Approved 10/6/05
COUNTY SERVICES
September 20, 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: Jerry Ambrose, Doug Stover, Bob Moore, Bruce Bragg, Bruce Johnston, Nathan Triplett, Lee Hladki, Paul Pratt, Pat Lindemann, Sue Pigg, Joe Guenther, John Midgley, John Smith
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Celentino at 7:01 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the August 16, 2005 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 16 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Copedge
Additions to the Agenda
6a. Substitute Resolution
12. Resolution Recognizing Michigan Indian Week in Ingham County
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
3. Board of Commissioners
a. Letter from Peter Cohl Regarding a Proposed Amendment to the Board Rules
b. Resolution Amending the Board Rules
4a. Economic Development Corporation – Resolution to Exempt County Property Tax Revenues from Capture in the Meridian Township Downtown Development Authority District
5. Facilities – Resolution Authorizing a Contract with J & L Roofing Company for a Replacement Roof at the Ingham County Correctional Facility
6. Health Department
a. Substitute Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with the Capital Area Community Services to Expand the Jump Start Program to Serve Early Head Start Program
b. Resolution to Authorize a Dental Sealant Program
c. Resolution to Appoint Dennis Jurczak, M.D. and D. Bonta Hiscoe, M.D. as Deputy Medical Directors and Deputy Medical Examiners and to Authorize Employment Contracts
7. Parks Department
a. Resolution to Convey an Easement to Meridian Township in Order to Construct a Pedestrian Pathway at Lake Lansing Park
b. Resolution Authorizing a Contract for Architectural/Engineering Services for the Splash Playground at Hawk Island County Park
9. Treasurer
a. Correspondence Regarding County Election to Audit Homestead Exemptions
b. Resolution Authorizing the County Treasurer to Enter into a Contract with Michigan State University Extension to Offer Financial Management Education for Ingham County Homeowners Subject to Foreclosure
12. Resolution Recognizing Michigan Indian Week in Ingham County
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Copedge
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Copedge
1. Board/Commission Presentation
a. Environmental Affairs Interviews
The Committee interviewed Nathan Triplett for a position on the Environmental Affairs Committee.
Chairperson Celentino informed the Committee that Daniel Feinberg is interested in serving on the Environmental Affairs Committee; however, he works Tuesday evenings and is not available for an interview. He can be reached for questioning by email.
MOVED BY COMM. VICKERS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF NATHAN TRIPLETT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.
Comm. Schor asked that the motion be postponed for two weeks to allow time for the Commissioners to communicate with Mr. Feinberg.
Comm. Vickers withdrew his motion.
b. Greater Lansing Convention & Visitor Bureau – Quarterly Report
Mr. Hladki reviewed some of the information contained in the Quarterly Report. The Report was included in the agenda packet. He then informed the Committee that the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau will host the Red Hat Society convention in September 2006. Staff is already working with the Society on the details.
(Comm. Copedge arrived at 7:11 p.m.)
Mr. Hladki then explained the Bureau is working to regain the businesses which it lost to other markets.
Comm. Schor asked if the Bureau has marketed to trade associations. Mr. Hladki explained the Bureau does not directly lobby the associations. The Bureau does attend a number of trade shows and it comes into contact with meeting planners at those events. Comm. Schor then asked if the Radisson Hotel issue affects the Bureau. Mr. Hladki stated the Bureau is not affected at this time. If the Hotel closes, the Bureau would be affected.
Comm. Vickers stated he appreciated the helpful Report. Mr. Ambrose stated the Quarterly Report is very useful when compared to past Reports.
2. Road Commission – Update
Chairperson Celentino informed the Committee that Ms. McDonald could not be present this evening due to a personal matter. Ms. McDonald did send a detailed letter, dated September 15, 2005, to the Board which outlines programs and other items which have, or will be, implemented by the Road Commission.
Chairperson Celentino stated this issue was tabled from a previous meeting to tonight’s meeting. This additional time gave the Road Commission a chance to address the concerns of the Board.
Mr. Guenther stated the Road Commission (Commission) took the Board’s concerns to heart. The Commission has been holding meetings within a number of communities. The timer has not been used when public is addressing the Commission at the meetings. Mr. Guenther stated the Road Commission is making great headway in addressing the concerns of the Board and the public.
The trucks on Wood Street have not been stopped. Mr. Guenther stated there must be a way to handle this matter to everyone’s satisfaction. He further stated the Commission hopes that interested parties can come together with the Commission on future projects.
Chairperson Celentino asked if holding a meeting at the Plymouth Congregational Church is one way the Commission is trying to foster better communication with the public. Mr. Guenther stated that was one purpose. Another reason for holding community meetings is to give the communities a sense of ownership in a specific project. Mr. Guenther stated his hope that this will become a regular practice of the Commission.
Comm. Schor stated the Wood Street residents who attended the Commission meeting were pleased with the concept of having the community meeting. Comm. Schor commended the Commission on this practice. He then expressed his disappointment at Ms. McDonald’s statements in her letter regarding the issue of recording Commission meetings. He stated there must be money within the Commission’s budget to purchase a tape recorder. The Commission meeting tapes should also be made available, for a cost, to the public. Mr. Guenther stated the Commission meetings will be recorded.
Comm. Severino expressed his appreciation to the Road Commissioners for attending tonight’s meeting. He also stated he believes progress is being made by the Commission to address the Board’s concerns. Comm. Severino asked if the Commission’s budget allocates funds for professional training for its employees. Mr. Smith stated employees attend several conferences per year. Commission engineers and others are encouraged to become specialized in their specific areas.
Comm. DeLeon commended the Commission for its handling of the Wood Street meeting within that community. She stated there was a consensus at that meeting to pursue other alternatives. Comm. Copedge concurred with Comm. DeLeon’s statements. He further stated he spoke with Ms. Fritze and Ms. Page regarding the availability of Road Commission advisory guides. The two women will be in contact with the Commission regarding this matter at a later date.
Chairperson Celentino expressed this Committee’s appreciation to the Road Commission for being present at tonight’s meeting and for its efforts to address the Board’s concerns.
4b. Economic Development Corporation – Resolution Approving the By-Laws of the Ingham County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE BY-LAWS OF THE INGHAM COUNTY BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
Comm. Schor raised his concern regarding Article III, Section 4 – Removal of Members. The By-Laws state that a director may be removed from office for cause by a majority vote of the Board of Commissioners. He asked why the director could be removed for cause. Ms. Pigg explained the EDC did not discuss this aspect. Mr. Ambrose stated this issue can be clarified prior to the next Board meeting.
Comm. Schor then addressed Article VI, Section 2 – Loans. He asked if the Board of Commissioners has any approval power over this matter if the County has to cover a loan for the EDC. Mr. Ambrose stated he didn’t believe the Board has approval power in this situation. He further stated he believes much of the By-Laws are from statute. Mr. Ambrose stated he would clarify this matter. Ms. Pigg explained that State statute gives the EDC an opportunity to manage its own funds as they relate to Brownfields. She then agreed that portions of the By-Laws should be reviewed.
Comm. Schor stated if his concerns are not appropriately resolved by the next Board meeting, he will not vote in support of it on the Board floor. Comm. Copedge asked about language which deals with audits. Mr. Ambrose stated that issue is covered in the Articles of Incorporation. Ms. Pigg explained the By-Laws cover the functioning activities of the Authority. The Brownfield Board could be dissolved by the Board of Commissioners.
In response to Comm. Copedge, Mr. Ambrose stated he would provide information regarding the sunset clause for this Committee’s review at a later date.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7c. Parks Department – Park Rental Fees
Mr. Ambrose stated the Parks Board is not increasing entrance fees. It wants to increase user fees. The Parks Board has the authority to increase the user fees with written notification to this Committee.
Comm. Severino stated if a Resolution was placed before this Committee to support an increase in user fees, he would not support such a Resolution.
Comm. Vickers asked for clarification regarding the park entrance waivers. Mr. Moore explained there is a sign at the entrance of the parks informing people they may receive an entrance fee waiver if they are financially unable to pay the fee. Comm. Vickers asked if the parks have senior rates. Mr. Moore stated there are senior user rates. Comm. Vickers then asked Mr. Moore to check on rental rates for jet skis.
Comm. DeLeon asked if the parks have user fee waivers. Mr. Moore stated the parks only have entrance fee waivers. Comm. DeLeon stated she would like to see waivers across the board. She asked if the Parks Board discussed the possibility of providing activities and shelter rentals to low income residents. Mr. Moore stated he would take this suggestion back to the Parks Board for discussion. Comm. DeLeon stated there are many low-income residents in the community and the Parks Board should take them into consideration.
Comm. Schor stated he wasn’t going to support the proposed user fee increases because this is not a good time to increase fees for people. He then asked for the Parks Board’s logic for raising user fees at this time. Mr. Moore stated the Parks Board may agree with Comm. Schor. Mr. Ambrose stated user fees are to be adjusted on an annual basis. Mr. Moore explained the parks’ user fees have not been increased since 1999.
This discussion continued. Mr. Moore stated the Park’s enterprise fund is healthy at this time. The user fees do not need to be raised at this time. Chairperson Grebner expressed his uncertainty about allowing residents to use waivers for user fees. The residents would have to show the waiver each time they wanted to rent park equipment. Also, how would the parks determine who would be eligible for a user fee waiver.
Comm. Vickers stated the Parks Board should be open-minded when discussing this issue, especially as it relates to youth. The Parks Board could consider reduced user fees for eligible residents. Reduced fees would still bring in funds to be used toward the purchase of replacement equipment. Comm. Vickers further stated he would like to see revenue information regarding shelter rentals.
Mr. Moore stated he would be more than happy to provide the shelter rental revenue information to this Committee.
Mr. Lindemann stated he is a member of the Parks Board. He explained that if the enterprise fund is not sustained, the parks will end up with inferior equipment. The fees are not unreasonable. Mr. Lindemann then asked how staff would determine who is eligible for free or reduced user fees.
Chairperson Celentino stated it was the consensus of this Committee that the Parks Board should review the user fees as they relate to the concerns expressed by this Committee.
8. Equalization and Tax Mapping – Resolution Amending the County’s Enhanced Access Policy to Establish Fees for Obtaining Paper Maps and Digital Parcel Files from the Equalization Department
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE COUNTY’S ENHANCED ACCESS POLICY TO ESTABLISH FEES FOR OBTAINING PAPER MAPS AND DIGITAL PARCEL FILES FROM THE EQUALIZATION DEPARTMENT.
Mr. Stover explained the Resolution would amend the Enhanced Access Policy to allow the Equalization Department (Department) to establish new fees. The Department now has digital parcel files and will soon also have 2005 digital photos available for access by the public. Mr. Stover stated the Department has received requests from Lansing and Stockbridge Townships for their 2005 digital files.
Comm. Severino asked why the fly-overs are not coordinated with other County departments. Mr. Ambrose explained that the Drain Office, Register of Deeds Office and the Equalization Department have different reasons for obtaining digital photos. They concentrate on specific areas when conducting their fly-overs.
Mr. Ambrose stated that if sufficient revenue is generated from these fees, fly-overs will be conducted every five years. Efforts to coordinate fly-over information are made whenever feasible. The next challenge will be to use the same maps for multiple purposes.
In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Stover stated revenue generated from the proposed fees would not be used to provide data in its current form. Mr. Stover addressed Comm. Severino’s concerns regarding coordination. Comm. Severino stated he looks forward to seeing the digital photos from the Department.
Mr. Stover displayed the Department’s parcel map which contains 2005 data. He then invited the Commissioners to stop in the Department to see it in operation.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Drain Commissioner – Resolution Creating Two (2) Entry Level Assistant Project Coordinators/Commercial Inspectors in the Drain Commissioner’s Office
MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION CREATING TWO (2) ENTRY LEVEL ASSISTANT PROJECT COORDINATORS/COMMERCIAL INSPECTORS IN THE DRAIN COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE.
Mr. Lindemann explained the new positions would oversee property owners, developers and contractors regarding adherence to storm drainage standards and applicable rules. The current Project Coordinator is unable to perform all of the work he is required to do. The positions will be titled and classified as agreed to by the Human Resources Director, Union and Drain Commissioner.
In response to Comm. Schor, Mr. Lindemann explained Fund 639. It is a revolving fund which is used to purchase equipment. Expended funds are to be paid back to Fund 639. Mr. Lindemann stated Fund 639 is a borrowing mechanism. The Committee discussed this matter further.
Mr. Lindemann further stated that the positions would be eliminated if sufficient revenues are not generated to fund them. The Union will be made aware of this fact.
The Committee held a general discussion regarding the financial aspects of this item. Mr. Lindemann explained it would be more consistent for his office to use office staff versus contractors. In response to Comm. Vickers, Mr. Lindemann stated the positions would require a four-year college degree. Two years of the four could be waived with comparable experience and training. There will also be many other requirements. Mr. Ambrose stated the positions will be posted through the normal personnel process.
Mr. Lindemann stated the new positions are critical for his office. If approved, the two positions would start in November 2005.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff