Approved 5/27/04
Members Present: Andy Schor, Dianne Holman, Chris Swope, Randy Schafer and Tom Minter
Members Absent: Mary Stid and Victor Celentino
Others Present: Jerry Ambrose, Matthew Myers, Judge Collette and Christine Timmon
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schor at 6:01 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the April 15, 2004 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE APRIL 15 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Stid
Additions to the Agenda
1c. Jail Overcrowding - Update
Limited Public Comment
Mr. Myers invited the Commissioners to the Ingham County Sheriff's Office's annual memorial service which will be held on Monday, May 3, 2004 at the Sheriff's Office.
Ms. Timmon informed the Committee of her rights to film people in the hallways of the Ingham County Courthouse. She then restated her continuing concerns regarding the expenditure of the Juvenile Justice Millage funds.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A DONATION OF AN ELECTRIC ORGAN FROM MRS. JERRI BABCOCK. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Stid
Chairperson Schor informed the Committee that the Ingham County Jail is now in compliance with State requirements concerning inmate population.
Judge Collette stated the Ingham County Jail has experienced a number of overcrowding issues during the past few years. These issues are due, mostly, to changes at the State level. Also, society has changed its emphasis on law enforcement priorities. The Jail has had to release inmates early at certain times to relieve overcrowding in order to meet the State requirements.
Judge Collette explained that efforts are being made to modify local administrative orders to build in safety measures when inmates are to be released early due to overcrowding. He also stated there are many alternatives to consider when trying to reduce overcrowding.
Comm. Schafer thanked Judge Collette for addressing the Committee regarding this matter. Judge Collette stated he believes the Court should address the guidelines which were established by the Board of Commissioners a few years ago. The Court has been meeting with the appropriate people to discuss this matter. He will report back to this Committee when further information is available.
Comm. Holman stated the Parks Board uses Jail inmates for work duties at the Ingham County Parks. These inmates are the ones which would meet the requirements for early release. Therefore, the releases have effected this work program. Comm. Holman asked that Judge Collette explain the decision making process involved with determining which inmates are suitable for early release. Judge Collette stated some inmates are sentenced to Jail with required probation time upon release. Inmates with probation sentences are looked at first when dealing with overcrowding situations. The Court is also looking to place these inmates in alternative programs.
The Committee thanked Judge Collette for his update.
Mr. Myers stated the Jail has made great strides regarding the Inmate Billing Program. The latest improvement is the Jail's ability to give an inmate his bill upon release. Inmates are currently billed $25.00 per day. If they pay their bill within ten days of receipt, they are eligible for a 50% reduction. Also, the Credit Bureau no longer charges per letter. It is now on a percentage cost- sharing basis for them depending on collection efforts. The percentage is as follows:
Full service collection fees of 23% within the first 30 days and 40% of all subsequent collections after 30 days; except in the case where legal action is taken, the Credit Bureau receives 50% of the revenue collected.
The Collection History for 1995 through 2003 is outlined in Mr. Neilsen's April 27, 2004 memorandum which is included in the agenda packet. Mr. Myers stated he believes the Jail will reach or surpass the budgeted recommendations for this year.
The Committee discussed this item. Comm. Schafer stated this Program is doing better than he thought. It appears the Sheriffs's Office has been very aggressive in seeking fees which would not be added to the Office's budget. Comm. Schafer commended the Office for their efforts and their success regarding the Program.
In response to Chairperson Schor, Mr. Myers explained the Office will follow up with inmates one year after release if it believes it will be successful in obtaining payment. The Office also will set up a payment plan for inmates upon their request.
Comm. Swope stated that if an inmate does not pay his bill, it will appear as an unpaid debt to Ingham County on his credit report. This is an incentive for inmates to pay their bills on time. Chairperson Schor asked if the Office could make any further improvements in its collection process. Mr. Myers explained that it would be nonproductive to over-pursue some nonpayment cases. The Inmate Billing Program is quite successful at this time.
MOVED BY COMM. MINTER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE GRANT FROM THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION, FOR THE POWER OUTAGE OF AUGUST 14 - 17, 2003. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Stid
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. MINTER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AREAS OF PRIORITY EMPHASIS GUIDING 2005 ACTIVITIES AND BUDGET PROCESS.
Comm. Schafer asked about the status of the Community Agency Subcommittee. Mr. Ambrose explained that item four in the proposed Resolution reflects the Subcommittee's recommendations for 2005. Mr. Ambrose further stated that each liaison committee will consider its share of the Community Agency fund during budget discussions.
In response to Chairperson Schor, Mr. Ambrose explained that the priority regarding Appropriate Sanctions continues to include the language regarding the development and use of a data tracking system because the County does not have a satisfactory system for data tracking. To more effectively manage the Jail, the current system needs improvement.
Chairperson Schor stated the County will be utilizing partnerships with local governmental units to meet the priority of Expanding Recreational Opportunities.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Stid
MOVED BY COMM. MINTER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION UPDATING VARIOUS FEES FOR COUNTY SERVICES.
In response to Comm. Schafer, the Committee explained how the percentage rates were determined for some fees. Mr. Ambrose explained that some fee determinations include weighing the benefit of an increase to the community and the County. Comm. Schafer stated the County should be more aggressive in the area of dog licensing. He also stated it seems that the rate for the Diversion Initial Interview should be higher. Mr. Ambrose explained that the County needs to determine the economic impact on individuals when this raising fee. When the Interview cost increases, the County can consider raising the Interview fee.
In response to Comm. Schafer, Mr. Myers stated the County Attorney should address his question regarding billing for paramedic services. Comm. Swope stated the Sheriff's Office should determine payment discounts after an inmate has paid his bill. This issue was discussed further. Mr. Myers stated the Office is hesitant to raise the Day Rate. Comm. Schafer stated the Day Rate issue should be reviewed.
MOVED BY COMM. MINTER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT RESOLUTION #03-44 IS AMENDED TO INCREASE THE RATE CHARGED INMATES FOR THE COST OF MAINTENANCE AND CARE AT THE INGHAM COUNTY JAIL FROM $25.00 TO $30.00, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2005 AND, FURTHER, THAT THIS PER DAY COST SHALL BE CONSIDERED FOR ADJUSTMENT IN THE FUTURE AS PART OF THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF ALL COUNTY FEES.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Stid
MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED: CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Stid
The Board Referral was received and placed on file.
Chairperson Schor stated the 911 Resolution which was approved at the last Board of Commissioners meeting will have to be reconsidered at the next BOC meeting. According to the County Attorney, an amendment should be made to the language within the Resolution. Chairperson Schor stated he would move the reconsideration of the Resolution at the next BOC meeting.
Announcements
Mr. Myers commended the Court and the Corrections staff at the Sheriff's Office for their work on the Inmate Billing issue.
Public Comment
Ms. Timmon repeated her statements from the Limited Public Comment at the beginning of this meeting. She also repeated her past concern regarding the County's email system.
The meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff