Amended 9/18/07
COUNTY SERVICES
August 21, 2007
Minutes
Members Present: Debbie DeLeon, Deb Nolan, Dale Copedge, Tim Soule, Mike Severino, Steve Dougan and Board Chairperson Marc Thomas
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Matthew Myers, Harold Hailey, Mike Prelesnik, Paula Simon, Nadine Nosal, Michael McDonald, Willis Bennett, Tony Lindsey, Doug Carr, Brian Klebba, Sara Deprez, Rick Terrill, Jim Hudgins, Janeil Valentine, Paul Hufnagel, Bob Selig, John McGlinchey, Paul Stoker, Peter Cohl and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson DeLeon at 7:02 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the July 17, 2007 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DOUGAN, TO APPROVE THE JULY 17 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY with Chairperson DeLeon abstaining. She was not present at the July 17 meeting.
Additions to the Agenda
2. Discussion – Lansing Township DDA – East Towne Village, Update on the Project and Future Development - Item Pulled
8c. Resolution Authorizing Establishment of the Samuel D. Ingham Academy Pilot Program for Juveniles Under the Jurisdiction of the Court
9a. Resolution to Add AXA Financial to the County’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plans - Item Pulled
14. Resolution Designating October 15, 2007 as “National Latino Aids Awareness Day” in Ingham County
Limited Public Comment
Mr. Prelesnik thanked the Committee for its continued support of the Fair. He then stated the new manager has been a positive addition to the Fair. Mr. Prelesnik updated the Committee on Fair issues. The 2007 Ingham County Fair revenue was up 15% from last year and the grand stand shows were very successful. Concerts will have to be reconsidered for next year due to financial issues.
Chairperson DeLeon stated she attended the Fair a number of times this summer and she was very impressed with the turnout. She then commended the Fair Board and its staff for the success of the Fair this year. Comm. Copedge thanked the Fair Board for providing Fair tickets for some area youth. The youth attended a recent Board meeting to thank the County for the Fair tickets.
Mr. Carr, Greater Lansing Home Builder’s Association, spoke regarding agenda item number three. He stated he met with the Drain Commissioner and the Association is very supportive of the Fast Track Permit Review System. Mr. Carr further stated the new System should be monitored to determine its effectiveness.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
3. Drain Commissioner’s Office – Resolution Establishing a Fast Track Permit Review System in the Drain Commissioner’s Office and Setting Fees for the System
4. Health Department
b. Resolution to Provide Funding for Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
c. Resolution Approving the Establishment of the Brownfield Coordinator Position
5c. Parks and Recreation Commission - Resolution to Pursue an Agreement with the City of Lansing for the Maintenance and Operation of Scott Woods Park
7. Health Department – Request to Start Above the Minimum Step – Saltman
8. Facilities Department
a. Resolution Awarding a Contract to Myers Plumbing & Heating, Inc. to Provide HVAC Work at both the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Ingham County Drain Commissioners’ Office
b. Resolution Awarding a Contract to McDonald Roofing & Sheeting Metal Company, Inc. for Partial Roof Replacement at the Ingham County Mason Courthouse
c. Resolution Authorizing Establishment of the Samuel D. Ingham Academy Pilot Program for Juveniles Under the Jurisdiction of the Court
12. County Services Committee – Resolution Designating September 24, 2007 “Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children” in Ingham County
14. Resolution Designating October 15, 2007 as “National Latino Aids Awareness Day” in Ingham County
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Presentation – Capital Region Airport Authority – Annual Update – Robert F. Selig, AAE, Executive Director
Mr. Hufnagel and Mr. Selig addressed the Committee during this presentation. They distributed copies of Capital Region Airport Authority Update, dated August 2007, to the Committee. Mr. Selig reviewed the Update at this time. A copy of the Update is on file in the Board Office.
In conclusion, Mr. Selig stated the Airport Authority remains financially sound as it continues to monitor and aggressively respond to development opportunities. The Authority is conservatively diversifying its business plan to meet the challenges of the ever changing aviation industry.
The Committee held a general discussion regarding the Update. It also discussed issues relating to Northwest Airlines. Mr. Selig stated Northwest is working on some changes; however, their problems are nationwide.
Chairperson DeLeon asked if the Authority’s millage rate will decrease. Mr. Selig stated he does not expect it to decrease in 2008/09. Whether the rate remains the same or decreases depends on the direction the airline industry takes. Mr. Hufnagel explained it will be some time before the millage rate decreases.
4. Treasurer’s Office
a. Resolution to Provide Funding for Low Income Tax Preparation
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR LOW INCOME TAX PREPARATION.
Mr. Schertzing explained the Asset Independence Coalition (AIC) coordinates income tax preparation for low and moderate income residents of the tri-county area. He further stated that, due to the Treasurer’s efforts to assist the many delinquent taxpayers in Ingham County, he has been attending the AIC meetings to help build their capacity to help the low and moderate income residents better their life situation. Many property tax payers qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Mr. Schertzing stated he proposed at a recent AIC Finance meeting that the AIC attempt to secure base funding from the four largest governments in the tri-county area. The base funding would help assure a part-time coordinator position and would allow the AIC to approach other partners for financial and non-financial support. A coordinator will allow the AIC to increase the tax refunds and tax credits received by our most vulnerable citizens.
Comm. Severino expressed his general policy concern. The County has a community agency process and this request would work well in that process. Comm. Severino stated he will support the Treasurer’s request; but, he also hopes the Treasurer will be sensitive to the Board’s process.
Mr. Schertzing stated he appreciated Comm. Severino’s notice of the community agency process. Mr. Myers stated he spoke with the Treasurer regarding the community agency process. Mr. Schertzing indicated he would seek grant funds for this matter in the next few years.
Chairperson DeLeon expressed her appreciation to the Treasurer for his efforts to assist the people of this County.
Comm. Dougan stated there are organizations which provide free tax services. Chairperson DeLeon explained that many of the organizations provide this service only during tax season.
Mr. Schertzing stated he will report back to this Committee on the matter in approximately nine months.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Parks and Recreation Commission
a. Resolution Establishing a New Classification (Park Manager (III), and Reclassifying the Park Director Position
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A NEW CLASSIFICATION (PARK MANAGER III), AND RECLASSIFYING THE PARK DIRECTOR POSITION.
Chairperson DeLeon stated she recognizes the need to review the managerial structure especially in relation to Potter Park. She then asked for an update regarding the changes in responsibilities for the managers. Mr. McDonald, Parks Board, stated the two managerial positions have assumed many additional responsibilities. Ms. Weil stated a position has been posted for administrative support at the Zoo. Mr. Bennett explained three park manager positions were reclassified at the beginning of this year.
Chairperson DeLeon stated any staff review process relating to the Zoo should have been completed by this time. Comm. Copedge asked about the increased managerial duties. Mr. McDonald explained the Park Manager II position currently supervises 11 FTE’s and this number will increase to 30 with the addition of the ground maintenance responsibilities at the Zoo.
The Director of Parks currently supervises 31 to 50 subordinates. The addition of the Zoo increases that number to 57 FTE employees. Ms. Weil stated Mr. Moore also attends Parks Board, Potter Park Board and County Committee and Board meetings in addition to his regular duties.
Comm. Copedge stated he has not seen any information which justifies the reclassifications of the two positions. He stated he would like to see more information regarding activities that a position will be assuming to justify the reclassifications. Comm. Copedge further stated he will support staff’s recommendation this evening. Ms. Weil stated there is a big difference between managing a park and managing a zoo.
Comm. Soule stated the reclassification requests were approved by a unanimous vote by the Parks Board. Perhaps the Parks Board should have included more information with their requests. He further stated the Parks Department has borne the brunt of the County taking over responsibility for the Zoo.
Chairperson DeLeon stated the Committee is concerned about process. The Committee is not questioning the work the Parks Department has accomplished. She further stated the Parks Board’s recommendation is not included in the Resolution.
Comm. Dougan asked if the salary difference in included in the budget. He then stated the difference for 2006 should be included in the Parks Millage.
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO INDICATE THE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN THE RECLASSIFICATION BE CAPTURED IN THE PARK MILLAGE FOR 2006. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Hailey stated the salary consideration plan takes many factors into consideration. Clearly, Mr. Moore’s responsibilities increased when the County assumed responsibility for the Zoo. Comm. Copedge stated he understands the Director has taken on more responsibilities; however, he would just like to have more information with future reclassification requests.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. Resolution Authorizing New Signage for the Potter Park Zoo to be Located on Pennsylvania Avenue
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING NEW SIGNAGE FOR THE POTTER PARK ZOO TO BE LOCATED ON PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.
Comm. Dougan suggested the Zoological Society should be removed from the fourth WHEREAS paragraph of the Resolution. The Society is referred to in the third WHEREAS paragraph.
The Committee accepted the FRIENDLY AMENDMENT to remove “members of the Potter Park Zoological Society and.”
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. 911 Advisory Committee – Resolution to Establish a Half-Time System Administrator Position for the Ingham County Public Safety Radio System
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A HALF-TIME SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR POSITION FOR THE INGHAM COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM.
Comm. Dougan suggested the Resolution indicate that the position will sunset when the proposed consolidation is completed.
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO REFLECT THE POSITION WILL BE ELIMINATED WHEN THE PROPOSED CONSOLIDATION IS COMPLETED.
Chairperson Thomas stated the consolidation is years away. Comm. Nolan stated the 911 Advisory Committee will know when the time comes to eliminate the position. Mr. Myers stated he will forward Comm. Dougan’s concern to the 911 Advisory Committee.
MOTION FAILED with Comm. Dougan voting YES.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Human Resources Department
a. Resolution to Add AXA Financial to the County’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plans
Comm. Nolan asked why this item was pulled from the agenda. Mr. Myers explained members of the Board are still concerned about adding one vendor at this time. The three-member committee will review the proposals the County has received and will then make a recommendation to this Committee. Mr. Myers further stated the review may not be completed until September.
10. Controller’s Office
a. Resolution to Terminate the Contract Between Ingham County and Cohl, Stoker, Toskey & McGlinchey (Previously Known as Cohl, Salstrom & Stoker, P.C. and Hereinafter Referred to as the “Contractor’) as of December 31, 2007
MOVED BY COMM. SOULE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO TERMINATE THE CONTRACT BETWEEN INGHAM COUNTY AND COHL, STOKER, TOSKEY & MCGLINCHEY (PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS CHOL, SALSTROM & STOKER, P.C. AND HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE “CONTRACTOR’) AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007.
Mr. Myers explained the Resolution provides notice to Mr. Cohl’s Office that the County is terminating the agreement between the Office and the County. The last agreement he located was signed in 1981 and terminated in December 1984. This agreement included a provision that it will continue on a year to year basis. Either party could terminate the agreement with proper notice. Mr. Myers further stated that while this Resolution terminates the agreement, it does not preclude the Board from entering into a new agreement with the Office.
Comm. Severino stated the County should have another service in place before terminating this agreement. Chairperson Thomas stated the current agreement is very old and has a termination deadline. Mr. Myers explained the Resolution provides notice to terminate the agreement as of December 31, 2007.
Mr. Cohl stated the contract provides that the County may terminate or renegotiate the contract. The County has until September 30 to exercise its option. Mr. Cohl stated his Office has been with the County for 30 years. During this time, the Office has never received a notice of dissatisfaction from the County. The Office would appreciate having the opportunity to meet with the Controller and a subcommittee of the Board to negotiate this matter. Mr. Cohl stated the Office would like to renegotiate a new contract without terminating the current agreement.
Mr. Cohl distributed copies of the Office’s notice to waive the September 30, 2007 deadline.
Chairperson Thomas explained this is a budget issue and it will proceed through the normal budget process which will include a recommendation from the Controller. The Committee could meet with the Controller and the Office to discuss this matter further.
Mr. Myers stated he does not believe it would be inappropriate to table the Resolution tonight. He also stated he does not want to be in the position of saying he will renegotiate a new contract.
Mr. Cohl stated the issue is what is best for the County in terms of providing legal services. He suggested the Committee have all the relevant facts and information before making a final determination. The Office is willing to work with the County on the financial concerns.
Chairperson DeLeon stated it may be beneficial for the Committee to appoint a subcommittee to review this matter further.
Mr. Stoker stated the County may want to prioritize the services it wants from a legal firm. He also stated their proposal included going paperless in order to save the County approximately $20,000 per year. Mr. Stoker further stated he has pride in Ingham County and what little his firm has done to help the County be successful.
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO TABLE THIS RESOLUTION UNTIL THIS COMMITTEE’S SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 BUDGET HEARING. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. Meridian Township Communication – Special Assessment District
Mr. Myers explained that Meridian Township is requesting the County increase its current $5,200 annual appropriation to $10,000. If the Committee decides to increase its appropriation, it would be taken from the contingency fund.
MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO MAINTAIN THE CURRENT FUNDING LEVEL.
Comm. Nolan stated Lake Lansing is a part of the County’s park system. She stated she supports the request to increase the funding level.
Chairperson Thomas asked if the increase would benefit our park. Mr. Myers stated Meridian Township believes keeping the Lake clean will benefit the County. The Township wants to expand its scope of work; therefore, they will be expanding their assessment.
Comm. Nolan stated the County should support the increase or at least indicate it will reconsider the increase for 2009. Chairperson DeLeon stated this matter should be forwarded to the Parks Board for their review and recommendation.
The Committee referred this item to the Parks Board.
11. Information
a. Ingham County Conservation District – Six Month Report for 2007
Chairperson DeLeon explained the District provided this Report in response to a request from this Committee. She further stated her concern that human needs are a priority over conservation needs.
The Report was received and placed on file.
b. Arts Council of Greater Lansing – Six Month Report on the 2007 Hotel/Motel Arts and Tourism Grant Program
The Report was received and placed on file.
13. Board Referrals
a. Communications Regarding Eastwood, LLC Soil and Sedimentation Permits
Chairperson DeLeon informed the Committee that it may receive additional information regarding this matter. Mr. Myers stated the Drain Office is holding the funds to assure the soil doesn’t have any issues.
Comm. Dougan requested a recommendation from the Drain Office on the appropriate amount of funds to hold. Comm. Copedge stated the Drain Office should send a notice of violation, if appropriate, and then seek relief if necessary.
b. Letter from Delhi Charter Township’s Planning Commission forwarding a Draft of Proposed Amendments to the Delhi Township Master Plan (Copy on File in the Clerk’s Office)
The letter was received and placed on file.
c. Resolution from Antrim County Expressing Opposition to Reductions in PA 2 Appropriations to Counties
The Resolution was received and placed on file.
9b. Closed Session – Discussion Labor Relations
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO ENTER INTO A CLOSED SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING CONTRACT RELATIONS AND COMPENSATIONS PER BOARD RULES. MOTION APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: YEAS, COMMS. DELEON, NOLAN, COPEDGE, SOULE, SEVERINO AND DOUGAN.
Public Comment: None
Announcements: None
The meeting adjourned at 10:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff