Approved 10/28/04

LAW ENFORCEMENT

October 14, 2004

Minutes

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, Mark Grebner, Bryce Alford, Eric Schertzing and Steve Hummel

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schor at 6:06 p.m. in the Personnel

Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the September 30, 2004 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 30 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comms. Minter and Holman

Additions to the Agenda

4a.       Resolution Authorizing Entering into a One Year Agreement with the SRC Management Group in Order to Facilitate Data Sharing

4b.       Resolution Authorizing Entering into a One Year Agreement with the Lansing Police Department in Order to Facilitate Data Sharing

Limited Public Comment:          None

1.         Board of Commissioners Appointments – Community Corrections Advisory Board

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. STID, TO RECOMMEND THE REAPPOINTMENTS OF JASON JOHNSON AND DENICE VANLOOY TO THE COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS ADVISORY BOARD.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2.         Community Corrections Advisory Board – Resolution Authorizing Entering into a Reduced Contract with the Michigan Department of Corrections for the Ingham County/City of Lansing Community Corrections 2004-2005 Fiscal Year

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ENTERING INTO A REDUCED CONTRACT WITH THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR THE INGHAM COUNTY/CITY OF LANSING COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS 2004-2005 FISCAL YEAR.

In response to Comm. Swope, Mr. Neilsen explained the cost reductions associated with this contract.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4a.       Resolution Authorizing Entering into a One Year Agreement with the SRC Management Group in Order to Facilitate Data Sharing

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. STID, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORZING ENTERING INTO A ONE YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE SRC MANAGEMENT GROUP IN ORDER TO FACILITATE DATA SHARING.

Comm. Schafer asked about the type of information to be shared under the agreement.  Mr. Alford stated two different forms of information will be shared.  They are public and private information.  Access to this information is limited.  Broad scanning is not allowed. 

Chairperson Schor asked if an unreported automobile accident would automatically be reported to the appropriate insurance company.  Mr. Alford explained that, by law, a person is required to report auto accidents to their insurance company.  If the accident is not reported by the insured driver, the insurance company will not have the accident information. 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4b.       Resolution Authorizing Entering into a One Year Agreement with the Lansing Police Department in Order to Facilitate Data Sharing

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. STID, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ENTERING INTO A ONE YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE LANSING POLICE DEPARTMENT IN ORDER TO FACILITATE DATA SHARING.

In response to Comm. Schafer, Mr. Alford explained the Agreement involves sharing of data regarding the BWI Police Pawn Show module and the  TRACView UD-10 software program.  The information will only be shared between law enforcement agencies.  At this time, plans are not set for sharing this information with the Animal Control Department. 

Comm. Schafer requested an update regarding the IJIS project.  Chairperson Schor suggested that this matter be taken up with this Committee’s Chairperson in 2005 due to the short amount of time left in 2004.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3.         Treasurer

a.         Resolution to Amend Compensation Paid to Certain Veterinarians for the Sale of Ingham County Dog Licenses

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AMEND COMPENSATION PAID TO CERTAIN VETERINARIANS FOR THE SALE OF INGHAM COUNTY DOG LICENSES.

Mr. Schertzing stated veterinarians are currently paid a $1.00 stipend for providing dog licenses to their clients.  Currently, the County is working with twelve veterinarians.  He further stated he is proposing raising the stipend to $3.00 to be fair regarding the value of the multi-year licenses. 

Comm. Stid stated she believes $3.00 is a fair stipend to pay the veterinarians.  It may also encourage more veterinarians to license pets in their care.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

b.         Update on Efforts to Increase Awareness and Compliance with Dog Licensing

Mr. Schertzing stated the Treasurer’s Office has expanded its marketing efforts through veterinarians, posters, press releases and brochure placements in public mailings.  These efforts have had some positive results.  Mr. Schertzing further stated he would like to consider a coordinated multi media campaign in 2005 which would include an amnesty period for owners who do not have current licenses but contact the Treasurer’s Office during this period. 

Comm. Swope suggested it be almost a civil infraction if a dog owner does not license his/her dog.  Mr.  Schertzing agreed that the soft approach has not been effective.  A period of heightened awareness should be allowed on this issue.  If a dog owner comes to the Treasurer’s Office for a late license, the late fee could be discounted.  If the County goes to the dog owner, the late fee would be higher. 

The Committee held a lengthy discussion regarding this item.  Comm. Grebner stated the term “delinquent” should be redefined for this purpose.  A delinquent situation would involve follow up by an Animal Control Officer.  In this case, the late fee should be close to the cost of the required follow up. 

Comm. Stid stated notices should be placed on the front of newspapers and shopping guides that all dogs are required, by law, to be licensed.  A full force effort is needed to encourage more owners to license their pets.  Comm. Stid also stated some dog owners get violent when there is a concern involving their dogs.  Therefore, it is not safe to have people go door to door.   Mr. Schertzing stated trained Animal Control Officers would make personal contact with dog owners, not college students. 

Mr. Hummel stated amnesty periods have been very effective in the past.  Making door to door contact has not been very productive. 

Comm. Minter stated that until there is a real consequence for not licensing a dog, this problem will continue.  Chairperson Schor agreed that some form of action should be taken this year.  Comm. Swope stated a deterrent to not licensing a dog is needed, not an amnesty period.  People should be notified that if a pet is not licensed by the end of March, he/she will pay a hefty fee.

Mr. Schertzing stated the Treasurer’s Office needs some financial assistance to act on the suggestions.  Comm. Minter stated slapping recordable liens on people has been very effective in other areas.  Mr. Schertzing stated the County Attorney will review all the suggestions.  Comm. Grebner restated his belief that the term “delinquent” should be redefined.  A Resolution on this issue should include staffing for the follow ups. 

Chairperson Schor stated Comm. Grebner and Mr. Schertzing will work together to draft a proposal to be submitted to this Committee for consideration. 

Announcements:           None

Public Comment:          None

The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff