Approved 12/7/04
COUNTY SERVICES
November 16, 2004
Minutes
Members Present: Chris Swope, Marc Thomas, Debbie DeLeon, Mike Severino and Board Chairperson Celentino
Members Absent: Curtis Hertel and John Nevin
Others Present: Harold Hailey, Jerry Ambrose, Bruce Bragg, Rodney Taylor, Jack Restuccia, Christine Timmon, Jim Hudgins, Eric Schertzing, Steve Dougan, Aileen Gow, Joan Nelson, Bob Moore, Timothy Perrone, Becky Brimley, Cheryl Williams-Hecksel, Sherry Solomon, Christine Corrigan and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Swope at 7:03 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the October 19, 2004 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 19 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Hertel, Severino and Nevin
Additions to the Agenda
2b. Resolution Honoring Becky Brimley
5c. Resolution Approving Letters of Understanding Regarding Health Insurance Changes to the Managerial/Confidential Employee Personnel Policy
7c. Resolution Honoring Terry Brail
7d. Recommended Starting Salary for the New Animal Control Director
8d. Resolution Opting Out of a Tax Capture for the Expanded Mason DDA District
Limited Public Comment
Ms. Timmon spoke regarding the November election results and also addressed her concerns regarding agenda item 7b.
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWNG ITEMS:
2. Women’s Commission
a. Resolution Authorizing an Appropriation from the Women’s Commission Budget and a Contract with Ballentine Stepping Stones Catholic Social Services of Lansing/St. Vincent Home, Inc. and the Girl Scouts of Michigan Capital Council for Community Service
b. Resolution Honoring Becky Brimley
4. Health Department
a. Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with Capital Area Community Services to Expand the Jump Start Program to Serve Early Head Start
b. Resolution to Authorize a 2004-2005 Federal Abstinence Grant Program
5. Financial Services/Benefits and Insurance Administrator
a. Resolution Amending Resolution #91-164, Increasing the Medical Expense Reimbursement Limit
b. Compensation for New Employee
c. Resolution Approving Letters of Understanding Regarding Health Insurance Changes to the Managerial/Confidential Employee Personnel Policy
6. MIS Department – Resolution to Authorize Creation of a Server Technician/Computer Room Coordinator Position
7. Board of Commissioners
a. Resolution Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
b. Resolution Designating December 1, 2004 as “World AIDS Day” in Ingham County
c. Resolution Honoring Terry Brail
d. Recommended Starting Salary for the New Animal Control Director
8. Controller’s Office
b. Resolution Conditionally Authorizing an Exchange of Property with the Arthur W. Jewett Trust and the Alice L. Jewett Trust
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Hertel, Severino and Nevin
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Hertel, Severino and Nevin
8. Controller’s Office
a. Resolution Extending a Waiver of the Requirements of the Ingham County Living Wage Policy for Catholic Social Services of Lansing/St. Vincent Home
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION EXTENDING A WAIVER OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE INGHAM COUNTY LIVING WAGE POLICY FOR CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF LANSING/ST. VINCENT HOME.
Ms. Williams-Hecksel thanked the Committee for the opportunity to present the waiver extension request. She explained the request is based on CSS’s business needs and the market. Compassionate philanthropy doesn’t always allow for long-term budgeting. If their financial situation does not improve next year, CSS may be back here next year to request another waiver.
(Comm. Severino arrived at 7:10 p.m.)
Comm. Thomas asked if CSS would have to terminate its contract with the County if it does not receive the waiver. Ms. Williams-Hecksel stated if the request is not approved this evening, CSS would have to consider a termination of the contract. Mr. Ambrose explained that if the waiver is not approved, the County would not renew its contract with CSS for 2005.
Mr. Ambrose explained that CSS did request the waiver in a timely manner. He then outlined the steps CSS has taken in an effort to meet the requirements of the County’s Living Wage Policy. The Committee discussed this matter further. Ms. Williams-Hecksel stated it is CSS’s intent to pay its employees a just and equitable wage. CSS will follow its plan to meet the goal of the Policy.
Comm. Severino informed the Committee that Comm. Hertel would not be present this evening because his wife may be in labor.
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION BY CHANGING THE SECOND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED PARAGRAPH AS FOLLOWS:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNTY CONTROLLER SHALL ANNUALLY REPORT TO THE COUNTY SERVICES COMMITTEE NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 . . .
In response to Comm. DeLeon, Mr. Ambrose explained that the waiver for the second and third years will not be made automatically.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED with Comm. Severino voting NO. Absent: Comms. Hertel and Nevin
MOTION AS AMENDED: CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Hertel and Nevin
c. Resolution Authorizing 2005 Agreements for Community Agencies
The Committee held a brief discussion regarding the Board’s intentions for the 2005 Community Agency requirements. Comm. Thomas stated he understood the Board would give special consideration to agencies whose services impact the entire County. Mr. Ambrose stated he did not remember that issue. Comm. Thomas stated he would review the Budget Resolution on-line during tonight’s meeting.
Comm. DeLeon stated the Board agreed to give consideration to new agencies over existing agencies that are receiving Community Agency funding. Mr. Ambrose stated the Board decided to focus on meeting the basic needs of the County residents during its deliberations on Community Agency funding for 2005.
Allen Neighborhood Center –
Ms. Nelson stated the Center is requesting funding to coordinate communications between the Urban Dale and the Michigan Avenue projects. Both projects impact people who live and work in Lansing. Ms. Nelson then explained the goals of both projects.
Comm. Thomas asked how the Center used its $8,000 allocation from the County in 2004. Mr. Ambrose stated the allocation was used for operational expenses for the scope of work on the Michigan Avenue project. Comm. DeLeon informed Ms. Nelson of the County’s current financial situation. Ms. Nelson explained the Center hopes to use the funding to meet more of the community’s basic needs.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated many of the Michigan Avenue residents’ concerns could be addressed if the Center received funding from the County. Addressing the concerns could result in bringing new businesses into the community.
Ingham Conservation District –
Ms. Corrigan stated the mission of the District is to educate people to change current practices which adversely affect our environment. The County’s funding would be invested in the County’s agricultural district as well as to provide educational services. Comm. DeLeon asked how the District would meet the basic needs of the County residents. Ms. Corrigan explained the District’s services would impact the environment.
Comm. DeLeon expressed her concern regarding the County’s funding of duplicate services. She believes the District is duplicating the services of the Ingham County Drain Commission. Ms. Corrigan assured Comm. DeLeon that the District does not duplicate services provided by the Drain Commission.
In response to Comm. Thomas, Ms. Corrigan stated the District’s services do affect urban sprawl concerns. This discussion continued.
Urban Options –
Ms. Gow stated Urban Options partners closely with the Board of Water and Light. Urban Options would leverage the County’s funding with the Board of Water and Light to help people find ways to save on their energy costs. The funding request for 2005 is to support the hiring of new interns and to avoid cuts in staff. Ms. Gow further stated the County’s funding allocation would go a long way toward meeting the goals of Urban Options.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO FUND URBAN OPTIONS AT $7,100 AND TO FUND THE INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT AT $27,900.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO AMEND THE MOTION BY FUNDING THE INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT AT $21,500, URBAN OPTIONS AT $8,500 AND THE ALLEN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER AT $5,000.
Comm. DeLeon expressed her concern that she does not understand how the Ingham Conservation District meets the basic needs of the County’s residents. Chairperson Swope stated the proposed amendment would increase the funding level to Urban Options. Urban Options provides essential services to the residents of the County. The Allen Neighborhood Center is a wonderful project. However, it is more geographically based.
Chairperson Swope stated if this Committee approves the Center’s funding request, it could see several more neighborhood center funding requests in 2005. Comm. DeLeon stated more centers should request funding from the County. This Committee should consider funding other community resources without rubber stamping repeated funding requests from previous years.
Comm. Thomas stated the 2004 Budget Resolution indicates the Board of Commissioners will consider to which degree the community agencies meet the needs of all County residents. He further stated he will make his intention clearer next year regarding this matter.
MOTION TO AMEND FAILED with Comms. DeLeon and Swope voting YES. Absent: Comms. Hertel and Nevin
MAIN MOTION CARRIED with Comm. DeLeon voting NO. Absent: Comms. Hertel and Nevin
1. Parks Board – Discussion Item – Update on Certification of Parks Officers
Mr. Perrone informed the Committee that the attempts to make legislative changes to allow the Ingham County Parks Board to operate as it is presently have failed. He then reviewed four options for the County. These options are contained Mr. Ambrose’s October 26 memorandum to this Committee.
Mr. Perrone also stated he has received an MCOLES communication indicating they will not recognize the Ingham County Park Police. MCOLES may also deny certification of any new Park Officers. If the certification is denied, the County will have an uphill battle in the court system.
In response to Chairperson Swope, Mr. Perrone stated if MCOLES does not certify new Parks Officers, the Ingham County Sheriff could provide special deputizing for the Officers. However, this deputizing does not allow the Officers to act as police officers. This action would also create potential liability issues for the County. Mr. Ambrose stated the Board cannot compel the Sheriff to provide special deputizing services.
Mr. Moore stated people who use the County parks need to know that the Park Police have full authority. Therefore, the special deputizing would not be a good alternative. Comm. Severino asked why the County does not create a Parks Officer division within the Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Perrone explained the Sheriff has many concerns regarding this matter. Mr. Hailey stated the Human Resources Department is looking into creating a new bargaining unit to address this matter.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated the Parks Board members want to attempt a legislative change again. Senator Byrum is committed to address this issue early in 2005.
Mr. Ambrose stated his office needs direction from this Committee. Comm. DeLeon stated she was inclined to support the Parks Board members’ decision. Chairperson Swope stated the County should also look at the 1916 and 1965 laws in regard to making legislative changes. Mr. Perrone stated the County would continue to act according to the 1990 Stipulation and Order until another decision is made.
3. Treasurer’s Office – Discussion Item – County Assumption of Delinquent Property Tax Foreclosure Process
Mr. Schertzing updated the Committee regarding this issue. He stated that for the Treasurer to handle the property foreclosure actions, the Board of Commissioners must first rescind its 1999 Resolution to have the State handle the foreclosure procedures.
In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Schertzing explained the Treasurer’s Office would approach the foreclosure issue from a prevention standpoint. He further explained a statute provides the guidelines for the Treasurer’s Office to handle foreclosures. Comm. Severino asked Mr. Schertzing to provide this Committee with the statute. He also stated he is comfortable with this change because of the statute. Mr. Schertzing stated he would provide the requested information.
8d. Controller’s Office – Response to Notice by City of Mason of a Proposed Change in DDA Boundaries – Resolution Opting Out of a Tax Capture for the Expanded DDA District
Mr. Ambrose stated the City of Mason is intending to alter the boundaries of its DDA to exclude some properties and add others. By virtue of this change, the County has the right to exempt any new capture of property taxes resulting from the change. The County has a policy which will allow such capture only to support defined projects. The City will be notified of this fact and that a tax sharing agreement must be approved before any new tax captures are made by the City.
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION OPTING OUT OF A TAX CAPTURE FOR THE EXPANDED DDA DISTRICT. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Hertel and Nevin
9. Board Referral – Letter from the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing Regarding Development of a Lansing Regional Smart Zone
The Board Referral was received and placed on file.
Announcements: None
Public Comment
Ms. Timmon spoke regarding the Juvenile Justice Millage and her continued concerns regarding domestic partner insurance.
The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff