[0:20] What is program? >> Okay, it's 1:00. I'm calling the [0:23] September 1st Board of Commissioners meeting to order. Today we're going to [0:26] start with a prayer by Commissioner Sarkela followed by the pledge by [0:29] Commissioner Devoe. >> Dear Lord, we thank you for the day, for [0:33] the opportunity to gather in a free country. We're grateful for the weather [0:36] that you provide for us. We would ask Lord that you would be with our farmers [0:39] through the fall season and allow them to get their crops off safely and [0:42] efficiently. We're also grateful Lord for this board and the people that we [0:46] serve in our county. We ask that you would be with us today. Allow us to make [0:50] strong and thoughtful decisions and remember always that all good things [0:53] come to your son's name and in whose name we do pray. Amen. [0:58] » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the [1:01] republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, [1:04] with liberty and justice for all. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the [1:06] United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation [1:09] under God, indivisible, [1:15] » Leslie roll call, please. >> District 1 Chairman John Block. [1:18] » Present. >> District 2 Commissioner Roger Ballard. [1:21] » Present. >> District 3 Commissioner Gary Heberling. [1:23] » Here. >> District 4 Commissioner Bill Sarkela. [1:26] District 5 Commissioner Christine Lee. >> Present. [1:29] » District 6 Commissioner Evans Eheart. >> Here. [1:31] » District 7 Commissioner John Moody. >> Here. [1:34] » Thank you, Leslie. >> You're welcome. [1:36] » It's great to have everybody back at the desk once again. [1:40] Uh if there are no corrections or deletions to today's agenda, I'll [1:43] entertain a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. [1:45] » that motion. >> I'll second it. [1:47] » I have a motion by Commissioner Eheart supported by Commissioner Lee to adopt [1:50] the agenda as presented. Is there any discussion? [1:53] Hearing none, all those in favor signal by by "Aye". [1:55] » Aye. >> Opposed? [1:57] Motion is carried. Next up is an approval of our meeting minutes from [2:00] August 18th. I'll entertain a motion to approve. [2:02] » So moved. >> Support. [2:04] » Have a motion by Commissioner Ballard supported by Commissioner Ehrhardt to [2:07] approve our meeting minutes from April 18th. Is there any discussion? [2:11] Hearing none, all those in favor signal by saying I. [2:13] » I. >> Oppose. [2:15] Motion is carried. You would have received your correspondence from Jody [2:18] through email the other day. That's going to move us into Commissioner [2:20] reports and we will start with Commissioner Ballard today. [2:24] » Um last week I attended the Talk So Stop program or presentation at Marlette High [2:29] School. Um pretty disappointed in the turnout. [2:33] There were probably 40 to 50 people there. [2:37] Um after hearing what the gentleman had to say, every parent in the county [2:40] should have been there. The stuff that's available to their kids [2:43] in these stores will blow your mind. The potency of the stuff that's on the [2:48] shelf that's legal, more powerful than heroin, which isn't [2:52] even a thing anymore, but it's being sold retail and uh [2:57] hopefully people will the that were there will share the [3:00] information and get it out there so they're aware of what's available. [3:04] And that's all I have for right now. >> Thank you, Roger. Gary? [3:08] » Well, my meetings haven't happened, but uh tonight is Watertown Township. Uh [3:12] tomorrow night is Moore Township. Uh the 15th is Custer Township and uh next [3:16] Monday is uh City of Sandusky. And Nathan, um the [3:21] uh plan that we put together for MMPC, I don't know if the townships have got [3:26] that yet, so I did send that plan out that Mike sent you and I. Uh I sent that [3:31] to the townships so at least they can read through it before they get the [3:33] letter from Mike. >> Okay. [3:37] » I'm I'm done. >> Okay. Thank you, Gary. Bill? [3:39] » I have nothing to report. >> Okay. Christine? [3:42] » I had Peck and their clerk treasurer resigned, so they're looking for a new [3:46] person. Streets and sidewalks on the north side [3:50] is done. They had a family fun day and September [3:54] they're going to have a senior luncheon on September 24th. [3:59] And the DPW is looking to sell some of their larger generators and get some [4:04] smaller suitcase size generators so it'll be easier to [4:08] haul them around. And then they're planning some [4:14] moratoriums for dispensary data centers and solar farms. [4:20] And that's it for Peck. And then I had Elk Township. [4:26] And again, I'm learning more about gravel and we talked about brush [4:30] spraying there and everything else seems to be going good there. And that's it. [4:34] Okay. Thank you, Christine. A couple weeks ago in our planning [4:37] commission meeting, Marion Township had a complete revised ordinance that we [4:40] reviewed and I had contact with them in the last couple of weeks and they're [4:44] pretty appreciative of the feedback they got from us. So they're going to go [4:47] ahead and move forward and get it all in place. So that's all. Okay. [4:50] That's all I have. >> Evans? [4:52] Um I attended a uh meet and greet with Senator Slacking last week on Wednesday, [4:57] I believe it was. Uh for the brief conversation I had with [5:00] her, it went well and I thought she was a nice person. [5:04] » Okay. Very good. Thank you, Evans. John? >> Um on the 27th I had Fremont Township. [5:11] Uh on October 10th they have a Halloween party at their hall [5:16] from noon to 2:00. Anybody's invited, don't have to live in that Township. [5:21] Um they had two permits pulled for the [5:25] month, one house and one pole barn for their zoning. [5:29] They hired a second attorney um [5:32] to do some of their other work besides solar and wind. [5:36] Uh they need to buy a new Township computer and they did two they agreed to [5:40] do two uh ditch cleanups. [5:45] On the 19th I had Worth Township. [5:49] They appointed a new trustee to fill Byron Wilson's spot, and that's Roger [5:55] Combs. [5:59] They decreased their water connection fees and their sewer [6:05] connection fees. They're getting a bid to do electrical [6:10] running out to their new sign that they're getting. [6:14] Accepted the resignation of Doug Varty, and they're going to be looking for a [6:17] new trustee to fill his position shortly. [6:21] And that's all I have. >> Okay. Thank you, John. [6:25] Appreciate everyone's commissioner reports. Nathan, your administrator [6:28] report, please. >> All right. [6:30] First off, to echo Evan's sentiments, attended the meet and greet with Senator [6:38] Slama and Lexington. There was an economic meeting the following morning [6:43] that was hosted out there kind of showcasing some of what's going on in [6:46] Lexington, seeing what potentially maybe she could support. And then she came up [6:52] here in the afternoon to tour the McKenzie Hospital, and there was a [6:55] meeting there. She did talk about earmark funding and [7:00] you know, things that could help [7:03] when they're looking at those earmarks and who to support and [7:07] she really talked about solidarity between you know, cities, counties, [7:13] the entities involved. She said when there's that solidarity that makes them [7:17] feel very confident that the funds will go to good use and everybody's kind of a [7:21] united front working on the same [7:26] wavelength. So, that was good to hear. Meeting last night at PAC at the Harvest [7:34] Hall in regards to the Riverbend Wind Project. [7:38] There was I I say a huge turnout, but there was a [7:42] a a decent crowd. It went from 4:30 to 7:00, so there was a [7:47] variety of uh residents that trickled in, asked [7:50] questions. Uh they had the whole project up on boards outlining [7:55] um the plan, outlining [7:59] uh concerns, all of those things. And they had folks from [8:03] the company there to answer questions, so [8:07] talked to a few of the township officials in [8:10] uh Fremont and Speaker and uh yeah, it was it was nice to see them there, so. [8:17] And last thing was we had a conference 2 weeks ago. Um um [8:21] There were some good sessions uh attended on leadership. Uh one of them [8:25] focused on working with folks through different generation and the the [8:29] generational challenges and the way different generations operate in the [8:32] workplace. And uh another uh session focused on just kind of being able to [8:38] stay positive through adversity in the workplace. So, some good sessions. Um [8:42] it's always valuable to attend, so. >> Glad you got those in. [8:45] » Yeah. Thank you. And that's all I have. >> Any questions for Nathan? [8:49] Seeing none, we'll move on. [8:53] That's going to take us to public comments pertaining to the agenda. Are [8:55] there any public comments pertaining to the agenda today? [9:00] Seeing none, we're going to move on. [9:03] Next up is uh we're going to open a public hearing for the Michigan [9:06] Community Development Block Grant funding for Sanilac County Emergency [9:09] Homeowner Rehabilitation. And I'm going to call for public comment pertaining to [9:13] that. Is there any public comment for the public hearing pertaining to the [9:16] Michigan Community Development Block Grant funding for Sanilac County [9:19] Emergency Homeowner Rehabilitation? Seeing none, going to move on. [9:25] I see no need for 13A or 13B or 14 for appointments to boards. So, that's going [9:30] to move us right into general resolutions. And today we have one [9:33] honoring Trudy Bowers for years of service. Trudy, welcome. [9:38] We has a resolution here. She even has a frame for you. [9:45] » Christine is my commissioner. That's what I had to explain to the [9:49] boys. Yeah, she I live in Elk Township. It's [9:53] nice to have her here to read this for me today. [9:57] » And we kind of coordinate. >> I know. Here, why would I [9:59] be a banana here? >> You go blind over there. [10:05] » The boys. Resolution honoring Trudy Bowers for [10:10] years of service. Whereas Trudy Bowers is retiring from Saline County after [10:14] more than 14 years of dedicated public service. And whereas as Trudy began her [10:20] career with Saline County on March 12th, 2012, when she was appointed to the [10:26] position of Saline County Treasurer. And whereas Trudy subsequently sought [10:32] election and was elected by the citizens of Saline County to serve four terms as [10:38] Saline County Treasurer. And whereas throughout her tenure, Trudy has [10:42] provided exemplary service demonstrating outstanding financial stewardship and [10:48] contributed her investment dollars and expertise for the benefit of Saline [10:53] County. And whereas Trudy has served on several [10:56] committees and boards including the Board of Public Works, Budget Committee, [11:02] Election Commission, Land Bank Authority Board, and the Karen Gandhi [11:07] Water Authority where she has been the longest serving member. [11:12] And now therefore be resolved that the Saline County Board of Commissioners [11:16] hereby hereby express its sincere appreciation [11:21] and gratitude to Trudy Bowers for her more than 14 years of exemplary service [11:27] to the citizens of Saline County. And be it further resolved that the [11:33] board extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Trudy [11:38] Bowers for continuing health, happiness, fulfillment and her well-earned [11:43] retirement. And where and be it resolved that the resolution [11:49] be presented to Trudy Bowers and enter into the official proceeding of the [11:53] Santa County Board of Commissioners this first day of September, [11:57] 2026. >> Thank you for the very kind resolution. [12:13] » He was sitting that camera down because of all the sores. [12:18] » Hey, at least it's out. Come lay up here. [12:22] I had a few of those. >> to miss you, sister. [12:25] » So, enjoy your retirement. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. [12:30] » Have a resolution offered by Commissioner Lee. Is there a support? [12:33] Support by Commissioner Ballard. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, uh [12:37] Leslie, a roll call vote, please. >> Commissioner Lee? [12:40] » Yes. >> Commissioner Ballard? [12:42] » Yes. >> Commissioner Black? [12:44] » Yes. >> Commissioner Moody? [12:46] » Yes. >> Commissioner Eheart? [12:48] » Yes. >> Commissioner Sarkela? [12:49] » Yes. >> Commissioner Heberley? [12:51] » Yes. >> Resolution is adopted. Congratulations [12:53] on your retirement. We wish you the very best. [12:56] » I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Do you want to join any boards? [12:59] » What's that? >> Do you want to join any boards? [13:00] » Well, she's in my area, definitely. She's my my [13:06] candidate. >> We'll see you in the hall afterwards. [13:09] » Yeah, we'll see you. >> There's got to be seats open on the [13:12] boards, though. [13:15] » Hey, very good. That will conclude resolutions for today. That's going to [13:19] move us into committee reports, and we're going to start with Commissioner [13:21] Moody today. >> Um this 26th, I had uh emergency [13:25] management. We just went over um the quick reference guide that um [13:32] Greg is making up. And just talked about um [13:37] one incident that would happened in Port Sanilac. There was a [13:41] some batteries spilled out of the back of [13:44] someone's car and spilled a just a little bit of [13:48] uh uh acid, but it was cleaned all up good. [13:53] Um that's it for that. And then on the 24th I had medical care facility. [14:02] They're need uh two LPNs and one maintenance worker [14:07] right now. They're short. Um they're working on a new building [14:10] project to actually put new sidewalks and new [14:14] parking and stuff out in front of the building there. They're going to [14:18] the board passed it. Well, they've already got their bids and everything, [14:22] so that should be starting shortly. Um they did a survey of the families and [14:30] employees and that went really well. And that's about it. [14:35] » Okay. >> Thank you, John. That's all I have. [14:37] » Nothing new to report? >> All right. Um personnel met this [14:40] morning. You guys will see something coming through from personnel in a [14:42] couple of weeks. It's related to um uh central dispatch. [14:47] We had created a deputy director position when Don was on her way out for [14:52] Crystal. And Crystal's short on a [14:56] getting people and she's a lot of overtime issues that they're having. So, [14:59] we're looking to transition that deputy position just back to a normal [15:02] dispatcher to help her out with that. That's something everybody will see in a [15:04] couple of weeks. Other than that, we had any commission met 2 weeks ago. Uh we [15:09] reviewed a fair amount of PA 116 applications and a few ordinances. [15:13] That's all I have. Christine? >> I also would like to state that I also [15:18] attended that Senator Slapkin's meet and greet and I [15:21] thought she was very down to earth. Um I ended up getting a picture with her. [15:26] » Gary >> And then I went to my township meeting, [15:30] and they were talking about I told them why I was late, and so I already passed [15:34] that information on how to get a hold to the Oak Township Fire Department. [15:38] » Okay, very good. Well, I know Gary matters cuz I saw a picture of the two [15:41] sitting next to each other, so. >> But that was me. [15:45] » Yeah. Is that August C? [15:48] » Yes, I'm there. >> Okay, no, you're good. Thank you. [15:50] » Bill Um just a couple things. I uh [15:53] participated in a Zoom for the pension board cuz they needed to have a quorum. [15:58] Um I was heavily sedated, but I did get my name out there, so at least she could [16:01] count me count me in, so they met had their quorum. And then um after this [16:06] uh I was no longer heavily sedated, I did participate [16:09] in a MAC budget uh Zoom meeting that they had some training for, and uh that [16:14] was right up there with kind of sitting in an actual area we're important. [16:17] » Riveting. >> Yeah, I I did some huge sacrifice while [16:20] I was out of commission. That's all I had. [16:22] » Well, we appreciate your dedicated service, Bill. [16:24] Gary >> Yeah, well, it's good we went this way [16:27] around because uh Nathan touched on some things that was part of we had a [16:30] personnel meeting this morning. Uh you basically told about that at a [16:34] part of our meeting tonight. And uh back to what Nathan was talking about last [16:39] week, Nathan and I were invited to a uh economic development round table uh with [16:44] Senator Slaght and and um along with uh the city manager and uh superintendents [16:49] of schools here. And I thought there was some really good discussions um um [16:54] where we're at as a infrastructure here in our county and our city, also what we [16:58] want what we're looking forward down the road, and uh some of the advantages of [17:03] uh Nathan already touched on it, is not just a city city city uh submitting for [17:07] grants or money, uh but maybe that city and the county can have basically a plan [17:13] together. And um she brought up the city of Holland and the county of therein uh [17:18] how they they get more attention when it gets to her office because it's a it's a [17:23] plan for not only just the city but the county and that sometimes gets a gets a [17:27] look a first look before it just a county. So that was a [17:32] good conversation and hopefully we're on the radar now and [17:36] we can move forward to doing going that way. So end of my report. [17:40] » Thanks a lot. Thank you very much. >> Roger? [17:42] » I had a community mental health last Tuesday. We uh the highlights of that [17:46] meeting were the approval of the employee compensation and also the uh [17:50] EAP contract. And the real highlight was when we met uh Brandy, the new therapy [17:57] dog that is a resident down there. It's a [18:00] one of the doodle mixes. I'm not sure what it's mixed with but uh [18:04] I've I've met her before. Um she's not quite a year old [18:10] and I guess when she puts her vest on she knows that she's working. [18:15] Uh one of the gals wanted to take her outside and uh [18:19] well her owner was uh off to a break [18:24] and she wouldn't go outside. She had her work leash and her work vest [18:28] on and she was there to work. So they had to switch the leash and take the [18:32] vest off so the dog would go out take a break. [18:37] It's a pretty intelligent dog. I guess it's really uh [18:41] really helping out down there. >> Very good. [18:43] » Yeah and that's all I have. >> Good. Thank you Roger. Appreciate [18:47] everyone's commissioner report. >> I did have one more just hit that. Uh I [18:51] went down Greg Alexander makes an appearance at the Marlette Township Hall [18:55] at the on the last Monday of the month. So I try to make it down there. [18:59] Hear him out. See. >> Very good. [19:04] Okay. Uh I see no unfinished business. So we're [19:08] going to move directly into new business today. [19:11] And that's going to start out with FA 112-26 [19:14] approval of current claims. >> Sanilac County Board of Commissioners [19:18] hereby approves the payments current claims identified on the accounts [19:21] payable report dated August 25th, 2026 for the general bank account in the [19:24] amount of $161,332.11. [19:28] » Report. I have a motion by Finance Chairman [19:31] Sarkella, supported by Vice Chairman Valley. Is there any discussion? [19:36] Hearing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. [19:38] » I. >> I. [19:39] » Opposed? Motion is carried. Next up is FA 113-26 [19:44] budget adoptions, amendments, appropriations, and transfers. [19:47] » Sanilac County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the following amendments [19:49] and establishes the following accounts as listed. [19:51] » Report. I have I have a motion by Finance Chairman Sarkella, supported by [19:55] Commissioner Even Card. Is there any discussion? [19:58] Hearing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. [20:00] » I. >> I. [20:01] » Opposed? Motion is carried. Next up is FA 114-26 [20:06] authorization for funding for the Blue Water Conservation District. [20:10] » Sanilac County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes $30,000 commitment to [20:13] the Blue Water Conservation District for the purpose of funding [20:16] farm bill technicians for 3 years dedicated to assisting with the [20:20] implementations of farm bill programs in Sanilac County at an amount not to [20:23] exceed 10,000 per year for fiscal year 2027, 2028, and 2029 with funding from [20:28] the Environmental Trust Fund. >> Report. [20:32] » I have a motion by Finance Chairman Sarkella, supported by Commissioner Lee. [20:35] Is there any discussion? >> Just real quick cuz I missed last [20:37] meeting. That's what they what we always gave them when we didn't update it at [20:40] all. >> Yeah, so in a in a to recap that, their [20:44] request this year was for $15,000 a year for 5 years, which was an enormous [20:48] increase over what they previously had, and they failed to justify the need for [20:51] the increase. So, we we went with uh with what they had previously. [20:56] Is that all? >> Yeah, but that's why we only went with [20:58] the 3 years. >> Oh, yeah, and a 5-year commitment would [21:02] push the county way out into a new board, different people, right? And so, [21:07] in a 3-year commitment, they'll have to come back again and [21:11] reevaluate. So. >> All right. [21:12] » Is that the point you're trying to get to? [21:13] » Yes. >> Okay. [21:15] All right. With all that said, I've lost my place. We have motion support. [21:20] » Discussed. >> Yes. [21:22] » Okay. >> Carry the motion. [21:23] » All in favor, signify saying I. >> I. [21:26] » Opposed? Motion is carried. Next up is FA 115-26, [21:31] authorization of pestify pesticide certification stipend for the Parks [21:35] Commission. >> Stanley County Board of Commissioners [21:38] hereby authorizes a 2000 annual pesticide certification stipend to be [21:41] paid to a certified Parks employee, with only one employee eligible to receive [21:45] the stipend at a time, with funding from the Parks millage. [21:47] » Support. >> A motion by Commissioner Sarkela, [21:49] supported by Commissioner Heberlein. Is there any discussion? [21:54] Hearing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. [21:56] » I. >> Opposed? [21:58] Motion is carried. Next up is FA 116-26, authorization to purchase a PMI evidence [22:04] tracker for Drug Task Force. >> Stanley County Board of Commissioners [22:07] hereby authorizes the purchase of the PMI evidence tracker system for the Drug [22:10] Task Force at a cost not to exceed $5,630, [22:14] along with a $795 annual fee for the software license after the first year, [22:18] with funding from the Drug Task Force millage. [22:20] » Support. >> A motion by Commissioner Sarkela, [22:23] supported by Commissioner Ballard. Is there any discussion? [22:26] » Yes. Uh, just a in that discussion with Ed, uh, I [22:30] seen your email you got it from Lieutenant Moore, and uh, there was no [22:34] substantial raises. There was one with $750 at one time. So, [22:39] that was good he went back and did that for us, cuz it was questioned at our [22:42] last meeting if it would substantially raise down the road that we would [22:45] cut out garden. >> I'm glad you brought it up, cuz I was [22:48] going to. I think that's great you guys double-checked that and they circled [22:50] back with us. So. >> Okay. Thank you, Commissioner Eaton. [22:53] » Yep. >> Any further discussion related to FA [22:55] 116-26? Hearing none, all those in favor signify [22:59] by saying I. >> I. [23:01] » Opposed? Motion is carried. Next up is NFA 013-26 [23:08] and it's authorization of signature signature designation and certifying [23:12] officer. >> Sanilac County Board of Commissioners [23:16] hereby authorizes Jonathan Black, Board Chairman, to designate Nathan B. Droski, [23:19] Administrator Controller, as a certifying officer responsible for the [23:22] environmental review requirements of the Michigan Community Block Grant CDBG [23:27] funding for program year 2025. >> I have a motion by Commissioner Sartwell [23:32] supported by Commissioner Earnhardt. Is there any discussion? [23:35] Hearing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. [23:37] » I. >> Opposed? [23:40] Motion is carried. Um at this time, I'm going to call for [23:44] public comments to the public hearing that we opened earlier in the meeting. [23:47] Are there any public comments pertaining to the Michigan Community Development [23:51] Block Grant funding for Sanilac County Emergency Homeowner Rehabilitation? [23:56] Seeing none, we're going to close that public hearing. [24:00] Next up is general public comments. Are there any general public comments to the [24:04] Board of Commissioners today? Seeing none. [24:07] » I have something I want to share, John, real quick. [24:09] » Absolutely. >> Um in my time away, you know, you find [24:12] out when you have some health circumstances that there's really two [24:15] things to worry about. You're going to get better or you're going to get worse. [24:19] And if you get better, then you have nothing to worry about. [24:22] But if you get worse, then there's two things to worry about. [24:25] » Right. >> You're either going to live or you're [24:27] going to die. Well, if you live, you have nothing to [24:31] worry about. But if you die, then you got two things [24:34] to worry about. You're either going to go to heaven [24:37] or you're going to go to hell. Now, if you go to heaven, you have nothing to [24:40] worry about. But if you go to hell, there's two things to worry about. [24:45] Original or extra crispy. [24:49] That's what I learned while I was gone. [24:53] » We're glad you're better. >> Yeah. Well, we missed you, Phil, and [24:56] we're we're happy to have you back. >> Glad we didn't lose your sense of humor. [25:00] Being under. >> Oh, it was tough. I had a battle-ax [25:02] nurse in the home that would just beat me up. I'm telling you. [25:05] 47 years she's been doing that to me. >> We should have the cameras off, right? [25:13] She'll agree. >> Somebody's got to keep you men in line. [25:18] » That's why we have you up here, Jamie. >> Yes. [25:23] » Very good. Um I see no need for closed session or [25:27] approval of closed session minutes. So, unless there's something further to come [25:30] before the Board of Commissioners, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn our [25:32] meeting at 1:25. >> motion. [25:34] » Supported. >> I have a motion by Commissioner Hebert [25:36] and supported by Commissioner Lee to adjourn at 1:25. All in favor signify by [25:40] saying aye. >> Aye. [25:41] » We are adjourned. Thank you, everyone.