Berrien County public meetings in 2025

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will conduct a budget review and hear presentations from MSUE and SWMPC. The body will also review a requisition for Annette Christie.

• Budget Review
• MSUE Presentation
• SWMPC Presentation
• Requisition Review for Annette Christie

Commissioners approved the minutes from the December 11, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting. The motion was moved by Commissioner Vollrath, seconded by Commissioner Harrison, and carried with no nays. No other actions were voted on during the meeting.

• Approved Dec 11, 2025 Committee of the Whole minutes (motion carried, no nays)

Finance Committee

The committee will hold a Q&A with the administrator and chair, then hear a budget amendment presentation from Road Department Director Mark Heyliger. Afterwards the committee will vote on the December 11, 2025 minutes, review and approve bid openings, resolutions, and waivers. Public comments will be accepted for up to two minutes per speaker.

• Budget amendment presentation by Road Department Director Mark Heyliger
• Approval of December 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review and approval of bid openings
• Approval of resolutions
• Approval of waivers

The committee approved the FY25 Budget Amendment Resolution and the Road Department Budget Adjustment, moving them to the full board. Minutes from the December 11 meeting were approved. A waiver for a $35,000 health‑related media campaign was also approved. No bid results were reported.

• Approved FY25 Budget Amendment Resolution (F2512405)
• Approved Road Department Budget Adjustment (F2512500)
• Approved Finance Committee Only Year End Appropriation (F2512407)
• Approved Weekly Bills and Road Payables for 12/11‑12/17/2025 (F2512058)
• Approved minutes of the December 11, 2025 meeting (motion carried)
• Approved waiver for King Media Dirt on Weed Campaign, $35,000

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will meet to approve minutes from a previous meeting and consider a step hire increase for an Assistant Public Defender. The agenda also includes a presentation on Juvenile Center staffing.

• Approval of minutes from December 11, 2025
• Approval of Step Hire Increase Request for Assistant Public Defender I
• Juvenile Center Staffing Update presentation
• Silver Beach Lighting Project discussion
• Public comment session

The committee approved the meeting minutes (2 yeas, 0 nays) and the advanced step hire of Todd Oakley as Assistant Public Defender I (2 yeas, 0 nays). Resolutions #P2512408 and #2512409 to raise wages for county‑wide elected offices and for non‑union appointed officials were approved. The committee also approved a request to offer free snowshoe rentals with Winter Trails Passes and recommended proceeding with the base lighting bid for Silver Beach Park.

• Approved meeting minutes (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved advanced step hire of Todd Oakley, Assistant Public Defender I (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved wage‑increase resolution #P2512408 for elected offices
• Approved wage‑increase resolution #2512409 for non‑union appointed officials
• Approved free snowshoe‑rental request with Winter Trails Passes
• Recommended proceeding with base lighting bid for Silver Beach Park (no vote recorded)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will review the FY26 road department budget amendment and receive a Building & Grounds update. Committee business includes approving minutes from December 11, 2025, and considering a Sheriff’s Funds Distribution Request and a Property Use Request. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Road Department FY26 budget amendment
• Building & Grounds update
• Sheriff’s Funds Distribution Request
• Property Use Request
• Approval of December 11, 2025 minutes

The Administration Committee consented to the FY26 budget amendment for the Road Department, noting a $400,000 monthly shortfall until April. The committee also approved two service contracts for 911 communications, one with GovWorx and another with WSI Technologies. Minutes from the December 11, 2025 meeting were approved by motion.

• Approved FY26 Road Department budget amendment (committee consent)
• Authorized service contract with GovWorx for 911 (Resolution A2512403)
• Authorized service contract with WSI Technologies for 911 (Resolution A2512404)
• Approved minutes of the December 11, 2025 meeting (motion carried)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution authorizing a service contract with WSI Technologies to replace end‑of‑life servers and upgrade software for the county and Niles City 911 Emergency Communication Centers. The upgrade includes new capabilities such as ANI/ALI, RapidSOS location data, text messaging, CAD integration and screen recording. Funding will come from the 911 Wireless Fund and 911 Operations funds, and a prior waiver of $310,000 was approved to single‑source the purchase.

• Replace end‑of‑life servers at Berrien County and Niles City 911 centers
• Software upgrade costing $95,922 for Berrien County logger and $81,259 for Niles City logger
• Five‑year maintenance and extended warranty costing $56,758 (Berrien) and $48,838 (Niles City)
• Waiver #2025-10-09-02 approved for $310,000 to single‑source purchase from WSI Technologies
• Funding sourced from 911 Wireless Fund (26103251) and 911 Operations funds (Org 26103250)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution amending Resolution #F2505210. The amendment extends the deadline for repaying a $1,600,000 advance from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund to the Berrien County Land Bank Authority until March 31, 2026, without interest. All other terms of the original resolution remain unchanged.

• Extend repayment deadline for the $1,600,000 advance to March 31, 2026
• Advance was for demolition of blighted structures at 489 N. Shore Drive, Benton Harbor
• Repayment may be accepted without interest
• All other conditions of Resolution #F2505210 stay in effect

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends approval of November 2025 per diems and mileage expenses for county commissioners. The total amount requested is $5,609.60, to be paid with the December 19, 2025 payroll.

• Approval of November 2025 commissioner per diems ($5,609.60)
• Approval of November 2025 mileage expenses ($1,349.60)
• Payment scheduled for December 19, 2025
• Committee: Personnel and Human Services
• Report: Per Diem Report November 2025

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is asked to authorize an amendment to a service agreement with ERG Environmental Services for Household Hazardous Waste Collection through 2026. The resolution permits the Chairperson to sign the agreement, which includes adjusted prices and a maximum expenditure of $130,000.00.

• Amendment to agreement with ERG Environmental Services
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection services
• Maximum expenditure of $130,000.00
• Service period through 2026
• Authorization for Chairperson to sign

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing the County Personnel and Human Services Committee to sign a second amendment to the household hazardous waste (HHW) agreement with Kalamazoo County. The amendment would extend the agreement through 2026, reduce pricing for electronics recycling, and allow Berrien residents to use the Kalamazoo HHW Center. Costs are capped at $6,500 and would be funded from the Berrien County Landfill Use Fund, Environmental Affairs account.

• Second amendment to the HHW agreement with Kalamazoo County
• Cost ceiling of up to $6,500 for waste processing
• Effective period: January 1 – December 31 2026
• Funding sourced from the Berrien County Landfill Use Fund, Environmental Affairs account
• Reduced pricing for electronics recycling

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing the Chairman and the County Register of Deeds to execute a proposal to scan remonumentation dossiers off‑site. The proposal, submitted by US Imaging, Inc., was approved with a bid waiver of $31,885 by the County Finance Committee. Corporate Counsel has reviewed and approved the proposal. Adoption of the resolution would allow digital images of the dossiers to be created and backed up for long‑term preservation.

• Approve the "Scan Dossier Files Off‑Site" proposal from US Imaging, Inc.
• Authorize the Chairman and Register of Deeds to execute the scanning contract
• Bid waiver of $31,885 approved by the County Finance Committee
• Create digital images of remonumentation dossiers for permanent backup

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to raise the salary schedule for the six county-wide elected officials by 2.8% starting January 1, 2026. The positions affected are County Clerk, Drain Commissioner, Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Sheriff, and Prosecuting Attorney. The increase may be funded through the contingency fund if needed at the end of fiscal year 2026. The recommendation comes from the County Personnel and Human Services Committee.

• 2.8% salary increase for County Clerk, Drain Commissioner, Register of Deeds, Treasurer ($98,656 each)
• 2.8% salary increase for Sheriff ($127,575)
• 2.8% salary increase for Prosecuting Attorney ($156,488)
• Funding to be supplemented by the contingency fund if necessary at year‑end 2026

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends a 2.8% salary increase for appointed officials and non-unionized employees, including those in the Road Department. The changes would take effect January 1, 2026, with the contingency fund used for budget supplements if necessary.

• Proposed 2.8% increase to all grades and steps for Appointed Officials and Non-Unionized employees
• Salary schedules for FY2026 including roles such as Public Health Officer, Road Department Director, and 911 Administrator
• Updated hourly rates for Road Department Group Code R200, including Mechanics and Equipment Operators

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will adopt routine consent‑calendar resolutions and consider several added resolutions. Key items include amending the 2025 budget, approving 2026 elected‑official and non‑union appointed salaries, and entering contracts for 911 training software and logger equipment upgrades. The meeting also includes public comments, committee reports, and a closed‑session session on exempt material.

• Amend 2025 Budget (Resolution F2512405)
• Approve Elected Official Salary 2026 (Resolution P2512408)
• Approve Non‑Union – Appointed Salaries 2026 (Resolution P2512409)
• Contract with GovWorx for 911 training software (Resolution A2512403)
• Contract with WIS for 911 logger equipment and software upgrade (Resolution A2512404)

The Board approved the minutes from the Dec. 11 meeting and adopted the Consent Calendar containing multiple routine resolutions. An honorary resolution recognizing Jerry Vigansky’s retirement was approved unanimously. The Board reappointed members to several advisory boards and committees, and agreed to proceed with a strategic plan through MSU Extension. A motion to recess into closed session was carried, and the meeting adjourned at 12:07 p.m.

• Approved Dec. 11 meeting minutes (motion carried, no nays)
• Adopted Consent Calendar resolutions #A2512403, #A2512404, #F2512405, #P2512408, #P2512409, #B25121990 (motion carried, no nays)
• Approved Honorary Resolution #B25121990 honoring Jerry Vigansky (motion carried, no nays)
• Reappointed Rayonte Bell to Community Corrections Advisory Board (term expires Dec. 31, 2028)
• Reappointed Debra Panozzo and Robert Tahaney to Community Corrections Advisory Board (terms expire Dec. 31, 2027)
• Reappointed Robert Cultice, Dale Kreitner, Katherine Weykamp, Hanna Lei‑Sam, Cindy Gray, Maureen Adams to various advisory boards (terms expire 2028‑2029)
• Consented to proceed with the county strategic plan using MSU Extension services
• Moved to recess into Closed Session at 11:20 a.m.; motion carried with 11 yeas, no nays

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will adopt Resolution B25121990 to honor Gerald L. (Jerry) Vigansky for his 35 years of service as a prosecutor. The resolution expresses appreciation for his career, including notable cases and contributions to the Drug Court, and wishes him a happy retirement at the end of 2025.

• Adopt Resolution B25121990 honoring Gerald L. Vigansky upon retirement
• Recognize his 35-year career as Assistant Prosecutor in Berrien County
• Highlight his role in the 1998 Tracy Martin case, the first use of DNA evidence in the county
• Acknowledge his contributions to the Berrien County Drug Court
• Extend wishes for a happy, healthy retirement

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is deciding whether to authorize the purchase of Mobile Computer Aided Dispatch services from Tyler Technologies for up to $272,169. This decision would expand the program to include additional fire and public safety agencies, utilizing a potential $114,095 savings incentive.

• Authorize purchase of Mobile CAD services from Tyler Technologies
• Authorize up to $272,169 for Mobile CAD program expansion
• Authorize participation for up to 30 fire and public safety agencies
• Authorize use of general fund contingency and 911 millage funds
• Authorize Chairman to execute related documentation

Resolutions

The County Administration Committee recommends authorizing a service contract with GovWorx for the CommsCoach software platform. The tool is intended for quality assurance, call simulation, and training for 911 telecommunicators.

• Proposed contract with GovWorx for CommsCoach SaaS platform
• Proposed expenditure of $28,000 in 2026 and 2027 from 911 Operations funds (Org 26103250)
• Proposed subscription increases of no more than 5% in subsequent years
• Sole source justification via Waiver #2025-12-11-01

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to amend the FY2025 General Fund budget. The amendment adds $ 4 ,872 ,978 in property tax revenues and $ 3 ,738 ,231 in other revenues, while decreasing the net fund balance by ($ 1 ,134,747). The amended budget would show property tax revenues of $8 4 ,6 38 ,309 and a net fund balance of ($ 2,100,486). This action follows a Finance Committee update on the fund's status.

• Amendment adds $ 4 ,872 ,978 to property tax revenues
• Amendment adds $ 3 ,738 ,231 to other revenues
• Net fund balance decreases by ($ 1 ,134,747) under the amendment
• Amended FY2025 property tax total becomes $8 4 ,6 38 ,309
• Amended net fund balance shown as ($ 2,100,486)

Resolutions

The Finance Committee recommends approval of an Auditing Report for the period ending December 17, 2025, totaling $1,794,102.03, and the Road Department’s Accounts Payable Vouchers #2551 for the same period, totaling $44,409.69.

• Auditing Report covering Dec 11-17, 2025: $1,794,102.03
• Road Department AP Vouchers #2551 covering Dec 11-17, 2025: $44,409.69
• Road Department AP Voucher #2551 includes payments to A & J HARDWARE, ACE-SAGINAW PAVING CO, and AT&T
• Road Department AP Voucher #2551 includes payments to BIG C LUMBER CO., INC., CARQUEST, and CINTAS CORP
• Road Department AP Voucher #2551 includes payments to CONTINENTAL LINEN SERVICES, DETROIT SALT COMPANY, and HASSES TOWING SERVICE L.L.C.

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider the Finance Committee's recommendation to approve the auditing report covering Dec 4‑10 2025 for $3,222,857.84. They will also consider approval of the Road Department’s 2025 Accounts Payable Voucher #2550 covering Dec 4‑11 2025 for $825,008.92. Additional check‑run reports totaling several million dollars will be reviewed as part of the agenda.

• Approve auditing report for $3,222,857.84 (Dec 4‑10 2025)
• Approve Road Dept. Accounts Payable Voucher #2550 for $825,008.92 (Dec 4‑11 2025)
• Review Check Run 251211GB amount $2,745,542.57
• Review Check Run 251211LB amount $40,000.00
• Review Check Run 251211GE amount $409,865.77

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to authorize the Road Department to lease secure storage space. The space would be used to protect heavy equipment during winter months.

• Lease agreement with Deerpath Excavating, Inc. for 4,400 sq ft of storage
• Cost of $2,000 per month on a month-to-month basis
• Lease term limited to no more than six months

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will consider approval of the November 20 and December 4, 2025 meeting minutes. It will vote on an advance‑step hire for the Trial Court Clerk II position and discuss the senior center with Annette Christie. The committee will also consider approval of pending resolutions and receive a health department update. Public comment will be allowed after the agenda items.

• Approval of Minutes – November 20 & December 4, 2025
• Approval of Advance Step Hire – Trial Court Clerk II
• Senior Center Discussion – Annette Christie
• Approval of Resolutions
• Health Department Update

The committee approved the minutes of the November 20 and December 4, 2025 meetings by a 2‑yea, 0‑nay vote. It approved the advanced step hire of Kristin Grenon as Trial Court Clerk II (grade 5 step 2) with a 2‑0 vote, approved a $31,885 bid waiver for the Scan Dossier Files Off‑Site project, and approved the appointment to the Kinexus board. The committee also approved the November pension refunds and rollovers. The public defender salary‑increase resolution was tabled pending further analysis.

• Approved minutes of Nov 20 and Dec 4, 2025 (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved advanced step hire of Kristin Grenon, Trial Court Clerk II (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved $31,885 bid waiver for Scan Dossier Files Off‑Site (no vote recorded)
• Approved appointment to Kinexus board (no vote recorded)
• Approved November pension refunds and rollovers (no vote recorded)
• Tabled public defender salary‑increase resolution (pending further analysis)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will discuss a 911 software purchase and a CAD bid waiver and contract. The meeting also includes updates on Animal Services and requests regarding Sheriff's funds and property use.

• 911 software purchase
• CAD bid waiver and contract
• Animal Services update
• Sheriff’s funds distribution request
• Property use request

The Administration Committee approved presenting the CAD bid waiver and related contract to the Finance Committee. It recommended reappointing two members to the Community Corrections Advisory Board and agreed to move forward with the original public‑defender wage resolution. The committee also approved the minutes from the December 4 meeting and signed Resolution A2512402 authorizing the Tyler Technologies Mobile CAD contract.

• Approved request to refer CAD bid waiver and contract to Finance Committee
• Recommended reappointment of two Community Corrections Advisory Board members
• Concurred to move forward with the original public‑defender wage resolution
• Approved December 4, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Signed Resolution A2512402 authorizing contract with Tyler Technologies for Mobile CAD services

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will authorize a speed limit study on Marquette Woods Road from Scottdale Road to Hollywood Road. The study will be conducted by the Berrien County Road Department in coordination with the Michigan State Police to determine a reasonable and safe speed limit.

• Speed limit study authorized on Marquette Woods Road
• Study to be conducted by Berrien County Road Department and Michigan State Police
• Study area: Scottdale Road to Hollywood Road

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is asked to authorize the Berrien County Road Department to enter into a monitoring agreement with The Communications Company for fire and carbon dioxide detection systems at the Benton Harbor location. The agreement requires a waiver and will be supervised by the Buildings and Grounds Department.

• Authorization to enter agreement with The Communications Company
• Waiver request 2025-08-28-01 for Benton Harbor upgrades
• Supervision of future renewals by Buildings and Grounds Department
• Monitoring agreement for fire and carbon dioxide detection systems

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will adopt a resolution that removes a segment of N Bluffwood Terrace from the county road system and adds a segment of W Bluffwood Terrace to it. The change updates the certified road mileage that the county reports to the State of Michigan. The resolution also corrects GIS and 911 system records to reflect the new road designations.

• Decertify the former N Bluffwood Terrace segment that ran to Niles Rd/M63
• Certify the W Bluffwood Terrace segment from Niles Rd/M63 to N Bluffwood Terrace
• Record N Bluffwood Terrace length as 0.25 miles
• Record W Bluffwood Terrace length as 0.15 miles
• Update state road mileage certification and GIS/911 mapping

Resolutions

The Finance Committee recommends the Board approve a Litigation Cost Sharing Agreement with Isabella County to contribute $15,000 to a defense fund for the case of Michael Pung v. Isabella County. The case challenges property tax foreclosure procedures and could set a precedent affecting county treasurers across Michigan.

• Litigation Cost Sharing Agreement with Isabella County
• Authorization to execute agreement for legal fees
• Contribution of $15,000 to defense fund
• Case: Michael Pung v. Isabella County
• Property sold for approximately $76,000

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners, on the Finance Committee's recommendation, will adopt a resolution directing Treasurer Shelly Weich to deposit all public monies for fiscal year 2026 in designated Michigan banks and credit unions. The resolution also permits any state‑ or federally‑chartered, U.S.‑insured bank or credit union with a principal or branch office in Michigan to be used. Deposited funds must earn interest comparable to or better than rates for similar municipal investments.

• Fifth Third Bank – St. Joseph, MI
• Hilliard Lyons – St. Joseph, MI; Morgan Stanley – Grand Rapids, MI
• Honor Credit Union – St. Joseph, MI; Sturgis Bank – St. Joseph, MI
• Horizon Bank – St. Joseph, MI; United Federal Credit Union – St. Joseph, MI; Huntington Bank – St. Joseph, MI; Wells Fargo – St. Joseph, MI
• JP Morgan Chase Bank – Benton Harbor, MI; 1“ Source Bank – St. Joseph, MI; Meeder Public Funds – Lansing, MI; Flagstar Bank – St. Joseph, MI

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote to appropriate $500,000 to the Health Care Insurance Fund. The money is intended to fund a $150 copayment rider with Blue Cross Blue Shield for GLP-1 weight‑loss medication coverage in the 2026 fiscal year. The resolution also authorizes contract adjustments with Blue Cross Blue Shield and directs the County Administrator/Controller to make necessary budget transfers.

• $500,000 transfer to the Health Care Insurance Fund
• Funding a $150 copayment rider with Blue Cross Blue Shield for GLP‑1 medication in FY 2026
• Authorization for contract adjustments with Blue Cross Blue Shield
• County Administrator/Controller directed to execute budget transfers
• Delegation of authority to amend the resolution as needed

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to adopt an amendment to the Comprehensive Agreement for FY2025‑26 with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The amendment adds $208,654 for specific public health projects, bringing the total contract amount to $4,605,618. If approved, the BCHD Health Officer will electronically sign the updated agreement.

• Amendment adds $90,908 for Harm Reduction Match Support (P2511360)
• Amendment adds $63,000 for HIV Prevention
• Amendment adds $98,757 for HIV/AIDS Linkage to Care Project
• Amendment adds $27,989 for STI Control
• Total amendment amount $208,654; revised contract total $4,605,618

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to authorize the County Remonumentation Grant Administrator to sign the 2026 Survey and Remonumentation Grant Agreement with the State of Michigan. The grant provides $68,381 with no county match to fund eligible remonumentation expenses outlined in the 2026 Annual Work Program. The resolution is recommended by the County Personnel and Human Services Committee under Act No. 345 of the Public Acts of 1990.

• Authorization to sign the 2026 Survey and Remonumentation Grant Agreement
• State grant amount of $68,381 for remonumentation expenses
• No county match required for the grant
• Funding tied to the County's 2026 Annual Work Program
• Recommendation submitted by the County Personnel and Human Services Committee

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to accept $158,522 in Local Community Stabilization Authority (LCSA) funds for health services. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services approved the award, and the LCSA scheduled payment for release on or after November 28, 2025. The resolution would authorize the County Health Department to execute any agreements needed to receive and spend the funds in compliance with state requirements.

• Accept LCSA funding award of $158,522 for health services
• Authorize the Health Department to execute agreements to receive and expend the funds
• Funding approved by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
• Distribution approved by LCSA on November 14, 2025, payment scheduled after November 28, 2025
• Resolution endorsed by the Berrien County Board of Health

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is approving requisitions totaling $175,055.09 and purchase order change orders totaling $84,771.18. The approvals cover contracts for interface maintenance, drain maintenance, radio‑tower encryption, and a range of service and invoice payments across county departments. Commissioners may abstain from voting on specific requisitions or purchase orders as noted in the approval report.

• $12,000 Karpel Solutions interface maintenance for the Prosecutor (2025)
• $20,146.25 material purchase for drain maintenance on Harlow Drain #50 (Drains)
• $25,224.84 radio‑tower encryption equipment for Empire and Niles consoles (911)
• $8,558.51 increase for Mental Health Authority retiree insurance payments (Services)
• $4,159 increase for natural gas service to 500 Circle Dr. (Grounds)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is asked to approve a professional services agreement with the Berrien Mental Health Authority to continue the Multi-Systemic Therapy program. The agreement authorizes up to $96,000 to serve up to 12 youths and their families through September 30, 2026.

• Professional Services Agreement with Berrien Mental Health Authority
• Multi-Systemic Therapy program for delinquent youth
• Agreement authorizes up to $96,000
• Service period from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026
• Committee recommends adoption

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to approve a professional services agreement with the Berrien Mental Health Authority (Riverwood Center). The agreement provides Functional Family Therapy services for delinquent juveniles and their families and is limited to a maximum of $68,000. It would cover the period from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Corporate Counsel has reviewed and approved the proposed agreement.

• Professional services agreement with Berrien Mental Health Authority (Riverwood Center) for Functional Family Therapy, up to $68,000
• Service period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026
• Previous agreement expired September 30, 2025

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to accept donations from the Pokagon Tribe of the Potawatomi Indians to support Berrien County Veterans. This includes a $500 pledge for the 2026 Stand Down event in June.

• Acceptance of $500 pledge from Pokagon Tribe for 2026 Stand Down event
• Authorization to accept future donations of funds, goods, or services from Pokagon Tribe
• Requirement for Veterans Services Director to provide quarterly donation reports to the Personnel & Human Services Committee

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review a requisition for Annette Christie. The meeting includes scheduled discussions regarding a Mobile CAD update and a Parks update.

• Requisition review for Annette Christie
• Mobile CAD update discussion with Chris Swihart and Caitlin Sampsell
• Parks update discussion with Jill Adams

Commissioners approved the Committee of Whole minutes from December 4, 2025 with a motion that carried and no nays. No public comments were received. The board heard a presentation recommending a sole‑source waiver for a Tyler Technologies CAD contract, but no vote was taken. A parks update highlighted recent projects and donations.

• Approved December 4, 2025 Committee of Whole minutes (motion carried, no nays)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider a consent calendar of routine resolutions including service contracts and grant acceptances. The meeting also includes a budget appropriation and transfer request.

• Resolution F2512403: Approve budget appropriation and transfer
• Resolution A2512388 and A2512389: Speed study requests for Scottdale Road and Marquette Woods Rd.
• Resolution P2512387: 2026 Survey & Remonumentation Grant
• Resolution A2512384, A2512385, and A2512386: Contracts for Multi-Systemic Therapy, Family Functional Therapy, and Outpatient Psychiatric Services
• Resolution P2512398: Accept donation from Pokagon Fund for Veteran support events

The Board approved the consent calendar, adopting a list of routine resolutions. It approved Resolution F2512403, authorizing a $500,000 transfer to the Health Care Insurance Fund to support a $150 copayment rider for GLP‑1 medications. Commissioners also appointed Natalie Baggio to the Kinexus Board. All motions carried with no nays.

• Approved consent calendar with multiple routine resolutions (motion carried, no nays)
• Approved Resolution F2512403 budget appropriations and $500,000 transfer to Health Care Insurance Fund (motion carried, no nays)
• Appointed Natalie Baggio to the Kinexus Board (motion carried, no nays)
• Approved minutes of the December 4, 2025 meeting (motion carried, no nays)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will consider several items, including board appointments, a bid explanation, and specific waivers. It will vote on Resolution F2512400 and approve meeting minutes, bid reviews, and the waivers.

• Board appointments (Annette Christie)
• Explanation of Bid 2025-085 by Don Trail
• Waiver for CommsCoach / GovWorx (Caitlin Sampsell)
• Waiver for CAD / Tyler Technologies (Caitlin Sampsell)
• Resolution F2512400 (Dan Fette)

The committee approved the appointment of six board members, authorized four waivers for technology contracts, and moved forward with the lowest bidder for a community development project. It also approved three resolutions to extend tax fund repayment terms, fund health‑care insurance, and cover weekly bills. The minutes of the meeting were adopted by a motion.

• Approved board appointments for Robert Cultice, Kathy Weykamp, Dale Kreitner, Hanna Lei‑Sam, Cindy Gray, and Maureen Adams (unanimous)
• Approved Waiver #2025-12-11-01 for Tyler Technologies (CAD licenses) – $0 budgeted, $272,169 amount
• Approved Waiver #2025-12-11-02 for Motorola Solutions (radio upgrades) – $100,000 budgeted, $101,623 amount
• Approved Waiver #2025-12-11-03 for Stalker Radar/Applied Concepts (radar units) – $6,000 budgeted, $5,995 amount
• Approved Waiver #2025-12-11-04 for GovWorx Inc. (AI call platform) – $55,000 budgeted, $28,000 amount
• Approved motion to refer bid #2025-081 to the department and proceed with the lowest qualified bidder (unanimous)
• Approved resolutions F2512400, F2512403, and F2512057 to move to the full board (unanimous)
• Approved the meeting minutes (motion carried)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a professional services agreement with the Berrien Mental Health Authority (Riverwood Center) to provide outpatient psychiatric care for youth at the Berrien County Juvenile Center. The agreement sets hourly rates of $442.50 for a licensed psychiatrist and $177.00 for a licensed prescriber, and would run from October 1 2025 through September 30 2026. Corporate Counsel has reviewed and approved the contract.

• Professional services agreement with Riverwood Center for outpatient psychiatric services
• Hourly rate: $442.50 for a licensed psychiatrist
• Hourly rate: $177.00 for a licensed prescriber (non‑psychiatrist)
• Contract period: October 1 2025 – September 30 2026
• Previous agreement expired September 30 2025; Corporate Counsel approved new agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will authorize the County Road Department, in coordination with the Michigan State Police, to conduct a speed limit study on Scottdale Road between Marquette Woods Road and M-139. The study will collect engineering data to determine whether the speed limit should be raised, lowered, or remain unchanged. The Road Department will provide the study results to the Board for future consideration of any speed limit changes.

• Authorize speed limit study on Scottdale Road from Marquette Woods Road to M-139
• Road Department to deliver study results to Board for consideration of speed limit changes

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing the Road Department to enter a three‑year agreement with Velocity EHS. The contract provides an electronic library of Safety Data Sheets and round‑the‑clock emergency response services. The agreement is intended to keep the department in compliance with Michigan Compiled Laws §408.1014a. Corporate Counsel has reviewed and approved the vendor's terms.

• Three‑year agreement with Velocity EHS for electronic Safety Data Sheet library
• Provides 24/7 emergency response for hazardous material incidents
• Ensures compliance with MCL §408.1014a hazardous chemical reporting
• Corporate Counsel review and approval of contract terms

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will review the minutes from its November 20, 2025 meeting. It will consider two resolutions: a Sheriff’s Funds Distribution Request and a Property Use Request. The committee will also receive updates from the Sheriff’s Office and the Road Department before opening a public comment period.

• Review and approve minutes of November 20, 2025 meeting
• Consider Sheriff’s Funds Distribution Request resolution
• Consider Property Use Request resolution
• Sheriff’s Office update
• Road Department update

The Administration Committee approved agreements with the Berrien Mental Health Authority for Multi‑Systemic Therapy, Functional Family Therapy, and outpatient psychiatric services for youth. It also authorized MDOT speed studies on Scottdale Road and Marquette Woods Road, and approved a $7,025.75 funding request for the Sheriff’s Department motorcycle fuel and Shop with a Cop 2025 program. The minutes of the November 20, 2025 meeting were approved.

• Approved Agreement with BMHA for Multi‑Systemic Therapy program (A2512384)
• Approved Agreement with BMHA for Functional Family Therapy program (A2512385)
• Approved Agreement with BMHA for outpatient psychiatric services for youth (A2512386)
• Authorized MDOT speed study on Scottdale Road from Marquette Woods Road to M‑139 (A2512388)
• Authorized MDOT speed study on Marquette Woods Road from Scottdale Road to Hollywood Road (A2512389)
• Approved $7,025.75 Sheriff’s Department funding for motorcycle fuel and Shop with a Cop 2025
• Approved minutes of the November 20, 2025 meeting (motion carried)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to approve an agreement with the Cassopolis Family Clinic Network (operating as The Lakeland Immediate Care Center). The agreement would allow the clinic to provide medical assessments and evaluations for participants in the county's Drug Treatment, Sobriety, and Mental Health Courts using grant funding. The Board would authorize the Chairperson or designee to execute the agreement on behalf of the county.

• Approve agreement with Cassopolis Family Clinic Network for mental health assessments for specialty courts

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will consider and vote on several items, including approving the November 20, 2025 meeting minutes, approving a purchase of pension service credits for Military David Albers, and approving the sheriff’s non‑union personnel schedule. The committee will also review the 2026 PHSC schedule and staff evaluations, and consider any resolutions presented. Public comment will be allowed after the agenda items, limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Approval of Minutes – November 20, 2025
• Approval of Pension Service Credits Purchase – Military David Albers
• Approval of Sheriff Non-Union Personnel Schedule
• Review 2026 PHSC Schedule
• Review Evaluations

The Personnel & Human Services Committee signed four resolutions: one to accept an amendment to the FY2025-2026 Comprehensive Agreement authorizing the BCHD Health Officer to execute it electronically, one to accept an LCSA funding award of $158,522, one to authorize a 2026 survey and remonumentation grant, and one to accept donations from the Pokagon tribe for veterans. Motions on a pension buy‑in and a sheriff non‑union schedule adjustment were presented but no vote outcome was recorded. The committee also discussed a public defender resolution and the evaluation process for the County Administrator and Corporate Counsel.

• Approved resolution P2512383 to accept amendment to Comprehensive Agreement FY2025-2026 authorizing BCHD Health Officer electronic execution
• Approved resolution P2512392 accepting LCSA funding award of $158,522
• Approved resolution P2512387 authorizing implementation of 2026 survey and remonumentation grant agreement
• Approved resolution P2512398 accepting donations from the Pokagon tribe of Potawatomi Indians for Berrien County veterans

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force will receive an update from MEC on county broadband construction efforts. DCS Technology Design will present a summary of BEAD applications or awards and provide fiber construction cost estimates for Danneffel Road in Bainbridge Township. The group will also hear a status update on the Grahm Woodhouse award and note the date for the next meeting.

• Update from MEC on broadband construction efforts within Berrien County
• Summary of BEAD applications and/or awards from DCS Technology Design
• Fiber construction estimates for Danneffel Road in Bainbridge Township
• Status update on the Grahm Woodhouse award
• Scheduling of next BCBIT meeting on January 8, 2026

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force received updates from Midwest Energy & Communications and DCS Technology Design on construction progress and BEAD funding. The group noted the award of the Graham Woodhouse Award and announced the next meeting for January 8, 2026. No motions were adopted, approved, denied, or tabled during the session.

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to accept a $60,000 grant from the Michigan Drug Court Grant Program for the FY 2026 Sobriety Court. The grant includes an in‑kind matching contribution of $177,402 for staffing costs. The resolution would authorize the chairperson or a designee to execute the award agreement via DocuSign. The Sobriety Court is intended to address Operating While Intoxicated offenses and related substance‑use issues.

• Acceptance of $60,000 FY 2026 Michigan Drug Court Grant for the Sobriety Court
• In‑kind matching cost of $177,402 for staffing provided by the county
• Authorization for the chairperson or designee to sign the award agreement via DocuSign
• Grant period effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to accept two grant awards from Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health for the FY 2026 trial court probation and treatment courts. One award of $62,563.80 (with an equal in‑kind match) funds the Intake Assessment Coordinator position. The second award of $90,000 funds treatment services, drug and alcohol testing, assessments, and electronic monitoring for participants in the Drug Treatment Court, Mental Health Court, and Sobriety Court. The resolution also authorizes the chairperson or a designee to sign the award agreement electronically.

• Accept $62,563.80 award with $62,563.81 in‑kind match for the Intake Assessment Coordinator position
• Accept $90,000 award for treatment services, drug/alcohol testing, assessments, and electronic monitoring
• Funding supports the Berrien County Drug Treatment Court, Mental Health Court, and Sobriety Court
• Grant period runs from October 1 2025 through September 30 2026
• Authorize the chairperson or designee to execute the award agreement via DocuSign

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee is seeking approval for an auditing report and road department vouchers. The meeting focuses on the authorization of various accounts payable check runs and vendor payments.

• Auditing Report for Nov 20 – Dec 3, 2025 in the amount of $3,956,933.96
• Road Department Accounts Payable Vouchers #2548 in the amount of $546,276.70
• Check run 251204GB in the amount of $1,316,154.50
• Check run 251125GB in the amount of $1,667,744.71
• Road Department Voucher #2549 payments totaling $320,733.28

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to sell the Schwark Drain Drainage District property at 6974 W. US-12 in Three Oaks. The proposed sale is to Green Development Ventures, LLC for $305,000, with a $5,000 earnest money deposit and a ten‑day closing period after a six‑month investigation. Proceeds are intended to reimburse the county for its prior $551,000 debt and other investments related to the property. The Finance Committee recommends authorizing the chairman to execute the Land Purchase Agreement.

• Sale of 36‑acre Schwark Drain property at 6974 W. US‑12, Three Oaks for $305,000
• Execution of Land Purchase Agreement with Green Development Ventures, LLC
• $5,000 earnest money deposit and six‑month investigation period before closing
• Reimbursement of county’s prior $551,000 debt and related investments from sale proceeds
• Authorization for Chairman or designee to sign all necessary documents

Resolutions

The Finance Committee recommends the Board of Commissioners authorize contracts for processing property tax notices and rolls from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027. The resolution allows the Chairman and Clerk to sign the agreements subject to Corporate Counsel's review.

• Authorize contracts for property tax processing (Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2027)
• Resolution 2025-12-04
• Service fees based on BS&A rate and increase per year (2026 & 2027)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to add a full‑time Paralegal position in the South County Public Defender’s Office. The position, Grade 9 and non‑union, would be funded from existing funds in the 2026 MIDC Grant, although it was not originally budgeted. The Board may also note that any such added position would be removed if grant funding becomes insufficient.

• Add full‑time Paralegal (South County) – Grade 9, non‑union
• Funding to come from existing 2026 MIDC Grant funds (not previously budgeted)
• Position to be eliminated if grant funds become insufficient

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends updating attorney classifications and raising minimum starting salaries for Assistant Public Defenders. The proposal combines existing attorney categories to remain competitive with surrounding communities. These changes are intended to be covered by an approved 2026 MIDC Grant.

• Combine Attorney I and II into 'Assistant Public Defender' (Grade 13)
• Rename Assistant Public Defender III to 'Senior Assistant Public Defender' (Grade 14)
• Delete Assistant Public Defender I (Grade 11) and II (Grade 12) positions

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote to approve requisitions exceeding $10,000, totaling $257,628.68, and related purchase‑order change orders of $23,498.00. Items include a $142,370.86 contract for Intrado Life & Safety PSAP system cutover, HP Data Center hardware renewal for $28,047.01, GIS services for $13,892.42, and several drain and grounds contracts. Commissioners may abstain from voting on individual items as noted on the approval report.

• Intrado Life & Safety cutover and Niles PSAP systems – $142,370.86
• HP Data Center hardware renewal – $28,047.01
• Oldenburg & Sons drain replacement – $29,164.00
• Crown Equipment forklift purchase – $21,654.39
• Kachur Tree Service blanket snow removal increase – $2,000.00

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to authorize a new three‑year lease for the County Public Defender’s Office. The lease with Fiskars Properties, Inc. would continue use of the current office space at a cost of $213,800.80 for the 2026‑27 fiscal year, as funded by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission grant. The resolution would permit the Chairman and Clerk to execute the lease agreement.

• Renewal of lease with Fiskars Properties, Inc. for Public Defender office
• Lease amount set at $213,800.80 for fiscal year 2026‑27
• Three‑year lease term beginning February 1, 2026
• Funding authorized through the 2026 MIDC grant
• Chairman and Clerk authorized to sign the lease agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is set to authorize the Sheriff's Office to apply for the NRA Eddie Eagle Costume Character Grant Program. If awarded, the grant will fund program materials and equipment without requiring a cash match.

• Authorization to apply for NRA Eddie Eagle Costume Character Grant
• Grant does not require a cash match
• Funding for approved program-related materials and equipment
• Support for countywide prevention efforts with local partners

Resolutions

The County Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends that the Board of Commissioners adopt a resolution approving a service agreement with the Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT). The agreement costs $25,000 and will support the Berrien County Health Department’s Healthy Berrien Consortium Community Health Improvement Plan. The Board would authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement and related documents.

• Service agreement with Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT) for $25,000
• Agreement provides consortium governance development, workgroup facilitation, measurement planning, communication templates, and project onboarding
• Expenses are to be covered by existing BCHD grant and operational budgets

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will approve the minutes from the November 20 meeting and adopt a consent calendar containing routine resolutions for bills, requisitions, leases, tax agreements, contracts, and grant acceptances. An added resolution will address a buy/sell agreement for the Three Oaks Schwark Drain property. Committee reports on finance, personnel, and administration will be presented, followed by commissioner and administrator reports, public comments, and other business.

• Approve minutes of the November 20, 2025 Board meeting
• Adopt consent calendar resolutions including bills, requisitions, leases, tax agreements, contracts, and multiple grant acceptances
• Consider Resolution F2512339: Buy/Sell Agreement for the Three Oaks Schwark Drain property
• Receive finance, personnel, and administration committee reports
• Public comments limited to two minutes per speaker referencing agenda resolutions

The Board approved the minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting. It adopted the consent calendar, approving a series of routine resolutions including grant acceptances and contracts. Commissioners postponed consideration of the public defenders office complement change to allow further research. The Euclid Park groundbreaking event was cancelled and will be rescheduled for spring 2026.

• Approved November 20, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried, no nays)
• Adopted consent calendar with 18 resolutions (9 yeas, no nays)
• Removed resolution P2512364 and added resolution F2512339 to agenda (9 yeas, no nays)
• Postponed consideration of Resolution P2512364 Complement Change – Public Defenders Office (9 yeas, no nays)
• Cancelled Euclid Park Groundbreaking event; reschedule planned for spring 2026

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will approve the November 20, 2025 meeting minutes, review a requisition presented by Annette Christie, hear brief public comments, and hold a closed session to consult counsel on pending litigation strategy and confidential matters.

• Approve minutes from November 20, 2025
• Requisition review – Annette Christie
• Public comments (max 2 minutes per speaker)
• Closed session – litigation update per MCL 15.268

Commissioners approved the Committee of the Whole minutes from the November 20, 2025 open session. A motion to recess the public meeting and enter closed session was carried with eight yeas and no nays. The board then approved the closed‑session minutes from November 20, 2025 and September 18, 2025, also unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:22 a.m.

• Approved November 20, 2025 open‑session minutes (no nays)
• Recessed public meeting and entered closed session (8 yeas, no nays)
• Approved November 20, 2025 closed‑session minutes (no nays)
• Approved September 18, 2025 closed‑session minutes (no nays)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:22 a.m. (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The committee will consider and vote on several routine items. These include approving the November 20, 2025 meeting minutes, reviewing and approving bid openings, adopting resolutions, and approving waivers. Public comments are permitted after the business items.

• Approval of November 20, 2025 minutes
• Bid opening review and approvals
• Resolution approvals
• Waiver approvals

The committee approved the minutes from the November 20 meeting. It referred the Building & Grounds and Road bids back to the respective departments, authorizing the lowest qualified bidder and allowing contracts up to $10,000. Waivers for US Imaging document scanning and for Dalton's guardrail vegetation and Japanese knotweed control were approved. A resolution to list the agent and execute the land purchase agreement for Schwark Drain was signed to move to the full board.

• Approved November 20, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Referred Building & Grounds bid 2025-085 back to department for review (motion carried)
• Referred Road bid 2025-086 to department, authorizing award to lowest qualified bidder and contract modifications up to $10,000 (motion carried)
• Approved waiver for US Imaging to scan dossier files off‑site (all members agreed)
• Approved waiver for Dalton's Inc. guardrail vegetation control ($21,975) (Chairperson signed)
• Approved waiver for Dalton's Inc. Japanese knotweed control ($56,507) (Chairperson signed)
• Approved waiver for Pearson Construction to repair park guy wires ($17,730) (Chairperson signed)
• Signed resolution F2512339 to list agent and execute land purchase agreement for Schwark Drain ($305,000) to move to full board

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is set to accept a $157,600 grant from the Michigan Department of Corrections for the fiscal year 2026 Community Corrections program. The funding will cover the Pretrial Supervision Program ($110,000), Victory Counseling ($15,000), Substance Abuse Testing ($10,000), and other administrative costs.

• Accept $157,600 grant for Community Corrections program
• Authorize Chairperson to sign contract with Michigan Dept. of Corrections
• Grant covers Pretrial Supervision Program ($110,000)
• Grant covers Victory Counseling ($15,000)
• Grant covers Substance Abuse Testing ($10,000)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to accept a $39,697 award for the FY 2026 Michigan Drug Court Grant Program. The resolution also authorizes the Chairperson or designee to sign the award agreement. The grant includes an in‑kind matching cost of $156,180.80 for staffing and covers the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

• Accept $39,697 grant for the FY 2026 Drug Treatment Court program
• In‑kind matching cost of $156,180.80 for staffing
• Grant period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026
• Program has operated for fifteen years
• Additional funding from the Office of Community Corrections and Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a grant from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office. The funds are intended to continue the Berrien County Mental Health Court Program through September 30, 2026.

• Acceptance of FY 2026 Michigan Mental Health Court Grant for $128,578
• In-kind matching cost of $86,745 for staffing

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a grant from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office. The funds are designated for the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program for the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.

• Acceptance of $67,572 grant for the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program

Health Department - Sewage Appeal Board

The Berrien County On-Site Sewage Appeal Board will hear two appeals regarding sewage systems. The board will review presentations, hold discussions, and make decisions on each case.

• Appeal #1: Nathaniel Packwood, 5891 Wilson St., Hagar Twp.
• Appeal #2: Benjamin Neuberg, 14540 Three Oaks Rd., Chikaming Twp.

The board approved the meeting agenda and the September 3, 2025 minutes. Appeal #1 for 5891 Wilson St. was tabled at the request of the applicant. Appeal #2 for 14540 Three Oaks Rd. was approved, authorizing a sewage system with specified tanks, a garbage grinder, and contingent on required inspections and a pre‑construction meeting.

• Agenda approved (motion passed)
• September 3, 2025 minutes approved (motion passed)
• Appeal #1 (5891 Wilson St.) tabled (motion passed)
• Appeal #2 (14540 Three Oaks Rd.) approved sewage system with 2,000‑gal septic tank, 1,500‑gal septic tank with effluent filter, 500‑gal dosing tank and garbage grinder (motion passed)

Health Department - Board of Health

The Berrien County Board of Health will approve the November 5, 2025 meeting minutes, adopt new petty‑cash and dress‑code policies, and vote on several resolutions including executing a contract with CHRT, amending the FY2025‑26 comprehensive agreement, and accepting LCSA funding. The meeting also includes financial and administrative reports, a program spotlight on public‑health prevention services, and a liaison update from the County Board of Commissioners.

• Approve BOH minutes – November 5, 2025
• Adopt new BCHD policies: petty cash and dress code
• Resolution P 2512372 – Execute contract with CHRT
• Resolution P2512383 – Comprehensive Agreement FY2025‑26 Amendment I
• Resolution P2512 392 – Accept LCSA funding

The Board of Health approved the meeting minutes, vouchers, new petty‑cash and dress‑code policies, and the 2026 meeting schedule. It also approved three resolutions: executing a contract with CHRT, amending the FY2025‑26 comprehensive agreement, and accepting LCSA funding. All motions were carried.

• Approved December 3, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved vouchers for payment (motion carried)
• Approved new petty‑cash and dress‑code policies (motion carried)
• Approved 2026 Board of Health meeting schedule (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution P2512372 to execute contract with CHRT (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution P2512383 Comprehensive Agreement FY2025‑26 Amendment I (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution P2512392 to accept LCSA funding (motion carried)
• Welcomed Ned Kulka as new Business Manager (effective 12/5/25)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote to accept a $90,908 award from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services under the Comprehensive Agreement for 2026. The funds are earmarked for the county health department's Harm Reduction Support Project, which includes syringe services, naloxone distribution, fentanyl testing, wound care, and disease testing. The resolution also authorizes the chairman or designee to sign any required documents to implement the award.

• Accept $90,908 award from MDHHS under the Comprehensive Agreement for 2026 (CO-2026)
• Funding to expand the Berrien County Health Department Harm Reduction Program (syringe services, naloxone, fentanyl testing, wound care, disease testing)
• Collaboration with Corewell Health’s Substance Use Disorder program and other local healthcare and recovery partners

Resolutions

The Berrien County Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends that the Board of Commissioners approve the October per diem payments totaling $7,217.90. The recommendation includes $4,805.00 for meeting day per diems, $440.00 for half‑commission days, and $75.00 for SW Planning Committee days. Mileage reimbursement of $3,447.00 and miscellaneous expenses of $2,412.90 are also part of the total. Payments are slated for the November 21, 2025 payroll.

• Approve total October per diems of $7,217.90
• Meeting‑day per diems: $4,805.00 for 78 days
• Half‑commission day per diems: $440.00 for 16 days
• SW Planning Committee per diems: $75.00 for 3 days
• Mileage reimbursement: $3,447.00; miscellaneous: $2,412.90

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to adopt the updated apportionment report that reflects the November 4, 2025 millage vote. The report summarizes the millage requests from the various taxing jurisdictions and the county. The resolution also authorizes the County Equalization Director to certify the required forms and submit them to state agencies.

• Adopt the updated apportionment report summarizing 2025 millage requests
• Approve the summary of millage requests from all taxing jurisdictions
• Authorize the County Equalization Director to certify and submit required forms

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole will convene to approve minutes from November 13, 2025, and review a requisition from Annette Christie. The meeting includes a closed session to discuss exempt material with Corporate Counsel Thaddeus Hackworth and/or Peggy Kozal of Dickinson Wright. No meetings are scheduled for Thanksgiving week.

• Approval of minutes from November 13, 2025
• Requisition Review – Annette Christie
• Closed Session with Corporate Counsel Thaddeus Hackworth and/or Peggy Kozal (Dickinson Wright)
• No meetings scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025

Commissioners approved the November 13 minutes with a motion carried unanimously. A motion to recess the public meeting and go into Closed Session was also carried unanimously. The meeting reconvened in open session and was adjourned at 9:54 a.m.

• Approved November 13 minutes (11 yeas, 0 nays)
• Recessed to Closed Session (11 yeas, 0 nays)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:54 a.m.

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will consider the November 13 minutes for approval. It will review complement change requests with Scott Sanford, pending approval by the Administration Committee. The committee will also consider any resolutions and receive a Parks Department update.

• Approval of Minutes – November 13, 2025
• Review Complement Change Requests with Scott Sanford (contingent on Admin Committee approval)
• Approval of Resolutions
• Parks Department Update
• Public Comment (max two minutes per speaker)

The committee approved the November 13, 2025 minutes with a 2‑yea, 0‑nay vote. Commissioners signed resolution P2512372 to approve a service agreement with the Center for Health and Research Transformation. They also approved appointing Marla Schneider to the Kinexus board by a 2‑yea, 0‑nay vote. No other decisions were recorded.

• Approved November 13, 2025 minutes (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Signed resolution P2512372 approving service agreement with Center for Health and Research Transformation
• Approved appointment of Marla Schneider to Kinexus board (2 yeas, 0 nays)

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing and approving expenditures for county departments. This includes a mix of new requisitions and adjustments to existing purchase orders.

• Land preservation easement purchase at Allyn Community Cooper Eidson & Rockey Weed Rd. for $250,000.00
• Minivan with ramp for Community Development Transportation Services from Hoekstra Transportation, Inc. for $71,230.78
• Tether services from House Arrest Services, Inc. for $35,000.00
• Hydraulic evaluation for Madron Lake Road west of Fedore Road from Wightman for $23,000.00
• Change orders for Indiana Michigan Power Co. totaling $16,023.00 across two accounts

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to provide financial contributions for a Mobile Computer Aided Dispatch (Mobile CAD) program. The program provides real-time dispatch, mapping, and resource data to local law enforcement and fire agencies.

• Maximum financial commitment of $234,000 funded by general fund contingency and 911 service millage funds
• Funding for up to 18 police agencies (up to $8,000 each)
• Funding for up to 30 fire and public safety agencies (up to $3,000 each)
• Proposed participation deadline of May 31, 2026

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider the Finance Committee’s recommendation to approve the Auditing Report covering November 13‑19, 2025 for a total of $1,677,372.15. The Board will also review the Road Department’s 2025 Accounts Payable Voucher #2547 for $177,674.68. Additional check‑run reports for amounts ranging from $22,500 to $1,264,560.76 are presented for approval.

• Auditing Report (Nov 13‑19, 2025) – $1,677,372.15
• Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #2547 – $177,674.68
• Check Run 251120GB – $1,264,560.76
• Check Run 251120BF – $22,500.00
• Check Run 251120GE – $369,003.00

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board will approve the minutes from the November 13 meeting and hold a public hearing on the FY26 budget review. It will consider routine consent‑calendar resolutions covering per diems, road payables, purchase order changes, a RAP sub‑grant amendment, and a Harm Reduction grant application. Added resolutions include FY26 budget approval, an amendment to the Mobile CAD program, and an amendment to the apportionment report to reflect recent millage approvals. The board will also make a personnel appointment recommended by the Personnel & Human Services Committee.

• Public hearing on FY26 Budget Review
• Consent calendar routine resolutions (monthly per diems, weekly bills, purchase order changes, RAP sub‑grant amendment, Harm Reduction grant application)
• Resolution F2511367 – FY26 Budget Approval
• Resolution A2511374 – Amendment to Mobile CAD program for additional agencies and timeframe
• Resolution F2511382 – Amend Apportionment Report to include millages passed in November election

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the FY2026 budget (Resolution #F2511367) with no dissent. They also approved the consent calendar, including an amendment to the Mobile CAD program, and appointed Marla Schneider to the Workforce Development Board. A motion to close county facilities at noon on Dec. 24, 2025 was rejected.

• Approved FY2026 budget (Resolution #F2511367) – 11 yeas, no nays
• Approved consent calendar with added Resolution A2511374 – 11 yeas, no nays
• Appointed Marla Schneider to Workforce Development Board (term ends 12/31/2027) – 11 yeas, no nays
• Rejected motion to close county facilities at noon on Dec. 24, 2025 – 4 yeas, 6 nays
• Approved minutes of Nov. 13, 2025 meeting – motion carried, no nays
• Recessed regular meeting and opened FY2026 budget public hearing – 11 yeas, no nays
• Concluded public hearing and returned to regular session – 11 yeas, no nays

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review bid openings and approve resolutions and waivers. The agenda includes a discussion regarding a contract with Information System Director Chris Swihart.

• Contract discussion with Information System Director Chris Swihart
• Bid 2025-078 Motorpool Memo approval
• Bid Opening Review and Approvals
• Resolution Approvals
• Waiver Approvals

The committee approved the minutes from the November 13 meeting. It voted to move forward with American Hoist as the motorpool bidder after the lowest bid was deemed non‑compliant. The committee also referred two community‑development CDBG bids to the respective departments, directing them to use the lowest qualified bidder. Waivers were signed to allow equipment purchases for the Sheriff ($26,000) and Health ($90,635) departments.

• Approved November 13 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved moving forward with American Hoist for motorpool bid 2025‑078 (motion carried)
• Referred Community Development CDBG bid 2025‑083 to department, approve lowest qualified bidder (motion carried)
• Referred Community Development CDBG bid 2025‑084 to department, approve lowest qualified bidder (motion carried)
• Approved waiver for Securitas equipment/labor for camera installs ($26,000) for Sheriff (waiver signed)
• Approved waiver for Vista Technologies hardware upgrade ($90,635) for Health (waiver signed)
• Signed resolutions F2511055, F2511367, F2512371, and F2511382 to move to full board

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will receive updates from Building & Grounds and the Public Defender. The committee will also consider a funds distribution request for the Sheriff.

• Sheriff’s Funds Distribution Request
• Building & Grounds update
• Public Defender’s update
• Minutes of November 13, 2025

The Administration Committee authorized a three‑year lease with Fiskars for the Public Defender’s office. It also approved $17,072.72 for Sheriff’s Department equipment and accepted several FY26 grant awards. Additional resolutions approved a Mobile CAD commitment and a medical‑assessment agreement with the Cassopolis Family Clinic Network.

• Authorized 3‑year lease agreement with Fiskars for Public Defender’s office (Resolution A2512363)
• Approved $17,072.72 Sheriff’s Funds for motorcycle trailer, parts, fuel and suit
• Accepted FY26 Drug Treatment Court grant (Resolution A2512376)
• Accepted FY26 Michigan Mental Health Court grant (Resolution A2512377)
• Accepted FY26 Michigan Swift & Sure probation grant (Resolution A2512378)
• Accepted FY26 Sobriety Court grant (Resolution A2512379)
• Accepted FY26 funding from SWMBH for probation and treatment court grants (Resolution A2512380)
• Approved agreement for medical assessments with Cassopolis Family Clinic Network (Resolution S2512381)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to amend the sub‑grant agreement with Cornerstone Alliance. The amendment reflects changes to the project scope approved by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization & Placemaking Program for the $2,600,000 grant covering downtown Niles and Benton Harbor redevelopment. Corporate Counsel has reviewed and approved the amendment. The resolution would authorize the Board Chairperson or designee to execute the amendment.

• Amend sub‑grant agreement with Cornerstone Alliance (Resolution #F2307253)
• Reflect revised project scope approved by MEDC under the $2,600,000 RAP grant (Resolution #F2302144)
• Authorize the Board Chairperson or designee to execute the amendment

Resolutions

The Finance Committee recommends the adoption of the 2026 General Appropriations Act. The proposal includes a total budget of $248,855,897 and sets specific millage rates for county operations and services.

• Proposed County General Operating Millage rate of 4.7680
• Proposed Berrien County Parks Millage rate of 0.1000
• Proposed 911 Emergency System Millage rate of 0.4495
• Proposed County Law Enforcement and Public Safety Millage rate of 0.3496
• Proposed Senior Centers Millage rate of 0.2997

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to update Policy ADM-3020, "Work Schedule and Reporting to Work." The update establishes a formal procedure for adjusting a non-union employee's regular working hours from 37.5 to 40 hours per week.

• Update to Policy ADM-3020 regarding work schedules and reporting to work

Resolutions

The Berrien County Personnel and Human Vices Committee recommends that the Board adopt a resolution authorizing a 27th payroll period in calendar year 2026. The resolution would allow all county employees and non‑judicial elected officials to receive an additional paycheck at their regular rate, effectively raising wages for that year. The Board will vote on whether to approve this payroll change.

• Authorize a 27th pay period for 2026 for all county employees
• Apply the extra pay at scheduled rates per pay period
• Exclude judicial appointed/elected officials from the additional pay
• Maintain budget authority for the additional payroll expense
• Last similar payroll adjustment occurred in 2015

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends that the Berrien County Board of Commissioners approve the Berrien County Health Department fee schedule for 2026. The resolution seeks board approval of the schedule, which will become effective on January 1, 2026. The fee schedule updates charges for a range of health services, including public‑information requests, immunizations, lab tests and contraceptive supplies.

• Adoption of the 2026 BCHD fee schedule
• Freedom of Information Act request fee set at $25.00
• Immunization administration fee set at $10.00 per dose
• Hemoglobin (QW) lab test fee set at $10.00
• Birth control pills fee set at $20.00

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution recommended by the County Personnel and Human Services Committee to accept a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The grant provides $30,000 for disposal and related costs for the FY 2025‑2026 Clean Sweep Pesticide Collection Program. The resolution authorizes the chairperson or a designee to sign the grant agreement.

• Accept $30,000 grant from MDARD for FY 2025‑2026 Clean Sweep Pesticide Collection Program

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will approve the minutes from the October 23, 2025 meeting. It will consider three advanced step hires for the Public Health Promotion & Prevention Specialist, Attorney Magistrate, and Health Department Business Manager positions. The committee will also review a 911 social media policy item, a temporary closure request from the Historical Association, and approve pending resolutions. A health department update will be presented, followed by a public comment period.

• Advanced Step Hire – Public Health Promotion & Prevention Specialist position
• Advanced Step Hire – Attorney Magistrate position
• Advanced Step Hire – Health Department Business Manager position
• 911 Social Media Review – Caitlin Sampsell
• Review Temporary Closure Request from the Historical Association

The Personnel & Human Services Committee approved the October 23 minutes (3 yeas, 0 nays) and approved advanced step hires for three positions, each with a 3‑yea, 0‑nay vote. It also approved November pension refunds, MDHHS health‑department funding, and commissioner per diems. The committee unanimously voted not to fund vacant court positions at 50%, seeking a zero‑balance budget. Additionally, the committee supported a temporary closure request from the Historical Association.

• Approved October 23 minutes (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved advanced step hire of Hannah Darr, Public Health Promotion Supervisor (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved advanced step hire of Brett Godush, Attorney Magistrate/Research Attorney (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved advanced step hire of Edward Kulka, Business Manager (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved November pension refunds and rollovers (no vote recorded)
• Approved MDHHS funding for Berrien County Health Department (no vote recorded)
• Approved commissioner per diems (no vote recorded)
• Unanimously denied 50% funding for vacant court positions to target a zero‑balance budget (3 yeas, 0 nays)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to fund the Mobile Computer Aided Dispatch (Mobile CAD) program. The resolution authorizes up to $8,000 for each of the 18 police agencies and up to $3,000 for each of the 23 fire service agencies, with a total county commitment not to exceed $213,000. Agencies must submit a completed Memorandum of Understanding to receive the funding.

• Up to $8,000 contribution per each of the 18 police agencies
• Up to $3,000 contribution per each of the 23 fire service agencies
• Total county financial commitment limited to $213,000
• Funding requires each agency to approve and submit a completed Memorandum of Understanding
• Resolution follows earlier Resolution #A2507263 supporting Mobile CAD implementation

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing the Road Department to contract with Merle Boes as a six‑month supplier of diesel and unleaded gasoline. The contract covers approximately 95,000 gallons of diesel and 17,600 gallons of gasoline for the county fleet through May 2026. The bidder guarantees a price of $2.1229 per gallon for unleaded fuel, $2.4578 per gallon for diesel at the Benton Harbor, Baroda, Three Oaks, and Bakertown garages, and $2.6447 per gallon for diesel at the Watervliet and Eau Claire garages. Corporate Counsel has reviewed and approved the bidder’s terms and conditions.

• Contract with Merle Boes to supply diesel and unleaded fuel for six months
• Purchase volume: ~95,000 gallons diesel and 17,600 gallons gasoline
• Unleaded fuel price guaranteed at $2.1229 per gallon
• Diesel price $2.4578 per gallon for Benton Harbor, Baroda, Three Oaks, Bakertown garages
• Diesel price $2.6447 per gallon for Watervliet and Eau Claire garages

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing contracts with Filder Technologies to provide cloud‑hosted software for the County Clerk and on‑premise software for the Register of Deeds. The contracts cover hardware, software, consulting, and implementation, with a total cost not to exceed $183,985. The Finance Committee previously approved sole‑source waiver requests for $54,785 for the Clerk system and $129,200 for the Register of Deeds system at its September 25, 2025 meeting. Corporate counsel has reviewed and approved the related agreements.

• Authorize contracts with Filder Technologies for County Clerk cloud‑hosted software – up to $54,785.
• Authorize contracts with Filder Technologies for Register of Deeds land records software – up to $129,200.
• Combined contract limit not to exceed $183,985 for hardware, software, consulting, and implementation.
• Finance Committee approved sole‑source waiver requests on September 25, 2025 for the above amounts.
• Corporate counsel reviewed and approved the related agreements.

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to modify two engineering technician positions, replacing them with Traffic Engineering Technician I (Grade 8) and Traffic Engineering Technician II (Grade 9). The resolution also requires cross‑training and cross‑certification of staff within the Road Department’s Engineering Division. The Administration Committee has concurred with the proposed complement changes and supports the cross‑training recommendation.

• Replace Engineering Technician, Grade 8 with Traffic Engineering Technician I, Grade 8
• Replace Engineering Technician, Grade 9 with Traffic Engineering Technician II, Grade 9
• Authorize cross‑training and cross‑certification for Road Department engineering staff
• Allow two levels of Traffic Engineering Technician positions to fill current vacant Traffic Engineering positions
• Road Department confirms adequate funding to support the complement changes

Board of Commissioners

The Board will consider a series of routine consent‑calendar resolutions covering weekly bills, requisitions, grant acceptances, fee schedules, payroll cycles, and support for a mobile CAD system. An added resolution (A2511366) will approve a six‑month fuel supplier contract for the Road Department. Public comments are limited to agenda‑listed resolutions, and the meeting includes committee and administrator reports.

• A2511366 – Approve 6‑month fuel supplier contract for the Road Department
• P2511355 – 2026 Fee Schedule for Health Department
• P2511357 – Approve payroll cycle for 2026
• A2511361 – Support for mobile CAD system for police and fire agencies
• FP2511323 – Software purchase contract for vital records and deeds

The Board adopted its consent calendar, approving routine weekly bills, grants and other items. Commissioners also approved a six‑month fuel supplier contract for the Road Department and a resolution supporting a mobile CAD system for police and fire agencies, each by a 9‑yes vote with no nays.

• Adopted Consent Calendar items including weekly bills, road payables, grants, and policy revisions (9 yeas)
• Approved addition of Resolution A2511366 – 6‑month fuel supplier contract for Road Department (9 yeas)
• Approved Resolution A2511361 – Support for Mobile CAD System for Police and Fire Agencies (9 yeas)
• Removed Resolution A2511361 for further discussion and added Resolution A2511366 (9 yeas)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole will approve the minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting. It will review a requisition presented by Annette Christie. A health department program update will be presented by Health Officer Guy Miller. Public comments will be taken, limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Approval of minutes from November 6, 2025
• Requisition review by Annette Christie
• Health Department program update by Guy Miller
• Public comments (max 2 minutes per speaker)
• Announcement: no meeting on November 27, 2025

Commissioners approved the Committee of Whole minutes from November 6, 2025 with a motion that carried and no nays. The Health Officer presented the Berrien County Harm Reduction Program, noting it will be funded with MDHHS opioid funds and will not use county or settlement money. An administrator gave a budget update for 2026, including a $120,200 General Fund balance use and a reduction in Health Department appropriations. No public comments were received.

• Approved November 6, 2025 Committee of Whole minutes (motion carried, no nays)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will discuss the county budget with the Administrator and the Financial Services Director. The Committee will review and vote on Resolution F2511356 for a R.A.P. Grant. It will also approve the November 6, 2025 meeting minutes, review bid openings, and consider other resolutions and waivers. Public comments are permitted for up to two minutes each.

• Resolution F2511356 – R.A.P. Grant
• Budget discussion by Administrator and Financial Services Director
• Approval of November 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• Bid opening review and approvals
• Resolution and waiver approvals

The committee approved the meeting minutes and authorized the County Administrator to execute contracts up to $10,000. It referred several department bids to move forward with the lowest approved bidders and adopted resolutions to amend a RAP sub‑grant and to approve weekly road payables. Two waivers for sign replacement and hydraulic evaluation were also approved.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Authorized County Administrator to execute contracts up to $10,000 for the Road fuel contract (motion carried)
• Approved referral of Road Department bid 2025‑077 to proceed with the lowest approved bidder (motion carried)
• Approved referral of Motor Pool bid 2025‑078 to proceed with the lowest approved bidder (motion carried)
• Approved referral of Community Development bids 2025‑079, 2025‑080, 2025‑081, and 2025‑082 to proceed with the lowest approved bidders (motion carried)
• Adopted resolution F2511356 to amend the RAP sub‑grant agreement with Cornerstone Alliance (signed)
• Adopted resolution F2511054 for weekly bills and road payables 11/6‑11/12/2025 (signed)
• Approved Waiver #2025‑11‑13‑01 for Animal Services sign replacement ($3,350) and Waiver #2025‑11‑13‑02 for Road hydraulic evaluation ($23,000) (waivers signed)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will hear a 9‑1‑1 update, a Trial Court update, and a Q&A session. It will then move to Committee Business to review the minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting and consider any resolutions. The meeting will conclude with miscellaneous items and a period for public comments.

• Review and adopt minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting
• Consider pending resolutions
• 9‑1‑1 update presented by Caitlin Sampsell
• Trial Court update presented by Hon. Judge Mayfield and Carrie Smietanka‑Haney
• Public comments (max two minutes per speaker)

The Administration Committee approved the minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting. It also authorized a six‑month diesel and fuel supply contract with Merle Boes for the Road Department, documented in Resolution A2511366.

• Approved minutes of November 6, 2025 meeting (motion carried)
• Authorized 6‑month diesel fuel contract with Merle Boes (Resolution A2511366)

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing and approving a series of requisitions and purchase order change orders. These expenditures cover road maintenance, facility upgrades, and public safety services.

• Road Department fuel purchase from Merle Boes for $288,609.54
• Cold Patch Material from Ace-Saginaw Paving Co. for $212,550.00
• Air handler unit replacements at South County facility via Kalamazoo Mechanical for $134,929.00
• Red Arrow Hwy South design and rehab change order for Wightman & Associates, Inc. for $83,800.00
• Medical Examiner services from Western Michigan University for $47,688.00

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to support Michigan House Bills 5152 and 5153. These bills aim to protect homeowners from predatory firms during mortgage foreclosure proceedings by restricting the transfer of surplus proceeds and redemption rights.

• Support for House Bill 5152 regarding mandatory 'Notice of Rights' for property conveyance after foreclosure notice
• Support for House Bill 5153 to make mortgagor rights to surplus money and redemption non-assignable

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to accept any donations from the Friends of Berrien County Animal Services. The resolution also formally recognizes the group for its ongoing support. The Animal Services Director will provide a donation report at the quarterly Administration Committee update.

• Resolution to accept any and all donations from the Friends of Berrien County Animal Services
• Formal recognition of the Friends group for continuous support
• Animal Services Director to present a donation report at the quarterly Administration Committee update
• Recommendation submitted by the Berrien County Administration Committee

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to accept a Local Health Department Grant Agreement from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The grant provides $168,340 for FY2026 with no required county match. The resolution also authorizes the County Health Officer to sign the agreement and related documents.

• Accept FY2026 Local Health Department Grant Agreement ($168,340) from EGLE
• Grant covers non‑community water supplies, drinking‑water monitoring, campgrounds, public swimming pools, and septage management
• No county match required for the grant funding
• Health Officer designated as authorized official to execute the agreement

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider several added resolutions, including agreements for the Silver Beach Restroom Project and the Madeline Bertrand Pavilion Project. Routine consent‑calendar items such as the Brownfield Authority Plan and grant applications for emergency management and snowmobile enforcement will be adopted unless a commissioner requests discussion. Committee reports from Finance, Personnel, and Administration, as well as commissioner and administrator reports, will be presented. Announcements will note facility closures for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.

• Approve agreement Silver Beach Restroom Project (Resolution P2511351)
• Approve agreement Madeline Bertrand Pavilion Project (Resolution P2511352)
• Approve Brownfield Authority Plan (Resolution F2511344)
• Apply for Emergency Management Grant (Resolution A2511345)
• Apply for Snowmobile Enforcement Grant (Resolution A2511346)

The Board approved the minutes of the October 23 regular meeting and the special meetings on October 22 and 30. A consent calendar was adopted, approving four resolutions including the Silver Beach Restroom and Madeline Bertrand Pavilion agreements. The Board also approved a six‑month lease of a building for the Three Oaks County Garage due to roof issues.

• Approved October 23, 2025 regular meeting minutes (motion carried, no nays)
• Approved special Board of Commissioners meeting minutes for Oct. 22, 2025 (motion carried, no nays)
• Approved special Board of Commissioners meeting minutes for Oct. 30, 2025 (motion carried, no nays)
• Adopted consent calendar with 9 yeas, no nays
• Approved agreement for Silver Beach Restroom Project (resolution #P2511351)
• Approved agreement for Madeline Bertrand Pavilion Project (resolution #P2511352)
• Approved honorary resolution (resolution #B2511359)
• Approved six‑month lease of building for Three Oaks County Garage due to roof issue

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hold a public hearing regarding the Berrien Hills @ Rivers Edge Brownfield Plan. The body will also review a requisition for Annette Christie and approve minutes from October 23, 2025.

• Public hearing: Berrien Hills @ Rivers Edge Brownfield Plan
• Requisition review: Annette Christie

Commissioners approved the October 23 Committee of the Whole minutes. They agreed to pause the resolution that would end coverage of GLP‑1 drugs for weight loss for up to six months. The board also agreed to schedule a meeting with Blue Cross Blue Shield to review insurance options and pricing.

• Approved October 23, 2025 Committee of the Whole minutes (motion carried, no nays)
• Paused resolution to discontinue GLP‑1 medication coverage for weight‑loss up to six months (agreed)
• Agreed to schedule a meeting with Blue Cross Blue Shield to review insurance options

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will approve the October 23, 2025 meeting minutes and consider several approvals: bid openings, resolutions, and waivers. The committee will also hear a presentation from the Road Department Director on a cold‑patch bid. Public comments are allowed for up to two minutes per speaker.

• Approval of October 23, 2025 minutes
• Bid opening review and approvals
• Resolution approvals
• Waiver approvals
• Road Department bid presentation for cold‑patch material

The committee approved the meeting minutes. It voted to refer the 2025‑074 bids to the department and to proceed with the higher bidder, Ace‑Saginaw Paving. Two resolutions (weekly bills and road payables; clerk vital records and register of deeds software) were signed to go to the full board. Five waivers were approved for various vendors with total amounts ranging from $0 to $30,550.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion by Commissioner Bell, supported by Commissioner Freehling)
• Referred bids to department and approved moving forward with higher bidder Ace‑Saginaw Paving (motion by Commissioner Hinkelman, supported by Commissioner Freehling)
• Signed Resolution F2511053 to move weekly bills and road payables to full board
• Signed Resolution FP2511323 to move clerk vital records software to full board
• Signed Resolution for Register of Deeds Land Records Management software to full board
• Approved Waiver #2025-11-06-01 for Solid Circle Drain accounting software ($30,550)
• Approved Waiver #2025-11-06-02 for Logicalis network upgrade ($15,000 budgeted, $11,145 approved)
• Approved Waiver #2025-11-06-03 for Deerpath Excavating storage building lease ($12,000)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will meet to review personnel actions and receive a department update. The body is considering advanced step hires for two specific positions.

• Advanced Step Hire for Public Health Promotion & Prevention Specialist
• Advanced Step Hire for Attorney Magistrate
• Human Resources Department update

Administration Committee

The Administration Committee will hear updates from the Sheriff's Department and the Road Department. It will then review and approve the minutes from the October 16, 2025 meeting and consider any resolutions. Finally, the committee will discuss a County Property Use Request for the St. Joseph Turkey Trot event.

• Sheriff’s Department update (Sheriff Heit & Undersheriff Sanders)
• Road Department update (Mark Heyliger)
• Review and approve minutes of October 16, 2025
• County Property Use Request – St. Joseph Turkey Trot
• Public comments (max two minutes per speaker)

The Administration Committee approved the Mobile CAD program rollout (Resolution A2511361) and accepted donations from the Friends of Berrien County Animal Services (Resolution A2511353). The committee also approved the St. Joseph Turkey Trot use of the courthouse parking lot on November 27, 2025, and voted to approve the October 23, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Approved Mobile CAD program rollout with financial contributions (Resolution A2511361)
• Accepted donations from Friends of Berrien County Animal Services (Resolution A2511353)
• Approved St. Joseph Turkey Trot use of courthouse parking lot, Nov 27, 2025
• Approved minutes of the October 23, 2025 meeting (motion carried)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will approve a series of requisitions and purchase‑order change orders totaling $210,938.14. Items include equipment replacement, emergency drain repairs, health‑care services, inmate meals, and other contracted work. Approvals follow the attached Approval Report unless a commissioner records an abstention.

• Vertiv Corporation – replace UPS batteries in Data Center – $15,221.09
• B & ZCo, Inc. – emergency services for Carlisle Ridge Drain #A17 at 1660 Northfield Parkway – $15,000.00
• Rain or Drain LLC – services for Wall & Ext Drain #539 – $20,000.00
• Correct Care Solutions (Wellpath) – juvenile health‑care services increase – $12,100.00
• Canteen Services, Inc. – meals for inmates increase – $42,000.00

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to authorize the signing of a work agreement for the FY 2026 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG). This grant is used to offset a portion of the Emergency Management Coordinator’s salary and benefits. The performance period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.

• Authorization to sign the FY 2026 EMPG work agreement and related financial forms
• Projected reimbursement of approximately 9% of the Emergency Management Coordinator’s salary and benefits
• Requirement of a 50% cost match, projected to be 100% in-kind with $0 budgeted for cash match

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote to adopt a Snowmobile Enforcement Grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The grant provides up to $4,000 for the sheriff’s office, requiring a 15% county match of $600. The $600 match will be drawn from the Law Enforcement Snowmobile appropriation fund (Project 2503). The resolution also authorizes the chairman to sign the grant agreement.

• Adopt Snowmobile Enforcement Grant (up to $4,000) for the sheriff’s office
• County match of $600 funded from Law Enforcement Snowmobile appropriation fund (Project 2503)
• Grant period: October 1 2025 – April 30 2026
• Authorize chairman to sign grant agreement with Michigan DNR

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee is recommending the approval of several auditing reports and accounts payable vouchers. These items cover expenditures and check runs for the period ending November 5, 2025.

• Auditing Report for Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2025: $1,748,887.93
• Road Department Accounts Payable Vouchers #2545: $13,657.70
• Check Run 251106GB: $655,387.14
• Check Run 251106LB: $627,192.87
• Check Run 251106GE: $369,003.00

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to accept a $12,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. The grant is intended to fund replacement of the Register of Deeds’ eRecording software. The funding does not require a cash match and will cover software invoices. Acceptance would allow the Register of Deeds Office to upgrade its land records management system.

• Accept $12,000 eRecording grant from Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
• Fund new land records management software for the Register of Deeds Office
• Grant requires no cash match and reimburses eRecording expenses

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing the Parks Department to contract with Abonmarche to create an illustrative plan for the pavilion and surrounding area at Madeline Bertrand County Park. The agreement is for $9,000 and follows a competitive bid process in which Abonmarche was the lowest qualified bidder. The Finance Committee has already authorized the expenditure and corporate counsel has approved the agreement.

• Contract with Abonmarche for illustrative plan for Madeline Bertrand County Park pavilion ($9,000)
• Competitive bid #2025-075 opened on 10/22/2025; Abonmarche selected as lowest qualified bidder
• Finance Committee authorization for the Parks Department to proceed with the contract
• Corporate Counsel review and approval of the agreement

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to authorize the execution of an agreement with Abonmarche, a firm based in Benton Harbor, to develop an illustrative plan for restroom improvements at Silver Beach County Park. The agreement is for $8,130. The resolution follows a competitive bid process (Bid #2025-076) and prior approvals by the Finance Committee and Corporate Counsel.

• Authorize $8,130 contract with Abonmarche for an illustrative plan for Silver Beach County Park restroom improvements
• Bid #2025-076 opened on 10/22/2025; Abonmarche selected as lowest qualified bidder
• Finance Committee previously authorized the Parks Department to proceed with the project
• Corporate Counsel reviewed and approved the agreement

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends the adoption of Policy #ADM-2045. This policy and an accompanying form would establish procedures for reasonable accommodations within Berrien County government operations.

• Approval of Policy #ADM-2045 Reasonable Accommodations
• Approval of related Reasonable Accommodations form

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee recommends adopting the Berrien Hills at River's Edge Brownfield Plan, which is located in St. Joseph Charter Township. The resolution includes findings that the plan constitutes a public purpose and that the costs of eligible activities are reasonable.

• Approval of Berrien Hills at River's Edge Brownfield Plan
• Plan located in St. Joseph Charter Township
• Public hearing notice provided at least 10 days prior
• Findings that plan costs are reasonable and necessary
• Authority: Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act (Act 381 of 1996)

Health Department - Board of Health

The Berrien County Board of Health will consider several resolutions, including an EGLE drinking water contract for 2025‑26, a new fee schedule for 2026, and acceptance of funds for a Harm Reduction Support Project. Additional resolutions previously approved by the Board of Commissioners—such as a Corewell Health MOU for CHIP and a request to apply for the Babies Own Bed program—will also be reviewed. The meeting includes a financial report, staffing updates, and a spotlight on environmental health.

• Resolution P25 11348 – EGLE Drinking Water Contract 2025‑26
• Resolution P25 11355 – Fee Schedule 2026
• Resolution P2511360 – Harm Reduction Support Project Accept Funds
• Resolution P2510346 – Corewell Health MOU CHIP
• Resolution P2510347 – Babies Own Bed Request to Apply

The Board elected Ray Matejczyk as chair and Al Pscholka as vice‑chair. It approved the October 1, 2025 meeting minutes and authorized payment of presented vouchers. The board also approved three resolutions: the EGLE Drinking Water Contract (2025‑26), the 2026 Fee Schedule, and acceptance of funds for the Harm Reduction Support Project. Additional resolutions from the Board of Commissioners were approved, including the Corewell Health MOU CHIP and the Babies Own Bed request.

• Elected Ray Matejczyk as chair (motion carried)
• Elected Al Pscholka as vice‑chair (motion carried)
• Approved October 1, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Authorized payment of vouchers (motion carried)
• Approved EGLE Drinking Water Contract 2025‑26 (motion carried)
• Approved 2026 Fee Schedule (motion carried)
• Approved acceptance of funds for Harm Reduction Support Project (motion carried)
• Approved Corewell Health MOU CHIP resolution (motion carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will adopt several routine resolutions via a consent calendar, consider an honorary resolution, and hold a FY2026 budget review session. The consent calendar includes weekly bills, road payables, and purchase order change orders. Public comments are also scheduled before adjournment.

• Resolution F2510052 – Weekly Bills & Road Payables
• Resolution B2510063 – Weekly Requisitions & Purchase Order Change Orders
• Resolution B2510358 – Honorary Resolution
• FY2026 Budget Review Session

The commissioners approved the consent calendar unanimously. They set the FY 2026 budget public hearing for November 20, 2025 and will release the draft budget on November 13, 2025. The board voted to discontinue county employee coverage for GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs effective January 1, 2026. They also agreed to give the Court Administrator one week to review proposed court‑position eliminations before final action.

• Approved Consent Calendar (10 yeas)
• Set FY 2026 budget public hearing for 11/20/2025
• Set draft FY 2026 budget release date for 11/13/2025
• Discontinued GLP‑1 drug coverage for weight loss effective 1/1/2026
• Allowed one week for Court Administrator to review suggested court position changes

Resolutions

The board will consider a resolution to approve a vendor payment of $439,472.96 to the Berrien County Road Department. The payment is documented on voucher 2544 dated 10/30/2025. No other items are listed on the agenda.

• Approve payment of $439,472.96 to Berrien County Road Department (voucher 2544, 10/30/2025)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will adopt Resolution B2510358, which formally recognizes and honors Dr. Kenneth J. Edwards for his contributions to healthcare and the community. The resolution also expresses condolences to his family.

• Resolution B2510358 – formal recognition and condolence for Dr. Kenneth J. Edwards

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved requisitions totaling $174,688.76 and purchase‑order change orders totaling $74,973.50. Items include IT services, legal services, a Brownfield TIF payout, housing rehabilitation, and engineering work for fiber‑optic crossings. Commissioners may record abstentions on any listed requisition or purchase order. The approvals are recorded in the attached Approval Report.

• Requisition #79908 – Logicalis, Inc. – $15,629.80 for Brainstorm Platform renewal (I/S)
• Requisition #79944 – Whirlpool Corp. – $97,304.92 for Whirlpool Tech Center FY24 Brownfield TIF payout
• Requisition #79931 – David Noosbond – $33,470.00 for DCDBG Chill Housing rehab in Benton Harbor
• PO Change Order #25001247 – $50,000 increase for engineering related to fiber‑optic crossings by MEC
• PO Change Order #25002214 – $9,500 increase for additional storm‑water reviews for commercial construction

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to add two Traffic Engineering Technician positions (Grade 8 and Grade 9) to the Road Department staff. The resolution also requires the Road Department to implement a cross‑training plan for its engineering staff. The Administration Committee supports the staffing changes and the cross‑training effort. Funding for the changes is stated to be adequate.

• Add Traffic Engineering Technician I, Grade 8 position
• Add Traffic Engineering Technician II, Grade 9 position
• Require cross‑training of Road Department engineering staff
• Allow two levels of Traffic Engineering Technician positions to fill vacant roles
• Administration Committee concurs with the complement changes

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to accept a grant and local funds to support the Berrien County Public Defender’s Office. The funding is intended to meet Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) standards for the period of October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

• Acceptance of $5,440,985.43 MIDC grant award
• Allocation of $577,910.43 Local Share
• Total program expense of $6,018,895.86 for the Public Defender’s Office

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to approve a contract with The Rienks Group for Phase 1 construction of the South County Health Department renovation. The contract amount is $1,242,052.58, with Phase 2 to proceed as funds allow. The project is funded by a CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant and department general funds, with no impact on the County General Fund.

• Approve contract with The Rienks Group for Phase 1 construction, amount $1,242,052.58
• Phase 2 construction budget of $391,057, to proceed if funds are available
• Funding from CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant and health department general funds; no County General Fund impact
• Contract follows prior authorization of Eckert Wordell for design services (resolution #P2412382) and bid #2025-057
• Six bids were received; The Rienks Group submitted the lowest responsible bid

Resolutions

The County Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends that the Board of Commissioners adopt a resolution authorizing the Berrien County Health Department to apply for a $5,000 grant from the Heart of Cook Foundation. The grant would support the Baby’s Own Bed program, which provides safe‑sleep kits and infant car‑seat assistance to families in need. If awarded, the Health Officer would be authorized to accept the funds and implement the program under county policies.

• Authorization for the Health Department to apply for a $5,000 Heart of Cook Foundation grant
• Funding to sustain and expand the Baby’s Own Bed program (safe‑sleep kits, cribettes, car‑seat assistance)
• Health Officer authorized to accept grant funds and execute necessary documents upon award

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will adopt routine resolutions and vote on several added items. Commissioners will decide whether to renew the vendor contract for in‑car cameras on the sheriff fleet. The board will also consider applications for a Corewell community‑health grant and funding for the Baby’s Own Bed program, as well as other grant acceptances and a health‑department renovation.

• Approve contract renewal with vendor for in‑car cameras for the Sheriff fleet (Resolution A2510343)
• Apply for grant from Corewell for Community Health Improvement Plan (Resolution P2510346)
• Apply for grant for Baby’s Own Bed Program funding (Resolution P2510347)
• Accept grant from Animal Society for foster program (Resolution A2510340)
• Approve South County Health Department area renovations (Resolution P2510338)

The board approved the October 16 meeting minutes and postponed approval of the October 22 special meeting minutes to the next regular meeting. Commissioners adopted the consent calendar, approving several routine resolutions. They appointed Dr. Fredrick Johansen to fill the vacant Board of Health seat, with the term ending April 19, 2030. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved October 16, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed approval of October 22, 2025 special meeting minutes to next meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted Consent Calendar including resolutions F2510051, B2510099, F2510335, A2510337, P2510338, A2510340, A2510341, A2510343 (12 yeas)
• Appointed Dr. Fredrick Johansen to Board of Health, term expires April 19, 2030 (12 yeas)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will meet to discuss a Brownfield Resolution presented by the Community Development Director. The committee will also review bid openings, resolutions, and waivers.

• Brownfield Resolution presentation by Dan Fette
• Bid Opening Review and Approvals
• Resolution Approvals
• Waiver Approvals

The committee approved the October 16 meeting minutes. It referred two Parks & Recreation bids—Madeline Bertrand Pavilion and Silver Beach Restroom—to the department with authority to select the lowest responsible bidder. Three resolutions (weekly bills, annual equalization millage, and the Brownfield development) were signed to move on to the full board. The committee also approved three waivers for technology and equipment purchases.

• Approved October 16 minutes (motion carried)
• Referred Madeline Bertrand Pavilion bids to department, allowing lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)
• Referred Silver Beach Restroom bids to department, allowing lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)
• Forwarded Resolution F2510051 – Weekly Bills and Road Payables to full board
• Forwarded Resolution F2510335 – Annual Equalization Millage to full board
• Forwarded Resolution F2511344 – Brownfield – Berrien Hills at River's Edge to full board
• Approved three waivers for Vista Technologies ($31,604), Vertiv ($15,221), and Airteq ($3,930)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Administration Committee recommends the Board of Commissioners accept a $5,000 grant from the Best Friends Animal Society to support the county's foster program for excess shelter animals. No matching funds are required for the grant.

• Accept $5,000 grant from Best Friends Animal Society
• Grant funds to support foster program for excess shelter animals
• No matching funds required

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee recommends approval of the October 16–22, 2025, Auditing Report totaling $2,282,954.03 and the Road Department’s Accounts Payable Voucher #2543 totaling $366,669.10. The committee also recommends approval of three separate Accounts Payable Check Run Reports for check issuance.

• Auditing Report for Oct 16–22, 2025 ($2,282,954.03)
• Road Department AP Voucher #2543 ($366,669.10)
• Accounts Payable Check Run Report 251023GB ($1,431,689.09)
• Accounts Payable Check Run Report 251023LB ($441,913.83)
• Accounts Payable Check Run Report 251023GE ($409,351.11)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation from the County Finance Committee to approve the summary of millage requests from various taxing jurisdictions. This action fulfills requirements under MCL 211.37 and MCL 207.12 to apportion property taxes and report them to the State Tax Commission.

• Approval of millage requests by various taxing jurisdictions
• Authorization for the Berrien County Equalization Director to certify and submit reports to the Department of Treasury - State Tax Commission

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution authorizing the Health Officer to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Corewell Health. The MOU provides $25,000 to the County Health Department for implementing the 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan. The resolution notes that the funds will be managed by the Health Department, spent between October 1 and December 31, 2025, and any unspent amount returned by March 31, 2026, with no impact to the County General Fund.

• $25,000 financial support from Corewell Health to the Berrien County Health Department
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Health Department and Corewell Health
• Implementation of interventions aligned with the 2025 Community Health Improvement Plan
• Funds to be distributed between October 1 and December 31, 2025
• Unspent funds to be returned to Corewell Health by March 31, 2026

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole will meet to review a requisition from Annette Christie and discuss an Equalization Millage Report presented by Director Warren Parrish.

• Requisition review for Annette Christie
• Equalization Millage Report presentation by Director Warren Parrish

Commissioner Freehling moved and Commissioner Curran seconded to approve the Committee of the Whole minutes from October 16, 2025. The motion carried with no nays. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded; the remaining agenda items were informational updates. The meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m.

• Approved October 16, 2025 Committee of the Whole minutes (motion carried, no nays)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will approve the minutes from the October 16, 2025 meeting, consider the appointment of Annette Christie to the Board of Health, and vote on pending resolutions. The Register of Deeds Department will provide an update. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Approval of October 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Appointment of Annette Christie to the Board of Health
• Approval of resolutions (specific items not listed)
• Register of Deeds Department update

The Personnel & Human Services Committee voted 3 yeas, 0 nays to approve the meeting minutes. It approved grant P2510347 from the Heart of Cook Foundation for the Baby’s Own Bed Program, approved MOU P2510346 with Corewell Health, approved Reasonable Accommodation policy P2510336, and approved a complement change for the Road Department P2511291. A resolution related to the MDOT Main Street redesign was withdrawn from the agenda.

• Approved meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved grant P2510347 for Baby’s Own Bed Program
• Approved MOU P2510346 with Corewell Health
• Approved Reasonable Accommodation policy P2510336
• Approved complement change for Road Department P2511291
• Resolution on MDOT Main Street redesign pulled from agenda

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will meet to receive updates from Legal Aid and the Road Department. The committee will also review minutes from October 16, 2025, and discuss resolutions.

• Legal Aid update from Pam Hoekwater, Brenda Knapp, and Hannah Scruton
• Road Department update regarding Bakertown Garage from Mark Heyliger
• Review of October 16, 2025 minutes

The Administration Committee authorized acceptance of the FY26 Emergency Management Program Grant and the Snowmobile Law Enforcement Grant agreement. It approved using Amazing Gray paint for the Bakertown Garage exterior. The committee pulled resolution A2510280 and appointed a team to discuss MDOT options for the Pearl Street turn. Minutes from the October 16, 2025 meeting were approved.

• Approved acceptance of FY26 EMPG (resolution A2511345)
• Approved Snowmobile Law Enforcement Grant agreement (resolution A2511346)
• Approved Amazing Gray exterior paint for Bakertown Garage
• Pulled resolution A2510280 and formed MDOT discussion team (Curran, Heyliger, Vollrath, Stack)
• Approved minutes of the October 16, 2025 meeting (motion carried)
• Noted resolution P2511291 will be modified and reconsidered in two weeks

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing and approving a series of requisitions totaling $1,488,590.99. These expenditures cover equipment for road services, IT hardware, and facility systems.

• Peerless Midwest: $1,140,000.00 for Juvenile Ctr Well & Suppression System
• Logicalis: $244,306.61 for 2025 Exagrid Hardware Refresher
• Rehman Robson: $15,000.00 for additional audit work related to Road Financial
• Great Lakes Chloride: $22,607.00 for Boost & Tank Rental
• Daniel Grow: $16,884.00 for Conflict Case Legal Representation Services

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is adopting a resolution that provides formal feedback to the Michigan Department of Transportation on its planned reconstruction of Main Street in St. Joseph. The resolution protests the proposed elimination of the southbound left‑turn lane onto Pearl Street and raises concerns about the loss of 34 public parking spaces, continuous access for the Sheriff’s Office and Jail, and utility services during construction. It also suggests including broadband conduit in the right‑of‑way and will transmit the resolution to MDOT, the City of St. Joseph, and other stakeholders.

• Protest of eliminating the southbound turn lane from Main St onto Pearl St
• Concern over loss of thirty‑four (34) public parking spaces
• Request to maintain continuous access and utilities for the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office and Jail
• Suggestion to place broadband conduit in the Main St right‑of‑way
• Resolution to be transmitted to MDOT, the City of St. Joseph, and other agencies

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a Title IV-E Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The funding is intended to support legal representation in child protective proceedings for the FY 25/26 grant years.

• Acceptance of $110,000.00 grant from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
• Funding for training, ancillary legal services, and a Parent Partner program
• Grant period effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026

Resolutions

The County Administration Committee recommends a new five-year service agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. The contract provides in-car cameras, accessories, and data storage for the Berrien County Sheriff's Office.

• Five-year service agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. totaling $344,131.88
• Annual cost of $66,255.65
• Provision of Fleet 3 in-car cameras and data storage

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners holds a special meeting to review the Fiscal Year 2026 draft budget. County officials and department heads will present updates, including the Clerk, Treasurer, Register of Deeds, Sheriff, and others. The session is informational; no formal decisions are noted in the agenda.

• FY2026 Draft Budget Presentation & Overview
• Presentation by County Clerk Stacy Loar Porter
• Presentation by County Treasurer Shelly Weich
• Transit discussion by Community Development Director Dan Fette
• Road Department Director Mark Heyliger presentation

The Board reviewed FY26 budget presentations from multiple county departments. Commissioners requested additional information on vacant positions, MSU Extension funding, Fair Road ownership, and road budget percentages. The Board scheduled a future special meeting on October 30, 2025 to address those items. No other actions were voted on or decided.

• Scheduled future special meeting for Oct 30, 2025

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing the Chairperson to sign a one‑year renewal contract for the CountyFusion records‑management software with Neumo. The renewal includes on‑premises software maintenance ($27,500), Cloud Search maintenance ($18,000), and Property Alert maintenance ($3,000), with eSubmission provided at no charge. The proposal has been reviewed by corporate counsel and endorsed by the Register of Deeds.

• Renewal of CountyFusion on‑premises solution, annual maintenance $27,500
• Renewal of Cloud Search (formerly Vanguard Search), annual maintenance $18,000
• Renewal of Property Alert, annual maintenance $3,000
• eSubmission for CountyFusion, no annual maintenance charge
• Authorization for the Chairperson to sign the renewal contract with Neumo

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will approve the October 9 minutes, conduct a requisition review, receive updates from the Parks Director and the Information Systems Director, and review a resolution from the Sheriff. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker. The meeting also notes that there will be no meeting on October 30.

• Approval of minutes from October 9, 2025
• Requisition review – Annette Christie
• Parks update – Jill Adams, Parks Director
• Information Systems update – Chris Swihart, I/S Director
• Resolution review – Sheriff Chuck Heit

The Committee of the Whole approved the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes. No other actions were voted on; presentations on parks, information systems, and jail programs were discussed but not decided. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m.

• Approved October 9, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried, no nays)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will meet on October 16, 2025. The agenda includes a prosecutor’s office update, a question‑and‑answer period, and general committee business. Members will consider and vote on the minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting. The meeting also provides time for public comments.

• Prosecutor’s Office Update (Amy Byrd)
• Question & Answer session with Brian Dissette & Mac Elliott
• Committee Business (all members)
• Review and approval of minutes from October 9, 2025
• Public Comments (max 2 minutes per speaker)

The Administration Committee approved contracts with Lakeland Hospitals and Harbortown Treatment Center to provide medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) in the county jail using opioid funding. It also accepted several grant awards, authorized new software and camera contracts, and granted courthouse parking lot use to Southwest Michigan Cars & Coffee for 2026 dates. The minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting were approved.

• Approved contract with Lakeland Hospitals at Niles and St. Joseph Inc. for MAT program in jail (Resolution A2510294)
• Approved contract with Harbortown Treatment Center for MAT program in jail (Resolution A2510295)
• Accepted MDHHS Child and Parent Legal Representation grant (Resolution A2510337)
• Accepted Best Friends Animal Society grant for foster programs of excess shelter animals (Resolution A2510340)
• Authorized amended contract with ViaPath for HIPAA‑compliant tablet software (Resolution A2510342)
• Authorized agreement with Axon Enterprise for in‑car cameras, accessories, and data storage (Resolution A2510343)
• Approved Southwest Michigan Cars & Coffee use of courthouse parking lot on specified 2026 dates (property use request)
• Approved the minutes of the October 9, 2025 meeting (motion carried)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to accept a $105,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for the Taking Pride in Prevention program. The grant will fund staff time, workbooks, activity materials, and program expansion for adolescents. The resolution is recommended by the County Personnel and Human Services Committee and endorsed by the Berrien County Board of Health.

• Accept $105,000 grant from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for Taking Pride in Prevention program
• Funds to support staff time, purchase workbooks and activity materials, and expand program outreach

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners voted to approve requisitions totaling $126,708.59 and purchase order change orders totaling $58,173.00. The approvals cover a range of services, including drainage projects, technology support, court transportation, and equipment removal. Individual commissioners could abstain from voting on specific items as noted on the approval report.

• Purchase of property for Perry & Beach Drain – $21,118.64 (Transnation Title Agency)
• Tyler Technologies support for the Tyler/Munis platform – $57,334.95
• Tyler Technologies annual maintenance and support – $19,755.00
• Transportation of juveniles – $18,000.00 (Rite of Passage, Inc.)
• Removal of decommissioned VHF radio equipment – $10,500.00 (Indiana & Michigan Electric)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to adopt an amended contract with ViaPath Technologies for telephone service to inmates in the county jail. The amendment adds tablets and the ViaPath HealthTech Platform to support the jail's Medication Assistant Treatment program. The contract will be effective until June 24, 2027, with an automatic two‑year renewal option through June 24, 2029 if both parties agree.

• Amend contract with ViaPath (formerly Global Tel Link) for inmate telephone service
• Add tablets and ViaPath HealthTech Platform for Medication Assistant Treatment program
• Contract term until June 24, 2027, with optional two‑year renewal to June 24, 2029

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee is recommending the approval of an auditing report and road department vouchers. These items cover the period from October 9, 2025, to October 15, 2025.

• Auditing Report for Oct 9–15, 2025, in the amount of $1,718,872.33
• Road Department Accounts Payable Vouchers #2542 in the amount of $381,988.68
• Road Department payment to Rieth-Riley Construction Co. for $81,093.48
• Road Department payment to TBD Construction Services Inc for $53,222.84
• Road Department payment to Hobbs & Black Associates Inc for $46,976.16

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends approval of $5,465.46 in per diems for the Board of Commissioners for the month of September. The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to consider this recommendation.

• Recommendation to approve $5,465.46 in commissioner per diems for September
• Personnel and Human Services Committee report

Board of Commissioners

The Board will consider routine consent‑calendar resolutions covering per diems, road payables, and grant agreements. It will also consider an added resolution to approve a contract extension with the inmate phone vendor to add HIPAA compliance. The meeting includes standard items such as approval of minutes, public comments, committee reports, and other business.

• Approve contract extension with inmate phone vendor to include HIPAA compliance (Resolution A2510342)
• Approve agreement with Corewell for the MAT Program in the Jail (Resolution A2510294)
• Approve agreement with Harbortown for the MAT Program in the Jail (Resolution A2510295)
• Renew agreement with County Fusion for Register of Deeds (Resolution P2510334)
• Apply for TAP Grant Lincoln Charter Township (Resolution A2510333)

The Board adopted the consent calendar, approving routine resolutions on per diems, road payables, purchase orders, grant funds, and agreements with Corewell and Harbortown. An added resolution (A2510342) was approved to extend the inmate phone contract to include HIPAA compliance. Both motions passed with nine yeas and no nays.

• Approved consent calendar with routine resolutions (9 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved added resolution A2510342 to extend inmate phone contract for HIPAA compliance (9 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved minutes of the October 9, 2025 meeting (9 yeas, 0 nays)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will approve the minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting. It will review and approve bid openings, adopt resolutions, and grant waivers. Public comments are permitted for up to two minutes per speaker.

• Approval of October 9, 2025 meeting minutes
• Bid opening review and approvals
• Resolution approvals
• Waiver approvals
• Public comments (max 2 minutes per speaker)

The Berrien County Finance Committee met on October 16, 2025. The agenda listed approval of the October 9, 2025 minutes, bid opening review, resolution approvals, waiver approvals, and public comments. The minutes do not record any approvals, vote tallies, or other decisions. Consequently, no substantive actions were documented.

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will meet on October 16, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. in Conference Room 4B of the Berrien County Administration Center. The agenda includes approval of the October 2, 2025 meeting minutes, a Parks Department update on the Brian Bailey memorial, consideration of pending resolutions, and a Veterans Services Department update. A public comment period will follow, limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Approve minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting
• Parks Department update on the Brian Bailey memorial
• Consider approval of pending resolutions
• Veterans Services Department provides an update
• Public comment period (max 2 minutes per speaker)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution authorizing a contract with Lakeland Hospitals at Niles and St Joseph, Inc. to provide a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program for inmates in the county jail. The contract is for one year at a cost of $78,000, funded by Opioid Settlement money. The resolution has been reviewed and approved by Corporate Counsel.

• Contract with Lakeland Hospitals at Niles and St Joseph, Inc. for MAT services
• Medication Assisted Treatment program for jail inmates
• Use of Opioid Settlement funding covering $78,000 per year
• Collaboration with Harbortown Treatment Center (Resolution #A2510295)
• Resolution reviewed and approved by Corporate Counsel

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to contract with Harbortown Treatment Center. The program provides Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), therapy, and discharge planning for inmates with opioid addiction.

• Contract with Harbortown Treatment Center for $90,000 per year
• Use of Opioid Settlement funding to cover program costs
• Cooperation with Lakeland Hospitals at Niles and St Joseph Inc

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is asked to authorize the Road Department to apply for a $620,000 Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant to fund a non-motorized trail connecting Marquette Woods Road to Hidden Pines Dr. The county would be the contracted party with the Michigan Department of Transportation, while Lincoln Charter Township would provide a 20% match and handle maintenance.

• Authorize application for $620,000 TAP grant for Roosevelt Trail Project
• Project budget authorized up to $2,650,000
• Lincoln Charter Township to provide 20% match (up to $124,000)
• Lincoln Charter Township to be responsible for maintenance
• Project to be located in Berrien County Road Right of Way for .30 miles

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing the Animal Services Department to apply for a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Animal Welfare Fund grant of $45,000. The grant would be used solely to purchase a van for transporting animals to spay/neuter service providers. The grant requires no matching funds and the application deadline is October 15, 2025.

• Apply for $45,000 Animal Welfare Fund grant to purchase an animal‑transport van
• Resolution authorizes Animal Services Department to submit the grant application
• Grant requires no match; deadline for application is October 15, 2025

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will receive updates from the Sheriff’s Office and the Road Department. It will review and approve the minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting and consider any resolutions. The committee will also address miscellaneous items and allow public comments.

• Sheriff’s Office update
• Road Department update
• Review and adopt minutes of October 2, 2025
• Consider resolutions
• Public comments (2‑minute limit per speaker)

The Administration Committee approved the minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting. It also approved a resolution to authorize a RAP grant application to fund a non‑motorized facility in Lincoln Charter Township. No other formal actions were taken during the meeting.

• Approved October 2 minutes (motion carried)
• Authorized RAP grant application for non‑motorized facility in Lincoln Charter Township

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reviewing and approving a series of requisitions and purchase order change orders. These expenditures cover departmental maintenance, software renewals, and infrastructure repairs.

• Requisitions totaling $177,902.20, including $57,397.83 for Bacchiocchi Construction Services deferred maintenance
• Purchase order change orders totaling $265,214.80
• An $82,000 increase for Title Check LLC regarding the 2025 forfeiture/foreclosure process
• A $75,200 increase for Pineview Homes, Inc. for private institutional care for CCF Youth
• Drainage project increases including $40,000 for Spicer Group for the Union Pier Drain #535 project

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing the County Administration Committee to execute a forensic laboratory services agreement with Andrews University for the 2026 fiscal year. The agreement continues a long‑standing partnership that provides timely analysis of seized controlled substances. The contract amount is $172,694, funded from code 26532672‑801000. Corporate Counsel has reviewed and approved the agreement.

• Execution of Forensic Laboratory Agreement with Andrews University
• Contract amount of $172,694
• Service period: January 1 – December 31, 2026
• Funding from code 26532672‑801000
• Corporate Counsel review and approval

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider the Finance Committee's recommendation to approve the Auditing Report for the period October 2‑8 2025, totaling $23,180,808.74. The Board will also consider approval of the Road Department’s 2025 Accounts Payable Voucher #2541 for the same period, totaling $491,372.29. Commissioners may record abstentions on any listed invoices or purchase orders.

• Approve Auditing Report covering Oct 2‑8 2025 – $23,180,808.74
• Approve Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #2541 – $491,372.29
• Vendor payments listed for Voucher #2541 (e.g., Beaver Research Company, Best One Tire & Service, etc.)
• Commissioners may abstain from voting on specific invoices or purchase orders

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review routine administrative resolutions and committee reports. Key items include a road abandonment request and a contract renewal with a forensic lab.

• Resolution A2510219: Approve road abandonment per request
• Resolution A2510329: Renew agreement with Andrews University Forensic Drug Lab
• Resolution A2510330: Memo of Understanding with Airport for snow berm
• Resolution A2510331: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Grant application
• Resolution P2510332: Conversion of positions from union to non-union

The Board approved the Consent Calendar, adopting ten routine resolutions unanimously. Commissioners Harrison and Pitchford appointed Rachel Wade and Cynthia Grey to fill two vacant seats on the Mental Health Authority, with terms ending March 31, 2026. No other substantive motions were denied or tabled.

• Approved Consent Calendar (10 yeas, no nays)
• Appointed Rachel Wade and Cynthia Grey to the Mental Health Authority (terms expire 3/31/2026)
• Approved weekly bills & road payables
• Approved weekly requisitions and purchase order change orders
• Approved road abandonment per request
• Renewed agreement with Andrews University Forensic Drug Lab
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Airport for snow berm
• Approved Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development grant application

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will conduct routine business, including approving the October 2, 2025 minutes, reviewing a requisition presented by Annette Christie, receiving a GIS update from Director Erika Espeland, and a legislative update from Mike Krombeen. The meeting will also include a public comment period before adjourning.

• Approve minutes from October 2, 2025
• Requisition review – Annette Christie
• GIS update – Erika Espeland, Director
• Legislative update – Mike Krombeen, Midwest Strategy
• Public comments (max 2 minutes per speaker)

Commissioner Pitchford moved, and Commissioner Freehling seconded, to approve the Committee of the Whole minutes from October 2, 2025. The motion carried with no nays. No other formal actions or votes were recorded during the meeting.

• Approved October 2, 2025 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will hear a presentation on Sheriff Bid 2025-069 and an explanation of Road Bid 2025-071, for which no response was received. After the presentations, the committee will approve the September 25 and October 2, 2025 meeting minutes, review and approve bid openings, and consider resolutions and waivers. Public comments are allowed for up to two minutes per speaker.

• Sheriff Bid 2025-069 explanation
• Road Bid 2025-071 explanation (no response)
• Approval of September 25, 2025 and October 2, 2025 minutes
• Bid Opening Review and Approvals
• Resolution and Waiver Approvals

The committee approved the September 25 and October 2 meeting minutes. It voted to refer the pending Sheriff and other department bids to the respective departments, directing them to work with the top three qualified bidders to lower costs before any award. The board also approved Resolution F2510049 for weekly bills and road payables and authorized five specific waivers for various vendors.

• Approved September 25 and October 2 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Referred department bids to work with top three qualified bidders to reduce price (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution F2510049 – Weekly Bills and Road Payables 10/2‑10/8/2025
• Approved Waiver #2025-10-09-01 for AEP/Indiana Michigan Power, $10,500
• Approved Waiver #2025-10-09-02 for WSI Technologies, $200,000 (budgeted $310,000)
• Approved Waiver #2025-10-09-03 for Mall City Mechanical, $15,700
• Approved Waiver #2025-10-09-04 for Stony Creek Services Inc., $34,800
• Approved Waiver #2025-10-09-05 for Herman & Goetz, $49,996

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will approve the minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting. It will consider an advanced-step hire request for a Clinical & Community Health Nurse Manager. The committee will also consider any resolutions on the agenda and receive a health department update. Public comments will be accepted for up to two minutes per speaker.

• Approval of minutes from October 2, 2025
• Advanced-step hire request for Clinical & Community Health Nurse Manager
• Approval of resolutions (unspecified)
• Health Department update (informational)
• Public comment period (max 2 minutes per speaker)

The committee approved the minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting with a vote of 3 yeas and 0 nays. It approved October pension refunds and rollovers. Commissioners approved the advanced step hire of Theresa Kline for the Clinical and Community Health Nurse Manager position (grade 13 step 4) by a 3‑yea, 0‑nay vote. The committee also approved Resolutions P2510010 (commissioner per diems), P2510322 (Taking Pride in Prevention grant award), and P2510334 (CountyFusion Renewal one‑year proposal).

• Approved minutes of October 2, 2025 (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved October pension refunds and rollovers
• Approved advanced step hire of Theresa Kline, Clinical and Community Health Nurse Manager (grade 13 step 4) (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution P2510010 for commissioner per diems
• Approved Resolution P2510322 accepting Taking Pride in Prevention grant award for Health Department
• Approved Resolution P2510334 authorizing CountyFusion Renewal one‑year proposal with Neumo
• Requested addition of the committee to daily population updates

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will adopt a resolution to abandon an unnamed alley in the Hagar Park Annex of Hagar Township. The alley, about 775 feet long and 10 feet wide, was never developed and the Road Department has no plans for it. A petition for right‑of‑way abandonment was filed by property owner Alex Kloske, who has support from all parcel owners and no formal objections. Hagar Township officials have authorized the abandonment, with easements reserved for existing utilities and drainage.

• Abandonment of unnamed 775‑ft alley behind 2878 W. Bundy Road in Hagar Park Annex
• Petition filed by property owner Alex Kloske
• No formal objections from affected parties
• Authorization from Hagar Township officials
• Easements reserved for existing public utilities and drainage

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport. The agreement would allow the construction of temporary snow berms along the airport's western boundary to reduce snow drifting on Euclid Avenue.

• Memorandum of Understanding with Southwest Michigan Regional Airport regarding temporary snow berms on Euclid Avenue

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to move four positions from the former General Employees Unit to the non-union salary schedule. This follows the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council disclaiming interest in representing the unit effective April 29, 2025.

• Re-classification of four (4) positions to the non-union salary schedule

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a consent calendar of routine resolutions, including weekly bills, purchase order changes, a renewal of the Avenue Family Network agreement, a contract for tether services at the jail, approval of the Glenlord and Hollywood Roads Brownfield Plan, an addendum to the Rite of Passage agreement, and hiring a Financial Services Director. The board will also approve the minutes from the September 25, 2025 meeting and conduct the county canvassers election. Committee, commissioner, and administrator reports will be presented, followed by public comments and other business.

• Approve Glenlord and Hollywood Roads Brownfield Plan
• Renew agreement Avenue Family Network
• Contract for tether services - Jail
• Hire Financial Services Director
• Weekly Bills & Road Payables

The Board approved the September 2, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous consent. A consent calendar containing eight routine resolutions was adopted with seven yeas and no nays. Commissioners elected five members and four alternates to the Board of Canvassers. Resolution P2510328 was approved, hiring Jake Litaker as Berrien County Financial Services Director.

• Approved September 2, 2025 minutes (motion carried, no nays)
• Adopted consent calendar items (7 yeas, no nays)
• Approved hiring of Jake Litaker as Financial Services Director (Resolution P2510328)
• Elected Siegfried Wolf as regular Board of Canvassers member (Yes vote)
• Reappointed Gretta Van Bree as regular Board of Canvassers member (Yes vote)
• Elected William Norman as alternate Board of Canvassers member (Yes vote)
• Elected Keith Lubbers as alternate Board of Canvassers member (Yes vote)
• Elected Erin Salvagione as alternate Board of Canvassers member (Yes vote)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will approve the September 25, 2025 minutes, review a requisition presented by Annette Christie, and hold a public hearing on the Glenlord and Hollywood Roads Brownfield Plan presented by Community Development Director Dan Fette. The meeting will also include a period for public comments before adjourning.

• Approval of minutes from September 25, 2025
• Requisition review presented by Annette Christie
• Public hearing on the Glenlord and Hollywood Roads Brownfield Plan (presented by Dan Fette)
• Public comments from attendees (max two minutes each)
• Adjournment of the meeting

The Committee of the Whole approved the minutes from the September 25, 2025 meeting. Commissioners voted to recess the regular meeting and open a public hearing on the Glenlord and Hollywood Roads Brownfield Plan. After the hearing, they voted to conclude it and return to the regular session. No public comments were received.

• Approved September 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Recessed meeting to hold Brownfield public hearing (7 yeas, no nays)
• Concluded public hearing and returned to regular session (7 yeas, no nays)

Administration Committee

The committee will meet to receive a Building & Grounds update from Don Trail. The agenda includes a question and answer session and the review of minutes from September 25, 2025.

• Building & Grounds Update by Don Trail
• Review of September 25, 2025 minutes

The committee approved the September 25, 2025 meeting minutes. It authorized the abandonment of an unnamed alley in the Hagar Park Annex. It approved agreements with Andrews University for a forensic laboratory and with Southwest Michigan Regional Airport for temporary snow berms on Euclid Avenue. It also authorized the Animal Services Department to apply for a grant to purchase an animal transport van.

• Approved September 25, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approved abandonment of an unnamed alley in the Hagar Park Annex (Resolution A2510219)
• Authorized forensic laboratory agreement with Andrews University (Resolution A2510329)
• Authorized MOU with Southwest Michigan Regional Airport for temporary snow berms on Euclid Avenue (Resolution A2510330)
• Authorized Animal Services Department to submit grant application for an animal transport van (Resolution A2510331)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will consider approval of the September 25, 2025 meeting minutes. It will review and approve a bid explanation memo for bid 2025-069 and related bid opening items. The committee will also consider resolutions and waivers. Public comments are allowed for up to two minutes per speaker.

• Approval of September 25, 2025 minutes
• Review and approval of Bid Explanation Memo for bid 2025-069
• Bid opening review and approvals
• Resolution approvals
• Waiver approvals

The Finance Committee did not have a quorum for most agenda items, so no votes were taken on bid proposals. The committee signed resolution F2510048 to move the weekly bills and road payables for 9/25‑10/1/2025 to the full board. No waivers or public comments were recorded.

• Resolution F2510048 signed to move weekly bills and road payables to full board (no vote recorded)
• No quorum declared for bid reviews; no decisions made on any bid proposals

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force will hear updates from MEC on broadband construction, from DCS Technology Design on BEAD applications and fiber construction estimates for Danneffel Road in Bainbridge Township, and from Peninsula Fiber Networks on the Lake Michigan Fiber Crossing. The agenda lists only informational updates and does not include any decisions or votes. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 6 at 12:30 PM.

• Update from MEC on broadband construction efforts within Berrien County
• Summary of latest information related to BEAD applications and awards
• Fiber construction estimates for Danneffel Road in Bainbridge Township
• Update on the Lake Michigan Fiber Crossing
• Next BCBIT meeting scheduled for November 6, 2025

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force provided updates on Midwest Energy & Communications construction and the Peninsula Fiber Network IMPACC project. No formal actions, approvals, or denials were recorded. The group set the next meeting for November 6, 2025 at 12:30 PM.

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will consider approving the September 25, 2025 meeting minutes. It will discuss board appointments with Annette Christie. The committee will vote on pending resolutions. An update from the GIS Department will also be presented.

• Approval of September 25, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of board appointments with Annette Christie
• Approval of pending resolutions
• GIS Department update

The committee approved the September 25, 2025 meeting minutes with a 2‑yea, 0‑nay vote. It approved Resolution P25103‑32 to reclassify vacant positions from the dissolved general union into non‑union roles. The committee selected an applicant to fill the vacancy on the mental health authority board. County funding was approved for a new well at the juvenile center.

• Approved September 25, 2025 minutes (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved Resolution P25103‑32 to reclassify vacant union positions into non‑union positions
• Appointed selected candidate to vacant mental health authority board seat
• Approved funding for new well at the juvenile center

Resolutions

The Berrien County Personnel and Human Services Committee is recommending that the Board of Commissioners adopt a resolution appointing Jake Litaker as the county’s Financial Services Director. The appointment would be effective October 5, 2025, with an annual salary of $111,857 at Grade 16, Step 4. The committee notes that the position was vacant, posted, applications received, and interviews conducted before selecting Litaker.

• Appointment of Jake Litaker as Financial Services Director
• Annual salary set at $111,857 (Grade 16, Step 4)
• Effective date of appointment: October 5, 2025
• Vacancy filled after posting, applications, and interviews

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to approve the Allen Edwin Homes Hollywood and Glenlord Road Brownfield Plan located in Royalton Township. The Finance Committee has found the plan meets all requirements of the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act and estimates reasonable captured taxable value. Approval would make the plan an official public purpose under the Act.

• Resolution to approve the Allen Edwin Homes Hollywood and Glenlord Road Brownfield Plan
• Plan determined to meet all requirements of Section 13 of the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act
• Estimated captured taxable value from the plan deemed reasonable by the Finance Committee

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider the Finance Committee's recommendation to approve the Auditing Report for the period September 25 – October 1 2025, totaling $1,028,791.44. The board will also consider approving Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #2540 for the same period, amounting to $421,592.50. Individual commissioners may abstain or note objections as indicated on the agenda.

• Approve Auditing Report covering 9/25/2025‑10/1/2025 ($1,028,791.44)
• Approve Road Dept. Accounts Payable Voucher #2540 ($421,592.50)
• Major vendor payments include MDOT ($216,689.87) and TBD Construction Services ($123,553.20)
• Payments to RIETH‑RILEY Construction Co. ($14,384.01) and other listed vendors

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on an addendum to the existing contract with Rite of Passage, Inc. The addendum provides additional transportation services for youth receiving community‑based treatment, with a minimum cost of $2,000 per month and a maximum of $4,000 per month. Corporate Counsel has reviewed and approved the addendum. The resolution authorizes the Chairman or designee to sign the addendum on behalf of the county.

• Addendum to contract with Rite of Passage, Inc. for youth transportation services
• Funding range: $2,000 minimum to $4,000 maximum per month
• Original agreement (Resolution #A2412397) runs through December 31, 2030
• Corporate Counsel approval of the addendum
• Chairman or designee authorized to sign the addendum

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing the Sheriff to sign a new contract with House Arrest Services, Inc. The contract provides electronic monitoring equipment and services for adult offenders from October 2, 2025, through October 1, 2028, with an option for annual renewal. The Administration Committee recommends adoption of the resolution.

• Authorize Sheriff to sign three‑year contract with House Arrest Services, Inc. for electronic monitoring equipment and services (Oct 2 2025 – Oct 1 2028, renewable annually)
• Continue the county’s electronic monitoring program for adult offenders established since 1996

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote to adopt a service contract with Avenue Family Network, Inc. for the county’s guardianship program. The contract provides $26,729.03 for the first year, with a 2% increase each subsequent year, covering services through December 31, 2028. The agreement follows prior resolutions and an audit showing $47,643 in unpaid fees for low‑income residents receiving services.

• Adoption of a service contract with Avenue Family Network, Inc. for guardianship services
• First‑year funding amount of $26,729.03 for 2025
• Annual 2% increase for a total four‑year term ending Dec 31 2028
• Audit reported $47,643.00 in unpaid fees for 157 residents receiving services
• Corporate Counsel reviewed and approved the contract

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved all requisitions over $10,000 totaling $244,628.63 and purchase order change orders totaling $39,428.00. The approvals include a $215,382.63 Cisco phone system upgrade, sand for road work, trailer purchases, and a lighting package for road patrol. Individual commissioners may abstain from voting on specific items as noted on the approval report.

• Logicalis Inc. – 2025 Cisco Phone System upgrade – $215,382.63 (Systems)
• Michiana Aggregates, Inc. – Ice Control Sand (Bid 2025-070) – $17,634.00 (Road)
• USA Trailer Sales, LLC – trailers with electric brakes – $14,598.00 (Management)
• Tele Rad, Inc. – Lighting Package for A58 road patrol – $14,648.00 (Motorpool)
• West Construction & Property – emergency floor repair increase – $2,650.00 (Development)

Health Department - Board of Health

The Berrien County Board of Health will approve the September 3, 2025 meeting minutes and review vouchers. It will consider Resolution P2510322 to accept funds for the Taking Pride in Prevention program. The board will receive a monthly financial report from Guy Miller and hear updates from the health officer, medical director, epidemiologist, and staffing changes.

• Approve BOH minutes – September 3, 2025
• Review vouchers
• Resolution P2510322 – accept Taking Pride in Prevention (TPIP) funds
• Monthly financial report presented by Guy Miller
• Staffing update from health department administrators

The Board of Health approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting (motion carried). Vouchers presented to the board were reviewed and approved. The board also approved Resolution P2510322, accepting funds for the Taking Pride in Prevention (TPIP) program. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved September 3, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved vouchers as presented to the Board
• Approved Resolution P2510322 Taking Pride in Prevention (TPIP) accept funds

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will approve the September 18, 2025 minutes, review a requisition, present a Life Saving Award to Sheriff Chuck Heit, and hear a legislative update from Mike Krombeen of Midwest Strategy. Public comments will be accepted for up to two minutes per speaker. The meeting will then be adjourned.

• Approval of September 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Requisition review presented by Annette Christie
• Life Saving Award presentation to Sheriff Chuck Heit
• Legislative update discussion by Mike Krombeen, Midwest Strategy
• Public comments limited to two minutes per speaker

The board approved the minutes from the September 18, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting. Commissioner Pitchford moved to approve, Commissioner Vollrath seconded, and the motion carried with no nays. The meeting also featured a Lifesaving Award presentation and a legislative budget update before adjourning.

• Approved September 18, 2025 Committee of the Whole minutes (11‑0)

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will discuss software for vital and land records. The committee will also review a brownfield resolution and conduct bid opening approvals.

• Vital Records Software discussion
• Land Records Software discussion
• Brownfield Resolution
• Bid Opening Review and Approvals
• Approval of September 18, 2025 minutes

The committee approved the September 18 meeting minutes and referred bid 2025-069 back to the department for further review. It authorized moving forward with the lowest approved bidder for bid 2025-070 and allowed the administrator to execute the contract with modifications up to $10,000. Waivers were signed for Fidlar land records software ($131,000), Fidlar vital records software ($55,000), and Logicalis Cisco phone software ($230,000). Several resolutions were signed to advance to the full board.

• Approved September 18 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Referred bid 2025-069 back to department for review (motion carried)
• Approved bid 2025-070 to proceed with lowest approved bidder and authorized admin to execute contract up to $10,000 modifications (motion carried)
• Approved waiver for Fidlar Technologies land records software $131,000 (waiver signed)
• Approved waiver for Fidlar Technologies vital records software $55,000 (waiver signed)
• Approved waiver for Logicalis Cisco phone software $230,000 (waiver signed)
• Signed resolutions F2509047, F2509318, F2510326, FP2510323 to move to full board (resolution signed)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to authorize the execution of a concession agreement with Third Coast Surf Shop for kayak and paddleboard rentals at Silver Beach County Park. The agreement would cover the period from January 1, 2026 through September 30, 2028. The extension was recommended by the Berrien County Parks & Recreation Commission and reviewed by Corporate Counsel.

• Extend concession lease for kayak and paddleboard rentals at Silver Beach County Park
• Lease term: January 1, 2026 – September 30, 2028
• Lessee: Third Coast Surf Shop
• Recommendation by Berrien County Parks & Recreation Commission
• Agreement reviewed and approved by Corporate Counsel

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends that the Berrien County Board adopt a resolution authorizing the Register of Deeds to submit a grant application to the Michigan Electronic Recording Commission. The grant could provide up to $12,000 toward new land records management software with eRecording capabilities. The application deadline is September 30, 2025. The Board will vote on the resolution at this meeting.

• Authorization for the Register of Deeds to apply for a MERC grant
• Potential grant amount up to $12,000 for land records management software with eRecording
• Deadline to submit the grant application: September 30, 2025

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will adopt routine consent‑calendar resolutions covering weekly bills, purchase orders, a contract renewal for the Silver Beach kayak rental stand, a listing agreement for the Brian Savage Schwark Drain property, and a water‑supply agreement for the Juvenile Center. Commissioners will also consider a grant application to fund e‑recording enhancements for the Register of Deeds. The meeting includes standard reports from finance, personnel, administration, and the administrator, as well as public comment limited to agenda resolutions.

• Resolution F2509047 – Weekly Bills & Road Payables
• Resolution B2509095 – Weekly Requisitions and Purchase Order Change Orders
• Resolution P2509307 – Contract renewal for Silver Beach kayak rental stand
• Resolution A2509319 – Agreement with Peerless Midwest for water supply system Juvenile Center
• Resolution P2509325 – Grant application for Register of Deeds e‑recording enhancements

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the Consent Calendar, adding a grant application for e‑recording enhancements. They also approved Resolution A2509319 for a water supply system at the Juvenile Center, with 10 yeas and 1 nay. The meeting also approved the September 18 minutes unanimously.

• Approved September 18, 2025 minutes (11 yeas, no nays)
• Approved Consent Calendar, adding Grant P2509325 (11 yeas, no nays)
• Approved Agreement with Peerless Midwest for water supply system at Juvenile Center (10 yeas, 1 nay)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will consider approval of the September 11, 2025 meeting minutes, review a staffing update for the county Juvenile Center presented by Elvin Gonzalez, consider pending resolutions, and receive an update from the Human Resources Department.

• Approval of September 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Juvenile Center staffing update presented by Elvin Gonzalez
• Consideration of pending resolutions
• Human Resources Department update

The committee approved the September 18, 2025 meeting minutes with a vote of 3 yeas and 0 nays. It also approved Resolution P2510328 to hire the Financial Services Director. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved September 18, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Approved Resolution P2510328 hiring Financial Services Director

Administration Committee

The committee will hear updates from the Friend of the Court and the Juvenile Center and Family Division. Members will also review minutes from September 18, 2025, and discuss resolutions.

• Friend of the Court update from Lisa Jardine
• Juvenile Center & Family Division update from Elvin Gonzalez
• Review of September 18, 2025 minutes

The committee approved a contract with Peerless Midwest to construct potable water and fire protection improvements at the Juvenile Center. It also authorized agreements with Avenue Family Network, House Arrest Services, Inc., and Rite of Passage Inc. The committee appointed Jake Litaker as Finance Director and approved $7,403.12 for Sheriff Department K9 trailer graphics, T‑shirts, fuel and insurance.

• Approved award of construction contract to Peerless Midwest for Juvenile Center water and fire upgrades
• Authorized agreement with Avenue Family Network through Dec 31 2028
• Authorized contract with House Arrest Services, Inc. for electric monitoring equipment through Oct 1 2028
• Approved agreement addendum with Rite of Passage Inc. for youth transportation services
• Approved $7,403.12 Sheriff Department funding for K9 trailer graphics, T‑shirts, fuel and insurance
• Concurred to appoint Jake Litaker as Finance Director
• Approved minutes of the September 18 2025 meeting

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee is recommending the approval of an auditing report and road department vouchers. The board will review expenditures covering the period from September 18, 2025, to September 24, 2025.

• Auditing Report for Sept 18–24, 2025, in the amount of $5,829,884.93
• Road Department Accounts Payable Vouchers #2539 in the amount of $96,517.72
• Payment of $35,869.40 to Detroit Salt Company
• Payment of $20,902.88 to Rieth-Riley Construction Co.
• Payment of $17,909.50 to Keystone Cooperative Inc

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will approve an extended listing agreement for the Schwark Drain Drainage District property at 6974 W US-12 in Three Oaks. The selling price is set at $500,000, reduced from the previously listed $600,000, and the property will be marketed on the MLS for 107 days starting September 25, 2025. The resolution also references the earlier purchase of the 36‑acre parcel and the payoff of a $551,000 2019 Drain Note.

• Purchase of the Schwark Drain property (36 acres, 6974 W US-12, Parcel 11-47-0010-0080-03-8)
• Payoff of a 2019 Drain Note in the amount of $551,000 issued by the Schwark Drain Drainage District
• Original listing agreement set price at $600,000 for a 6‑month term
• Resolution to lower the listing price to $500,000 and extend the agreement through year‑end
• Mandate to market the property on the MLS for 107 days beginning September 25, 2025

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to approve a contract with Peerless Midwest for $1,140,000. The contract covers a new potable well, iron removal system, and underground fire tank, pump, and sprinkler heads at the Berrien County Juvenile Center. The Finance Committee has already approved a waiver selecting Peerless Midwest as the contractor. The board’s decision will authorize the chairman or designee to sign the contract.

• Award contract to Peerless Midwest for $1,140,000
• Install potable well and iron removal system at Juvenile Center
• Build underground fire tank, pump, and sprinkler heads
• Finance Committee approved Waiver #2025-09-08-01 selecting contractor
• Project scheduled for tentative award Sep 25, 2025; notice to proceed Oct 10, 2025

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is voting to approve $207,311.26 in new requisitions and $30,678.75 in purchase order change orders. These funds cover various county services including public safety, infrastructure, and health.

• Requisition of $67,393.00 for Southwestern Michigan Planning Commission materials management grant
• Requisition of $38,962.00 for Carbide Wing cutting edge blade kits for Wing Plows
• Requisition of $30,387.04 for Logicalis, Inc. Windows server licensing
• Requisition of $17,486.27 for a 2024 Trailer and spare tire for the Sheriff
• Purchase order change of $15,000.00 for Owen Tree Service chemical vegetation control on drains

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will approve a consent calendar of routine resolutions, hear committee and commissioner reports, and take public comments on agenda items. It will also conduct a closed session to consult its attorney about trial or settlement strategy in the Sam Vivardo v. County of Berrien litigation (Claim #18976565-001). The meeting includes standard procedural items such as an invocation, pledge of allegiance, and roll call.

• Approve routine resolutions: Monthly Per Diems (P2509009), Weekly Bills & Road Payables (F2509046), Weekly Requisitions and Purchase Order Change Orders (B2509094)
• Approve Opioid Settlement approvals (B2509302, B2509303)
• Approve Maximus Agreement (F2509305)
• Closed session to consult attorney on Sam Vivardo v. County of Berrien litigation (Claim #18976565-001)
• Committee reports from Administration, Finance, and Personnel

The Board voted to accept corporate counsel’s recommendation on the Sam Vivardo v. County of Berrien/Broadspire settlement. It also postponed a road‑department resolution and adopted the consent calendar. Minutes for both the September 11 regular and closed sessions were approved.

• Accepted corporate counsel recommendation on Sam Vivardo litigation (9 yeas, motion carried)
• Postponed Resolution P2509291 Complement Change Road Department (motion carried, no nays)
• Adopted Consent Calendar, removing Resolution P2509291 (10 yeas)
• Approved September 11 regular session minutes (motion carried, no nays)
• Approved September 11 closed session minutes (motion carried, no nays)

Committee of the Whole

The provided document is a 2024 informational report from the Office of the Medical Examiner. It outlines the legal requirements for death investigations, autopsy standards, and public health initiatives. There are no decisions or discussions recorded for a September 18, 2025, meeting.

• Overview of Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 52.202 regarding mandatory death investigations
• Details on the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) accreditation and autopsy standards
• Explanation of the five manners of death: Natural, Suicide, Accident, Homicide, and Indeterminate
• Description of the Drug Fatality and Surveillance Analyst role funded by MDHHS
• Information on Elder Death Review Teams (EDRTs) active in 11 of 13 served counties

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider approval of the September 11, 2025 meeting minutes. Members will review a requisition presented by Annette Christie. The board will discuss the 2024 Annual Report from the Office of the Medical Examiner presented by Dr. Patrick Hansma. Public comments will be heard before adjournment.

• Approval of September 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Requisition review presented by Annette Christie
• Discussion of 2024 Annual Report, Office of the Medical Examiner (Patrick Hansma, DO)

The Committee of the Whole approved the minutes from the September 11, 2025 meeting. Commissioner Tyler moved to approve, Commissioner Pitchford seconded, and the motion carried with no nays. No other actions were taken during the meeting.

• Approved September 11, 2025 meeting minutes (no nays)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review and approve bid openings, resolutions, and waivers. The meeting includes a session for administrator and chair questions and a period for public comment.

• Bid Opening Review and Approvals
• Resolution Approvals
• Waiver Approvals

The Finance Committee approved the meeting minutes from September 11, 2025. It referred the CDBG housing improvement bids to the department, allowing the lowest responsible bidder to be used. Six waivers totaling $1,207,018 were signed by the Chairperson, including a $1.14M waiver for well and fire suppression at the Juvenile Center. A resolution to move weekly bills and road payables to the full board was also signed.

• Approved September 11, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Referred CDBG housing bids to department with approval to use lowest bidder (unanimous yes)
• Signed waiver #2025-09-18-01 for $1,140,000 well and fire suppression at Juvenile Center
• Signed waiver #2025-09-18-02 for $7,999 defense technology products for Tru-Team Sheriff
• Signed waiver #2025-09-18-03 for $15,500 school health vision screener
• Signed waiver #2025-09-18-04 for $5,554 CPL card printer and software for Saint Joseph and Niles
• Signed waiver #2025-09-18-05 for $38,962 blade kits for road plows
• Signed resolution F2509046 to move weekly bills and road payables to full board

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel & Human Services Committee will approve the September 11, 2025 meeting minutes. It will receive an update on the county vacancy report and consider approval of pending resolutions. A Parks Department update will be presented, followed by a public comment period limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Approval of September 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Vacancy Report Update
• Approval of Resolutions
• Parks Department Update
• Public Comment (max 2‑minute remarks per participant)

The Personnel & Human Services Committee approved the September 11, 2025 minutes with a 3‑yea, 0‑nay vote. It also approved Resolution P2509009 (Per Diem Report) and Resolution P2509307, authorizing renewal of the concession agreement with Third Coast Surf Shop. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved September 11, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Approved Per Diem Report (Resolution P2509009)
• Approved renewal of concession agreement with Third Coast Surf Shop (Resolution P2509307)

Administration Committee

The committee will receive updates from the Sheriff's Office, Building & Grounds, and the Road Department. The meeting includes a Q&A session and a review of minutes from September 11, 2025.

• Sheriff's Office update
• Building & Grounds update
• Road Department update
• Review of September 11, 2025 minutes

The Berrien County Administration Committee met on September 18, 2025. A motion by David Vollrath, supported by Alex Ott, was carried to approve the minutes of the September 11, 2025 meeting. No resolutions were adopted and the meeting concluded after updates from the sheriff’s office, Building & Grounds, and Road Department.

• Approved September 11, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is authorizing the execution of a Participation Agreement for the Purdue/Sackler Settlement and a new state-local agreement for allocating settlement funds. The board also authorizes the Weitz & Luxenberg law firm to vote on the Purdue bankruptcy plan.

• Authorizes execution of Purdue/Sackler Settlement Participation Agreement
• Authorizes execution of Michigan State-Subdivision Agreement for Allocation
• Authorizes Weitz & Luxenberg to vote on Purdue bankruptcy plan
• Settlement provides $6.5 billion over 15 years and $900 million from Purdue estate
• Funds allocated 50/50 to participating local governments and the State of Michigan

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved requisitions totaling $193,981 and purchase order change orders totaling $177,868.31. The approved requisitions cover surveying, electrical work, vehicle purchases, CDBG housing improvements, and animal services. Several items note increased encumbrances for drainage projects and youth care facilities.

• Surveying aggregate piles for physical inventory – $21,375 (Road)
• Move electrical service at Three Oaks location – $19,845 (Road)
• Berger Chevrolet purchase of 2025 Chevrolet Trax LT – $25,241 (Health)
• Siemans Ford purchase of 2025 Voyager LX – $39,060 (Health)
• Flory Construction CDBG Housing Improvement – $38,335 (Development)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution recommended by the Personnel & Human Services Committee to change two engineering technician positions to Traffic Engineering Technician I (Grade 8) and Traffic Engineering Technician II (Grade 9). The Road Department states it has adequate funding for the changes, and the Administration Committee concurs. If adopted, the board will authorize the complement changes and allow the new technician levels to fill current vacant Traffic Engineering positions.

• Replace Engineering Technician, Grade 8 with Traffic Engineering Technician I, Grade 8
• Replace Engineering Technician, Grade 9 with Traffic Engineering Technician II, Grade 9
• Authorize two levels of Traffic Engineering Technician positions to fill existing vacant roles
• Road Department confirms funding is sufficient for the complement changes
• Administration Committee supports the requested complement changes

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider the Personnel and Human Services Committee's recommendation to approve per diem reimbursements for commissioners for August 2025. The total amount requested is $4,258.24, covering meeting day fees, mileage, and miscellaneous expenses. If approved, the payments will be processed with the September 26, 2025 payroll.

• Approval of commissioner per diems totaling $4,258.24 for August 2025
• Per diem meeting days: 64 total across all commissioners
• Mileage reimbursement: $1,458.20
• Miscellaneous expenses: $1,020.74
• Payments to be issued with the September 26, 2025 payroll

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to adopt amendment #01 to the existing agreement with Maximus Consulting Services, Inc. The amendment would extend the consulting contract through December 31, 2026 at an annual cost of $17,000. The services cover preparation and submission of the County‑Wide Cost Allocation Plan. The Finance Committee has recommended adoption of the amendment.

• Amendment #01 to the Maximus Consulting Services agreement
• Annual consulting fee of $17,000
• Contract extension through December 31, 2026
• Services: preparation and submission of the County‑Wide Cost Allocation Plan
• Expense to be charged to account 101010-802001

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider the Finance Committee’s recommendation to approve the Auditing Report for the period September 11‑17 2025, totaling $1,900,482.68. The Board will also consider approval of the Road Department’s 2025 Accounts Payable Voucher #2538 for $572,012.31. Commissioners may record abstentions on any invoice or purchase order listed.

• Approve Auditing Report covering Sep 11‑17 2025, amount $1,900,482.68
• Approve Road Department Accounts Payable Voucher #2538, amount $572,012.31
• Vendor payment to RIETH‑RILEY CONSTRUCTION CO. for $341,155.35
• Vendor payment to MICHIGAN PAVEMENT MARKING for $58,632.68
• Vendor payment to BIT MAT PRODUCTS OF INDIANA LLC for $44,480.58

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing the Chairman or his designee to sign an amendment to the Marine Safety Program grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The amendment adds $57,850 in federal funds for the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, with no match required. The reimbursement will be deposited into account 26443310 and the remainder of the budget is funded by the Law Enforcement Millage.

• Authorization for Chairman or designee to sign grant amendment
• Additional federal funds of $57,850 for Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit
• No match commitment required for the added funds
• Reimbursement to be deposited into account 26443310
• Remaining budget funded by Law Enforcement Millage

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will adopt a resolution to honor Ted Chase, a retired Galien Township Fire Department chief, for his 31 years of service. The resolution expresses gratitude and acknowledges his contributions to the community. No other agenda items are listed.

• Resolution #B2509320: Honor Ted Chase for 31 years of service to Galien Township Fire Department

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing resolutions to enter participation agreements for the National Prescription Opiate Litigation. The action involves settlements with eight pharmaceutical companies and an agreement with the State of Michigan to allocate proceeds on a 50/50 basis.

• Settlement with Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. for $284,447,916 over nine years
• Settlement with Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. for $95,818,293 over one to four years
• Settlement with Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for $71,751,010 over ten years
• Settlement with Apotex Inc. for $63,682,369 in a single year
• Settlement with Alvogen Inc. for $18,680,162 in a single year

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will adopt routine consent‑calendar resolutions covering weekly bills, purchase orders, and service agreements. Commissioners will receive committee and administrator reports and hear public comments limited to agenda items. The meeting will also include a closed session to consult the county attorney about trial or settlement strategy in the pending Purdue Pharma litigation.

• Resolution F2509045 – Weekly Bills & Road Payables
• Resolution B2509093 – Weekly Requisitions and Purchase Order Change Orders
• Resolution A2509253 – Renew agreement for tether with Trak Group, Inc. for Courts
• Resolution F2509311 – Pledge Full Faith and Credit Drain Project
• Closed session to discuss litigation strategy in County of Berrien v. Purdue Pharma

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the regular meeting minutes from August 28, 2025. They adopted the consent calendar, which includes weekly bills, road payables, and several service agreements. The Board also approved a motion to enter a closed session and later approved the closed‑session minutes from August 28, 2025. No other business was taken.

• Approved August 28, 2025 regular meeting minutes (10 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved consent calendar items including weekly bills, road payables, and contracts (10 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved motion to recess public meeting and enter closed session (10 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved August 28, 2025 closed‑session minutes (10 yeas, 0 nays)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will conduct a routine session. Items include approval of the August 28, 2025 minutes, a requisition review by Annette Christie, a foreclosed property report from Treasurer Shelly Weich, and a period for public comments.

• Approval of minutes from August 28, 2025
• Requisition review presented by Annette Christie
• Treasurer Shelly Weich reports on foreclosed property per MCL 211.78m(8)(i)
• Public comments limited to two minutes per speaker

Commissioners approved the Committee of the Whole minutes from August 28, 2025 with a motion that carried and no nays. Treasurer Shelly Weich presented the 2023 foreclosure report, noting the county purchased 24 parcels and outlining the redemption process. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m.

• Approved August 28, 2025 minutes (motion carried, no nays)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will receive a Treasurer update, then hold a Q&A where Matt Davis of Wightman Engineering and Don Trail will discuss drilling a water well for the Peerless Midwest Juvenile Center. The committee will then consider routine business, including approval of the August 28 2025 minutes, review and approval of bid openings, resolutions, waivers, and will allow two‑minute public comments.

• Discussion of water well drilling for Peerless Midwest Juvenile Center
• Approval of August 28, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review and approval of bid openings
• Approval of resolutions
• Approval of waivers

The committee approved the corrected minutes from the August 28 meeting. It moved two resolutions—weekly bills and road payables (F2509045) and Maximus Consulting Services (F2509305)—to the full board. The chairperson signed eight vendor waivers covering vehicle, equipment, and service purchases.

• Approved weekly bills and road payables resolution (F2509045)
• Approved Maximus Consulting Services resolution (F2509305)
• Approved waiver for Siemens Chrysler Dodge Jeep minivan purchase ($25,000 budgeted, $39,060 amount)
• Approved waiver for Berger Chevrolet Trax purchase ($50,000 budgeted, $25,241 amount)
• Approved waiver for Shembarger Asphalt Sealing at Juvenile Center ($0 budgeted, $8,044 amount)
• Approved waiver for Wightman Surveying aggregate inventory ($21,375 budgeted, $21,375 amount)
• Approved waiver for IBID Electric Co. move electrical service at Three Oaks ($19,845 budgeted, $19,845 amount)
• Approved waiver for GovConnection wireless access points ($95,000 budgeted, $32,027 amount)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Personnel and Human Services Committee will meet to approve minutes, review a monthly vacancy report, and consider pension refunds, buy-ins, and resolutions. The meeting includes a public comment period and a health department update.

• Approval of minutes from August 28, 2025
• Review of monthly vacancy report (August)
• Approval of pension refunds/rollovers
• Approval of pension buy-in for military service credits
• Public comment period (2-minute limit)

The committee approved the minutes from the August 28, 2025 meeting (2 yeas, 0 nays). A pension buy‑in for former employee William Woerdehoff was approved (2 yeas, 0 nays). Commissioner Wuerfel approved the county’s pension refunds and rollovers for May. Resolution P2509291 for engineering complement changes in the Road Department sign shop was approved.

• Approved August 28, 2025 minutes (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved pension buy‑in for William Woerdehoff (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved pension refunds and rollovers for May (no vote recorded)
• Approved Resolution P2509291 for Road Department complement changes (no vote recorded)

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will discuss the Juvenile Center drinking water well and receive an update from Animal Services. The committee is also scheduled to consider Resolution #P2509291 regarding the Road Department.

• Juvenile Center drinking water well discussion
• Animal Services update
• Resolution #P2509291 (Road Department)
• Approval of August 28, 2025 minutes

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to approve a contract with a group of attorneys called "Defense Counsel." The contract would provide legal representation for indigent parents and appointed lawyer/guardian ad litem services for children in child protective proceedings. The contract amount is $463,579 for 2026 and $477,486 for 2027, covering January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. The Board would authorize the Chairperson to execute the contract if approved.

• Approve contract with Defense Counsel for indigent parent and child legal representation ($463,579 for 2026, $477,486 for 2027)
• Authorize the Chairperson of the Board to sign the contract

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution recommended by the County Administration Committee. The resolution acknowledges a donation of three shade awnings from BH Awning to Berrien County Animal Services. The awnings measure 223 inches long by 118 inches wide and are valued at $6,060. No matching funds are required for the donation.

• Adopt resolution recognizing donation of three shade awnings valued at $6,060
• Donation provided by Friends of Berrien County Animal Services via BH Awning
• Awnings dimensions: 223" long by 118" wide
• No match required from Berrien County Animal Services

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners authorized the Road Department to apply for a USDOT grant to design up to two culverts. The grant offers $250,000 to $2.5 million with no match requirement.

• Authorizes Road Department to apply for USDOT Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program
• Grant range: $250,000 to $2,500,000
• Funds technical services for culvert design and fish passage restoration
• Application portal opens September 8, 2025
• Grant funds historically exhausted quickly after opening

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider the Finance Committee's recommendation to approve the Auditing Report for the period August 28 – September 10 2025, totaling $5,884,506.53. The board will also vote on the Road Department's 2025 Accounts Payable Vouchers #2536 and #2537 for the same period, together amounting to $929,959.79. The vouchers list payments to multiple vendors for road‑related expenses.

• Approve Auditing Report covering Aug 28–Sep 10 2025 ($5,884,506.53)
• Approve Road Dept. Accounts Payable Voucher #2536 ($3,462.58 total expenses)
• Approve Road Dept. Accounts Payable Voucher #2537 ($926,497.21 total expenses)
• Payments to BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION, INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER, MICHIGAN GAS UTILITIES, and other vendors
• Finance Committee recommendation presented unless a Commissioner abstains

Resolutions

The Finance Committee recommends that the Board pledge the county's full faith and credit for notes not to exceed $370,000. This funding is intended for improvements to the McConnell and Olcott Intercounty Drain, with Berrien County responsible for 38% of the cost. The pledge is contingent upon a similar resolution from Van Buren County.

• Proposed pledge of full faith and credit for notes up to $370,000
• McConnell and Olcott Intercounty Drain improvements
• Berrien County cost apportionment of 38%

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is adopting a resolution to retain legal counsel and an engineering firm to support the Part 307 lake level process for Paw Paw Lake. The resolution also authorizes annual expenditures of more than $10,000 for maintenance and repairs of the lake's normal level infrastructure. All costs are to be reimbursed by the lake level special assessment district.

• Retain legal counsel Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC for lake‑level petition and related work
• Retain engineering firm Spicer Group, Inc. for studies, repairs, and special‑assessment roll preparation
• Authorize annual expenditures exceeding $10,000 for Paw Paw Lake normal‑level maintenance
• Reimburse all consultant costs through the Paw Paw Lake special assessment district
• Amend the lake‑level order and update district boundaries under Part 307

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to approve a contract with a group of defense attorneys to provide representation for indigent juveniles. The contract would cover services for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years at total costs of $231,132 and $238,068 respectively. The board would also authorize the chairperson to sign the agreement.

• Approve contract with Defense Counsel for indigent juvenile representation ($231,132 for 2026, $238,068 for 2027)
• Authorize the Chairperson of the Board to execute the contract

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to hire Petersen Research Consultants, LLC. The firm would provide quality assurance, data extraction, and reporting services for the Berrien County Trial Court-Family Division.

• Contract with Petersen Research Consultants, LLC for up to $19,900
• Service period from August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will adopt a resolution authorizing the Chairperson or designee to execute an agreement with Track Group, Inc. for electronic monitoring devices. The agreement covers GPS ReliAlert units, with a daily rental rate of $5.25 per unit, reduced from the original $5.75 rate. The contract automatically renews each year on the anniversary of its original effective date, September 19, 2017, unless terminated. Corporate Counsel has reviewed and approved the agreement.

• Authorize execution of a monitoring services agreement with Track Group, Inc.
• Daily rental rate set at $5.25 per GPS ReliAlert unit (originally $5.75)
• Agreement auto‑renews annually on September 19, the original effective date
• Corporate Counsel has reviewed and approved the agreement terms
• Resolution recommended by the County Administration Committee

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved requisitions over $10,000 totaling $6,006,568.05, along with purchase‑order change orders of $20,397.00. The approvals include a $4,797,039 payment to Blue Cross Blue Shield for the county’s fourth‑quarter health insurance, fire and CO₂ equipment upgrades, road salt purchases, and a CDBG housing improvement in Benton Harbor. No other actions were recorded for this meeting.

• $4,797,039 payment to Blue Cross Blue Shield for county health insurance
• $160,461.73 upgrade to fire and CO₂ equipment for road department
• $725,144.50 purchase of 10,650 tons of seasonal road salt
• $35,200 CDBG housing improvement for a residence in Benton Harbor
• $70,000 professional engineering services for Franklin Park Drain project

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force will receive updates on broadband construction efforts, BEAD funding applications, and fiber construction estimates for Danneffel Road in Bainbridge Township. The group will also hear about a submission for the Graham Woodhouse Award and set the date for the next meeting.

• Update on broadband construction efforts in Berrien County
• BEAD funding applications and awards summary
• Fiber construction estimates for Danneffel Road in Bainbridge Township

The task force reported that the nomination form for the BCBIT‑MEC‑Local Municipalities‑ROBIN project was submitted to the SWMPC Planning Commission for this year’s Graham Woodhouse Award. The BCBIT webpage was updated with the latest information. The next BCBIT meeting was scheduled for Thursday, October 2 at 12:30 PM.

• Submitted nomination for Graham Woodhouse Award (no vote recorded)
• Updated BCBIT webpage (no vote recorded)
• Scheduled next meeting for Oct 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM (no vote recorded)

Health Department - Sewage Appeal Board

The Berrien County On-Site Sewage Appeal Board will hear appeals for two properties and make decisions. The board may also visit the proposed building sites.

• Appeal #1: Mark Scott Homes, 2190 Dayton Rd., 28.84 Acres
• Appeal #2: Michael Strzyzykowski, Split from 5922 Bailey Rd., 70.98 Acres
• Possible site visits for both appeals
• Public comments allowed (2 min. per person)

The Sewage Appeals Board approved a septic system for a two‑bedroom dwelling at 9820 Holden Rd., specifying tank sizes and a mounded absorption field. The approval is contingent on site setbacks, a pre‑construction meeting, inspections, favorable weather, and protection of the field from compaction. Earlier motions to approve the agenda and the August 11, 2025 minutes also passed.

• Approved agenda (motion passed and carried)
• Approved August 11, 2025 minutes (motion passed and carried)
• Approved septic system for 2‑bedroom home at 9820 Holden Rd. (motion passed and carried)

Health Department - Board of Health

The Berrien County Board of Health will meet to approve minutes from August 6, 2025, vouchers, and a resolution for a firearm safety program grant application. Financial and administrative reports will be presented, including a staffing update and a spotlight on immunization services.

• Approval of August 6, 2025 Board of Health minutes
• Approval of vouchers
• Resolution P2508306 for Firearm Safety Program grant application
• Monthly financial report by Guy Miller
• Staffing update and immunization services spotlight

The Board approved the minutes from the August 6, 2025 meeting. It also approved the vouchers presented for payment. Additionally, the Board approved resolution P2508306 to apply for the Firearm Safety Program.

• Approved August 6, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved vouchers for payment as presented (motion carried)
• Approved resolution P2508306 Firearm Safety Program Request to Apply (motion carried)

Resolutions

The County Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends authorizing the Parks Department to apply for an equipment grant from the Bike Michiana Coalition. The grant would provide fat tire bikes for the rental fleet at Love Creek County Park.

• Grant application to Bike Michiana Coalition for fat tire bikes
• Estimated value of bike donation not to exceed $3,000

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review routine bills and several grant applications. The meeting includes a proposal to update information technology and social media policies.

• Resolution F2508300: Land Bank Authority application for Community Development Block Grant
• Resolution P2508306: Health Department application for firearm safety program grant funds
• Resolution P2508308: Revision of IT resources policy and creation of social media account policy
• Resolution P2508313: Grant application for fat tire bikes at Love Creek County Park
• Closed session for quarterly litigation update with Corporate Counsel Thaddeus Hackworth

The Board adopted the consent calendar, approving several routine resolutions and adding a new resolution to authorize a grant application for fat‑tire bikes at Love Creek County Park. The motion passed unanimously with 12 yeas and no nays. The Board also approved the minutes of the August 21, 2025 regular meeting and the June 26, 2026 closed‑session meeting.

• Approved consent calendar including routine resolutions (weekly bills, requisitions, land bank application, community development documents, health department firearm safety grant, IT policy revisions) – 12 yeas
• Added and approved Resolution P2508313 to authorize grant application for fat‑tire bikes at Love Creek County Park – 12 yeas
• Approved minutes of the August 21, 2025 regular meeting – 12 yeas
• Approved minutes of the June 26, 2026 closed‑session meeting – 12 yeas

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee meets to review and approve minutes, bid openings, contract modifications, and resolutions. Items include housing improvement funding, drain project support, and building upgrades. Public comments are permitted during the business portion.

• Bid 2025-068: Community Development - CDBG Housing Improvement (Benton Harbor)
• Bid 2025-058: Building & Grounds - 2100 E Empire UPS Upgrades
• Full Faith & Credit resolution for McConnell & Olcott Inter County drain project
• Contract modification with Russell Investments
• Bid 2025-060: Road - Coloma Twp Maple Court Drainage (Coloma Twp refused bid)

The committee approved moving Juvenile funds to cover the $209,888 cost of bid 2025-058 for building and grounds UPS upgrades. It also approved referrals of bids 2025-061, 2025-063 and 2025-068 to the department with authority to select the lowest responsible bidder. Minutes from August 21, 2025 were approved with a name correction, and three resolutions (F2508043, F2509311, F2509312) were signed to advance to the full board. A waiver was signed to spend $160,462 on fire and CO₂ upgrades for the BH Facility alarm system.

• Approved reallocation of Juvenile funds to pay $209,888 for bid 2025-058 UPS upgrades (motion carried)
• Approved referral of bid 2025-061 to department with approval to use lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)
• Approved referral of bid 2025-063 to department with approval to use lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)
• Approved referral of bid 2025-068 to department with approval to use lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)
• Approved minutes of August 21, 2025 with name spelling correction (motion carried)
• Signed resolutions F2508043, F2509311, F2509312 to move to full board (resolution signed)
• Waiver approved for $160,462 fire and CO₂ upgrades to secure alarm system at BH Facility (waiver signed)
• No bid results or contract modifications were approved

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will convene for a routine meeting that includes brief updates from Emergency Management, the Public Defender, 9-1-1, and the Road Department. The committee will also review minutes, consider resolutions, and allow public comments before adjourning.

The Administration Committee authorized Capt. Adams to move forward with the emergency‑management professional services RFP and approved the minutes from the August 21 meeting. It also executed agreements and contracts for monitor services, juvenile court quality assurance, and legal representation of indigent parents and children. The committee authorized a grant application for culvert designs and approved the use of the courthouse parking lot for the 9‑1‑1 Memorial Ride on September 7, 2025. Additionally, it recognized a local donation of shade awnings.

• Authorized Capt. Adams to proceed with emergency‑management RFP (motion carried)
• Approved minutes of the August 21, 2025 meeting (motion carried)
• Executed agreement with Track Group Inc for monitor services (Resolution A2509253)
• Accepted proposal from Petersen Research Consultants for juvenile court QA (Resolution A2509270)
• Approved contracts for legal representation of indigent parents and children in child protective proceedings (Resolutions A2509309, A2509310)
• Authorized application for culvert designs under Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program (Resolution A2509315)
• Approved use of Courthouse parking lot for 9‑1‑1 Memorial Ride on Sep 7, 2025 (County Property Use Request)
• Recognized Friends of BCAS for donation of three shade awnings (Resolution A2509314)

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole will convene for a brief meeting with no substantive decisions. The agenda includes standard procedural items such as roll call, approval of prior minutes, and a public hearing on emergency homeowner repair assistance funding. No ordinances, contracts, or fee changes are listed.

• Public hearing on Program Income Emergency Homeowner Repair Assistance – Community Development

Commissioners approved the Committee of the Whole minutes from August 21, 2025. They voted to recess the regular session for a public hearing on the Program Income Emergency Homeowner Repair Assistance and later voted to end the hearing and resume regular business. Chairperson Elliott appointed Commissioner Yarbrough as an additional member of the Berrien County Advisory Transportation Team.

• Approved August 21, 2025 minutes (motion carried, no nays)
• Recessed regular meeting for public hearing (9 yeas, no nays)
• Concluded public hearing and returned to regular session (11 yeas, no nays)
• Appointed Commissioner Yarbrough to BCATT (appointment by Chairperson)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Berrien County Personnel and Human Services Committee will meet to approve minutes from August 21, 2025, a pension buy-in for previous service credits, and an advance step hire request for a WIC Supervisor. The meeting also includes a public comment period.

• Approval of Minutes – August 21, 2025
• Approval of Pension Buy-in – Previous Service Credits
• Approval of Advance Step Hire Request – WIC Supervisor

The Personnel & Human Services Committee approved the minutes from August 21, 2025. It approved a pension buy‑in for Ashley Pozivilko’s prior service credits. It authorized hiring Courtney Tadros at grade 11 step 2 for the WIC supervisor position. It also approved resolution P25083‑13 to accept a bike donation for Love Creek County Park and approved a review of public defender wages.

• Approved August 21, 2025 minutes (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved pension buy‑in for Ashley Pozivilko (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved hiring Courtney Tadros, WIC supervisor, grade 11 step 2 (3 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved resolution P25083‑13 to accept bike donation for Love Creek County Park (vote not recorded)
• Approved review of public defender wages compared to other counties (vote not recorded)

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing recommendations to revise Policy ADM-1230 regarding the acceptable use of information technology resources. This includes the creation of a new standalone policy, ADM-1235, specifically for the management of county social media accounts.

• Revision of Policy ADM-1230: Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources
• Creation of Policy ADM-1235: Acceptable Use of Berrien County Social Media Accounts
• Requirement for Corporate Counsel approval before deleting or hiding public social media comments
• Requirement for Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) on all social media accounts
• Prohibition of posting recognizable photos of children under 18 without written parental permission

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will decide whether to authorize the Health Department to apply for a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services grant to fund a firearm safety campaign. The proposed initiative includes hiring a media consultant for countywide ads and distributing gun locks and educational materials.

• Authorizes Health Department to apply for up to $360,000 MDHHS Firearm Safety Program grant
• Campaign includes TV, radio, social media, gas station TV spots, and printed materials
• Hiring of media consultant to design and implement countywide safety campaign
• Partnership with Sheriff’s Office and community organizations for outreach
• Focus on secure firearm storage education and gun lock distribution

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee recommends authorizing the use of federal program income for emergency home repairs. The funds were generated from the repayment of zero percent interest deferred loans to homeowners.

• Authorization to expend $42,835 in CDBG program income for Emergency Home Repairs

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee recommends the Board of Commissioners authorize the Land Bank Authority to apply for $708,000 in funding from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to support the Homeowner Improvement Program.

• Authorization to apply for $708,000 in CDBG funding
• Funding for the Homeowner Improvement Program
• Application to Michigan State Housing Development Authority

Resolutions

The Finance Committee is recommending the approval of several auditing reports and accounts payable vouchers. These payments cover various county operations and road department expenses for the period ending August 27, 2025.

• Auditing Report for August 21–27, 2025, in the amount of $3,822,935.56
• Road Department Accounts Payable Vouchers #2535 in the amount of $541,087.97
• Check Run 250828GB in the amount of $3,292,189.56
• Check Run 250828LB in the amount of $211,162.00
• Check Run 250828GE in the amount of $319,584.00

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is approving a series of requisitions and purchase order change orders for county operations. These expenditures cover infrastructure maintenance, technology upgrades, and facility improvements.

• Requisitions totaling $258,811.41, including $80,608 for CSX crossing signal maintenance
• Purchase order change orders totaling $109,632.00, including $80,000 for Professional Engineering Associates
• $65,225 for Bacchiocchi Construction Services for facility improvement projects
• $34,497.84 for Motorola, Inc. for eight 800 MHz radios for the Health Department
• $19,305 for Feyen Zylstra, LLC for the Jail Fiber Replacement Project

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept funding from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. The funds will support the Data Science Team Training Program to improve staff skills and create a public dashboard for substance use and overdose trends.

• Acceptance of up to $12,000 training stipend for the Berrien County Health Department
• Implementation of a publicly accessible dashboard for county-level substance use and overdose trends

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee discussed personnel searches and approved several contract modifications and waivers. The committee referred a road drainage bid back to the department due to a cost discrepancy.

• Referred Bid #2025-060 for Coloma Twp Maple Court Drainage ($494,120.00) back for review
• Approved Bid #2025-061 for CDBG Housing Improvement in Benton Twp for the lowest bidder
• Approved contract modification for Lakeside, East, Pier Roads in Chikaming Twp for $60,894.97
• Approved $18,449 waiver for Historical Plat Maps preservation via Kofile Technologies, Inc.
• Approved $38,004.96 waiver for Kiesler Police Supply for non-lethal training rounds

The committee approved the August 14 meeting minutes. It authorized a $25,000 waiver for installing fiber optic cable between the Courthouse and Jail. The committee referred multiple project bids—including building upgrades, court testing services, and several Community Development Block Grant housing improvements—to the respective departments, allowing them to proceed with the lowest responsible bidder or to seek further review where costs differed significantly. All motions were carried.

• Approved August 14 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved waiver #2025-08-21-01 for fiber installation ($25,000 budgeted, $19,305 approved)
• Referred bid 2025-058 (BLDG & GROUNDS) to department with approval to award lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)
• Referred bid 2025-062 (COURTS) to department with approval to award lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)
• Referred bid 2025-063 (COURTS) back to department for review before approval due to cost discrepancy (motion carried)
• Referred bid 2025-065 (COMM DEV) to department with approval to award lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)
• Referred bid 2025-066 (COMM DEV) to department with approval to award lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)
• Referred bid 2025-067 (COMM DEV) to department with approval to award lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The Berrien County Personnel & Human Services Committee will meet to approve minutes from August 14, 2025, and resolutions. A veterans services update is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Public comment is allowed for up to two minutes per speaker.

• Approval of minutes from August 14, 2025
• Approval of resolutions
• Veterans services update

The Personnel & Human Services Committee approved the August 14 meeting minutes with a 2‑yea, 0‑nay vote. It also approved resolution P2508306 to execute a grant for a firearm safety program through BCHD. Additionally, the committee approved a board member’s request for a four‑month leave of absence with a 2‑yea, 0‑nay vote.

• Approved meeting minutes (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved resolution P2508306 to execute firearm safety grant (vote not recorded)
• Approved 4‑month leave of absence for board member (2 yeas, 0 nays)

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force will receive updates on construction efforts from MEC and DCS Technology Design. The body will discuss BEAD funding and fiber construction estimates for a specific road in Bainbridge Township.

• Construction update from MEC
• Summary of meeting with Congressman Huizenga regarding BEAD
• Fiber construction estimates for Danneffel Road in Bainbridge Township

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force presented updates on Midwest Energy & Communications’ fiber construction progress, which is reported as 74% complete and expected to finish by year‑end. DCS Technology Design reported a meeting with Congressman Huizenga regarding BEAD funding that needs to be rescheduled. The next meeting was scheduled for September 4, 2025 at 12:30 PM. No decisions were approved, denied, or tabled during this meeting.

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will convene a meeting at 10:30 a.m. on August 21, 2025, following standard procedural items such as invocation, pledge of allegiance, and roll call. The agenda includes routine approval of minutes, public comments on resolutions, and adoption of a consent calendar with multiple resolutions for monthly per diems, bills, grants, and contracts.

• Approval of minutes from August 14, 2025 meeting
• Presentation of Life Saving Award by 911 Director Caitlin Sampsell
• Adoption of consent calendar resolutions including monthly per diems, weekly bills, and grant applications (e.g., Family Youth Engagement Program Grant, Transportation Alternatives Program Grant for Red Arrow Linear Trail)
• Contract with Kofile Technologies for preservation of records
• Contract with County Road Association for conservation program

The Board approved the regular minutes from the August 14, 2025 meeting with a motion carried and no nays. The Commissioners also approved the Consent Calendar, which includes routine resolutions on per diems, road payables, grants, and contracts, by a vote of nine yeas and no nays. No other substantive actions were taken during the meeting.

• Approved August 14, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried, no nays)
• Approved Consent Calendar items (9 yeas, no nays)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will meet to review a county audit overview presented by Nate Baldermann of Rehmann. The meeting also includes a requisition review for Annette Christie.

• Berrien County Audit Overview by Nate Baldermann, Rehmann
• Requisition Review for Annette Christie

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole met on August 21, 2025 with nine commissioners present. Commissioners Vollrath and Wuerfel moved to approve the minutes from the August 14 meeting, and the motion carried with no nays. An audit overview for 2024 was presented, and no public comments were received. The meeting adjourned at 9:02 a.m.

• Approved August 14, 2025 Committee of the Whole minutes (motion carried, no nays)

Administration Committee

The Administration Committee approved a Candidate Conservation Agreement with the County Road Association to dedicate 3 feet of road right-of-way for milkweed preservation. The committee also approved a project agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation for TAP grant funding and approved the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approved Candidate Conservation Agreement with CRA for milkweed preservation
• Approved project agreement with MDOT for TAP grant funding
• Approved minutes of July 24, 2025 meeting
• Finance Director interviews scheduled for tomorrow and Monday
• Senior Center millage funds to be disbursed with an overage of $18,702

The Administration Committee approved the minutes of the August 14, 2025 meeting after a motion by Tyler, supported by Vollrath. The motion carried and no other resolutions were adopted. The meeting adjourned at 10:23 a.m.

• Approved minutes of August 14, 2025 meeting (motion carried)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will decide whether to accept 100 air purifiers and filters valued at approximately $365,277 from the Michigan Indoor Air Ventilation Program. The Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) will distribute the units to organizations like senior centers to improve air quality during gatherings.

• Accept 100 air purifiers and filters valued at $365,277 from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
• Distribute air purifiers to organizations hosting community gatherings such as senior centers

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to accept a $209,091 amendment to a state public health contract. The amendment updates funding for existing services and adds a new emergency preparedness project. The Board of Health has already endorsed the agreement.

• Amendment to Comprehensive Agreement with MDHHS for $209,091
• Public Health Infrastructure funding increased to $704,738
• New Public Health Emergency Preparedness project funded at $32,907
• Total Comprehensive Agreement now $5,758,175
• Board to authorize Chairperson to execute contract

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will decide whether to approve a $10,000 grant application for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Children’s Special Health Care Services Family Youth Engagement Program. The Berrien County Health Department will administer the grant if approved, using it to fund family and youth activities and leadership development from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

• $10,000 grant application for CSHCS Family Youth Engagement Program
• Activities include family/youth engagement and leadership development
• Grant period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026
• First-come, first-served selection process for participants

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing the Berrien County Health Department to apply for the Taking Pride in Prevention (TPIP) grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The $105,000 grant would fund staff time, supplies, and program expansion to support adolescent health and decision-making.

• $105,000 Taking Pride in Prevention grant application for adolescent prevention program
• Funds to cover staff time, workbooks, activity supplies, and program growth
• Resolution endorsed by Berrien County Board of Health

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to hire Kofile Technologies, Inc. to restore and image historical records. The project involves preserving original plat maps and atlas books held by the Berrien County Register of Deeds Office.

• Contract with Kofile Technologies, Inc. for $18,449
• Preservation and imaging of historical plat maps and atlas books

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee is recommending the approval of commissioner per diems for July. The total requested amount is $4,484.10.

• Approval of commissioner per diems for July in the amount of $4,484.10

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners’ Finance Committee asks the full board to approve a weekly auditing report totaling $1,211,909.00 and the County Road Department’s 2025 Accounts Payable Voucher #2534 for $196,527.41. Commissioners may abstain from voting on specific invoices.

• Approve weekly auditing report: $1,211,909.00
• Approve Road Dept Voucher #2534: $196,527.41
• Vendor list includes Indiana Michigan Power, Michigan Paving & Materials, Village of Eau Claire
• Commissioners may abstain on listed invoices
• Meet at Berrien County Road Department, 2860 East Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a proposal to join a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) through the County Road Association. This agreement aims to avoid federal project delays by preserving the outer 3 feet of rural road rights-of-way for milkweed.

• Proposed agreement to leave the outer 3 feet of rural road rights-of-way untouched
• Estimated annual cost to Berrien County between $1,200 and $4,000
• Requested three-year commitment to the CCAA
• Authorization for the Chairperson to sign the agreement

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation for the Red Arrow Highway Linear Park Pathway Project. The grant covers 80% of the estimated construction budget.

• Acceptance of $3,096,048.00 MDOT Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant
• Red Arrow Highway Linear Park Pathway Project construction
• 20% local match of $774,012.00
• Total estimated construction budget of $3,870,060.00

Resolutions

The board is reviewing several requisitions for department spending. These include funding for facility projects, child care placements, and health services.

• Increase of $171,392 to IBID County Electric, Inc. for Courthouse and Jail MEP projects
• Increase of $90,000 to Father Flanagan's Boys Home for child care placements
• Increase of $15,000 to Glaxosmithkline for vaccines
• Payment of $13,200 to IBID County Electric, Inc. for sub panel, ceiling fans and control boxes
• Payment of $11,728 to Point Blue, LLC for Three Oaks underground tank closure/removal

Finance Committee

The committee will receive updates from the Sheriff's Office and the Road Department. Members will also review minutes from July 24, 2025, and discuss resolutions.

• Sheriff's Office update from Sheriff Heit and Undersheriff Sanders
• Road Department update from Mark Heyliger
• Review of July 24, 2025 minutes

The Finance Committee reviewed bids for two projects and referred them back to departments. The road project bid for Coloma Twp Maple Court drainage was sent back due to a large discrepancy between projected and bid costs, requiring department approval before awarding. The CDBG housing improvement bid for Benton Twp was referred back with approval to proceed with the lowest bidder if responsible, with conditions. The committee also approved contract modifications, signed off on a pension study, and approved waivers for various purchases.

• Referred road bid 2025-060 (Coloma Twp Maple Court drainage) back to department for review due to cost discrepancy
• Referred CDBG housing improvement bid 2025-061 (Benton Twp) back with approval to proceed with lowest bidder if responsible
• Approved contract modifications for projects 2025-018, 2024-68, 2025-020
• Signed off on GRS Consulting pension study as required by state
• Approved resolution F2508041 for weekly bills and road payables
• Signed waivers for various purchases including historical plat maps preservation

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is asked to approve a new contract with Talent Source Staffing to address ongoing temporary staffing shortages in the Trial Court, including criminal, family, and LEIN departments. The contract follows two previous unsuccessful arrangements with other staffing agencies and is expected to cost 1.6 times the hourly rate, funded from the unused temporary employee staffing budget.

• Approve contract with Talent Source Staffing for temporary court staffing
• Funding from unused temporary employee staffing budget
• Address staffing shortages in criminal, family, and LEIN departments

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee is seeking approval for an auditing report and road department vouchers. The items cover expenditures and check runs for the period of August 7, 2025, through August 13, 2025.

• Auditing Report for August 7–13, 2025, totaling $3,296,232.91
• Road Department Accounts Payable Vouchers #2533 totaling $196,462.39
• Check Run 250814GB in the amount of $2,976,648.91
• Check Run 250814GE in the amount of $319,584.00
• Road Department payment to TBD Construction Services Inc for $71,142.99

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to approve the Allen Edwin Homes River Oaks South Brownfield Plan, a redevelopment project in Watervliet. The plan was reviewed by the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and taxing jurisdictions, with findings that it meets state requirements and constitutes a public purpose.

• Approval of Allen Edwin Homes River Oaks South Brownfield Plan
• Project located in City of Watervliet
• Plan reviewed under Michigan Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act (Act 381 of 1996)
• County confirms plan meets all state requirements and public purpose criteria

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation from the Finance Committee to ratify a fee schedule for the Berrien County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. These fees cover the review and administration of Brownfield Plans and Workplans. If approved, the schedule is effective as of June 12, 2025.

• Ratification of Berrien County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Fee Schedule
• Fees for Brownfield Plans and Workplans involving MSF, EGLE, and MSHDA

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will meet to review routine bills and requisitions. The board is considering a Brownfield plan for River Oaks South and a contract for temporary employees for the courts.

• River Oaks South Brownfield Plan (Resolution F2508287)
• Brownfield Authority Fee Schedule Update (Resolution F2508289)
• Contract with Talent Source for temporary employees for Courts (Resolution A2508297)
• Weekly bills and road payables (Resolution F2508041)
• Closed session regarding Starkey v. Berrien County Sheriff arbitration

The Board approved the regular minutes from August 7, 2025, and adopted the consent calendar covering weekly bills, road payables, and other routine items. Commissioners accepted corporate counsel’s recommendation to settle the Starkey v. Berrien County Sheriff arbitration and directed staff to implement the settlement. They also approved the minutes of the closed‑session meeting held on June 26, 2025.

• Approved August 7, 2025 regular meeting minutes (motion carried, no nays)
• Adopted consent calendar resolutions F2508041, B2508089, F2508287, F2508289, A2508297 (10 yeas, no nays)
• Accepted corporate counsel’s recommendation to settle Starkey v. Berrien County Sheriff and directed staff to proceed (8 yeas, no nays)
• Approved minutes of the closed‑session meeting held June 26, 2025 (motion carried, no nays)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review a requisition and hold a public hearing on the Brownfield Plan. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2025.

• Approval of minutes from July 24, 2025
• Requisition Review – Annette Christie
• Public Hearing – Brownfield Plan
• Public Comments period

The Committee approved the July 24, 2025 meeting minutes with a motion carried unanimously. Commissioners recessed the meeting at 8:40 a.m. to hold a public hearing on the River Oaks South Brownfield plan, also carried unanimously. The hearing concluded at 9:11 a.m. and the session was adjourned, with no public comments recorded.

• Approved July 24, 2025 minutes (10 yeas, no nays)
• Recessed meeting to open River Oaks South Brownfield public hearing (10 yeas, no nays)
• Concluded River Oaks South Brownfield public hearing and returned to regular session (10 yeas, no nays)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The committee will receive updates from the Sheriff's Office and the Road Department. Members will also review minutes from the July 24, 2025 meeting and discuss resolutions.

• Sheriff's Office update from Sheriff Heit and Undersheriff Sanders
• Road Department update from Mark Heyliger
• Review of July 24, 2025 minutes

The committee approved the July 24, 2025 minutes (2 yeas, 0 nays) and the Buildings and Grounds schedule changes (2 yeas, 0 nays). It also approved pension refunds and rollovers for May and five health‑department grant resolutions (P2508284, P2508285, P2508290, P2508293, P2508299). Additionally, an exception to the IT resources policy for Animal Services was approved.

• Approved July 24, 2025 minutes (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved Buildings and Grounds schedule changes (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved Berrien County pension refunds and rollovers for May
• Approved five health department grant resolutions (P2508284, P2508285, P2508290, P2508293, P2508299)
• Approved IT policy exception for Animal Services

Administration Committee

The Administration Committee will meet to receive updates from the Sheriff's Office and the Road Department. The body will also review minutes from July 24, 2025, and address resolutions and miscellaneous business.

• Sheriff's Office update from Sheriff Heit and Undersheriff Sanders
• Road Department update from Mark Heyliger
• Review of July 24, 2025 minutes

The Administration Committee approved the Candidate Conservation Agreement to preserve milkweed in road rights‑of‑way for monarch butterflies. It also accepted the terms of the MDOT project agreement for TAP grant funding. The minutes from the July 24, 2025 meeting were approved. No public comments were received.

• Approved Candidate Conservation Agreement for milkweed preservation in road ROWs (Resolution A2508304)
• Accepted terms of MDOT project agreement for TAP grant funding (Resolution A2508298)
• Approved minutes of the July 24, 2025 meeting (motion carried)

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing and approving requisitions totaling $21,014.60. These expenditures cover software subscriptions and legal services.

• Payment of $10,313.60 to Logicalis, Inc. for a Veeam Data Platform Foundation subscription
• Payment of $10,701.00 to Sorin Baier Pyle Law PC for services related to case 2024-045047

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review weekly bills and requisitions. The meeting includes a presentation on MAT services by Sheriff Chuck Heit and a status update from the MSU Extension Office.

• Resolution P2508286: Oppose state action regarding mental health treatment
• Resolution B2508292: Support Senate Bills 293-294 regarding animals associated with court cases
• Resolution F2508040: Approve Weekly Bills & Road Payables
• Resolution B2508088: Approve Requisition List & Change Orders Purchase Orders
• MAT services presentation by Sheriff Chuck Heit

The Board approved the regular minutes from the July 25, 2025 meeting. It also adopted the consent calendar, which included approvals for weekly bills and road payables, requisition list and change orders, a resolution opposing state action on mental health treatment, and support for Senate Bills 293‑294 on animals in court cases. All motions passed with ten yeas and no nays.

• Approved July 25, 2025 meeting minutes (10 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved Weekly Bills & Road Payables (Resolution F2508040) (10 yeas)
• Approved Requisition List & Change Orders Purchase Orders (Resolution B2508088) (10 yeas)
• Approved opposition to state action regarding mental health treatment (Resolution P2508286) (10 yeas)
• Approved support for Senate Bills 293‑294 on animals associated with court cases (Resolution B2508292) (10 yeas)

Health Department - Sewage Appeal Board

The Berrien County On-Site Sewage Appeal Board will meet to hear presentations and make decisions on two specific appeals. The board may conduct visits to the proposed building sites as part of their review process.

• Appeal #1: Mark Scott Homes, 2190 Dayton rd., Bertrand Twp.
• Appeal #2: Michael Strzyzykowski, split from 5922 Bailey Rd., Pipestone Twp.

The Sewage Appeals Board approved a septic system for a 7‑bedroom home at 2190 Dayton Rd. and a system for a 3‑bedroom home on the split parcel of 5922 Bailey Rd. Both approvals require a successful pre‑construction meeting, standard health‑department inspections, construction in dry weather, and compliance with all setback and isolation distances. The second approval is also contingent on the parcel being split without separating the dwelling from its septic system and well.

• Approved septic system for 7‑bedroom home at 2190 Dayton Rd. (no garbage grinder) – motion passed and carried
• Approved septic system for 3‑bedroom home on split parcel of 5922 Bailey Rd. (no garbage grinder) – motion passed and carried

Health Department - Sewage Appeal Board

The Berrien County On-Site Sewage Appeal Board will meet to hear presentations and make decisions on two specific appeals. The board may conduct site visits for the properties under review.

• Appeal #1: Mark Scott Homes, 2190 Dayton rd., Bertrand Twp.
• Appeal #2: Michael Strzyzykowski, split from 5922 Bailey Rd., Pipestone Twp.

Health Department - Board of Health

The Berrien County Board of Health will meet to approve vouchers and several resolutions regarding grants and agreements. The meeting includes financial reports and a program spotlight on epidemiology.

• Resolution P2508284: Air Purifier-Filter Request to Accept
• Resolution P2508285: Comprehensive Agreement FY24-25 Amendment III
• Resolution P2508290: Children’s Special Health Care Services Grant Request to Apply
• Resolution P2508293: TPIP Grant-Request to Apply
• Resolution P2508299: DSTT Acceptance of Funds 2025

The Berrien County Board of Health approved the July 2, 2025 meeting minutes. The board also approved the vouchers presented for payment. Five resolutions—P2508284, P2508285, P2508290, P2508293, and P2508299—were approved as a group.

• Approved July 2, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved vouchers for payment (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution P2508284 Air Purifier-Filter Request to Accept (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution P2508285 Comprehensive Agreement FY24-25 Amendment III (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution P2508290 Children’s Special Health Care Services Grant Request to Apply (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution P2508293 TPIP Grant-Request to Apply (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution P2508299 DSTT Acceptance of Funds 2025 (motion carried)

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to oppose the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' plan for a competitive procurement process for Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs). The resolution requests that the state halt privatization plans and only allow public organizations to participate in any bid process.

• Resolution opposing MDHHS competitive procurement for PIHPs
• Request to notify Governor Whitmer, MDHHS Director, and State Legislators

Resolutions

The Finance Committee is recommending the approval of an auditing report and Road Department accounts payable vouchers. These items cover expenditures from July 24, 2025, through August 6, 2025.

• Auditing Report for July 24, 2025 — August 6, 2025 in the amount of $5,736,868.75
• Road Department Accounts Payable Vouchers #2531 & 2532 in the amount of $1,462,507.14
• Payment to State of Michigan - MDOT for $816,228.48
• Payment to Wyoming Asphalt for $71,520.43
• Payment to Rieth-Riley Construction Co. for $97,816.57

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reviewing a resolution to support Senate Bills 293 and 294. These bills would create a bond-or-forfeit process for animals seized in neglect or cruelty cases to shift care costs from agencies to owners.

• Resolution of support for Senate Bills 293 and 294 regarding animal neglect (MCL 750.50) and cruelty (MCL 750.50b)

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing and approving several requisitions over $10,000. The largest expenditure is for HVAC and MEP upgrades at the jail.

• Roggow Construction Co.: $639,100.00 for Jail MEP upgrades Phase 2 air handing unit HVAC
• Bacchiocchi Construction: $51,597.18 for miscellaneous facility improvements
• Kiesler Police Supply: $38,004.96 for ammunition order
• Boys & Girls Club: $30,155.66 for Byrne Grant payment
• Michigan Association of Counties: $18,052.40 for annual membership

Finance Committee

The Berrien County Finance Committee will receive a financial update and review resolutions regarding community development. The body will also conduct bid opening reviews and approve waivers.

• Resolution F2508287: River Oaks South Brownfield Plan
• Resolution F2508289: BRA Fee Schedule
• Bid Opening Review and Approvals
• Waiver Approvals

The committee rejected resolution A2507270, which would have authorized the Family Division to accept a proposal from Petersen Research Consultants. It approved the minutes from the July 17, 2025 meeting. The committee added a requirement that the animal services resolution be distributed to all County Clerks. It also agreed to pull the MDOT resolution from the agenda as requested by Chairman Elliott.

• Rejected resolution A2507270 – authorize Family Division to accept Petersen Research Consultants proposal
• Approved minutes of the July 17, 2025 meeting (motion by Tyler, supported by Vollrath)
• Concurred to add distribution clause to animal services resolution for all County Clerks
• Concurred to pull the MDOT resolution and amend the agenda (requested by Elliott)

Resolutions

The Berrien County Finance Committee is seeking approval for an auditing report and several accounts payable check runs. The meeting includes a review of expenditures for the period of July 17, 2025, through July 23, 2025.

• Auditing Report for July 17–23, 2025, in the amount of $2,964,378.39
• Road Department Accounts Payable Vouchers #2529 in the amount of $908,238.10
• Accounts Payable Check Run 250724GB for $2,586,256.98
• Accounts Payable Check Run 250724GE for $377,442.41
• Accounts Payable Check Run 250724LB for $679.00

Board of Commissioners

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will meet to vote on routine weekly bills and several agreements. The board is considering an implementation plan for the Area Agency on Aging and support for a road reconstruction project.

• Support of M-63 reconstruction project #213168
• FY2026 Area Agency on Aging Implementation Plan
• Wold Architects Agreement amendment
• Agreement for best practices monitoring Family Division juveniles
• Act 51 report submission to the State

The Board modified the agenda by removing two resolutions, approved the consent calendar with several routine resolutions, and adopted two honorary resolutions honoring Douglas D. James and Dawn DeLynne Yarbrough. Chairperson Elliott appointed Commissioner Teri Sue Freehling as a fourth member of the County Brownfield Authority. Future meeting dates and locations were announced.

• Modified agenda: removed Resolution #A2507270 and #A2507280 (12 yeas)
• Approved Consent Calendar including resolutions F2507039, B2507087, A2507279, A2507282, P2507283, and added P2507288 (12 yeas)
• Approved Honorary Resolution #B2507725 honoring Douglas D. James (unanimous)
• Approved Honorary Resolution #B2507261 honoring Dawn DeLynne Yarbrough (unanimous)
• Appointed Commissioner Teri Sue Freehling as fourth member of County Brownfield Authority
• Announced no Board meeting on July 31, 2025
• Announced night meeting on August 7, 2025 at Michigan State University Extension Office
• Announced return to regular meeting schedule on August 14, 2025

Committee of the Whole

The Berrien County Committee of the Whole will meet to review a requisition from Annette Christie. The session includes scheduled discussions regarding funding for the Mental Health Authority and the Area Agency on Aging.

• Requisition review for Annette Christie
• Mental Health Authority funding discussion with Ric Compton
• Area Agency on Aging discussion with Amanda Drew

Commissioners approved the Committee of the Whole minutes from July 17, 2025 by a motion that carried with no nays. The meeting included presentations on the upcoming PIHP rebid and the Area Agency on Aging’s FY 2026 plan, but no votes or formal actions were taken on those topics. No public comments were received. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

• Approved July 17, 2025 Committee of the Whole minutes (motion carried, no nays)

Personnel & Human Services Committee

The committee will meet to conduct routine business and review a request for an advanced step hire for the Community Services Court Authority (CSCA).

• Advanced Step Hire Request - CSCA

The Personnel & Human Services Committee approved the July 10, 2025 meeting minutes with a 2‑yea, 0‑nay vote. It also approved an advanced step hire for Rose Baker as a Clinical Services Client Associate at the Health Department, again 2‑yea, 0‑nay. The committee approved three resolutions: P2507283 (Clerk’s office complement change), P2507288 (Area Agency on Aging annual review), and P2508286 (opposition to MDHHS competitive procurement plan). The committee discussed adding Human Resources to the department‑update schedule.

• Approved July 10, 2025 minutes (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved advanced step hire for Rose Baker, Clinical Services Client Associate (2 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved resolution P2507283 – Clerk’s office complement change
• Approved resolution P2507288 – Area Agency on Aging annual review
• Approved resolution P2508286 – Opposition to MDHHS competitive procurement plan

Administration Committee

The Berrien County Administration Committee will meet to receive an update from the Prosecutor and discuss legislation regarding court-held animals. The meeting also includes a Q&A session with administration and the BOC Chairman.

• Court Held Animals Legislation discussion
• Prosecutor's Update
• Approval of July 17, 2025 minutes

The committee rejected resolution A2507270, which would have authorized the Family Division to accept a proposal from Petersen Research Consultants. The committee approved the minutes from the July 17, 2025 meeting. The committee added a requirement that the animal forfeiture resolution be distributed to all County Clerks. The committee also agreed to pull the MDOT resolution from the agenda and amend it.

• Rejected resolution A2507270 – authorize Family Division to accept Petersen Research Consultants proposal
• Approved minutes of July 17, 2025 meeting (motion carried)
• Added distribution requirement to animal forfeiture resolution for all County Clerks (committee concurred)
• Pulled MDOT resolution from agenda and amended agenda (committee concurred)

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing a request to expand the scope of work for Wold Architect & Engineers. The additional funds would cover mechanical and electrical design for the first and third floors of the Emergency Operations Center/911 at the Buchanan Office Building.

• Contract expansion with Wold Architect & Engineers for $168,750
• Design work for boilers, chillers, air handling, generator, fire alarm, transfer switches, and building management upgrades

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to submit the 2024 Annual Financial Report for the Berrien County Road Department to the State of Michigan. This submission is required for compliance with Act 51, Public Acts of 1951.

• Submission of the 2024 Annual Financial Report for the Berrien County Road Department

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends adjusting staff positions in the County Clerk's office to address increased court cases and overtime. The proposal seeks to add specific court clerk roles while removing elections and manager roles.

• Add (2) Circuit Court Clerks, Grade 4
• Add (1) Chief Deputy Court Clerk, Grade 10
• Delete (1) Deputy Elections Clerk, Grade 4
• Delete (1) Court Clerk Manager, Grade 9

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to approve the Region IV Area Agency on Aging FY2026 Annual Implementation Plan. This plan outlines continued services for older adults in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

• Approval of Region IV Area Agency on Aging FY2026 Annual Implementation Plan

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve Resolution B2507625. This resolution formally thanks Douglas D. James for his service as Director of Financial Services prior to his retirement on July 25, 2025.

• Resolution B2507625 honoring Douglas D. James

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners met to pass Resolution B2507261. The board formally recognizes the life and contributions of Dawn DeLynne Yarbrough-Zoppi to Benton Harbor and Berrien County.

• Resolution B2507261 honoring Dawn DeLynne Yarbrough-Zoppi

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is voting to approve several requisitions and purchase order change orders. These expenditures cover road maintenance, drain services, and training for county staff.

• Requisition of $88,536.67 to Berrien County Conservation District for soil erosion work
• Contract of $75,000.00 to Owen Tree Service for chemical vegetation control on drains
• Purchase order increase of $43,979.00 for Berrien RESA
• Requisition of $43,158.05 to Truck & Trailer Specialties for plow inventory parts
• Payment of $26,100.00 to Lake Michigan College for summer police academy training

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing recommendations from the Finance Committee to approve several auditing reports and payment vouchers. These items cover county expenditures and road department costs for the period of July 10 to July 16, 2025.

• Auditing Report for July 10-16, 2025 in the amount of $2,271,091.19
• Road Department Accounts Payable Vouchers #2528 in the amount of $5,623.32
• Check Run 250717GB in the amount of $1,925,257.19
• Check Run 250717GE in the amount of $319,584.00
• Check Run 250717BF in the amount of $26,250.00

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review and approve bids, resolutions, and waivers. The meeting includes a session for administrator and chair questions and a period for public comment.

• Bid Opening Review and Approvals
• Resolution Approvals
• Waiver Approvals
• Approval of June 26, 2025 minutes

The committee voted to support Resolution P2507283, adding two staff members to reduce overtime. They appointed Adam Brent to the Material Management Planning Committee. The committee referred the health‑department renovation bids to the department, authorizing use of the lowest responsible bidder. They also approved the weekly bills resolution and several vendor waivers.

• Supported Resolution P2507283 to add two staff members (all members agreed)
• Approved appointment of Adam Brent to Material Management Planning Committee (motion carried)
• Approved minutes of June 26, 2025 meeting (motion carried)
• Referred health‑department renovation bids to department, allowing use of lowest responsible bidder (motion carried)
• Approved Resolution F2507038 for weekly bills and road payables (signed by Chairperson)
• Approved Waiver #2025-07-17-01 for Maximus US Services Inc. $17,000
• Approved Waiver #2025-07-17-02 for Truck & Trailer Specialties $43,158
• Approved Waiver #2025-07-17-04 for Safe Restraints $7,600

Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force is meeting to receive updates on broadband construction efforts. The body will review construction billings and fiber estimates for specific local projects.

• Review of MEC construction billings for Q2 2025 Robin project
• Fiber construction estimates for Danneffel Road in Bainbridge Township
• Summary of meeting with Congressman Walburg regarding BEAD

The Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force reviewed the Midwest Energy & Communications construction billing for Q2 2025 and reached consensus to approve MEC Invoice #34273 (Berrien/Buchanan Amendment – ARPA‑Q2 Invoice #2). No other formal actions or votes were recorded in the meeting.

• Approved MEC Invoice #34273 for Q2 2025 construction billing

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is voting to approve $169,089 in new requisitions and $239,000 in purchase order change orders. These funds cover health campaigns, emergency dispatch maintenance, and road and drain repairs.

• Requisition for 'The Dirt on Weed - 2025 Campaign' with King Media, Inc. for $33,250.00
• Dispatch Center Maintenance Agreement with Motorola, Inc. for $81,252.00
• Pictometry images and software for Equalization for $54,587.00
• $200,000 increase for heavy blade patching and pot-hole maintenance with various vendors
• $31,000 increase for Red Arrow Hwy. South design, rehab, and reconfiguration with Wightman

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is voting on a resolution to oppose Senate Bill 319. The bill proposes making minimum staffing levels a mandatory subject of collective bargaining for Public Act 312 employees.

• Resolution opposing Senate Bill 319 regarding mandatory staffing negotiations

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to accept a $5,840 federal grant from the Michigan Department of State Police for hazardous materials emergency response planning. The grant funds will support new emergency response plans under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act.

• Accept $5,840 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant from Michigan Department of State Police
• Authorize Local Emergency Planning Committee Chairperson or Emergency Management Coordinator to sign grant agreement
• Grant period: October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025
• Grant number: 693JK32240063HMEP, CFDA number: 20.703

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to accept a FEMA 2024 Hazard Mitigation Grant. The funds will be used to purchase Geographical Information Systems (GIS) data to update the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.

• FEMA grant award of $38,540 (Project HMGP 4757.07)
• County match requirement of $9,635
• Projected in-kind match of $12,865.75 in staff services

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to recognize a donation to Berrien County Animal Services. The funds are intended for general operating expenses for animals at the shelter.

• Recognition of a $2,000 donation from Janice E. Moser via Charles Schwab & Co.

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation from the County Administration Committee to recognize a donation. The funds are intended for general operating expenses at the animal shelter.

• Recognition of a $500 donation from Frances Kintzele via Harbour Trust and Investment Management Company

Resolutions

The Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution to update staffing for the County Medical Examiner's office. This change involves replacing one physician with another under the existing contract with Western Michigan University Homer Stryker, M.D. School of Medicine.

• Replace Anna Tart, MD, as Deputy Medical Examiner
• Appoint Nicolas Kostelecky, MD, as Deputy Medical Examiner

Resolutions

The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommends that the Board of Commissioners approve per diem and mileage payments for June 2025. These payments cover meeting days, half-commission days, and Southwest Planning Commission attendance.

• Approval of June commissioner per diems totaling $6,057.00

Resolutions

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is reviewing a recommendation to accept a Comprehensive Agreement from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The contract provides funding for the Berrien County Health Department to deliver public health services from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

• Contract with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for $4,324,964.00
• Funding for Lead Education and Faucet Replacement: $450,000.00
• Funding for WIC Resident Services: $799,407.00
• Funding for Nurse Family Partnership Services: $489,750.00
• Funding for EGLE Drinking Water and Onsite Wastewater Management: $378,645.00

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review a consent calendar featuring several grant agreements and routine financial approvals. The meeting includes reports from the Administration, Finance, and Personnel & Human Services committees.

• MDOT Contract 25-5318 for Shared Use Path funding
• Grant agreements for Hazardous Materials (FY24-25) and Hazardous Mitigation (FY24-29)
• Grant for the Nurse Family Partnership program
• Amendment to the W/Med agreement to add medical examiner staff
• Resolution B2507277 to oppose Senate Bill 319

The Board approved the regular minutes from the July 10 meeting by unanimous consent. A consent calendar containing multiple routine resolutions was adopted with 11 yeas and no nays. The PHS Committee approved a resolution for additional staff and a position upgrade. No other substantive actions were taken, and the MDOT M‑63/I‑94 Business Loop support resolution was not approved pending further information.

• Approved July 10, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried, no nays)
• Approved Consent Calendar items (11 yeas, no nays)
• Approved staff and position upgrade resolution (vote not recorded)
• Did not approve MDOT M‑63/I‑94 Business Loop support resolution (pending additional information)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will meet to review requisitions and hold a scheduled discussion regarding the M-63 Rebuild Project with the Michigan Department of Transportation.