Amended 10/27/05
LAW ENFORCEMENT
September 14, 2005
Minutes
Members Present: Debbie DeLeon, Deb Nolan, Dale Copedge, Marc Thomas, Randy Schafer, and Don Vickers
Members Absent: None
Others Present: John Neilsen, Jerry Ambrose, Teri Younger, Jared Cypher, Lisa Dedden, Mary Sabaj, Tim Gill, Jamie McAloon-Lampman, Matthew Myers, Gene Wriggelsworth, Stuart Dunnings
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson DeLeon at 6:05 p.m. in the Personnel
Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Additions to the Agenda: None
Limited Public Comment: None
1. Budget Hearings
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE CONTROLLER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
a. Tri-County Metro Narcotics Squad
d. Emergency Telephone – 911 Millage
e. Emergency Operations
h. Animal Control Shelter Advisory Board
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Nolan and Copedge
b. Sheriff
Mr. Myers explained that when he submitted his 2006 budget request, he had not anticipated the huge increase in gas prices. The Sheriff’s Office will do its best to keep costs down; however, the Office may need to come back before this Committee later in the year for additional mileage funds.
(Comm. Nolan arrived at 6:11 p.m.)
Mr. Ambrose stated the Controller’s Office will review the mileage cost issue in the first quarter of 2006. Gas prices are also a great concern for many other County departments. Mr. Ambrose further explained the Office’s request for one law enforcement officer position which is currently funded by contract with the Village of Stockbridge and the D.A.R.E. officer position which is currently funded by Mid South Substance Abuse Commission were eliminated from the Controller’s Recommended Budget. Stockbridge has given notice that it will be discontinuing its contract for police services at the end of 2005. MSSAC has given notice that its annual support of the D.A.R.E. officer is being reduced by 50% (from $55,953 to $27,481) in 2006, and will be eliminated totally in 2007.
Continuation of the D.A.R.E. officer position would require an appropriation of $56,915 in 2006 and approximately $85,000 in 2007. Due to the controversy over the effectiveness of the D.A.R.E. program and the General Fund increase necessary to continue the position, the Controller’s Office has recommended the elimination of this program for 2006. The Sheriff’s Office will request funding for the D.A.R.E. position on the z list.
Mr. Wriggelsworth stated inmate overcrowding adds to the Office’s transportation costs. Chairperson DeLeon stated she understands this concern and would like to hear ideas to address this concern. Comm. Schafer informed the Committee that Board Chairperson Grebner has a proposal to allocate jail beds on a per judge basis.
Comm. Schafer further stated the Board of Commissioners never established that the D.A.R.E. program (Program) wasn’t useful. It is reasonable to request additional funds from the Mid South Substance Abuse Commission. He then expressed his position that it is inappropriate for the Board to eliminate a Sheriff’s Office position. Also, if Mid South is willing to put up funding for the Program, the Board should accept that funding.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE CONTROLLER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND TO PLACE $56,159 (NET COUNTY GENERAL FUND COST) ON THE Z LIST FOR THE DARE PROGRAM.
Comm. Schafer stated it is the Board’s obligation to support its agencies. The Program has great value for the community. Chairperson DeLeon stated she sits on the Mid South Substance Abuse Commission. The Program does not measure up to meeting measurable outcomes. She further stated it has never been her position to not support the Program. It is not, however, the best use of Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission’s shrinking dollars.
Mr. Myers stated he believes Comm. Schafer is correct. It is the Board’s responsibility to fund the Sheriff’s Office. It is not proper for the Board to say what positions their funding should support. Mr. Ambrose explained that it is the Board’s policy that grant-funded positions are to be discontinued when the funding is discontinued. D.A.R.E. is a grant-funded program.
Mr. Wriggelsworth stated there any number of programs within the County that do not meet measurable outcomes. Many of those programs continue to receive funding from the County. Mr. Myers stated if the Board discontinues the D.A.R.E. Program, it should do so from a knowledgeable standpoint.
Comm. Thomas stated Mr. Wriggelsworth has a very good point regarding not requiring other programs to meet measurable outcomes. He further stated there are dozens of dispassionate academic studies regarding the Program which indicate it is a very positive Program for the first couple years of elementary school. There is no difference in the level of substance abuse occurrences between those youth who participated in the Program and those who did not once they surpass the third or fourth grade. These studies were conducted by impartial parties. Mr. Myers stated a study conducted by the University of Ohio shows the effectiveness of the entire Program.
Chairperson DeLeon stated Mid South has indicated it would provide measurable outcome information regarding D.A.R.E. to this Committee. Comm. Vickers expressed his support for the Program and its continuation. He believes D.A.R.E. is more effective in rural areas. Until a person sits through a D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony, they cannot understand its effect on the youth. The County should accept the funding allocation from Mid South and fund the position for one more year.
Comm. Schafer stated he respects the positions of his colleagues. However, for a small cost, the Program provides a positive impact on our youth.
Comm. Thomas stated that earlier this year, it was suggested that the Ingham County Youth Commission review the D.A.R.E. Program. Chairperson DeLeon explained that the Youth Commission previously submitted a Resolution to this Committee in opposition to the Program.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Copedge
c. Prosecuting Attorney
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APPROVE THE CONTROLLER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY AND TO PLACE $10,926 ON THE Z LIST FOR UPGRADING A HALF-TIME POSITION TO A THREE-QUARTER TIME POSITION.
Mr. Dunnings explained the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Halbert vs. Michigan will result in more appeals from guilty plea cases because defendants now have a right to counsel. The Prosecutor’s Office anticipates an increase in filings to which it must respond.
Once this ruling took effect, the Office assigned other duties to our appellate division staff person. She has been handling all the drug forfeiture paperwork, including bonds, for the County and any other law enforcement agency in the County. Mr. Dunnings further explained the Office has never been in a position to file briefs in all appealed cases because of a lack of resources.
Paralegal help is needed for the Office to be able to respond in guilty plea cases and to maintain our burgeoning case load. Meeting this need can only begin by removing the non-paralegal duties from the appellate division staff person. The addition of a quarter- time FTE will not come close to providing us with the workforce necessary to permit us to fulfill all of our statutory obligations. The quarter-time FTE would increase a half-time position to a three-quarter time position.
In response to Comm. Schafer, Mr. Neilsen stated the cost of increasing the position would be $10,926. Comm. Schafer stated he is willing to support the Office’s request. It should be included in the budget pending fee increases. There was a brief discussion regarding the pending fee increases. Mr. Ambrose stated the Controller’s Office could review this issue and report back to the Finance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Copedge
f. Community Corrections
(Comm. Copedge arrived at 7:00 p.m.)
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APPROVE THE CONTROLLER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS.
Ms. Sabaj explained Project Sentry has always survived on grant funds. That funding was eliminated several years ago. Project Sentry now survives on grant fees which are generated and also a surplus gain. The program was forced to relocate. This relocation created costs and additional ongoing costs.
Ms. Sabaj further explained the program has addressed the issue of declining drops; and, those numbers are on the increase. Those funds are not sufficient at this time to recover from the previous damage. It looks like the surplus gains will be depleted in 2006. Project Sentry is reviewing cost savings measures. The program is also looking for additional grant funds. Cost savings measures will be monitored. Ms. Sabaj stated she would report back to this Committee at a later date regarding those measures.
Mr. Ambrose explained that Project Sentry is competing with other testing entities. This situation will continue to be monitored. Ms. Sabaj explained the quality of tests from the other entities does not meet the quality of Project Sentry’s tests. Project Sentry is approaching this situation from a business standpoint.
Chairperson DeLeon expressed her appreciation for Project Sentry’s handling of the testing issue.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
g. Community Agency Appropriation
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE CONTROLLER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR THE COMMUNITY AGENCY APPROPRIATION.
Mr. Ambrose assured the Committee that approving this item only approves the appropriation for the Community Agencies. Specific Agency allocations will be made in October or November by the liaison committees.
Comm. Schafer stated he believes the Community Agencies can survive without County funding. Therefore, he will not support this item.
Chairperson DeLeon stated she would like to review information regarding the Nu Way In agency prior to voting on the appropriation to that Agency.
MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Schafer voting NO.
i. Animal Control
Ms. McAloon-Lampman stated Animal Control is happy with the Controller’s Recommended Budget. She then stated her department needs one seasonal Animal Control Officer during the peak summer months. Animal Control has seen a significant increase in calls for Animal Control Officer services. Providing the additional seasonal Officer position would greatly enhance Animal Control services within the community.
Comm. Nolan commended Ms. McAloon-Lampman on her efforts to turn the shelter around. She then asked if Animal Control was preparing to take in pets from Hurricane Katrina. Ms. McAloon-Lampman explained that those animals could not be accepted as Animal Control is already putting down many good pets due to space concerns. She then stated many of the Hurricane pets would be fostered.
Ms. McAloon-Lampman stated the new fees for people who drop their pets off at the shelter will take effect January 1, 2006.
Comm. Schafer expressed his concern that this County far exceeds expenditures in this department than many other counties in the state. He stated Animal Control should conduct more enforcement activities than adoption services. The department’s first responsibility is for the safety of the community. Comm. Schafer further stated he does not like the trend of moving toward more adoption services. He then explained that his thoughts are not personal against Ms. McAloon-Lampman. She is doing a phenomenal job.
Ms. McAloon-Lampman explained the requested position will not perform any adoption services. The need for law enforcement services from Animal Control has increased significantly.
Comm. Thomas stated Animal Control’s purpose is to keep people safe by providing enforcement; and, also to determine what to do with dogs in its care. Chairperson DeLeon stated the County has a commitment to provide both of those duties. Ms. McAloon-Lampman is doing a great job.
MOVED BY COMM. NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE CONTROLLER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR ANIMAL CONTROL AND TO PLACE $14,386 ON THE Z LIST FOR A SEASONAL ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER. MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Schafer voting NO.
(The Committee recessed at 7:42 p.m. to rank the z list items.)
(The Committee was called back to order at 7:51 p.m.)
MOVED BY COMM. VICKERS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO SUSPEND THE BOARD RULES TO ALLOW COMMS. NOLAN AND COMM. COPEDGE TO VOTE ON PREVIOUS MOTION WHICH THEY WERE NOT PRESENT FOR. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Final Ranking
MOVED SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO FORWARD THE FOLLOWING RANKING TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE:
1. Sheriff D.A.R.E. Officer position
2. Prosecuting Attorney ½ to ¾ Warrant Clerk position
3. Animal Control Seasonal Animal Control Officer
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff