2001 - Saginaw County

Board of Commissioners May 22, 2001
2.10) County Event Center, re: Quit-Claim deed for the County
Event Center premises
2.11) Recommendation, re: Amending Accommodation Ordinance No. 103
---Hare moved, supported by Fish to approve 2.7 - 2.11. There
were exceptions to each report.
2.7) McGill responded to Wurtzel's questions about the write-offs
- whether the amount listed in the report is the actual
write-off amount in its entirety. McGill went on to say the
goal is to not have write-offs in 2002. Bartels talked about
the operating losses exclusive of unfunded depreciation and
capital expenditure which he said, if included, would make
the losses higher. Motion to approve 2.7 carried.
2.8) Wurtzel voiced his previous feelings that the area did not
have the need for two airports, noting that United Airlines
will no longer provide service at MBS. In light of this, he
recommended the Board re-think the installation of Instrument
Landing System at Browne Airport. Hare pointed out that
United Airlines departure will have no affect because United
Express will continue to operate at MBS. Bartels supported
Wurtzel in his position, saying that the ILS equipment is not
necessary and that there is no evidence of any businesses
being interested in using Browne Airport. Mallette reiterated
that businesses have not supported the Airport. Smith had
concerns about spending more money on the infrastructure.
Horn responded that a grant pays for most of the ILS project
which he said is needed in order for the Airport to attract
corporate travel and freight landing. Some discussion took
place about how the County is obligated to operate the
Airport because of the grants the County has received. The
time-line to get out of the grant commitments is fifteen
years. Foxx encouraged enhancement of Browne which would
result in making it more attractive to private enterprise.
It was agreed that the Report did not need to be acted on
today, and that easements and land purchases are not
complete. Fish tabled Report 2.8 by commissioner privilege.
2.9) Basil questioned why the funds were not included in their
budget. The Controller did not know and commissioner members
of the Consortium Board could not recall its discussion in
committee. Wurtzel tabled Report 2.9 by commissioner
privilege.
2.10) Basil questioned whether the deed includes the parking ramp.
Jensen responded yes, and also clarified that the City is
paying for the repair costs. Motion to approve 2.10 carried
with nay votes recorded for Blaine, Horn and O'Hare.
2.11) Horn thanked Hare for the excellent, open debate that
occurred at the special meeting of the County Services
Committee. Horn reiterated several points: why all or
nothing when most municipalities did not support the Civic
Center - the ticket surcharge is the fairest way to provide
additional funding for the Center - the 1% increase in the
hotel/motel tax was supposed to be temporary - our