COUNTY SERVICES

Approved 9/19/06

COUNTY SERVICES

August 14, 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, Ed Dore, Dr. Sienko, Rick Terrill, Bob Moore, Tim McGuire and Chris Holman

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schor at 7:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the July 18, 2006 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. VICKERS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE JULY 18 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Severino and Copedge

Additions to the Agenda

6c. Substitute Resolution

9. Resolution

10. Late - Resolution Recognizing Michigan Indian Week in Ingham County

Limited Public Comment: None

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

3. Fair Board – Resolution to Authorize Acceptance of a $5,000.00 Donation from the City of Mason

4. Parks and Recreation Commission

a. Resolution Authorizing a Contract with the Ingham County Road Commission for Improvements to the Rayner Park Entrance Road

b. Resolution to Authorize a Transfer of Funds to the City of Lansing to be Used for the Construction of the Hawk Island County Park to Macguire Park Section of the Heart of Michigan Trail

5b. Health Department – Request for a 90 Day Unpaid Leave of Absence

6. Facilities

a. Resolution Awarding a Contract to Foster Concrete Construction, Inc. for County-wide Concrete Replacement and Repair

b. Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Myers Plumbing & Heating, Inc. for Exhaust Vent Replacement at the Human Services Facility

c. Substitute Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Western Waterproofing Company for the Exterior Weatherproofing and Restoration at the Human Services Facility

8. County Services Committee – Resolution Designating September 25, 2006 “Family Day – A Day to eat Dinner with Your Children” in Ingham County

(Comm. Copedge arrived at 7:04 p.m.)

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Severino

MOVED BY COMM. VICKERS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Severino

2. Presentation – Tim McGuire, Michigan Association of Counties – Legislative Update

Mr. McGuire, Michigan Association of Counties, distributed copies of “A Mid-Year Legislative Wrap Up” to the Committee for its review during his presentation. The Wrap Up contained information regarding 911 Funding; Flexibility in the Foreclosure Fund; Methamphetamines; Local Veto of State Land Purchases; Marriage Ceremony Fees and Road Commission Expansion. It also included budgetary items such as Child Care Fund/Title IV-E; PILT and Revenue Sharing. The K-16 Spending Mandate Proposal was also addressed in the Wrap Up. Mr. McGuire reviewed each of these issues. He encouraged the Commissioners to contact him if they have any questions or concerns regarding the information.

(Comm. Severino arrived at 7:09 p.m.)

Mr. McGuire commended the Ingham County Board of Commissioners for their assistance in legislative issues. He then stated the Michigan Association of Counties is gearing up for its conference to be held this weekend. Due to financial concerns, the conference has been shortened by one day.

Chairperson Celentino thanked Mr. McGuire for his leadership. He stated this Committee would appreciate receiving future updates from MAC. Chairperson Schor echoed Chairperson Celentino’s comments. He also stated Mr. McGuire has done a phenomenal job. MAC should survey its members to determine which issues they would like addressed.

Mr. McGuire expressed his appreciation for the above suggestions. The suggestions will be forwarded to MAC.

Comm. Severino suggested that MAC email its issue surveys to its members for the convenience of the Commissioners and for MAC.

1. Board/Commission Presentation

a. Capital Region Airport Authority

Chairperson Schor stated Mr. Holman is one of three County appointees to the Capital Region Airport Authority. Mr. Holman is seeking reappointment to the Authority. This would require a waiver of the term limits.

Mr. Holman stated it may be difficult to bring a new member on board due to the issues being handled at this time. He stated he would serve on the Authority for another term if that is the wish of the Board of Commissioners.

Chairperson Schor asked if the Authority is revising its budget. Mr. Holman stated the Authority is working with its attorneys regarding the revision of its budget. Chairperson Schor stated if the revised budget requires the County to take money from its General Fund, he will be very unhappy.

Mr. Holman addressed various Airport issues from the Committee members at this time. Comm. Severino stated Mr. Holman has worked hard on behalf of the County. The Committee discussed the Michigan Flyer program briefly.

Chairperson Celentino stated Mr. Holman supports the County’s efforts to regionalize the Airport. He further stated there is a lot of transition in the Authority. Mr. Holman should be reappointed to the Authority due to his expertise in issues relating to the Airport.

Comm. DeLeon stated she generally opposes term limit waivers. In this case, however, she is a County liaison on the Airport Authority so she understands the need to retain Mr. Holman on the board.

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO WAIVE THE TERMS LIMITS TO REAPPOINT CHRIS HOLMAN TO THE CAPITAL REGION AIRPORT AUTHORITY.

Comm. Holman stated she would like to see new people on the Authority. She then stated there will be additional opportunities to appoint new people to the Authority in the near future.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Holman informed the Committee that he does not have any political aspirations. He then expressed his appreciation to the Committee for its continued support.

b. Women’s Commission Interviews

The Committee interviewed Deborah Smith, Gabrielle Johnson and Macie Shriner for a position on the Women’s Commission.

The Committee did not recommend an appointment at this time.

5. Health Department

a. Resolution to Establish a Billing Manager Position in the Health Department

Dr. Sienko explained that Mr. Bragg and his staff discussed this issue further following the Human Services Committee last evening. It has been determined the Department needs to maintain the Account Clerk position as well as establishing a Billing Manager position. Dr. Sienko informed the Committee that the Health Department is recommending that the first BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED paragraph of the Resolution be eliminated:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board eliminates position #601023, Account Clerk – Health Department (UAW-TOPS D).

Chairperson Schor stated he raised a question last evening regarding the proposed elimination of a union position. The Department’s current recommendation does not eliminate the union position. It also appears the funds are within the Department’s budget for the two positions. Chairperson Schor stated he would support the Department’s recommendation.

Comm. Copedge asked if the Department would use the County’s normal interview process when filling the new position. Dr. Sienko stated he was not sure if the Department has someone in mind for the new position. He will look into this issue and inform Mr. Dore of his findings in time for the Finance Committee meeting tomorrow evening.

Comm. DeLeon asked if the Department had received any response from the union regarding the original recommendation. Chairperson Schor explained that Mr. Bragg had informed the Human Services Committee last evening that he had not heard anything from the union regarding this matter. The union received the Resolution prior to the Human Services Committee meeting.

Comm. Holman asked why this position request was not handled through the normal budget process. Mr. Dore explained the request does not pose a problem for the Department’s 2006 budget.

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A BILLING MANAGER POSITION IN THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AS AMENDED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

Comm. Copedge stated the managerial position should be filled through the normal interview process.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

c. Request to Start Above the Minimum Step

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE REQUEST TO START ABOVE THE MINIMUM STEP.

Comm. DeLeon stated the staff review does not include information regarding the differences between the steps. Dr. Sienko stated he could have that information for the Finance Committee tomorrow evening. Mr. Dore explained the request is reasonable for this type of position. Comm. DeLeon stated she would like to know the differences between the steps.

Comm. DeLeon also expressed her concern that the County pays above the minimum step level to obtain employees frequently. The County may need to revisit the compensation schedule to resolve this issue. Dr. Sienko explained the County needs to match the existing salary of potential employees in order to obtain qualified employees. Mr. Dore stated Comm. DeLeon’s concern is valid. The County’s retirement contribution is a concern for prospective employees.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. Arts Council of Greater Lansing – Informational Item – 2006 Six Month Hotel/Motel Arts and Tourism Grant Report

The Report was received and placed on file.

9. Board of Commissioners – Resolution Submitting to a Vote of the Electorate a Special Millage for the Operation and Maintenance of Potter Park and Potter Park Zoo

Mr. Dore reviewed the Resolution for the Committee. He explained the BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED paragraph indicates the County will set the timetable for the signing of the lease for Potter Park and the Potter Park Zoo. The millage rate in the Resolution is up to 0.46 mill for a five year period (2006-2010). If the City of Lansing does not sign the lease, the County will not levy the millage.

Mr. Dore explained there are some issues which have not been resolved. One of the main issues involves the labor agreements. Hard numbers are also not yet available for the budget. The Zoo has been capital starved for a few years. The millage rate will ensure there are sufficient funds to cover operational needs.

Chairperson Schor explained many of the undetermined numbers will be made according to policy decisions and from recommendations from the Potter Park Zoological Society to the Parks Board. Once the lease has been agreed to, issues such as entrance and parking fees will be discussed. The County and the City will resolve the labor issues. These issues will be resolved only if the millage is approved by the voters in November.

Comm. Vickers asked if the levy amount will be determined prior to placing the millage language on the ballot. Chairperson Schor stated that is the intent of the County. Mr. Dore stated the lease could take effect January 1, 2007, or later. The County Attorney will draft the lease language. Negotiations will be made from this draft.

Comm. Severino expressed his concern that the language is not clear that the appropriation of millage funds is contingent upon the City’s signing of the lease and the voters’ approval of the millage. If this matter drags out over time, Comm. Severino stated he does not want the County to retroactively reimburse the City for its costs relating to the Park and the Zoo.

Mr. Dore stated language from the millage language could be also included in the text of the Resolution. The language is “If approved and levied in full, this millage will raise in the first calendar year of the levy an estimated additional $3,233,430.00 for operations, maintenance, and improvements for Potter Park Zoo and Potter Park, and is contingent upon a lease and operational agreement being approved by the City of Lansing and the County of Ingham.”

Comm. Severino stated the language regarding the signing of the lease by November 14, 2006 should be eliminated. If the lease is signed on November 15, 2006, the County would probably move forward. Comm. Vickers stated November 14 is a ‘red letter date.’ Chairperson Schor stated he understands Comm. Severino’s concern regarding the retroactive payment issue; however, the Board of Commissioners would not approve retroactive payments.

Comm. Vickers asked when the lease would be drafted. Mr. Dore stated staff is currently reviewing issues related to the lease. The County Attorney will start drafting the language on August 22, 2006. Comm. Copedge asked if the City of Lansing is aware of the November 14 date. Mr. Dore stated he emailed Mr. Ambrose this afternoon about this date.

Comm. Holman stated she has heard from people in her district regarding the Park and Zoo issues. She asked if there would be an effort to inform the constituents about the language which is to be placed before the voters in November. Chairperson Schor explained that the County does not advocate for millages. The Board of Commissioners cannot promise that a millage question will be approved by the voters. He further stated a number of Commissioners believe County residents should have lower entrance/parking fees at the Park and the Zoo. This issue will be resolved once the millage is approved. Comm. DeLeon stated the County does anticipate that Delta Township and Clinton County may participate in the funding of the Park and the Zoo.

Comm. Holman stated she believes it would be in the County’s best interest to inform the residents if its intentions prior to the vote in November. Chairperson Schor stated Commissioners should represent the views of their constituents.

Chairperson Celentino stated Clinton County will address the Park and Zoo issue at its August 29, 2006 meeting. Clinton County was present at all of the Zoo Task Force meetings. Delta Township will make a presentation regarding this matter to their Board of Trustees. Eaton County declined to participate in the discussions.

Chairperson Celentino further explained the Task Force discussed the issues of parking and entrance fees. The parking fees will remain in effect in order to keep the parking situation under control. The issue to be determined is the fees for residents versus non-residents. He also stated the entrance fees will be reviewed to determine if they can be uniform with the current Ingham County Park entrance fees.

This discussion continued. Chairperson Schor suggested a WHEREAS paragraph be added to the Resolution which would state the County’s intent to have reduced fees for all residents paying the millage. Mr. Dore stated the County’s Resolution of Intent includes this language. Chairperson Schor stated it could be restated in the current Resolution.

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION SUBMITTING TO A VOTE OF THE ELECTORATE A SPECIAL MILLAGE FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF POTTER PARK AND POTTER PARK ZOO.

MOVED BY COMM. HOLMAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO ADD A WHEREAS PARAGRAPH WHICH WOULD REFLECT THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONER’S INTENT TO HAVE REDUCED ENTRANCE FEES FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE PAYING THE ZOO MILLAGE. LANGUAGE WILL ALSO BE ADDED TO REFLECT THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONER’S INTENT TO CONTINUE ITS REGIONALIZATION EFFORTS. MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Vickers voting NO.

(Staff will draft the actual language for the amendment.)

Comm. Vickers stated this is one of his toughest votes during his term on the Board of Commissioners. He explained he has concerns regarding unspecified dedicated millage funds. He then asked if the City could revoke the lease after the County has put forth efforts for some years on the Park and the Zoo.

Comm. Severino explained he would not vote in support of this item tonight. More details are needed from the City before he would be comfortable supporting the Resolution. Comm. Severino further stated he is confident that if the millage is approved by the voters, the Mayor’s Office will do a good job implementing the changes.

Comm. Holman stated she would like her motion, above, to reference the November 14, 2006 for the signing of the lease.

Chairperson Celentino stated he respects the comments of the Commissioners. He then stated the Task Force worked very hard on guidelines so that people would understand the Board’s expectations. Labor will be a major issue to be addressed once the millage is approved. Chairperson Celentino gave credit to the Parks Board for the County’s parks because some of the City Zoo employees want the County to take over the operation of the Zoo. It is now time for the voters to decide this issue. Chairperson Celentino expressed his hope that the Commissioners will vote in favor of the Resolution.

MAIN MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Vickers and Severino voting NO.

Announcements

Mr. Dore informed the Committee that MAC has invited Mr. Terrill to speak at its Summer Conference regarding “Achieving Energy Efficiency in County Facilities.” The Summer Conference is scheduled for Monday, August 21, 2006 through Tuesday, August 22, 2006. Mr. Terrill’s presentation is scheduled for August 22, 2006 from 10:15 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Comm. Copedge expressed his concern that he has not been able to provide his constituents with background information regarding millages which were approved before his time on the Board of Commissioners.

Chairperson Schor stated the background information is contained on the County’s website. He further stated he would make sure that information is available.

Public Comment: None

The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff