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Marquette County Board Of Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda & Minutes 08.19.25

August 19 @ 6:00 pm

Marquette County Board Of Commissioners Regular Meeting Agenda & Minutes 08.19.25

 

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 6:00 P.M.

Room 231, Henry A. Skewis Annex, Marquette, Michigan 49855

  1. CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN DEROCHA
    • PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & ROLL CALL
  2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
  3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE FOLLOWING MEETINGS:
    • Regular Meeting Minutes held on August 5, 2025
  4. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS
  5. PUBLIC COMMENT (5 minutes per person)
  6. REVIEW OF CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS:
    Biweekly Payroll for the period ending August 2, 2025 was $869,111.80.
    • Check #233672, dated 8/8/2025, for $1,898.58 ~ Payable to Alger-Delta Co-Op Electric.
  7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  8. PRIVILEGED COMMENT
  9. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
  10. ACTIONITEMS:
    1. Signatory for Remonumentation Grant Recommendation
    2. US Turbine, Building 732 Lease
    3. Concrete Floor Replacement in Hangar 663 Recommendation
    4. Opioid Settlement Resolution – P u r d u e & Sackler
    5. Opioid Settlement Resolution – Generic Manufacturers
  11. LATE ADDITIONS:
    1. –
  12. PUBLIC COMMENT (3 minutes per person)
  13. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS, STAFF COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
  14. CLOSED SESSION
  15. ADJOURNMENT

 

Board of Commissioners County of Marquette July 15, 2025

Minutes are Subject to Correction and Approval

REGULAR MEETING – AUGUST 5, 2025 – 6:00 P.M. – COMMISSIONERS ROOM 231, HENRY A. SKEWIS ANNEX, MARQUETTE, MI 49855.

 

    1. CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIRPERSON JOSEPH DEROCHA AT 6:00 P.M.
      • Pledge of Allegiance
      • Roll Call: Present: Comm. Adamini, Comm. LaLonde, Comm. Nordeen, Comm. Alholm and Chairperson Derocha. Absent and Excused: Comm. DePetro
    2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:
      Board Action: Comm. Nordeen moved to approve the agenda with the following addition: 8d) Sheriff’s Department Statistics. Second by Comm. Alholm. Motion adopted. (5-0)
    3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
      Board Action: Comm. Alholm moved to approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on July 15, 2025 as presented. Second by Comm. LaLonde. Motion adopted (5-0)
      Board Action: Comm. Alholm moved to approve the minutes from the Special Meeting held on July 15, 2025 as presented. Second by Comm. LaLonde. Motion adopted (5-0)
  • PROCLAMATION, PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS
    1. PUBLIC COMMENT:
      Tom Noren, Chocolay Township Resident voiced his support of the Marquette County Conservation District (MCCD) and encouraged Marquette County to lend financial support.
      With no further public comment to come before the board this portion of the meeting is concluded.
    2. REVIEW OF CLAIMS AND ACCOUNTS:
      Board Action: Comm. Alholm moved to approve total expenditures paid via check and EFT for the period July 10, 2025 through July31, 2025 was $2,261,953.53 (This amount does not include check payable to Alger-Delta Co-Op Electric); and Biweekly Payroll for the period ending July 19, 2025 was $869,705.26. Second by Comm. Adamini. Motion adopted (5-0)
      Board Action: Comm. LaLonde moved to approve check #233272 dated 7/18/2025, for the amount of $1,546.49 payable ~ Alger-Delta Co-Op Electric. Second by Comm. Nordeen. Motion adopted (4-0) Abstained: Comm. Alholm.
  • PUBLIC HEARING
  • PRIVILEGED COMMENT
      1. Marquette County Treasurer’s Report, submitted by Jackie Solomon, The County Treasurer is required by MCL 129.96 to submit a report to the County Board of Commissioners concerning the investment of surplus funds on a quarterly basis. The Michigan CLASS investment pool remains the main investment that is being used to satisfy liquidity needs. The Road Commission has transitioned from using an ICS (insured cash sweep) account to utilizing Michigan CLASS to satisfy their liquidity needs. A “ladder” of investments of varying maturities continues to be maintained to provide stable returns over the long term as rates fluctuate.
      2. MQT County Conservation District -Current Operations & Budget, Jeff Chiodi, Chair, was present to explain the summary of services provided to Marquette County. Currently the MCCD is funded by state & federal grants, and faces instability and possible reduction in force due to the loss of federal grants, which will minimize the ability to assist Marquette County Residents. They are looking for $75,000 in funding from MQT Co. to secure a director position which is unfunded. Due date to have budget set is October 1, 2025.
      3. Anderson, Tackman & Co. Audit Report, Mike Grentz, accountant, was present to discuss the audit report for year ending December 31, 2024. He emphasized the OPEB financial section along with the MERS Pension Fund and answered questions from Commissioners. Overall the county is doing a good job setting and staying within budget during uncertain times. For a full copy of the Audit Report please contact Administrator’s Office.
      4. Sheriff’s Department Statistics, Undersheriff Lowell Larson was here to update the board on the statistics for July 2025. Corrections: Average Daily Population 85; Law Enforcement: Calls for Service=339; Case Reports=55; Crashes=32; Civil Papers Served=144; Civil Papers Received-171; Special Operations: Personal Injury Crashes=3; Water/Ice Rescue-2; Structure Fires=2; Missing Person=1; Distressed Person=1; Public Assists=1; Front Office: Handguns=146; Warrants Entered=57; Protective Orders Entered=25; Sex Offenders Verified=17; Background Requests=61
  • INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
      1. Community Wildfire Protection Plan Community Meetings
        The Marquette County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) was last updated in 2014. The Planning Division secured grant funding from the Michigan DNR to bring the plan up to date. At the County Board meeting on April 15th, Jason Laumann, Wildland Fire Associates, was selected to complete the 2025 update. An important step in this update is engaging with the public to understand their concerns and to gather input.
        The County Board and residents of Marquette County are invited to participate in two upcoming public outreach meetings to help guide the update of the county’s 2014 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). The meetings will provide residents, landowners, and local officials an opportunity to learn about the CWPP process and share their input on wildfire risks, community preparedness, and resource protection priorities.
        The CWPP is a locally developed, collaborative plan that identifies wildfire risks to communities and natural resources and outlines strategies to reduce those risks. Updating the plan is essential to enhancing public safety, improving emergency preparedness, and maintaining eligibility for state and federal wildfire mitigation funding.
        Community outreach meetings will be held at the following times and locations:
        Monday, August 1 at 7:00 PM ET Jerzi’s 41 Sports Bar 9965 US 41, Champion, MI 49814
        Tuesday, August 12 at 7:00 PM ET UPAWS Community Room: 815 S State Highway 553, Gwinn, MI 49841
      2. Termination of Marquette City Parking Lot Lease Agreement the following was sent to Chairman Derocha from Karen Kovacs, Marquette City manager: In accordance with the terms outlines in the existing lease agreement between Marquette County and the City of Marquette, this letter serves as the required 60-day written notice to terminate the lease for the designated parking spaces located in the Fire Department parking lot adjacent to 418 S. 3d Street.
        The City is experiencing increased demand for staff parking and must reassess utilization of the lot to better accommodate municipal operations. As a result, we find it necessary to discontinue the current arrangement.
        This termination will become effective on October 1, 2025. The rent payment due annually will be billed on a pro-rated basis for the period August 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025. We appreciate your partnership throughout the duration of the lease and thank you for your cooperation during this transition. Should you have any further questions or require additional clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to the City Manager’s Office at manager@marquettemi.gov
      3. Public Notice: Tax Increment Financing Plan Amendment the Marquette City Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers, Marquette City Hall, 300 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, Michigan on the City of Marquette Downtown Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan #5.
        This plan will extend the duration of Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) Plan #4 to 2025 and will correct property description discrepancies from TIF Plan #4. Limitations to tax capture established by Downtown Development plan #2 remain in place. Additionally, the Marquette Downtown Development Authority agrees to an annual 5% TIF revenue sharing with the City of Marquette.
        There are no plans to acquire any project with residences in conjunction with this plan that would require the relocation of families or individuals.
        Act 57 of 2018 provides for the capture of the increased taxes due to investments made by businesses and building owners in Marquette’s downtown district, which will be reinvested into the district.
        The City if Marquette Downtown Development Authority Downtown Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan #5 is available for public inspection at the Clerk’s Office in Marquette City Hall, 300 W. Baraga Ave., as well as the Marquette DDA Office, 337 W. Washington St. All aspects of the TIF Plan are open for discussion at the public hearing.
        Please contact Tara Laase-McKinney, Executive Director, Marquette Downtown Development Authority, at (906)228-9475 ext. 103, or tara@downtownmarquette.org if you have questions or would like additional information.
        Board Action: Comm. Alholm moved to accept the informational items as presented. Second by Comm. LaLonde. Motion adopted (5-0)
  • ACTION ITEMS:
  • NMU Concessions Agreement
    Duane Duray, Airport Director of Sawyer Operations spoke regarding the following: Northern Michigan University ( N U ) has served as the concessionaire at Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport since November 2013, stepping in after a nearly three-year period without any concession services. NMU has approached this role not only as a service provider, but also as a strategic opportunity to promote the University while supporting the Airport’s operations.
    The current Concession Agreement expired on April 30, 2025. Under the existing terms, the County receives no direct revenue from the concessionaire aside from reimbursement for utility usage. This arrangement was originally structured due to the historical difficulty in securing a reliable vendor, with the priority placed on ensuring the availability of this essential service for airport users.
    At its July 15th meeting, the County Board approved renewal of the NMU agreement, with a modification to reduce the term from two years to one. Upon being informed of this change, NMU expressed concern and indicated that a one-year agreement would not be feasible for their planning purposes. They noted that they would consider not renewing under those terms.
    In the spirit of continued collaboration, NMU has also requested ongoing financial support to sustain concession operations. Following discussions with NMU representatives, staff recommends that the County contribute $10,000 annually for the next two years May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2027-to support the continued provision of concession services. NMU has maintained a professional and consistent operation, offering healthy food options, snacks, and a variety of university-branded merchandise. Staff is also enthusiastic about the upcoming improvements to the concession space, particularly the shift to a fully integrated sterile area concession
    Board Action: Comm. Nordeen moved to approve a renewal of the Concession Agreement with Northern Michigan University Dining and Conference Services for continued operation of the airport terminal snack bar, and authorize an annual contribution of $10,000 toward operating expenses for the period of May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2027. Second by Comm. Adamini. Motion adopted (5-0)
  • Mobile Passenger Mobile Boarding Ramp Recommendation
    David Erhart, Assistant Airport Manager was present to explain the following: Staff is seeking Board consideration to proceed with the purchase of a mobile boarding ramp. On November 19, 2024 the County board approved funding not to exceed $100,000 for the purchase of a mobile boarding ramp. The current passenger boarding bridges are slated to be replaced, but will still be relied upon into the coming year. Should either of the bridges be placed out of service or should an aircraft need to utilize Gate 2, which is not equipped with a boarding bridge, a mobile boarding ramp was seen by the board as a necessary back-up in order to prevent interruption to scheduled passenger service.
    In response to the approved funding, County staff solicited proposals for a mobile passenger boarding ramp that met FAA requirements for construction quality and accessibility, with the capability to service the types of aircraft reasonably expected during normal operations. Solicitations were sought through several builders’ exchanges, MDOT Aeronautics website, Marquette County website, and individual direct communications. Only one bid was received: Keith Consolidated Industries, LLC (KCI) – $96,442.00
    Board Action: Comm. Alholm moved to approve KCI’s bid of $96,442.00 in total for the Mobile Passenger Boarding Ramp project and authorize David Erhart to place an order for the mobile boarding ramp. Second by Comm. Adamini. Motion adopted (5-0)
  • Yulista Contracting Services LOI Approval
    David Erhart Assistant Airport Manager, was present to explain the following: Staff is seeking Board consideration to proceed with a short-term lease agreement between the U.S. Army through Yulista Contract Services and the County of Marquette. The U.S. Army through Yulista Contract Services has operated out of Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport for ten winter seasons to conduct known-icing testing on experimental aircraft. During each season, they have utilized the facilities of Hangar 663 for office space and aircraft and equipment storage and maintenance. Staff has signed a letter of intent for this coming season to provide Hangar 663 once again for their operations.
    Lease Particulars:
    • Lease terms – October I, 2025, through May 31, 2026 (end date may vary, dependent on conditions and operation).
    • Monthly base hangar rent – $10,862.32 per month.
    • Additional monthly recurring expenses vary with services required for the operation.
    • Note: Some of the miscellaneous expenses reflect services rendered by airport personnel and outside services.
    These charges may vary due to Lessee requests.
    • Utilities – Reimburse to Marquette County at actual cost plus 15%.
    • Electrical, telecommunication, and other miscellaneous upgrades to the facility will be billed on an actual cost plus 15% administrative expense for processing.
    Board Action: Comm. Nordeen moved to approve the terms established in the signed Letter of Intent, direct Staff to draft a lease between the County of Marquette and Yulista Contracting Services, LLC, and authorize Chairman Derocha to execute the lease. Second by Comm. LaLonde. Motion adopted (5-0)
  • 21 Quarter Budget Amendments
    Kamila Fassbender, CFO was present to explain the following eight budget amendments for your consideration:
    #14 – GENERAL FUND
    BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – Reversal of the County Commissioners’ compensation approved May 6, 2025. $37,300
    MISC & CONTINGENCY – Add funds for Manny Lentine, Inc. contract approved on June 17, 2025 at
    CIRCUIT COURT – Add funds for the transcripts pursuant to 2024 PA 226 effective April 2, 2025 increasing the page rates for transcripts of court proceedings under MCL 600.2543 from $1.75 to $3.75 per original page, etc. Also, to add CulT cot. 5 – Tunds Tund for the rancis 60 2 0 03m 1 75 0 53.75 pe funds for the cost of service and support for the BIS Digital Recording System contract. ($31,500)
    DISTRICT COURT – Reallocate funds for travel due to recently enacted Michigan Continuing Judicial Education rules, requiring all judges and magistrates to complete a minimum of 24 hours of verified CPE every two years, with at least 12 of those hours completed through in-person training. ($0) To add funds for the cost of service and support for the BIS Digital Recording System contract. ($15,500)
    DWI SOBRIETY COURT – Reallocate grant funds. ($0)
    PROBATE COURT – Add funds for the cost of service and support for the BIS Digital Recording System contract. ($5,100)
    PUBLIC SAFETY/WEIGHMASTER CONTRACT – Add funds for the cost of safety equipment, offset by received donations. ($0)
    REHABILITATION (JAIL) – Reduction due to revised estimated costs for out-of-county detention housing. $121,000
    PLANNING/APPROPRIATIONS – Add funds due to Ojibwa Casino March 2025 2% distributions ($0)
    #15 – BROWNFIELD FUND
    To account for the changes in the administrative services agreement between the Marquette County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and The County, as approved by the Board on June 17, 2025. $2,000
    #16 – AIRPORT STABILIZATION FUND
    To remove the budget due to the fund closure in FY 2024. ($0)
    #17 – SEARCH & RESCUE
    To add funds for the purchase of an enclosed trailer funded by the Michigan State ORV grant, and to reduce the FY 2025 Marine Safety Program Grant per actual award. ($13,300)
    #18 – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND
    To add funds for the rehab construction costs planned for FY 2025, using the program income from mortgage lien payoffs generated in prior years. ($113,600)
    #19 – PROBATE CHILD CARE FUND
    To account for the award and the use of the Ojibwa Casino I September 2024 2% distribution for the Probation – Truancy program. ($0)
    #20 – PARKS FUND
    To account for the award and the use of The Ray and Peg Hirvonen Charitable Foundation grant for the Silver Lead Creek Greenway project, including demolition, construction of trail, branding, outreach, programming, art enhancements, and a maintenance plan. ($0)
    #21 – AIRPORT FUND
    To add funds for the projects funded by the marketing and air service minimum revenue grants, and to add funds for the replacement and installation of the insulated overhead door as approved by the board on April 1S, 2025, ($26,753); and to add funds for a clerical error in worker’s compensation budget ($11,400).
    Board Action: Comm. Nordeen moved to approve the 2025 second quarter budget amendments as presented. Second by Comm. LaLonde. Motion adopted (5-0)
  • Policy Revisions Recommendation
    Kamila Fassbender, CFO was present to explain the following: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) implemented changes to the Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR 200, which are effective as of October 1, 2024 (for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2024). The Uniform Guidance is a set of federal regulations that govern the administration of federally funded financial assistance awards. The revisions aim to streamline and enhance federal grant management and promote greater efficiency and accountability in the administration of federal funds. To mirror the changes, I am proposing the following updates to our County policies:
    Uniform Guidance Policies and Procedures
    • General Accounting and Financial Management & Annual Audit sections – Single Audit requirements limit raised from $750,000 to $1,000,000
    • Equipment and Real Property Management section – capitalization threshold limit raised from $5,000 to $10,000 210 Capital Improvements Program
    • Revise the definition of a capital/fixed asset to “a tangible asset of a long term character that is intended to continue to be held or used, such as land, buildings, machinery, furniture and other equipment, title to the County of Marquette, and having an estimated useful life of three (3) years or greater and a cost of $10,000 or more.”
    The pages of each policy with the suggested revised language are attached. The complete policies are available in the Administrator’s office.
    Board Action: Comm. Alholm moved to Revise the Uniform Guidance Policies and Procedures and the Capital Improvements Program Policy as noted. Second by Comm. LaLonde. Motion adopted (5-0)
  • Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport Board of Advisors Appointment
    The purpose of the Marquette Sawyer Regional Board of Advisors is to advise the County relative to the administration, management, and strategy of the Airport and to advise the Airport Director with regard to such other programs and strategies that are relative to the Airport as he/she may undertake. The board shall consist of seven (7) members, appointed by the Marquette County Board of Commissioners; provided that no more than two (2) members may be elected officials. All Board members shall be citizens of the United States and shall have experience in aviation, business, accounting, finance, marketing, engineering, law, real estate, economic development, management, environmental science, or other field of value to the operation of the Airport. Full- time paid County employees are not eligible for appointment to the board.
    Board Action: Comm. Nordeen moved to appoint Brad Stoddard to serve on the Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport Board of Advisors. Second by Comm. Adamini. Motion adopted (5-0) g.
  • Civil Council Contract Amendment, Karl Numinen, Marquette County Civil Council
    Board Action: Comm. Nordeen moved to amend the Civil Council contract, adding Alex Berger as back-up council, at no cost to the County. Second by Comm. Alholm. Motion adopted (5-0)
  • Administrator Contract Approval
    Board action: Comm. Alholm moved to approve the employment agreement between Marquette County and the new County Administrator, Duane Duray. Second by Comm. LaLonde. Motion adopted (5-0)
  • LATE ADDITIONS
  • PUBLIC COMMENT:
  • Erin Danes, MSU Extension, commented on the success of the newly completed Platt Books, 750 sold so far.
    With no further public comment to come before the board this portion of the meeting is concluded.
  • COMMISSIONER COMMENTS, STAFF COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
    • Comm. Adamini felt that the audit report status from Anderson Tackman was wonderful news.
    • Comm. LaLonde was glad to hear from MCCD and Anderson Tackman audit results
    • Comm. Nordeen was happy to see everyone from the MCCD and feels good things are happening in Marquette County!
    • CFO Kami Fassbender thanked the board for being fiscally and financially responsible!
    • Chairperson Derocha thanked Kami for her hard work and positive attitude, with the tremendous staff and the attention to detail which keeps Marquette County fiscally sound!
    • Comm. Alholm thanked the Administration Department for all the great work, our CFO Kami Fassbender is doing a fantastic job!
  • CLOSED SESSION
  • ADJOURMENT. There being no further business to come before the County Board, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:17 p.m.

 

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