Amended 12/4/07
COUNTY SERVICES
November 20, 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: Jared Cypher, Tony Lindsey, Becky Bennett, Janeil Valentine, Doug Stover, Eric Schertzing, Dr. Sienko, Tom Shewchuk and Mike McDonald
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 November 6, 2007 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DOUGAN, TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 6 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Minutes were amended to reflect the following:
Page 3: item 4b, first paragraph, first sentence: Comm. Dougan requested clarification that the funds will not be used for public relations. (“advertising agency” was removed)
Page 7: item 8a, first paragraph, last sentence: “lost” was changed to “confused.”
Page 8: item 10, motion, third line: “for health care costs” was removed.
Additions to the Agenda
6b. Late – Resolution to Authorize Ingham County to Donate Surplus Computer Equipment
Grace Tabernacle Church for Their After School Computer Lab Program
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1. Treasurer’s Office – Resolution to Transfer All Unsold Tax Reverted Properties Rejected by Local Unites to the Ingham County Land Bank Fast Track Authority
2. Equalization
a. Resolution Approving Entering into a Grant with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth and Appoint Douglas A. Stover as County Grant Administrator for the 2008 Remonumentation Project
b. Resolution to Contract with Ronnie M. Lester as County Representative and Wolverine Engineers and Surveyors, Inc. for Services as Monumentation Surveyor for the Ingham County Monumentation and Remonumentation Project in 2008
7. Purchasing Department – Resolution Authorizing an Adjustment to the 2008 Capital Improvement Budget for the Ingham County Fairgrounds
9. County Services Committee – Resolution Honoring Judy Conley
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Parks and Recreation Commission – Resolution Establishing Criteria for Cost Sharing Arrangements for Park and Recreation Facilities with Other Municipalities
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DOUGAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING CRITERIA FOR COST SHARING ARRANGEMENTS FOR PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES WITH OTHER MUNICIPALITIES.
Mr. McDonald stated the Parks Board established criteria to be used in consideration of cost sharing arrangements related to park and recreation facilities with other municipalities. He also stated the County and the City of Lansing have cooperated in a number of projects.
Comm. Soule asked staff to include resolutions that have been approved by the Parks Board in this Committee’s agenda material when they relate to items on the agenda. Chairperson DeLeon agreed with Comm. Soule’s request.
Comm. Nolan stated she brought up the issue that the Parks and Recreation Commission should have a cost sharing arrangement some time ago. Mr. McDonald said he agreed with Comm. Nolan’s suggestion. He then stated the dog park has been a hit at Hawk Island Park. Comm. Nolan stated she’s aware of the dog park’s popularity.
Comm. Dougan suggested the Parks staff should send copies of the criteria to the neighboring counties for their information. Mr. McDonald stated Mason and Delhi Township and Jackson County are interested in the arrangement.
Comm. Severino asked if the dog park will have paths during the winter months. Mr. McDonald stated he believes the pathway will be ploughed when necessary.
Board Chairperson Thomas asked about the criteria. Comm. Soule stated municipalities do not have to meet all four of the criteria to have a cost sharing arrangement.
Comm. Copedge stated the term “may” in the list of criteria should be changed to “should.” The Committee accepted this suggestion as a FRIENDLY AMENDMENT to the Resolution.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Health Department – Resolution to Authorize the Continuation of a Memorandum of Agreement with and a Grant from the Corporation for National and Community Services
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTINUATION OF A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH AND A GRANT FROM THE CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Comm. Nolan asked if there are more than 13 VISTA members. Dr. Sienko stated he would have Mr. Bell provide the answer to this question via email. Comm. Nolan said she wants more details on the list of members.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Health Department/MSU Extension – Resolution to Establish a Tobacco Addiction Specialist Position at the Ingham County Health Department
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A TOBACCO ADDICTION SPECIALIST POSITION AT THE INGHAM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Comm. Dougan asked if the fees will cover the cost of the Tobacco Specialist position. He also asked if the service is covered under health insurance plans. Dr. Sienko stated many insurance agencies cover this service. He also stated the fees for the services will cover the cost of the position.
Comm. Copedge asked if the position will be posted through the Human Resources Department. Dr. Sienko stated the position will be posted and the temporary person may also apply for the permanent position.
Chairperson DeLeon stated she supports the Department’s efforts to help people quit smoking; however, some people use tobacco for ceremonial purposes. Dr. Sienko stated he is aware of this issue. The Health Department respects the use of tobacco in ceremonial situations.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. MIS Department
a. Resolution to Authorize Entering into an Agreement with Granger Recycling Center for Disposal of Surplus Computer Equipment
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH GRANGER RECYCLING CENTER FOR DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS COMPUTER EQUIPMENT.
Comm. Dougan asked if County residents can recycle their used computers at the Hilliard Building. The used computers would be for donation purposes. Mr. Shewchuk stated he did not know if the recycling process could be opened to the community. The Agreement with Granger is for internal purposes.
Comm. Dougan stated he would like this issue explored. Mr. Shewchuk explained that a company on Grand River accepts used computers free of charge. If the MIS Department accepted used computers from the community, it would increase the work load on his staff.
Comm. Severino stated we should ask staff if this is a good idea and also determine what type of burden it would create on the Department. Chairperson DeLeon stated the County could have an annual day when it accepts used computers from the community. Comm. Nolan stated Good Will has accepted used computers free of charge.
Comm. Nolan asked about the financial aspects of the Agreement. Mr. Shewchuk explained the previous contract charged .35 per pound. Granger charges $5 per computer. Mr. Shewchuk further stated the County will continue to give computers to the Black Child and Family Institute. The Institute calls the County when they are in need of used computers. The Resolution in the next agenda item donates used computers to the Grace Tabernacle Church.
Comm. Soule explained that the Church requested funding through the community agency process for the purchase of computers. The Human Services Committee informed the Church that used computers may be available through the County.
Comm. Copedge asked if the Agreement requires a guarantee that the used computers will be disposed of properly. Mr. Shewchuk stated he will look into that issue and report back to this Committee. He further stated he did not know if the Agreement involves a contract.
Chairperson DeLeon asked if the Agreement guarantees the $5 price for each used computer. She then stated a contract would help with this issue. Mr. Shewchuk stated he will ensure that the computer equipment is disposed of properly. Information on the computers and any identifying information are removed from the computers before they are recycled.
Board Chairperson Thomas stated the Committee wants the MIS Department to provide it with a recommendation on the community recycling matter. Chairperson DeLeon stated the Commissioners could spread the word to area agencies that used computers are available through the County.
Comm. Copedge stated he wants to know if the computer equipment is disposed of properly and if a log is maintained which documents this information. Mr. Shewchuk indicated he will provide the information as requested by this Committee.
MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO TABLE THIS RESOLUTION UNTIL THIS COMMITTEE’S NEXT MEETING.
Comm. Copedge stated if we don’t have manifestation that the used computers will be disposed of properly, the County will be placed at risk. This Committee should not vote on this item until this matter has been resolved.
MOTION FAILED with Comms. DeLeon and Copedge voting YES.
Mr. Shewchuk stated Granger is a very reputable company. Comm. Copedge stated the County needs to ensure that when it gives away computer and related equipment, to the public, that it follows the proper procedure.
Comm. Dougan asked Mr. Shewchuk to determine if the previous vendor followed proper procedure.
Board Chairperson Thomas stated this Resolution will be on the Finance Committee’s Monday night agenda. He asked Mr. Shewchuk if he could provide the requested information at that time. Mr. Shewchuk stated he will email the information to this and the Finance Committees.
Mr. Cypher stated the County may already be following proper procedure.
Chairperson DeLeon stated she understands Comm. Copedge’s concerns.
MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Copedge and DeLeon voting NO.
b. Resolution to Authorize Ingham County to Donate Surplus Computer Equipment to Grace Tabernacle Church for Their After School Computer Lab Program
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE INGHAM COUNTY TO DONATE SURPLUS COMPUTER EQUIPMENT TO GRACE TABERNACLE CHURCH FOR THEIR AFTER SCHOOL COMPUTER LAB PROGRAM. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Board of Commissioners – Resolution Amending Resolution 05-296 Authorizing Adjustments to Commissioner’s Compensation
MOVED BY COMM. NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 05-296 AUTHORIZING ADJUSTMENTS TO COMMISSIONER’S COMPENSATION.
Comm. Dougan suggested the Resolution be amended to reflect a 0% increase in 2009 and a 2% increase in 2010. Board Chairperson Thomas stated he is supportive of the proposed amendment. Comm. Nolan asked when the Board last received a compensation increase. Ms. Bennett stated the Board received a 2.5% increase in 2007 and also raised the per diem rate at that time from $59 to $60. The Board also received an increase in 2005.
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO REFLECT A 0% INCREASE IN 2009 AND A 2% INCREASE IN 2010.
Chairperson DeLeon asked if the amendment is premature. Board Chairperson Thomas stated in the last five or six years, the Board determined to have annual increase to avoid large raises in the future. The proposed amendment would demonstrate leadership on behalf of the Board of Commissioners.
Comm. Soule stated the proposed amendment would save the County approximately $12,000. It is a symbolic gesture. He then stated he would support the amendment.
Chairperson DeLeon asked if the Commissioners would want to increase the rate if the economy turns around. It is easier to reduce the rate than to increase same. Board Chairperson Thomas stated the County should not make a practice of approving a zero increase. The Board doesn’t want to have to approve a large increase in the future.
Chairperson DeLeon cautioned the Committee about approving a zero percent increase in 2009. She stated she would prefer a 1% increase in 2009 and 2010.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION AS AMENDED: CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Announcement
Comm. Nolan expressed her concern about the Iraq war. The government approved $296 billion for the war in 2008. The war does affect the County financially.
Comm. Copedge stated, in general, some of the agenda material is not sufficient for him to make an informed determination. It would be helpful to receive Department information prior to the meetings.
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff