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Benzie County commissioners approve CDBG application, trail funding and transportation bylaw changes
Summary
At its July 28 meeting, the Benzie County Board of Commissioners adopted a CDBG application for Crystal Mountain, approved two Betsie Valley Trail budget amendments and amended the Benzie Transportation Authority bylaws; board votes on these items were recorded by roll call and were largely unanimous.
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners on July 28 approved a set of measures including a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for Crystal Mountain, two budget amendments for the Betsie Valley Trail and an update to the Benzie Transportation Authority’s bylaws.
Laura Galbraith of Venture North told the board the Crystal Mountain project will use private funds for infrastructure and CDBG dollars for training; the board then adopted Resolution 2015-020 authorizing the chair to sign the application. The motion passed by roll-call vote with all members present voting aye.
Finance items included approval of county bills totaling $220,164.26 for July 15–28, 2015 and acceptance of a new Treasurer’s report format from Michelle Thompson. The board also approved entering into an agreement with the Michigan Department of Corrections to continue a tether program for inmates on work release through Sept. 30, 2015.
The board approved two amendments to the 2014–15 Betsie Valley Trail budget. The first amendment increased the trail’s landscape/maintenance line by $5,000, funded by a $5,000 state grant. The second amendment added $7,500—split into contracted services and local match—to support trail construction and maintenance. Both budget amendments were adopted by roll call.
The board appointed Coury Carland as primary representative and Lisa Tucker as alternate to the Airport Authority, and adopted Resolution 2015-019 amending the Benzie Transportation Authority bylaws and articles of incorporation. Both motions passed by recorded vote.
On trail administration, the board approved Amendment #2 to the Betsie Valley Trail Maintenance/Management 2014–2015 agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources; that motion passed with six ayes and one absence recorded (Carland marked absent for that vote).
During public input, Dennis McKee of Consumers Energy briefed the board on the company’s plan to install new meters in Benzie County beginning in January or February 2016. "It will be January or February of 2016 before they reach Benzie County to get started; 30 days prior to install a notice will be sent; 2 weeks in advance a letter will be sent prior to them coming out to install. It will take 3 - 5 minutes each to install the new meters," McKee said.
Craig Johnson, reporting for 911 Central Dispatch and EMS, said the county’s emergency crews recorded three cardiac-arrest saves in the previous 90 days and congratulated first responders and Chief Rob Lozowski for their efforts.
County Administrator Karl Sparks said the first round of the county budget is complete pending the result of a jail millage; the next budget meeting is set for Aug. 18 and the public hearing before the board is scheduled for Aug. 25. The board adjourned and set its next regular meeting for Aug. 11, 2015.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 2015-020 (CDBG application for Crystal Mountain) — adopted, unanimous; Betsie Valley Trail budget amendment (+$5,000) — adopted, unanimous; Betsie Valley Trail amendment (+$7,500) — adopted, unanimous; Resolution 2015-019 (Benzie Transportation Authority bylaws) — adopted, unanimous; Amendment #2 to Betsie Valley Trail agreement with DNR — adopted, six ayes, one absent.
