Approved 1/29/04
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Members Present: Andy Schor, Mary Stid, Dianne Holman, Chris Swope, Randy Schafer, Tom Minter and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: None
Others Present: John Neilsen, Matthew Myers, Don Reisig, Comm. Grebner, Judge Krause, Vicki Harrison, John Rehagan, Judge Cherry, Mr. Jeffries, Julie Williams, John Macomb, Ms. Lehman and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schor at 6:04 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the December 4, 2003 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. MINTER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 4 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Stid
Additions to the Agenda
Limited Public Comment
Ms. Timmons addressed the issue of State laws governing prostitutes and homosexuals. She stated the laws for these two issues should be applied fairly.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Stid
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Stid
Chairperson Schor explained that this Committee will not vote on this item this evening. The item was placed on tonight's agenda to update the Commissioners who did not serve on this Committee in 2003.
Mr. Myers, Undersheriff, explained the intent of this Policy is to pass costs for medical services for ordinance violators housed in the Ingham County Jail to the appropriate municipality. Mr. Neilsen explained the current policy requires the Sheriff's Office to notify certain District Courts of potential medical costs of a particular inmate housed under a municipal ordinance violation. This Resolution authorizes the County to adopt a new policy and to bill the appropriate municipality, as allowed by law, for the costs associated with medical services to place the burden of the medical costs on the municipality. Mr. Neilsen further stated the Sheriff's Office would still be required to notify the appropriate municipality of any potential medical costs.
In response to Comm. Swope, Mr. Neilsen stated there is a predetermined pool of funds for Ingham Regional Medical services. Any unused funds at the end of a year would be rolled over into the new year. At this point, there is no fear that this funding will cease in the near future. Mr. Myers further explained the in-kind service agreement will end in six to eight years. Once the agreement has ended, the Sheriff's Office may send its prisoners to any local hospital.
Judge Krause addressed her concerns regarding the proposed Policy. She explained that 54-A District Court judges only send ordinance violators to the Ingham County Jail when there is no alternative. The City of Lansing currently pays the County for use of its jail. If this new policy is implemented, the City would be paying twice for the same service. Judge Krause also stated the inmates may take advantage of this new policy and fake illnesses to receive an early release.
Mr. Myers explained the Jail medical staff checks all inmates before being released for medical care. The Jail also communicates with the hospital regarding the inmate's condition. Inmates are already aware of this issue. The only change associated with the proposed policy is that outside medical costs will be paid for by the appropriate municipality. Chairperson Schor also explained to Judge Krause that the courts will still receive notification from the Jail of an inmate being taken outside the Jail for medical services.
Chairperson Schor stated it would be very helpful to maintain the four-hour notification to the municipalities. This allows the courts time to make a decision regarding an inmate.
Judge Cherry stated all the District Court Judges are very concerned regarding the proposed policy. The Court tries hard not to use the Ingham County Jail. He further explained that if an inmate's sentence is suspended while he/she receives outside medical treatment, the inmate probably will not return to the Jail upon release from a hospital. An inmate's sentence is completed when it is suspended.
Judge Krause stated the issue of notification is the main point of concern with the District Judges. Comm. Schafer explained the intent of the proposed policy is not to create an adversarial relationship between the City and the County. He will do whatever is necessary to maintain the four-hour notice to the municipalities.
Mr. Reagan stated there may only be one incident when the District Court did not release an inmate during the four-hour notification period. Comm. Minter stated it would be fairly easy to adjust the length of notice when appropriate, such as incidents which occur during the middle of the night. He further explained that he is supportive of the proposed policy as it derives more equity in this situation.
Chairperson Schor explained the County is very concerned that it would be responsible for an entire hospital bill for an ordinance violator who was housed in the Ingham County Jail. Mr. Myers stated the Jail would be responsible for an entire hospital bill if an ordinance violator is not released for medical services. Mr. Neilsen explained the County was responsible for approximately $330,000 in hospital costs in 2003. This rate included all Jail occupants.
Mr. Jeffries, Lansing City Council, stated the Council has discussed this issue during the past few months. The Council has not taken a formal stand on this matter. However, Mr. Jeffries stated the Council is supportive of the Judge's previous statements regarding their concerns. This is a financial and a philosophical issue regarding how an ordinance violator should be sentenced. Mr. Jeffries suggested that healthcare providers should also be included in these discussions. Also, more discussion is needed to determine a satisfactory agreement for all involved.
This discussion continued. Chairperson Schor stated the proposed policy could be amended to require a shorter time notification requirement when there is a catastrophic health emergency concerning an ordinance violator inmate. Comm. Schafer stated the Prosecutor should be present at one of these meetings to discuss the prosecution of ordinance violators. Comm. Holman stated the Committee should look into the matters of "release of an inmate" and "suspending an inmate's sentence."
Comm. Grebner suggested the current policy could remain in effect and this Committee could draft a separate policy regarding catastrophic events and who should be responsible for the associated costs.
Comm. Schafer withdrew his motion to approve the Resolution in this item. Comm. Minter withdrew his support of Comm. Schafer's motion.
MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. MINTER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS ADVISORY BOARD TO CONTINUE CONTRACT FOR STAFF CONSULTANT SERVICES.
The Committee held a general discussion regarding the financial implications of this Resolution. Mr. Neilsen explained the staff consultant, Jim Webster, does not work on holidays. Comm. Schafer stated he will take a hard-line this year regarding salary increases due to the County's current financial situation. Mr. Neilsen stated this increase was included in the 2004 Budget.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. MINTER, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO MAINTAIN THE 2003 SALARY LEVEL IN 2004.
Comm. Schafer stated he believes the current salary level for this consultant is reasonable. Chairperson Schor expressed his concern that it would be unfair of this Committee to target one position's salary within the entire budget.
Comm. Holman stated she can support the amendment to maintain the 2003 funding level for this position. This is a new year and the Board should start fresh in regard to salary increases.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED with Comms. Schor and Swope voting NO. Absent: Comm. Stid
The Committee now discussed the possibility of hiring a full-time County employee for this position. Mr. Neilsen explained the current employee is retired from his previous employment. He maintains his own health coverage. This employee wishes to continue his current contract arrangement. Comm. Minter requested that Mr. Neilsen e-mail the Committee regarding the details of this employee's contracted responsibilities.
Comm. Holman stated the Committee should consider this matter as a policy issue, not as a personal issue. This Committee should determine what is in the best interest of the County.
MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED with Comm. Holman voting NO. Absent: Comm. Stid
Mr. Neilsen stated this item will be a big issue for this Committee this year. This is the last budget year of the 911 millage. Additional information regarding this matter will be provided during the year to facilitate Committee discussions.
Comm. Schafer expressed his continuing concern that the County receives less revenue from land lines due to the increased usage of cellular telephones. He suggested the current millage rate remain the same and that a request should be made to increase the land line charge.
Comm. Swope stated he does not believe the two ballot questions will be successful. He suggested the policy remain the same. Comm. Schafer stated the historical trend will indicate a tremendous decrease in this revenue.
(Comm. Stid arrived at approximately 7:23 p.m.)
Comm. Stid stated the Animal Control Advisory Board has held an organization meeting this year. Therefore, there is no information to report at this time.
Comm. Stid explained the Road Patrol Task Force has not met this year. She will update this Committee regarding the Task Force in the near future.
Chairperson Schor stated this Committee will be discussing the matter of road patrol services this year.
Announcements: None
Public Comment
Ms. Timmons spoke briefly regarding agenda item three. She also restated her Limited Public Comment opinions.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff