Board approves appointments, contract and borrowing resolutions; hears security and facilities concerns
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Summary
At its Dec. 9 meeting the Gladwin County Board appointed members to planning and zoning boards, approved a three-year Maximus contract at $6,500/year, adopted two 2026 borrowing resolutions (Res. 25-017 and 25-018), and heard departmental and public comments on elevator maintenance and courthouse security.
The Gladwin County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 9, 2025 approved a slate of routine appointments and finance measures, adopted a three-year consulting contract and heard updates from county departments and members of the public.
Appointments: The Board appointed Justin Schneider to the Planning Commission (term Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2027) and filled two Zoning Board of Appeals vacancies by appointing Mike Malosh and Doug Ritchie to terms through Dec. 31, 2026 and Dec. 31, 2028, respectively. Motions to approve those appointments carried on voice votes.
Contract: The Board authorized a three-year contract with Maximus at $6,500 per year; the service had previously been provided on a year-to-year basis at $6,000 per year. Commissioner Alan Donaldson moved to sign the contract, seconded by Commissioner Tami O'Donnell, and the motion passed with all members voting aye.
Finance: On motions and roll call the Board approved billing for 2026 indirect costs and adopted two borrowing resolutions: Resolution 25-017, authorizing 2026 borrowing for 2025 delinquent taxes, and Resolution 25-018, authorizing a 2026 administrative fund. Christy VanTiem presented the borrowing items and the Board adopted both resolutions unanimously.
Department and public updates: Ken Roberts announced a monthly Veterans Coffee Hour to be held the first Tuesday of each month; he said the State has not yet approved grant funding but local businesses have donated to sponsor meetings. Sheriff Shea reported two employees were injured recently and noted an upcoming deputy graduation from the Academy; a corrections staff member (identified as Matthew in the record) and Dispatch were described as performing steadily.
City Administrator Kim Hines told the Board City Hall was responding to a phishing attack that required system updates and brief closures; she also outlined plans for a Winter Wonderland at North Park with a skating pond, warming shed and trails. In public comment Melanie (recorded as providing the update) said elevator maintenance is scheduled for March and will last three to four weeks; departments must plan accommodations for visitors who cannot use stairways. Trevor Demoines of Courthouse Security voiced concerns about the absence of camera coverage at the downstairs entrance and suggested the Board consider livestreaming meetings to increase public interaction. Commissioner Tom Winarski and Local 1974 Vice President Gina Coon raised concerns about commissioner pay and some employee units not keeping pace with inflation and about the MERS pension fund underfunding; they urged further discussion.
Votes at a glance (selected): - Appointed Justin Schneider to Planning Commission — motion passed (voice vote). - Appointed Mike Malosh and Doug Ritchie to Zoning Board of Appeals — motion passed (voice vote). - Approved three-year Maximus contract at $6,500/year — motion passed (roll call, unanimous). - Approved billing for 2026 indirect costs — motion passed (voice vote). - Adopted Resolution 25-017 (2025 Delinquent Taxes) — adopted (roll call, unanimous). - Adopted Resolution 25-018 (2026 Administrative Fund) — adopted (roll call, unanimous).
The Board adjourned at 10:40 a.m.