Berrien County public meetings in 2022
42 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Administration Committee
The Committee approved the minutes from December 15, 2022, and signed a resolution authorizing the Road Department to proceed with a TAP Grant project. Members received updates on Juvenile Center staffing and security, as well as plans for additional deputies in Niles Charter Township.
- Approved minutes of the December 15, 2022 meeting
- Signed Resolution A2212451 to authorize Road Department to proceed with TAP Grant project
- Signed honorary resolution for Judge Wiley
Personnel & Human Services Committee
The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the minutes from December 15, 2022. The committee also approved two advanced step hire requests for the Prosecutor's Office and the Health Department.
- Approved December 15, 2022 minutes (3-0)
- Approved advanced step hire for James Miller, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney III, $91,494 (3-0)
- Approved advanced step hire for Shawn Wellman, Public Health Nutritionist, $53,904 (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a consent calendar containing 17 items, including various grants, funding acceptances, and a lease-to-own agreement. The Board also passed an honorary resolution recognizing Judge Dennis M. Wiley for his public service. Additionally, the County Clerk administered the Oath of Office to 12 commissioners for the 2023-2024 term.
- Approved Consent Calendar including 17 resolutions (12-0)
- Approved weekly bills and road payables (Resolution #F2212059)
- Approved lease to own agreement with Fox Powersports (Resolution #A2212453)
- Authorized agent for Marquette Greenway Project (Resolution #A2212451)
- Approved honorary resolution recognizing Judge Dennis M. Wiley (12-0)
- Approved minutes of the December 15, 2022 meeting
- Accepted donations from Niles Scream Park and Honor Credit Union
- Accepted funding from United Healthcare Services and Local Community Stabilization
Committee of the Whole
The Committee approved the minutes from the December 15, 2022 meeting. Other agenda items consisted of presentations and discussions regarding board bylaws and purchase order processes.
- Approved December 15, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)
Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force
The Broadband Internet Task Force unanimously recommended a new professional services agreement with DCS Technology Design to expand high-speed internet in rural areas. The group also discussed the FCC broadband map challenge process and the state's ROBIN grant program.
- Recommended new DCS Technology Design contract for approval by Finance Committee and Board of Commissioners (unanimous)
- Approved sending response letters to BCBIT grant applicants
Administration Committee
The Committee approved a purchase agreement for six motorcycles funded by the Community Foundation. The Chairperson approved $3,017.44 in Community Foundation funding for Sheriff's Department equipment and recognition. The Committee also approved the minutes from the December 8, 2022 meeting.
- Approved Resolution A2212453 to authorize Purchase Agreement for six motorcycles
- Approved $3,017.44 in Berrien Community Foundation funding for K9 equipment, coins, recertification, employee recognition, and fuel
- Approved minutes of the December 8, 2022 meeting
Personnel & Human Services Committee
The committee approved two resolutions to accept a donation and a grant. Two advanced step hire requests for the Family Division and Health Department were approved. Pension refund requests and the quarterly retirement report were also approved.
- Approved minutes from December 8, 2022 (3-0)
- Approved Resolution P2212454 to accept Honor CU donation of Silver Beach volleyball posts
- Approved Resolution P2212448 to accept Remonumentation grant of $95,125
- Approved advanced step hire for Herb Price, Juvenile Center Supervisor, at $66,892 (3-0)
- Approved advanced step hire for Amber Oakley, Prevention Specialist, at $43,459 (3-0)
- Approved monthly pension refund/rollover requests and quarterly retirement report (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a consent calendar containing 15 resolutions. These actions included renewing service contracts for jail medical services, drug lab operations, and body cameras, as well as accepting a road extension.
- Approved renewal of Drug Lab Contract with Andrews University (Resolution A2212433)
- Approved extension of Peace Blvd. into the county road system (Resolution A2212437)
- Approved renewal of Wellpath Contract Jail Medical (Resolution A2212441)
- Approved agreement with Axon Enterprise for Body Cameras (Resolution A2212445)
- Approved Spark Grant application for M-63 Trail (Resolution A2212443)
- Approved Army Corps. Of Engineers Pier access lease renewal (Resolution P2212444)
- Approved renewal of BI Inc. Contract for Tether Services (Resolution A2212440)
- Approved minutes of the December 8, 2022 meeting
Committee of the Whole
The Committee approved the minutes from the December 8, 2022 meeting. Members reviewed requisitions for delinquent youth placements and received a presentation on Winter Park activities. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved December 8, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)
Administration Committee
The Committee approved several service renewals for the Sheriff's Department and a grant application for the M-63 pedestrian trail. Members received updates on road projects, trial court staffing vacancies, and potential sites for a tower.
- Approved Spark Grant application for Lakeview Trail (M-63)
- Renewed Drug Lab Agreement with Andrews University
- Accepted road into the County Road System
- Renewed agreement with BI Incorporated for Electronic Monitoring
- Renewed agreement with Wellpath for Jail Medical Services (Wuerfel abstained)
- Renewed agreement with Axon Enterprises for body cameras
- Approved $4,627.30 in Berrien Community Foundation funding for Shop with a Cop and motorcycle fuel
- Approved minutes of the December 1, 2022 meeting
Personnel & Human Services Committee
The Committee denied a grievance appeal for Kathleen Sircher and approved several resolutions regarding salary schedules, lease renewals, and health department funding. Members also signed resolutions for hazardous waste and electronics recycling agreements. The Health Department accepted $158,522 in MDHHS Stabilization Authority funding.
- Approved December 1, 2022 minutes (2-0)
- Denied Kathleen Sircher grievance appeal (2-0)
- Approved P2212012 Per Diems November $5,500.01
- Approved P2212439 CY23 Appointed Official & Non-Union salary schedules
- Renewed lease agreement with Army Corps of Engineers for South Pier access (P2212444)
- Renewed household hazardous waste and electronics recycling agreements (P2212446, P2212447)
- Added Registered Sanitarian position to complement (P2212417)
- Accepted MDHHS Stabilization Authority funding of $158,522 (P2212421)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a comprehensive consent calendar featuring multiple service agreements, grants, and personnel appointments. This included the appointment of Kaitlin Locke as Interim Chief Public Defender. The board also approved the meeting minutes from December 1, 2022.
- Approved December 1, 2022 meeting minutes
- Appointed Kaitlin Locke as Interim Chief Public Defender (Resolution #A2212425)
- Approved weekly bills and road payables (Resolution #F2212057)
- Approved four agreements with Riverwood for psychiatric and therapy services
- Approved agreement with Juvenile Delinquency Defense Group (Resolution #A2212416)
- Authorized application for state Farmland Preservation funds (Resolution #F2212422)
- Renewed kayak rental agreement with Third Coast Surf Shop (Resolution #P2212424)
- Accepted grants for Mental Health Court, Drug Court, Swift & Sure Program, and Community Corrections
Committee of the Whole
The committee approved the minutes from the December 1, 2022 meeting. Members discussed a chimney stack fire at the jail caused by a 42-year-old generator and received a presentation on the county's opioid crisis.
- Approved Committee of the Whole minutes from December 1, 2022 (carried, no nays)
Finance Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the December 1, 2022 meeting. Resolution F2211057 regarding weekly bills and road payables was moved forward to the full Board. No other substantive decisions were recorded.
- Approved December 1, 2022 meeting minutes
- Moved Resolution F2211057 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to full Board
Personnel & Human Services Committee
The Personnel and Human Services Committee recommended a 3% salary increase for non-union and appointed officials for Full Board action. The committee also approved a specific hire for the Information Systems Department and closed an investigation into an anonymous complaint regarding the Public Defender Office.
- Recommended 3% salary increase for Non-Union and Appointed Official salary schedules
- Approved advanced step hire of Tad Tomoske as Customer Services Manager at $84,793 (3-0)
- Closed investigation into anonymous complaint regarding Public Defender Office as unfounded
- Appointed MaryAnn Pater to the Mental Health Authority Board
- Approved Resolution P2212424 to renew Kayak Rental Agreement
- Approved Resolution P2212434 for Parks RAP grant application for radios
- Approved November 17, 2022 open session minutes (3-0)
Administration Committee
The Committee signed 14 resolutions, including the acceptance of four grants for court programs and the renewal of four agreements with Riverwood. The Committee also approved a contract for juvenile delinquency defense and additional security for the Juvenile Center.
- Approved four Riverwood agreements for Court Liaison, Functional Family Therapy, Multi Systemic Therapy, and psychiatric services
- Approved agreement with Juvenile Delinquency Defense Group (Bid waiver)
- Appointed Interim Department Head – Chief Public Defender
- Approved contract for additional security services at the Juvenile Center
- Approved amendment to the CPLR grant
- Accepted Mental Health Court, Drug Court, Swift & Sure Program, and Community Corrections grants
- Approved agreement with SWMBH for substance use disorder funding
- Authorized Road Department to conduct a speed study
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar including weekly bills and the Berrien County Trails Master Plan. Additionally, the board appointed a new member to the Mental Health Authority.
- Approved November 17, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved weekly bills and road payables (Resolution F2212056)
- Approved requisition approvals (Resolution B2212103)
- Approved Berrien County Trails Master Plan (Resolution A2212303)
- Appointed Mary Ann Pater to the Mental Health Authority for a 3-year term expiring March 31, 2025
Committee of the Whole
The Committee approved the minutes from the November 17, 2022 meeting and amended the agenda to move public comments. Members received a legislative update regarding potential state bills and were notified that the Napier Avenue and Walton Road bridges are completed.
- Approved November 17, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)
- Approved moving Public Comments before Legislative Update on the agenda (10-0)
Finance Committee
The committee referred a single bid for cold patch to the Road Department for review. Two resolutions regarding weekly bills and an agricultural grant were moved forward to the full Board. The Treasurer reported that the tax auction generated $701,530 in gross sales.
- Referred Bid 2022-073 (CP6 Cold Patch) to Road Department for review (Motion carried)
- Approved minutes of November 17, 2022 meeting (Motion carried)
- Moved Resolution F2211056 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to full Board
- Moved Resolution F2212422 (Agricultural Preservation Grant application) to full Board
Berrien County Broadband Internet Task Force
The Task Force coordinated the submission of FCC Fabric Challenge data through the GIS Department and Community Development. Members reviewed a 19-point proposed Broadband Roadmap, which will be discussed in further detail at the next meeting.
- Assigned GIS Department and Community Development to submit FCC map challenge data
- Tabled formal adoption of the 19-point Broadband Roadmap for further discussion
Administration Committee
The committee approved a property use request for the Veteran Services Department to host a Food 4 Vets event on December 7th. Members discussed animal control staffing and a resolution regarding the County Master Plan and trails.
- Approved use of Health Department conference room and parking lot for Food 4 Vets event (concurred)
- Approved minutes of the November 10, 2022 meeting
- Resolution A2212303 signed by all committee members except Jim Martin
Committee of the Whole
The committee approved the minutes from the November 10, 2022 meeting. Members received a presentation on the Friends of Berrien County Trails Master Plan 2022. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved November 10, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)
Personnel & Human Services Committee
The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the November 10, 2022 minutes and per diem payments. The committee reviewed reports on park property acquisition, cabin remodels, and staffing challenges. No decision was recorded regarding the Helmen Property Acquisition or salary adjustments.
- Approved minutes of November 10, 2022 (3-0)
- Approved Resolution P2211011 for October per diems totaling $6,030.63
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved the November 10 meeting minutes and a consent calendar containing 17 resolutions. The board also voted to approve weekly bills and road payables after a discussion regarding the need for in-house engineers.
- Approved November 10, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approved Consent Calendar including 17 resolutions (12-0)
- Approved contract with Plante & Moran (Resolution #F2211365)
- Approved update to Animal Control License Procedure (Resolution #A2211366)
- Approved lease agreement for Public Defender Offices (Resolution #A2211404)
- Approved extension of WMed Contract (Resolution #P2211407)
- Approved weekly bills and road payables (Resolution #F2211055) (12-0)
- Approved purchase agreement for property (Resolution #P2211402)
Finance Committee
The committee referred bids for steel scraper blades back to the department for review. Three resolutions regarding bills, professional services, and apportionment were moved forward to the full Board.
- Referred Bid 2022-071 (Steel Scraper Blades) to the Road Department for review with approval to proceed with the lowest responsible bidder
- Approved minutes of the November 10, 2022 meeting
- Moved Resolution F2211055 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to the full Board
- Moved Resolution F2211365 (Contract with Plante & Moran for Professional Services) to the full Board
- Moved Resolution F2211415 (Amendment to the October 2022 Apportionment) to the full Board
Finance Committee
The committee approved a request for waiver for technical consulting services with Plante & Moran. Bids for Road Department gas and diesel fuel were referred back to the department for review. Three resolutions were moved forward to the full Board.
- Approved Request for Waiver for Technical Consulting Services with Plante & Moran
- Referred Bid 2022-070 (Gas & Diesel Fuel for Road Department) back to the Department for review
- Approved minutes of the November 3, 2022 meeting
- Moved Resolution F2211054 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to the full Board
- Moved Resolution F2211408 (Sheriff’s Office donation of lost and unclaimed bicycles) to the full Board
- Moved Resolution F2211396 (FY2023 Budget Approval) to the full Board
Committee of the Whole
The committee approved the minutes from the November 3, 2022, meeting. Members reviewed requisitions and the Road Department fuel purchase process, and received a presentation on the 2021 Annual Medical Examiner Report.
- Approved November 3, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)
Personnel & Human Services Committee
The Personnel and Human Services Committee signed resolutions to purchase 33 acres near Madeline Bertrand County Park and accept a Veteran’s Affairs grant. The committee also approved two MDHHS contract amendments totaling $1,896,956 and converted a temporary Deputy Register position to full-time.
- Approved purchase of 33 acres adjacent to Madeline Bertrand County Park (Resolution P2211402)
- Accepted Veteran’s Affairs annual grant (Resolution P2211406)
- Approved WMed Contract Extension (Resolution P2211407)
- Approved Clean Sweep Pesticide Collection Program (Resolution P2211401)
- Approved MDHHS Comprehensive Agreement Amendment #1 for $117,827 (Resolution P2211394)
- Approved MDHHS Emerging Threats Amendment #1 for $778,479 (Resolution P2211395)
- Approved conversion of temporary Deputy Register position to full-time (Resolution P2211405)
- Approved monthly pension refund/rollover distribution report (3-0)
Administration Committee
The Committee approved several resolutions, including a $900,000 TAP grant application for a non-motorized facility and a fuel contract with Co-Alliance. They also authorized a lease for the Public Defender's office and a contract for indigent defense counsel. A road abandonment request in Watervliet Township was sent back for missing signatures.
- Approved $900,000 TAP Grant application for non-motorized facility in New Buffalo Township
- Approved fuel contract with Co-Alliance (rescinding previous award)
- Approved lease agreement with Fiskars Properties for Public Defender's office
- Approved contract with Defense Counsel for indigent parents and children
- Approved dog license renewal date to coincide with rabies vaccinations
- Adopted changes to County Local Road System Certification
- Sent road abandonment of Central Avenue in Watervliet Township back for missing signatures
- Concurred to move resolution for Trial Court staffing changes to PHSC
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved the FY23 Budget and several other resolutions via the consent calendar. Actions included accepting a Veteran Service Fund Grant and approving a contract for gas and diesel pricing. The board also entered a closed session to discuss tax-foreclosure litigation.
- Approved FY23 Budget (11-1)
- Approved Weekly Bills & Road Payables (12-0)
- Approved Requisition List (12-0)
- Approved road signage in St. Joseph Charter Township (12-0)
- Accepted Veteran Service Fund Grant (12-0)
- Approved Contract for Gas and Diesel Pricing (12-0)
- Approved TAP Grant Application (12-0)
- Approved meeting minutes of November 3, 2022 (carried, no nays)
Board of Commissioners
The Board conducted a public hearing for the FY2023 Budget, which includes $153,927,289 in revenues and $159,253,271 in expenditures. The Board also approved a consent calendar of resolutions and re-appointed one member to the Trust Investment Advisory Committee.
- Approved FY2023 Budget public hearing process (11-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar including bills, road payables, and requisitions (10-0)
- Approved contract for gas and diesel pricing (Resolution #A2211399) (10-0)
- Renewed agreement with Orchard Hill Landfill (Resolution #P2211183) (10-0)
- Amended agreements for Family Division and Community Corrections grants (10-0)
- Revised Policy ADM-1240 and Trial Court Complement Change (10-0)
- Approved FY23 Snowmobile Enforcement Grant (10-0)
- Re-appointed Robert Cultice to the Trust Investment Advisory Committee for a 3-year term
Committee of the Whole
The Committee approved the minutes from the October 27, 2022 meeting. Members discussed a proposal to move from daily fuel pricing to a six-month contract with the lowest bidder to increase delivery flexibility and reduce costs.
- Approved October 27, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)
Finance Committee
The committee referred a single bid for gas and diesel fuel to the Road Department for specification review. The committee also approved the October 27, 2022, meeting minutes and several request for waivers. Weekly bills and road payables were moved forward to the full board.
- Referred Bid 2022-070 (Gas & Diesel Fuel) to Road Department for review
- Approved October 27, 2022, meeting minutes
- Approved Request for Waivers
- Moved Resolution F22110523 (Weekly Bills and Road Payables) to full board
Personnel & Human Services Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the October 27, 2022 meeting. Members were asked to review Board Bylaws for potential modifications. No other substantive decisions were recorded.
- Approved October 27, 2022 minutes (3-0)
Administration Committee
The Administration Committee approved a fuel pricing contract and a resolution to install signage at Brownway and Russell Roads. The committee also approved the minutes from the October 27, 2022 meeting.
- Approved Resolution A2211400 to rescind part of a 1990 traffic resolution and install signage at Brownway and Russell Roads
- Approved Resolution A2211399 to authorize a 6-month guaranteed pricing contract with Ceres for gasoline and diesel fuel
- Approved minutes of the October 27, 2022 meeting
Committee of the Whole
The Committee approved the minutes from the October 20, 2022, and September 15, 2022 (Closed Session) meetings. The board reviewed requisitions and held a closed session for a quarterly litigation update.
- Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes (carried, no nays)
- Approved September 15, 2022 Closed Session minutes (carried, no nays)
- Entered Closed Session for quarterly litigation update (12-0)
Administration Committee
The Committee approved three resolutions related to grant funding and legal representation. Members concurred with a budget-neutral staffing change in the Trial Court and a 90-day contract extension for Medical Examiners Services.
- Approved Resolution A2211390 for Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant amendment
- Approved Resolution A2211391 to accept Community Corrections grant funding change order
- Approved Resolution A2211394 to accept Snowmobile Law Enforcement Grant Agreement
- Concurred with Resolution P2211393 to replace Trial Court Clerk II position with Court Security Officer
- Concurred with 90-day extension amendment to WMED Medical Examiners Services Contract
- Approved minutes of the October 20, 2022 meeting
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved the consent calendar, which included financial requisitions and a grant application. The board also approved meeting minutes from October 19 and 20, 2022.
- Approved Special FY2023 Budget Workshop (Oct 19) and regular meeting (Oct 20) minutes
- Approved Bills & Road Payables (Resolution F2210052)
- Approved Weekly Requisitions (Resolution B2210099)
- Approved MDOT TAP Grant Application (Resolution A2210388)
- Approved Policy ADM-5210 (Resolution A2210389)
Finance Committee
The committee met to receive updates from the Information Systems Director and the Executive Assistant to the Administrator. The agenda included the approval of weekly bills, road payables, and the October 20, 2022 minutes.
- Approved Resolution F2210052 for weekly bills and road payables
- Approved October 20, 2022 minutes
- Processed waiver request approvals
Personnel & Human Services Committee
The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved a recycling agreement for Orchard Hill Landfill and reinstated the College Course Reimbursement Policy. Members also approved two advanced step hire requests and a Trial Court staffing change.
- Approved Orchard Hill Landfill Recycling Agreement (Resolution P2211183)
- Approved College Course Reimbursement Policy reinstatement (Resolution P2211392)
- Approved advanced step hire for Tahsa Bethea at $43,459 (3-0)
- Approved advanced step hire for Todd Fechner at $35,918 (3-0)
- Approved deleting vacant Trial Court Clerk II position and adding Court Security Officer position (Resolution P2211393)
- Approved October 20, 2022 minutes (3-0)
Administration Committee
The committee approved a resolution authorizing a funding request for a $2.3M non-motorized trail project involving Whirlpool, Harbor Shores, and Cornerstone Alliance, with no county contribution. The project is funded by a $1.4M MDOT TAP grant and additional SPARK/Trust Fund grants, contingent on a maintenance plan. The committee also approved a policy on non-motorized transportation facilities development.
- Approved resolution A2210388 authorizing funding request for MDOT TAP grant for trail project
- Approved policy ADM-5210 Non-Motorized Transportation Facilities Development
- Approved minutes of October 13, 2022 meeting
Personnel & Human Services Committee
The Personnel and Human Services Committee approved the minutes from October 13, 2022, with a 3-0 vote. The committee discussed two grant resolutions: a Michigan Spark Grant for Silver Beach County Park playground replacement and a Scrap Tire Collection Grant with Van Buren Conservation District. No final decisions were made on the grants; they were presented for discussion only.
- Approved minutes of October 13, 2022 (3-0)