Approved 2/17/04
COUNTY SERVICES
Members Present: Chris Swope, Marc Thomas, Debbie DeLeon, Curtis Hertel, Mike Severino, John Nevin and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Jerry Ambrose, Harold Hailey, Bob Moore, Bruce Bragg, Donna Rummel, John Hanieski, Richard Harrington, Dennis Haysbert, Tyler Vickers, Alex Freeman and Samantha Schultz and Morgan Quinney
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Swope at 7:02 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the January 20, 2004 Minutes and the Amended December 2, 2003 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 20 MINUTES AS AMENDED AND THE AMENDED DECEMBER 2, 2003 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Additions to the Agenda
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Moore informed the Committee that the Parks Board unanimously adopted the Resolution Amending Parks Board Resolution #11-03 Modifying the Ordinance Establishing the Park Rules and Regulations. The Resolution was adopted on January 26, 2004 in response to concerns expressed by this Committee. Wording was modified to reflect a closing time of one-half hour after sunset, rather than actual sunset. Changes were also made to the list of areas where pets are not allowed.
The Committee discussed the Parks Board Resolution. Chairperson Swope asked if the phrase "unless otherwise posted." is still necessary. Mr. Moore stated the phrase could be eliminated. Chairperson Swope then spoke regarding the park hours. He suggested the parks open at dawn for foot traffic to accommodate early-morning joggers. The parks would open at 8:00 a.m. for vehicle traffic.
In response to Comm. DeLeon, Mr. Moore explained that after-hours tickets are usually issued at least one-hour after sunset. The Parks Officers do have jurisdiction off County grounds. Issuing tickets off County grounds only occurs under special circumstances. Comm. DeLeon expressed her concern that constituents have communicated0 their concerns with how the Park Police issue tickets. She stated she would like to know more about the special circumstances when Park Police may issue tickets off County grounds.
Mr. Moore explained the Park Police follow the procedures of the Ingham County Sheriff's Office when stopping a person in the parks. Park Police also have to complete specific forms when they do issue tickets off County grounds.
Comm. Nevin commended the Parks Board for their efforts on modifying their Rules and Regulations. He then addressed section 4(C) of Mr. Moore's January 8, 2004 memorandum to this Committee. Comm. Nevin stated the Rules and Regulations should include a rule prohibiting park visitors to introduce plant, animal or fish into the County Parks without written permission. Mr. Moore stated this language could be added to the Rules.
Comm. Thomas expressed his concern that Comm. Nevin's suggestion, above, may interfere with the Parks' policy regarding dogs in County Parks.
Mr. Moore stated he could provide the Finance Committee with the added language tomorrow evening. Chairperson Swope stated the Parks Board will submit the complete set of Rules and Regulations to this Committee at its next meeting for approval.
Mr. Freeman explained the Youth Commission decided to add some flexibility to its attendance policy. The change to the policy would allow the members no more than three unexcused absences from meetings during September 1 through August 31 of each year. A fourth unexcused absence will result in an automatic removal from the Commission. When a Youth Commission member reaches five absences, which would be a combination of excused and unexcused absences, the matter will be examined by the Youth Commission's appointed Review Board, in conjunction with the adult advisors and a representative from the Board of Commissioners.
Mr. Freeman stated the added flexibility will allow the members to actively participate in their communities and schools without jeopardizing their seat on the Commission. The Youth Commission voted unanimously on this change.
Comm. Thomas asked about the current attendance policy. Mr. Freeman explained the current attendance policy provides that a fourth absence will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Ms. Rummel further explained a member was automatically dismissed from the Commission after three absences. The proposed changes will include a review process.
Comm. Hertel suggested a Youth Commission member should be allowed same-day notification in case of a family emergency. The Resolution currently allows for same-day notification in the event of illness.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION BY ADDING "OR A FAMILY EMERGENCY" AT THE END OF THE THIRD BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED PARAGRAPH. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Comm. DeLeon acknowledged the Youth Commission members for their service this year. They have worked very diligently and have met twice per month. Progress is being made in the Youth Commission. Comm. DeLeon stated she was very impressed with the 2004 Youth Commission.
Mr. Vickers stated the Youth Commission's progress is also due to its Coordinator, Ms. Rummel.
Comm. Hertel suggested that a Commissioner who is appointed to a Review Board should not represent a Youth Commission who lives within that Commissioner's district. The Committee agreed with this suggestion. This was not added to the Resolution. Comm. Thomas also asked that this Committee be notified when a Review Board is necessary.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY as amended.
Chairperson Swope informed the Committee that the elected officials requested additional time to review the Plan.
Comm. Nevin asked how the County will benefit from renewing the Retention Program Contract. Mr. Hanieski explained the reporting system will be changed to be more accurate and efficient. Currently, the EDC only generates anecdotal reports. He then explained the responsibilities of the Retention Specialist.
Comm. Nevin stated he would be interested in receiving a quarterly report from the EDC. Chairperson Swope agreed with Comm. Nevin. Mr. Ambrose explained the County EDC monitors the contract for the Retention Specialist. Mr. Hanieski explained the financial aspects of this contract.
Comm. Severino stated the Retention Special job sounds very interesting. It would be helpful to know more about the criteria for the selection of businesses.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO RENEW THE RETENTION PROGRAM CONTRACT.
COMM. DELEON DISCLOSED THAT SHE IS AN EMPLOYEE OF THE CITY OF LANSING.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE RESTORATION AND REPLACEMENT OF THE SCULPTURE "THIS EQUALS THAT."
Comm. Thomas commended the Controller's Office for their work on this matter.
MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Nevin voting NO.
Mr. Hailey summarized the Year to Date Grievance Report for 2003. Chairperson Swope stated he was surprised that many of the grievances originated from the same union. Mr. Hailey explained the Sheriff's Office is a paramilitary organization with very specific rules and regulations.
Comm. Thomas requested this Committee also be provided with information regarding who was at fault in the grievances. Mr. Hailey explained the arbitrator determines who is at fault. Most of their rulings have been in the County's favor.
The Committee discussed the information contained in the Report. Comm. Severino restated his objections to being provided this information. This is an example of some Commissioners wanting to micro-manage the Human Resources Department. If this information is to be provided to the Committee, the employee names should be excluded from the Report.
In response to Comm. Hertel, Mr. Hailey stated the information contained in the Report is subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Comm. Hertel stated he does not understand the reason for asking for the names on the Report. Board Chairperson Celentino also expressed his concern that employee names are contained in the Report. If names are to be provided, they should be submitted to this Committee during the meeting.
Comm. DeLeon stated she was one of the Commissioners who requested the Report. The request was made so this Committee could see where any problems were in the grievance process. She then agreed the employee names are not needed unless specifically requested.
Chairperson Swope stated he did not view this matter as micro-management of the Human Resources Department. This is a matter of oversight. The County has many managers and this Committee would like to know if a number of grievances are filed within one union. The Report provides this Committee with a very important tool for this oversight. He also agreed that employee names are not necessary in the Report.
Comm. Hertel stated he is not comfortable with the employee names being available to the general public. Mr. Hailey stated his next Report will not include the employee names.
Comm. Thomas stated it may be helpful for this Committee to review one typical grievance in which the County lost. This review would provide this Committee with a better picture of the process. Mr. Hailey stated this Committee is a step in the grievance process. Mr. Ambrose stated if this Committee handles many grievances, that would be a concern. He further explained the parties to a grievance engage in many discussions before a grievance reaches the point of arbitration.
Public Comment
Mr. Veenstra addressed the Committee regarding the Park Rules and Regulations. He thanked this Committee for changing the park hours to allow for foot traffic at dawn. He also stated the change to the Park closing time should eliminate many enforcement issues. Mr. Veenstra addressed other issues relating to the Rules and Regulations.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO ENTER A CLOSED SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING LABOR RELATIONS. MOTION WAS APPROVED WITH THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: YEAS, COMMS. SWOPE, THOMAS, DELEON, HERTEL, SEVERINO AND NEVIN. NAYS: NONE
The Committee entered into a Closed Session at this time.
The Committee returned to Regular Session at this time.
Mr. Ambrose informed the Committee that the Drain Office has returned Mr. Groop's check as he requested. The Office will also refund Mr. Groop a portion of the bill.
Announcements None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff