Houghton County commissioners elect Tikkanen chair, approve ARPA planning and courthouse security design

Houghton — The Houghton County Board of Commissioners elected Commissioner Tom Tikkanen chair and moved forward on several administrative and capital planning items during its organizational meeting Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Clerk Jennifer Kelly called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in the courthouse conference room and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The board observed a moment of silence for Jackie “Bunny” Niemi, who served 20 years as a county commissioner, including 16 years as chair. Commissioners Tom Tikkanen (Dist. 1), Joel Keranen (Dist. 2), Glenn Anderson (Dist. 3), Gretchen Janssen (Dist. 4) and Roy Britz (Dist. 5) were present.

Tikkanen was nominated by Commissioner Roy Britz and elected chair for a two-year term by voice vote (Ayes 5, Nays 0). Tikkanen then presided while the board elected Britz vice chair for a one-year term (voice vote, 5-0). The board also approved the Dec. 13, 2022 minutes and adopted the meeting agenda with one late addition: an appropriation request for sheriff’s deputy training.

Why it matters: The organizational votes set leadership for the coming term and the board used the meeting to approve several budgeted contracts, appropriations and planning steps that will affect county facilities and services in 2023.

Key actions and approvals

• ARPA planning: The board earmarked $25,000 of American Rescue Plan (CSLFRF) funds to create a plan for using the Sharon Avenue property, including options to move a church and relocate District and Probate/Family Court to that site. Administrator Bjorn will coordinate follow-up with OHM. The motion passed on roll call, 5-0.

• Courthouse security and single-entry design: Commissioners authorized UP Engineering to design District Court security upgrades, a courthouse single-point entry and two air-conditioning upgrades and to accept bids for the work. The motion passed 5-0.

• Contracts and appointments: The board approved a FY23 Michigan State University Extension agreement for $42,500 and renewed the Northcare Network service agreement for 2023; both passed 5-0. The board also appointed Dr. Kotov to a four-year Medical Examiner term (5-0) and appointed Gretchen Janssen to the UPCAP Board of Directors (voice vote).

• Road Commission millage: Commissioners adopted Resolution #23-1, renewing a 10-year millage for the Houghton County Road Commission (5-0).

• Appropriations and training: The board approved a quarterly payment of $68,024.50 to the Western UP Health Department, an $8,118.30 ARPA payment for Karhu Cyber, $625 in MI FOC dues, and authorized the sheriff’s department to send Corrections Officer Brett Beauchamp to MCOLS for police training. All motions carried 5-0.

Other updates

Sheriff Saaranen reported 3,077 complaints in 2022 and 26 inmates in the county jail and noted the need to send a corrections officer to the police academy; he and county staff are evaluating failing jail and courthouse camera systems and expect cost estimates. Commissioner Britz said a site evaluation of the Laurium 911 tower and building may be needed; initial cost estimates for tower work were cited at $110,000–$130,000.

Health Department representative Tanya Rule said 770 people viewed the proposed code-change materials online; 26 public comments were received (20 in support, six opposed) and a public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23 in Hancock.

The meeting concluded with a public comment from Tim Gasperich welcoming Commissioner Keranen; Administrator Bjorn announced auditors would be in the courthouse for the next two weeks. Chairman Tikkanen moved to adjourn at 5:50 p.m.; the motion carried on a voice vote (Ayes 5, Nays 0).

Votes at a glance

• Elect chair — Tom Tikkanen (motion: Britz; second: Keranen). Outcome: elected (Ayes 5, Nays 0). • Elect vice chair — Roy Britz (motion: Keranen; second: Anderson). Outcome: elected (Ayes 5, Nays 0). • ARPA Sharon Avenue planning — earmark $25,000 (motion: Britz; second: Keranen). Outcome: approved (5-0). • UP Engineering authorization — courthouse/District Court security, single-point entry and A/C upgrades. Outcome: approved (5-0). • Resolution #23-1 — Houghton County Road Commission millage renewal. Outcome: approved (5-0). • FY23 MSU Extension, Northcare agreements, Medical Examiner appointment, UPCAP appointment, multiple appropriations, corrections officer training authorization. Outcome: all approved (5-0).

(For a full list of motions, voters and outcomes see the meeting minutes.)