fiduciary
• Program aims to reduce infant mortality by providing safe sleep spaces
• Board of Health endorsement noted

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends adopting a modified grade and classification table for non-union employees. This action implements recommendations from a previously completed Classification and Compensation Study. The changes are scheduled to take effect on September 25, 2022.

• Implementation of salary study recommendations for non-union classifications
• Modification of the grade and classification table effective September 25, 2022

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends the Board of Commissioners approve commissioner per diems and mileage for August 2022, totaling $4,758.76. This includes per diems for meeting days, half committee days, and Southwest Planning Commission meetings, plus mileage. The amounts are to be paid with the September 16, 2022 payroll.

• $4,758.76 total for August per diems and mileage
• Per diems: $3,410.00 for 62 meeting days, $192.50 for 7 half committee days, $50.00 for 2 SW Planning Commission meetings
• Mileage: $1,106.26 for 1,770 miles
• Individual totals range from $0.00 (Teri Freehling) to $657.50 (Robert Harrison)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $117,160.43, as listed in the attached report. The items include road construction, bridge repairs, and technology upgrades. This is a routine financial approval action.

• $55,854.00 to Reith-Riley Construction for Lake Township Ultra Thin road work (Bid 2022-041)
• $33,800.00 to JE Kloote Contracting for Hill Road Bridge pile driving (Bid 2022-066)
• $13,501.40 to Hard Drives Direct for disaster recovery server upgrades
• $12,800.00 to Shembarger Asphalt Sealing for crack filling at Berrien Bus Garage
• $1,205.03 to Burnips Equipment for additional tractor repairs

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Sheriff's Department and the Road Department, followed by a question-and-answer session with county administration. The committee will also consider minutes from the August 25 meeting and any resolutions. The agenda is primarily informational, with no major decisions listed.

• Sheriff's Department update
• Road Department update
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Approval of August 25, 2022 minutes

The committee received updates from the Sheriff's Department on the upcoming Red Bud Track & Trail event and from the Road Department on seal coating and bridge projects. Two resolutions were signed: one approving a grant with MIDC and another appointing Sgt. Albers to a homeland security committee. No substantive decisions were made beyond approving the previous meeting's minutes and signing the resolutions.

• Approved minutes of August 25, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Signed Resolution A2209353 – Approve Grant No. 2022-107 with MIDC
• Signed Resolution A2209356 – Appoint Sgt. Albers to 5th Region Homeland Security Advisory Committee

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will consider two resolutions: one accepting a $2,000 grant from Great Start Collaborative for the Baby's Own Bed program to address unsafe sleep environments, and another adding a grant-funded Health Educator position to the Health Department to support expanded family health programs. Both items are on the agenda for discussion and potential approval.

• Resolution P2209351: Accept $2,000 from Great Start Collaborative for Baby's Own Bed program
• Resolution P2209352: Add 1 FTE Health Educator, grant-funded, supported by existing budget
• Health Educator will support programs like MI-APPP, Triple P, and Raising Up Healthy Babies Taskforce

The committee approved a resolution to provide hazard pay of up to $500 for eligible part-time and temporary employees, based on hours worked, and concurred with a list of full-time employees receiving $1,000 hazard pay. They also reviewed and concurred with the Pension Refund/Rollovers Report, and selected Bruce Hackworth and Brenda Layne to fill Mental Health Authority vacancies. A resolution on compensation and classification changes was discussed but not yet approved, with action planned for September 15.

• Approved hazard pay resolution for part-time/temporary employees (up to $500 based on hours)
• Concurred with list of full-time employees for $1,000 hazard pay
• Concurred with Pension Refund/Rollovers Report
• Selected Bruce Hackworth and Brenda Layne for Mental Health Authority vacancies
• Approved minutes of August 25, 2022 (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on routine resolutions including a grant application for Animal Control shelter equipment, a purchase development rights amendment for 74 acres in Royalton Township, and acceptance of a Secondary Road Patrol grant. The meeting also includes public comments and committee reports.

• Approve grant application to Two Seven Oh for Animal Control shelter equipment
• Approve PDR amendment for 74 acres in Royalton Township
• Accept Secondary Road Patrol and Accident Prevention Program grant for FY2023
• Approve weekly bills and road payables
• Approve weekly requisitions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution #P2209355, authorizing up to $500 in hazard pay for eligible part-time and temporary employees who worked during the pandemic, with a cap of $350,000. The board also approved appointments to the Mental Health Authority and the consent calendar, which included grant acceptances and weekly financial items. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Resolution #P2209355 authorizing up to $500 hazard pay for eligible part-time/temporary employees (12-0)
• Approved PHSC appointments: Brenda Layne and Bruce Hackworth to Mental Health Authority (12-0)
• Approved consent calendar including weekly bills, requisitions, PDR amendment, and grant items (12-0)
• Approved minutes of September 1, 2022 regular meeting (12-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to approve minutes, review requisitions, and hear a scheduled presentation on a senior center audit. The agenda is largely procedural, with the audit presentation being the only substantive discussion item.

• Approval of August 25, 2022 meeting minutes
• Requisition review led by Annette Christie
• Senior Center Audit presentation by Lynda Elie of Rendel Elie & Associates

The Committee of the Whole met on September 8, 2022, and received a clean audit report for the Berrien County Senior Center, though several internal control weaknesses were noted. The board also learned that Berrien County will receive $2.6 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for local improvements in Benton Harbor and Niles. No formal votes or decisions were taken at this committee meeting.

• Approved minutes of August 25, 2022 meeting (motion carried, no nays)
• Heard senior center audit report with unqualified opinion and noted corrective action items
• Notified of $2.6M MEDC RAP grant for Benton Harbor and Niles improvements

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss the treasurer's update, a waiver request for a weapon purchase from Spike's Tactical, bid openings for a trial court social worker and Hill Road pile installation, and several resolutions including weekly bills and CDBG program income. Public comments are allowed during committee business.

• Waiver request for weapon purchase from Spike's Tactical
• Bid 2022-063 opening: Trial Court Social Worker – Intake Court
• Bid 2022-066 opening: Hill Road Pile Installation – Road Department
• Resolution F2209046: Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Resolution F2209331: CDBG Program Income

The Finance Committee reviewed a Brownfield Authority vacancy application, tabled discussion on a waiver for Sheriff's rifle purchases, and forwarded two resolutions (weekly bills and CDBG income) to the full Board. No final decisions were made on the tabled items.

• Tabled discussion on waiver for Sheriff's rifle purchase pending further questions
• Forwarded Resolution F2209046 (Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to full Board
• Forwarded Resolution F2209331 (CDBG Program Income) to full Board
• Approved minutes of August 25, 2022 meeting
• Referred Bid 2022-066 (Hill Road Pile Installation) back to department with approval to proceed with lowest responsible bidder

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Administration Committee to authorize the submission of a $5,000 grant application to Two Seven Oh, Inc. on behalf of the Berrien County Animal Control shelter. The grant, which requires no match, would fund items for shelter animals such as cat portals and dog beds, and must be used within six months of receipt. The Friends of Berrien County Animal Control have offered to write the application.

• Authorizes grant application to Two Seven Oh, Inc. for $5,000
• Funds items for shelter animals including cat portals and dog beds
• Grant requires no match and must be used within six months
• Friends of Berrien County Animal Control to write the application

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider two Finance Committee recommendations: approval of the auditing report for September 1-7, 2022, totaling $4,512,341.87, and approval of the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #141 for the same period, totaling $70,810.37. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items listed.

• Auditing report approval: $4,512,341.87 for Sept 1-7, 2022
• Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #141: $70,810.37
• Voucher includes payments to 31 vendors, e.g., Interstate Billing Service ($16,482.74), Wyoming Asphalt ($11,201.74), CTT/MTU ($5,950.00)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept an increased state grant for the Purchase of Development Rights program. The grant, originally $147,970, was increased by $102,030 to complete the purchase of development rights for 74 acres in Royalton Township. The resolution authorizes the County Administrator to sign the grant agreement and designates officials to submit required reports.

• Grant increase of $102,030 for Purchase of Development Rights
• Total grant amount: $147,970 + $102,030 = $250,000
• 74 acres in Royalton Township
• Authorizes County Administrator to sign grant agreement
• Designates Brian Dissette and Dan Fette for state reports

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $3,127,446.63. The largest item is a $3,042,585.00 health insurance payment to Blue Cross Blue Shield, with other notable purchases including rifles for the Sheriff's Department and tree removal services.

• $3,042,585.00 health insurance payment to Blue Cross Blue Shield
• $11,579.65 for 9 rifles and attachments for Sheriff
• $15,000.00 change order for tree removal (Hurst Tree Service)
• $20,481.98 reimbursement to Village of Michiana for water main project
• $37,800.00 for phone system support (Presidio Solutions)

Resolutions

The County Administration Committee recommends the Board authorize signing a grant application for the Secondary Road Patrol and Accident Prevention Programs. The projected funding is $290,000, with no county match required, covering two deputies and equipment for the period October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023.

• Authorizes application for $290,000 in state funding for Secondary Road Patrol and Accident Prevention Programs
• Funding covers two deputies and equipment, total cost $217,862
• No county match required due to additional FY2023 state allocation of $161,350
• Original projected allocation was $128,650 with a county match of $82,471

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve routine items, including weekly bills and requisitions, and to accept two grants: one for an agricultural conservation easement and another for juvenile mental health and substance abuse programs. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve Weekly Bills & Road Payables
• Approve Requisition List
• Accept Land Preservation Easement Grant from Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund
• Accept Mental Health Juvenile Grant for early intervention programs

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included resolutions for weekly bills, road payables, a land preservation easement grant, and a mental health juvenile grant. Two requisitions were held for later consideration. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also featured reports and public comments.

• Approved consent calendar with resolutions F2209045, B2209092, F2209325, A2209345 (11-0)
• Held Requisition #60077 (Spikes Tactical) and #50665 (Hurst Tree Service) until later date

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $57,374 grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for the Trial Court/Family Division. The funds will support early intervention for youth aged 0-18 with mental health or substance abuse issues, in collaboration with law enforcement and community providers. The grant requires no cash match, and the resolution authorizes the County Administrator to sign the agreement.

• Accept $57,374 grant from Michigan DHHS for juvenile mental health/substance abuse programs
• Grant period: October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023
• No cash match required
• Authorizes County Administrator to sign FY23 Grant Agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider two Finance Committee recommendations: approval of the auditing report for August 25-31, 2022, totaling $2,863,135.67, and approval of the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #140 for the same period, totaling $423,959.82. The agenda is limited to these financial approvals.

• Auditing report approval: $2,863,135.67
• Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #140: $423,959.82
• Voucher includes payments to 41 vendors, including Ozark Materials ($143,088), Bit Mat Products ($92,747.69), and Wightman & Associates ($86,765.17)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is being asked to authorize the County Administrator to sign a grant agreement with the Michigan Agricultural Preservation Fund Board. The grant, for $147,970, funds the purchase of an agricultural conservation easement to protect farmland and open space. The Finance Committee recommends approval, and the County's Corporate Counsel has already reviewed the agreement.

• Authorizes signing of $147,970 agricultural conservation easement grant (Grant 220000002317)
• Designates County Administrator Brian Dissette and Community Development Director Dan Fette to sign related reports to the Michigan Department of Agricultural and Rural Development
• Grant supports the County Purchase Development Rights Ordinance (Ordinance No. 21) program

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on Resolution B2209092 to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $175,229.99, as listed in the attached report. The items include software maintenance, sheriff rifles, and tree removal. This is a routine financial approval action.

• Software AG USA annual software maintenance renewal: $148,614.34
• Spikes Tactical replacement rifles and attachments for Sheriff: $11,615.65
• Hurst Tree Service county-wide tree removal (additional amount due to storms, Bid 2021-062): $15,000.00

Administration Committee

The Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates from Legal Aid, the Public Defender's office, and the Road Department on current projects. The committee will also handle routine business, including approving minutes, resolutions, and a property use request.

• Legal Aid update from Mary Spiegel and Pam Hoekwater
• Public Defender's update from Paul Jancha Jr.
• Road Department project update from Kevin Stack and Mark Heyliger
• Approval of minutes from August 18, 2022
• Property use request

The Administration Committee received updates from Legal Aid, the Public Defender, and the Road Department. No substantive decisions were made; the only action was approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Approved minutes of August 18, 2022 meeting (unanimous)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will meet to approve minutes from August 18, 2022, and receive a quarterly update from the Register of Deeds. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Approval of minutes from August 18, 2022
• Quarterly update from Register of Deeds

The committee heard an update from Register of Deeds Lora Freehling on first and second quarter 2022 statistics, noting eRecordings now comprise 70-75% of documents. No substantive decisions were made; the only action was approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Approved minutes of August 18, 2022 (2-0, 1 absent)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on routine resolutions including a FY2022 general fund budget amendment, a surplus declaration in the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund, and several road department staffing changes. The agenda also includes accepting a donation for animal shelter improvements and approving weekly bills and requisitions.

• Approve FY2022 General Fund Budget Amendment (F2208343)
• Declare surplus of Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund (F2208342)
• Accept donation from Friends of Berrien County Animal Control for shelter noise reduction (A2208334)
• Add engineering technician and mechanic positions to Road Department (P2208335, P2208336)
• Approve weekly bills and road payables (F2208044)

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included several routine items such as requisitions, a donation for animal shelter improvements, complement changes in the Road Department, a surplus declaration for the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund, and an FY2022 General Fund Budget Amendment. No substantive decisions beyond these approvals were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved consent calendar including requisitions, donation, complement changes, surplus declaration, and budget amendment (11-0)
• Approved minutes of August 18, 2022 regular meeting (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The committee will review requisitions and discuss updates from the Health Officer and a budget amendment presentation. The meeting includes a roll call and approval of previous minutes.

• Program Update by Health Officer Guy Miller
• Budget Amendment Presentation by Financial Services Director Doug James
• Requisition Review by Annette Christie

The Committee of the Whole received presentations on family health programs and a proposed 2022 General Fund budget amendment. No votes were taken on the budget amendment or health programs; the only action was approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved minutes of August 18, 2022 meeting (11-0)

Finance Committee

The committee will review waiver requests and approve the minutes from August 18, 2022. Business includes approving weekly bills, road payables, and accepting a grant award.

• Resolution F2208044: Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Resolution F2209325: Accepting Grant Agreement award of $145,970

The Berrien County Finance Committee met on August 25, 2022, and moved four resolutions to the full Board of Commissioners for approval. These include a surplus funds transfer from the Delinquent Tax Revolving fund to the General Fund, an amendment to the FY2022 budget, approval of weekly bills and road payables, and acceptance of a $145,970 grant agreement. No substantive decisions were made beyond forwarding these items.

• Approved minutes of August 18, 2022 meeting
• Moved Resolution F2208042 (Surplus Funds transfer Delinquent Tax Revolving to General Fund) to full board
• Moved Resolution F2208043 (Amend FY2022 Budget) to full board
• Moved Resolution F2208044 (Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to full board
• Moved Resolution F2209325 (Accepting Grant Agreement of $145,970) to full board

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the County Administrator to sign a reimbursement agreement with the Friends of Berrien County Animal Control. The agreement would share the cost of installing sound-absorbing tiles at the animal control shelter, with the Friends reimbursing half of the approximately $6,627.90 expense. The remaining balance would be funded from the Animal Control / Other Programs budget.

• Resolution authorizes reimbursement agreement with Friends of Berrien County Animal Control
• Sound tile installation cost approximately $6,627.90
• Friends to reimburse county $3,313.95 (half the cost)
• Funding from fund #26754304 – Animal Control / Other Programs

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $294,419.73, as listed in the attached report. The payments cover items such as AED replacements at the jail, legal services, land bank and brownfield administration fees, and road department equipment and design services.

• $10,725 to Coro Medical LLC for AED replacements at the jail
• $10,296 to Law Office of Bradford P Lyerla for conflict panel services
• $20,000 each to Treasurer for Land Bank and Brownfield Authority administration fees
• $69,500 to Wightman for survey/design at Warren Woods
• $139,900 to Wightman for survey/design at North Shore & Higman Park

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to amend the FY2022 General Fund budget, increasing expenditures by $8,815,762 and revenues by $873,890, resulting in a larger net fund balance decrease. The amendment follows a Finance Committee update on the General Fund status.

• FY2022 General Fund budget amendment: expenditures increase from $66,794,943 to $75,610,705
• Revenues increase by $873,890, from $41,456,793 to $42,330,683
• Net fund balance decrease grows from $1,255,408 to $3,711,575
• Resolution references prior budget approval (Resolution #F2111328) and Finance Committee update on August 18, 2022

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to add one full-time, year-round mechanic to the Road Department's Mechanic Shop, increasing the total from four to five. The resolution states that the additional staffing will enable proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and repair costs. The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends adoption, and the Administration Committee concurs.

• Add one full-time year-round Mechanic (total of 5), Grade MECH, Union
• Funding available within Road Department budget

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to create new engineering technician job classifications and add one position to the Road Department. The change would allow hiring based on education and experience, with the goal of improving road maintenance and project management. The resolution is recommended by the Personnel and Human Services Committee.

• Create Engineering Technician I, II, and Senior Engineering Technician job classifications
• Add one Engineering Technician position, increasing total from 3 to 4
• New grades: Grade 4, 5, or 6, non-union, based on education and experience
• Road Department has adequate funding for the additional position

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to transfer $3,999,394 from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund to the General Fund as surplus. The transfer is part of funding the Revolving Fund through General Obligation Limited Tax Notes, Series 2022. The resolution was submitted by the Finance Committee.

• Transfer of $3,999,394 from Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund to General Fund
• Authorization of General Obligation Limited Tax Notes, Series 2022
• Resolution submitted by Berrien County Finance Committee

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider approving the Finance Committee's recommendations for the auditing report covering August 18-24, 2022, totaling $2,878,514.33, and the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #139 for the same period, totaling $375,670.82. The agenda is primarily routine financial approvals.

• Auditing report approval for $2,878,514.33
• Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #139 for $375,670.82
• Payments to vendors including MDOT ($172,861.61), Co-Alliance ($50,403.39), and Cadillac Culvert ($46,885.80)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to discuss a proposed change in Road Department staffing, receive an update from Animal Control, and hold a question-and-answer session with the county administrator and board chair. The committee will also consider minutes from the previous meeting and any resolutions.

• Road Department complement changes
• Animal Control update
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Minutes of August 11, 2022

The Administration Committee concurred with resolutions to add one mechanic and one engineering technician to the Road Department, aiming to broaden the applicant pool and reduce reliance on outside engineering firms. The committee requested marked-up job descriptions and an updated organizational chart. An update from Animal Control noted 80 animals transferred to rescues and a wage increase helping attract quality workers. The committee also signed a resolution authorizing a reimbursement agreement for sound tiles at the Animal Control facility.

• Concurred to add 1 mechanic and 1 engineering tech to Road Department (P2208336, P2208335)
• Requested marked-up job descriptions and updated flow chart for new positions
• Signed Resolution A2208334 authorizing reimbursement agreement for sound tiles at Animal Control
• Approved minutes of August 11, 2022 meeting (motion carried)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will review and potentially approve an advanced step hire request for the Sheriff's Office, along with a resolution. The committee will also receive a monthly update from the Parks & Recreation Department and consider a resolution from the Road Department. The meeting includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes.

• Advanced Step Hire Request Approval – Sheriff's Office
• Resolution Approval – Road Department
• Monthly Update – Parks & Recreation Department
• Approval of Minutes – August 11, 2022

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved an advanced-step hire for a Sheriff's Office civilian tether monitor at $38,312/year and signed resolutions adding a mechanic and an engineering technician to the Road Department. The committee also reviewed and signed the July per diem resolution totaling $4,608.76.

• Approved advanced-step hire for Sheriff's Office employee Vince Kiser as a Civilian Tether Monitor at grade 5, step 4, annualized salary of $38,312 (3-0).
• Signed Resolution P2208008, the July Per Diem Resolution totaling $4,608.76.
• Signed Resolution P2208336 to add a mechanic position to the Road Department complement.
• Signed Resolution P2208335 to add one Engineering Technician position and create three tiers of Engineering Technician positions.

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider routine consent calendar items, including approval of bills, per diems, and requisitions, as well as several health-related resolutions. These include a contract renewal for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine services and acceptance of state funding for monkeypox vaccine response. The board will also hear committee reports and public comments.

• Approve renewal contract with Mosaic for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine services
• Accept MDHHS funding for Monkeypox Virus Response
• Approve Prosecutor's Office complement changes
• Approve weekly bills and road payables
• Approve monthly per diems and weekly requisitions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved an honorary resolution recognizing Charles L. 'Mickey' Yarbrough, a former Benton Harbor mayor and longtime juvenile probation officer, who passed away in June 2022. The board also approved the consent calendar, which included weekly bills, road payables, and a monkeypox vaccine response agreement. Chairperson Elliott made four appointments to replace Don Meeks on various boards, including the Mental Health Authority and Public Works Board.

• Approved Honorary Resolution #B2208031 recognizing Charles L. 'Mickey' Yarbrough (11-0)
• Approved consent calendar including weekly bills, road payables, and monkeypox vaccine response agreement (11-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Bell to Mental Health Authority replacing Don Meeks
• Appointed Commissioner Vollrath to Public Works Board replacing Don Meeks
• Appointed Commissioner Wuerfel to Workforce Development Board replacing Don Meeks
• Appointed Commissioner Harrison to Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health – Substance Abuse Disorder Oversight Policy Board replacing Don Meeks

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole will hold a scheduled discussion with representatives from Spectrum Health and Sacred Heart. The meeting also includes routine items such as approval of minutes and a requisition review.

• Scheduled discussion with Dr. Loren Hamel (Spectrum Health) and Tricia Johnson & Paula Nelson (Sacred Heart)
• Approval of minutes from August 11, 2022 meeting
• Requisition review presented by Annette Christie

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners' Committee of the Whole met on August 18, 2022, and heard a presentation from Spectrum Health and Sacred Heart regarding a potential partnership related to the Serenity Hills facility. No action was taken on the proposal. The board also approved the minutes from the previous meeting and received a public comment about financing for the health partnership.

• Approved the Committee of the Whole minutes from August 11, 2022 (moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Vollrath, no nays).

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss a FY2022 General Fund budget amendment presented by Financial Services Director Doug James. The committee will also consider waiver request approvals, approve weekly bills and road payables via Resolution F2208043, and approve the minutes from the August 11, 2022 meeting.

• FY2022 General Fund Budget Amendment
• Waiver Request Approvals
• Resolution F2208043 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Approval of August 11, 2022 minutes

The Finance Committee voted to forward a General Fund Budget Amendment for FY2022 to the full Board of Commissioners. The amendment adds $2.1M in revenues and $2.4M in expenses, with net transfers out of $2.2M, resulting in a use of fund balance of $3.7M. The committee also approved minutes from August 11, 2022, and approved Request for Waivers. No final decisions were made; all resolutions were moved forward to the full board.

• Moved forward Resolution F2208043 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables to full board
• Approved minutes of August 11, 2022 meeting
• Approved Request for Waivers

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is approving requisitions over $10,000 totaling $1,349,134.64, as presented in the attached Requisition Approval Reports. This includes funding for engineering services on several drain projects and annual library penal fine distributions to local libraries. The resolution allows individual commissioners to note abstentions on specific requisitions.

• $100,000 increase for Hubbell Roth & Clark engineering on Franklin Park Drain #163
• $120,000 for Hubbell Roth & Clark engineering on Bell Road Drain project
• $24,655 to B&Z Co. for pipe replacement on Hancock & Eastman Drain #203
• $33,134 to Xybix Systems for dispatch center carpet replacement
• Library penal fine distributions totaling over $900,000 to 15 local libraries

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 July 2022, totaling $4,608.76. The agenda contains only this single item, which is routine administrative approval.

• Approval of commissioner per diems for July 2022 in the amount of $4,608.76

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 would run from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023 at $170 per day per individual, covering lodging, meals, and staffing. The Board of Health has endorsed the agreement, pending approval by Corporate Counsel.

• Renew contract with Mosaic CCDA for isolation/quarantine services
• Rate: $170.00 per day per individual
• Contract period: September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023
• Services for homeless, home insecure, or low-income residents in congregate housing
• Prior approvals referenced: P2008312 and P2110320

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept $15,000 in funding from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for the local health department's monkeypox virus response. The funds would support staff time, communications, and wraparound services for the period July 1 to September 30, 2022. The resolution also authorizes the BCHD Health Officer to sign the agreement electronically.

• Accept $15,000 from MDHHS for monkeypox response
• Contract period: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022
• Funds for staff time, communications, wraparound services
• Authorizes BCHD Health Officer to sign agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider two Finance Committee recommendations: approval of the Auditing Report for August 11-17, 2022, totaling $2,043,648.12, and approval of the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #138 for the same period, totaling $222,033.53. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items listed.

• Approve Auditing Report totaling $2,043,648.12 for Aug 11-17, 2022
• Approve Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #138 for $222,033.53
• Voucher includes $112,045.48 to Bit Mat Products
• Voucher includes $50,348.58 to Rieth-Riley Construction Co.
• Voucher includes $19,058.23 to Northern Construction Services

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to add seven new positions to the Prosecuting Attorney's office, citing increased charges, evidence review, and victim services. The new roles include four evidence clerks, one sexual assault/domestic violence case investigator, one violent crimes case investigator, and one victim advocate. The resolution has been recommended by the Personnel and Human Services Committee and the Administration Committee.

• Add 4 Evidence Clerks (Grade 8/Union)
• Add 1 Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Case Investigator (Grade 9/Non-Union)
• Add 1 Violent Crimes Case Investigator (Grade 9/Non-Union)
• Add 1 Victim Advocate (Grade 7/Union)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to formally recognize and honor Charles L. "Mickey" Yarbrough, who died June 21, 2022, at age 82. The resolution highlights his service as Benton Harbor mayor and commissioner, Army veteran, and 31-year Berrien County juvenile probation officer. The board expresses condolences to his family.

• Resolution B 2208031 honoring Charles L. "Mickey" Yarbrough
• Recognizes his service on Benton Harbor City Commission from 1971–2003
• Notes his 31-year career as Berrien County Juvenile Probation Officer (1970–2001)
• References renaming of Charles L. Yarbrough Park off Riverview Drive

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to handle routine financial business, including approving weekly bills and road payables, as well as waiver requests and the minutes from the July 28, 2022 meeting. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Resolution F2208042 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Waiver Request Approvals
• Approval of July 28, 2022 minutes

The Finance Committee discussed a resolution to provide a $1,000 one-time hazard pay bonus to all county employees, following a request from Commissioner Curran to extend it beyond Juvenile Center staff. They also discussed the Public Safety Millage Resolution, with Commissioner Freehling suggesting marijuana revenue be used instead of increasing the millage. The committee approved the minutes of the July 28 meeting, approved waiver requests, and moved the weekly bills resolution to the full board. No final decisions were made on the hazard pay or millage resolutions.

• Approved minutes of July 28, 2022 meeting
• Approved Request for Waivers
• Moved Resolution F2208042 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to Full Board

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to hear updates from the Prosecutor's Office and Sheriff's Department, discuss a shooting range, and handle routine committee business. The agenda includes a proposed complement change for the Prosecutor's Office and a report from Sheriff Bailey.

• Prosecutor's Office complement change
• Sheriff's Department update
• Shooting range discussion
• Minutes of August 4, 2022
• Resolutions

The Administration Committee supported Prosecutor Pierangeli's request for additional staff (4 evidence clerks, 1 violent crimes investigator, 1 sexual assault/domestic violence investigator, 1 victim advocate) and will forward it to PHSC. No formal resolutions were considered. The sheriff reported needing 2 female deputies, and the shooting range purchase was discussed but deemed too costly. Minutes from August 4 were approved.

• Supported prosecutor's staffing request (moved to PHSC)
• Approved minutes of August 4, 2022 meeting

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will approve minutes from two prior meetings and consider resolutions. The health department will give a monthly update, and the prosecuting attorney will present a complement change request for approval. The board chair and county administrator will also address the committee before adjournment.

• Approval of minutes from July 28 and August 4, 2022
• Health department resolution approval and monthly update
• Prosecuting attorney complement change request/resolution

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved two health department resolutions: a renewal of the Mosaic Isolation & Quarantine Agreement for COVID-19 response at $170 per person per day, and acceptance of $15,000 in state funding for monkeypox vaccine response. The committee also signed a resolution for a complement change in the Prosecuting Attorney's office to add staff for violent crime and sexual assault cases.

• Approved Resolution P2208328 renewing Mosaic Isolation & Quarantine Agreement for COVID-19 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution P2208330 accepting $15,000 MDHHS funding for monkeypox vaccine response (unanimous)
• Signed Resolution P2208307 for complement change in Prosecuting Attorney's office (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 28 and August 4, 2022 (2-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider several resolutions, including placing a repeal and replacement of the Public Safety Millage to reflect an increase through 2026, authorizing hazard pay for Juvenile Center employees, and opening AFSCME labor negotiations. The agenda also includes routine consent items, committee reports, and a closed session to discuss litigation strategy.

• Resolution C2208329: Approve placing repeal and replacement of Public Safety Millage with increase through 2026
• Resolution C2208332: Authorize hazard pay bonus for eligible Juvenile Center employees
• Resolution C2208333: Authorize staff to open AFSCME labor negotiations (Juvenile Center employees)
• Consent calendar: Approve weekly bills & road payables (F2208042) and weekly requisitions (B2208089)
• Closed session per MCL 15.268(e) for Angela Wesel v Berrien County (USDC 1:21-cv-663)

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved a one-time $1,000 hazard pay bonus from the general fund for eligible full-time employees who worked during the pandemic, excluding elected officials and prior recipients. The board also approved a public safety millage resolution (8-3), authorized hazard pay for Juvenile Center employees, and rejected a motion to open AFSCME contract negotiations (4-7). Additionally, the board approved following litigation counsel's recommendations in a pending lawsuit against the county.

• Approved $1,000 hazard pay bonus for eligible full-time employees (11-0)
• Approved Public Safety Millage Resolution #C2208329 (8-3)
• Authorized hazard pay for Juvenile Center employees (unanimous)
• Denied opening AFSCME contract for labor negotiations (4-7)
• Approved following litigation counsel's recommendations in Angela Wesel v. Berrien County (11-0)
• Approved consent calendar including weekly bills and requisitions (11-0)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting to review requisitions and discuss the public safety millage with Sheriff Paul Bailey. The meeting includes approval of the July 28, 2022 minutes and public comments.

• Public Safety Millage Discussion with Sheriff Paul Bailey
• Requisition Review by Annette Christie
• Approval of July 28, 2022 meeting minutes

The Committee of the Whole discussed a proposed public safety millage increase from .3496 to .4500 mills, which would generate an additional $890,873 annually to fund four new road patrol deputies, capital projects, special team training, and retiree healthcare. The increase would cost the average homeowner $9.60 per year. No vote was taken; the discussion was informational ahead of a future decision.

• Approved minutes of July 28, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed proposed public safety millage increase of .1004 mills to .4500 total (no vote taken)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on Resolution B2208089 to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $80,998.14, as listed in the attached report. The items include equipment replacements for the Sheriff's drug lab, jail ventilation, and courthouse security. This is a routine financial approval action.

• Replace drug lab spectrometer for Sheriff - Drug Forfeiture: $31,682.14
• Install new unit ventilator for Jail Cell 1H: $29,430.00
• Replace X-ray machine for Niles Courthouse: $19,886.00

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to place a public safety millage proposal on the November 8, 2022 ballot. The proposal would repeal the existing millage (expiring after the 2024 tax levy) and replace it with a new millage increased by up to 0.45 mills for five years, starting with the 2022 tax levy. If approved, it would raise an estimated $3,992,955 in the first year.

• Resolution to submit a ballot proposition for a new public safety millage
• Proposed millage increase of up to 0.45 mills ($0.45 per $1,000 taxable value)
• New millage would run from December 1, 2022 through December 1, 2026 tax levies
• Estimated first-year revenue: $3,992,955
• Ballot question to be placed on the November 8, 2022 General Election

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to give a one-time $1,000 hazard pay bonus to full-time Juvenile Center employees who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic and are still employed or recently retired. The bonus would come from the general fund. The resolution was recommended by the Committee on Committees.

• $1,000 one-time hazard pay bonus for eligible full-time Juvenile Center employees
• Bonus funded from the general fund
• Applies to employees employed during the pandemic and still employed or recently retired
• Resolution recommended by the Committee on Committees

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider two Finance Committee recommendations: approval of the county auditing report for August 4-10, 2022, totaling $4,318,004.20, and approval of the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #137 for the same period, totaling $376,589.75. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items listed.

• Auditing report approval: $4,318,004.20
• Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #137: $376,589.75
• Voucher includes payments to Bit Mat Products ($125,559.76), Rieth-Riley Construction Co. ($146,965.34), and Kenneth Smith, Inc. ($30,641.56)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to provide a one-time $1,000 hazard pay bonus from the general fund to all eligible full-time employees who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic and are still employed or recently retired. The bonus would exclude elected officials and those who already received hazard pay. The resolution was recommended by the Committee on Committees.

• $1,000 one-time hazard pay bonus for eligible full-time employees
• Funded from the general fund
• Elected officials excluded from the bonus
• Prior hazard pay recipients not eligible for an additional bonus
• Resolution recommended by the Committee on Committees

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will discuss several resolutions related to juvenile services, including a contract with Wightman for Juvenile Center design, a Raise the Age grant, a Mental Health Juvenile grant, and a Juvenile Parent Representation grant. The committee will also review minutes from the July 28, 2022 meeting. No final decisions are listed on the agenda; these items are for discussion.

• Resolution A2208317: Contract with Wightman for Juvenile Center Design
• Resolution A2208322: Raise the Age Grant
• Resolution A2208326: Mental Health Juvenile Grant
• Resolution A2208327: Juvenile Parent Representation Grant
• Minutes of July 28, 2022

The Administration Committee signed a contract with Wightman for Juvenile Center building design and approved moving forward four resolutions to the Board of Commissioners, including accepting 'Raise the Age' grant funding, applying for a Mental Health Delinquency Grant, and accepting a Juvenile/Parent Representation Grant. The committee also approved the minutes of the July 28, 2022 meeting.

• Signed contract A2208317 with Wightman for Juvenile Center Building Design
• Moved forward A2208322 to accept 'Raise the Age' Grant Funding
• Moved forward A2208236 to authorize applying for Mental Health Delinquency Grant
• Moved forward A2208327 to accept Juvenile/Parent Representation Grant
• Approved minutes of July 28, 2022 meeting

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee is meeting to handle a single item of committee business: approving pension rollovers and refunds. The agenda contains no other substantive items or discussion topics.

• Approve pension rollovers/refunds

The Personnel and Human Services Committee met on August 4, 2022, and approved the pension rollovers/refunds as presented. The motion was made by Commissioner Majerek, supported by Commissioner Bell, and carried. Chairman Harrison signed the report. The meeting adjourned shortly after.

• Approved pension rollovers/refunds as presented (motion carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider several resolutions, including a contract for the new Juvenile Center design and acceptance of multiple grants related to juvenile justice and child welfare. The agenda also includes routine items like approving weekly bills and a requisition list, plus a pension rollover report.

• Contract with Wightman for Juvenile Center design
• Accept Raise the Age grant funding for courts
• Authorize applying for Mental Health Juvenile Delinquency Grant
• Accept Juvenile Parent Representation Grant
• Approve Pension Rollover/Refund Report

The Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, including contracts for juvenile center design and acceptance of state grants for juvenile programs. The board also made appointments to the Brownfield and Land Bank Authorities. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond these routine approvals.

• Approved consent calendar including weekly bills and requisition list (12-0)
• Approved contract with Wightman for Juvenile Center Design (12-0)
• Accepted Raise the Age Grant Funding (12-0)
• Authorized applying for Mental Health Juvenile Delinquency Grant (12-0)
• Accepted Juvenile Parent Representation Grant (12-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Harrison to Brownfield Authority (term expiring Dec 31, 2022)
• Appointed Commissioner Wuerfel to Land Bank Authority (term expiring Dec 31, 2022)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a professional services agreement with Wightman for the design of a replacement Juvenile Center. The current facility, opened in 1974, has an estimated $5,000,000 in short- and long-term needs, and a facilities study recommended demolition and replacement. The agreement includes $85,000 for pre-design, plus contingent services and a percentage of construction costs.

• Approval of professional services agreement with Wightman for Juvenile Center replacement
• $85,000 pre-design phase cost
• $5,000 contingent statistical needs assessment
• $10,000 contingent regional needs assessment
• 5.45%-6.1% of probable construction costs for design services

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Trial Court-Family Division to apply for a state grant of up to $290,000. The grant would reimburse the county for costs of adding 17-year-olds to the juvenile justice system, as required by new state law. The resolution is recommended by the County Administration Committee.

• Authorizes grant application to Michigan DHHS for $290,000
• Grant covers costs of adding 17-year-olds to juvenile caseload
• Grant period: October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023
• No cash match required

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $62,250 grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for the Trial Court/Family Division. The grant funds 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. The resolution also authorizes the County Administrator to sign the grant agreement.

• $62,250 grant award for FY 2022/23 (Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023)
• Grant from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (Title IV-E Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant)
• No cash match required; reimbursement-based grant
• Authorizes County Administrator to electronically sign grant agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $412,511, as listed in the attached Requisition Approval Reports. The items include election services, road work, and other departmental purchases. Individual commissioners may note abstentions on the attached statement.

• $46,850.53 to Spectrum Printers for ballot printing for August 2022 primary election
• $28,600.00 to Miller Consultations & Elections for election coding for August 2022 primary election
• $98,300.00 to Whightman for survey and design services on Snow Road
• $94,293.29 to Jason Jurva for excess proceeds from tax foreclosure
• $15,000.00 to Hurst Tree Service for additional county-wide tree removal due to storms

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Trial Court/Family Division to apply for a $58,374 state grant to support early intervention for youth with mental health or substance abuse issues. The grant, from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, would fund programs in collaboration with law enforcement and community providers to prevent juvenile justice involvement. No cash match is required.

• Authorizes grant application for $58,374 to Michigan DHHS
• Grant period: October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023
• Target population: youth ages 0-18 with mental health or substance abuse issues
• No cash match required

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee is recommending approval of the Auditing Report for July 28–August 3, 2022, totaling $797,850.27, and the Road Department's Accounts Payable Voucher #136 for the same period, totaling $503,890.79. These are routine financial approvals for county expenditures.

• Auditing Report approval: $797,850.27
• Road Department AP Voucher #136: $503,890.79
• Largest vendor payments: Bit Mat Products ($163,421.59), Ozark Materials ($122,344.75), Motorola Solutions ($26,440.30)
• Payments to 61 vendors including construction, materials, and equipment suppliers

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to hear a presentation from Dr. Hamel of Spectrum Health Lakeland regarding Berrien General Hospital, followed by a question-and-answer session with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott. The committee will also handle routine business, including approving minutes and any resolutions.

• Presentation by Dr. Hamel on Berrien General Hospital
• Q&A session with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Approval of minutes from July 28, 2022
• Consideration of resolutions

The Berrien County Administration Committee heard a presentation from Spectrum Health Lakeland about relocating Berrien General Hospital and Serenity Hills, and agreed to help identify parcels and pursue grants. The committee also approved a bid waiver for Japanese Knotweed treatment, signed several resolutions including a CSX road agreement and traffic enforcement grants, and approved the July 14 minutes. No final decisions were made on the hospital relocation, which remains in discussion.

• Approved bid waiver for single-source Japanese Knotweed chemical contract
• Approved minutes of July 14, 2022 meeting
• Signed A2207315 – Authorize Local Agency Force Account Agreement with CSX for Shedd Road work
• Signed A2207316 – Accept FY23 Traffic Enforcement grant for patrol enforcement
• Signed A2207318 – Accept FY23 Traffic Enforcement grant for bicycle and pedestrian safety
• Signed A2207320 – Acknowledge COVID-19 testing reimbursement grant extension through September 30, 2022
• Signed A2207321 – Authorize agreement with Countryside Academy for School Resource Officer
• Signed A2207323 – Authorize submission of Act 51 FY21 Annual Financial Report to State

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will meet to approve minutes from July 14, 2022, review a health department resolution, and receive a monthly update from Parks & Recreation. The agenda is mostly routine oversight with no major decisions listed.

• Approval of minutes from July 14, 2022
• Health Department resolution review
• Parks & Recreation monthly update

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the minutes from July 14, 2022, as presented. Health Officer Guy Miller reviewed two resolutions (P2207319 and P2207265) that would go to the full Board of Commissioners, but no action was taken on them. The committee also reviewed a written monthly report on Parks & Recreation and discussed a possible future land donation, with Corporate Counsel answering questions. No substantive decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved minutes of July 14, 2022 (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a consent calendar of routine items and several added resolutions, including contracts, grants, and a property purchase. Key decisions include approving a contract with CSX Transportation for road improvements, accepting state grants for traffic safety, and authorizing a 20% match for potential bridge rehabilitation funds.

• Approve contract with CSX Transportation for road improvement at a railroad crossing
• Accept grant funds for impaired driving, speeding, seat belt, and distraction enforcement
• Accept grant funds for pedestrian and bicyclist safety enforcement
• Approve 20% match for bridge rehab funds from Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act
• Authorize purchase of I & M Building in Buchanan

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, including numerous contracts and grants, and separately approved Resolution #A2207323 to submit Road Department financials to the state, with one nay. The board also appointed Ashley Slack to the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved consent calendar with 10 yeas, including contracts, grants, and road payables
• Approved Resolution #A2207323 to submit Road Department financials to state (9-1)
• Appointed Ashley Slack to Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole is meeting for a routine session. The main items are a review of ARPA funds by a consultant and a review of resolutions. The agenda is otherwise procedural, including approval of minutes and public comments.

• ARPA Funds Review Update by Tim Dempsey of Public Sector Consultants
• Resolution Review
• Approval of minutes from July 14, 2022 meeting
• Requisition Review by Annette Christie

The Committee of the Whole met and approved the minutes from the July 14 meeting. They reviewed an update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and discussed a resolution to submit Road Department financials to the state under Act 51. No formal votes were taken on these items during the committee meeting.

• Approved minutes of July 14, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Reviewed ARPA funds update presentation
• Discussed Act 51 financials report and upcoming resolution

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is meeting to receive an audit update and a General Fund update, including contingency status, from Financial Services Director Doug James. The committee will also consider waiver requests, approve two resolutions for weekly bills and road payables, and approve the minutes from the July 14, 2022 meeting.

• Audit update
• General Fund update and contingency
• Waiver request approvals
• Resolution F2207039 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Resolution F2207040 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables

The Berrien County Finance Committee met on July 28, 2022, and approved the minutes from July 14, 2022, and the Request for Waivers. They moved two resolutions for weekly bills and road payables to the full Board for approval. The committee also discussed the FY2021 audit, including a repeat finding, and the General Fund status, but took no formal action on those items.

• Approved minutes of July 14, 2022 meeting
• Approved Request for Waivers
• Moved F2207039 (weekly bills and road payables, week of 7/14-7/20) to full Board
• Moved F2207040 (weekly bills and road payables, week of 7/21-7/23) to full Board

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $22,305 federal grant from the Office of Highway Safety Planning for FY2023 traffic enforcement. The funds will support overtime patrols targeting impaired driving, speeding, safety belt use, and distracted driving across county law enforcement agencies. The resolution also authorizes the County Administrator to execute related agreements.

• Accept $22,305 grant for traffic enforcement patrols
• Funds for alcohol, speed, safety belt, and distracted driving enforcement
• County Administrator authorized to sign agreements
• Grant period: October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a federal grant of up to $25,000 for pedestrian and bicyclist safety traffic enforcement. The grant, from the Office of Highway Safety Planning, requires a 20% local in-kind match and would fund overtime for police agencies countywide. The County Administrator would be authorized to execute the agreement.

• Accept up to $25,000 federal grant for pedestrian and bicyclist safety enforcement
• 20% local in-kind match required
• Funds cover overtime salaries and fringes for police agencies
• County Administrator authorized to execute agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize an agreement with Countryside Academy for a School Resource Officer. The Academy would pay the county for the deputy sheriff's actual costs, including salary, overtime, equipment, training, and overhead. The Sheriff's Office has agreed to provide the officer under the standard agreement format.

• Authorizes School Resource Officer agreement with Countryside Academy
• Academy pays actual costs: salary, overtime, equipment, training, overhead
• Agreement executed by Board Chairman and County Clerk
• Approval contingent on Academy Board of Directors' acceptance

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize submission of the 2021 Annual Financial Report of the Road Department to the State of Michigan, as required by Act 51. The report has been reviewed and found to match audited financial statements. The resolution also authorizes the Chief Financial Officer and Board Chairman to sign the report.

• Authorizes submission of 2021 Annual Financial Report to State of Michigan
• Compliance with Act 51, Public Acts of 1951
• Report reviewed by Road Department and Financial Services Department
• Authorizes Chief Financial Officer and Board Chairman to sign report

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $879,267.00, as listed in the attached Requisition Approval Reports. The items include fuel, road materials, and other purchases for various county departments.

• Diesel fuel purchase of $225,000 for Road Department
• Unleaded fuel purchase of $75,000 for Road Department
• Hydraulic V-Box with controls for $110,476 from Truck & Trailer Specialties
• Title check invoices for $333,200 for Treasurer's office
• Medicaid cost reimbursement of $51,323 for Health Department

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 June in the amount of $5,607.48. The agenda contains only this one substantive item, which is a routine administrative approval.

• Approval of commissioner per diems for June: $5,607.48

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting on Resolution B2207087 to approve requisitions over $10,000 totaling $103,341.78. The payments cover Japanese knotweed treatment, police academy lodging, and new laptops for judges and bailiffs. This is a routine financial approval item.

• $22,416.00 to Dalton's Inc. for Japanese Knotweed Treatment (Road Department)
• $37,682.19 to Oakland Community College for police academy lodging for 6 students (Sheriff)
• $43,243.59 to Dell for laptops and docking stations for judges and bailiffs (Courts)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a contract with the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) for consulting services on file structure and best practices for the Berrien County Health Department. The contract is capped at $5,000 at a rate of $125 per hour. The Board of Health has endorsed the agreement pending legal review.

• Contract with MPHI for file structure consulting, $125/hour, not to exceed $5,000
• Berrien County Health Department to receive recommendations on file storage and best practices
• Board of Health endorsement noted, subject to Corporate Counsel approval

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a Comprehensive Agreement with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for fiscal year 2022-2023. The agreement, totaling $3,150,307, funds the Berrien County Health Department to provide public health services as required by the Michigan Public Health Code. The resolution also authorizes the BCHD Health Officer to electronically sign the agreement.

• Accept $3,150,307 MDHHS Comprehensive Agreement for FY2022-23 (Oct 1, 2022 – Sep 30, 2023)
• Funds include $489,750 for Nurse Family Partnership, $799,407 for WIC Resident Services, $211,654 for EGLE Drinking Water and Onsite Wastewater Management
• Other allocations: $328,146 for MDHHS-Essential Local Public Health Services, $190,008 for Local MCH, $175,986 for Food ELPHS
• Authorizes BCHD Health Officer to electronically sign the agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution from the Personnel and Human Services Committee to change staffing in the Sheriff's Office Tether Unit. The proposal would reduce part-time sworn deputies from four to two and add one full-time civilian Tether Monitor. The resolution is recommended by the committee and the Administration Committee concurs.

• Reduce part-time sworn deputies in Tether Unit from four to two
• Add one full-time civilian Tether Monitor (Grade 5 FOPLC General)
• Eliminate two part-time deputy positions (Temp / $18.00 hr / Max 1,000 hrs)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a services agreement with Michigan Community Dental Centers (MCDC), which is purchasing a dental practice in Benton Harbor. The agreement enables MCDC to set up an enhanced reimbursement billing rate through the State of Michigan, focusing on Medicaid patients. The resolution authorizes the Berrien County Health Officer to execute related documents.

• Approval of services agreement with Michigan Community Dental Centers
• Authorizes Berrien County Health Officer to execute related documents
• Partnership to support Medicaid and Healthy Kids Dental patients
• MCDC purchasing a dental practice in Benton Harbor

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to increase the markup on printing services billed to outside customers from 25% to 40%, effective August 1, 2022. The increase is in response to rising supply costs. The Finance Committee recommends approval.

• Increase printing department markup from 25% to 40% for outside customers
• New fee schedule effective August 1, 2022
• Applies to grant-based, municipal, law enforcement, and nonprofit customers

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the Berrien County Historical Association to sell windows from the historic 1839 Courthouse. The funds raised would go toward a revitalization project of the association's choice, following guidelines set by the county. This item was recommended by the Personnel and Human Services Committee.

• Authorizes sale of 1839 Courthouse windows
• Funds to support a future revitalization project on the grounds or in buildings
• Berrien County Historical Association to manage sale and project

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a $2,356,184 contract from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for the Berrien County Health Department for fiscal year 2022-2023. The agreement funds public health services including COVID immunization, workforce development, contact tracing, lead response, and nursing case management. The Board of Health has endorsed the acceptance, and the resolution would authorize the Health Officer to sign the agreement electronically.

• Accept $2,356,184 Emerging Threats for Local Health Departments contract for FY2022-23
• Funding includes $887,851 for COVID Immunization
• Funding includes $606,095 for ELC Contact Tracing, Investigation, Testing Coord., and Infection Prevention
• Funding includes $455,086 for Lead Response
• Authorizes BCHD Health Officer to electronically sign the agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to create one new full-time Business Analyst position in the Health Department's finance team. The role is intended to handle growing financial and grant reporting duties and support continuous quality improvement.

• Add 1.0 FTE Business Analyst, Non-Union Grade 10
• Position reports to Health Department's Business Manager
• Board of Health endorses the addition

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to pledge a 20% construction cost match for five local bridges if the state receives federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Bridge Improvement Program. The resolution identifies specific bridges eligible for the program and commits the county to the match if selected.

• Pledge of 20% construction match for IIJA-funded bridge projects
• List of eligible bridges: Glendora Road over Galien River, Snow Road over Hickory Creek, Hollywood Road over Big Feather Drain, Hess Road over Galien River, Lincoln Ave over Hickory Drain
• Preliminary and construction engineering costs not assessed to county

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to acknowledge an extended grant period for COVID-19 testing at the Berrien County Jail. The grant, originally accepted in resolution #A2204243, now allows the Sheriff's Office to submit reimbursement requests through September 30, 2022. The extension covers expenses already incurred and those that fall within the reimbursable category.

• Extends MDHHS grant reimbursement window for COVID-19 testing at Berrien County Jail to Sept. 30, 2022
• Grant amount: up to $620,959.66
• Original grant period: Oct. 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022
• Authorizes Sheriff's Office to submit reimbursement requests for jail testing expenses

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the chairman to sign a Local Agency Force Account Agreement with CSX Railroad for roadway approach work at the Shedd Road crossing. The work, estimated at $26,869, involves widening, raising, and surfacing approaches to accommodate new warning devices, and is tied to MDOT Job # 214378A.

• $26,869 estimate for fill, aggregate, and chip-seal work on Shedd Road approaches
• Agreement between Berrien County and CSX Railroad
• Part of MDOT Job # 214378A
• Work needed for new side-of-street warning devices

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to authorize the purchase of Indiana Michigan Power Company's property at 500 Circle Drive in Buchanan for $200,000 plus closing costs. The property, about 19.19 acres with an office building, would be used for future county facility needs, including possibly relocating the 911 Center and Emergency Operations Center. The resolution also starts a 120-day due diligence period for title and environmental reviews.

• Purchase of 500 Circle Drive, Buchanan, for $200,000 plus closing costs
• Property includes office building and approximately 19.19 acres
• Funds drawn from account #40102657 – ARPF
• 120-day due diligence period for title and environmental reviews
• Potential relocation of Berrien County 911 Center and Emergency Operations Center

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee is meeting to discuss board appointments, review bids for a unit ventilator and corrugated metal pipe, and consider waiver requests, a resolution for weekly bills and road payables, and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Bid 2022-061 – Unit Ventilator, Building & Grounds
• Bid 2022-062 – Corrugated Metal Pipe, Road Dept.
• Resolution F2207038 – Approval of Weekly Bills and Road Payables
• Waiver Request Approvals
• Approval of June 23, 2022 minutes

The Finance Committee concurred with Administrator Dissette's request to forgo the bid process for a 2022 F150 stock truck at $31,541, replacing a 2010 F150, as it was a budgeted item. The committee also approved a leave of absence for a Planning Commission and Brownfield Authority member due to illness, allowing them to continue serving. Two bids (2022-061 and 2022-062) were referred back to departments with approval to proceed with the lowest responsible bidder, subject to committee communication if a different bidder is chosen. The committee moved two resolutions to the full Board: approval of weekly bills and road payables, and a printing department fee structure increase.

• Concurred to allow purchase of 2022 F150 stock truck for $31,541 without bidding (unanimous)
• Approved leave of absence for board member with illness (motion carried)
• Referred Bid 2022-061 (Unit Ventilator) to department with approval to proceed with lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)
• Referred Bid 2022-062 (Corrugated Metal Pipe) to department with approval to proceed with lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)
• Approved minutes of June 23, 2022 meeting (motion carried)
• Approved Request for Waivers
• Moved Resolution F2207038 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to full Board
• Moved Resolution F2207298 (Printing Department fee structure increase) to full Board

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will approve minutes from June 23, 2022, and handle standard administrative business including resolution approvals and quarterly retirement processing. The agenda includes discussions on advanced step hire requests, Friend of the Court matters, Information Systems, and college course reimbursement. The Health Department will present a monthly update and approve resolutions, followed by Board Chair Annette Christie discussing board appointments.

• Approval of minutes from June 23, 2022
• Quarterly Retirement Approval
• Advanced Step Hire Requests
• College Course Reimbursement Discussion
• Board Appointments by Annette Christie

The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved several resolutions, including June per diems, a Historical Association window sale, and a Sheriff's Office complement change. It also approved quarterly retirements, an advanced step hire for an IT manager, and a $1,000 funding request for Carol's Hope. The committee recommended policy changes for College Course Reimbursement and appointed Ashley Slack to the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission.

• Approved June per diems of $5,607.48 (3-0)
• Authorized Historical Association window sale (3-0)
• Approved Sheriff's Office complement change (3-0)
• Approved quarterly retirements (3-0)
• Approved advanced step hire for William Kulich at $93,485 annualized (3-0)
• Approved $1,000 funding request for Carol's Hope (3-0)
• Recommended Ashley Slack for Southwest Michigan Planning Commission vacancy
• Recommended changes to College Course Reimbursement policy

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee is meeting to receive updates from the Sheriff's Department and the Road Department, followed by a question-and-answer session with county administration. The committee will also consider minutes from the June 23, 2022 meeting and any resolutions. No specific action items or dollar amounts are listed.

• Sheriff's Department update by Sheriff Bailey
• Road Department update by Kevin Stack
• Q&A with Brian Dissette and Mac Elliott
• Approval of June 23, 2022 minutes
• Consideration of resolutions

The Berrien County Administration Committee approved a resolution to execute documents for acquiring the AEP property at 500 Circle Drive in Buchanan. The committee also granted a request from First Church of God to use the courthouse parking lot for baptisms on July 31, 2022. Updates were provided on the Sheriff's Department, including jail overcrowding, and the Road Department's fuel budget needs.

• Approved resolution A2207313 to execute documents for AEP property acquisition at 500 Circle Drive, Buchanan
• Granted First Church of God request to use courthouse parking lot on July 31, 2022 for baptisms
• Approved minutes of June 23, 2022 meeting (Martin/Curran, Wuerfel abstaining)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider a consent calendar of routine resolutions, including contracts for police services, road projects, grant applications, and a new hire. The board will also enter a closed session to discuss litigation strategy.

• Approve police protection agreement with Buchanan Township for Red Bud Track and Trail event
• Approve MDOT contracts for road projects on Napier Avenue, Red Bud Trail, and Red Arrow Highway
• Approve hiring Maureen Adams as Veterans Services Director
• Approve SWMBA grant application for Drug Court Intake Assessment Coordinator and drug testing
• Closed session to consult attorney on Fowler v. Berrien County litigation

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included road project contracts with MDOT, a police protection agreement with Buchanan Township, hiring a Veterans Services Director, and accepting grant funds for the Drug Court Project. The board also approved the minutes of the July 7 meeting and went into closed session to discuss pending litigation, later approving the closed session minutes from June 23. No substantive decisions were made beyond these approvals.