Approved 2/1/05

COUNTY SERVICES

January 18, 2005

Minutes

Members Present:         Victor Celentino, Dale Copedge, Debbie DeLeon, Andy Schor, Mike Severino, Don Vickers and Board Chairperson Mark  Grebner

Members Absent:         None

Others Present:             Harold Hailey, Jerry Ambrose, Donna Rummel, Judi Gardi, Janeil Valentine, Dave Weiner, Mr. Norkin and Bob Moore

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Celentino at 7:03 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the December 7, 2004 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDLEON, TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 7 MINUTES AS AMENDED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Chairperson Celentino welcomed the  new and returning Commissioners to the County Services Committee.

Additions to the Agenda

8e.       Additional Information

10.      

Limited Public Comment

Ms. Timmon welcomed the new Commissioners to this Committee.  She spoke regarding the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative.

Mr. Norkin, Okemos Travel, spoke to the Committee regarding a revenue guarantee initiative.  He then questioned the Airport’s authority to make such a guarantee without a public hearing. 

Ms. Moore thanked the Committee for her opportunity to interview for the EDC Board.

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

3.         Parks Department

a.         Resolution Approving Amendment #2 to the Agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to Develop Hawk Island Park

b.         Resolution Authorizing the Parks Department to Transfer Used Ski Equipment to the Meridian Township Parks and Recreation Department and the Beekman Center

d.         Resolution Authorizing a Contract with ABC Beverage Management, Inc. to Provide Vending Services for the Ingham County Parks System

4.         Road Commission – Resolution in Support of the Local Safety Project

6a.       Human Resources Department – Resolution Approving the FOP/Corrections Collective Bargaining Agreement

7.         Board of Commissioners

a.         Resolution Recognizing “Black History/Cultural Diversity Month” in Ingham County

b.         Resolution Honoring Joe Guenther

c.         Resolution Honoring John Hanieski, PhD.

d.         Resolution Proclaiming February 7, 2006 Marion “Babe” Ruth Day in Ingham County

10.       Probate Court Request – Start .5 Time Deputy Probate Register III at Level 5

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

1.         Board/Commission

            a.         Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors Interviews

The Committee interviewed the following applicants for the EDC Board:

            Cassandra Green                                  Michael Haddock

            David Woltz                                         Gwendolyn Shorter

            Heather Moore                         Daniel Feinberg

            Kirk Martin

Chairperson Celentino informed the applicants that recommendations would not be made this evening.  An additional applicant is scheduled to be interviewed on February 1.

            b.         Youth Commission Interview

The Committee interviewed Brittany Green for a position on the Ingham County  Youth Commission.

MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF BRITTANY GREEN TO THE INGHAM COUNTY YOUTH COMMISSION.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2.         Youth Commission – Quarterly Report

The following members of the Youth Commission reviewed the information contained in the Quarterly Report:

            Matt Denny                                          Kareem Janoudi

            Matt Witter                                          Rami Janoudi

            Paul Wilson                                          Renee Snodgrass

This Report was included in the agenda packet.  Mr. Denny then stated the Youth  Commission plans to continue with the Teen Forum this year and to continue working with the Historical Commission and Mayor’s Initiative.  The Committee is also preparing for Michigan’s Capitol Experience which will be held in Lansing.  The possibility of attending the 4-H Washington Focus trip this summer is being explored.

Comm. Schor congratulated the Youth Commission on their successful quarter.  He then stated including the Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau  in the Youth Commission’s public relations  plan is an excellent idea.  Comm. Schor encouraged the Youth Commission to continue to provide this Committee and other entities with the youth perspective on various issues. 

Comm. Severino congratulated the Youth Commissioners for their successful quarter.  He informed all present that Kareem Janoudi had the winning essay for the Dennis Archer Scholarship. 

Chairperson Celentino thanked the Youth Commission for submitting their Quarterly Report to this Committee.

3c.       Parks Department – Resolution Authorizing an Adjustment to the Parks Department Seasonal Employee Wage Schedule

MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE PARKS DEPARTMENT SEASONAL EMPLOYEE WAGE SCHEDULE.

In response to Comm. DeLeon, Mr. Moore stated it is the Board of Commissioners’ decision to determine whether or not this issue is placed before the Board for consideration.  He then reviewed the Wage Schedule.  He stated to Chairperson Celentino that the first and second year wages for the Lifeguard Supervision Management Intern is a range.  This market fluctuates frequently. 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5.         MSU Cooperative Extension – Resolution to Authorize a Sixteen Month Continuation of the Ingham County MSU Extension Network Facilitator and Community Development Agent Position

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A SIXTEEN MONTH CONTINUATION OF THE INGHAM COUNTY MSU EXTENSION NETWORK FACILITATOR AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENT POSITION.

Comm. DeLeon disclosed that she is employed by the City of Lansing.  However, she does not have direct oversight of this position.

Ms. Gardi explained the financial implications of this Resolution.  The position will be funded through a contract with the City of Lansing. MSU will pay the fringe benefits and actually employee the position.  Ingham County will pay the balance of the operating and salary costs.  The remaining funds will have to be budgeted in the FY 2006 budget.  Mr. Ambrose explained this would be a sixteen month contract, not a twelve month contract. 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Gardi distributed copies of the Extension’s Annual Report to the Commissioners for their review.

8c.       Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing the Placement of a Memorial at the Veterans Memorial Courthouse

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PLACEMENT OF A MEMORIAL AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL COURTHOUSE.

Comm. Severino requested an update of the Veteran’s Affairs position on this issue.  Mr. Ambrose stated a letter is included in the agenda packet from the Veteran’s Affairs outlining their position.  They do not object to the placement of the memorial at the VMC or at the Mason Courthouse.  Their only concern is that the memorial should not distract, overshadow or compete in prominence with the existing veteran memorial.  Also, the Resolution includes a statement indicating the Veteran’s Affairs role in this issue.  If they have an objection, the project will be delayed until their concerns have been addressed. 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

6b.       Human Resources Department – 2004 Labor Relations Activities

Mr. Hailey stated this information includes a labor relations summary by bargaining unit for the calendar year 2004.  He reviewed some of this information.  Mr. Ambrose stated he would present a labor relations update at this Committee’s next meeting.

8.         Controller’s Office

a.         Review of County Long Term Objectives and Areas of Priority for County Services

The Committee held a brief conversation regarding this issue.

            b.         Amendment to Purchasing Policies Discussion

Mr. Ambrose explained that Resolution #04-360 directed that prior to the solicitation of  new proposals for inmate and public phone services, the County Controller is to present to this Committee for its consideration and recommendation to the Board, an amendment to the County’s Purchasing Policies.  This amendment would provide for selection criteria to include economic impact associated with the selection of a potential vendor. 

This item is presented for discussion purposes only.  If the potential approach is suitable, a resolution will be prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting. 

Mr. Hudgins stated the Purchasing Department was directed to research and evaluate the purchasing policies of other municipalities and organizations in and around the state of Michigan.  The Department examined how these municipalities and organizations addressed local economic impact.  It discovered that most employ a local purchasing preference based on a fixed percentage extended to local vendors. 

Based on this research, the Department’s recommendation is to offer some fixed percentage preference to local vendors.  The Department also proposes to utilize several different criteria in defining local vendor.  If a vendor meets a majority of the criteria, it would be classified as a “local vendor.”  A local vendor would have its bid evaluated with the local preference. 

Mr. Hudgins stated he believes the process of identifying and determining local vendors could easily be incorporated into our process of registering vendors.  At all times, the Department would reserve the right to audit vendors’ applications. 

The Committee held a lengthy discussion regarding this matter.  Chairperson Grebner suggested that if a local vendor does not submit a successful proposal, it should be given the opportunity to rewrite its bid to meet the Purchasing Department’s specifications.  Mr. Ambrose stated if the Committee wants to use the fixed percentage preference, the details would be addressed in the resolution. 

In response to Comm. DeLeon, Mr. Hudgins stated the agenda packet includes responses from the municipalities and organizations that were researched by the Department.  Comm. DeLeon stated her position that the County should use local vendors so that the County’s monies are spent locally.  She further stated she is inclined to agree with the fixed percentage preference.  Comm. DeLeon further stated the Department should also consider how to improve supplier diversity in the contract process. 

In response to Comm. DeLeon, Ms. Valentine stated she meets regularly with local vendors.  The County has increased the number of minority vendors that receive contracts with County departments. 

Comm. Schor stated he liked the idea of the fixed percentage preference.  He then suggested staff draft a resolution based on this Committee’s wishes and perhaps present an alternative resolution for consideration by this Committee.  Comm. Copedge stated he also likes the idea of the fixed percentage preference.  He would also like staff to consider supplier diversity in the contract process.  Comm. Severino stated he approves of the local vendor plan.  Chairperson Grebner stated the County should be clear that the geographical area addresses the County of Ingham, not the City of Lansing. 

            d.         Pending Issues for the County Services Committee

Mr. Ambrose explained the Issues will appear on various agendas in the next several months.  The Committee will consider these Issues when developing priorities for the 2006 Budget.

            e.         Land Bank Authority – Technical Assistance Grant

Chairperson Celentino stated the Treasurer will be at this Committee’s next meeting to address this issue.  Mr. Ambrose asked the Commissioners to keep this information for subsequent meetings.

9.         Board Referrals

a.         Letter from DeWitt Charter Township Forwarding the Township’s Response to Meridian Township’s Draft Master Plan

b.         Notification of a Public Hearing from the City of East Lansing to Review and Discuss the Brownfield Plan Amendment #4 for the West Village/Greyhound Bust Station Development Project

The Board Referrals were received and placed on file.

Announcements:           None

Public Comment

Ms. Timmon spoke regarding the interviews from agenda item 1a.  She then spoke regarding the MCR Initiative issue from the Limited Public Comment portion of the meeting.

Chairperson Grebner stated he has recommended to the Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committees that Commissioners tour County facilities separate from regular committee meetings.  Special meetings could be held at facilities throughout the year for the purpose of touring.

The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff