Approved 6/20/06
COUNTY SERVICES
June 6, 2006
Minutes
Members Present: Debbie DeLeon, Dianne Holman, Dale Copedge, Mike Severino and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: Andy Schor and Don Vickers
Others Present: Ed Dore, Jared Cypher, Harold Hailey, Bob Moore, Dan Reinecke, Eric Schertzing, Sue Pigg, Rick Terrill and Jim Wilson
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson DeLeon at 7:09 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the May 16, 2006 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE MAY 16 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Schor and Vickers
Additions to the Agenda
8. Resolution to Authorize a Contract with the Common Ground Music Festival
9. Out of State Travel in Excess of $2,000
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
2b. Economic Development Corporation – Resolution Approving a Tax Sharing Agreement with the Charter Township of Meridian Downtown Development District
3. Parks & Recreation Commission
a. Resolution Authorizing Entering into Easement Agreements for the Heart of Michigan Trail
b. Resolution Authorizing an Application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant to Develop a Snow Tubing Hill at Hawk Island County Park
d. Resolution Modifying the Ordinance Establishing the Ingham County Park Rules and Regulations
4. Health Department – Resolution to Establish Positions to Implement the Point of Sale Regulation
5. Purchasing Department – Resolution Authorizing Fire Alarm Improvements at the Ingham County Jail
9. Out of State Travel in Excess of $2,000
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Schor and Vickers
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Schor and Vickers
1. Board/Commission Presentation
a. Fair Board Interviews
The Committee interviewed the following applicants for positions on the Fair Board:
Sheryl Feazel
Nadine Nosal
Rochelle Wonch
The Committee will make its recommendations in the near future.
Comm. Holman suggested the Fair Board develop work groups which could involve the interested applicants who are not selected to serve on the Fair Board.
b. Equal Opportunity Committee – 2005 Annual Report
Mr. Reinecke reviewed the EOC’s Annual Report. The EOC is proud to report that as of the year-end 2005, Ingham County government is the most diverse it has ever been, with a minority employee base of 20.21%, this represents a 1.57% increase over 2004. The female employee base is 62.80%, this is virtually identical to last year.
Mr. Reinecke reviewed the long-standing goals of the EOC. These goals are defined on pages one through three of the Report. Increasing minority vendors for purchases made on behalf of the County continued to be an issue in 2005. The EOC continued its practice of inviting department heads to its meetings to discuss department practices in regard to hiring and purchasing.
The EOC received one complaint concerning the County’s employment practices in 2005. Based on the review of this complaint, it wad determined there was no basis for the complainant’s discrimination claim. Mr. Reinecke continued his review of the Report.
Chairperson Celentino expressed his appreciation for the work of the Equal Opportunity Committee. In 2003, this Committee made supplier diversity an issue. We received a report on this issue a month ago. The report indicated a slight increase in minority vendors. Mr. Reinecke stated the EOC worked closely with the Purchasing Department. The EOC is disappointed with the progress, but it also believes the Purchasing Department is doing everything possible to address this issue. Some areas have improved since last year. Mr. Reinecke explained the Purchasing Department only handles approximately 20% of the County’s purchasing.
Comm. Copedge stated Mr. Hailey and his staff did a good job of providing information to the EOC. He then expressed his concern regarding the number of minority vendors. Comm. Copedge also expressed his concern about the handling of referral packages. A standardized process should be developed to ensure the same measurements across the board.
Comm. Severino stated his hope that the EOC can determine what it actually did to take a stand on the anti-affirmative action issue. Mr. Reinecke explained the EOC initially voted in opposition to the passage of the issue. Government funds were not used to advocate the EOC’s position. The EOC will review the legality of its stand on this matter. Comm. Severino suggested the County Attorney contact the EOC regarding this issue.
The Committee held a general discussion regarding this matter. Mr. Dore stated the issue is currently under review. He will have the County Attorney provide an opinion to this Committee.
Vice Chairperson DeLeon asked if the EOC had made any statements regarding the anti-affirmative action during a meeting which would be included in their minutes. Mr. Reinecke explained the EOC made no formal statements. The EOC did not remove the County from the “Michigan Now” list. Vice Chairperson DeLeon asked Mr. Reinecke to ensure the County is removed from that list.
Comm. Severino suggested the EOC work with the Controller’s Office and the County Attorney to resolve this issue. This issue should not be placed on the shoulders of Mr. Reinecke. Mr. Dore stated he will follow through with this matter.
Vice Chairperson DeLeon requested the EOC include in future reports the number of times the County had an opportunity to hire minorities and the number of times the minorities were hired. She also suggested the EOC look into the number of County employees who have been promoted versus the number of new hires. Employees with several years of employment with the County should have the opportunity to advance within the County.
Mr. Dore asked if the data Vice Chairperson DeLeon is requested recorded. Mr. Hailey explained the Human Resources Department does track employees looking for other positions within the County.
Vice Chairperson DeLeon stated the EOC continues to do a great job. This Committee appreciates the efforts of the Equal Opportunity Committee.
2a. Economic Development Corporation – Resolution Approving a Retention Program Contract with Dru Mitchell for Business Retention Services
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION APPROVING A RETENTION PROGRAM CONTRACT WITH DRU MITCHELL FOR BUSINESS RETENTION SERVICES.
Comm. Holman requested clarification regarding this item. Ms. Pigg, EDC, explained the EDC Board voted to recommend the County continue its support of the Business Retention Program. The City of Lansing EDC has notified the County that it has ended its contract agreement to provide these services to the County. The Resolution would approve a contract with Ms. Dru Mitchell to cover the same services at the same rate through the end of the current year.
Ms. Pigg further explained the County has annually renewed its contract with the Lansing EDC since 1999. Per the contract, the Lansing EDC employed Ms. Mitchell and the County paid the City EDC for half of Ms. Mitchell’s services. The County EDC continues to see an important value in this program.
Comm. Holman expressed her concern that there have been a lot of shifts in the EDC. She asked the EDC to ensure that services are not being duplicated. Ms. Pigg stated there is a lot of regional cooperation.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Schor and Vickers
3c. Parks & Recreation Commission – Resolution Establishing an Additional Ingham County Parks Assistant Manager Position
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AN ADDITIONAL INGHAM COUNTY PARKS ASSISTANT MANAGER POSITION.
Vice Chairperson DeLeon stated additional information regarding this request may have made it possible to be included on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Moore explained the County has three major parks on line. The Maintenance Supervisor position became vacant on June 2, 2006. This position has become obsolete with the elimination of the Parks Department construction crew.
The vacant position would be replaced with an Assistant Manager position. The Parks Department currently has three managers and two assistant managers. Approving an additional Assistant Manager position would allow there to be an assistant manager for each of the three parks.
Comm. Holman stated this is a good move on the part of the Parks Department.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Schor and Vickers
6. Controller’s Office – Resolution Updating Various Fees for County Services
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION UPDATING VARIOUS FEES FOR COUNTY SERVICES.
Mr. Cypher explained the Controller’s Office is now requesting action on this item. During the last round of meetings, the liaison committees requested additional information. The following information is included in the agenda packet:
(1) An explanation of the current cost of Dog Kennel Inspections for licensing.
(2) An analysis of actual total costs of services provided versus the total fee
Revenue.
(3) A comparison of the budgeted fee revenue versus the actual fee revenues. In
2005, fee revenue was budgeted at $3.358 million. The 2005 actual collection was $3.487 million.
This Committee will be approving the County Services portion of the Resolution. Comm. Copedge stated there was a concern regarding this matter during the Law Enforcement Committee meeting. Vice Chairperson DeLeon explained that Comm. Vickers thought the liaison committees should approve the entire Resolution, not just specific sections of the Resolution.
MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Severino voting NO. Absent: Comms. Schor and Vickers
7. Board Referral – Letter with Attachments from Charles Willems Regarding the County’s Compliance with the Land Division Act
The Board Referral was received and placed on file.
8. Resolution to Authorize a Contract with the Common Ground Music Festival
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A CONTRACT WITH THE COMMON GROUND MUSIC FESTIVAL.
Mr. Cypher explained if the Committee approves this item, the funds would be appropriated from the Contingency Fund. The current Contingency Fund balance is approximately $236,000. Concerns regarding this item include: what is the deadline and the County would have to approve a contract for services. The County Attorney has reviewed and approved this item.
Mr. Cypher asked if County employees would have to staff a booth at the Festival. Vice Chairperson DeLeon indicated that would be the case. Mr. Dore asked how the booth would be staffed. Vice Chairperson DeLeon stated EOC members could staff the booth. Mr. Dore explained the booth staff would probably be required to replenish materials as needed, keep the area neat and clean, and close the booth at the end of the evening. Would staffing be needed all day, or just to set up and close down?
Comm. Holman stated she would approve $5,000 for this item. She then asked how the complimentary tickets would be used. Vice Chairperson DeLeon stated the Commissioners could determine what to do with the tickets. Comm. Holman expressed her concern that the County would be accepting tickets in turn for funding. Mr. Dore suggested the tickets be provided to the people who staff the booth.
Comm. Severino stated he does not believe this is an appropriate use of County funds. It is not the County’s responsibility to subsidize the Festival.
Comm. Holman stated the booth could be used to conduct outreach efforts at the Festival.
Mr. Hailey informed the Committee that County employees would have to be compensated for staffing the booth after their normal business hours. The employees would be paid for over-time hours.
Chairperson Celentino suggested the County provide the booth and supply information for the public. Staff should not be needed for the booth. He then stated the complimentary tickets should not be given to any Commissioners or elected officials.
Mr. Dore informed the Committee that he has called the Festival office to determine the County’s responsibility in this matter. He then stated the County could place a banner at the Festival which indicates the County’s support of the Festival.
Comm. Holman suggested the Parks Department use the booth to promote the Ingham County Parks.
Mr. Dore stated the Controller’s Office will look into this item further with the Festival office. He suggested the County keep this matter less intrusive by using banners instead of a booth.
Chairperson Celentino suggested that any complimentary tickets received from this arrangement not be awarded to elected officials. Mr. Dore suggested the tickets be donated to a charitable organization. The County could also decline the complimentary tickets. Comm. Copedge stated the County could use extra banners in exchange for receiving the complimentary tickets.
After further discussion, the Committee consented to the following Friendly Amendments:
The THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED – “not to exceed $5,000.”
The first BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED paragraph – “in press materials and on banners, as well as the possible operation of a 10X10 booth . . .”
MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Severino voting NO. Absent: Comms. Schor and Vickers
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff