Present: Darryll Sundberg, Chairperson, David Hall, Vice Chairperson; Joseph Valente, Member Russell Williams, Member, and Neil Anderson, Member

Transcription

1 Proceedings of a regular meeting of the Board of County Road Commissioners of Marquette County, Michigan held on Monday, October 19, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. Present: Darryll Sundberg, Chairperson, David Hall, Vice Chairperson; Joseph Valente, Member Russell Williams, Member, and Neil Anderson, Member Absent: none In Attendance: Jim Iwanicki, Kurt Taavola, Mike Harrington, Deb Pellow, Robert Kenney, Jim Nankervis, Dale Pelkola, Mike Parker, Bill LaBelle, Teresa Bertossi, Jacqueline Koski, Mark Holmes, Cary Stalle, Frank Stegbauer, Nick Taseris, Molly Taseris, Pete Mackin, John Hongisto, John Olson, Ken Walimaa, Adrian Bakker, Roger Crimmins, Bill Hennigan, Mike Thibeault, Terry Alderton, Geno Alessandrini, Joe Gallino, Dennis Croschere, Steve Garske, Norman Holmes, Eugene Bilkey, Kerry Valesano, Paul Argall, Jon Koski, Pt McGee, Jay Mithaus, Ketih Tullila, Bradley Stille, Chancey Moran, Barb Bradley, David Huey, Steve Rommack, Brian Larson, David Crimmins, Brad Crimmins, William Malmsten, Brian Mants, Brian Kerrigan and Lisa Brogan who recorded the minutes. 1. Call Meeting to Order/Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Sundberg opened the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. Agenda Approval: A motion was made by Comm. Williams, was supported by Comm. Hall and was carried to approve the October 19, 2009 agenda with the addition of item 2A. 3. Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes of the September 21, 2009 regular meeting was made by Comm. Williams, was supported by Comm. Anderson and was carried. A motion to approve the minutes of the September 28, 2009 special meeting/public hearing was made by Comm. Williams, was supported by Comm. Hall and was carried. 4. Approval of the Accounts Payables, Payroll, Financial Reports & Budget Amendment: A motion to approve the accounts payables as presented was made by Comm. Williams, was supported by Comm. Anderson and was carried. A motion to approve the payroll as presented was made by Comm. Hall, was supported by Comm. Williams and was carried. A motion to approve the draft September financial reports made by Comm. Williams, was supported by Comm. Anderson and was carried. 5. Public Comment: Chairperson Sundberg opened this portion of the meeting to public comment. Assuming all attendees were present for items #7A and #10A and no further public comment was offered, this portion of the meeting was closed. 6. PUBLIC HEARING: G Avenue/5 th Street: Chairperson Sundberg opened the public hearing to discuss the G Avenue/5 th Street project at 7 p.m. Jim Iwanicki reported that in accordance with Category A Grant guidelines for the G Avenue project at Sawyer, the application and proof of a public hearing will be submitted. Bob Struck, Marquette County Commissioner stated that he supports this project as it benefits the Sawyer area in development. John Olson requested funding information on this Category A grant.

2 There being no further public comment, this portion of the meeting was closed at 7:05 p.m. 7. Action Items: A. Woodland Road: Jim Iwanicki explained there are two portions of the Woodland Road project: private roads and public roads. He reported that staff has reviewed the plans for Woodland Road and has only minor issues that will need changes otherwise the plans meet the Marquette County Road Commission s all season trucking standards. He stressed that the Marquette County Road Commission will treat Kennecott as any other developer in the County. Pete Mackin discussed a soil erosion concern and the use of safe lane surfacing. Jacqueline Koski stated she was there to represent the Humboldt Township Board and theysupport Woodland Road. Carrie Valesano, LSCP, stated that she was in support of the road as it has the potential to boost the economy and is a local initiative that doesn t need the support of extra tax money. John Olson, Michigamme Township Supervisor, said he is in support of Woodland Road as it will help with unemployment. Paul Argall stated his support for the road for economic and employment possibilities. He said it will add value to real estate and will increase the outdoor recreation activities in the area. Jim Anti claimed his support for the road as it will boost employment in the area. Brian Karrigan, MI Union Carpenters, said he supports the road as it will provide a lifeline for tourism, economy and public safety. Deb Pellow, Marquette County Commissioner, stated her support for the Woodland Road Bob Struck, Marquette County Commissioner, said he is in support of the Woodland Road project since the County needs resources, better roads and transportation and the project has the potential to help a lot of people. Tony Retaski, UP Constructors Union, Mike Thibeault, Building Constructor Trades stated that they support the Woodland Road project as unemployment is very high for union workers at this time. Adrian Bakker stated his opposition to the Woodland Road Mark Holmes stated his support for Woodland Road William Malmsten asked for information regarding the Brocky to Wolf Lake Road portions and what would happen to the proposed roadways if the mine is closed. Bill Hennigan, Forest Products stated his strong support of the proposed road as it will serve the mining, logging and tourism industries. He said it will also alleviate the heavy truck traffic within the City of Marquette. John Hongisto said that residents should support companies that want to come to Marquette County to stimulate the economy. Theresa Bertoski spoke to the alleged falsifications of the Kennecott mine applications and urged the Marquette County Road Commissioners not to support the Woodland Road Jack Rosalie spoke in support of Woodland Road. Barb Bradley discussed her concerns with the potential to contaminate the water and to consider the impact on the next seven generations. Jacqueline Koski spoke to accusations by Ms. Bertoski. Gabriel Caplet discussed the Kennecott applications and stated his opposition to the road. Chauncey Moran stated his opposition and urged the Board to review and take a look at the land. He feels that there wasn t enough information collected. Dennis Manzalene discussed the waterways.

3 Steve Garsky requested information about acquiring the appropriate permits for blasting and soil erosion. William Malmsten discussed the eventual responsibility of the private road if the road goes through. Mike Harrington discussed the salt usage in winter and stated that it s use is indicated by the State. The use of the magnesium chloride material is very cost prohibitive and therefore, not used. Jim Iwanicki read his letters and discussed phone calls of support and opposition to the A motion to approve the Woodland Road plan to upgrade the public road portions conditional upon the changes as provided by the Engineer Manager, with the Developer assuming full responsibility to comply with all applicable State and Federal laws, the payment of all required Marquette County Road Commission permit fees plus any additional cost occurred in permitting and building the public road portions (including but not limited to the cost of the right of way, permits, grants, grant matches and construction engineering) was made by Comm. Williams, was supported by Comm. Hall and was carried. Matt Johnson, Rio Tinto, stated that the permits for the mine have been submitted to the State and are being reviewed at this time. B. G Avenue & 5 th Street: Jim Iwanicki stated that the public hearing regarding the G Avenue application and project was held in accordance with the specifications. No action is needed at this time. C. County Road IAJ Contract: A motion to approve the County Road IAJ improvement contract was made by Comm. Williams, was supported by Comm. Anderson and was carried. D. USDA Master Road Agreement: A motion to approve the chairperson to sign the USDA Forest Service Agreement which gives dual rights for use of the road was made by Comm. Hall, was supported by Comm. Valente and was carried. 8. Unfinished Business: A. County Road KK Abandonment: Jim Iwanicki reported that the bridge deck on County Road KK was replaced on October 7 th, as well as the private road sign east of the bridge. Signs have been ordered to post the current bridge weight allowance. Longyear representatives are looking for a bridge that can carry legal loads. It was recommended that staff look into the cost of new steel I beams for the bridge. B. County Road 510 Bridge: Kurt Taavola gave a brief update on the County Road 510 Bridge. 9. Informational Items: A. US41 Corridor: The September 8, 2009 minutes were included for informational purposes. B. Safety: Mike Harrington reported that the fall training session would take place at the Ishpeming Township Hall on October 27 th.

4 C. Hiawathaland County Farm Bureau Meeting: The Hiawathaland Co Farm Bureau Annual Meeting invitation was given for informational purposes only. D. FEMA Grant Notice: Jim Iwanicki gave FEMA grant approval information as it relates to Dunn s Ditch. E. MDOT 455C Jim Iwanicki reported that the new leave and benefit rate has been calculated and is slightly less than it was last year due to no contributions to the OPEB or MERS funding. 10. New Business: A. Employee Health Insurance: Jim Iwanicki reported that a few employees have expressed concern with the BCBS/MEBS billing process. He stated that information has been sent to the specific employees that had concerns but information will be passed to all employees regarding the payment and claims procedure. Comments were received from Mike Parker and Gina Wilson. 11. Correspondence: A. Noquemenon Letter: A letter from the Noquemenon Board was received regarding their concern with the bridge on their trail network. Jim Iwanicki said he will follow up on their concern as it is a safety concern for the Marquette County Road Commission. 12. Public Comment: Chairperson Sundberg opened this portion of the meeting to public comment. A concern about pavement painting on Cooper Lake Road was made. A comment was made that the Marquette County Road Commission does not paint local roads. Norman Holmes suggested getting a microphone system at public hearings. Pete Mackin discussed a budget he has been researching. Bob Struck discussed the upcoming fixed asset conference. There being no further public comment to discuss, this portion of the meeting was closed. 13. Adjourn and Reconvene at the Marquette County Road Commission Office, 1610 N 2 nd Street, Ishpeming 14. Closed Session: Commissioner Sundberg stated that the Board would go into closed session to discuss bargaining unit negotiations at 8:25 p.m.. A motion to go into closed session was made by Comm. Hall, was supported by following the Open Meetings Act Section 8c for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement if either negotiating party requests a closed hearing was taken. Ayes; Sundberg, Hall, Williams, Anderson, Valente Nays; none, Absent; none. ** CLOSED SESSION**

5 A motion was made by Comm. Hall, was supported by Comm. Anderson to come out of closed session. Comm. Sundberg reopened this meeting to the public at 9:00 p.m. No motions were made. 15. Public Comment: Commissioner Sundberg opened the floor to Public Comment. There being no Public Comment at this time, this portion of the meeting was closed. 16. Adjournment: There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.