Approved
by the Board: November 27, 2007
_________________________
Tuesday November 6, 2007
_________________________
The Board of Commissioners met in the Boardroom of the
Administrative Offices,
Present: Commissioners Robert Cochran, Joseph
Graves, Peter Kramer, Semone James,
Absent: None
The Acting Secretary declared a quorum present.
Chairperson Rios called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
THE CHAIR ANNOUNCED THAT
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD ON ANY AGENDA SUBJECT
AND ANYONE WISHING TO COMMENT ON ANY MATTER NOT ON THE AGENDA MAY DO SO
IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO ADJOURNMENT.
There were no public comments.
Board Chair Santiago Rios announced that he has made a decision to pursue other interests, so he is resigning as a BWL Commissioner as of Tuesday, November 6, 2007, immediately following the Special Board meeting. Because of the interest he is going to pursue, he feels it would be a conflict of interest for him to remain a BWL Commissioner. Commissioner Rios stated that Commissioner James would become the new Chair; he also suggested that Commissioner Rodocker become the new Vice Chair. Commissioners expressed their good wishes to Santiago Rios in his future endeavors. Commissioner Rios gave a letter of resignation to Acting Secretary Sullivan and asked that it be forwarded to Mayor Bernero.
Discuss Legal Issue
Moved by Commissioner Cochran, seconded by Commissioner Graves to go into closed session to discuss a legal opinion with outside counsel, Melissa Jackson of Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. protected by the Open Meetings Act (OMA) exemption MCL 15.268(h). The roll was called.
Ayes: Commissioners
Cochran,
Nays: None
Absent: Commissioner Rodocker
Carried unanimously.
Motion by Commissioner Rios, seconded by Commissioner Kramer, that the Special Board meeting return to open session.
Carried unanimously.
The Special Board meeting reconvened in open session at 4:10 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner Graves and seconded by Commissioner Smith that the recommendation made by outside counsel in the closed session be adopted.
Ayes: Commissioners
Cochran,
Nays: None
Absent: Commissioner Rodocker
Carried unanimously.
None.
According to the Rules of Procedure, the Vice Chair is to assume the role of Chair in the absence of the Chair. The last chair will assume the role of Vice Chair. Commissioner James will assume the position of Chair, and Commissioner Smith will assume the role of Vice Chair.
None.
None.
Commissioner Smith would like the resolution that is written for Commissioner Rios to be read into the next meeting minutes and that he is invited to hear the resolution.
None.
Ron Byrnes, Jr. extended best wishes to Commissioner Rios; he stated that he felt Commissioner Rios has been a voice of fairness. Mr. Byrnes also offered congratulations to Commissioners James and Smith on their positions.
Ron Byrnes, Sr. advised that it has been a pleasure working with Commissioner Rios. He has handled tough decisions in a very professional manner. He also congratulated Commissioners James and Smith in their positions.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Commissioner Cochran, seconded by Commissioner Smith, the meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
/s/ Rosemary Sullivan, Acting Corporate Secretary
Filed with
November 16, 2007