HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1971.09.16 - 7596OAKLAND COUNTY
Board Of Commissioners
241
September 16, 197 1
Meeting called to order by Chairman William M. Richards at 9:35 A. M. in the Court House
Auditorium, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan.
Roll called.
PRESENT: Daly, Horton, Mainland, Mathews, Richards. (5)
ABSENT: Aaron, Barakat, Brennan, Burley, Coy, Dearborn, Edwards, Gabler, Hamlin, Harrison,
Houghten, Kasper, Lennon, Olson, Patnales, Perinoff, Pernick, Powell, Richardson, Simson, Szabo, Wilcox. (22)
In the absence of a quorum, the Board recessed until 10:00 A. M.
Meeting called to order by Chairman William M. Richards at 10:00 A. M.
Invocation given by Alexander C. Perinoff.
Roll called.
PRESENT: Aaron, Barakat, Brennan, Burley, Coy, Daly, Dearborn, Gabler, Hamlin, Harrison, Horton,
Houghten, Kasper, Lennon, Mainland, Mathews, Olson, Patnales, Perinoff, Pernick, Powell, Richards,
Richardson, Simson, Szabo, Wilcox. (26)
ABSENT: Edwards. (1)
Quorum present.
Moved by Daly supported by Harrison the minutes of the previous meeting be approved as printed.
A sufficient majority
having voted therefor, the motion-carrieb.
Clerk read resignation of Cf•,rles B. Edwards, Jr., District #8 Commissioner, as a member of
the Board of Commissioners.
Moved by Perinoff supported by Olson the resignation be accepted.
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried.
Clerk read card of thanks from the family of James E. Richards. (Placed on file.)
Clerk read letter from John R. Muiroy thanking the Board for his appointment to the Oakland
County Building Authority. (Placed on file.)
Clerk read resolution from the Holly Area School District opposing the use of any public funds
for a Stadium. (Placed on file.)
Clerk read letter from Jack McDonald, 19th District U, S. Representative, regarding a seminar
to be held September 17, 1971 on community development programs.
Misc. 5808
By Mr. Aaron
IN RE: COMMENDATION - GORDON R. BRYANT, MAYOR OF HUNTINGTON WOODS
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS Gordon R. Bryant, Mayor of the City of Huntington Woods, and a former member of the
Oakland County Board of Supervisors, was accorded the high honor of being elected President of the
Michigan Municipal League at the,Jeague's 73rd Annual Conference on September 3, 1971, and
WHEREAS Mayor Gordon R. Bryant is a dedicated public servant and has contributed immeasurably
toward the betterment of the welfare of the citizens of his community, and will continue the League's
vigorous activity throughout the State of Michigan,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners herewith commends
Mayor Gordon R. Bryant for having attained the presidency of the Michigan Municipal League and extends
best wishes for success in his new responsibility.
OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
William M. Richards, Chairman
Alexander C. Perinoff, Vice Chairman
Dennis M. Aaron, County Commissioner, District #12
Mr. Aaron presented the resolution to Mr. Bryant.
242
Commissjoners Minutes Continued. September 16, 1971
Misc. 5809
By Mr. Lennon
IN RE: PONTIAC TOWNSHIP WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM NO. 1
Submitted and recommended by the Board of Public Works
WHEREAS the County of Oakland, by Board of Supervisors Resolution Misc. No. 4365, adopted
October 5, 1964, established the Pontiac Township Water Supply System No. 1 (herein called the "System")
pursuant to Act No. 185 of Michigan Public Acts of 1957, as amended, which System consists of pumping
facilities, transmission mains and distribution lines (and a contract to purchase water from the City
of Detroit) acquired to supply water in the Township, and
WHEREAS pursuant to the terms of said Act the County and the Township have entered into a
contract for the acquisition, improvement, enlargement or extension of the System and for the payment
of the cost thereof by the Township, with interest, over a period of about forty (40) years, (herein
called "Base Contract"), and the County has, pursuant to appropriate action of its Board of Supervisors,
issued its bonds to provide the funds therefor, secured by the full faith and credit contractual
obligations of the Township and by the pledge of the full faith and credit of the County; and
WHEREAS there now remains on hand after completion of the System in excess of $39,000 in
surplus bond proceeds which funds are invested by the County as provided in said Base Contract, and
WHEREAS it is now necessary, because of changes made by the City of Detroit in its facilities
which supply water to the System, to acquire pressure reduction and control facilities to be installed
at points of connection of the System to City of Detroit facilities;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN,as follows:
1. That the Department of Public Works of the County of Oakland expend not to exceed $39,000
of the surplus bond proceeds to acquire, including construction, engineering, inspection and adminis-
tration, facilities for pressure reduction and control at points of connection of the System to the
water supply facilities of the City of Detroit, upon approval of same by the Board of Public Works and
the Board of Commissioners of the County.
2. That upon completion said pressure reduction and control facilities shall be operated and
maintained by the County as part of the Transmission Facilities described in the Pontiac Township Water
Supply System No. I Lease Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1966, between the Township and the County.
3. That the plans, specifications and estimates of cost and period of usefulness for said
facilities prepared by the Department of Public Works are epnrovrd and accepted.
It was moved by Mr. Lennon,. seconded...by. Mr. ,Daly, ftet- the foregoing resolution be adopted.
Upon roll call, the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Richards, Richardson, Simson, Szabo, Wilcox, Aaron, Barakat, Brennan, Burley, Coy,
Daly, Dearborn, Gabler, Hamlin, Harrison, Horton, Houghten, Kasper, Lennon, Mainland, Mathews, Olson,
Patnales, Perinoff, Pernick, Powell, (26)
NAYS: None. (0)
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the resolution was adopted.
Misc. 5810
By Mr. Lennon
IN RE: FARMINGTON SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM -FOURTEEN MILE MAPLE ROAD ARM-REROUTING OF SANiTARY SEWER
AND EXCHANGE OF EASEMENTS
Recommended by the Board of Public Works
WHEREAS an easement was granted to the Department of Public Works by Albert Dickman, Blanche
Dickman, Boar Siegel, Bess E. Siegel, Emil Fruchter, Mary Fruchter, Marietta Swartz and Craig Building
Company, which easement was recorded in Liber 4411, Page 511, 512o 513 and 514, Oakland County Records,and
WHEREAS the present owners of the property, Holtzman and Silverman, a Michigan Co-partnership
of 24750 Lahser Road, Southfield, Michigan, requested the County's approval to relocate said sanitary
sewer to permit the construction of a shopping center, and
WHEREAS a portion of the existing easement can be returned to the present owners, in exchange
for a new easement along the route of the relocated sanitary sewer,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, that the Chairman
and Clerk of this Board be and are hereby authorized and directed to execute a Quit Claim Deed on behalf
of the County of Oakland to accomplish said exchange.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Bernard F. Lennon, Chairman
It was moved by Mr. Lennon seconded by Mr. Perinoff that the foregoing resolution be adopted.
Upon roll call, the vote was as follows:
YEAS: Richardson, Simson, Szabo, Wilcox, Aaron, Barakat, Brennan, Burley, Coy, Daly, Dearborn,
Gabler, Hamlin, Harrison, Horton, Houghten, Kasper, Lennon, Mainland, Mathews, Olson, Patnales,
Perinoff, Pernick, Powell, Richards. (26)
NAYS: None. (0)
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the resolution was adopted.
Misc. 5811
Recommended by the Board of Public Works and Public Works Committee
IN RE: CLINTON-OAKLAK; SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM - PONTIAC TOWNSHIP EXTENSIONS
Mr. Lennon presented the following resolution, a copy of which has been sent to each member of
the Board of Commissioners:
Commissioners Minutes Continued, September 16, 1971 243
RESOLUTION PROPOSED BY OAKIND COUNTY OF PUBLIC WORKS WITH RESPECT TO CLINTON-OAKLAND SEWAGE
DISPOSAL SYSTEM - PONTIAC - e'j -! LJ'PHONS
WHEREAS the C unty e ..(1 of Public Works h•.e ere•-os,ed a form of agreement to be dated
May 1, 1971, between the e% srd and the Townships o7 aF 1 ::•••ol• lahich agreement provides
for the purchase by the Ttwn p f Avon of capacity in the Pon-c lownship Ey•tensions of the Clinton-
Oakland Sewage Disposal Sysieri, ces tor the payment by the Township of Avon fur said capacity and has
authorized the Chairman and tecr, )ry of the Board of Public Works to execute said agreement subject
to the approval of this Boar - '. 1mmissioners.
NOW THEREFORE BE I. ff0 that the Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Public Works
be and they are hereby authc• ee and directed to .E,CC( I: deliver on behalf of said County of
Oakland, the Supplemental Ay: ...,fient for purchase of ctpe;,:y by Township of Avon, dated May 1, 1971,
between the County of Oaklaie 'td the Townships' of Par 'c and Avon which reads as follows:
CLINTON-OAKLAND SEWAGE DISPfe -"C;TEM PONTIAC TOWNSHIP EXTENSIONS-SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE
OF CAPACITY BY TOWNSHIP 0, ,
THIS AGREEMENT, mad 1 ,ne entered into this 1st day of May 1971, by and between the COUNTY OF
OAKLAND, a Michigan county (hereinafter referred t.7, as the "county"), party of the first
part, by its Board of Public the TOWNSHIP OF AVON, a e;chigan township corporation (hereinafter
referred to as "Avon"), party of the , -nd part, and the • OF PONTIAC, a Michigan township
corporation (hereinafter referred to antiac"), party er,' J. third part.
W1TNESSETH:
WHEREAS the county and the two townships are parties to the Amended Clinton-Oakland Sewage
Disposal System Contract, dated January II, 1967, (herein caned the "Base Contract") in which contract
the county has contracted to acquire a county sewage disposal :ystem (the Clinton-Oakland Sewage Disposal
System) pursuant to Act No. 185 of the Michigan Public Acts k) as amended, to serve the townships
and other municipalities which are parties to said Base Critt- and
WHEREAS the county and Pontiac are parties to a ContracT. Clinton-Oakland Sewage Disposal
System - Pontiac Township Extensions, dated May 1, 1970, (herein called the "Extensions Contract") in
which contract the county has contracted to acquire the Pontiac Township Extensions (herein called the
"extensions") to the Clinton-Oakland Sewage Disposal System (herein eald the "System") to serve areas
in Pontiac by collecting and transporting sanitary sewage to the Systene and
WHEREAS Avon is not a party to said Extensions Contract but psrt of the facilities to be
acquired pursuant thereto will be located adjacent to Avon and can red to transport sanitary sewage
originatingein.....certain areaseoi..Avon to the facilities of the System thr•ugh some of the facilities or es
the extensions; and
WHEREAS the Base. ContNtr provides that the county and the townships may contract relative to
• the service of areas in each i he facilities of the System and the Extensions Contract provides
that the extensions upon completcse Ian be turned over to Pontiac for operation and maintenance and
Pontiac is willing to sell to ,Aen .-t of the capacity of the extensions for use in Avon;
NOW THEREFORE in consider- ton of the premises and the covenants of each other, the parties
hereto agree as follows:
1. Avon shall have the right to introduce, for transportation to and treatment through the
facilities of the Clinton-Oakland Sewage Disposal System, 2.80 cubic feet per second (cfs) of sanitary
sewage through said extensions to be located as shown on Exhibit A which is attached hereto and by
this reference is made a part hereof,
2. The physical connections to the extensions at the points where sanitary sewage from Avon
will be introduced into the extensions shall be inspected by and be subject to the approval of the
Oakland County Department of Public Works. Prior to the actual connection to the extensions the plans
therefor shall be approved by the Michigan State Department of Health.
3. On or before November 10, 1971, Avon agrees to pay to Pontiac the sum of $42,000.00 for the
right to introduce and transport 2.80 c.f.s. of sewage as herein provided.
4. Avon hereby agrees to pay $165.00 on April 1 in cach year to Pontiac for operation and
maintenance of the facilities commencing on the April 1 following any connection to the facilities that
provides sewage disposal services to any areas in Avon.
5, This contract shall become effective upon its execution by the duly authorized representatives
of the parties hereto and shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon said parties, their successors
and assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this contract to be signed by their duly
authorized representatives as of the date first above written.
WITNESS: TOWNSHIP OF PONTIAC TOWNSHIP OF AVON COUNTY OF OAKLAND
By By By its Board of Public Works
Supervisor Supervi
By By By
Township Clerk Township Clerk Chairman
By
Secretary
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the officers of the Board of Public Works are authorized to execute
and deliver such number of original copies of said agreement as they may deem advisable.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
Bernard F. Lennon, Chairman
Mr. Lennon moved the adoption of the foregoing resolution, The motion was supported by Mr. Daly.
On roll call the re eution was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Sire:.-p, Szabo, Wilcox, Aaron, Barakat, Brennan, Burley, Coy, Daly, Dearborn, Gabler, Hamlin,
Harrison, Horton, eoughten, Kasper, Lennon, Mainland, Mathews, Olson, Patnales, Perinoff, Pernick, Powell,
Richards, Richardson. (26)
NAYS: None. (0)
244
Commissioners Minutes Continued, September 16, 1971
Misc. 5812
By Mr. Daly
IN RE: APPOINTMENT TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLANNING COUNCIL
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS there now exists a vacancy on the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Planning Council
due to the retirement of member Herman Potts; and
WHEREAS your Committee recommends that James Soule be appointed to the Law Enforcement and
Criminal Justice Planning Council;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that James Soule be and he is hereby appointed to the Oakland
County Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Planning Council.
The Committee on Organization, by Mr. Patrick K. Daly, Chairman, moves the adoption of the
foregoing resolution.
COMMITTEE ON ORGANIZATION
Patrick K. Daly, Chairman
Moved by Daly supported by Pernick the resolution be adopted.
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the resolution was adopted.
Misc. 5813
By Mr. Daly
IN RE: PROPOSED CHANGE IN BY-LAWS OF MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS your Committee received a referral of a resolution from Midland County requesting
supportive action on a proposed change in the by-laws of the Michigan Association of Counties, and
WHEREAS your Committee does not necessarily endorse the by-law revision but it does agree
that the matter should be placed on the agenda of the Annual Meeting of the Michigan Association of
Counties and so recommends to this Board;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners endorse submission
of the proposal of Midland County to the next Annual Meeting of the Michigan Association of Counties in
view of their request and desire for supportive action by other county boards to put the issue before
that body.
The Committee on Organization, by Mr. Patrick K. Daly, Chairman, moves the adoption of the
foregoing resolution.
COMMITTEE ON ORGANIZATION
Patrick K. Daly, Chairman
Moved by Daly supported by Lennon the resolution be adopted.
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the resolution was adopted.
REPORT
By Mr. Szabo
IN RE: REPORT ON MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #5790-OPPOSITION TO ALLOCATION OF DIFFERENTIAL MILLAGE BY
TAX ALLOCATION BOARD
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Your Committee has received and considered Resolution #5790, which resolution is in opposition
to allocation of differential millage by the Tax Allocation Board.
In a legal opinion rendered by the Corporation Counsel, it was advised that there is no action
the Committee or the Board of Commissioners can take since they have no authority over the Tax Allocation
Board other than to suggest that they not allocate such millage in the future.
The opinion further stated that the question is in the courts at the present time and that is
where it will have to be settled.
Therefore, your Committee reports on Miscellaneous Resolution #5790 that, inasmuch as the
matter of differential millage is under litigation in the courts, no action be taken at this time.
The Equalization Committee, by Albert F. Szabo, Chairman, moves receiving and filing of the
foregoing report.
EQUALIZATION COMMITTEE
Albert F. Szabo, Chairman
"Misc. 5790
By Mrs. Dearborn
IN RE: OPPOSITION TO ALLOCATION OF DIFFERENTIAL MILLAGE BY TAX ALLOCATION BOARD
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS Public Act 162 of the Public Acts of 1933, which allows an additional millage to be
authorized by the Tax Allocation Board for School Boards to order to be spread in incorporated areas,
is unjust and unreae2nable legislation,
WHEREAS tne following letter has been received from the State Tax Commission regarding the
appeal from the City of Birmingham from the final order of the County Tax Allocation Board of Oakland
County:
245 Commissioners Minutes Continued. September 16, 1971
STATE OF MICHIGAN-DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY-STATE TAX COMMISSION August 12, 1971
Mr. William B. Saunders
Mayor, City of Birmingham, Oakland County
151 Martin Street
Birmingham, Michigan 48012
Dear Sir:
On June 8, 1971 communication was received by the State Tax Commission from the City of Birming-
ham appealing from the action of the Oakland County Tax Allocation Board specifically listing as a reason
for the appeal, "The levy of additional taxes pursuant to Act 162 of 1933 is believed to be unlawful and
unconstitutional. We understand that the Attorney General has so ruled and that Oakland County is the only
County in the State which persists in this practice contrary to the Attorney General's advice."
The State Tax Commission accepted the appeal for examination at a meeting on June 9, 1971 and the
Commission requested the City of Birmingham and the County of Oakland to submit briefs. The Commission
received a brief from the City of Birmingham on behalf of William B. Saunders and the City of Birmingham
and also from the Oakland County Corporation Counsel. The briefs were submitted to the Assistant Attorney
General of the State of Michigan, legal advisor to the State Tax Commission, and his report was submitted
to the State Tax Commission at a meeting on August 9, 1971.
The City of Birmingham and William B. Saunders, a taxpayer resident of the City of Birmingham
alleges that the order of the Oakland County Tax Allocation Board entered on May 27, 1971 violates the
uniformity provisions of Article IX, Section 3, Michigan Constitution of 1963, by providing a variable
millage within the Birmingham School District. The order allocates 8.3 mills to that portion of Birming-
ham District which lies outside the city limits (in Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield Township and
Southfield Township) and allocates 9.53 mills for the portion of the School District located within the
City of Birmingham. It is stressed by appellants that this allocation directs a levy of school taxes
within the same district which is 1.4 mills higher upon taxable property inside city limits than outside
city boundaries. It also is convincingly urged that taxpayers in all parts of the School District receive
an identical equivalence of school services and that the differential millage cannot be justified by any
concentration of such services made available to city residents to the exclusion of school taxpayers
residing in the townships.
The Tax Commission entertains no doubt concerning the merits of the allocation appeal. Bluntly
speaking, the allocation of differential millage by the Oakland County Tax Allocation Board is clearly
illegal, an error of law, a trespass upon constitutional principles of tax uniformity and equal treatment
of taxpayers, since there is no differential in the services offered. Yet, the protection and enforcement
of constitutional rights have been entrusted to the honor and integrity of the courts. This Commission,
while endowed with broad powers under the General Property Tax Law, cannot entertain this allocation
appeal, regardless of its obvious merit.
Under the General Property Tax Law, the Tax Commission may take any measures which "will secure
the enforcement of the provisions of this act, to the end that all the properties of this state liable to
assessment for taxation shall be placed upon the assessment rolls and assessed at that proportion of true
cash value which the Legislature from time to time shall provide pursuant to the provisions of article 9,
section 3 of the Constitution." The instant appeal, however, is not governed by the General Property Tax
Law, i.e. No.206,P.A.1893. It is authorized by Section 17 of the Property Tax Limitation Act, being
No. 62, P. A. 1933, and may be taken only by "any aggrieved local unit." Section 2 of the Property Tax
Limitation Act defines "local unit" and specifically excepts "villages and cities for which there are
provisions in their charters or general law fixing maximum limits on the power to levy taxes against
property."
The City of Birmingham is governed by a charter which contains a provision for the levy of
property taxes (made mandatory by state law) up to a specified maximum limit. It consequently is not a
"local unit" within the intendment of the Property Tax Limitation Act. In consequence, it has no authority
to appeal the final order of the County Allocation Board. William B. Saunders, the individual taxpayer-
appellant, suffers the same disability, or stated less elegantly, is in the same boat.
Based on the foregoing, this Commission must deny acceptance of the appeal from the final order
of the Oakland County Tax Allocation Board, although we realize that our denial to entertain the instant
appeal, motivated not by choice but by legal compulsion, may lead to legal entanglement, taxpayers protests
and a multiplicity of lawsuits for the refund of school taxes paid by city residents. You are, therefore,
hereby advised that the Commission, at the meeting on August 9, 1971, dismissed the appeal from tfe final
order of the County Tax Allocation Board of Oakland County.
Very truly yours,
Edward W. Kane, Secretary
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners opposes the allocation
of differential millage by the Oakland County Tax Allocation Board.
Mr. Chairman, I move the adoption of the foregoing resolution.
Mary M. Dearborn, District #4"
Moved by Szabo supported by Daly the report be received and filed.
Discussion followed.
Moved by Dearborn supported by Brennan the report be amended by deleting the words "receiving
and filing of the foregoing report" and substituting the words "receiving the report and that this Board
supports Resolutior! #5790".
Discussion followed.
246
Commissioners Minutes Continued. September 16, 1971
Vote on amendment:
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried.
Vote on report, as amended:
AYES: Richards, Simson, Barakat, Brennan, Burley, Daly, Dearborn, Gabler, Hamlin, Harrison,
Kasper, Lennon, Mainland, Perinoff, Powell. (15)
NAYS: Richardson, Szabo, Wilcox, Aaron, Coy, Horton, Houghten, Mathews, Olson, Pernick. (10)
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the report, as amended, was adopted.
REPORT
By Mr. Brennan
IN RE: REPORT ON RESOLUTION #5796-EMERGENCY WELFARE FUNDING REQUEST
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Your Committee wishes to report that it has received and considered referred Miscellaneous
Resolution #5796, wherein it requests Oakland County Legislators in the Congress of the United States
to sponsor legislation providing specific financial relief to Oakland County in the amount of $1,000,000
to cover county expenditures for welfare costs in excess of the 1970 level of expenditure.
Your Committee recommends approval of Miscellaneous Resolution #5796 and requests that said
resolution be referred to the Legislative Committee for consideration and report back to this Board.
The Finance Committee, by James M, Brennan, Chairman, moves the adoption of the foregoing report.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
James M. Brennan, Chairman
The Chairman referred Resolution #5796 to the Legislative Committee.
Moved by Mathews supported by Harrison the resolution be referred to the Human Resources
Committee also.
Discussion followed.
Mr. Olson voted 'no'.
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried.
Vote on referral of Resolution #5796 to both Legislative Committee and Human Resources Committee:
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the referral was approved.
REPORT
By Mr. Brennan
IN RE: RESOLUTION #5799-CIRCUIT JUDGES SALARIES
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
The Finance Committee reports Resolution #5799 without recommendation.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
James M. Brennan, Chairman
"Misc. 5799
IN RE: CIRCUIT JUDGES SALARIES
By Mr. Mainland
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled, and the Michigan Supreme Court adopted that
ruling, that the provisions of Act 252 of the Public Acts of 1966, which set a maximum limit on the
combined State paid and County paid salaries of Circuit Court Judges, are in conflict with Article VI,
Section 18 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, which states that the salary of a Circuit Court Judge
cannot be lowered during his term of office, and are unconstitutional, and
WHEREAS the County's Corporation Counsel in his letter of August 16, 1971, has given the
opinion that the case and decisions are directly applicable to the determination of the amount of the
County portion of the salaries of the Judges of the Sixth Judicial Circuit (Oakland County), and
WHEREAS effective January 1, 1967, in order to comply with the maximum salary established
by Act 252, and to have the State continue to pay the largest amount possible, the County of Oakland
lowered the Annual County Paid Salary of the Judges of the Sixth Judicial Circuit from $14,000.00 to
$10,000.00, and
WHEREAS the Corporation Counsel, in view of the decisions of the Appeals Court and the Supreme
Court, has ruled that the $4,000.00 per year difference in these salaries is a legal financial
obligation of the County of Oakland;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the sum of $18,849.31 be paid to each of the following Judges:
Clark J. Adams, William John Beer, Frederick C. Ziem, Arthur E. Moore, William R. Beasley, Farrell E.
Roberts, Robert L. 7.-.,mplin and James S. Thorburn, in payment for the period from January 1, 1967 through
September 17, 1971; chat $15,802.74 be paid to Judge Philip Pratt for the period from January 1, 1967
through December 13, 1970; and that $2,849.31 be paid to Judge William P. Hampton for the period from
January I, 1971 through September 17, 1971;
Commissioners Minutes Continued. September 16, 1971 247
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the sum of $179,802.74 be appropriated to the salaries portion of
the 1971 Circuit Court Budget for both the lump sum payment of the above mentioned past due portions of
this obligation and for the payment of the County portion of the salaries of Circuit Court Judges at the
rate of $14,000.00 per year for the period from September 17, 1971 through the remainder of 1971;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Auditors are hereby directed to initiate and approve
these payments.
The Personnel Practices Committee, by Mr. William L. Mainland, Chairman, moves the adoption of
the foregoing resolution.
PERSONNEL PRACTICES COMMITTEE
William L. Mainland, Chairman"
Mr. Perinoff gave notice that, at the next meeting of the Board on October 7, 1971, he will
make a motion to discharge the Finance Committee from further consideration of Resolution #5799, Circuit
Judges Salaries.
Discussion followed relative to whether or not the Notice to Discharge the Committee is in order.
The Chairman ruled that the Notice is in order and proper.
Mr. Powell appealed the ruling of the Chair. Supported by Mrs. Dearborn.
The Chairman stated that those in favor of sustaining the decision of the Chair, say "Yes" and
those opposed, say "No".
The vote was as follows:
AYES: Richardson, Simson, Szabo, Wilcox, Aaron, Barakat, Brennan, Burley, Coy, Daly, Hamlin,
Harrison, Horton, Houghten, Lennon, Mainland, Mathews, Olson, Perinoff, Pernick, Richards. (21)
NAYS: Dearborn, Powell. (2)
A sufficient majority having voted in favor of sustaining the decision of the Chair, the
decision of the Chair was sustained.
Discussion followed.regarding the Finance Committee Report.
The Chairman ruled that the Finance Committee Report was not properly before the Board.
Moved by Powell supported by Kasper the rules be suspended for immediate consideration of
Resolution #5799.
AYES: Wilcox, Aaron, Burley, Dearborn, Hamlin, Horton, Houghten, Kasper, Mainland, Patnales,
Perinoff, Powell, Richards, Richardson. (14)
NAYS: Simson, Szabo, Barakat, Brennan, Coy, Daly, Harrison, Lennon, Mathews, Olson, Pernick.(11)
A sufficient majority not having voted therefor, the motion lost.
Discussion followed.
Moved by Pernick supported by Harrison the report be received and placed on file.
Discussion followed.
AYES: Szabo, Aaron, Barakat, Brennan, Coy, Daly, Hamlin, Harrison, Houghten, Lennon, Mainland,
Mathews, Olson, Perinoff, Pernick, Richards, Simson. (17)
NAYS: Burley, Dearborn, Horton, Kasper, Patnales, Powell. (6)
Misc. 5814
By Mr. Mainland
IN RE: DEPARTMENTAL NAME CHANGE OF CORPORATION COUNSEL'S OFFICE
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS by Miscellaneous Resolution #1910 adopted on January 5, 1942 by the Oakland County Board
of Supervisors, there was established a County department known as "Oakland County Corporation Counsel
Department", and
WHEREAS the present incumbent Corporation Counsel has requested that the department name be
changed to "Oakland County Civil Counsel Department";
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners hereby changes the
name of the Oakland County Corporation Counsel Department" to be now known as the "Oakland County Civil
Counsel Department".
The Personnel Practices Committee, by Mr. William L. Mainland, Chairman, moves the adoption of
the foregoing resolution.
PERSONNEL PRACTICES COMMITTEE
William L. Mainland, Chairman
Moved by Mainland supported by Olson the resolution be adopted.
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the resolution was adopted.
248
Commissioners Minutes Continued. September 16, 1971
REPORT
By Mr. Mainland
IN RE: TWO ADDITIONAL STUDENT POSITIONS-TREASURER'S OFFICE-RESOLUTION #5801
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Mr. Mainland, Chairman of the Personnel Practices Committee, reports Miscellaneous Resolution
#580I with the recommendation the resolution be adopted.
"Misc. 5801
By Mr. Mainland
IN RE: TWO ADDITIONAL STUDENT POSITIONS-TREASURER'S OFFICE
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS the Oakland County Treasurer's Office now has two "Student" positions and finds it
has work for two more on an immediate basis, and
WHEREAS students work four hours per day during the school year and eight hours per day in the
summer with an annual salary cost of $2,400 each, and the cost for the remainder of 1971 would be
$560.00 each or $1,120.00 for two, and
WHEREAS the request is being made now because this is the time when students are available for
full year commitment;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Personnel Practices Committee recommends that two
additional "Student" positions be granted to the Oakland County Treasurer's Office with immediate effect.
The Personnel Practices Committee, by Mr. William L. Mainland, Chairman, moves the adoption of
the foregoing resolution.
PERSONNEL PRACTICES COMMITTEE
William L. Mainland, Chairman"'
REPORT
BY FINANCE COMMITTEE
IN RE: ADDITIONAL STUDENT POSITIONS-TREASURER'S OFFICE-RESOLUTION #5801
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pursuant to Rule Xl-c, of this Board, the Finance Committee finds the sum of $1,120.00
available, such funds - to benerived from the Contingency fund.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
James M. Brennan, Chairman
Moved by Mainland supported by Szabo that Resolution #5801 be adopted.
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the resolution was adopted.
Mr. Mainland presented a report on the Federal Emergency Employment Program.
REPORT
By Mr. Aaron
IN RE: RESOLUTION #5752-KATHRYN RADTKE REWARD
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
The Public Protection and Judiciary Committee has reviewed and recommends adoption of
Miscellaneous Resolution #5752.
PUBLIC PROTECTION AND JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Dennis M, Aaron, Chairman
"Misc. 5752
By Mr. Coy
IN RE: KATHRYN RADTKE REWARD
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS by Miscellaneous Resolution No. 5719, dated May 20, 1971, the Oakland County Board cif -
Commissioners offered a reward in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest
and conviction of the murderer of Kathryn L. Radtke, and
WHEREAS said Miscellaneous Resolution No. 5719 should be amended to provide that the Oakland
County Board of Auditors shall be the sole judge as to whom shall be entitled to the reward,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Miscellaneous Resolution No. 5719, dated May 20, 1971, be
and is hereby amended to provide that the Oakland County Board of Auditors shall be the sole judge of
any dispute arising over the reward offered and of the person or persons, if any, entitled to share
therein, and its decision on any point connected with the reward will be final and conclusive; further
a public officer who performs the services specified in the reward offer as a part of his duties cannot
claim or enforce payment of the reward.
Mr. Chairman, 1 move the adoption of the foregoing resolution.
Lew L. Coy"
Moved by Aaron supported by Coy that Resolution #5752 be adopted.
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the resolution was adopted.
Commissioners Minutes Continued. September 16, 1971 249
REPORT
By Mr. Harrison
IN RE: SCHOOL BUSSING IN CITY OF PONTIAC - RESOLUTION #5807
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
The Public Protection and Judiciary Committee has reviewed and recommends adoption of Resolution
#5807 with the deletion of the words "respectful and" in the last sentence of the second paragraph, which
would then make that paragraph read as follows:
"THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners encourage all citizens
of the City and all citizens of the school district of the City of Pontiac to comply with the court order
in a peaceful manner."
PUBLIC PROTECTION AND JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Dennis M. Aaron, Chairman
"Misc. 5807
By Charlie J. Harrison, Jr.
IN RE: SCHOOL BUSSING IN THE CITY OF PONTIAC
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS the school district of the City of Pontiac has been ordered by the Federal Court to
obtain a racial balance in their schools, and
WHEREAS the School District of the City of Pontiac is attempting to use bussing to comply with
this court order, and
WHEREAS the safety and educational well being of all citizens of Oakland County is our concern
and responsibility,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners encourage all
citizens of the School District of the City of Pontiac to comply with the court order in a respectful
and peaceful manner;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners urge all elected and
public officials to refrain from advocating that the citizens should disobey the law;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners commend the School District
and the Pontiac City Commission and the citizens of Pontiac in their efforts to achieve quality and equal
educational opportunities for all of its children and encourage the "Let's Make It Work" spirit.
Mr. Chairman, I move the adoption of the foregoing resolution.
Charlie J. Harrison, Jr.
Commissioner, District #21"
Moved by Harrison supported by Mathews that Resolution #5807, as amended, be adopted.
Discussion followed.
Moved by Powell supported by Coy the resolution be laid on the table.
AYES: Burley, Coy, Hamlin, Kasper, Patnales, Powell, Simson, Szabo. (8)
NAYS: Wilcox, Aaron, Barakat, Brennan, Daly, Dearborn, Harrison, Horton, Lennon, Mainland,
Mathews, Olson, Perinoff, Pernick, Richards, Richardson. (16)
A sufficient majority not having voted therefor, the motion lost.
Discussion followed.
Mr. Harrison moved the previous question. Seconded by Mr. Lennon.
AYES: Barakat, Harrison, Lennon, Mainland, Mathews, Perinoff, Pernick, Aaron. (8)
NAYS: Brennan, Burley, Coy, Daly, Dearborn, Hamlin, Horton, Houghten, Kasper, Olson, Patnales,
Powell, Richards, Richardson, Simson, Szabo, Wilcox. (17)
A sufficient majority not having voted therefor, the motion lost.
Discussion followed.
Vote on Resolution #5807, as amended:
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the resolution, as amended, was adopted.
Misc. 5815
By Mr. Brennan
IN RE: CIRCUIT JUDGES SALARIES
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS the judges of the Sixth Judicial Circuit have filed claim against the County of Oakland
for additional salary funds not authorized by the elected officials of the County, and
WHEREAS such claim is based upon the alleged violation of Article VI, Section 18, of the Michigan
Constitution of 1963, which prohibits the lowering of a judge's salary during his term of office, and
WHEREAS the officials of the County of Oakland have never decreased the total compensation paid
to the Circuit Judges, and
250
Commissioners Minutes Continued. September 16, 1971
WHEREAS the opinion of the Oakland County Corporation Counsel in regard to the legality of
this claim is based primarily upon the decision rendered by the Michigan Court of Appeals in the case
of the Circuit Judges of the 16th Judicial Circuit vs. Allison M. Green, Treasurer of the State of
Michigan, the circumstances of which are totally different from those in Oakland County,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, the duly elected
representatives of the citizens of Oakland County, do not recognize the validity of the claim of the
Judges of the Sixth Judicial Circuit and advise the Board of Auditors to withhold payment of said claim
and to take whatever legal action necessary to protect the interests of the taxpayers of Oakland County.
Mr. Chairman, I move the adoption of the foregoing resolution.
James M. Brennan
County Commissioner, District #13
Moved by Brennan supported by Olson the rules be suspended for immediate consideration of the
resolution.
AYES: Brennan, Burley, Daly, Lennon, Olson, Szabo. (6)
NAYS: Coy, Harrison, Houghten, Kasper, Mainland, Mathews, Patnales, Perinoff, Pernick,
Powell, Richards, Richardson, Simson, Wilcox, Aaron, Barakat. (16)
A sufficient majority not having voted therefor, the motion lost.
Discussion followed.
Moved by Brennan supported by Pernick the resolution be referred to the Finance Committee.
Moved by Mathews supported by Simson the motion be amended to refer the resolution to the
Public Protection and Judiciary Committee also.
Discussion followed.
Moved by Burley supported by Kasper the Board recess for fifteen minutes.
AYES: Burley, Houghten, Kasper, Lennon, Patnales, Powell. (6)
NAYS: Coy, Daly, Harrison, Mainland, Mathews, Olson, Perinoff, Pernick, Richards, Simson,
Szabo, Wilcox, Aaron, Barakat, Brennan, (15)
A sufficient majority not having voted therefor, the motion lost.
Discussion followed.
Vote on amendment:
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried.
Discussion followed.
Vote on amendment, as amended:
AYES: Coy, Mathews, Pernick, Simson, Szabo, Barakat, Brennan. (7)
NAYS: Daly, Harrison, Horton, Houghten, Kasper, Lennon, Mainland, Patnales, Perinoff, Powell,
Richards, Aaron, Burley. (13)
ABSTAIN: Olson. (1)
A sufficient majority not having voted therefor, the motion lost.
The Chairman referred the resolution to the Public Protection and Judiciary Committee in
accordance with Rule XI. B.
Mr. Powell objected.
The Chairman stated that those in favor of the decision of the Chair, say "Yes" and those
opposed "No".
The vote was as follows:
AYES: Daly
NAYS: Coy
The roll call was interrupted. A new roll call was ordered.
AYES: Daly
NAYS: Coy
The roll Lail was interrupted. A new roll call was ordered.
Commissioners Minutes Continued. September 16, 1971 251 .
AYES: Daly, Harrison, Horton, Houghten, Kasper, Lennon, Mainland, Mathews, Olson, Patnales,
Perinoff, Pernick, Powell, Richards, Simson, Szabo, Aaron, Barakat, Brennan, Burley. (20)
NAYS: Coy. (1)
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the decision of the Chair was sustained.
Moved by Pernick supported by Olson that, pursuant to Section 12 of Act 261 of the Public
Acts of 1966, as amended, James A. Doyon be appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation
of Charles B. Edwards, Jr. from the Board of Commissioners, for the unexpired term of office, which
term ends December 31, 1972.
The Chairman asked if there were other nominations. There were no other nominations.
Discussion followed.
AYES: Daly, Harrison, Horton, Houghten, Kasper, Lennon, Mainland, Mathews, Olson, Patnales,
Perinoff, Pernick, Powell, Richards, Richardson, Simson, Szabo, Wilcox, Aaron, Barakat, Brennan,
Burley, Coy. (23)
NAYS: None. (0)
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried.
Mr. Doyon was introduced to the members of the Board.
Moved by Perinoff supported by Aaron the Board adjourn until October 7, 1971 at 9:30 A. M.
A sufficient majority having voted therefor, the motion carried.
The Board adjourned at 12:25 P. M.
Lynn D. Allen William M. Richards
Clerk Chairman