Amended 2/3/04

COUNTY SERVICES

Members Present: Chris Swope, Marc Thomas, Curtis Hertel, Mike Severino, John Nevin and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino

Members Absent: Debbie DeLeon

Others Present: Jerry Ambrose, Harold Hailey, Bob Moore, John Veenstra, Dan Reinecke, Timothy Perrone, Richard Harrington, Ody Norkin, Don Reisig, Nervy Oliver, Doug Stover, Teri Younger, Comm. Dedden, Travis Faulds, Dick Baker, Robert Selig, Bruce Johnston, Brian Titus, Robert Howe, Jim Grant, Darryl Diamond, Matthew Denny and others

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Swope at 7:10 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the November 18 and December 2, 2003 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 18 AND DECEMBER 2, 2003 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon

Additions to the Agenda

• Additional Information - Letter from the Sierra Club

Limited Public Comment: None

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

• Circuit Court/Family Division - Resolution Authorizing Amendments to the Circuit Court/Family Division 2003/04 Child Care Fund Budget



• Youth Center - Resolution to Authorize Staffing Adjustments in the Youth Center



• Sheriff's Office/Emergency Operations - Resolution to Accept the Michigan Department of State Police, Emergency Management Division 2003 State Homeland Security Grant Part II Solution Area Planner Grant



• Health Department
• Resolution to Authorize a FY 2004 Contract with the MI 4C Association
• Resolution to Amend the 2004 Health Department Budget and Establish an American Indian Outreach Worker Position
• Resolution to Authorize an Amendment to the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the ICEA Nurse Practitioner/Clinic Nurse Unit and to Reclassify Two Part-Time Positions in the Adult Health Center



• Human Resources Department
• Starting Pay for Kathy Cole
• Third Quarter Labor Force Statistics (Received and placed on file)



• Housing Commission
• Resolution Approving the Compensation Ranges and Classification of Ingham Housing Commission Employees
• Resolution Authorizing Additional Funding to 2003 Comprehensive Fund Program for Carriage Lane Apartments



• Controller's Office
• Resolution Authorizing a Performance Contract with TRANE Global Controls and Contracting, Inc.
• Resolution to Authorize a Contract with MUNIS for Finance and Human Resources Hardware and Software



• Equalization - Resolution to Enter into Contracts with Delhi Charter Township and the City of East Lansing for the Performance of Personal Property Audits Under the Personal Property Audit Grant Program Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury



• Board of Commissioners
• Resolution Amending the Board Rules (to have Women's Commission report to County Services instead of Human Services)
• Resolution Honoring Stan Jordan

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon

• Capital Region Airport Authority - Presentation on new CRAA Web Site - www.flylansing.com

Chairperson Swope stated the Board of Commissioners has been made aware of some concerns regarding the Capital Region Airport Authority's (Authority) new web site. The Authority is present tonight to address the concerns.

Mr. Selig, Authority Executive Director, distributed copies of his January 20, 2004 memorandum to this Committee for their review during his presentation. He stated the Authority fully understands Mr. Norkin's (Okemos Travel) concerns. The travel agency community has been devastated by the introduction of internet booking sites for many years. The Authority remains committed to working with the travel community to ensure that regional travel agencies are able to play a positive role in the air service development opportunities being fostered by the Authority.

Mr. Selig stated he is comfortable that the website process and that the site is operating within the law. Chairperson Swope stated this service is not offered by any other agency at this time. Mr. Baker, Authority, agreed with that statement. However, he explained that airports have contacted the Authority regarding its new website.

Mr. Selig addressed further questions from Chairperson Swope. The Authority's rates are higher than other airports at various times. Ticket pricing is a very complicated process. Discounts may be offered by the Authority to travel groups on its website. However, the Authority does not mind if travel agencies offer a better deal to travel groups than its website. Mr. Baker explained the number of registered members who purchase tickets on line will increase over time.

This discussion continued. Mr. Selig explained many younger people use websites for most of their purchasing needs, including travel. The Authority has to meet the needs of all of its customers. In response to Mr. Neilsen, Mr. Selig stated the large box informing people of travel agencies (on the Authority's home page) was added last week. However, the listing of travel agencies on this site has been on the website since its development. The cost of developing the site was approximately $50,000. Mr. Selig further stated the website is not the main thrust of the Authority's public awareness program.

Mr. Baker explained the Authority receives $4.50 per ticket sold as provided by federal law. Lansing's ticket prices are within $20 to $30 of Detroit's airline ticket prices. This is due to an effort to encourage fliers to use the Authority instead of traveling to Detroit's airport.

Mr. Selig explained travel agency customers do not use the internet to book travel plans. The Authority is asking the travel agencies what the Authority can do to get more people through its airport. Comm. Severino stated the Authority should be able to partner with the travel agencies in an effort to increase travel through Lansing.

Mr. Orkin, Okemos Travel, stated his belief that the Authority is an arm of Ingham County government. Taxpayer money was used to develop the website without using an RFP process. Approximately 80% of Okemos Travel is international travel. If the County goes head to head with the travel agencies, it will lose. The site should only be an informative site. Bookings should not be available on the Authority's site. Mr. Norkin commended Mr. Selig and Mr. Baker for their zealousness. However, they used taxpayer money without our permission.

Mr. Selig stated the Authority understands Mr. Norkin's concerns.

Chairperson Swope thanked the Authority representatives and Mr. Norkin for their information on this item.

• Boards/Commission Interviews
• Economic Development Corporation

The Committee interviewed Brian Titus, Robert Howe and Jim Grant for positions on the Economic Development Board.

MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENTS OF MR. TITUS, MR. HOWE AND MR. GRANT TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon

• Youth Commission

The Committee interviewed Matthew Denny for a vacancy on the Ingham County Youth Commission.

MOVED BY COMM. NEVIN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF MATTHEW DENNY TO THE INGHAM COUNTY YOUTH COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon

• Fair Board

The Committee interviewed Darryl Diamond for a vacancy on the Fair Board. Chairperson Swope stated this Committee will make its recommendation after an additional interview on January 26, 2004.

• County Services Committee - Discussion Item Only - Resolution Approving Revisions to the Equal Opportunity Plan

Mr. Ambrose explained the Equal Opportunity Plan was discussed by the 2003 County Services Committee. The draft was reviewed and recommendations were made by the 2003 County Services Committee. Those recommendations are incorporated into tonight's draft.

In response to Chairperson Swope, Mr. Ambrose stated the concern regarding investigations has been resolved on page three of the Plan.

Comm. Thomas stated he was comfortable with sending the draft Plan to the elected officials and the judges for their review as soon as possible. Comm. Thomas further stated he is willing to meet with the elected officials and the judges if necessary. He also suggested the elected officials and the judges be encouraged to sign the Plan.

Mr. Ambrose explained the Board of Commissioners can encourage and request that the elected officials and the judges volunteer to be bound by the Plan.

The Committee discussed the process and timetable for sending the Plan to the elected officials and the judges. Mr. Ambrose stated this matter warrants an informal notification process. Mr. Hailey stated County department heads should also receive a copy of the draft Plan.

Mr. Reinecke informed the Committee that Arthur Walker is the Chair of the 2004 Equal Opportunity Commission.

• Parks Board - Resolution Modifying the Ordinance Establishing the Ingham County Park Rules and Regulations

Mr. Moore informed the Committee that the Parks Board adopted the County Attorney's recommendations regarding firearms in the County parks. The only remaining issue involves dogs in the parks.

Chairperson Swope asked if it would make sense to allow dogs on trails at Hawk Island so they may connect with the City of Lansing's new dog park and the River Trail in the future. Mr. Moore stated dogs may use a specific area of Hawk Island park. However, it will be a few years before the Lansing dog park is open. Mr. Moore further explained that dogs are not allowed in the Riverbend natural areas. Dogs may be disruptive to the wildlife in the park.

In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Moore stated dogs are not allowed in Federal parks. He was not sure of Michigan State Park dog rules.

The Committee now addressed the issue of park closing times. Mr. Moore explained that it would make sense to tie the County park closures to sunset due to the change in seasons. Comm. Hertel suggested the parks close one-half hour after sunset. This would allow park users sufficient time to leave the park. Mr. Moore explained the parks begin to shut down one-half hour prior to closing. Park gates don't generally close until one hour after sunset. Comm. Severino stated the Parks are being asked to implement a current policy that is already causing concerns amount park users. The sunset language should be removed. Comm. Thomas stated after-hour tickets should not be issued earlier than one hour after sunset.

This discussion continued.

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION MODIFYING THE ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE INGHAM COUNTY PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS.

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NEVIN, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION IN SECTION 3a BY CHANGING THE "10:00 P.M." LANGUAGE TO "ONE-HALF HOUR AFTER SUNSET."

Chairperson Swope suggested this item be tabled until this Committee's next meeting to allow time for further discussion.

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO TABLE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION MODIFYING THE ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE INGHAM COUNTY PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon

Comm. Hertel's motion to amend will be before this Committee at its next meeting.

• Other - Correspondence from Richard Harrington

Mr. Harrington addressed the Committee regarding his efforts to restore a dismantled sculpture, 'This Equals That' which was previously located on the Capitol Plaza. The Capitol Project may assume responsibility for collecting funds for this restoration project with the approval of the Lansing Art Gallery Board. Mr. Harrington requested this Committee's support under Resolution "78-126, "An ordinance to establish an Arts Commission."

Mr. Harrington distributed illustrations of his ideas for the restoration and relocation of the sculpture for the Committee's review.

Comm. Thomas asked Mr. Harrington if he was flexible regarding the relocation site of the sculpture. Mr. Harrington stated he was flexible. He further stated his plan would require the State to give up a State owned parking lot in his plan.

Comm. Thomas expressed his support of Mr. Harrington's concept. However, he stated the Committee should not be site specific in any communication of support for the project.

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTROLLER TO DRAFT A LETTER IN SUPPORT OF THE CONCEPT TO RESTORE AND TO REPLACE A SCULPTURE IN AN APPROPRIATE DOWNTOWN LANSING LOCATION. MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Nevin voting NO.

Announcements: None

Public Comment

Mr. Veenstra expressed his appreciation for this Committee's support of Mr. Harrington's project.

The meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff