Amended 5/15/07
COUNTY SERVICES
May 1, 2007
Minutes
Members Present: Debbie DeLeon, Todd Tennis, Dale Copedge, Mike Severino, Steve Dougan and Board Chairperson Marc Thomas
Members Absent: Deb Nolan
Others Present: Matthew Myers, Harold Hailey, Tony Lindsey, Rick Terrill, Bob Moore, Jim Hudgins, Rodney Jewett, Diane McNeil, Rodney Jewitt, George Vernon, Willis Bennett, Brian Klebba, Sally Auer, Gerry Brady and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson DeLeon at 7:03 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the April 17, 2007 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. TENNIS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DOUGAN, TO APPROVE THE APRIL 17 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nolan
The Minutes were amended to reflect the following:
Page Two: 3b; first line – Comm. Dougan stated he has not heard or received sufficient evidence that Moore’s Security (Moore’s) should be replaced.
Page Two: 3b; second line - . . . should abide by the County’s local purchasing preference by lowering their proposal to match the lowest out-County bidder.
Page Three: 3b; paragraph 3 – “Mr. Hudgins stated cost was considered, however, it was not as important as the other qualifications” was changed to “. . . cost was considered; however, while cost is certainly an important consideration, it was not the sole determining factor in the evaluation and recommendation of Teachout Security.”
Page Four: second paragraph; second line – Chairperson DeLeon (“suggested adding language to promote Michigan works” was deleted.) Next sentence – Chairperson DeLeon suggested the County’s newsletter, and possibly its website, could reference Michigan Works.
Page Five: last paragraph – Comm. Copedge commended Mr. Hailey’s staff for information provided to the EOC to assist in the development of the new selection process.
Additions to the Agenda
1. Parks & Recreation Commission – Resolution Authorizing the 2007 Potter Park and Potter Park Zoo Budget
4b. Controller’s Office – Resolution Establishing Areas of Priority Emphasis Guiding 2008 Activities and Budget Process
Limited Public Comment
Ms. Auer, Chief Steward and Bargaining Chair – UAW Ingham County Unit, stated she is present this evening to represent the UAW as a whole. The UAW received information that there may be some funding issues with the Potter Park Zoo project. The information indicated it may be the Parks Department’s intent to outsource some of the established UAW work. The UAW, the County and the City of Lansing have worked collectively to protect the workers and their interests. The UAW would like the record to reflect that the UAW would vehemently oppose any outsourcing of our work.
Chairperson DeLeon stated the Committee will address this concern this evening.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVEIRNO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. TENNIS, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEM:
3. Financial Services Department – Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with AON Consulting Worldwide to Provide Consulting Services for the Ingham County Health Coalition
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nolan
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. TENNIS, TO APPROVE THE ITEM ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: e
1. Parks & Recreation Commission - Resolution Authorizing the 2007 Potter Park and Potter Park Zoo Budget (information will be sent under separate cover)
Mr. Moore stated the 2008 Potter Park and Potter Park Zoo budget has not been addressed as of this date. He then explained a transition committee consisting of County and City staff has been meeting since early January 2007 to address the 2007 budget. The 2007 budget has been addressed by the Parks and Recreation committee.
Mr. Moore introduced Mr. Terrill, Mr. Vernon, Ms. McNeil, Gerry Brady and Willis Bennett to the Committee. These individuals are present this evening to address any questions or concerns of the Committee.
Mr. Moore addressed Ms. Auer’s comments regarding possible outsourcing of UAW positions at the Zoo. He stated all Zoo positions are included in the 2007 budget. New positions have been added to the current Zoo position allocation list. These positions are UAW positions.
In response to Chairperson DeLeon, Mr. Moore stated County employees will begin work at the Zoo after July 1, 2007. The County’s Facilities Department will perform Zoo facility maintenance projects. Funds for the maintenance projects will come from the Parks budget. Mr. Terrill stated he will request two new positions during the next round of liaison meetings. These new positions would be funded through the Zoo Millage.
Mr. Moore stated the only issue that may be considered outsourcing is equipment maintenance. A current ICEA employee with the Parks Department currently spends approximately 60% of his time doing mechanical maintenance projects. This employee’s duties will be changed to 100% mechanical responsibilities.
Mr. Myers stated the current park employees will maintain their current salary and benefits. Mr. Hailey explained the new employees will be hired under the current bargaining unit.
The Committee continued their discussion of this item. Mr. Moore stated the Zoo currently is short on employees. The requested additional positions will help this situation.
Chairperson DeLeon stated the Committee has not had much time to review the proposed budget. Comm. Tennis indicated he did not receive a copy of the budget. Mr. Moore explained that delaying the approval of the budget will mean a delay in hiring the additional positions.
Chairperson Thomas stated the budget is in two parts. He suggested the Committee approve the short-term budget this evening and then approve the long-term budget in two weeks. Mr. Moore stated the Resolution could be modified to reflect the short and long-term budgets by tomorrow for the Finance Committee meeting. Comm. Tennis stated he would support the approval of the short-term budget this evening. Mr. Moore stated the positions are included in the short-term budget.
Comm. Copedge requested clarification from Ms. Auer regarding her statements made during Limited Public Comment. Ms. Auer explained she received her information late this afternoon. She stated the UAW wants the current UAW positions to remain UAW positions. Mr. Moore explained the only change taking place is moving the Potter Park office from Lansing to Mason. Mr. Hailey stated his office is in discussions with Mr. Luna and others regarding the Zoo positions. Assurances have been made to Mr. Luna that current employees will continue to conduct their current duties.
Comm. Tennis suggested the possibility of amending the Substitute Resolution. After some discussion, the following amendments were made to the Substitute Resolution:
The Title was changed to: Resolution Authorizing an Interim Potter Park and Potter Park Zoo
Budget
The following paragraphs were removed from the Substitute Resolution: 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12,
13 and 15
Mr. Myers stated he would draft language for the amended Substitute Resolution.
MOVED BY COMM. TENNIS, SUPPORTED Y COMM. DOUGAN, TO APPROVE A MODIFIED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INTERIM BUDGET, AS MODIFIED BY THIS COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nolan
Chairperson DeLeon stated her continuing concern about leaving some positions open for the advisory board to fill. She also suggested the Parks Board look into adding a vet tech to the six-month position allocation list. Mr. Moore explained that the issue of adding a vet tech is being addressed.
Ms. McNeil commended the Committee for its assistance to date with Zoo matters.
Chairperson Thomas asked Mr. Moore if he could look into adding a vet tech position soon or if this issue should be addressed at a later date. The addition of this position should proceed through the normal County process. Mr. Myers explained the vet tech would not be hired until at least July 1, 2007. This will leave ample time to address the addition of the position. Chairperson DeLeon stated her preference to hire the vet tech prior to July 1 to address current animal issues.
Comm. Dougan stated he would like the issue of Lansing residents who live in Eaton County to be addressed in regard to entrance fees at the Zoo. Mr. Moore stated that issue is being discussed.
2. Facilities Department - Resolution Authorizing the Award of a Contract with Mata Brothers Construction for County-wide Concrete Replacement and Repair
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT WITH MATA BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION FOR COUNTY-WIDE CONCRETE REPLACEMENT REPAIR.
Comm. Dougan asked where Mata Brothers is located. Mr. Terrill stated the business is located in Jackson.
Mr. Terrill explained there are several sections of concrete which must be replaced; therefore, a square foot price is provided versus a grand total. Chairperson DeLeon asked if there is a way to calculate the local preference issue with a square foot price. Mr. Hudgins stated it would be very difficult to calculate the local preference in this matter.
Comm. Copedge asked if this contract could cover any other projects. Mr. Terrill explained there may be asphalt projects; however, this contract covers concrete repairs. Chairperson DeLeon asked about any plans to improve the public parking lot at the Veterans Memorial Courthouse. Mr. Terrill stated he has not noted any asphalt issue at that site. Chairperson DeLeon stated the site does not look as nice as other County property. Mr. Terrill indicated he would freshen up the lot with new markings.
Chairperson DeLeon asked if any minority contractors responded to the RFP. Mr. Hudgins stated few vendors responded because of the piece meal nature of the project. Chairperson DeLeon suggested staff follow up with some of the non-responding companies to determine why they did not respond. Mr. Hudgins indicated he would follow through with this request.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nolan
4. Controller’s Office
a. Discussion Item: DRAFT - Resolution Updating Various Fees for County Services
Mr. Myers reviewed some of the proposed fee increases as contained in the agenda material. The Committee held a general discussion regarding this item.
b. Resolution Establishing Areas of Priority Emphasis Guiding 2008 Activities and Budget Process
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AREAS OF PRIORITY EMPHASIS GUIDING 2008 ACTIVITIES AND BUDGET PROCESS.
Mr. Myers explained the Substitute Resolution addresses this Committee’s concerns. The Committee discussed this item briefly.
MOTION CARRIED With Comm. Dougan voting NO. Absent: Comm. Nolan
c. Discussion Concerning Formulation of a Plan to Operate Potter Park Zoo and Resolution
Comm. Tennis stated his preference for a 9 member Zoo Board. The Committee discussed options for the make up of the Board. Mr. Myers explained the language in the information indicates the City will select their appointees to the Board. He then stated his understanding that the BOC will eventually appoint the City’s referral. Chairperson DeLeon stated this matter will work like the CADL Board. The County appoints referrals from other jurisdictions. The County would only reject a referral for a unique reason.
MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING SCENARIO FOR THE ZOO BOARD:
INGHAM COUNTY: 6 MEMBERS
CITY OF LANSING: 2 MEMBERS
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY: 1 MEMBER
Chairperson Thomas suggested the Board of Commissioners keep the appointment process open. Mr. Myers indicated he will do further work on the language for this item.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nolan
5. Appointments
a. Equal Opportunity Committee
MOVED BY COMM. TENNIS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF LINDA WALKER-COLE TO THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nolan
b. Historical Commission
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED Y COMM. TENNIS, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF RODNEY JEWETT TO THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nolan
c. Housing Commission
MOVED BY COMM. TENNIS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DOUGAN, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF DARLING GARCIA TO THE HOUSING COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nolan
Public Comment:
Mr. Jewett thanked the Committee for recommending his appointment to the Historical Commission.
Announcements: None
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff