[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6655450,"mediaKeyId","5393691-f60acd1b9d7b404e5a4404b35adb8462","parentId",5393691,"title","Votes at a glance: Delta County Board of Commissioners, July 15, 2025","audioSeconds",4065,"startMs",137000,"endMs",4202000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393691-f60acd1b9d7b404e5a4404b35adb8462&start=137&end=4202","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393691-f60acd1b9d7b404e5a4404b35adb8462/thumbnail_137000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6655450/Delta-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Delta-County-Board-of-Commissioners-July-15-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655450-99b367945563ca69e7fac2d0dcead09f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911893&Signature=BCtHwjvb4ySltZyihgOt-nu637IX4dDlUDYsLP6lXb~sQoeoyh1P8KA01iYfJYkgC-sV1u93NTFr2gY3o8JaaGu4DuBs5WPTeZQbssed74eHCB~7i8IdXZJ7X0MPPTXIvCXukpkiCo9WzGx2JRWJnbGTrZEKTiJOLAzXIDTfLrWjgyhxMaYxYdA6Q6Uk877oNTckGOYNyt-VcUiKZNx~CTCRGYQ2zHPDvWxITaWeXy4Lii5yhG-LesTH3z0~MBgJby0oHawG-i5UJwXhz8xwjmozMO3KYgXhSlV0zbJ7VKgVgrS5C3ZuXCdfke6FvxIrx5aifsww26GXLhdPAca0FA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-16T03:30:55.86Z","article","This summary lists formal motions, vote outcomes and key details from the Delta County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 15, 2025. For full discussion, see separate articles on the airport EAS recommendation, the FOIA appeal, Title III RFP and opioid mini‑grants.

1) Approval of minutes — passed
Motion: Approve minutes of the previous meeting.
Mover/Second: Motion recorded by commissioner on the floor; support recorded.
Outcome: Passed on voice vote.

2) Approval of agenda as amended — passed
Motion: Approve agenda with added items (resignations and opioid task force mini grant discussion).
Mover: Commissioner Johnson
Second: Commissioner Jensen
Outcome: Passed on voice vote.

3) Committee report placed on file — passed
Motion: Place committee report on file.
Outcome: Passed.

4) Closed session — entered
Motion: Go into closed session pursuant to MCL 15.268(1) to consider attorney‑client privileged material related to a FOIA appeal.
Outcome: Board entered closed session and returned to open session; clerk noted that no decisions were made in closed session itself.

5) FOIA appeal decision — upheld partial denial (formal motion following closed session)
Motion: Uphold the denial and partial denial of FOIA appeal #20; requester may resubmit a more narrowly worded FOIA request.
Mover: Commissioner Williams
Second: Commissioner Johnson
Outcome: Passed (voice vote recorded; roll call not specified in transcript).

6) Payment of bills — approved
Motion: Approve claims presented.
Detail: Total report of claims $661,307.82; commissioner expenses $2,120.70 (reported).
Mover/Second: Motion moved and supported on the floor.
Roll call (recorded in minutes): Commissioner Johnson — Yes; Commissioner Williams — Yes; Commissioner Jensen — Yes; Commissioner Van Denhofer — Yes.
Outcome: Passed.

7) Title III RFP — rebid and extend window to 60 days — passed
Motion: Rebid the Title III RFP with amendments to clarify township needs and leave the solicitation open for 60 days.
Mover: Commissioner Williams
Second: Commissioner Johnson
Outcome: Passed.

8) FY24‑25 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness grant — authorize signature — passed
Motion: Authorize signature on FY24‑25 HMEP grant application.
Mover: Commissioner Johnson
Second: Commissioner Jensen
Outcome: Passed.

9) FY26 Local Emergency Management Program work agreement — approved
Motion: Approve the FY26 local emergency management work agreement and reporting instructions for the Emergency Management Department.
Mover: Commissioner Johnson
Second: Commissioner Williams
Outcome: Passed.

10) Secure Rural Schools FY25 update / resolution directive — direction given
Discussion: County staff reported Forest Service notification that Congress did not reauthorize Title III funds; funds were placed into Title I for the coming fiscal year.
Motion: Direct administration to draft a resolution urging Congress to reauthorize Title III funds.
Outcome: Motion to direct administration to draft a resolution — passed.

11) Zoning cases — two approvals
Zoning case #6‑25‑PC: Algonquin Township rezoning to facilitate a DNR Trust Fund grant to enlarge park area — planning commission recommended unanimous support; board moved to approve — outcome: Approved.
Zoning case #8‑25‑PC: Rezone rural parcel for lake/shoreline split — planning commission recommended unanimous support; board moved to approve — outcome: Approved.

12) Airport EAS recommendation — accept advisory board recommendation to pursue Denver Air — passed
Motion: Accept the Airport Advisory Board recommendation to request Denver Air as county EAS provider and forward recommendation to DOT.
Outcome: Passed by roll call (Johnson, Williams, Vankenhoven, Jensen — all yes).

13) Committee of the whole meeting date set — passed
Motion: Set the committee of the whole for Tuesday, July 22 at 05:15 in the Service Center boardroom.
Outcome: Passed.

14) Personnel actions — passed
Motion: Accept resignation of Belcaster, authorize lump‑sum payout and post to fill correctional officer position — passed.
Motion: Accept resignation of TH (name in transcript), post to fill seasonal parks laborer position — passed.

15) Opioid task force mini‑grant — discussion only
Action: Item presented for discussion; board took no formal action and will consider application materials at a future meeting.

How to read this: Where a roll call was recorded in the transcript, names are listed. Where the transcript records only a voice vote or \"motion passes,\" the summary notes the outcome without a full roll call. For full verbatim discussion, see meeting minutes and transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting 7/15/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal actions taken during the July 15, 2025 Delta County Board of Commissioners meeting, including motions passed on FOIA appeal, Title III RFP rebid, grants, zoning items, personnel actions and the airport recommendation.","taxTitle","Delta County, Michigan","taxId",37674,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6655453,"Delta County opioid task force proposes $3,000 mini‑grants for event‑style projects; discussion only",219,3175000,3394000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393691-f60acd1b9d7b404e5a4404b35adb8462&start=3175&end=3394","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393691-f60acd1b9d7b404e5a4404b35adb8462/thumbnail_3175000.jpg","/articles/6655453/Delta-County/Michigan/Delta-County-opioid-task-force-proposes-3000-minigrants-for-eventstyle-projects-discussion-only","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655453-8513abfa4bd7485c0f7c5ca8c9bb855f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911893&Signature=Qm2G~I9K76SxmP8WrpcnEi8gxKdjUt7vmlSVTVanR46SEx4mCM4rTD7o-TO0teosJOcCNAX2hsDLuCd~-XFch1ldSNAxY8TAn7A8nvKnr56GJf0zVzZCygr-JrmYqmg3BpZgAn9NYEwGqfQbHnu57RwoAM~yMr6SJpwJ6W5fboZY5PSXsAj63KU~PzuzefgZWQ7q4VF2i~xQU4GJJZOw~VnqqSDKPNHubzMfq8OMvpsBSLnAxZNY7aN0DNIGjqDymhpRc2uM7MkLbVmhTcNzLvziR175C5DX15XmwfEF-Yqn7zdHca9gUU0qgN5qxRc2QPHIz7ULx0JXMcOEm0pLcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Delta County Board of Commissioners considered a proposal from the opioid task force to create a simplified mini‑grant program to fund community events and one‑time activities related to opioid education, treatment access and prevention.

Under the proposal discussed by commissioners and task force members, mini‑grants would be capped at $3,000 per award and the task force anticipated allocating $15,000 annually to the mini‑grant program. The mini‑grant application would be simpler than the larger opioid settlement RFPs the county uses for major projects; applications could be submitted year‑round and applicants would generally be limited to one mini‑grant per year.

Why it matters: The county’s opioid settlement funding is being allocated in part through the opioid task force. Creating a small, flexible grant option is intended to allow local organizations to apply for modest funds to host events or short‑term outreach instead of preparing large proposals for multi‑year projects.

Meeting details: Commissioners described the mini‑grants as an option to broaden engagement and to support several one‑time events instead of fewer major projects. Task force members said a county website is being prepared so the large‑grant and mini‑grant applications can be filed online.

Next steps: The mini‑grant program was presented as a discussion item; no formal vote was taken. The task force expects to bring formal application materials to a future meeting for approval and to post application guidance on the county’s opioid settlement information page.","County opioid task force recommended creating a simplified mini‑grant program—up to $3,000 per award and $15,000 annually—to support event‑style outreach; commissioners agreed to consider the program in a future packet item and noted a website application process is forthcoming.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6655459,"Delta County board agrees to rebid Title III projects and asks administration to seek congressional action on Secure Rural Schools funds",479,1552000,2031000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393691-f60acd1b9d7b404e5a4404b35adb8462&start=1552&end=2031","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393691-f60acd1b9d7b404e5a4404b35adb8462/thumbnail_1552000.jpg","/articles/6655459/Delta-County/Michigan/Delta-County-board-agrees-to-rebid-Title-III-projects-and-asks-administration-to-seek-congressional-action-on-Secure-Rural-Schools-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655459-cc90a76f70ed57392ca7f792229bfc00/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911893&Signature=WSEtvq~7tx4q1Ug70nERC96Lt8xK2gBPsBr0pbGCWKItjTXVmPQp5Z26rKHp9R~~a3g0x54VwOrHBrVZV3azEIohJOtGEZSFTCscf7Vsr048x68ejl3bkMpaSJe74skP0u6oJSL-z4TCYWNXhp4NHepe4AEISa682NnTMrps4fg2DUa22mIrMOD3ftImDaO7g6b4I69HI-WyH7h9XY68iaPyGptavVp0eW9wOiT7LBISpR17mDopkb~kT6VNOBWJCRZQu-7OeV1CXlJ65Dv5t97tPaGjeuH-UYxGKLThcdZB81o53qSCc4cppFz4Ow-ZRnDBKyIdK7rtcUJmCDStUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Delta County Board of Commissioners voted to rebid the county’s Title III request for proposals and to leave the solicitation open for 60 days after county staff and the emergency management director said modifications were needed to clarify township project requirements.

Emergency Management Director Paul Geyer told the board that the initial Title III RFP responses were too general and that the townships asked the county to make the RFP more specific. The board approved a motion to amend the Title III RFP scope and reopen bidding for 60 days so vendors could prepare proposals that match the townships’ needs.

Why it matters: Title III projects fund local township emergency management and other community projects relying on Secure Rural Schools (SRS) or similar program allocations. Rewriting and lengthening the RFP period aims to increase the number of responsive bids and ensure project scopes align with township expectations.

Secure Rural Schools update and board direction: County staff reported that the Forest Service contact (identified in the packet as Tiffany Bena, U.S. Forest Service) informed the county that Congress did not reauthorize Title III funds for the coming fiscal year and that those funds were moved to Title I. As a result, the county will not receive Title III funding through the Forest Service for this upcoming fiscal year. The board discussed options and authorized a motion directing administration to draft a resolution urging Congress to reauthorize Title III funds; commissioners said they would present that resolution to local townships and representatives.

Actions and motions: Commissioner Williams made the motion to rebid the Title III RFP and allow a 60‑day window for bids; Commissioner Johnson supported the motion. The motion passed. Later in the meeting the board moved to direct administration to draft a resolution urging congressional reauthorization of Title III funds and to coordinate with local township officials.

Next steps: County staff will amend the RFP to reflect township input, reopen the solicitation for 60 days, notify vendors who previously submitted bids, and draft the requested resolution to be circulated to commissioners for review before sending to congressional offices.","The board approved rebidding a Title III RFP with a 60‑day submission window to allow vendors to respond to a more specific scope and learned that Congress did not reauthorize Title III monies this year; the board directed administration to draft a resolution urging congressional action.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6655463,"Delta County commissioners uphold partial denial of FOIA request after closed‑session review",1208,505000,1713000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393691-f60acd1b9d7b404e5a4404b35adb8462&start=505&end=1713","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393691-f60acd1b9d7b404e5a4404b35adb8462/thumbnail_505000.jpg","/articles/6655463/Delta-County/Michigan/Delta-County-commissioners-uphold-partial-denial-of-FOIA-request-after-closedsession-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655463-f9074a0654a206f4d4eaa4861a8f7304/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911893&Signature=WLaZcTos~6rMYKnkiD4p-asq-7eTFwFitLeV699bJOEAlxY4AE90tCJrlhWOFxfJY1Rfq4jBODz-u9w4O-gjCHJyCUvllwI8RMt2Js8YPNzLz3qYS9oUX557fyS5rBAfJGWR3V8j0Wy7N4jvlgqIts7Sha7h5RGSKDcXJgtzJBMB~nKiLro5PaEcCUI6qHsA28mLZQPQng1PFr2xzp70GurQjVUWyso4oowWpwkbxOaAtpLNkmx0DYE8RwUWzQOPyl7EfJQQ5ooFFLPcIyYCmv~aoiGgaH4sQAPdIqx3fpd3xHMyNxLHQCn7Wo7Pw555WxmbNUtXQkTjMRkLzgSu1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Delta County Board of Commissioners voted to uphold a partial denial of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request after convening in closed session to consider attorney‑client privileged material. The board cited statutory exemptions for attorney‑client privileged material during its closed‑session discussion and later approved a motion to uphold the partial denial.

At the start of the relevant agenda item, the board moved to go into closed session pursuant to MCL 15.268(1) to consider attorney‑client privileged material exempt from disclosure under Michigan’s FOIA exemptions. The clerk read the call for closed session; the board entered closed session and later returned to open session. Board minutes record the motion to go into closed session and a commissioner stating, after the closed session, that \"no decisions were made\" in the closed session itself. Later in the meeting Commissioner Williams moved to uphold the denial and partial denial; she said the requester may submit a new FOIA request with more narrowly framed language to produce more tailored results.

Why it matters: FOIA appeals and closed sessions involve the county’s obligations to disclose public records while protecting privileged communications. The board’s decision affirms its office’s interpretation that portions of the requested material are exempt under the law.

Facts from the meeting: Administrator staff retrieved two physical files from an outside attorney’s office and reported they had not heard further on Attorney Graham. Commissioner Williams said the partial denial \"does meet all of the requirements\" and moved to uphold it; the motion carried. Public comment during the meeting questioned the process: resident Joe Kaplan urged greater public explanation when the board returns from closed session and suggested more assistance for FOIA requesters to avoid unnecessary appeals.

Authorities cited at the meeting: Board members referenced closed‑session authority under the Michigan Open Meetings Act and FOIA exemptions for attorney‑client privileged material during the discussion. (Meeting references: MCL 15.268(1) for closed session and FOIA statutory exemptions.)

Outcome: Motion to uphold the partial denial — passed. Commissioners recorded the motion and vote on the record and advised the requester may submit a narrower FOIA request or seek the records from other agencies if those records originate elsewhere (for example, body camera footage would be sought from law enforcement agencies).","Following a closed‑session review under state exceptions for privileged material, the board voted to uphold the partial denial of a Freedom of Information Act request and noted the requester may refile a narrower request.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":46,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6655468,"Delta County board backs airport advisory recommendation to seek Denver Air for Essential Air Service",2066,2136000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393691-f60acd1b9d7b404e5a4404b35adb8462&start=2136&end=4202","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393691-f60acd1b9d7b404e5a4404b35adb8462/thumbnail_2136000.jpg","/articles/6655468/Delta-County/Michigan/Delta-County-board-backs-airport-advisory-recommendation-to-seek-Denver-Air-for-Essential-Air-Service","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655468-890320b398a7392c1810679f75a1723c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911893&Signature=WVfY31owMABzQ3ln4JCeh3iSSsbBkLg8xUyirVOM05mUW9hxc57t6Ixkyj~6OfiykRy5YMOob4E4iUdgPv27Wuhh2KxR~G9unpPsTUWwfxMR6hywFgFvC-eDPLVaBFB1D6Ix3-ZIHa5wn0W89aEaYSNd7Wl7IHNWLak3OqiATgFS9UJoIS9XnM0aq2QYL0EaZY~XP73ipmbuEW4S0oRgFuPjvNxxE3vcLgafWmaJLr9jRees0RRR6H~xkl7zzLZXCWmHyJw6Azg394Gq373VWPucYcvvvVb0qzT9Ww4nwQ7XfLuq55YqWNNZwMpGR4tszAflqFLKImzNYl-Wau89-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Delta County Board of Commissioners voted to accept the Airport Advisory Board’s recommendation to request Denver Air as the county’s Essential Air Service (EAS) carrier, replacing SkyWest. The board approved the recommendation by roll call, with Commissioners Johnson, Williams, Vankenhoven and Jensen voting yes.

Airport Administrator Ashley Young and members of the Airport Advisory Board presented the recommendation and the bids the county received in response to the federal EAS solicitation. The county packet included a letter from Young summarizing the advisory board’s review; advisory board members and presenters answered commissioner questions at length during the public discussion.

Why it matters: The choice of EAS carrier affects scheduled destinations, baggage/interline handling, aircraft size, frequency and the airport’s ability to market and grow passenger boardings. Commissioners and the advisory board said the county has struggled with schedule consistency under the current carrier and sought a partner that would provide a stable, repeatable schedule and options for interlining with major airlines.

Advisory board presentation and rationale: The advisory board representative said the board “kinda felt that we’ve hit a plateau for growth with SkyWest,” and recommended Denver Air because its proposal included a 50‑seat regional jet schedule comparable to current service, interline agreements with major hubs (Detroit, Minneapolis and O’Hare), a guaranteed overnight aircraft presence and the option to support charters and group flights.

Commissioners and presenters also discussed operational details Denver Air included in its bid: a proposed on‑site aircraft maintenance employee (which could improve completion and on‑time performance), an Embraer‑145 class aircraft in the fleet as the largest representative aircraft, and a marketing allotment in the EAS proposal. Presenters said Denver Air’s interline agreements would make baggage connections easier for travelers changing to Delta, United or American at the hub, and that Denver Air guaranteed overnighting aircraft in Delta County.

Terms and community input: Commissioners asked about contract length (the county sought two years; Denver Air bid four), marketing funding (the DOT recommended $20,000), baggage fees and mileage program details. Presenters said some Denver Air program details—such as integration of a Denver Air mileage program with other carriers—were not finalized but were projected for 2026 in the carrier’s materials. Commissioners discussed avenues for community input on destination preferences (Detroit, Minneapolis or O’Hare) and noted outreach at the county fair and through in‑terminal surveys as possible feedback tools.

Labor and local operations: Commissioners asked whether local ground staff and unified employees would retain positions under a new carrier. Presenters said Denver Air would hire from the local community and would consider existing ground staff but would not commit to wholesale hiring; the carrier would employ its own ground staff as Denver employees if selected.

Outcome and next steps: The board’s vote authorized county staff to include the advisory board’s recommendation in the county’s submission to the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of the EAS selection process. Commissioners were told the DOT decision typically becomes final before the EAS contract starts (county staff said they expect notice in the third quarter rather than waiting until January). The county will continue outreach to passengers about hub preferences and will include the topic in upcoming county communications and the fair booth outreach.

Action taken: The board moved, seconded and approved a motion to go with the airport advisory board’s recommendation; roll call: Johnson — yes; Williams — yes; Vankenhoven — yes; Jensen — yes.

Context: EAS contracts are administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation; bids vary by aircraft type, frequency, marketing support and proposed hubs. The airport advisory board reviewed multiple proposals and presented Denver Air as their preferred carrier based on schedule stability, maintenance and growth potential.","The Delta County Board of Commissioners voted to endorse the airport advisory board's recommendation to pursue Denver Air as the next Essential Air Service (EAS) carrier, citing schedule stability, interline agreements and in‑community maintenance capacity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Delta County Board of Commissioners, July 15, 2025

Delta County opioid task force proposes $3,000 mini‑grants for event‑style projects; discussion only

Delta County board agrees to rebid Title III projects and asks administration to seek congressional action on Secure Rural Schools funds

Delta County commissioners uphold partial denial of FOIA request after closed‑session review

Delta County board backs airport advisory recommendation to seek Denver Air for Essential Air Service