COUNTY SERVICES

Approved 7/18/06

COUNTY SERVICES

June 20, 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: Ed Dore, Jared Cypher, Harold Hailey, Bruce Bragg, Bob Moore, Eric Schertzing, Rick Terrill, Donna Rummel, Randy Bell, Alexandra Genia and Jessica Sequin

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schor at 7:05 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the June 6, 2006 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. HOLMAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE JUNE 6 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Copedge and Severino

Additions to the Agenda

3. Substitute Resolution

6. Draft Resolution and additional Information

9. Resolution Authorizing Entering into a Contract for Construction of a “Splash Playground” at Hawk Island County Park

10. Resolution Honoring Reverend Lawrence H. Hinton

1. Board/Commission Presentation – Ingham County Youth Commission – Semi-Annual Report

Ms. Genia and Ms. Sequin presented the Youth Commission’s Annual Report to the Committee. The Executive Summary is included in the agenda material. Ms. Sequin informed the Committee that a former Youth Commissioner received a full scholarship from Michigan State University. The Commission’s membership as of May 2006 included nine members. Recruitment efforts are continuing. A number of people have emailed the Commission regarding their interest in serving on the Commission.

(Comm. Severino arrived at 7:10 p.m.)

Comm. Holman stated the Youth Commission has become involved in many community issues per its initial goal from a few years ago. Chairperson Schor asked if the

Commission is continuing its efforts regarding voter registration. Ms. Sequin stated the issue remains an interest of the Commission. Comm. DeLeon encouraged the Commission to continue to notify the Lansing State Journal of their activities.

Chairperson Schor thanked the Youth Commission for another successful report.

2. Greater Lansing Convention and Visitor’s Bureau – First Quarter 2006 Report

Chairperson Schor stated the Commissioners should forward any questions they have regarding the Report to the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Bureau representatives will be present for their next report.

The Report was received and placed on file.

3. Treasurer – Substitute Resolution to Utilize the County’s Option to Acquire Tax Foreclosed Property for Conveyance to the Ingham County Land Bank

Mr. Schertzing explained the Option to Acquire Tax Foreclosed Property is another avenue to deal with foreclosed property. He then stated he is philosophically opposed to property auctions. Local units of government could purchase property for the minimum amount owed to be used for public purposes. East Lansing decided to not exercise this option. Mr. Schertzing explained Ingham County could acquire property prior to it going to auction.

Mr. Schertzing further explained funding for the purchases would be allocated from the revolving line of credit. He expressed his hope that the Board of Commissioners understands the significance of the Land Bank. The Land Bank can guarantee a positive outcome for the neighbors of foreclosed properties.

Comm. Severino suggested the Land Bank provide the Board of Commissioners with the complete addresses of the foreclosed property. He then stated his belief that people do pay a lot of money at auctions for property. Comm. Severino stated he would vote in support of the Resolution tonight; however, he stated his hope that the Land Bank would have the option to auction a property if it cannot be sold.

In response to Comm. Vickers, Mr. Schertzing stated the Land Bank would be responsible for the current year taxes.

Chairperson Schor stated he believes auctions have a place; however, there are times when people wish to acquire property for a small amount of money and then they do not use the property.

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION TO UTILIZE THE COUNTY’S OPTION TO ACQUIRE TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTY FOR CONVEYANCE TO THE INGHAM COUNTY LAND BANK. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Copedge

4. Health Department – Recommendation for Starting Salary

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION FOR STARTING SALARY.

Mr. Bragg explained the Resolution would authorize a starting salary at the top of the Managerial/Confidential Level 10 (64,389). Ms. Roberts has many years of community service experience within this community through St. Vincent Catholic Charities. The interview panel found Ms. Roberts to be very well qualified for the POW Coordinator position.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Copedge

5. Ingham County/City of Lansing Community Coalition for Youth/Ingham County

MSU Extension

a. Resolution to Provide Coordinating and Program Support Services to the Ingham County/City of Lansing Community Coalition for Youth (CCY)

(Comm. Copedge arrived at approximately 7:30 p.m.)

MOVED BY COMM. VICKERS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE COORDINATING AND PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE INGHAM COUNTY/CITY OF LANSING COMMUNITY COALITION FOR YOUTH (CCY). MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

b. Resolution to Authorize a Fourth Year Contract Between the Ingham County/City of Lansing Community Coalition for Youth/Ingham County MSU Extension and the Michigan Department of Human Services (MDHS) for a Juvenile Justice Title V Prevention Grant and Associated Subcontracts

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A FOURTH YEAR CONTRACT BETWEEN THE INGHAM COUNTY/CITY OF LANSING COMMUNITY

COALITION FOR YOUTH/INGHAM COUNTY MSU EXTENSION AND THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (MDHS) FOR A JUVENILE JUSTICE TITLE V PREVENTION GRANT AND ASSOCIATED SUBCONTRACTS.

Comm. Severino requested clarification regarding the funding source. Mr. Bell stated the contract will be funded with federal funds.

(Comm. Copedge informed the Committee that he was late to this meeting because he was at a neighborhood association meeting.)

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

6. Commissioner Dianne Holman – Request to Join the Timberland Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Area

MOVED BY COMM. VICKERS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST TO JOIN THE TIMBERLAND RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT (RC&D) AREA.

Comm. Holman stated the U.S. Department of Agriculture contacted her via letter, dated June 7, 2006, regarding Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Areas. Ingham County is the only Michigan County that is not participating in the RC&D Areas. She further explained Ingham County would best fit with the Timberland Area.

Chairperson Celentino asked why this County has not participated in the RC&D Areas. Ms. Corgan explained the County has had the option to participate for many years. Previous Conservation District administrations had concerns about this matter. The current administration is supportive of the RC&D Areas and has decided to participate.

Comm. DeLeon asked what benefit the County would receive from participating in the Area. Ms. Corgan explained participation will enable the County to apply for specific grants it couldn’t otherwise apply for. The Board of Commissioners would sign on as a grant partner; therefore, no actions would take place without first notifying the Board of Commissioners.

Comm. Severino expressed his hope that the Board of Commissioners will remember the support it’s giving to Comm. Holman and this request during the upcoming budget request.

Comm. Holman explained the Board of Commissioners would appoint two people to an informal committee. The County would be responsible for the $250 annual dues. This would be a positive expenditure because the County would receive a lot in return. She suggested the Drain Office be notified of this matter so it may provide some input on this issue. The Parks Department should also be notified.

Comm. Holman further explained the participation in the RC&D would allow the County to take advantage of additional resources.

Chairperson Celentino stated he will wait to support this item until the input is received from the Drain Office and the Parks Department. Comm. Holman suggested the Committee wait until its next meeting to consider its approval of this item to allow the Drain Office and Parks Department time to respond.

Chairperson Schor stated it appears the Committee is mostly supportive of this matter. Mr. Law, U.S. Department of Agriculture, could send further information to this Committee. This Committee will honor Comm. Holman’s request to postpone a decision on this matter until its next meeting.

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO TABLE THE REQUEST TO JOIN THE TIMBERLAND RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AREA UNTIL THIS COMMITTEE’S JULY 18, 2006 MEETING. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. Facilities Department – Update on the Security at the District Court and the Hilliard Buildings

Chairperson Schor stated he requested the Facilities Department update the Committee on the security concerns at the District Court and the Hilliard Building. Mr. Terrill distributed his Security Update information to the Committee for its review.

Hilliard Building – Mr. Terrill stated the current card reader system is being upgraded. Per the County, HIPAA and the MIS policy, it is important to maintain a high level of security for the County’s core Data Processing Center.

55^th District Court – Mr. Terrill stated a few enhancements will be implemented this year. The existing push-button combination locks will be replaced. Security equipment will also be installed and will be manned by security personnel.

Mason Courthouse – A meeting was held with various department heads, the Sheriff’s Department and elected officials to discuss security concerns. Recommendations were made during this discussion. Duress buttons are installed in all departments, including the courtroom. The 12 buttons are currently active and are monitored by the Guardian Alarm Company. A phone paging system will be installed to alert all departments to evacuate the facility in the event of a bomb threat. In cooperation with the MIS Department, the system will be installed in-house.

Mr. Terrill further explained the Mason Courthouse will open at 7:45 a.m. and will be closed and locked at 5:00 p.m. Exceptions will be made for Board of Commissioner and Historical Commission meetings. The Hilliard Building will open at 7:30 a.m. and will close and be locked at 9:00 p.m.

A local security management firm is interested in conducting a risk assessment on the Mason Courthouse. Mr. Cypher stated the Sheriff’s Office will conduct periodic checks at the Mason Courthouse.

Comm. Vickers stated his appreciation of Mr. Terrill’s efforts on the security issues. Comm. Copedge asked about the parking situation at the Grady Porter/Veterans Memorial Courthouse. Mr. Terrill stated the parking activity was reviewed last week. Two window stickers have been applied to date. Tickets have not been issued. Staff has not noticed the return of any vehicles which previously received a window sticker. Chairperson Schor informed the Committee the Facilities Department will present a six-month report to this Committee.

Comm. Holman asked if jurors and visitors have found more available parking spaces since the policy was implemented. Mr. Terrill explained the Department has not received any complaints for some time.

The Committee held a brief discussion regarding the handling of the upcoming two-jury trial.

8. Board Referral – Capital Region Airport Authority Mill Levy Certification

Mr. Dore informed the Committee that the Headlee implications are being reviewed by the County Attorney’s Office. There are slight discrepancies between the County’s and the Airport’s numbers. Mr. Dore stated he will discuss this matter with the Airport Director.

The Committee held a general discussion regarding this item. Chairperson Schor stated his hope that the County and the Airport could handle this issue with a spirit of regional cooperation. He then asked if a review has been conducted of the Airport’s expenses. Mr. Dore stated the immediate past year expenses will be reviewed. Chairperson Schor stated he is comfortable that staff will take care of this matter.

Comm. Severino expressed his appreciation to Mr. Dore for considering the Headlee rollback implications. He then stated this is now a good time to investigate legislative changes regarding the County’s obligation in this matter.

Chairperson Schor concurred with Comm. Severino’s statement regarding a legislative review. Comm. DeLeon stated the County may need to act before the end of this year.

9. Resolution Authorizing Entering into a Contract for Construction of a “Splash Playground” at Hawk Island County Park

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A “SPLASH PLAYGROUND” AT HAWK ISLAND COUNTY PARK.

Mr. Moore stated the construction contract is within the project budget since the Parks Department will do some of the work. The “Splash Playground” (Playground) is scheduled to be completed by the end of this July.

Chairperson Schor stated his constituents are very excited about the Playground. He then stated Hawk Island County Park was tremendously busy during its opening weekend. Park staff did a phenomenal job.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

10. Resolution Honoring Reverend Lawrence H. Hinton

MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION HONORING REVEREND LAWRENCE H. HINTON.

Comm. Copedge explained he was approached by a number of the clergy regarding Reverend Hinton’s work and efforts with youth and other activities.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Announcements

Chairperson Schor informed the Committee the Women’s Commission will be honoring an every-day heroine within the County at each of their meetings. Resolutions honoring these women will be submitted to this Committee for approval beginning at its next scheduled meeting.

Public Comment: None

The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff