Otsego County public meetings in 2022
27 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved text amendments to the County Zoning Ordinance and authorized several budget reallocations for the jail, child care, and probate departments. They also approved the reinstatement of a bus system dispatcher position and the promotion of the Finance Director. Additionally, the board approved four payment warrants totaling $967,196.25.
- Approved text amendments to sections 2.2 and 21.10 of the Zoning Ordinance (6-1)
- Approved budget amendment to reinstate a bus system dispatcher position (Unanimous)
- Approved $49,783 contract to Bill Marsh Ford for a work camp Transit Van (Unanimous)
- Approved $40,000 budget reallocation from Sheriff Department to Jail health care and room and board (Unanimous)
- Approved $63,000 Child Care fund budget amendment (Unanimous)
- Approved $5,924 budget increase for Probate salary line (Unanimous)
- Approved promotion of Finance Director to Finance Director/Assistant County Administrator and $5,565 budget amendment (Unanimous)
- Approved authority for County Administrator to authorize budget amendments up to $10,000 per line item (Unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a site plan review for a temporary snowmobile racing event on a residential-zoned parcel at 988 Five Lakes Rd. The applicant, Circle C Properties LLC, seeks approval for a special event weekend for a non-profit organization, as previously authorized by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The commission will also discuss enforcement fees as new business.
- Public hearing for site plan review PZPR22-004: temporary snowmobile racing event at 988 Five Lakes Rd, Gaylord, in Livingston Township
- New business item: discussion of enforcement fees
- Approval of minutes from November 21, 2022 meeting
- Public participation for items not on the agenda
Budget & Finance Committee
The committee unanimously recommended several budget amendments and personnel changes to the full Board. These include funding for jail room and board, child care placement, and the reinstatement of a full-time dispatcher. The committee also recommended awarding a bid for a new Work Camp van.
- Approved November 16, 2022 amended minutes (unanimous)
- Recommended to full Board the reinstatement of a full-time Dispatcher position and budget amendment (unanimous)
- Recommended to full Board awarding bid 2022-13 for a Work Camp van to Bill Marsh Ford (unanimous)
- Recommended to full Board a budget amendment for Jail Room and Board (unanimous)
- Recommended to full Board a budget amendment for the Child Care Fund (unanimous)
- Recommended to full Board a budget amendment for the Probate Judge (unanimous)
- Recommended to full Board a budget amendment and position change for Finance Director/Assistant Administrator (unanimous)
- Recommended to full Board the budget administrator authority for amendments up to $10,000 per line item (unanimous)
Personnel Committee
The committee approved reinstating a full-time bus dispatcher position and promoting Mel Maier to Finance Director/Assistant County Administrator. Both items were forwarded to the Budget and Finance Committee. The committee also clarified the reclassification of the Prosecutor's Office Manager position.
- Approved reinstatement of full time bus dispatcher position (All Ayes)
- Approved promotion of Mel Maier to Finance Director/Assistant County Administrator at executive management pay scale Step 3 effective January 2, 2023, with five additional vacation days (All Ayes)
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Commission officially adopted the 5-year Recreation Plan via a unanimous 9-0 vote. Other actions included approving over $17,000 in bills and recommending the re-appointment of Justin Wing to the board.
- Adopted 5-year Recreation plan (9-0)
- Approved bills from 11/1/22-12/2/22 totaling $17,141.19
- Recommended re-appointment of Justin Wing for 2023-2025 term
- Approved amended 2023 meeting schedule
- Decided to continue charging Otsego Christian School only for Thursday gym classes for the remainder of the school year
- Recommended purchasing composite picnic tables for the campground
- Approved previous minutes as amended
Transportation and Building & Grounds Committee
The Transportation and Airport Committee acknowledged monthly financial reports for the bus and airport systems. The committee voted to move a request for a new dispatch employee to the Personnel Committee. Members also discussed providing payment for required safety equipment for the bus garage mechanic.
- Approved agenda (All in Favor)
- Approved Transportation minutes of 9 September 2022 (All in Favor)
- Acknowledged Bus monthly financial reports (All in Favor)
- Forwarded request to hire new dispatch employee to Personnel Committee (All in Favor)
- Acknowledged Airport monthly financial reports (All in Favor)
Housing Committee
The committee approved five emergency repair projects for roofing, water wells, drain fields, and a boiler using PY21 funding. Additionally, the committee approved the discharge of a paid-in-full mortgage for project HO-0812-128197.
- Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Awarded Project 01-2021 roof bid of $22,885 to Story Roofing (Unanimous)
- Awarded Project 02-2021 water well bid of $10,900 to Ross Payton (Unanimous)
- Awarded Project 02-2021 drain field bid of $5,875 to North Central Excavating Trucking & Masonry, Inc. (Unanimous)
- Awarded Project 03-2021 boiler and water heater bid of $10,364 to JP Heating of Northern Michigan, LLC (Unanimous)
- Awarded Project 05-2021 drain field bid of $5,895 to North Central Excavating Trucking & Masonry, Inc. (Unanimous)
- Approved discharge of mortgage for project HO-0812-128197 (Unanimous)
- Received and filed October 31, 2022 financial reports (Unanimous)
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a request for a one-time special event featuring snowmobile racing at 988 Five Lakes Rd. The board also approved the associated Finding of Fact. A site plan review by the Planning Commission may still be required for the layout and parking.
- Approved Finding of Fact for PZBA22-006 (6-0)
- Approved temporary use for one-time snowmobile racing event on parcel 080-028-300-005-00 (6-0)
- Approved minutes from August 30, 2022 (unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Resolution and General Appropriations Act. Other key actions included adopting a five-year Parks and Recreation Plan and authorizing multiple grants and personnel hires.
- Approved 2023 Budget Resolution and General Appropriations Act (6-0)
- Adopted 2022-2027 Parks and Recreation Plan (5-1)
- Approved Michigan Sparks Grant and Local Match for park improvements (5-1)
- Approved Sportsplex Spark Grant (5-1)
- Approved 5-year Capital Improvement Plan as amended (5-1)
- Approved 0.50% COLA increase for Teamsters Clerical division (5-1)
- Approved reinstatement of Building Inspector position (Unanimous)
- Approved hire of one full-time Airport/Building and Grounds Maintenance position (Unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Otsego County Planning Commission will hold public hearings on the 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan and a proposed text amendment to zoning ordinance standards for fences. They will also discuss a postponed rezone case (Circle C) and a site plan review, plus commission elections and expiring terms.
- Public hearing on Capital Improvement Plan 2023-2028 for major county projects
- Public hearing on text amendment to Otsego County Zoning Ordinance regarding fencing materials and garden fencing
- Unfinished business: PZRZ22-006 – Circle C Rezone (postponed)
- New business: PZPR22-003 – Site Plan Review
- Commission elections and expiring terms for Willard Brown, Scott Sanders, and Nora Corfis
The commission approved a site plan for a Wolverine Power solar energy system and recommended the 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan and zoning amendments for fences to the Board of Commissioners. The body also elected its officers and recommended the reappointment of three members.
- Approved PZPR22-003 Site Plan for Large-Scale Solar Energy System in Bagley Township (Unanimous)
- Recommended approval of 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan to Board of Commissioners (Unanimous)
- Recommended text amendments to Zoning Ordinance Sections 2.2 and 21.10 regarding fences to Board of Commissioners (Unanimous)
- Elected Mr. Hartmann (Chair), Mr. Maxwell (Vice Chair), and Mr. Hilgendorf (Secretary) (Unanimous)
- Recommended reappointment of Willard Brown, Scott Sanders, and Nora Corfis for three-year terms (Unanimous)
- Approved 2023 meeting dates
- Approved October 17, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Budget & Finance Committee
The Budget & Finance Committee recommended several budget amendments and a grant application to the full Board. These include funding for animal control, computer replacements, and a parks project. The committee also supported a new records management system for the Sheriff's Department.
- Approved amended minutes from November 8, 2022 (Unanimous)
- Recommended $12,000 budget amendment for Animal Control operations (Unanimous)
- Recommended Michigan Sparks Grant application and $50,000 local match (Unanimous)
- Recommended budget amendment for NEMCOG Master Plan services (Unanimous)
- Recommended $13,000 budget amendment for Sheriff and Prosecutor computers (Unanimous)
- Recommended matching General Non-Union COLA of 4% for General Clerical Union (3-1)
- Recommended budget amendment for 2022 longevity payments (Unanimous)
Veteran's Affairs Committee
The board elected a new chairperson and recommended a new member appointment to the County Board of Commissioners. The committee also approved a soldier and sailor relief application and month-end financial reports.
- Elected Stephen Ralston as Chairperson (Unanimous)
- Recommended appointment of James Steward to the board for a four-year term expiring December 31, 2027 (Unanimous)
- Approved soldier and sailor relief application #05-2022 for $53.50 and $260 in donations (Unanimous)
- Approved September 20, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Approved month-end financial reports ending October 31, 2022 (Unanimous)
Personnel Committee
The committee recommended several staffing changes to the Board of Commissioners, including the reinstatement of a Building Inspector and the addition of a Sheriff Deputy. They also recommended a pay grade increase for the Prosecutor Office Manager and expanded hours for an Animal Control position.
- Recommended reclassifying Prosecutor Office Manager from Pay Grade 8 to 10 (All-None)
- Recommended increasing Animal Control Kennel Attendant to 40 hours per week (All-None)
- Recommended reinstating Building Inspector position in Land Use Department (All-None)
- Recommended hiring new Sheriff Deputy for Johannesburg/Lewiston Schools SRO (All-None)
- Recommended hiring one additional full-time Airport/Building and Grounds Maintenance worker (All-None)
- Recommended hiring one additional part-time Airport/Building and Ground Maintenance Worker (All-None)
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Commission recommended a $50,000 local match for a Michigan Spark Grant to fund playground, beach, and splash pad projects. It also voted to ban third-party power boat rentals and docks at Otsego Lake County Park. Additionally, the board approved over $16,000 in bills.
- Recommended $50,000 local match for Michigan Spark Grant for playground, beach, and splash pad projects (Motion carried)
- Eliminated power boat rental operations and third-party boat docks at Otsego Lake County Park (Motion carried)
- Approved bills dated 10/1/22 – 10/31/22 totaling $16,418.55 (Motion carried)
- Approved minutes from October 10th, 2022 meeting (Motion carried)
- Confirmed minutes from March 14th, 2022 (Motion carried)
- Tabled decision on advertising banners at the Community Center
- Suspended Article 6 Section 3 of the Parks and Recreation Bylaws to complete the agenda (Motion carried)
Budget & Finance Committee
The Budget & Finance Committee reviewed several 2023 budget proposals and recommended the Appropriation Act and a city annexation to the full Board. The committee also recommended a pay grade increase for the Prosecutor Office Manager.
- Approved amended minutes from November 1, 2022 (unanimous)
- Recommended 2023 Appropriation Act to full Board (unanimous)
- Recommended adjusting Prosecutor Office Manager from pay grade 8 to 10 (unanimous)
- Recommended city annexation including Alpine Center to full Board (3-1-1)
- Supported 2023 Road Commission budget
- Supported 2023 Land Use budget and reinstatement of an inspector position
- Supported 2023 General Fund budget
Board of Commissioners
The Board authorized spending exceeding $10,000 to repair a sinkhole and culvert breach at the Otsego Lake Drain Control Structure. They also approved two Teamsters bargaining unit contracts and two budget amendments.
- Approved OCR 22-26 to exceed $10,000 spending limit for Otsego Lake Drain repair (Unanimous)
- Approved Teamsters Clerical bargaining unit contract for 2023-2025 (Unanimous)
- Approved Teamsters Bus bargaining unit contract for 2023-2025 (Unanimous)
- Approved Housing Department budget amendment for $70,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved Animal Control Department overtime budget amendment for $2,000 (Unanimous)
- Approved November 1, 2022 Warrant for $156,448.76 (8-0, 1 abstention)
- Approved November 8, 2022 Warrant for $208,629.22 (Unanimous)
Budget & Finance Committee
The Budget and Finance Committee reviewed several 2023 departmental budgets and agreed to use state marijuana revenues to fund a gap in the 911 fund. The committee also recommended that the full Board approve repairs for the Otsego Lake Drain.
- Approved amended minutes from October 25, 2022 (unanimous)
- Agreed to use marijuana revenues to fill 911 fund budget gap and public safety
- Supported 2023 Sheriff Department budget as presented
- Supported 2023 Airport and Building & Grounds budgets as presented
- Recommended Otsego Lake Drain Repair for full Board approval (unanimous)
- Approved adjustment of residual nominal funds in the Facilities Planning Fund
Budget & Finance Committee
The Budget & Finance Committee recommended two budget amendments to the full Board for approval. The committee also confirmed support for a school resource officer program and reviewed several 2023 department budgets.
- Approved minutes from October 18, 2022 (unanimous)
- Recommended Animal Control overtime budget amendment to full Board (unanimous)
- Recommended $70,000 MEDC Housing Project budget amendment to full Board (unanimous)
- Confirmed support for Johannesburg-Lewiston school resource officer
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a grant application for $148,585.25 in CDBG program income funding to improve housing for low-to-moderate income residents. Officials also adopted a Fair Housing Resolution and a Citizen Participation Plan. Other actions included approving two payment warrants and updating a county job description.
- Approved $148,585.25 MEDC PY 2021 CDBG program income funding (Unanimous)
- Adopted Fair Housing Resolution and Fair Housing Policy (Unanimous)
- Approved Otsego County Citizen Participation Plan (Unanimous)
- Approved 2022 Equalization Apportionment report (Unanimous)
- Approved updated Airport Operations/Building and Grounds Specialist job description and reclassification from pay grade 2 to 4 (Unanimous)
- Approved addition of Martin Luther King Jr. day to County Holiday Observance schedule (8-1)
- Approved October 18, 2022 Warrant for $254,852.34 (Unanimous)
- Approved October 25, 2022 Warrant for $263,169.27 (Unanimous)
Planning Commission
The Otsego County Planning Commission will hold four public hearings on special use permits and a rezone request. Items include a wedding venue in a Forestry Recreation district, a rezone for land-use consistency, a small wind turbine in a Recreation Residential district, and expansion of a storage facility. The commission will also discuss updates to the Master Plan and a site plan extension request.
- Public hearing on special use permit for wedding venue at 6213 Karslake Rd, Vanderbilt (PZSU22-003)
- Public hearing on rezone of 988 Five Lakes Rd, Gaylord from R1/Residential to AR/Agricultural Resource (PZRZ22-003)
- Public hearing on special use permit for small wind turbine at 11284 Sherwood Dr, Frederic (PZSU22-004)
- Public hearing on site plan review to add two 50-unit storage buildings at 7290 Old 27 North, Vanderbilt (PZPR22-002)
- Discussion on Master Plan updates with NEMCOG and CIP Committee volunteers
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a request to dissolve PUD designations for 20 parcels in Livingston Township and one parcel in Bagley Township. The body will also discuss apartment building height increases and updates to the Master Plan.
- Public hearing for PZRZ22-004 and PZRZ22-005: rezoning 20 parcels in Livingston Township to FR/Forestry Recreation and one parcel in Bagley Township to B2/General Business
- Discussion on height increase of apartment buildings for Scott Properties LLC
- Review of proposed language for Event Facilities to be sent to Townships
- Discussion on Master Plan updates with NEMCOG
- Unfinished business regarding lighting conditions for Kent Family Farms LLC (PZSU22-002)
Transportation and Building & Grounds Committee
The committee will review reports from the Transportation and Airport managers. Discussions include financial reports, vehicle requests, and airport maintenance.
- Vehicle disposals
- County department requests for vehicles
- West End tree removal at the airport
- Guardian EMS runs
Transportation and Building & Grounds Committee
The committee will review the June 9, 2022, meeting minutes. The agenda includes reports from the Transportation and Airport managers regarding finances, staffing, and solar power.
- Transportation Manager's report on finance, office manager position, and bus updates
- Airport Manager's report on finance and Wolverine Power Solar Deal
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and review a request for a special use permit for a private recreational facility. The body will also discuss updates to the Master Plan and vote on an amendment to the commission's by-laws.
- Public hearing for Special Use Permit/Site Plan Review for Kent Family Farm LLC at 6500 Nicklaus Dr
- Vote on PC By-Laws amendment regarding membership
- Discussion on Master Plan updates with NEMCOG
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider a request from Jody and Cameron Lahring for a Special Use Permit and Site Plan Review. The applicants seek reapproval to construct an event barn at 54 Poquette Rd in Gaylord.
- Public hearing for PZSU22-001: Special Use Permit for an event barn at 54 Poquette Rd
- Discussion of Planning Commission By-Laws amendment regarding membership residency
- Review of Otsego County Zoning Ordinance errors and fencing material standards
- Report on Otsego County Parks & Recreation activities including Groen Preserve work
- Discussion on enforcement of Section 21.33 regarding campers used as year-round residences
Building Authority
The Building Authority will review a library update and consider the approval of bills totaling $2,030.00. There is no unfinished business listed for this session.
- Library update
- Approval of Bills – $2,030.00
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is meeting to discuss a project for an event barn on Poquette Rd and potential amendments to membership by-laws. The body will also discuss errors or contradictions regarding fencing in the Otsego County Zoning Ordinance.
- PZSU19-006 — Event Barn — Poquette Rd project
- PC By-Laws Amendment regarding Membership
- Discussion on OCZA Errors/Contradictions (Fencing)