Berrien County board appoints physician to health board, approves consent items and committee waivers

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners on Thursday appointed Dr. Frederick Johansen to fill the physician vacancy on the county health board and approved its consent calendar while tabling two resolutions for later consideration.

Dr. Frederick Johansen, a former county health officer, was appointed to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Dr. Ken Edwards. Commissioner Harrison moved the appointment; Commissioner Werfel seconded. The board voiced its assent and Johansen "is appointed effective today," to fill the term through April 19, 2030. The board chair said county rules require a reappointment process to fill the vacant physician seat.

The board approved the consent calendar with resolutions 280 and 291 excluded for separate handling; Commissioner Pitchford moved the consent calendar and Commissioner Tyler supported it. The clerk conducted a roll call and the consent calendar passed.

Finance committee reports included several procurement waivers that the committee approved and returned to departments for action. The committee reported approving a waiver to Vista Technologies for audiovisual improvements in the conference room for $31,604; a purchase related to replacement of 48 lead-acid batteries for courthouse data-center backup from Vertiv for $15,221; and a motor from Airtech for a cell door for $3,930. The finance chair said those waivers were approved in committee and will be processed through the county procurement channels.

The board also approved minutes from the Oct. 16 meeting; minutes from Oct. 22 were tabled until the November meeting at the board’s request.

Other routine reports noted by commissioners included a recap of Legal Aid activity, courthouse and parks bid updates, and upcoming trust-investment committee work.

The board adjourned after scheduling follow-ups and noting the two pulled resolutions would be handled separately at a later meeting.