Approved 4/20/04
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, Jim Hudgins, Nervy Oliver, Dan Reinecke, Christine Timmons, Mary Finch and Becky Brimley
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Swope at 7:04 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the March 16, 2004 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE MARCH 16 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Additions to the Agenda
7a. Substitute Resolution
Limited Public Comment
Ms. Timmons spoke regarding the Juvenile Justice Millage as it relates to agenda item ten. She then expressed her continuing views about same sex marriages.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1b. Equal Opportunity Committee - 2003 Annual Report
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1a. Equal Opportunity Committee - Resolution in Opposition to the Constitutional Ballot Initiative, Article 1, Section 25 - Anti-Affirmative Action Ballot Initiative Petition
Chairperson Swope stated this item was returned to this Committee since he had not had the opportunity to review the County Attorney opinion regarding this matter.
Comm. DeLeon suggested the following amendments to the Resolution:
First WHEREAS: in accordance with our above mission statement, the Ingham County Equal Opportunity Committee has RECOMMENDED THE BOARD STATE A POSITION REGARDING the Constitutional Ballot Initiative Article I, Section 25, (AKA as the anti-affirmative action ballot initiative); and
Paragraphs 3, 4 and 5: change "ballot initiative" to "efforts to."
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners oppose ANY ANTI-AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS WHICH WOULD HAVE been identified as a barrier to creating a diverse workforce for Ingham County.
Chairperson Celentino stated action on this item could be deferred until the Committee has seen the County Attorney opinion. Comm. Severino agreed that it would be wise to have this matter reviewed by the County Attorney. Comm. Nevin also agreed with Chairperson Celentino's recommendation.
Comm. DeLeon withdrew her proposed motion.
The Committee did not take action on this agenda item.
Mr. Reinecke stated the EOC will continue to strive for a diverse work group in the County. All departments have done a great job in increasing minority hire numbers.
In response to Comm. DeLeon, Mr. Reinecke explained that information regarding the positions being filled by minorities is distributed to the EOC on a quarterly basis. The EOC is also concerned with providing real employment opportunities to the minority population. Comm. DeLeon stated she would like to see that minority employees also assume upper-management positions. She then stated she appreciated the EOC's Report.
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A REAPPROPRIATION OF 2003 FUNDS TO THE WOMEN'S COMMISSION.
Ms. Brimley expressed the Commission's concern that it will lose their unspent budgeted funds. The Commission has been working with Ms. Younger, Budget Director, regarding this issue.
Ms. Finch, Women's Commission, spoke regarding the eighth grade essay contest. The Women's Commission will provide the funding for first, second, third and honorable mention winners. In response to Chairperson Swope, Ms. Brimley stated the Women's Commission provided funding to the Angel House/St. Vincent's in 1998. An agreement has been developed between the County and the Council Against Domestic Assault to provide the needed services.
Mr. Ambrose explained the Resolution will reappropriate unspent funds from 2003 to the Commission's 2004 budget. Angel House and St. Vincent activities would have been reviewed by the County Attorney.
Chairperson Swope stated he would like this Committee to receive yearly reports from the Women's Commission. A report from 2003 has not yet been received. In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Ambrose explained that it is not unusual for departments and commissions to request a reappropriation of funds from the previous year. However, the reappropriated funds are generally expected to be spent on the original intent for the funding.
Comm. Severino stated it would be very helpful to ensure that the Commission's efforts do not duplicate services being provided by the County. Ms. Brimley stated she has spoken with Mr. Ambrose regarding this issue. Comm. Nevin stated he would feel more comfortable if the contract for services was presented to this Committee. Mr. Ambrose stated a copy of the contract could be submitted to this Committee.
MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Nevin voting NO.
Chairperson Swope suggested the Women's Commission invite the essay contest winners to appear before a Board of Commissioners meeting.
Chairperson Swope thanked Mr. Hudgins for this Report. It appears from the Report that the County is in compliance with the Policy regarding Prevailing Wages. There was a brief discussion regarding this item.
Mr. Hailey explained the last page of the Report contains the information detailing the positions being filled by minority applicants. He also stated the EOC receives this information on a monthly basis. Comm. DeLeon requested additional information regarding this matter. Mr. Hailey explained that the Human Resources Department strongly encourages department heads to look at minority employees when there is a need to promote from within the department.
Mr. Oliver apologized to the Committee for the error in Resolution #04-93. The error was not discovered until immediately after its adoption by the Board of Commissioners. A revised funding plan is detailed in the new Resolution. The three Intake Referee positions will be spending one-half of their time assessing the risks and needs of the children. Therefore, it is appropriate to fund these positions as follows: Child Care Fund 50%; General Fund 25% and Juvenile Justice Millage 25%.
The new Attorney/Referee position and equipment/furniture will be funded from the County's General Fund. This cost will be covered by transferring the position funding for the three Intake Referee positions. Mr. Ambrose explained the assessment function is eligible for Juvenile Justice funds. This function is also Child Care Fund eligible. The new Attorney/Referee will not be conducting assessments. The proposed changes outlined in the new Resolution are consistent with the Juvenile Justice Millage guidelines. This issue was discussed further.
Comm. Thomas explained that the 2003 Judiciary Committee made it very clear with the Court that the first step in treatment of juveniles is to conduct an assessment/needs process. The Court is now moving forward with this request. The new Resolution has addressed his concerns.
Comm. Severino asked about the union's position on the proposed changes. Mr. Oliver stated the union feels the proposed changes make sense and that they will make the jobs more efficient. Comm. DeLeon stated she understands the need for the assessment process. She will support the Resolution at this time. However, she reserves the right to change her mind on this matter if she deems necessary. Comm. DeLeon expressed her concern regarding the setting of a precedent by shifting current position funding to the Juvenile Justice Millage.
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO RESCIND RESOLUTION #04-93, CREATE A NEW ATTORNEY/REFEREE POSITION WITHIN THE JUVENILE DIVISION/FAMILY COURT, AUTHORIZE A CONTRACT AMENDMENT TO THE CIRCUIT COURT/FAMILY DIVISION 2003/04 CHILD CARE FUND BUDGET AND AUTHORIZE THE USE OF JUVENILE JUSTICE MILLAGE FUNDS.
This discussion continued. Comm. Nevin expressed his appreciation to Mr. Oliver for creating a rational solution to the concerns in the first Resolution. He further stated it is very important to address the bold language in the Resolution during the budget process. Comm. Severino echoed Comm. Nevin's comments. He also stated he hopes the Court will assess the work of the Intake Referees.
Mr. Oliver stated Dr. Davidson will be present at Judiciary's April 29 meeting for the purpose of updating that Committee on the assessment process.
Comm. DeLeon suggested the Court build in a cultural competency component in the assessment process.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE 2004 INGHAM COUNTY BUDGET.
Comm. Nevin expressed Comm. Schafer's concerns regarding funding for sheriff's office positions. Communities are not able to continue the funding of those positions. Therefore, Comm. Nevin stated he cannot support this Resolution.
Comm. Hertel stated his wish that Stockbridge Township would raise their funding level for the sheriff's position.
MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Nevin voting NO.
Mr. Ambrose distributed the information from the County Offices, Departments and the Courts to the Committee for their review. Mr. Ambrose reviewed the items listed under the County Services heading in the report. The items were summarized statements regarding requests and concerns from County Offices, Departments and the Courts.
Comm. Hertel stated the issue of ozone non-attainment should also be included under the heading of the Human Services Committee.
Comm. Thomas expressed his concern that this Committee should not lose sight of the 'big picture.' Mr. Ambrose explained the Board's long-term objectives are the 'big picture.'
Chairperson Swope stated this Committee should hold meetings between the Commissioners, the Airport Authority and the Travel Agency representatives. A few representatives from each group would attend the proposed meetings. The purpose of the meetings would be to urge all parties to deal with issues and to resolve them. Comm. Nevin stated he would be happy to be a part of the discussions.
Chairperson Celentino stated he asked Mr. Selig to provide this Committee with a written report regarding what the Authority is doing at this time. He then suggested this Committee send a letter to the Authority which outlines their options and to begin a dialogue. Comm. Severino agreed with this suggestion. It was the consensus of this Committee to follow the suggestion of Chairperson Celentino.
Announcements: None
Public Comment
Ms. Timmons stated she was pleased to see that the Attorney Referee position and equipment were removed from the Resolution in agenda item 10. She then expressed her continuing concerns regarding the expenditure of the Juvenile Justice Millage funds.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff