Amended 8/17/04

 

COUNTY SERVICES

July 20, 2004

Minutes

 

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, Judi Gardi, Christine Timmon, Donna Rummel, Janeil Valentine, Judge McCabe, Richard McNulty, Willis Bennett, Anethea Brewer, Stacy Sheridan and Don Vickers

 

The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson Thomas at 7:06 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

 

Approval of the June 15, 2004 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE JUNE 15 MINUTES AS AMENDED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comms. Swope, Severino and Nevin

 

Additions to the Agenda

10g.     Resolution Honoring John Andreson

 

Limited Public Comment

Ms. Timmon spoke in support of agenda item 10a and against agenda item 9b.  She then expressed her continuing concerns regarding same sex marriages.

 

(Comm. Nevin arrived at 7:09 p.m.)

 

1.                  Board/Commission Presentations – Youth Commission Interviews

 

The Committee interviewed Paul Wilson and Renee Snodgrass for the Youth Commission.

 

(Comm. Severino arrived at 7:09 p.m.)

 

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENTS OF PAUL WILSON AND RENEE SNODGRASS TO THE YOUTH COMMISSION.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comms.  Swope

 

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

 

  1. Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – Resolution Authorizing a Reorganization of Certain Positions in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

 

  1. Ingham County/MSU Extension  - Resolution to Authorize a Second Year Contract Between Ingham  County MSU Extension and the Michigan Family Independence Agency (MFIA) for a Juvenile Justice Title V Prevention Grant and Associated Subcontracts

 

  1. Health Department
    1. Subcontract with the Ingham Intermediate School District to Continue the “All Children Connected to Succeed”  Initiative
    2. Resolution to Authorize a Contract with the Michigan Family Independence Agency to Provide Administrative Support for Development of the Strong Families/Safe Children Program

 

  1. Purchasing Department – Resolution Authorizing a Contract Extension with DBI Business Interiors

 

8.         Facilities Department

a.         Resolution Authorizing a Contract with American Asphalt for Resurfacing Eight (8) Areas of Parking Lot at the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office

            b.         Additional Ninety Day Unpaid Leave of Absence Request

 

  1. Human Resources Department

c.                   Resolution Certifying Representatives for the MERS Annual Meeting

 

  1. Board of Commissioners

a.         Resolution Proclaiming “Family Day” in Ingham County

c.         Resolution Appropriating Funds for the Centennial Anniversary of the Ingham County Courthouse

e.         Resolution in Support of Capital Area Michigan Works! Grant Application to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth for a Regional Skill Alliance Project

f.          Resolution Designating the Month of July as “Michigan Farm Workers Appreciation Month” in Ingham County

g.         Resolution Honoring John Andreson

 

  1. Controller’s Office

a.                   Resolution Authorizing Adjustments to the 2004 Ingham County Budget

c.                   Resolution Authorizing Contract to Provide Administration of Self-Funded Dental

 

(Chairperson Swope arrived and assumed his position as Chair of this Committee.)

 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 

 

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NEVIN, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

2.                  Parks Board – Resolution Supporting Amendments to Proposed House Bill 5906 Regarding the Certification of Parks Police Officers

 

The Committee consented to a Friendly Amendment to send a copy of this Resolution to the Michigan Association of Counties.

 

Comm. Severino stated he is opposed to the proposed House Bill because the County Prosecutor has indicated his belief that Park Police should be under the Sheriff’s Office supervision.

 

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSED HOUSE BILL 5906 REGARDING THE CERTIFICATION OF PARKS POLICE OFFICERS.  MOTION CARRIED as amended, with Comms. Severino and Nevin voting NO.

 

  1. 55th District Court – Resolution to Authorize Budget Adjustments and New Positions within the 55th District Court

 

Judge McCabe explained the 2 FTE positions are being requested to process the enormous work load and to enable the Court to generate additional revenue.  The additional new revenue would cover the costs of the two new positions.  If sufficient revenue is not generated, the Court agree to terminate the new positions.

 

The Committee discussed this issue.  Comm. Nevin requested information pertaining to the back log of work in the District Court.  Ms. Brewer explained the Court is currently not able to complete the processing of some cases.  The two new positions would address this concern.

 

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND NEW POSITIONS WITHIN THE 55TH DISTRICT COURT.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

 

  1. Human Resources Department

a.                   Resolution Approving the ICEA/Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Collective Bargaining Agreement

 

Mr. Hailey stated the Resolution would approve a one year contract extension.  This extension would only bring this Bargaining Unit up to the same level as other units.

 

MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ICEA/ASSISTANT PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

b.      Resolution Authorizing a Letter of Agreement Allowing Employees in the ICEA Professional Local  33 to Have Access to Domestic Partner Health

Insurance

 

Mr. Hailey stated his Office received a letter from the ICEA Local 33 requesting the addition of Domestic Partner insurance.  He informed the ICEA that he would submit this request to this Committee. 

 

In response to Comm. Nevin, Mr. Hailey explained that, due to previous contracts, he believes the cost of this addition would be minimal.  Mr. Hailey also explained to Comm. Severino that it is the normal procedure to approval a contract amendment in the middle of the contract period.  This issue was discussed further.

 

MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A LETTER OF AGREEMENT ALLOWING EMPLOYEES IN THE ICEA PROFESSIONAL LOCAL 33 TO HAVE ACCESS TO DOMESTIC PARTNER HEALTH INSURANCE.  MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Nevin and Severino voting NO.

 

(Chairperson  Celentino arrived at approximately 7:20 p.m.)

 

10b.     Board of Commissioners - Resolution Adopting the Ingham County Farmland Purchase of Development Rights Ordinance

 

Mr. Ambrose explained the Ordinance in the agenda packet is similar to the one reviewed by this Committee at its last meeting.  Since the previous meeting, representatives of the work group, County staff and the County Attorney have met to finalize the draft Ordinance.  The final draft of the Ordinance and the corresponding Resolution are included in the agenda packet for this Committee’s review.

 

Mr. Ambrose advised the Committee that the County Attorney has determined the County is not authorized to name a commissioner to the Ingham County Agricultural Preservation Board (ICAP).  The make up of the ICAP Board is not covered by statute.  The Ordinance contains a suggested composition of the ICAP Board.  Ordinance Section 4; B indicates the Board of Commissioners has discretion to remove members from the ICAP Board. 

 

Section 7 of the Ordinance clarifies the process by which the Board of Commissioners will approve the selection criteria for the application process.  Section 13 states the Ordinance may be amended by a majority vote of the County Board of Commissioners. 

 

The Committee discussed the issue of appointing a County Commissioner to the ICAP Board.  Mr. Perrone, County Attorney, stated the County may appoint a Commissioner to a non-voting position on the ICAP. 

 

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE INGHAM COUNTY FARMLAND PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS ORDINANCE.

 

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE TO ALLOW AN INGHAM COUNTY COMMISSIONER TO HOLD A NON-VOTING POSITION ON THE INGHAM COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION BOARD. 

 

In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Perrone explained that a non-voting Commissioner on the ICAP Board would not present any conflict of interest.  Mr. Ambrose stated a non-voting Commissioner on the ICAP Board would act as a liaison to the Ingham County Board of Commissioners.  Chairperson Swope stated a County staff person could act as a liaison to the Board of Commissioners.  A Commissioner does not need to be appointed to the ICAP Board.  

 

Comm. Hertel stated an Ingham County Commissioner is needed on the ICAP Board to act as a liaison and to communicate issues to the Board of Commissioners.  This discussion continued.  Chairperson Swope stated that every decision made by the ICAP Board would be submitted to this Committee for approval.  Therefore, a liaison is not needed.  Comm. Thomas stated that having a Commissioner involved in this process as early as possible would be very beneficial for this Committee regarding the issue of communication. 

 

Ms.  Sheridan stated other Counties have not requested to have a Commissioner appointed to the ICAP Board as a non-voting member.  She further stated it would be nice to have Commissioners involved in the ICAP Board to communicate issues efficiently. 

 

MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED with Comm. Swope voting NO.

 

Comm. Thomas asked about the publishing of the Ordinance.  Ms.  Sheridan explained there is a two-week window to publish the Ordinance.  She then addressed additional questions from this Committee.  Comm. Nevin questioned Section 1; I of the Ordinance.  Ms. Sheridan stated the language contained in that Section is boiler plate language.

 

MOVED BY COMM. NEVIN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS,  TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE BY REMOVING LANGUAGE ON PAGE 3; SECTION 1(I) “FURTHER, WHILE THE INTENT OF THIS ORDINANCE IS TO INITIALLY SEEK THE PURCHASE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS FOR 50% OF ALL AGRICULTURAL ACRES IN THE COUNTY.”  THE LAST SENTENCE OF THAT SECTION WILL READ:  THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF ACRES FOR WHICH DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS WILL BE PURCHASED WILL (OMIT “ALSO’) REMAIN THE PREROGATIVE OF FUTURE COUNTY BOARDS OF COMMISSIONERS.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

MOVED BY COMM. NEVIN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE TO CHANGE “COUNTY” TO “INGHAM COUNTY” AND TO REFER TO “INGHAM COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION BOARD”, NOT “COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION BOARD.  THESE CHANGES ARE TO BE MADE THROUGHOUT THE ORDINANCE WHERE APPRORIATE.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

Comm. Severino stated Section 2; I – Definition of Property Owner, should not include Ingham County Elected Officials or members of the ICAP Board.  Ms. Sheridan explained Section 5; D addresses the issue of conflicts of interest.  Comm. Thomas agreed with Comm. Severino’s concerns regarding the Elected Officials issue.  Further, he believes that members of the ICAP Board should be included in the Definition of Property Owner. 

 

Ms. Sheridan informed the Committee that Ordinance Section 3; D addresses the issue of conflicts of interest.  People serving on the Agricultural Board are very interested in the goals of the ICAP Board and should, therefore, be permitted to serve on the ICAP Board. 

 

Comm. Thomas stated this County has one of the strongest Ethics Policies in the State.  Ingham County Commissioners must disclose potential conflicts of interest as soon as they are aware of that potential.  The Commissioner must then remove himself/herself from any relation to that matter and the Board of Commissioners.  Comm. Thomas stated he believes the issue of ethics is addressed adequately in the Ordinance. 

 

Comm. Severino expressed his belief that Ingham County’s Ethics Policy does not carry any legal weight.  He further stated that it is important to create an honest program.  After further discussion, Comm. Severino withdrew his suggestion that County-wide Elected Officials should not be able to serve on the ICAP Board. 

 

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NEVIN, TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE TO STATE THAT NO MEMBER OF THE INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OR THE INGHAM COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION BOARD IS ELIGIBLE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE PROGRAM.

 

Ms. Sheridan explained that applicants for the program may serve on the ICAP Board as long as they do not vote on their own applications. 

 

MOTION FAILED with Comms. Severino and Nevin voting YES.

 

APPROVAL OF MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED.  CARRIED with Comm. Swope voting NO.

 

10.       Board of Commissioners

d.                  Resolution to Adopt a Revised Equal Opportunity Employment Plan

 

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A REVISED EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT PLAN.

 

In response to Comm. Thomas, Mr.  Ambrose explained that County-wide Elected Officials and Judges were contacted regarding the proposed Revised Plan.  The Register of Deeds, the District Court and the Sheriff’s Office have indicated their support of the Revised Plan.  Mr. Dunnings, Ingham County Prosecutor has indicated he does not intend to force the proposed Plan on his staff.  Mr. Bryanton and Mr. Schertzing have also indicated their support of the Plan.  The Probate Court and the Drain Commissioner’s Office have not responded as of this date

 

Comm. Severino stated he would have felt more comfortable voting on this issue if the EOC had reached out to the County-wide Elected Officials and that the Prosecutor had indicated his support of the Plan.   Therefore, he will not support the Plan at this time.  He could support the Plan if he has received written letters of support from the County-wide Elected Officials.

 

Chairperson Swope asked when the Revised Plan was distributed to the County-wide Elected Officials.  Mr. Ambrose stated that the amended Plan has been distributed to the County-wide Elected Officials.  Comm. Hertel stated the Board of Commissioners cannot force the Elected Officials to support the Plan. 

 

Mr. Hailey stated he was responsible for the distribution of the Plan to the County-wide Elected Officials.  He will continue the appropriate process regarding the Plan until his office receives objections to same.  If objections are received, he will forward them to this Committee.  Comm. Thomas stated he would ask the County-wide Elected Officials to send a response letter to this Committee regarding the Plan.

 

  1.  Controller’s Office

b.                  Budget Update 2005

 

Mr. Ambrose informed the Committee that the 2005 Budget would be discussed in detail at the Board Leadership meeting.  This meeting will be held at the Fairgrounds on August 19, 2004.

 

Announcements:           None

 

Public Comment

Ms. Timmon spoke regarding the domestic partner health insurance issue.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Debra Neff