Approved 11/1/05

COUNTY SERVICES

October 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:             Jerry Ambrose, Eric Schertzing, Paula Johnston, Bill Matt and Sally Auer

 

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 September 13 and October 6, 2005 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 13 AND OCTOBER 6 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comms. Schor and Severino

 

Additions to the Agenda

9.         Register of Deeds – Resolution Opposing House Bill 5124

10.       Resolution Honoring the UAW Local 6000 on the Event of its 20th Anniversary

11.       Resolution Congratulating the Emanuel First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lansing on the Event of their 150th Anniversary

 

Limited Public Comment

Ms. Auer stated recent discussions were held with Health Department staff regarding additional budget concerns.  After these discussions, it was determined that three UAW positions would not be filled.  She feels that employees are being punished for management mistakes.  Temporary employees are being used to fill full-time UAW positions.  Ms. Auer then addressed these concerns as they apply to the UAW contract regarding lay offs and bumping.

 

Ms. Auer further stated she understands the budget concerns and the need to use temporary employees at times.  However, the continued use of temporary employees will erode the bargaining unit.  She then asked where she should go from here to address her concerns.

 

Chairperson Celentino stated Ms. Auer was following proper procedure by coming before this Committee with her concerns.  Ms. Auer stated her second concern regards the issue of reclassification.  Their contract expires December 31, 2005.  The union has already started their bargaining preparations.  Employees completed reclassification forms which were due last Tuesday.  Those forms are to be reviewed by the Human Resources Department.  The Department normally makes recommendations once it has reviewed such forms.  Ms.  Auer stated the employees have not received a response from the Department.  The union is unable to analyze the recommendations. 

 

(Comm. Severino arrived at 7:14 p.m.)

 

Ms. Auer stated her third concern as Bargaining Chair of the contract, is that contract language was to be completed by the end of 2004.  This has not occurred.  She further explained that five employees who are to be reclassified have been told they will not receive retroactive pay from the beginning of this year.  This is not fair to the employees. 

 

Chairperson Celentino thanked Ms. Auer for addressing this Committee regarding her concerns.  The Controller’s Office will contact the Human Resources Department to address the concerns.  A report will be submitted to this Committee’s next meeting regarding staff’s determinations. 

 

Mr. Ambrose informed the Committee that Mr. Hailey was not present this evening because he was at a conference. 

 

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

 

2.         55th District Court

a.         Resolution to Authorize Entering into a Contract with the State of Michigan, Office of Drug Control Policy for the U.S. Department of Justice Byrne Memorial Grant for the 55th District Court/Drug Court

b.         Resolution to Authorize Entering into a Contract with the State of Michigan, Michigan Supreme Court, State court Administrative Office for the 55th District Court Drug Court

 

4.         Health Department

            a.         Resolution to Authorize a 2005-2006 Federal Abstinence Grant Program

            b.         Resolution to Adjust the Status of a Position

 

7.         Controller’s Office – Resolution Supporting the Acceptance of the CEDS Update to the Annual Review Report for 2005

 

10.       Resolution Honoring the UAW Local 6000 on the Event of its 20th Anniversary

11.       Resolution Congratulating the Emanuel First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lansing on the Event of their 150th Anniversary

 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Schor

 

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

 

1.         Boards/Commissions Presentations – Environmental Affairs Commission Appointments

 

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF DANIEL FEINBERG TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Schor

 

3.         MSU Cooperative Extension – Resolution to Increase the Ingham County Youth Commission Coordinator Wage

 

Comm. Severino explained that he pulled this item from the agenda at the request of Comm. Schor.  Chairperson Celentino stated Comm. Schor’s concern was that the Resolution did not include the Youth Commission Coordinator’s current wage.

 

The Committee consented to a Friendly Amendment to the THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED paragraph to include the following language: “increase in the Youth Commission Coordinator wage from $15.00/hour to $16.00/hour effective October 29, 2005.”

 

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO INCREASE THE INGHAM COUNTY YOUTH COMMISSION COORDINATOR WAGE AS AMENDED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Schor

 

5.         County Treasurer – Resolution Authorizing Additional Funding for the Temporary Foreclosure Prevention Assistant

 

Mr. Schertzing informed the Committee that he would be back before this Committee in the near future to request an accountant position for the Land Bank Authority.  He stated he believes necessary funding will be available through the 2006 Land Bank Authority budget. 

 

Comm. Severino asked if there is an arrangement which requires that this funding be returned.  Mr. Ambrose explained that the Treasurer would be requesting an advance in funds for the accountant position.  The advanced funds would have to be repaid. 

 

(Comm. Schor arrived at 7:28 p.m.)

 

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE TEMPORARY FORECLOSURE PREVENTION ASSISTANT.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO SUSPEND THE BOARD RULES TO ALLOW COMM. SCHOR TO VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

MOTION TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

6.         Board of Commissioners

a.         Commissioner Andy Schor – Resolution to Amend Resolution #05-093 “Resolution Establishing the Ingham County Parks and Recreation Commission Under Public Act 261 of 1965”

 

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AMEND RESOLUTION #05-093 “RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE INGHAM COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION UNDER PUBLIC ACT 261 OF 1965.”

 

Comm. Schor stated that it has occurred to him that the Board of Commissioners does not have a say regarding Park fees.   He then explained that he was not speaking about the proposed fees submitted to this Committee a few weeks ago.  The current system is not broken.  Allowing the Board to approve or disapprove the Park’s Board recommendations will make the current system better. 

 

Comm. Schor stated the Finance Committee discussed this matter.  It was their opinion that future proposed fee changes could go into effect unless the Board disapproves the changes.  Another option would be to give the Board authority over the fees by placing them in the County’s normal fee schedule process.  Comm. Schor stated he would be fine with either suggestion as long as the Board has final approval. 

 

Comm. DeLeon stated she feels comfortable with the current process.  The Board had concerns with the most recent proposed fee changes and the Parks Board agreed to review them and make recommendations which would address those concerns.  Comm. DeLeon further stated she believes the Parks Board is more experienced in park matters; and, therefore should make recommendations to this Board. 

 

Comm. Vickers stated he participated in two different walks held at the County’s parks recently.  People participating in those walks indicated they thought the park fees were reasonable.  He then stated the Commissioners are better able to determine what is in the best interests of their constituents.  Therefore, he will support the Resolution. 

 

Mr. Moore explained it is not the intent of the Parks Board to surprise the Board with fee increases.  Chairperson Celentino stated he believes the Parks Board had good intentions when submitting their recent proposal for fee changes.  He then asked for the status of discussions regarding the concerns of the recent proposal.  Mr. Moore stated the Parks Board would discuss this matter at their Wednesday meeting. 

 

Chairperson Grebner stated this process should blend with the County’s normal fee process.  If the Board of Commissioners does not take action within 60 days of receiving a proposal for fee changes, the changes will go into effect.  Chairperson Grebner further stated the Board of Commissioners should realize that it delegates such matters so that they are dealt with effectively.  Parks could notify the Board of proposed changes.  The Board would then have 60 days from receipt of the notice to take action, if necessary, in the form of a resolution. 

 

It was the consensus of the Committee to indicate in the Resolution that the Parks Commission is to notify the Board of Commissioners of their intent to change park fees.  The Board of Commissioners will have 60 days to draft a resolution in opposition to the proposed fee changes, if warranted.  If the Board is silent on proposed fee changes, they will take effect as intended by the Parks Board. 

 

In response to Mr. Ambrose, Comm. Schor stated his preference that the Board receives notice from the Parks Board.  Mr. Ambrose indicated the Board would be placed on notice once it receives the notifications. 

 

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO TABLE THE RESOLUTION AND TO DIRECT STAFF TO BRING BACK A REVISED RESOLUTION WHICH REFLECTS THE INTENT OF THIS COMMITTEE.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

9.         Register of Deeds – Resolution Opposing House Bill 5124

 

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION OPPOSING HOUSE BILL 5124.

 

Comm. Vickers thanked Ms. Johnson for responding to his call almost instantly.  Comm. Vickers further stated he contacted Mr. Huhn (a State Representative) regarding this matter.  When he spoke with Mr. Huhn recently, Mr. Huhn indicated the Bill may be changed before it proceeds to the next step.   Comm. Vickers stated he would not support the Resolution tonight due to the uncertainty of the language in Bill 5124. 

 

Ms. Johnson stated she was not aware that the Bill may be revised.  She then addressed how this issue began.  Bill 5124 would mandate that the Register of Deeds Office provide access to all electronic records regardless of the sensitivity of the information.  It would also dictate that a fee of not more than four (4) cents per image for non-paper reproductions be charged regardless of the actual costs involved.  Ms. Johnson explained the Office’s revenues would be drastically reduced by this Bill.  Some counties have estimated a reduction in copy fees of as much as 78%. 

 

Ms. Johnson stated companies could purchase information from the Office and then sell it on their websites for a fee.  Ms. Johnson urged this Committee to support the Resolution. 

 

Comm. Schor indicated his support of the Resolution as he strongly opposes the intent of Bill 5124 as introduced.

 

The Committee consented to a FRIENDLY Amendment to include “as introduced” after the term “House Bill 5124” in the third, fourth and fifth WHEREAS paragraphs and in the THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED paragraph.

 

Comm. Severino stated this issue involves a philosophical disagreement about whether government should have a monopoly on this type of information.  The Office’s charge of $1.00 per page is expensive.  He then stated he was not aware of the efforts involved in meeting the requests for copies of information.  Ms. Johnson stated the Office is required to keep its information indefinitely.

 

Comm. Vickers stated he would support the Resolution as amended.  He then stated he doesn’t believe $1.00 per image is not too much money when one considers what goes into meeting these requests. 

 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY as amended.

 

6.         Board of Commissioners

b.         Discussion Item – Draft Resolution Authorizing Adjustments to Commissioners’ Compensation

 

Chairperson Celentino explained that the Draft Resolution addresses this Committee’s concerns as expressed at a recent meeting. 

 

Chairperson Grebner stated he was pleased to see the compensation proposed for 2007 through 2010 at 2.5% instead of 3.0%.  It is good to be able to tell people the rate of Commissioners’ Compensation into the future (2010).  The compensation increase for 2006 is proposed at 3.0%.  Wage guidelines, however, indicate a 2.5% increase for the same year.  Chairperson Grebner then stated the Commissioner Compensation schedule should indicate a 2.5% each year through 2010. 

 

Comm. Vickers agreed with Chairperson Grebner’s statements regarding proposing a 2.5% increase for Commissioners for 2007 through 2010.  Comm. Schor asked about the logic for setting the Board Vice Chair and Vice Chair Pro Tem’s compensation at a higher rate than the other Commissioners.  Chairperson Grebner stated the Commissioners in those positions tend to have more seniority on the Board than the other Commissioners. 

 

(Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stopped by this Committee to ask about agenda item 6a.  Chairperson Grebner filled in the Commissioner on this item.)

 

Comm. Schor stated he wanted to know what the Board Vice Chair and Vice Chair Pro Tem do to receive a higher compensation.  He would support the higher rate for these positions if that is the consensus of this Committee. 

 

Chairperson Celentino stated it was the consensus of this Committee to have staff bring back a Resolution to this Committee’s November 1, 2005 meeting which will indicate its wish to establish the Commissioners’ Compensation for the period of January 1, 2007 through 2010 with 2.5% increases each year.

 

c.         Discussion Item – Draft Resolution to Establish Per Diem Payments for Various Appointed Boards and Commissions

 

Comm. Vickers informed the Committee that the Fair Board may be before this Committee at a later date to request a per diem for Board members who work at Fair functions. 

 

Chairperson Grebner suggested the term “per” be placed before “drainage board” in the first BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED paragraph of the Resolution. 

 

Mr.  Ambrose stated if the Fair Board can complete their request in an expeditious manner; it may be included in the Resolution which will be brought back to this Committee for its December 6 meeting.

 

Chairperson Celentino stated the previous meeting Minutes indicate that a separate resolution would be drafted concerning the Road Commission compensation.  Mr. Ambrose stated the draft Resolution addresses the Road Commission.  However, if the Committee wishes, he could draft a separate resolution.  The draft Resolution states the Road Commission compensation and per diem rates continue as established in Resolution #94-351. 

 

Comm. Schor stated he would oppose any increase in Road Commission compensation or per diem rates.  Comm. DeLeon stated she would support an increase in those rates.  Chairperson Celentino stated he would oppose an increase in the rates for the Road Commission.  Comm. Severino expressed his concern that it would be unfair to punish Mr. Guenther because he is working very hard to address the concerns of this Board and the public.

 

In response to Comm. Severino, Comm. Vickers explained the services that Fair Board members provide at Fair functions. 

 

It was the consensus of the Committee that staff brings back the Resolution to this Committee’s December 6, 2005 meeting.  Comm. Vickers will notify Mr. Ambrose of the Fair Board’s recommendation regarding their per diem situation.  The term “per” is to be inserted prior to “drainage boards” in the first BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED paragraph.

 

8.         Board Referrals – Resolutions Regarding Opposition to House Bill 5124 from St. Clair County, Livingston County, Isabella County and Osceola County

 

The Board Referral was received and placed on file.

 

Announcements

Comm. Vickers expressed his appreciation for Ms. Johnson’s explanation of the Register of Deeds’ position regarding House Bill 5124.

 

Public Comment:          None

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Debra Neff