Approved 4/5/04
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, Rodney Taylor, Jim Hudgins, Bruce Bragg, Nervy Oliver, Joe Lessard, Pat Lamison, Donna Rummel, Jared Wein, Matthew Denny, Alex Freeman, Robert VanKirk, Jacob Martin, Lee Hladki, Christine Timmons and Pat Lindemann
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Swope at 7:08 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the March 2, 2004 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE MARCH 2 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Hertel
Additions to the Agenda
3c. Resolution in Opposition to the Constitutional Ballot Initiative Article 1, Section 25 - Anti-Affirmative Action Ballot Initiative Petition
5b. Substitute Resolution
10a. Resolution in Opposition to Senate Bill 217
10b. Phase II Intergovernmental Agreement
(Comms. Severino and Nevin arrived.)
Limited Public Comment
Ms. Timmons spoke regarding agenda item 3. She reminded the Committee of the protected groups and that this group does not include gays or lesbians. Ms. Timmons repeated past concerns regarding Chairperson Swope and an article in the Lansing State Journal.
Mr. Taylor introduced Steve Funk to the Committee. Mr. Funk is the new Supervisor of Computer Operations. Mr. Taylor outlined Mr. Funk's responsibilities. Mr. Funk expressed his appreciation to the Committee for their support of his position. He has received a very positive reception from the County.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NEVIN, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
7a. Facilities - Resolution Authorizing Entering into a Contract with Schindler Elevator Corporation for Full Service Elevator Maintenance at the Grady Porter Building
MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Thomas voting NO.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NEVIN, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Hladki reviewed the Bureau's 2003 statistics as they relate to the Lansing Center. The Lansing Center housed 38 conventions in 2003, and 42 conventions are booked for this year. Twenty-seven conventions have been confirmed for the Lansing Center for 2005. Mr. Hladki further stated he meets with representatives of the Lansing Center on a regular basis. These meetings involve the issue of bringing more businesses to our community. Communications between the Bureau and the Center are improving.
In response to Chairperson Swope, Mr. Hladki stated the Airport's website includes a number of links to the Lansing Center. He further stated he hopes more strategies will evolve for further collaborative meetings with the Center. Comm. DeLeon asked about the Lansing Chamber of Commerce's role in promoting tourism. Mr. Hladki explained the Chamber promotes business development within the City.
Comm. DeLeon addressed the issue of festivals, such as Common Ground. Mr. Hladki stated festivals are a part of a creative community. The Bureau supports the Common Ground concept and would like to do more to promote the event. Approximately $10,000 has been budgeted by the Bureau for festivals in 2004. Approximately $5,000 of that amount is budgeted for the Common Ground event. Mr. Hladki further stated he could not address the issue of the Folk Festival. This issue predated his time with the Bureau.
Mr. Hladki explained the Bureau is trying to develop criteria which would create a more equitable funding balance for festivals. Comm. DeLeon expressed her concern that a few of the Bureau's brochures and guides are printed in Illinois. She urged the Bureau to find a way to keep their printing business in this community. Mr. Hladki explained the first priority of the Bureau is to keep business in Lansing and the second priority is to keep business in this State. He assured Comm. DeLeon that he would address her concern. Comm. DeLeon requested the Bureau to communicate any new process to this Committee.
Comm. DeLeon questioned Mr. Hladki regarding the membership criteria for the Bureau. Mr. Hladki explained the organizations listed in the Bureau's brochure are driven by membership. The Bureau is looking to make changes in this process so that other organizations within the community may be included in the brochure. In regard to outreach efforts, Mr. Hladki explained the Bureau does request activity information from community organizations which are not members of the Bureau.
Comm. DeLeon expressed her appreciation to Mr. Hladki for addressing her concerns this evening. She stated she believes actions are being taken to address the concerns.
The Committee continued their discussion of this item. In response to Comm. Nevin, Mr. Hladki stated the Lansing Center is not managed by a private entity. Comm. DeLeon also informed Comm. Nevin that catering for the Center is conducted in-house. In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Hladki stated any hotel expansion in the downtown Lansing area will be decided by others, not the Bureau.
Members of the Youth Commission reviewed the Commission's Quarterly Report. Mr. Wein stated the Commission's attendance has dramatically increased during this quarter. Currently, 12 students are members of the Commission. Efforts are being made to increase the membership.
Mr. VanKirk stated members of the Commission visited the Youth Center with Comm. Holman. This visit was very informative and has effected the Commission's decisions regarding their recommended use of the Juvenile Justice Millage funds.
Mr. Martin stated the Government Education Committee is working on an initiative to promote 18 years olds to register to vote. The Commission is researching "Rock the Vote" as they are considering holding a local "Rock the Vote" event. Recently, the Youth Commission registered 16 Holt students to vote during a District Basketball Game.
Mr. Denny updated this Committee regarding the efforts of the Commission's Community Service Committee. Plans are being made to organize volunteers for the Parks Department's service projects. The Community Services Committee has met with Carolynn Jarvis of the Michigan Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence. Ms. Jarvis approached the Youth Commission regarding this matter.
Mr. Freeman addressed the Public Relations aspect of the Commission. The PR Committee is working on a membership campaign. A press release will also be released to promote the Ingham County Youth Commission.
Comm. DeLeon applauded the members of the Youth Commission for their efforts and accomplishments. The Youth Commission is taking a serious approach to the County's issues. Mr. Denny expressed the Commission's appreciation to the County Services Committee for their support. Chairperson Swope commended the Commission on their success in exceeding their original goal to register 10 students to vote. Comm. DeLeon and Chairperson Celentino invited the Youth Commission to present a summarized report to the Board of Commissioners at their next meeting. By addressing the Board, the Youth Commission will present their message to the entire community.
Comm. Hertel stated he is very excited regarding the Commission's efforts to register voters. This is a very impressive goal of the Commission. Comm. Hertel then encouraged the members of the Commission to let this Committee know if it can help them in any way to bring more people into the governmental process.
Comm. Nevin stated the Commission's Report is very impressive. The Juvenile Justice ratings contained within the Report are also very interesting. He is interested in hearing more from the Commission on this matter. Comm. Nevin also encouraged the Commission to look at other gun safety organizations to gain a different perspective.
Chairperson Celentino stated the gun organization approached the Commission. He then echoed Comm. DeLeon's comments. The Commission has come a long way since is inception. Ms. Rummel and Ms. Lamison have done a very good job with the Commission. Chairperson Celentino suggested the Commission build on its 2002 mock election for 2004.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF DALE COPEDGE TO THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Committee proceeded to the next item for discussion.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL BALLOT INITIATIVE, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 25 - ANTI AFFIRMATIVE ACTION BALLOT INITIATIVE PETITION.
Comm. Severino stated he contacted Mr. Ambrose last week regarding having this Resolution reviewed by the County Attorney. He then stated this Resolution is less obnoxious than the Resolution in item 3b, in terms of how it effects State law. Mr. Ambrose stated he has not received a written opinion from the County Attorney. He did receive a verbal opinion from the County Attorney that it is safe for the Board of Commissioners to act on this Resolution. However, going beyond its adoption would be problematic for the County.
Comm. Severino requested some form of communication from the County Attorney regarding this issue prior to the next Board meeting. He will not support this item this evening and he will look forward to the County Attorney's opinion.
MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Severino and Nevin voting NO.
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION REGARDING CREATION OF A POSITION OF ATTORNEY/REFEREE WITHIN THE JUVENILE DIVISION/FAMILY COURT AND AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT AMENDMENT TO THE CIRCUIT COURT/FAMILY DIVISION 2003/04 CHILD CARE FUND BUDGET.
Comm. DeLeon asked how an additional position would fit in with the Court's plans. Mr. Oliver responded to Comm. DeLeon's request. He explained the assessment process has the potential to create additional work for the current staff. It appears the assessment process may involve 30 to 90 minutes per assessment. Placing the assessment responsibility with intake referees would be logical. Since this will be a major addition to the intake referee's duties and will ultimately impact upon the entire needs/risk assessment of our caseload, the Court has now determined it needs each of the current three intake referee positions. In addition, the Court has also determined a need for a legal referee to assist the present Chief Referee, the Court and the Juvenile Division in performing legal duties mandated by law.
Comm. DeLeon expressed her concern that Juvenile Justice Millage funds are being spent on a 'piece-meal basis.' The funds are not being spent in accordance with a permanent plan. Mr. Oliver explained the Cincinnati Study recommended an additional legal referee. He further explained the assessment process is critical to focus changes to the current system. This is a very complex process. The Court also has concerns regarding the fragmented use of the JJM funds.
Chairperson Celentino informed Mr. Oliver that Comm. Holman presented a planning tool to the Judiciary Committee last week. This tool will be helpful in determining the use of the JJM funds. The planning tool should be supplied to all Commissioners.
Comm. DeLeon stated juvenile justice is a very important issue to the County and the Board would like to have a firm handle on the plans for JJM expenditures. Comm. Severino echoed the concerns of Comm. DeLeon. He does not believe that approving this Resolution meets the intent of the Millage language.
MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Severino and Nevin voting NO.
Mr. Oliver stated he would try to supply more information to this Committee in response to its concerns.
Mr. Ambrose informed the Committee that the City of Lansing is no longer interested in this matter. This item was pulled from the agenda.
7b. Facilities - Resolution Awarding a Contract to Moore's Security Services, Inc. for Uniformed Unarmed Guard Services at Various County Facilities
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO MOORE'S SECURITY SERVICES, INC. FOR UNIFORMED UNARMED GUARD SERVICES AT VARIOUS COUNTY FACILITIES.
In response to Comm. Nevin, Mr. Hudgins stated this will be the second contract for the County which should meet the requirements of the County's Living Wage Policy. The Register of Deeds Office has the other contract which must comply with the Policy. Mr. Hudgins further stated he does not have any information regarding costs of the Policy at this time.
Comm. Hertel expressed his hope that the Purchasing Department will keep track of inflationary costs when determining the living wage. Mr. Ambrose stated the most significant costs associated with the Policy involve contracts for security and cleaning services.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Lindemann stated many attempts to change the Drain Code were made in the 1990's. This is a very complicated piece of legislation. The Code is the Drain Office's bible of how the County manages its storm drain systems. Mr. Lindemann explained he believes the current Code should be revised, however, the Bill 217 changes the Code dramatically. He further explained the proposed Code changes will not benefit the public. His Office will support a revision of the Code, not Senate Bill 217.
Mr. Lindemann urged the Committee to approve this Resolution.
Comm. Hertel stated he will support the Resolution based on Mr. Lindemann's advice. Comm. Severino also expressed his support of the Resolution.
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 217. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Lindemann reviewed this issue. Details of the Agreement are summarized in Mr. Pratt's memorandum dated March 16, 2004. Mr. Lindemann requested that this Committee consider this Agreement during the budget process. He further stated he believes it is right for the Drain Office to support this Agreement.
Mr. Ambrose stated this Committee can formally deal with this request at its next meeting. He further explained the County is not required to support the Agreement. Mr. Lindemann will submit a request to this Committee during the next round of meetings. Mr. Ambrose further stated Ingham County's participation in this Agreement should be based on the same participation of Clinton and Eaton Counties.
Comm. Thomas thanked Mr. Lindemann for his advance notice of this issue.
Comm. Hertel explained that the other liaison Committees have expressed concerns regarding the proposed Process. Based on those concerns, this item has been referred to the Finance Committee. Comm. Thomas stated this Committee should also forward any of its concerns to the Finance Committee. Chairperson Swope stated the Law Enforcement Committee had concerns regarding the proposed Process. He further stated the current process may need revisions. However, a total rewrite is not necessary.
Comm. DeLeon explained that the County needs to determine how to maximize its Community Agency funds to meet the current needs of the community. Comm. Thomas agreed that shifting more of the Community Agency focus to Human Services is right. However, this should be done on a gradual basis.
Chairperson Celentino commended the Finance Subcommittee for their efforts on this matter. He then stated he fears their proposal may create more problems than solutions. Comm. Thomas stated some change is needed. If the focus is shifted to the Human Services Committee for 2005 due to the current economic climate, it should also be made clear that this focus may change for 2006 based on different needs of the community. Comm. Severino stated the process should be more flexible.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION OPPOSING HOUSE BILL 4234.
The Committee held a brief discussion regarding this item. Comm. Nevin expressed his support of the Resolution and Comm. Severino stated he would not support the Resolution.
MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Nevin and Severino voting NO.
The Board Referral was received and placed on file.
Announcements: None
Public Comment
Ms. Timmons expressed her concerns regarding the expenditure of the Juvenile Justice Millage funds. She also complemented the Youth Commission. However, she expressed concerns regarding their efforts to register voters. Ms. Timmons then spoke about her continuing concerns regarding domestic partners and the issue regarding Chairperson Swope.
Mr. Denny, Youth Commission, thanked this Committee for its support of the Commission. The Commission has received a lot of information regarding the County's juvenile justice system. Mr. Denny then stated the Ingham County Clerk's Office provided the Youth Commission with voter applications and registration forms. The Youth Commission acted responsibly when handling their efforts to increase voter registration.
The meeting adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff