[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6663905,"mediaKeyId","2386844-4d167f3a9d9eab5a0aed0abb1321ba0f","parentId",2386844,"title","Votes at a glance: Key actions taken Feb. 24 by Livingston County commissioners","audioSeconds",8318,"startMs",116000,"endMs",8434000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2386844-4d167f3a9d9eab5a0aed0abb1321ba0f&start=116&end=8434","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2386844-4d167f3a9d9eab5a0aed0abb1321ba0f/thumbnail_116000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6663905/Livingston-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Key-actions-taken-Feb-24-by-Livingston-County-commissioners","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663905-604061952b256794b15ebcca07a9c0d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206631&Signature=UAdklwwm-fSbN-paCNEPlyeRy6xUWtFn5eeAqWJzCuGOnDhyp2~~kCI26~uPW17-AZ4XH~yKoNrhxenGekKt~tCbQULm7i7akW5aGoppjtxEHOZj0NAQ0U9rLZXl8gj2UCNbufpnxgKHB4T1Ds6ib0jH1813FRp4POxqJBcfkY0gChgB8ma5pZd4EcFtlrTCnebi-kkvdp2IfXt2gojYwb5uZOq~NCxXgdpONWSp8rGnWXZJtFWF8tVD2KOgFyStD-9QoaxSMMDCCRuYXPTEVnwjpUMsc0kXiWCG9sBX0YdTOKQDN-~BUFzNj3GPO-Xg0cuoMiTpiFBH7YWMG~zGzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Livingston County","date","2025-02-25T17:31:39.277Z","article","The Livingston County Board of Commissioners took a series of formal actions on Feb. 24, 2025. Below are the principal resolutions, motions and roll‑call outcomes recorded in the meeting minutes.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of agenda (motion to approve as amended): Passed by voice vote, 8‑0 (1 absent). Motion by Commissioner Fiani; support by Commissioner Deaton.

- 2025‑02‑013 — Appointment to the Livingston County Retirement Plan Advisory Committee (12a): Passed, voice vote recorded as 8‑0 (1 absent). Motion by Fiani; supported by Deaton.

- 2025‑02‑014 — Contract for investment advisory services to the Retirement Plan Advisory Committee (12b): Approved by roll call. Commissioners recorded affirmative votes; no opposition was recorded in the roll call and motion carries.

- 2025‑02‑015 — Acceptance of Michigan Mosquito Control Association grant to support the health department’s vector surveillance program (12c): Approved by roll call; motion carries (Domas absent; commissioners present voted yes).

- 2025‑02‑016 — Reorganization of the animal shelter veterinarian position (12d): Approved by roll call. Motion carries (details: reclassifies position to preserve continuity, allows part‑time veterinary clinics to continue and keeps budget neutral).

- 2025‑02‑017 — Capital expenditure for replacement buses/bands for county transit (12e): Approved by roll call; motion carries.

- 2025‑02‑018 — Replacement vehicle lease for Sheriff Field Services division carpool (12f): Approved by roll call; motion carries.

- 2025‑02‑019 — Increase in total authorized vehicles for Sheriff Field Division (12g): Amended during discussion to clarify pooled‑vehicle status and removal from fleet count at end of useful life; amendment and final resolution approved by roll call.

- 2025‑02‑020 — Airport grant application (12h): Approved by voice vote; authorization given for the airport to apply for FAA/MDOT construction grant funds for a snow‑removal equipment building.

- 2025‑02‑021 — Advance from Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund to Airport Capital Improvement Fund (12i): Approved by roll call. Vote recorded during the substituted resolution: Yes — Commissioners Helzerman, Sample, Deaton, Panovich, Fiani, Gross; No — Commissioner Nakagiri, Chairman Drake; Absent — Commissioner Domas. Motion carries; advance contingent on grant award and board acceptance of the project.

- 2025‑02‑022 — Concurrence with the Aeronautical Facilities Board to enter into an agreement with Summit Company for construction of the snow removal equipment building (12j): Approved by roll call. Commissioners voted to concur; recorded roll‑call showed a majority in favor and the motion carried. Contract not to exceed $2,743,000, including a $50,000 contingency.

- 2025‑02‑024 — Amendment to Livingston County paid sick leave workplace policy and personnel manual due to revisions in the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (12l): Approved by voice vote, 8‑0 (1 absent). Changes include a 120‑day waiting period for new hires to use sick time (to avoid short‑term and intern accrual consequences) and elimination of a prior waiting period for retiree payout eligibility as adjusted by the new state law.

- Approval of meeting minutes (01/27/2025 and 02/10/2025): Approved, voice vote recorded as 8‑0 (1 absent).

- Accounts payable and claims for the relevant period: Approved by voice vote (claims and payables dated in packet; roll recorded as 8‑0, 1 absent).

- Closed session to discuss a written legal opinion pursuant to MCL 15.268(h): Approved by roll call; motion to enter closed session carried (Domas absent; recorded roll‑call affirmative votes present).

- Post‑closed‑session motion to authorize payment of back wages pursuant to MCL 45.421(1) and to authorize the county administrator to sign a settlement and release: Approved by roll call. Vote recorded: Yes — Commissioners Helzerman, Nakagiri, Chairman Drake, Deaton, Panovich, Gross; No — Commissioners Sample, Fiani; Absent — Commissioner Domas. Motion carries.

Notes and sources: Each entry corresponds to a numbered agenda item and the resolution numbers read on the meeting agenda. Where the transcript recorded roll‑call results, names and votes are listed above; where the meeting used voice votes, the meeting record reports passage and indicates absent commissioners. If a resolution references a grant or contract, staff noted funding sources and contingencies in the meeting discussion and substituted an updated resolution page when figures changed during the session.

If you need the full text of any resolution, the board clerk's office provided the packet materials and the meeting substitute sheets handed out at the dais; those documents list the exact resolution language, bid amounts and supplemental budget language.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Livingston County Board of Commissioners Meeting - February 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A roundup of formal resolutions, contracts, grants and procedural votes taken at the Livingston County Board of Commissioners meeting on Feb. 24, 2025, with outcomes and roll‑call tallies where recorded.","taxTitle","Livingston County, Michigan","taxId",13479,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6663909,"Residents and commissioners clash over presence of white supremacist groups during Livingston County public comment",1317,889000,2206000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2386844-4d167f3a9d9eab5a0aed0abb1321ba0f&start=889&end=2206","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2386844-4d167f3a9d9eab5a0aed0abb1321ba0f/thumbnail_889000.jpg","/articles/6663909/Livingston-County/Michigan/Residents-and-commissioners-clash-over-presence-of-white-supremacist-groups-during-Livingston-County-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663909-f5f636a24fde48cbdaed45b65bf54770/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206631&Signature=FZLeRxmiD3qmu0FcqX53W8YnHNosF7ZF-JLPbnHT4tl6UQL78DjGbn3ZNJDMUlvhxa~bJRQJy6t6TEc6vMMk~tvGTqxq5QavE9ZiaZ8X9FW3ju61iQYNRqvbCswn--y1Av4ZgcxJRE4MBVa0kNnoCm3KD~r91Xude-MmOsevDksdI3DkKitJ2-QxqE5ftVUwnI0r0mlGuakx~cdNtGbjOzZ8rONB~Y7BcDuExtnrSOgpGp-5VNx1JoIZ71855ej1iOM1d6UgzT~-UreilLCPAyMQ9oHzxlY97veQYZYCqdWtTzeC3vmGSsQrtyEgO4uByqrogvguci2mJ91asEFTmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A prolonged public‑comment period at the Livingston County Board of Commissioners meeting on Feb. 24 featured repeated testimony about alleged increases in neo‑Nazi and white‑supremacist activity and sharp pushback from other residents who said the county is being unfairly characterized.

Several residents told the board they feel less safe and want stronger action from county officials and law enforcement. Edwin Hansen Meyer of Hamburg Township said he has lived in the county for more than 34 years and that he has seen “a definite increase” in activity by hate groups and would like to know what the commission plans to do. “I’d like to see as much of this that can be averted as possible,” he said on the record.

Tanya Hansen Meyer, who said she is the granddaughter of a German mother who lived through World War II, told commissioners she is emotionally affected by reports of neo‑Nazi behavior and said she is considering whether she should leave the county because she does not feel safe after 34 years in Livingston County.

Other speakers described specific incidents and urged official responses. A SAGE member identified as Tanya (last name in the record: Dufiner) said SAGE coordinated a safety team at a theater event and that the group had alerted law enforcement when it believed an individual tied to past demonstrations attempted to enter. \"Because of SAGE's Citizen Watch flyers, which have Cooper's face included, community members were able to identify him at the door, allowing the safety team to take quick action in removing him from the venue,\" she said.

Speakers who disputed the characterization of the county as a hotbed of white supremacy also addressed the board. Stacy Rutledge, who said she moved to Livingston County in 2002 and previously lived in Hawaii, said, “There are no Nazis in Livingston County,” and called some public allegations a quest for attention. Larry Parsons, a veteran who said he worked undercover to monitor neo‑Nazi activity while serving in Germany, said he believes many reports are false or exaggerated.

Several residents said the issue is concentrated in the city of Howell. Deb Dreeck, a Howell resident on Zoom, said she has lived in the county more than 50 years and recalled when racism existed here but said “we're not that way anymore.” She urged critics to take complaints to the appropriate local officials when incidents are alleged rather than to place blame on the entire county.

Other commenters described experiences they said showed unequal responses by law enforcement. A SAGE member said downtown business owners reported being harassed and that video showed people of color being harassed while police were present. Stephanie Bluth recounted what she described as harassment and intimidation she experienced after attending a theater preview and criticized authorities for a limited response.

Commissioners did not adopt a new policy at the meeting during public comment, but the volume and tenor of remarks prompted extended discussion among commissioners in other agenda items and were followed by statements in later parts of the meeting. Several speakers urged the board to issue clearer public statements, share information with vulnerable residents and coordinate with law enforcement; others cautioned that some public accusations were inaccurate and damaging to community reputation.

Why it matters: The comments touch on public safety, community trust in law enforcement and the role of county and municipal officials in responding to extremist activity. Residents who said they were targeted or frightened seek concrete action and transparency; residents who disputed the allegations said the accusations harm the county’s reputation.

Speakers on both sides mentioned local groups by name, including SAGE, and referenced media coverage and a documentary film shown at the Howell Theater, \"Face of Hate.\" County leaders listened through the public comment period but did not adopt a new directive at that time.

Sources: Verbatim public comments recorded at the Livingston County Board of Commissioners meeting, Feb. 24, 2025, including statements by Edwin Hansen Meyer (Hamburg Township resident), Tanya Hansen Meyer (Hamburg Township resident), Stacy Rutledge (Howell resident), Jeff Amile (Howell resident), Stephanie Bluth, Tanya Dufiner (SAGE member), Elaine C. (SAGE member), Barbara Tonkovich (Genoa Township), Dan Hollahan, Larry Parsons, Anne Gebauer (Iosco Township), Norris Hardemann (Putnam Township), Sharon Volio (Howell Township), Colleen Quinn (Genoa Township) and others who spoke during the call to the public.","Dozens of residents urged the county to take action against neo‑Nazi and white‑supremacist activity; other residents and some commissioners disputed the scale of the problem. The exchange dominated the meeting’s public‑comment period and prompted calls for local officials and law enforcement to act or clarify responses.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6663914,"Livingston County approves advance, concurs on Summit construction contract for airport snow-removal building",2992,4768000,7760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2386844-4d167f3a9d9eab5a0aed0abb1321ba0f&start=4768&end=7760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2386844-4d167f3a9d9eab5a0aed0abb1321ba0f/thumbnail_4768000.jpg","/articles/6663914/Livingston-County/Michigan/Livingston-County-approves-advance-concurs-on-Summit-construction-contract-for-airport-snow-removal-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663914-d9b10b30f07dccfb51ed442fd50c8e05/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206631&Signature=fnr~rSzwJb-vbr7nZP2j-U1OOPOqhG4Qe2ttOw9kPY46p0dlxwINDo0ZFxZtTDTO-Xn9rsHZTul6WaYkZtqZsMuS4EV6QFdW-bZltuRLkP6OA5VGl7I-n~jvPWq-ITRdWM-r9IuNnqnTVYWrZevwt-Wt~CV0f3Th7cEgWis0-Sx4MO-khjFXgdLJqOBK3RquLJjYpAVKYGYB4~pSv14yvhwD3pb4jggBuZn~C1V9dlq-yDPxUT8mObtjSPDnJlZdztL8FbSE8sBf-wxdHinaXSSzRu6hShEgkh1gbN9wl5VpvLoGw6ReIdW9dMOAdG4HdPtRY32lq7CT4bJ4Qtwy6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Livingston County Board of Commissioners voted on Feb. 24 to seek federal and state grant funding, authorize a temporary county advance and to concur with the county Aeronautical Facilities Board to enter a construction agreement with Summit Company for a snow removal equipment building at the county airport.

The board approved submitting a Michigan Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration grant application for the project and then approved an advance from the county’s delinquent tax revolving fund to the Airport Capital Improvement Fund to pay construction costs while the grant is processed. Commissioners also voted to concur with the Aeronautical Facilities Board to enter a construction agreement with Summit Company, not to exceed $2,743,000 (which includes a $50,000 contingency in the construction authorization).

Why it matters: Airport officials said a heated, dedicated storage building would keep snow‑removal equipment drier and ready for use, reducing ice buildup on brushes and bearings after storms and helping the airport maintain operations during winter weather. Airport staff and some commissioners said the building would improve reliability for users including medical flights.

Commissioners debated timing and financial risk. Commissioner Laura Gross said delaying the decision could prevent the building from being ready before next winter and voiced support for moving forward so construction could begin in spring. Commissioner Wes Nakagiri and Chairman Drake expressed reservations about advancing county funds before the grant was certain, citing risk if a contractor or grant funding were not ultimately available. Ultimately the board approved the advance and concurrence votes (see \"Votes at a glance\" for roll-call tallies).

Airport Director Johnson (referred to in meeting remarks) described the project budget and phases to commissioners and noted the FAA/MDOT grant application deadline and the practical need to have bids in hand for the grant submittal. He said the airport would use $500,000 in retained earnings first, then the requested advance; grant proceeds would repay the advance if awarded.

Commissioner Nakagiri asked about contingency planning if the contractor were to withdraw before grant award. Director Johnson answered that the grant application requires bids and that bids were already in hand; he acknowledged the risk that a contractor could withdraw but said the county had included contingencies in its planning. Treasurer Jennifer Nash (referred to by name during the discussion) reported that the delinquent tax revolving fund had available funds and expected reimbursements that would allow an advance without depleting the fund.

The airport director and several commissioners said the county’s timeline aimed for construction to start spring 2025 with a mid‑October 2025 completion target for the building; if the grant timeline required, staff said construction timing could shift. Officials said the building is not 100% grant‑eligible; an estimated portion would be covered by FAA funds and the remainder would be financed locally with the advance and repaid over time.

What the votes did: The board (after an amendment and a brief recess to substitute updated figures) approved the grant application by voice vote, authorized the advance from delinquent tax funds (roll call; majority recorded), and concurred with the Aeronautical Facilities Board to enter a construction agreement with Summit Company (roll call; majority recorded). The board also approved the related capital contract (the Summit scope and bid materials were included with the grant application packet). Details of those votes and the numbered resolutions are listed in the separate \"Votes at a glance\" article.

Background: The airport has operated at the current site since the 1950s and the county acquired it in 1963. County officials said portable heaters in existing hangars were not an economical alternative and would not achieve the same reliable, year‑round readiness for the snow equipment. Airport staff said heating the new building to a moderate temperature (roughly mid‑50s Fahrenheit) would prevent ice accumulation and extend equipment life.

Next steps: Staff will submit the FAA/MDOT grant application per the approved resolution and proceed with contracting steps contingent on grant award. If the grant is awarded, grant proceeds will be used to repay the county advance; if not, commissioners acknowledged the county would be responsible for the remaining costs under the adopted financing plan.

Sources: Remarks on the record at the Livingston County Board of Commissioners meeting of Feb. 24, 2025, including statements by Director Johnson, Treasurer Jennifer Nash (remarks summarized from the meeting), Commissioner Laura Gross and Commissioner Wes Nakagiri.","The county board approved applying for FAA/MDOT grants, authorized an advance from the delinquent tax revolving fund contingent on grant award, and concurred with the airport board to enter a construction agreement with Summit Company for a new snow removal equipment building at the county airport.","actionData","errors"]

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Votes at a glance: Key actions taken Feb. 24 by Livingston County commissioners

Residents and commissioners clash over presence of white supremacist groups during Livingston County public comment

Livingston County approves advance, concurs on Summit construction contract for airport snow-removal building