COUNTY SERVICES

Amended 11/20/07

COUNTY SERVICES

November 6, 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, Tony Lindsey, Bruce Johnston, Rick Terrill, Jim Hudgins, Sally Auer, Art Luna, Don Bishop, Jeff Donahue, Janet Bowen, Anthony Bunnell, Sharon Morgan, Ernest Wallick, Thomas Krug, Jacki Murphy, Aileen Gow, Callie Collins, Akia Burnett, Troy Willard, Jeff Fleming, Tim Currin, Brent Mikko, Kimberley Hughes, Ginger Kenney-Sweet, Becky Bennett, Vince Randall, Rachel Hedin, Cindy Martin, Robert Smith, Kenneth Kesson, Denise Garrison, Stacey Messina, Rod Villareal and others

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

Approval of the October 16, 2007 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 16 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Additions to the Agenda

2b. Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on the Adoption of an Amendment to the County of

Ingham Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Brownfield Shaw’s on Newton LLC and Ingham County Fast Track Land Bank Authority

10. Amended Resolution

10b. Resolution Honoring Carol Curtis

Limited Public Comment: None

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

2b. Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on the Adoption of an Amendment to the County of

Ingham Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Brownfield Shaw’s on Newton LLC and Ingham County Fast Track Land Bank Authority

3. Treasurer’s Office – Resolution to Transfer all Unsold Tax Reverted Properties Rejected By Local Units to the Ingham County Land Bank Fast Track Authority

4. Ingham County Parks & Recreation Commission

a. Resolution Approving the Development Project Agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant to Develop the Lake Lansing Trail Non-Motorized Pathway in Meridian Township

c. Resolution Authorizing the 2008 Potter Park Zoo Budget

6. Equal Opportunity Committee – Resolution Recommending Modifications to the Equal Opportunity Employment Plan

7. Facilities Department

a. Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Smith-Graham Roofing, Inc. for Roof Repairs at the Potter Park Zoo

b. Resolution Authorizing a Contract with C3 Contracting, Inc. to Prep and Paint Post #1 at the Ingham County Jail

10b. Controller’s Office – Resolution Honoring Carol Curtis

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

1. Interviews – Equal Opportunity Committee

The Committee interviewed Rishan Butler for a position on the Equal Opportunity Committee.

MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF RISHAN BUTLER TO THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Presentation – Matthew Dugener, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lansing Economic Area Partnership, Inc. (LEAP)

Mr. Dugener distributed an informational folder to the Committee for their review. He then reviewed this information. LEAP is a 501(c) 6 non-profit organization. The organization was created as a result of the private sector’s need for a single, well coordinated economic development organization. The RED Team, the Chamber of Commerce’s Capital Choice program and the Prima Civitas Foundation are now aligned under the leadership of LEAP.

Mr. Dugener stated as companies reinvent themselves over the next few years, we should see an improvement in the economic climate. LEAP is focused on retaining and tracking businesses as well as growing our businesses from the ground up.

Chairperson DeLeon asked Mr. Dugener if he has approached other counties about LEAP. Mr. Dugener stated they have approached Clinton County and have also begun discussions with Eaton County.

Comm. Dougan asked about LEAP’s budget. Mr. Dugener stated the budget is about $1.2 million. Approximately 20% of this amount comes from the governmental sector. The remainder of the budget comes from the private sector. LEAP’s effectiveness will be measured by retained jobs and the economic health of companies as well as other factors.

Comm. Severino expressed his concern regarding the duplication of services. Mr. Dugener addressed Comm. Severino’s concern.

Chairperson DeLeon stated this Committee will discuss this matter further to determine if it should take any action on the request to support LEAP, Inc.

4. Ingham County Parks & Recreation Commission

b. Resolution Recommending a Line Item Transfer for the Public Relations and Marketing Committee of the Potter Park Zoo Board

MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING A LINE ITEM TRANSFER FOR THE PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING COMMITTEE OF THE POTTER PARK ZOO BOARD.

Comm. Dougan requested clarification that the funds will not be used for public relations. Mr. Brady stated a member of the Potter Park Zoo Board is an advertising and marketing executive. The funds will not be used for an advertising agency.

Ms. Messina, Potter Park Zoo Board, explained that the Zoo Board feels strongly that it should report to the community on what the County has done since it assumed the operation of the Zoo. A four-page broad sheet will be in the Lansing State Journal’s December 30, 2007 newspaper. The sheet will contain the Zoo Board’s report to the community. The Zoo Board will also place similar ads at the Lansing and Meridian Malls. This report will consume a large portion of the Zoo Board’s advertising budget. Ms. Messina stated the Zoo Board is requesting a $17,000 transfer to the advertising line item. This is a not to exceed amount.

Comm. Dougan asked how the Zoo Board will measure the effectiveness of the advertising. Ms Messina stated the ads will place the Zoo in the residents’ minds so that when the weather is favorable, they will visit the Zoo. It is the Zoo Board’s responsibility to inform the residents of where their tax money is going.

Comm. Copedge stated he likes the advertising idea; however, he expressed his concern that the ad will be so late in the year. Ms. Messina explained the State Journal is booked until that date. She also stated there will be a holiday weekend at that time and the Zoo will host additional events through the winter months.

Comm. Soule asked if the report will be placed in other community publications. Ms. Messina stated the State Journal is the only publication for this report. Other publications will be used to advertise future Zoo events.

Comm. Copedge asked why the Zoo Board will not provide a small summary for the smaller community papers. Ms. Messina explained that more funding is needed to place the information in additional publications. She further stated the information will be included in community papers for people who do not subscribe to the Lansing State Journal. The goal is to ensure that every County resident receives a copy of the report.

Comm. Severino asked if the Zoo Board considered placing the information the web site. Ms. Messina stated the Zoo Board did look at other media sources. Radio ads will be placed for some events; however, the report to the community will contain a lot of information. The report will be best served through a print medium.

(Board Chairperson Thomas arrived at 7:30 p.m.)

Comm. Nolan stated she was happy that the Zoo Board will inform the public of Zoo issues and events. She asked if this is a one-time advertising request. Mr. Brady stated this is a one-time request. The Zoo Board increased the advertising line item in the 2008 budget.

Comm. Severino asked if the Parks Department is also running ads for the Potter Park Zoo. Mr. Brady stated he will look into this matter and report his findings to this Committee via email tomorrow.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5. Discussion

a. Housing Commission – Possible Expansion of Housing Commission Services to Assist Potterville

Mr. Johnston stated the expansion will allow the Housing Commission to bring more Section 8 housing opportunities to the residents. He further stated he believes the expansion will help the Commission to serve as many residents as possible.

Chairperson DeLeon stated this Committee truly appreciates the efforts of Mr. Johnston and the Housing Commission.

Mr. Johnston stated he will enter into a one year contract with Potterville for Housing Commission services.

b. County Unions will be Present to Discuss Health Insurance

Mr. Krug, FOP Union Representative, provided an overview of the union’s position on this issue. He further stated he is a member of the Health Coalition. The Coalition determined years ago that a benchmark would be established and the benchmark would be adjusted each year. This plan has worked well over the past 12 years; however, Ingham County employees will have to pay more for health insurance than employees in other Michigan Counties.

Mr. Krug explained an alternate premium sharing plan is being proposed. The alternate plan will still require employees to pay a significant premium share. Mr. Krug reviewed the alternate plan information. The plan is still well above the benchmark. The FOP does not believe the Coalition is doing enough to keep the employees costs down.

Mr. Krug stated the employees need help with this matter. The FOP will leave the Coalition if changes are not made to improve the current situation.

Ms. Auer, UAW, stated she represented 402 employees who are the lowest paid County employees. Her members will have to pay a 40% increase in premiums for the PHP low plan. Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan is a 60% increase over the 2007 rate. Ms. Auer stated the employees are pleading for this Committee’s help with this matter.

Mr. Krug stated Ingham County Jail inmates have better health care than many of the County employees.

Ms. Hedin, ICEA Local 44, stated all of the Local ICEA units need help from this Committee.

Mr. Smith, Benefits and Insurance Administrator, stated insurance inflation has been about 74% in the general markets over the last four years. The inflation rate has been down in Ingham County due to several factors. Mr. Smith than explained Eaton County’s benchmark policy.

Mr. Smith stated a majority of the County retirees use Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance. This is why the County has kept Blue Cross/Blue Shield as a healthcare insurance option. He then stated Ms. Morton will be invited to the January 2008 Coalition meeting to help everyone understand the County’s budget schedule.

Ms. Jackson, Health Department Nurse and MNA Union Steward, voiced her Union’s concerns about the increase in the health insurance rates. She further stated many of the nurses are single parents. Ms. Jackson stated she will have to pay more than $250 per month for healthcare insurance for her family. She stated she would deeply appreciate this Committee’s help with this concern.

Comm. Nolan stated she has been a long time (30 years) supporter of unions. She then stated she will only receive 45% of her earnings when she retires. She then asked about County employees who will receive 80% of their earnings when they retire. Ms. Auer stated employees pay for the upgrades to their retirement plans.

Ms. Auer stated the Coalition has always made its recommendations to the Board in November. This year, the recommendation was too late. The Coalition was not notified of any schedule change.

Comm. Severino asked for the options the employees have in regard to healthcare plans. He would also like information regarding the premiums for the plans and what percentage the employees are required to pay for the specific plans. Mr. Smith stated he could supply that information to the Committee tomorrow.

Board Chairperson Thomas stated the timing issue should be resolved. The healthcare options and costs should be planned several months in advance of the budget process. Mr. Smith stated the County is lucky to receive the healthcare rates in October from the health carriers. This year, the County was lucky to receive the information in the second or third week of September. The carriers could supply the rates earlier, but those rates would be subject to change. Mr. Smith further explained that reducing the healthcare carriers to one would save the employees some money. MERS has a great plan.

Comm. Nolan asked the union representatives what they want from this Committee. Ms. Auer stated the unions want this Committee to raise the benchmark to take some of the financial pressure off of the employees. Ms. Auer also stated the unions and their membership have not voted on the Coalition’s recommendation.

Mr. Krug stated Mr. Smith has done a wonderful job on behalf of the employees. This is the first year that all of the unions are concerned about the healthcare premiums. Employees who make $30,000 per year pay the same rate as employees who make $150,000 per year. Mr. Krug asked if something can be done to reduce the cost for employees in 2008.

Comm. Dougan asked about the Alternate benchmark plan. Mr. Myers stated the Alternate plan would cost about $432,000 in General Fund dollars.

Comm. Dougan stated the Committee should not overlook the option of entering into a closed session to discuss the labor negotiations.

Comm. Soule asked how the unions feel about having fewer health carrier options. He also asked how the County got to the point of having the current number of carriers. Mr. Myers stated the number of carriers is a result of the Coalition’s efforts to keep costs down for the employees. Ms. Auer stated certain labor contracts require specific options. Comm. Soule stated the County loses its buying power when it has a number of carriers.

Comm. Nolan stated the Committee should request a resolution which expresses our desire to see all County entities move into one health care carrier that might offer one to three plan options. Chairperson DeLeon stated that may help in the future but it will not address the current situation.

Comm. Soule stated this is a real problem for County employees who only make $30,000 per year and have to pay $250 per month for health care insurance. He asked if a graduated premium share plan with a cap has been considered. Mr. Myers stated some employees would like a graduated plan; however, others would not.

Mr. Myers stated the Coalition recommended the medical waiver change in 2006. The Coalition also recommended the savings from this change be used to help offset the costs of the health care plans. We could see how the savings would affect the benchmark.

Board Chairperson Thomas stated he believed there was a broad agreement among the Coalition a few years ago to consider a discounted premium rate for the lowest paid County employees. Ms. Auer stated there is not enough time to consider this plan for 2008. She further stated she is willing to consider other options for future years.

Comm. Severino asked if the Coalition has discussed health care savings accounts. Mr. Smith stated that option has been researched. The savings accounts would entail a one to two year education process and the employees are already confused between the health, dental and prescription plans.

Mr. Krug asked if the Committee could meet the employees half way to resolve the current problem. Chairperson DeLeon asked if the unions would like to see half the increase with caps. Mr. Krug stated he didn’t think a plan with caps could be developed for 2008.

MOVED BY COMM. NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO DIRECT THE CONTROLLER TO WORK WITH THE UNION REPRESENTATIVES AND MR. SMITH TO COME UP WITH A MUTUALLY SATIFACTORY PLAN FOR THIS COMMITTEE’S NEXT MEETING.

Comm. Dougan stated he would like to see strong measures taken to reduce the health care costs for the employees. Some measures may include improving physical fitness and smoking cessation.

Mr. Myers stated the appropriate parties will meet this Thursday at 8:00 a.m. at the Courthouse to discuss the health insurance issue.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. Facilities Department

c. Information – Electrical Service Project for the Hilliard Building

The Information was received and placed on file.

8. Human Resources Department

a. Resolution to Add AXA Financial to the County’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plans

Comm. Nolan stated she is very interested in seeing what happens with our investment options. Mr. Myers stated the subcommittee met with four different vendors and also had the privilege of having an outside company review the vendors’ plans. Each vendor suggested the County have no more than two vendors. Too many vendor options will get lost among the employees.

Mr. Myers stated the two vendors were recommended because they each have local offices and will assign two people to meet with employees on a weekly basis.

Comm. Dougan suggested a Friendly Amendment to the Resolution to include an effective date of January 1, 2008. The Committee accepted this Friendly Amendment.

MOVED BY COMM. SOULE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ADD AXA FINANCIAL TO THE COUNTY’S 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

b. Resolution to Add MetLife to the County’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plans

MOVED BY COMM. SOULE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ADD METLIFE TO THE COUNTY’S 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

c. Resolution Authorizing Preparation of Letters of Agreement with Bargaining Units to Accept the Recommendation of the Ingham Health Coalition for Employee Benefits in 2008

Mr. Donahue, ICEA, stated he believes the unions are supportive of the Coalition’s concept. The concerns involve the benchmark.

MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO TABLE THE RESOLUTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

9. Board of Commissioners – Resolution Authorizing 2008 Agreements for the Board of Commissioners Cultural Event Fund

MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 2008 AGREEMENTS FOR THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CULTURAL EVENT FUND.

Comm. Severino asked why these funds were not a part of the Community Agency process. Chairperson DeLeon stated the funds are not for community agencies. The funds would support cultural outreach agencies in their efforts to promote County programs and employment opportunities.

Comm. Severino stated he would not support this Resolution.

MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Severino and Dougan voting NO.

10. Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing 2008 Agreements for Community Agencies

Comm. De Leon stated the Board of Commissioners established the following guidelines for the 2008 Community Agency process:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the Community Agency application process, priority consideration is to be given to proposals which enhance county services in Meeting Basic Needs avoiding duplication in services wherever possible to maximize County resources.

MOVED BY COMM. NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE $14,000 FOR THE INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT, $7,000 FOR URBAN OPTIONS AND THE REMAINING $7,000 WILL BE MOVED TO THE CONTINGENCY FUND. COSTS. ALL COMMUNITY AGENCIES WILL BE PUT ON NOTICE THAT THEY MAY NOT RECEIVE COMMUNITY AGENCY FUNDING IN 2009.

Board Chairperson Thomas stated the Human Services Committee spent several hours last night on the Community Agency process. That Committee has completed its process and would not like to revisit this matter.

Mr. Kesson and Ms. McPhee spoke on behalf of the Ingham Conservation District.

Mr. Kesson stated the Ingham Conservation District (District) provides very valuable services to the County residents. He distributed information to the Committee which outlined the District’s services.

Chairperson DeLeon shared her personal concept of meeting basic needs. These needs include food and housing. She further stated this Committee has advised the District over the past few years to work with the Drain Office. Mr. Kesson stated the Drain Office is a governmental entity and the District is a community agency.

Board Chairperson Thomas stated the District has been advised that funding from the County would decrease each year. He then explained the Board of Commissioners is also an elected body. Board Chairperson Thomas stated he spoke with the Drain Commissioner about the District. During that discussion, the Drain Commissioner indicated he would be happy to speak with the District. Board Chairperson Thomas further stated the District was advised that continued funding would be contingent on those discussions.

Mr. Kesson stated the Drain Commissioner duties are not in line with the District’s responsibilities. It would not be possible for the District to be housed in the Drain Office.

Comm. Copedge stated there is a federal body which conducts soil conservation duties. He then asked how many people are housed in the District’s office. Mr. Kesson stated the District employs five individuals. He also stated the District has coordinated with the State office on a few projects. Mr. Kesson addressed additional questions from Comm. Copedge.

Comm. Copedge stated many of the District’s services are also provided by the MSU conservation office and the State government. He then asked Mr. Kesson to identify the District’s services which differ from the other entities. Mr. Kesson stated the District is available to residents on a local and personal basis. It has a personal connection with the land owners.

Mr. Kesson stated he could provide outcome measurements to this Committee in a few days. He then stated he thinks it’s absurd that the County wants to reduce the District’s funding.

Comm. Severino stated the District has not been sued by the State and it does not receive nasty letters from the residents. The District is different from the Drain Office. Comm. Severino suggested the Committee reduce the Drain Office’s funding level and allocate it to the District if the two agencies are to be joined.

Mr. Kesson stated it would not work for the District to be funded through the Drain Office. Chairperson DeLeon stated she was sorry that Mr. Kesson feels it would be futile to have discussions with the Drain Office. Anything is possible if a person has an open mind. This Committee has advised the District for several years that it’s funding would be reduced. The Board has to cut a large portion of its 2008 budget. Chairperson DeLeon further stated the District needs to realize the Board’s position and its priorities. The District does not meet the priorities.

Comms. Dougan and Soule stated they would support a 25% cut in the District’s 2008 funding.

Comm. Nolan amended her motion to allocate $21,000 to the Ingham Conservation District.

Ms. McPhee stated she is not sure the Drain Office would fund the District. Board Chairperson Thomas stated this Committee is suggesting the District discuss common goals with the Drain Office. Chairperson DeLeon stated this Committee will communicate to the Drain Office that we would like this discussion to take place.

Comm. Copedge stated this Committee requested some type of measurement from the District last year. If the District could demonstrate that it is protecting the County’s drains that would show its effectiveness.

MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Severino voting NO.

Urban Options

Ms. Gow thanked the Committee for its continued support of Urban Options over the years. She stated Urban Options’ budget has grown by 70% over the past three years. Urban Options truly appreciates the support of the County. The $7,000 allocation will allow Urban Options to leverage additional funding to meet the needs of low income residents. Ms. Gow then spoke briefly about upcoming events.

(Comm. Dougan left the meeting at 10:05 p.m.)

Announcements

Mr. Lindsey stated the Board will consider an amended EOC plan at its next meeting.

Comm. Copedge stated he has heard concerns that positions are being filled while the postings are still effective. He requested a review of this issue. Chairperson DeLeon stated the EOC will be directed to look into this matter. Any recommendations will be forwarded to this Committee.

Public Comment: None

The meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff