COUNTY SERVICES

Amended 5/16/06

COUNTY SERVICES

May 2, 2006

Minutes

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

Members Absent: None

Others Present: Jared Cypher, John Neilsen, Judge Collette, Mary Sabaj, James Webster, Mike Bryanton, Stacy Sheridan, Paul Kindel, Chris Jordan-Forman, Lori Peterson and others

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schor at 7:01 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the April 18, 2006 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE APRIL 18 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Severino

Additions to the Agenda

5. Substitute Resolution

7b. Substitute Resolution

9. Resolution Honoring Bruce Schafer

1. Advisory Board/Commission Presentation – Agricultural Preservation Board – Annual Report and Millage Discussion

Mr. Kindel reviewed the history of the Agricultural Preservation Board. He then explained the proposed millage would be used to conserve easements on farmlands and open spaces within the County. Mr. Kindel then reviewed the four millage scenarios contained in the agenda packet.

The Tri-County Regional Growth Study 2005 Annual Report addresses a Wise Growth model. Mr. Kindel stated there is a lot of support for Farmland and Open Space Preservation. The support is based on many reasons including economic, environmental, esthetic, cultural, financial etc. Ingham County residents will hopefully have the chance to consider their level of support this fall.

Ms. Sheridan, Consultant, distributed copies of Making the Case for Farmland and Open Space Preservation – Ingham County Board of Commissioners - to the Committee. She then began her review of that information. Voters in 17 states across the nation approved spending more than $650 million for land conservation during the week of November 15, 2005 which brought the final 2005 total for new open space spending to $1.7 billion. Eighty percent of the conservation ballots were approved in November 2005. This is the highest percentage since 2000.

Ms. Sheridan stated the approved ballot measures indicate a consistent trend in which voters have taken responsibility to protect land at the ballot box. Since 1994, voters have approved over 1,200 conservation measures which generated over $30 billion in new public funds for land conservation.

Over the past decade, American voters have reacted to accelerating growth by reaching into their pockets to preserve land for public benefit. This includes land for parks and trails, as well as land that preserves local history and culture; safeguards clean water, community agriculture and forestry; and, protects the quality of life on which economic well-being depends. Ms. Sheridan stated a divided electorate found common ground when it came to conservation as a common denominator in 2005.

(Comm. Severino arrived at 7:17 p.m.)

Ms. Sheridan stated smart, efficient development decisions save taxpayers money and allows governments to stretch their dollars further. As tough times linger for state and local governments, more and more officials are abandoning traditional subsidies for sprawl development and adopting a “Fix it First” policy. Instead of letting recession extinguish the debate about growth, many communities are taking advantage of today’s conditions to gain an upper hand over sprawl.

The Committee discussed Ms. Sheridan’s information. Chairperson Celentino read from a 2004 newspaper article which contained a story about a Barry County farmland preservation millage question which was not supported by the voters. Ms. Sheridan stated numerous factors lead to the defeat of that millage. Voters need adequate information in order to support farmland preservation efforts.

Comm. Severino stated he emailed back and forth with Ms. Sheridan regarding the millage issue. He then stated he had hoped for more from the Agricultural Preservation Board than the recommendation for a millage. The voters in this County are not ready to consider such a millage at this time. When the Board of Commissioners approved funding for a consultant, the AP Board promised it would apply for grants. More creative thinking is needed before the voters are asked to approve a farmland preservation millage.

Mr. Kindel stated Ms. Sheridan did not begin her work with the County in time to apply for the 2005 grants. The AP Board has now passed all the necessary requirements to apply for grant funds this year.

Ms. Sheridan stated she appreciates Comm. Severino’s concern about raising taxes on the residents. She then explained that people’s tax dollars are used for land development. The proposed millage would save money for the residents. Successful farmland preservation programs are a result of long-term funding mechanisms.

Comm. Severino suggested the AP Board bring lobbying groups together to place a check box on tax returns for donations to farmland preservation efforts. Mr. Kindel stated the Agricultural Preservation Board would like to accomplish that effort. The AP Board will begin working with the State to obtain their support for the preservation efforts.

Comm. Vickers stated considering the proposed millage is contrary to his belief. He then stated the average age of farmers in Ingham County is 58 years old. There aren’t many people willing to take over those farms when the farmers have to retire.

Comm. Holman stated she believed a millage would be inevitable to develop a strong farmland and open space preservation program. She stated she would support the proposed millage to sustain farmland and open spaces into the future. Comm. Holman then explained there will be a number of millage questions on the November ballot. Is the AP Board millage language flexible to allow it to be combined with other efforts? Ms. Sheridan stated the millage package will be flexible.

Chairperson Schor thanked Ms. Sheridan and Mr. Kindel for tonight’s presentation.

2. Housing Commission

a. Resolution Authorizing the Ingham County Housing Commission to Enter into a Contract with the City of Eaton Rapids to Act as a Third Party Administrator for a Downtown Rental Rehabilitation Program

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INGHAM COUNTY HOUSING COMMISSION TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE CITY OF EATON RAPIDS TO ACT AS A THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR A DOWNTOWN RENTAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM.

Chairperson Schor asked what Mr. Johnston would be doing for Eaton Rapids that they cannot do for themselves. Mr. Johnston explained Eaton Rapids does not have the necessary personnel to administer the Program. He then stated 100% of the costs will be paid to the Ingham County Housing Commission.

Comm. Severino stated he would like someone to investigate the possibility of relocating the Housing Commission in the current Project Sentry facility. (This statement refers to agenda item 2b.)

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

b. Office Space Request

MOVED BY COMM. VICKERS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE OFFICE SPACE REQUEST FROM THE HOUSING COMMISSION.

Chairperson Schor stated concerns were expressed at the Democratic caucus meeting regarding this matter. All County departments should be made aware of vacant County space when it is available. This Committee will hold a discussion regarding an actual notification process at a future meeting.

Mr. Neilsen stated he would put together information regarding County facilities. Normally, additional office space requests are submitted through the normal committee process. This current case is a quasi-County operation. The Housing Commission requested office space within Mason for the operation of the Community Development Block Grant Program which services residents of the County and the City of Mason’s Downtown Rental Rehabilitation Program.

The Hilliard Building in Mason has vacant space which is currently being used for storage. This storage would be relocated.

Comm. Severino expressed his wish that the County will find another way to use the Project Sentry facility if it has to close at the end of this year.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

3. Treasurer

a. Resolution Honoring Mary Ruttan

b. Information Item – Dog Licensing Amnesty Program

4. Ingham County Clerk/Elections – Resolution Authorizing Special Election Expenses

7a. Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing Adjustments to the 2006 Ingham County Budget

9. Resolution Honoring Bruce Schafer

Mr. Bryanton explained agenda item 4 is necessary because funds for the Special Elections were not previously included in the Clerk’s Elections budget. The Clerk will need these funds replenished in order to conduct the normal elections scheduled for the remainder of the year.

Chairperson Schor commended Mr. Bryanton on the great job his Office did regarding the recent elections. Mr. Bryanton stated the clerks at the local jurisdictions also did a great job.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

5. Community Correction Advisory Board – Substitute Resolution to Authorize a Reorganization at Project Sentry and Amending the 2006 Budget

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPRORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A REORGANIZATION AT PROJECT SENTRY AND AMENDING THE 2006 BUDGET.

Ms. Sabaj reviewed the history of Project Sentry. She stated she had hoped she wouldn’t need to request additional funding for Project Sentry. Efforts have been made to increase revenues in order to reduce the funding request.

Comm. DeLeon stated the Law Enforcement Committee held a number of very long discussions regarding this matter. The Substitute Resolution is a result of those discussions. A County standard will be developed by the Circuit and District Courts and the Prosecutor’s Office regarding testing criteria.

Mr. Neilsen explained Project Sentry had operated since 1993 without a County subsidy. Project Sentry lost its grant funding and has nearly depleted the program’s surplus funds. Program revenue has decreased for a number of reasons. To minimize the amount of the subsidy, the Project Sentry Manager is retiring effective April 15, 2006, and this Resolution proposes a re-organization for the balance of the year. Project Sentry will still need approximately $109,496 from the 2006 Contingency Fund to continue the program through 2006.

The CCAB was challenged during the budget process to seek other funds and/or to reduce their costs for the 2007 budget. It is not realistic that Project Sentry could operate without any County subsidy. Ms. Sabaj stated she would try to work out a consultant arrangement with Dr. Gallagher.

Comm. Severino stated market forces have contributed to Project Sentry’s financial situation. The Courts have the ability to direct their staff to have tests conducted at Project Sentry, not another agency.

Judge Collette stated the District Court wants to use its own testing process. He believes, however, that County agencies should be used whenever possible. Project Sentry provides reputable and reliable testing services. Judge Collette stated his concern that the District Court may have appeals problems due to inadequate testing procedures at other testing agencies.

Comm. Severino stated the Board of Commissioners could address the District Court regarding its decision to use other testing agencies. Comm. DeLeon explained the District Court was invited to a Law Enforcement meeting to discuss this matter. The 55^th District Court appeared and explained their reasons for not using Project Sentry’s services. Their main reason for using other vendors is transportation concerns regarding their defendants. It is the Law Enforcement Committee’s hope that the District Court will become a regular part of this process during the upcoming budget discussions.

Comm. Vickers stated it is the Law Enforcement Committee’s intent to continue working with Project Sentry in order to continue its services. The Substitute Resolution would give people six months to work out a funding arrangement. He stated his belief that Project Sentry will continue for years with the proper support.

Comm. Holman stated the last paragraph of the Resolution seems stark. Comm. DeLeon stated the paragraph was added as a result of discussions within the Law Enforcement Committee. She further stated there were some Commissioners who would rather close the Project Sentry program. Comm. Holman expressed her wish that Project Sentry is able to continue.

The Committee consented to a Friendly Amendment, suggested by Comm. Holman, to amend the last BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED paragraph as follows:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the program is not funded in the 2007 budget process, or an alternate use for the facility has not been specified, the Controller is authorized to terminate the lease at a cost of $69,092 to come from the 2006 Contingency Fund and end the program as of December 31, 2006.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

6. County Services Committee

a. Communication from the County Services Committee Regarding Review of Process for Making Appointments to Boards, Committee, and Commissions

Comm. Severino suggested the Committee deal with this item tonight. Comm. Holman explained that she suggested this review. Specific committees may have specific questions to ask applicants; however, there are also privacy issues concerning some questions.

Chairperson Schor suggested this issue be placed on the next agenda when information regarding all of the County Services’ committees and boards is available. This Committee will vote on suggested questions at the next meeting.

Comm. DeLeon stated the applications are currently the same. Chairperson Schor stated a supplemental page may be added for some commissions and boards. Comm. Severino stated the Board staff already has a lot of work to do without adding this extra burden. He stated the applications should be uniform. Comm. DeLeon stated the questions could be universal for the boards and commissions. Chairperson Schor asked that Mr. Neilsen speak with Ms. Bennett regarding this issue.

Comm. Holman stated more people should be aware of board and commission vacancies. The vacancies should be on the County’s webpage.

Mr. Neilsen stated he would speak with Ms. Bennett regarding this Committee’s concerns. Comm. Vickers stated Ms. Bennett does a good job placing vacancy information in the Ingham County News.

b. Resolution to Establish a Policy on the County Orientation of County Appointees to Certain Boards, Committees and Commissions

MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUITON TO ESTABLISH A POLICY ON THE COUNTY ORIENTATION OF COUNTY APPOINTEES TO CERTAIN BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS.

Comm. DeLeon stated that not all of the boards, committees and commissions are listed in the Resolution. Mr. Cypher explained the third BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED paragraph is a blanket statement which addresses Comm. DeLeon’s concern.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

7b. Controller’s Office – Substitute Resolution Establishing Areas of Priority Emphasis Guiding 2007 Activities and Budget Process

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AREAS OF PRIORITY EMPHASIS GUIDING 2007 ACTIVITIES AND BUDGET PROCESS.

Comm. DeLeon stated the list of priorities should include an emphasis on regionalization. Chairperson Schor supported this suggestion. Comm. DeLeon asked when the evaluation which is referred to in item one of the Resolution is conducted. Mr. Neilsen explained that staff tries to do this evaluation through the annual budget process. Comm. DeLeon stated she believes the evaluations should be conducted separately from the budget process.

Chairperson Celentino stated evaluations are also conducted when the Board of Commissioners reviews funding allocations. Comm. DeLeon stated evaluations should be done prior to the budget process. Comm. Severino stated people will still apply for funding even when they realize their services do not meet with the County’s established priorities or that their services would duplicate services already provided.

Chairperson Schor stated the Finance Committee reviewed the Community Agency process a few years ago. They were not able to improve the system. Mr. Neilsen explained the Community Agency ad hoc committee did determine to focus on Community Agency services that meet basic needs.

Comm. DeLeon expressed her concern that the County should step up and be a safety net for residents who did not qualify for some services.

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT THE INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUPPORTS THE EFFORTS TO PRIORITIZE COMMUNITY AGENCY FUNDING AWARDS THAT WILL ASSIST IN MEETING BASIC NEEDS SUCH AS SHELTER, HOUSING, UTILITIES AND/OR FOOD.

The Committee held a general discussion regarding the priority of meeting basic needs. Mr. Neilsen explained that this Resolution should be adopted tonight to remain on schedule with the budget calendar. The priority of meeting basic needs has always been the province of the Human Services Committee. Chairperson Schor stated Comm. DeLeon could draft a resolution which is specific to Community Agencies and the priority of meeting basic needs.

Comm. Vickers stated tonight’s resolution could be approved and then amended at a later date. He then explained that he would not vote in support of the Resolution because it does not address law enforcement needs.

Comm. DeLeon withdrew her motion to amend.

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT IN THE COMMUNITY AGENCY APPLICATION PROCESS, PRIORITY CONSIDERATION IS TO BE GIVEN TO PROPOSALS WHICH ENHANCE SERVICES IN MEETING BASIC NEEDS.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Chairperson Schor stated promoting smart growth should be added to the Resolution under “Promote Environmental Protection.”

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO ADD “PROMOTING SMART GROWTH” TO THE LIST OF LONG TERM OBJECTIVES ON THE FIRST PAGE OF THE RESOLUTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE UNDER THE “PROMOTING SMART GROWTH” SECTION OF THE RESOLUTION (to be placed under Promote Environmental Health section of the Resolution):

Promoting initiatives that will encourage urban development and will protect agriculture in rural areas.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO AMEND THE “PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION” LANGUAGE TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO THE “AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION BOARD AND THE TRI-COUNTY GROWTH STUDY. THIS LANGUAGE WILL BE ADDED TO THE NEW “PROMOTING SMART GROWTH” SECTION OF THE RESOLUTION.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO ADD THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT THE INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL EXPLORE EFFICIENCIES THROUGH REGIONAL COOPERATION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Chairperson Schor stated Comm. Bahar-Cook would like this Committee to amend the “Supporting Recreational Opportunities” section of the Resolution to include language to promote environments that support physical activity for the health and well being of Ingham County residents.”

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO AMEND THE “SUPPORTING RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES” SPECIFIC ENHANCEMENT LANGUAGE AS FOLLOWS:

SPECIFIC ENHANCEMENT: INCLUDE A FINANCING PLAN WHICH WILL ENABLE THE CONNECTION OF THE COUNTY’S MAJOR COUNTY PARKS (LAKE LANSING, HAWK ISLAND, HOPE SOCCER, AND BURCHFIELD: BY MEANS OF NON-MOTORIZED PATHWAYS WHICH PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTS THAT SUPPORT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF INGHAM COUNTY RESIDENTS NO LATER THAN 2016.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED: MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Vickers voting NO.

8. Board Referrals

a. Letter from Leslie Township Announcing Plans to Amend the Township’s Master Plan

b. Letter from Williamstown Township Transmitting the Township’s Master Plan Update (Attachments on File in the Clerk’s Office)

The Board Referrals were received and placed on file.

Announcements: None

Public Comment: None

The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff