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Houghton County’s board of commissioners heard from a large number of residents regarding two particular items, the Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Code and a resolution affirming the commission’s commitment to uphold rights within the U.S. constitution. Many who spoke during comment shared their support of one resolution, and not the other.
“First, the approval of the revised U.P. environmental Health Code, I believe this should be a yes vote. Second a resolution on the second amendment and county officers determining the issues of constitutionality. I believe this should be a no vote.” – Faith Morrison, Hancock
“I do support the second amendment. As well as, I don’t support the health code ordinance.” – Teresa Karineimi, Houghton County
Following public comment the board began discussion for the environmental health code. Commissioner Keranen expressed while he agrees with much of the code. He still wished to see a definition of the word potential included. The commission then called for a vote, passing the UP Environmental Health Code 4 to 1.
The commission also passed resolution 23-10, to support and honor their pledge to the uphold all rights of the constitution, including but not limited to the right to bear arms, and to adequately fund mental health services in Houghton County.
“I am upholding the constitution when I believe that regulation is the key to preventing gun violence. We are lucky here, we have people who are responsible, and we live in safe communities. It is easy to think; oh this would never happen here. But do you remember the armed taking of hostages at the Houghton National Bank in January of 1996. Thankfully only the gunman was killed. But a bank teller lost part of her arm after being shot. Gun violence can happen here too.” – Gretchen Jansen, Houghton County Board of Commissioners
Previously a similar resolution was brought before the commission a couple of years ago. That previous resolution included language garnering Houghton County as a firearm sanctuary against overreaching gun reforms. Since then that language was removed.
“First of all this is not a sanctuary county vote. That was take nout of the resolution from two or three years ago. And I appreciate that, I would not vote for a sanctuary county.” – Roy Britz, Houghton County Board of Commissioners
The commission passed resolution 23-10 in a vote of 4 to 1.
The commission additionally accepted their annual audit report from Anderson, Tackman and Co. This is the second year the two groups have worked together. Anderson and Tackman found the county’s books to be in order, and awarded the county a clean sheet. The commission also accepted annual reports form the Land Bank and Equalization departments.
Houghton County will also support transferring ownership of the Lake Mine spring from the DNR to Greenland Township. Greenland township has asked for support from neighboring entities to take over the uncapped spring in Ontonagon County. The township has said they plan to work with the local health department and EGLE to conduct testing at the site.
Find a copy of Resolution 23 -10 here.
Find the Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Code here.
