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The regular meeting of the Board of Calhoun County Road Commissioners was held on Wednesday,

November 19, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in their office located at 13300 Fifteen Mile Road, Marshall, Michigan.

PRESENT: Commissioner Hugh T. Coward, Vice Chairman


Commissioner Charles E. Monaweck, Member
Commissioner Chester E. Travis, Member
Commissioner Eric J. Tobin, Member – entered at 6:00 p.m.

ABSENT: Commissioner Scott A. Brown, Chairman - Excused

ALSO PRESENT: Kevin Henning, Managing Director


Pixie Coats, Director of Administrative Services/Board Clerk
Angie Kline, Assistant County Highway Engineer
Mary Jo Crumpton, Deputy Board Clerk
General Public

Vice Chairman Hugh Coward called the regular meeting of the Board of Calhoun County Road
Commissioners to order at 5:30 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion made by Commissioner Travis and supported by Commissioner


Monaweck to approve the regular meeting minutes of November 5, 2008.
Voice vote: motion carried.

Motion made by Commissioner Monaweck and supported by Commissioner


Travis to approve the special meeting minutes of November 5, 2008. Voice
vote: motion carried.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS


Mrs. Coats read the communications as follows:

a) Received a proposal from Angela Kline, Assistant County Highway Engineer, to Mr. Jeff
Adams, Newton Township Supervisor, regarding proposed road improvements to Division
Drive in Emmett and Newton Township
b) Received a response letter from Angela Kline, Assistant County Highway Engineer, to Mr.
Robert Behnke, Pennfield Township Supervisor, denying the request to lower the speed limit
along McAllister Road between Emmett Street and Bellevue Road
c) Received a response letter from Angela Kline, Assistant County Highway Engineer, to Mr.
Robert Behnke, Pennfield Township Supervisor, approving the installation of a STOP sign at
the intersection of Eastwood Drive and Viking Drive and the corresponding Traffic Control
Order #08-180-002
d) Received a response letter from Angela Kline, Assistant County Highway Engineer, to Mr.
John Neterer, Leroy Township Supervisor, denying the request for a 4-way stop to be placed
at ½ Mile Road and H Drive South
e) Received a response letter from Angela Kline, Assistant County Highway Engineer, to Mr.
John Neterer, Leroy Township Supervisor, approving the relocation of the stop sign at the
intersection of 1 ½ Mile Road and O Drive South
f) Received a memo from Angela Kline, Assistant County Highway Engineer, regarding the
traffic count on Anderson Road
g) Received a letter from Kevin Henning, Managing Director, regarding Legal Services
h) Received a Career Development request from Kevin Henning, Managing Director
i) Received a letter from Gerald Stonebraker, Homer Village Manager, thanking Angela Kline,
Assistant County Highway Engineer; Brian Ervin, Site Project Manager; and Kevin Henning,
Managing Director, for their expertise and assistance on the repaving project in the
downtown Village of Homer
Minutes of November 19, 2008

OLD BUSINESS
Commissioner Coward referenced the staff recommendation on Legal Services from Mr. Henning
that was included in the agenda packet. Commissioner Travis commented that he would
probably vote in favor of Mr. Henning’s recommendation of Michael Kluck & Associates, but noted
that he was very happy with Mr. Callander’s services over the years. Commissioner Coward
added that as a new Road Commissioner, he is not familiar with Mr. Callander’s services and
could not render an opinion; however, he agrees with Mr. Henning’s recommendation.

Motion made by Commissioner Travis and supported by Commissioner


Monaweck to award the bid for Legal Services to Michael Kluck & Associates.
Roll call vote: Monaweck-Yes; Travis-Yes; Coward-Yes. Motion carried.

Motion made by Commissioner Travis and supported by Commissioner


Monaweck to award the bid for Snow Removal at six (6) State Car Pool Lots to
Pro Lawn Care. Roll call vote: Travis-Yes; Monaweck-Yes; Coward-Yes.

NEW BUSINESS
Motion made by Commissioner Travis and supported by Commissioner
Monaweck to approve the November 10, 2008 accounts payable for
$536,233.15 and the November 5, 2008 payroll for $104,485.46. Roll call
vote: Monaweck-Yes; Travis-Yes; Coward-Yes. Motion carried.

Commissioner Coward noted that Traffic Control Order 08-180-002 is for the installation of a stop
sign at the intersection of Eastwood Drive and Viking Drive in Pennfield Township.

Motion made by Commissioner Travis and supported by Commissioner


Monaweck to approve Traffic Control Order 08-180-002. Voice vote: motion
carried.

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT


Mr. Henning provided the following report:

B Drive North: Mr. Henning noted that B Drive North is open to traffic. The super core has
been reinstalled and the road was paved over last week. We are in the process of reinstalling the
guardrail.

I-94 Service Road (11 Mile Road to Michigan Avenue): This project is complete. Mrs.
Kline stated that the project went well considering the coordination required with the casino,
utilities, etc. It was noted that the road came in under budget from the approved contract
amount, but over budget of the original estimate that was done in 2005. The cost of HMA was
the biggest cost item on the project. Discussion continued on the water main issue. Mrs. Kline
clarified that this issue was between the designer and the contractor.

2009 Budget: Mr. Henning stated that he is working on the 2009 Budget that will be presented
at a public hearing on December 3, 2008. The budget will go before the Board for approval at
their December 17, 2008 meeting.

2009 Fee Schedule: The fee schedule is being reviewed by staff prior to the December 3,
2008 Board meeting.

Federal Aid Projects: Mr. Henning has been working with Mrs. Kline on federal aid projects
anticipated for 2009.

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Minutes of November 19, 2008

Winter Maintenance: We are in winter maintenance mode, but will continue to mow if
weather permits. The boom mower is out, we are patching potholes, and wrapping up a few
drainage projects. Mr. Henning reported that we are getting ready for winter, salt and sand is
coming in, and our salt barn has a new concrete floor.

Commissioner Coward asked for an update on the durapatchers. Mr. Henning stated that they are
working well and the issue with the old emulsion has been resolved. We are using pea stone instead of
crushed aggregate, as we have problems keeping material dry due to lack of dry storage space. Crews
patched together P Drive South between 17 and 18 ½ Mile Road with the durapatcher. The equipment is
currently in Homer and Clarence Township, where HMA has not been available, and we are working our
way around the county.

SUPERVISORS, PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND CITIZENS TIME


A member of the public asked if the Tekonsha car pool lot was one of the six State car pool lots
included in the bid. Mr. Henning replied that the I-69/M-60 car pool lot in Tekonsha is included.
The cost for plowing this lot by Pro Lawn Services is $25 per event. At least 2” of snow must be
on the ground before snow will be plowed. CCRC will be responsible for salting.

Mr. David Jackson, 1402 Onagon Beach, stated that he received a letter from CCRC’s permit
agent requesting removal of his ornamental boulders that are within the road right-of-way. Mr.
Jackson commented that the rocks have been there for many years and were put there to keep
people from cutting through his yard. In the past, he has either staked them or removed them
during the winter months. He asked if the Road Commission would be requesting neighbors to
move their mailboxes, seawalls and garages that were constructed in the road right-of-way.

Mr. Henning thanked Mr. Jackson for working with us over the years regarding the boulders in
the road right-of-way. He explained that there are always obstructions in the right-of-way and as
they are brought to our attention, we request that they be removed. In this case, a snowplow
was damaged by one of the boulders. Mr. Henning noted that our drivers do encounter problems
maneuvering on roads around lakes due to the size of our equipment; therefore, it is even more
important that the right-of-way be kept clear of obstacles that are easily covered by snow. Mr.
Henning further explained that postal requirements mandate that mailboxes be within the road
right-of-way; however, mailboxes must conform to Road Commission Board policy that the posts
are break-away. Discussion continued on what the road right-of-way is for Onagon Beach at
Beadle Lake. Mr. Henning and Mrs. Kline informed Mr. Jackson that they would provide him with
the correct information for this platted area, but emphasized that the boulders must be removed.

Mr. Carlos Pizarro, 179 Parrish, informed the Board that he applied for a single move, oversize
load permit to move a house. He was told by CCRC’s permit agent that Consumers Energy red
flagged the permit because the load was within 4’ of a secondary line and 10’ of a primary line.
He does not believe that Consumers Energy has the right to stop the permit because the permit
is issued by the Road Commission.

Commissioner Monaweck commented that years ago, utility companies required a letter of billing
authority and suggested that Mr. Pizarro contact Consumers Energy directly. Commissioner
Coward asked Mr. Pizarro if there is a cost attached for Consumers to take lines down.
Discussion continued.

Mrs. Kline stated that she has spoken with Mrs. Cummings, CCRC’s permit agent regarding this
situation and reiterated that CCRC will not issue a permit without written permission from
Consumers Energy, due to their rules and regulations on clearance. Mrs. Kline also noted that
Mrs. Cummings and Mr. Henning have met with Mr. Pizarro previously, at which time they
provided this information, as well as contact information for Consumers Energy.

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Minutes of November 19, 2008

Mr. Blaine VanSickle, Calhoun County Drain Commissioner, informed the Board that his office
received the applications from CCRC regarding the drainage projects. He noted that he will be
meeting with the Board of Determination regarding the application for McCormick and the
application for 6 1/2 Mile Road. The other two applications will not be reviewed until after the
first of the year. Mr. VanSickle stated that he appreciates the good working relationship with
CCRC over the past eight years.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Monaweck commented that road commissions throughout the State of Michigan are
struggling with funding issues. He also referred to the information he provided last time on equipment
that applies salt in a paste form and suggested that staff investigate this equipment. Mr. Henning
responded that he has done some research on this equipment, which is actually an insert that goes into
the back of a tandem. The equipment grinds the salt and mixes it with brine before being sprayed on the
road. It is estimated that this equipment reduces salt usage by approximately 30% and the equipment
cost is approximately $76,000 per unit.

Commissioner Travis noted there were a few intersections where material was piled up. He also thanked
Mr. VanSickle for his work over the years – he will be missed.

Commissioner Tobin inquired about a corn additive that is used with salt. Mr. Henning replied that there
are many other additives that can be used (e.g., beet juice), but we have found brine to be the least
expensive.

Commissioner Coward thanked Mr. VanSickle for his years of service.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next regular meeting of the Board of Calhoun County Road Commissioners will be held on
Wednesday, December 3, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. A Public Hearing on the 2009 Budget will be included as
part of the regular meeting. We will also be introducing the candidates for the upcoming Road
Commissioner position at this meeting.

There being no additional business before the Board, Vice Chairman Coward adjourned the meeting at
6:30 p.m.

Submitted by:

____________________________________ ________________________________
Mary Jo Crumpton, Deputy Board Clerk Hugh T. Coward, Vice Chairman

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