Amended 4/28/05
LAW ENFORCEMENT
April 14, 2005
Minutes
Members Present: Debbie DeLeon, Deb Nolan, Dale Copedge, Marc Thomas, Randy Schafer, Don Vickers and Board Chairperson Mark Grebner
Members Absent: None
Others Present: John Neilsen, Tim Gill, Jared Cypher, Gene Wriggelsworth, Mary Sabaj, Sue LeDuc, Steve Dougan, Judge Collette, Judge Garcia, Beth McLaughlin and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson DeLeon at 6:06 p.m. in the Personnel
Conference Room
of the
Approval of the March 10 and March 31, 2005 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APPROVE THE MARCH 10 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED AND THE MARCH 31 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Additions to the Agenda
4b. Additional Information
6. Update Regarding Road Patrol Meeting
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1.
911 Advisory Board – Resolution Authorizing an Additional Appropriation
for the Necessary Site Preparation Work for the
2a. Sheriff’s Office – Resolution to Authorize Participation in the Michigan Emergency Management Assistance Compact
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Tri-County Metro Narcotics Squad – Resolution Authorizing Adoption of a New Interlocal Agreement for the Tri-County Metro Narcotics Squad
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADOPTION OF A NEW INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE TRI-COUNTY METRO NARCOTICS SQUAD.
Mr. Neilsen explained this Resolution authorizes the adoption of a new interlocal agreement for Tri-County Metro Narcotics Squad (Metro) which also:
· Replaces the existing contractual agreements;
· Establishes a Contingency Fund;
·
Authorizes the one-time use of Metro contingency funds up to $24,003.87
to cover the shortfall in funding for a Sheriff’s Deputy due to the withdrawal
of two local government contributors in
The operational costs of Metro has traditionally been paid for through a combination of grants, drug forfeiture funds, and in-kind services by the participating agencies. The participating Counties will continue to pay the grant match for the Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys and appropriate funds to pay for the operational expenses of the squad.
Mr. Neilsen further explained the appropriated funds are made on the basis of each County’s population. As forfeiture funds are received, participating Counties receive reimbursement in proportion to their contribution for operational expenses, up to the total appropriated. Once this reimbursement level has been obtained, all participating entities receive reimbursement in proportion to their total contribution of law enforcement personnel, contributed grant match and appropriated funds for operational expenses.
Mr. Gill, Metro Squad, stated Metro was established in 1968
with a mission to investigate drug trafficking crimes. Ingham, Eaton and
Clinton County Sheriff Departments participate in Metro along with
Each agency pays for its own wage and fringe benefits for
their positions with the exception of those costs which are paid for through
the Grant. Metro is the only drug team in the tri-county area. However,
the City of
Mr. Gill stated he would like
withdrew January 1, 2005 and the City of
Comm. Thomas expressed his concern regarding the precedent being set with the withdrawal of two agencies from the Squad. Its as if Metro is saying its alright to withdraw and still receive Metro services which are being funded by the remaining Metro participating agencies. Mr. Wriggelsworth stated that is his same concern. If the withdrawn agencies do not return in time for the next budget, he would not recommend the continuation of their Metro services. He stated he expressed this concern at the Metro Board meeting recently.
In response to Comm. Thomas, Mr. Wriggelsworth explained the funding structure of the Squad. This information was contained in Article II of the Interlocal Agreement which was included in the agenda packet.
Comm. Vickers suggested that Metro representatives should
attend functions at local municipalities to better inform them of the Metro
services and to possibly receive funding. Mr. Gill stated he has been in
Mr. Gill explained the only change to the current Agreement is the creation of the Contingency Fund. The funding arrangements will remain the same.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Sheriff’s Office
b. Power Point Presentation on I-96 Fog Related Incident
Mr. Wriggelsworth conducted the Presentation to better inform the Committee of the incident. The Presentation contained photographs of the incident and the assistance received from several municipalities at the scene. The Emergency Management process was very effective. The crash occurred over a half-hour period of time, over 50 citations were issued and over 70 accident reports were filed.
Chairperson DeLeon asked if anything was learned regarding
the activation process. Mr. Wriggelsworth stated there were communication
problems. The new 911 radio system should take care of these
problems. Also, most victims were sent to Sparrow.
Mr. Wriggelsworth also stated the 911 Center assumed the Michigan State Police would respond to the incident due to information they may have over-heard on their car radios. This was a mistake and it slowed their response time. He further stated that there were no deaths contributed to a slowed response time. The Michigan State Police will be specifically notified of any future incidents. Mr. Gill also explained the Michigan State Police have three different radios in their vehicles. This makes it difficult for them to respond to incidents of which they have not specifically been notified.
Comm. Schafer complimented Mr. Wriggelsworth and the Sheriff’s Department for their response to the incident. Over the years, it has been phenomenal to witness the cooperation of entities during emergency situations.
Comm. Dougan stated use of cell phones during the incident speaks to the need to look at financial participation by cell phone users to help fund 911 services.
In response to Chairperson DeLeon, Mr. Wriggelsworth stated a post incident evaluation was conducted. Chairperson DeLeon stated she would like to see the report.
c.
Update on Sheriff’s Office on April 2, 2005 Mutual Aid Response in
Chairperson DeLeon stated this item was placed on tonight’s
agenda at the request of Comm. Nolan. Mr. Wriggelsworth stated the
local municipalities assisted with the anticipated civil disturbance. He
informed Comm. Nolan that he was not aware if
4. Controller’s Office
a. Discussion of 2006 Budget Guidelines
Mr. Neilsen introduced Jared Cypher and Beth McLaughlin, Budget staff, to the Committee. He further stated the Guidelines contain information from department heads regarding their budgetary needs for 2006. The Committee held a brief discussion regarding the draft Resolution and attachments which were distributed earlier this evening.
Comm. Schafer expressed his continuing concern that many people will not receive public safety services due to alternative funding issues. Chairperson DeLeon stated a special meeting will be held in the near future to specifically discuss this topic.
Mr. Neilsen stated he has requested the Sheriff’s Office to notify him of dates which it would be available to attend the special meeting. Once he receives that information, he will coordinate the dates with this Committee. The meeting should be held within the next month or so.
b. Discussion of 2006 Update of County Fees
Mr. Neilsen explained the adoption of Resolution #02-155 directs the Controller’s Office to annually review the fees and to recommend adjustments where necessary. The fee recommendations are being presented at the current round of committee meetings as a discussion item. A resolution approving any fee increases will be presented at the next round of meetings. The Committee reviewed the Fee information contained in the agenda packet.
Comm. Schafer asked about the issue of the County billing insurance companies when a paramedic responds to a call from a resident. Mr. Neilsen stated he would look into this matter and report back to this Committee. Comm. Schafer stated it is legal to ask for reimbursement from insurance companies in this instance. Chairperson Grebner stated this is a good idea to consider. He then asked if the County would charge those residents without ambulance service coverage.
Comm. Vickers asked if some of the Drain Office’s fees could be clarified. The fees he spoke about were the residential soil and the commercial minor distribution soil erosion permits. Mr. Neilsen stated those fees would be clarified prior to Finance.
5. Community Corrections Advisory Board - Presentation by the Jail Utilization Coordinating Committee (JUCC)
After consulting with the Chair of the Judiciary Committee, it was decided that this presentation would include the Judiciary Committee as it is on that agenda also this evening.
Chairperson Holman called the Judiciary Committee to order at 7:04 p.m. All Committee members were present at this time with the exception of Comm. Weatherwax-Grant.
Ms. Sabaj explained the JUCC is a spin off from discussions regarding jail over-crowding. JUCC meetings are held on a regular basis rather than on a crisis basis. Meetings are held every other month unless more meetings are necessitated.
The JUCC’s March 2005 Recommendations are contained in the agenda packet. The Recommendations include the request for a part-time Circuit Court/County funded position to provide assistance for Pretrial Services to enhance provided services and to reduce, where appropriate, Jail utilization for the Circuit Court pretrial population. Also, to implement an objective assessment process to be conducted by Pretrial Services to assist in identifying offender risk and needs and to help target appropriate pretrial supervision and treatment resources. Other Recommendations were reviewed.
Ms. Sabaj stated Recommendation number twelve recommends that the CCAB revise the Appendix A eligibility offense list to increase access to community programming and recommend that the Life Time Ban offense list also be revised by the BOC to increase the number of offenses for which a Judge may sentence an offender to probation residential services. Ms. Sabaj summarized the history of the Appendix eligibility list.
(Comm. Weatherwax-Grant arrived at 7:13 p.m.)
Due to neighborhood concerns regarding having a treatment facility near their homes, offenders are being released from jail early because they do not qualify for any treatment programs. Ms. Sabaj stated this topic will be scheduled for a future Law Enforcement meeting to discuss possible revisions to Appendix A.
Chairperson DeLeon asked about Recommendation number six: Revise the Probation Violation Response Guide. Ms. Sabaj explained this list is used by probation officers. The Guide has been approved by the MDOC and has been implemented. Judge Collette stated the County will probably never have a time without jail over-crowding. The CCAB has made significant impacts where possible. He further stated the JUCC will continue to meet to identify and address areas of concern.
The Committee continued their review of the Recommendations. Ms. Sabaj informed the Committee that the preliminary numbers for the HOPE program indicate a 90% program completion rate. Eligible participants who opted not to participate in the program equaled 62.5%. Also, there is a 70+% graduation rate. Thirty-seven percent of those who opted out of the program continue to do well. Ms. Sabaj stated the program has had amazing results.
In response to Comm. Swope, Ms. Sabaj explained that revising Appendix A could increase access to community programming.
Judge Collette spoke regarding the new Jackson facility for lower level offenders. He encouraged the Board of Commissioners to tour this facility.
Chairperson DeLeon stated this Committee will look forward to updated status reports regarding the JUCC’s 2005 Recommendations. Judge Collette stated the Committee members can contact him with
any questions or concerns. Chairperson Grebner stated any proposed changes to the Appendix A list should be submitted to this Committee.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff