Sipe to fill Weaver's seat on board

Crystal Nelson
The Montmorency Board of Commissioners announced the resignation of Commissioner Zac Weaver during its meeting Wednesday morning.

“As a young man and citizen of Montmorency County, one of my personal goals prior to and during my two-year term as a County Commissioner, was to become a taxpayer. I am very proud to say that goal has now become a reality. Unfortunately, the home that fits my family’s needs is in a different district, so I am forced to resign, effective May 12, 2008,” Weaver stated in his letter of resignation.

“We wish him well,” said Chairman Roger Frye.

Claudine Sipe will replace Weaver as interim commissioner. Sipe was chosen because she is already familiar with all of the proceedings and was last year’s chair. Her appointment won’t interfere with the upcoming election. The commissioners’ move to approve Sipe fill the vacant seat passed 3-1, with Albert LaFleche the only board member to oppose.

The board approved a millage for the Montmorency County Library, which is seeking to renew its previous millage increase of 0.06 mills. The revenue generated would be used for operational needs of the library and would generate $285,231.30. The millage will be voted on in the August primary.

Another millage issue was approved for August’s primary ballot was for the road commission. This new millage is for road maintenance and repairs and is for one mill for a five-year period. This millage would generate $489,997 in the first year.

Undersheriff Patty Wiley reported that grant money was received for the purchase of two snowmobiles. Wiley said the reimbursement for the snowmobiles hasn’t been received yet but it should be coming in soon.

“We also talked about it’s the time of year where we need to hire extra people for marine and ATV patrol,” Wiley said and confirmed with the board that money for that would come out of the grant.

Stanley Alarm Systems was unanimously awarded the courthouse security system bid. Stanley Alarm was chosen from a list of five bids, and was the least expensive at $13,950.

The commissioners took the following actions during the building and grounds committee report:

? Voted to install roof vents the first week in June to eliminate ice build up on the overhang

? Voted to designate an official smoking area in the recommended patio

? Voted to send a letter of support to the counties of Kalkaska and Crawford regarding their water use policy, as agreed to by the board.

? Decided the board will vote in the future on the proposed change to omit the airforce facility from the current pet policy

? Announced that the annual audit is currently being completed

In other business:

? A video arraignment system is being looked into and will be brought back to the board in future meetings

Crystal Nelson can be reached via e-mail at cnelson@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5693.