The regular meeting of the Board of County Road Commissioners of the County of Calhoun was held Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at 9:00 a.m.in their office located at 13300 Fifteen Mile Road, Marshall, Michigan.

Present: Commissioner Chester E. Travis, Chairperson

Commissioner David D. Veramay, Vice-Chairperson

Commissioner Charles E. Monaweck, Member

Joanna I. Johnson, Assistant Managing Director - Board Clerk

Pixie A. Coats, Human Resource Director - Deputy Clerk

Also Present: Tom Frank, Albion Township Supervisor

Eugene Hamaker, Marshall Township Supervisor

Joseph Bramble, Convis Township Resident

Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township Resident

Nancy Dietz, Fredonia Township Resident, Farm Bureau

Melvin Boughton, Fredonia Township Resident, Farm Bureau

Lynn Smith, Convis Township Resident, Farm Bureau

Larry Crandall, Bedford Township Resident, Farm Bureau

John Nieterer, Leroy Township Supervisor

Kelly Hadlich, Newton Township Resident

Kim Kerr, Farm Bureau

Jim Russell, Calhoun County Road Commission

Steve Ball, Calhoun County Road Commission

Robert Volkmer, Calhoun County Road Commission

Hershel Stacy, Calhoun County Road Commission

David Fuller, Calhoun County Road Commission

Annette Chapman, Calhoun County Road Commission

Chairperson Travis called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. He stated that there being no additions or corrections to the regular meeting minutes of August 3, 2005 they stand approved as printed and distributed.

COMMUNICATIONS

•  Notice of intent to establish a condominium project from Classic American Land Development Company, "The Woodlands at Cherry Wood".

•  Notice of intent to establish a condominium project from the Summit Development Group, Inc., "The Ridge at Cedar Creek".

•  Notice of intent to establish condominium project from Car Car Incorporated, "Stone Jug Condominiums".

•  Received the Notice of Audit Results for the Audit Report 2005-110, Agreement #2000-0509, from MDOT.

•  Letter from CRASIF informing us that Genesee County Road Commission requests a by-law change/amendment concerning the geographical requirements of trustees.

•  Letter from MDOT regarding Calhoun County concerns.

NEW BUSINESS

Moved by Commissioner Veramay and supported by Commissioner Monaweck to approve the Nashville Construction Inc's bid for Wattles Road Bike Lane Project in the amount of $438,324.04. Voice vote: Motion carried.

Moved by Commissioner Monaweck and supported by Commissioner Veramay to approve Resolution 2005-19; of support for Prairie Restoration Project at the Tekonsha Rest Area - I-69 Recreation Heritage Route. Voice vote: Motion carried.

RESOLUTION 2005 - 19

WHEREAS , Calhoun County Road Commission has received information summarizing a prairie restoration project for the Tekonsha Truck Rest Area from the I-69 Recreation Heritage Route Management Team; and

WHEREAS , the public highway known as I-69 in Branch and Calhoun Counties serves as a major southern Michigan gateway introducing motorists to the scenic and natural qualities of the region's clear water, woods and wetlands while recognizing its agricultural heritage and recreational amenities and passes through an area of significant regional importance, and

WHEREAS , the I-69 Recreation Heritage Route Management Team completed an I-69 Corridor Management Plan that assesses the quality and documents the character/features as well as makes management recommendations for the corridor which the proposed prairie restoration project reflects and

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Board of Road Commissioners supports this prairie restoration project and encourages MDOT staff to support it as well.

Moved by Commissioner Monaweck and supported by Commissioner Veramay to approve the appointment of Standard Federal, a LaSalle Bank National Association to serve as Bond Registrar and Paying Agent for the Issuer's Board of County Road Commissioners Michigan Transportation Fund Bond. Voice vote: Motion carried.

Moved by Commissioner Veramay and supported by Commissioner Monaweck to approve the August 9, 2005 accounts payable for $665,175.62. Voice vote: Motion carried.

Moved by Commissioner Monaweck and supported by Commissioner Veramay to approve the August 24, 2005 accounts payable for $544,640.51. Voice vote: Motion carried.

Moved by Commissioner Veramay and supported by Commissioner Monaweck to approve the August 3, 2005 payroll for $140,092.84. Voice vote: Motion carried.

Moved by Commissioner Monaweck and supported by Commissioner Veramay to approve the August 17, 2005 payroll for $138,117.92. Voice vote: Motion carried.

Moved by Commissioner Veramay and supported by Commissioner Monaweck to approve the August 31, 2005 payroll for $143,757.74. Voice vote: Motion carried.

MANAGING DIRECTORS REPORT

Joanna Johnson, Assistant Managing Director gave the Managing Director's report for Mr. Randolph who provided the Board with the following information.

Maintenance:

• We continue to do road repairs and are keeping pothole crews out every day. A review of service requests, shows our level of calls to be typical of summer conditions, and is falling at this time.
• They continue vehicle maintenance, doing routine check ups and preventative maintenance.
• They have completed the deck on the flat-bed truck, and currently they are working on side rails.

Construction:

• Completed work on H Drive in Leroy Township.
• Completed the work on River Road.
• Placed new signal in operation at B Drive North at 6 Mile Road.
• Installed left-turn arrow at B Drive North and Beadle Lake Road.
• Completed chip and seal operations.
• Completed major paving operations.

Engineering:

• Soil erosion permit inspections.
• Driveway permit inspections.
• Continue roadside mowing and shoulder boxing.
• Begin culvert replacements.
• Spending significant time on trunk line maintenance

• Preparing comments on Draft EIS for Casino.

• Reviewed and completed traffic pattern/speed information on B Drive N, Marengo Township.

COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS:

Commissioner Monaweck asked how many mowers we had in the county? Jim Russell told him we had 7 mowers. He said he noticed that we have foliage growing up on some of the corners. Mr. Russell told him that we have had crews out to keep up.

SUPERVISORS & PUBLIC OFFICIALS TIME:

Tom Frank asked if the MDOT letter meant that the signal issues would not proceed? Mrs. Johnson read a portion of the letter received on that issue. Mrs. Johnson also stated that Mr. Randolph did respond to the letter. Mr. Frank requested a copy of the letters. Mr. Frank also asked if we had prices for our work next year. Joanna told him not at this time.

Eugene Hamaker, said that MDOT shows a lack of concern. Verona Road the oil trucks go so fast that it makes the houses rumble. Mr. Hamaker was wondering if we could put up a no thru truck route on West Drive it might stop some of the truck traffic in that area. Mrs. Johnson noted a study was completed on Verona Road

John Nieterer, wanted to know why CCRC responded to a tree down and came without any equipment? Dave Fuller explained employees were patching and were sent to check on the issue based on their location. Mr. Nieterer asked why some of the driveways on H Drive S did not have culverts? Mrs. Johnson noted she would ask Angela Kline to follow up with him. On

4 Mile Road by B Drive South, the road is bad and it rumbles the cars. Mr. Nieterer said

B Drive south, by the hardware store, needs crack filling.

CITIZENS TIME:

Joseph Bramble said the roads looked good. He said that 16 Mile Road, north of N Drive N, needs to have more work done. He said there are some tire marks where it was patched

Nancy Dietz, Fredonia Township Resident, Farm Bureau Local Affair Chairman presented a letter and various resolutions regarding right-of-way. She stated we need to mow back the

right-of-way, roadside corners, and trim the trees. She stated branches are hanging very low and this is a hazard. She said that some farm equipment, campers, buses, trucks and trailers are hitting the branches and some are having their mirrors knocked off. She said the Farm Bureau conducted research on budgets comparing Branch and Calhoun County. She stated if we have to hold off on road repairs to get the right-of-way cleared we should do this. She said Branch has this issue under control and we need to start somewhere.

Annette Chapman asked if Farm Bureau would like the vegetation removed, including trees or just the brush? Ms. Dietz responded that they would like the right-of-way cleared completely.

Lynn Smith, Convis Township Resident, Farm Bureau, stated that we have more cars on the road today and we need to trim the trees back for safety. A life is more important than a tree. He said that 80% of the potholes are under the shaded areas of the trees. He said that he has donated dirt before and is willing to donate it again. He said the more you leave this issue go the more it will cost us later. He said he is willing to cut back his corn from the roadside for vision issues.

Melvin Boughton said we needed to get these trees trimmed and clear the right-of-way.

Larry Crandall said he mows 5 miles of frontage by his place. He said we need to see mowers out. He asked who is responsible if the tree is taken down and pushed off in the field? Jim Russell responded that it really wasn't the responsibility of the Road Commission.

Mrs. Johnson commented that the liability for a road commission is in the paved portion of a roadway and this was discussed at our last Board meeting as well.

Kelly Hadlich commented that the resources are not here and communication is the key. He noted the road commission's response to B Drive S & 8 Mile Road and that intersection. It was cared for in a short time. He asked if it was ok to mow in right-of-way? Mrs. Johnson responded yes.

Kim Kerr wanted to know if a landowner could sign a waiver to not hold CCRC responsible? Mrs. Johnson said we would have to seek legal council on this issue.

Commissioner Monaweck stated that he thought we were doing the best we could, with the funds that are available to us. He stated that citizens need to call in if they notice a pothole. Looking at the graph from Dennis, our funds have dropped a lot and we are limited to what we can do.

John Nieterer asked if the township could use the Metro Act funds to clear trees? He said these funds are to be used for right-of -way issues. Mrs. Johnson noted some townships have even used this funding for paving shoulders.

Joe Bramble stated that he has come here since 1988 and has watched the Commissioners get raked over the coals about the trees. Why not have share costing for the trees like they do for the roads?

Commissioner Veramay stated that all the work we do boils down to the money we receive. The less money we receive the less work we can do. He said that we had to follow the laws and if we wanted that changed we needed to follow up with our State Legislator, but for now the State guidelines have to be followed.

Jim Russell noted that there are guidelines for mowing for the State that limit the amount of mowing in areas.

Gardy Berezonsky wanted to know what we were doing on A Drive north west of Marshall in areas where we chip and seal a portion vs. the whole road? Mr. Russell told him this was part of our spot chip and seal process, when the majority of the road is in good shape. Gardy said that he received a copy of the letter from Dennis Randolph to Marengo Township on B Drive N bike path, but would like the law numbers Mr. Randolph refers to in the letter.

Commissioner Travis stated that the Senate is about to pass a law taking funds from transportation and giving it to the Secretary of State. We should contact Senator Schauer and let him know that this law will hurt the Road Commissions and the roads they try to maintain.

The following meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. There being no additional business before the Board, Chairperson Travis adjourned the meeting at 10:40 a.m.