Board appoints Duane Triemstra as interim corporation counsel; commissioners debate permanent and labor counsel approach

The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners appointed Duane Triemstra as part-time, temporary Interim Corporation Counsel and Freedom of Information Act Coordinator on Nov. 6, with the Board approving the appointment by roll call (Res.179-2008).

Interim County Administrator Don Gilmer introduced Triemstra and noted his long experience in Kalamazoo County. Triemstra said he began his career in the Prosecutor’s Office, served as Chief of the Civil Division and later as Corporation Counsel; he told the Board his hourly rate would be $85 and said he expected to be available until about the end of the year due to winter travel plans.

Separately, administration reported that four labor agreements required negotiation in 2008 and recommended hiring labor counsel services from a Grand Rapids firm (Mika, Meyers, Beckett & Jones — Mr. Fernstrum) with anticipated expenses not to exceed $20,000. Commissioners debated adopting a part-time permanent Corporation Counsel (with a separate labor counsel) versus hiring a full-time counsel. Comr. Solis and some commissioners were concerned a part-time counsel might not provide adequate services and said departments could revert to seeking their own counsel; Comr. Rae said the Budget Committee favored hiring a part-time interim counsel and then the new Board would seek a permanent counsel who would not handle labor negotiations. Commissioners asked administration to check what other counties are doing and to provide more precise cost estimates before making long-term decisions.

The Board carried the interim appointment motion unanimously.