The regular meeting of the Bay County Road Commission, Road Department, was called to order at 9:00 a.m., at 2600 E. Beaver Road, by the Engineer-Manager, James Lillo.
Roll Call: Richard Gromaski, Edward Rivet
Excused: Mike Rivard
Also present were: Road Commission Representatives: Jim Lillo, Engineer-Manager; Randy Frederick, General Superintendent; Dept. of Water & Sewer Representative: Thomas Paige, Director, Bradd Maki, Water Superintendent and Ed Carstens, WWTP Superintendent; Supervisors – George Augustyniak, Fraser; Dennis Bragiel, Kawkawlin; David Schabel, Merritt; Michael Haranda, Mt. Forest; and Paul Wasek, Williams; Mike Niederquell, Wade-Trim, Inc.; and Jackie McCarthy, Clerk of the Board.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Nominations were held for Chairman. Commissioner Rivet moved to appoint Gromaski as Chairman of the Board for 2012. Motion was adopted on a roll call vote:
Yeas: Rivet & Gromaski
Nominations were held for Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Gromaski moved to appoint Rivet as Vice-Chairman of the Board for 2012. Motion was adopted on a roll call vote:
Yeas: Gromaski & Rivet
Commissioner Gromaski moved to approve the minutes of the December 28, 2011 meeting. Motion was adopted on a roll call vote:
Yeas: Gromaski & Rivard
PUBLIC INPUT – D. Bragiel expressed appreciation for ditching work done in township.
P. Wasek mentioned letter from Dow Corning regarding snow removal.
Commissioner Gromaski moved to advertise for a March 7, 2012 bid opening for the Annual Materials to be awarded on March 21, 2012. Motion was adopted on a roll call vote:
Yeas: Gromaski & Rivet
Commissioner Rivet moved to receive a Royalty Revenue Report. Motion was adopted on a roll call vote:
Yeas: Rivet & Gromaski
Commissioner Gromaski moved to receive an MTF History and Cash Balance Report. Motion was adopted on a roll call vote:
Yeas: Gromaski & Rivet
RESOLUTION ASKING THE GOVERNOR AND STATE LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT THE COUNTY ROAD ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN’S POSITION WITH REGARD TO HB #5125 AND HB #5126
WHEREAS, county roads are the backbone of our state’s economy moving more than $800 billion in goods and services annually. From seasonal roads to seven-lane highways and beyond, county road commissions are responsible for the majority (75 percent) of Michigan’s road system, representing more than 90,000 miles of Michigan’s roads and 5,700 bridges-the fourth largest local road system in the nation;
WHEREAS, county road commissions, in serving the needs of the entire county road and bridge network, have embraced the principles of asset management in determining road projects. Gone are the days of fixing the worst roads first. Asset management requires that the right fix be applied at the right time to preserve pavement conditions. Bringing the road commission under county general government would interject political boundaries into the decision making process, undermining the road commission’s ability to base decisions on scientific principles.
WHEREAS, county road commissions were created by a vote of the people, and any attempts to change their composition by consolidation or regionalization should require a vote of the electorate in the affected counties.
WHEREAS, county road commissions have implemented many reforms and efficiencies to increase operational efficiency and are already working at or below minimum levels of staffing. Administrative salaries and benefits are only a small portion of a road commissions overhead. The majority of administrative expenses are static costs including: legal expenses, utilities, insurance, surety bonds, equipment rental, engineering supplies and services, and building maintenance and depreciation. Without due diligence and careful consideration of factors such as long-term financial needs, liabilities, debt, and bond ratings; bringing the road commission under county general government could substantially increase costs to the taxpayers and result in a decreased level of services.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of County Road Commissioners, County of Bay opposes House Bills 5125-5126 as introduced. The County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) has suggested amendments that will add transparency and ensure due diligence in creating a process to eliminate road commissions, require public input, and require a countywide vote of the electorate if the road commission were to become a department of county government. CRAM has also suggested language allowing a county that has decided to eliminate the road commission to once again create an independent county road agency if the county board determines this would provide better services to the public at a reduced cost.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of County Road Commissioners, County of Bay urges support of amendments suggested by the County Road Association of Michigan. If this language is not adopted to add transparency, ensure due diligence, require public input, and require a countywide vote of the electorate, we urge opposition of this legislation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to Governor Rick Snyder, State Representatives Joel Johnson and Charles Brunner, State Senator Michael Green, the Michigan Association of Counties, the Michigan Townships Association, and the County Road Association of Michigan.
Commissioner Gromaski moved to approve Resolution for HB 5125 & HB 5126. Motion was adopted on a roll call vote:
Yeas: Gromaski & Rivet
Commissioner Rivet moved to approve Wade-Trim Biennial Bridge Inspection Contract Proposal at a proposed fee of $26,520 or $340 per bridge. Motion adopted on a roll call vote:
Yeas: Rivet & Gromaski
Commissioner Rivet moved to approve Wade-Trim Bridge Load Rating Proposal at a proposed fee of $43,550 or $946 per bridge. This is mandated by MDOT to be completed by 12/31/12. Motion adopted on a roll call vote:
Yeas: Rivet & Gromaski
Commissioner Gromaski moved to approve payrolls for the period of 12/17/11 through 12/30/11 in the amount of $136,707.04. Motion was adopted on a roll call vote:
Yeas: Gromaski & Rivet
Commissioner Gromaski moved to approve bills in the amount of $150,879.83. Motion was adopted on a roll call vote:
Yeas: Gromaski & Rivet
Commissioner Rivet moved to approve permits 12-01 through 12-09. Motion was adopted on a roll call vote:
Yeas: Rivet & Gromaski
Engineer-Manager’s Report – Township invoice report – Credit card report – Bangor DDA sign on Shrestha Drive update – Straits Drive abandonment status – 1/30 BCATS conference – 1/11 meeting for Qualifier Marathon – J. Ranck providing estimate for signal at 3 Mile and Midland – 1/26 Blue Water meeting in Caro – Regional Rural Task Force meeting on 1/10 – Independence Bridge work.
PUBLIC INPUT – G. Augustyniak requested meeting date for 2012 Building Better Local Roads and requested increase from $20,000 to $30,000 for local match. Meeting scheduled for 2/8/12.
P. Wasek had questions regarding HB 5125 & HB 5126.
There being no further business before the Board, Commissioner Rivet moved to adjourn the meeting until Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Motion was adopted on a roll call vote at 10:05 a.m.
Yeas: Gromaski, Rivard & Rivet
Respectfully Submitted by: Approved by:
Jackie McCarthy Richard S. Gromaski
Clerk of the Board Chairman of the Board