Amended 12/06/05
COUNTY SERVICES
November 15, 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, Sally Auer, Stacy Sheridan, Paul Kindell, Guillermo Lopez, Aileen Gow, Ryan Fellows and Rick Terrill
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Celentino at 7:05 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the November 1, 2005 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 1, 2005 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon
Additions to the Agenda
2. Item pulled from this Agenda. The Airport Authority Chairperson is out of town this evening.
6. Substitute Cost Analysis
10. Resolution Authorizing Execution of an Easement to Meridian Township for a Water Main
11. Discussion of Process for Selecting a New County Controller
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
5. Agriculture Preservation Board – Resolution Approving Selection Criteria (Scoring System) for Ranking Landowner Applications to the Ingham County Farmland Preservation Program and Authorizing the Ingham County Agricultural Preservation Board to Proceed with the 2006 Purchase of Development Rights Application Cycle
6. Health Department – Resolution to Implement Job Description, Classification and Salary Grade Changes Resulting from the Patient Visit Redesign Project in Several Health Centers
(Technical Amendment to the second BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED paragraph of the Resolution: last line – Community Health Representative II and Community Health Representative III)
10. Resolution Authorizing Execution of an Easement to Meridian Township for a Water Main
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon
1. Boards/Commissions Interviews
a. Equal Opportunity Committee
The Committee interviewed Jamie Czekai for a position on the Equal Opportunity Committee. Mr. Czekai indicated he was also interested in serving on the Housing Commission.
(Comm. DeLeon arrived at 7:13 p.m.)
b. Housing Commission
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF JAMIE CZEKAI TO THE HOUSING COMMISSION, TERM BEGINNING DECEMBER 1, 2006. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
c. Fair Board
The Committee interviewed Stan Jordan, Constance Krebs, Kim Harkness and Judy Dunn for positions on the Fair Board. The Committee also held a brief discussion with the following individuals requesting reappointments to the Fair Board:
Debbie Miller Roberta Hamlin
Joanne Kinne Mike Preslnik
Comm. Copedge stated he was very impressed with the number of candidates applying for positions and reappointments to the Fair Board.
The Committee discussed the current Fair Board members’ suggestion of increasing the membership of the Fair Board from eleven members to 15 members. Comm. Vickers expressed his support for increasing the membership diversity.
Mr. Lopez, Fair Board, encouraged the Committee to reappoint the above individuals to the Fair Board and to increase the Board’s membership.
MOVED BY COMM. VICKERS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO RECOMMEND THE REAPPOINTMENTS OF ROBERTA HAMLIN, DEBBIE MILLER AND JOANNE KINNE TO THE FAIR BOARD; AND TO WAIVE THE TERM LIMIT TO RECOMMEND THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MIKE PRELESNIK TO THE FAIR BOARD.
Comm. Schor stated his preference to wait until the December 6 meeting to consider expanding the size of the Fair Board. Comm. Severino also expressed his preference to wait until the next meeting to discuss the expansion of the Board. He further stated this Committee just interviewed four new applicants to the Fair Board; and, he would like to hear the update in agenda item number three before making any recommendations.
Comm. DeLeon stated she was initially opposed to waiving the term limits to allow for reappointments because of her concern that there should be more representation from different ethnicities and geographic areas on the Fair Board. She then stated she could support the reappointments and the consideration of the Fair Board expansion recommendation.
Comm. Vickers expressed his support of Comm. Schor and Comm. Severino’s suggestion to postpone making any recommendations until this Committee’s December 6 meeting as long as this Committee also considers the expansion idea.
Chairperson Celentino stated this Committee could direct staff to pursue the idea of expanding the membership of the Fair Board.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO TABLE THE MOTION FOR APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS UNTIL THIS COMMITTEE’S DECEMBER 6, 2005 MEETING. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Fair Board – Neil Kentner – Update
Mr. Kenter, Executive Director, stated the Fair Grounds have undergone a total face-lift. New areas have been added to accommodate additional interests of the public. Mr. Kenter reviewed statistics related to the Fair at this time. Three hundred eighty two volunteers have performed approximately $50,000 worth of labor at the Fair grounds. Approximately 105,000 individuals participated in the Grand Stand Shows this year. The Fair is reserved every weekend through December 6, 2006.
Comm. Schor stated he appreciates the Fair Board’s outreach efforts. He then asked if the Fair has any challenges or necessary changes to make for the 2006 Fair. Mr. Kenter stated communications skills should be fine-tuned. The community highly praised the Fair for its 2005 Fair.
Comm. Vickers stated the Fair Board will hold daily meetings prior to the 2006 Fair. The Board could have used more meeting time than it had prior to the 2005 Fair. This year, miscommunication resulted in some difficulties which will be addressed. Comm. Vickers stated there was $227,946 in carnival sales this year and the Grand Stand Shows brought in $23,431 in revenue.
Comm. Severino expressed his disappointment that concerns from the Fair were brought to the Board of Commissioners’ level. He then stated this does not reflect on the entity of the Fair. Comm. Vickers stated the Fair Board met on August 8, 2005 to discuss possible changes for the 2006 Fair. Complaints sent to the Fair Board have been resolved. Comm. Vickers stated the Circle of Life event will have more supervision in 2006.
Comm. DeLeon stated she consulted with Comm. Vickers and Mr. Lopez when she received a copy of the resident’s complaint. She feels assured that the Fair Board has addressed this matter. Comm. Schor stated he spoke with Ms. Simon regarding this complaint and she assured him that it was addressed.
4. Friend of the Court – Update Regarding UAW Concerns
The update was received and placed on file.
7. Community Agencies – Resolution Authorizing 2006 Agreements for Community Agencies
a. Urban Options
b. Ingham Conservation District
Ms. Gowe, Urban Options, addressed the Committee regarding the $7,100 funding request. Urban Options has been swamped. It has had success this year working with the Board of Water and Light on an Energy Fitness Program. The Program will help over 200 limited resource people within the City of Lansing. Ms. Gowe stated the Board of Water and Light has quadrupled its services during the past one and a half years.
Urban Options received a tremendous number of inquiries for assistance. The requested funding will help to fill in the gaps for people who do not qualify for other programs. Ms. Gowe further stated Urban Options’ website visits have tripled since 2004. There is a genuine concern of area residents regarding their ability to pay energy costs this winter.
Ms. Corrigan, Ingham Conservation District, addressed the Committee regarding the $29,500 funding request. She explained the services provided by the District. Programs provide funds to land owners to implement cost efficient conservation practices. Urban Options has secured a full-time agricultural technician. It has also secured a 319 Water Shed Grant for non-source point water pollution. This grant will provide approximately $32,000 in funds to work with specific townships on this program.
The Committee discussed the services of Urban Options. Comm. DeLeon asked how the requested funds would fulfill the County’s priority of meeting basic needs. Ms. Gowe stated County funding allows Urban Options to consult with disadvantaged people regarding their energy needs. People are pre-qualified by referring agencies.
Comm. DeLeon asked if Urban Options provides shut-off assistance. Ms. Gowe wants to provide weatherization services to people who receive shut-off assistance. The County funding will help fill the gap for people who do not meet the requirements of other assistance programs.
In response to Comm. DeLeon’s question regarding meeting basic needs, Ms. Corrigan stated the Ingham Conservation District helps to address water quality concerns. Comm. DeLeon asked how the District relates to the Ingham County Drain Office. Ms. Corrigan explained the District worked with the Drain Office on a 319 grant for the Red Cedar River project. The Drain Office will be instrumental in assuring the drain buffer program is completed.
Comm. DeLeon expressed her concern as to why the Ingham Conservation District does not fit in with the Drain Office. Ms. Corrigan explained that Conservation Districts and Drain Offices can sometimes be on opposite sides of some issues.
Comm. Copedge asked if the District provides any programs other than the buffer strip program. Ms. Corrigan stated the District promotes any State funded conservation programs. Comm. Schor asked if the District seeks funding from other counties which are served by the District. Ms. Corrigan stated the District seeks funding from the Michigan Public Service Commission. The District will not seek funding from the seven counties involved in a pilot program. Ms. Corrigan stated the District does seek funding from other counties involved in different programs.
Comm. Severino expressed his appreciation to Ms. Gowe and Ms. Corrigan for the information they provided on Urban Options and the Ingham Conservation District.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO RECOMMEND ALLOCATING FUNDING TO URBAN OPTIONS AND THE INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT AT THEIR 2005 FUNDING LEVEL, MINUS FIVE PERCENT.
Comm. Celentino explained that returning Human Services Community Agencies agreed to take a five percent cut in their funding allocation for 2006 so there would be money left to help fund some of the new agencies. Comm. Severino stated the remaining $1,750 resulting from the five percent cut this evening would be forwarded to the Finance Committee. That Committee would determine where to appropriate those funds.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO AMEND THE PREVIOUS MOTION BY RECOMMENDING URBAN OPTIONS’ 2005 FUNDING LEVEL FOR 2006 AND TO RECOMMEND FUNDING THE INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT AT 50% OF THEIR 2005 LEVEL.
Comm. DeLeon explained that she does not believe the Ingham Conservation District meets the County’s priority of meeting basic needs. She also stated there should be more coordination between the District and the Drain Office. Comm. DeLeon stated she would like to see as much funding as possible go to meet the rising energy cost concerns.
Comm. DeLeon then explained that Urban Options does great work. However, the greater need for 2006 is to provide safety net assistance for people in need. Urban Options’ services do not fall directly into the area of meeting basic needs.
Comm. Copedge asked if Urban Options has a way to measure the success of its programs. Ms. Gowe stated Urban Options provides follow-up surveys and evaluations. Comm. Vickers asked what Urban Options would do if it only received 50% of its requested sum. Ms. Gowe stated Urban Options would have to let one staff member go and other programs may not be funded at 100%.
In response to Comm. Copedge’s question regarding receiving 50% of its requested amount, the Ingham Conservation District stated the District laid off one person last year. With a 50% cut, another employee would be laid off.
Comm. Schor shared Comm. DeLeon’s concerns regarding the duplication of services between the Drain Office and the Ingham Conservation District. He suggested this Committee approve the requests with the available funds and then let the Finance Committee determine where to appropriate any remaining funds. Comm. Schor further explained he will oppose the motion to amend tonight; however, he may support the same motion in the Finance Committee meeting.
Chairperson Grebner explained that if this Committee informs the Finance Committee that it should review this matter, the Committees would have to notify the other Community Agencies that they can not rely on the liaison Committee votes because the Finance Committee may make changes to the already agreed upon funding scenarios. He would not suggest this route.
The issue of tying the Ingham Conservation District with the Drain Office is an issue which comes and goes from year to year. Due to the nature of the District and the Drain Office, it would not make sense to expect them to be on the same side of every issue. The two entities should work together; however, there have been institutional concerns between them for many years.
Comm. Severino stated he would not vote in support of the 50% motion. If that motion fails, he would offer a motion to allocate the two agencies’ 2005 amounts in 2006.
MOTION TO AMEND FAILED with Comms. Celentino, Schor and Severino voting NO.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO AMEND THE ORIGINAL MOTION TO MAINTAIN THE 2005 FUNDING LEVELS FOR URBAN OPTIONS AND THE INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT. MOTION FAILED with Comms. Celentino, Schor and Severino voting YES.
Comm. Severino withdrew his original motion.
Comm. Schor withdrew his support of the original motion.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO RECOMMEND TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE THAT URBAN OPTIONS AND THE INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT BE FUNDED AT 50% OF THEIR 2005 FUNDING LEVELS; AND THAT THE REMAINING FUNDS BE ALLOCATED TO GREATER AREAS OF NEED, AS DETERMINED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO AMEND THE PREVIOUS MOTION BY RECOMMENDING FUNDING THE INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT AT 50% OF ITS 2005 FUNDING LEVEL; AND TO FUND URBAN OPTIONS AT ITS FULL 2005 FUNDING LEVEL.
Comm. Schor stated he would explain this Committee’s funding decisions to the Finance Committee tomorrow evening. Urban Options and the Ingham Conservation District are welcome to attend that meeting if they wish.
Comm. Severino stated he would not vote in support of the motion to amend. The Ingham Conservation District does provide for some basic needs.
Mr. Ambrose explained that this Committee would be directing the Finance Committee to redirect the remaining $13,950 from this Committee back to the Human Services Committee. This should be accomplished through a resolution. The Ingham Conservation District should be invited to the meeting where this issue is discussed. The goal of this action would be for the Human Services Committee to appropriate the remaining funds to Community Agencies which do meet basic needs.
Chairperson Celentino stated the Community Agency budget allocations were determined prior to holding these budget hearings. The Human Services Committee’s Community Agencies agreed to take a five percent cut in their allocations. The Board could reconsider the allocations for Community Agencies in the next budget cycle.
Comm. Schor agreed the Community Agency allocations for the various liaison committees were approved by the Board of Commissioners. This Committee has $35,000 to allocate between the Ingham Conservation District and Urban Options. The allocations could be adjusted for the 2007 budget cycle. Comm. Schor stated the Committee should allocate the available funds for this Committee’s Community Agencies.
Comm. DeLeon stated there is a heightened awareness of what is needed for the community than there was six months ago when the allocations were determined. Comm. Copedge stated he understands the agricultural needs; however, this year is going to be very difficult for many residents. He then suggested the Finance Committee should determine the funding in this matter.
Comm. Dougan expressed his concern that there has been a radical increase in energy costs this year. These needs should be addressed for 2006. Comm. Severino expressed his concern that some of his colleagues are willing to allow a decrease in the recommended allocation to the Ingham Conservation District. This Committee should make its recommendations to the Finance Committee. It should not pass this responsibility on to the Finance Committee. Any suggested funding changes should be dealt with in the 2007 budget cycle.
Comm. DeLeon expressed her concern that by funding the same Community Agencies from year to year, it is fostering dependency on the County. The Board of Commissioners should refocus and determine if a different direction is warranted for 2007.
Comm. Vickers stated he is a big supporter of the Ingham Conservation District. He also understands the needs of the Leslie Outreach Center. The Board should look at different concerns for 2006. Donations to various agencies are down this year due to Hurricane Katrina.
Chairperson Celentino stated he would support a smaller cut in the District’s allocation. He suggested cutting the allocation by ten or twenty percent. If a Community Agency is going to be eliminated from this process in the future, this process should be gradual.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED with Comms. Celentino and Severino voting NO.
ORIGINAL MOTION AS AMENDED: CARRIED with Comm. Severino voting NO.
8. Controller’s Office – Resolution Setting Penalties for Parking Violations at the Veterans Memorial Courthouse/Grady Porter Building
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL THIS COMMITTEE’S DECEMBER 6, 2005 MEETING. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO SUSPEND THE BOARD RULES TO ALLOW COMM. DELEON TO VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. County Controller - Discussion of Process for Selecting a New County Controller
Mr. Ambrose stated he will be leaving the County at the end of this year. Official notice will be given at the next Board meeting. Mr. Ambrose then stated there are two things to be considered. The first issue is that conducting the search for a replacement may take four to six months. Mr. Ambrose recommended the appointment of Mr. Neilsen as the interim Controller.
After discussions with Mr. Hailey, Mr. Ambrose recommended the Board engage a search firm to assist in the replacement process. If this Committee agrees with this recommendation, a resolution will be submitted at the next meeting to authorize this process.
Mr. Ambrose then stated he would immediately suggest the establishment of a Steering Committee for the search process.
Mr. Hailey stated a search firm would be selected through the normal RFP process. He then recommended the Board put a lot of time and effort into making the right selection of a new Controller. A search firm would facilitate this process by selecting applicants and by conducting background checks. A sub-committee would work with the search firm to indicate what is needed by the County. Mr. Hailey stated there will be several levels of interviews before a final recommendation is determined.
Mr. Hailey suggested that department heads and elected officials be invited into the initial process of selecting a vendor. A different sub-committee would interview applicants and make recommendations to the Board.
Chairperson Grebner stated selecting a new Controller will be the most important decision this Board will make. The search is worth a lot of time, effort and some funds to facilitate this process. He then suggested the Board not wait until the 2006 Board of Commissioners gets under way.
Mr. Ambrose suggested this Committee direct staff to move forward to develop a resolution for the selection of a search firm. He then stated, in the past, this process was overseen by a committee consisting of the senior Board members, the Personnel Director, Mr. Bragg and a representative from the Sheriff’s Office.
Mr. Ambrose suggested the Committee appoint the current liaison Committee Chairs to the sub-committee, the 2005 Board Leadership Chair, the Board Chair, the Vice Chair, the Vice Chair Pro-Tem and Mr. Hailey, Mr. Bragg and a representative of the Sheriff’s Office.
Mr. Hailey asked if the remaining Commissioners would be involved in the process. Chairperson Grebner stated they would be involved in the interview process, not the selection of a search firm.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE TO SELECT THE NEW COUNTY CONTROLLER TO CONSIST OF:
THE 2005 BOARD LEADERSHIP CHAIR
THE BOARD CHAIR
THE VICE CHAIR
THE VICE CHAIR PRO TEM
THE FIVE 2005 LIAISON COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
MR. HAILEY, MR. BRAGG AND THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Mr. Ambrose stated a resolution to select a search firm will be on the Board’s next meeting agenda.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 10:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff