Amended 2/16/06
LAW ENFORCEMENT
February 2, 2006
Minutes
Members Present: Deb Nolan, Dale Copedge, Debbie DeLeon, Marc Thomas, Randy Schafer and Don Vickers
Members Absent: None
Others Present: John Neilsen, Steve Dougan and Vicki Harrison
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Nolan at 6:07 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the January 12, 2006 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 12 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Copedge
Additions to the Agenda
3. Project Sentry - Update
4. Delhi Township - Adoption of Michigan Vehicle Motor Code as Township Ordinance
Limited Public Comment: None
1. Controller’s Office
a. Village of Stockbridge – Police Services Contract Termination – Update
Mr. Neilsen distributed a copy of a letter from the Stockbridge Village Manager, dated January 26, 2006, to the Committee for their review. The letter is a written confirmation of the verbal conversation between Chief Deputy Harrison and Chief King regarding the termination of Village coverage by the County as of January 25, 2006.
Mr. Neilsen also stated the new 911 system will cost approximately $15,000 more than anticipated. This cost should be available from other accounts within the 911 system budget.
Comm. Schafer stated the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office was very professional regarding the termination of the Stockbridge contract. He also stated he believes the Village of Stockbridge is making a big mistake by terminating the contract. The Village will lose expert service provided by the Sheriff’s Office.
Comm. Thomas asked about the status of the deputies who provided the service to the Village of Stockbridge. Chief Deputy Harrison explained the Ingham County Deputies will remain with the County. Lay offs are not necessary due to attrition. She also stated the Sheriff’s Office will continue to respond to calls from the Village until it is able to do so.
b. Jail Water Tank – Emergency Purchase
Mr. Neilsen stated the water tank which supplies hot water for Posts 3, 6, 9 and 10 was replaced. The old system does not work and it could not be welded or repaired. An “emergency purchase” was authorized by the County’s Purchasing Policies to resolve this situation. This policy addresses situations wherein the immediate purchase is essential to prevent detrimental delays in the work of any department or which might involve danger to life and/or damage to property.
The cost of the new system is $37,000. The breakdown of the cost is contained in Mr. Neilsen’s January 26, 2006 memorandum to this Committee.
Comm. Thomas asked about the age of the old system. Chief Deputy Harrison stated the old system was at least 18 years old
c. Resolution Authorizing a Contract Amendment for the 911 Center Consolidation Consultant Services with Plante & Moran, PLLC
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR THE 911 CENTER CONSOLIDATION CONSULTANT SERVICES WITH PLANTE & MORAN, PLLC.
Mr. Neilsen stated the Consolidation Steering Committee determined there was a need for additional information to ensure that staffing concerns are addressed. Plant & Moran, PLLC (Plant & Moran) can complete this study by the end of March 2006.
Comm. Thomas asked about the status of consolidation discussions with the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing. Mr. Neilsen explained the two Cities have appointed representatives to continue the discussions. The last meeting was held in December when the recommendation was made for the study.
Mr. Neilsen stated the two Cities are in support of continuing the discussions. Comm. Thomas recommended the Controller’s Office use caution when participating in the discussions. Mr. Neilsen stated he understands and shares Comm. Thomas’ concerns.
Comm. Schafer stated the consolidation is a high priority for this County; however, it is not a priority of the two Cities. Comm. Thomas stated it may be difficult for the two Cities to recognize the greater good that can come from the discussions.
Comm. DeLeon stated it was made clear that the revenue stream from the proposed consolidation would not be used to support the projected rising costs. She then stated the discussions should continue. Comm. DeLeon also stated she was looking for some assurance that the County is moving in the right direction. Mr. Neilsen stated that once the year gets underway, those regular discussions will continue. Plant & Moran is committed to completing their study by March 31, 2006. Once their report is completed, it will be presented to this Committee. Comm. DeLeon expressed her concern that the discussions should continue without any further delays. She then asked if Plant & Moran conducted this type of study in the past. Mr. Neilsen stated Plant & Moran was selected to conduct the study because of their experience in this area.
(Comm. Copedge arrived at 6:24 p.m. He was late due to car trouble.)
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND THE CANTEEN INMATE COMMISSARY CONTRACT FOR ONE YEAR.
Comm. DeLeon asked if there is a reason for the continuing decline in revenue from this contract. Mr. Neilsen stated the closing of a Post has affected the revenue.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Project Sentry – Update
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO SUSPEND THE BOARD RULES TO ALLOW COMM. COPEDGE TO VOTE ON THE APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 12, 2006 MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Neilsen stated Project Sentry would appear before this Committee probably in March to discuss its short and long term plans. Project Sentry received grant funding until 1998 which covered half of the business costs. This grant has since ended and the program is now trying to surviving on program income and fees. Project Sentry has requested a subsidy from the County to assist in meeting their costs. County staff instructed Project Sentry to review their budget once again.
Staff met with Dr. Gallagher and Ms. Sabaj to discuss Project Sentry’s future. Dr. Gallagher may retire in April of this year. The retirement would create different opportunities for the program. Mr. Neilsen expressed his concern regarding Project Sentry’s long term financial viability.
Mr. Neilsen also stated Project Sentry has lost a lot of business due to the opening of many other such programs. The program could be reconstituted after the proposed retirement. It could be eliminated and the Courts would be told to use the other vendors; however, there will be a balloon payment if the lease is terminated before five years.
Mr. Neilsen stated the two main concerns facing Project Sentry are its declining revenues and the probable retirement of Dr. Gallagher this spring. Options will be presented to this Committee in March for this Committee’s consideration.
Comm. Schafer stated Project Sentry could be closed since there are vendors in the area that provide the same service. Mr. Neilsen stated the Circuit Court has used Project Sentry’s services exclusively. The Lansing District has used other vendors for varied reasons. Comm. Schafer stated he would not support a subsidy for the program. Mr. Neilsen explained the County has a large obligation to the land owner. Due to the lease term, the County has few options. We are 2.5 years into the five year lease. Chairperson Nolan stated it would cost the County approximately $90,000 to break the lease.
Comm. DeLeon stated this Committee should know why the District Court is not using Project Sentry’s services. Mr. Neilsen stated Dr. Gallagher and Ms. Sabaj will be at a March Committee meeting to discuss this issue. The Administrators of the Circuit Court and the Lansing District Court have been informed that Project Sentry may close due to a loss of business.
The Committee continued this discussion. Chairperson Nolan asked if Project Sentry provides drug treatment services. Mr. Neilsen stated that service is not provided by Project Sentry. Comm. Copedge asked if the County could partner with another doctor when Dr. Gallagher retires. Mr. Neilsen stated that is one of the options to consider. He then stated he believes the program can continue without Dr. Gallagher at a lesser cost. The program still wouldn’t be self-sufficient unless its revenues increase.
Comm. Schafer asked that Mr. Neilsen supply this Committee with Project Sentry’s total budget. Mr. Neilsen stated their 2006 budget is approximately $595,000 and there are 4.75 FTE’s. He stated he would bring in all pertinent information for the next discussion regarding Project Sentry.
4. Delhi Township - Adoption of Michigan Vehicle Motor Code as Township Ordinance
Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee that Delhi Township has recently adopted the Michigan Vehicle Motor Code into its policy, effective January 19, 2006. This action will impact the District Court’s budget. Other local municipalities have used this policy for many years. The County was not aware of Delhi Township’s change due to the holidays.
The current contract with Delhi Township expires at the end of this year. Staff has had informal discussions with Mr. Elsinga, Delhi Township, regarding this issue.
Comm. DeLeon asked about the status of the public safety millage discussions. Mr. Neilsen stated Comm. Grebner is drafting language for the proposed millage. This issue will be discussed at an upcoming meeting. Comm. DeLeon reminded the Committee that it discussed the importance of staying on top of this matter. Chairperson Nolan also reminded the Committee that there will be other millages on the fall ballot.
Mr. Neilsen stated Delhi Township will keep the fines and costs under their new policy. The County received more of the costs under the State law. A breakdown of the costs and fines will be distributed to this Committee.
Comm. Thomas stated Comm. Grebner is not as optimistic about the public safety millage language as he would like to be. Comm. Thomas also stated a few of the Democratic Commissioners have asked that the status of upcoming millages be discussed at a caucus meeting. The Finance Committee will begin discussions for long-range planning (3-5 years) over the next few months.
Announcements
Comm. Vickers informed the Committee that he attended the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office Hazard Mitigation Workshop at the Ingham County Jail. He stated the Workshop was very informative.
Comm. DeLeon asked if late items are included in the agenda on the County’s website. Mr. Neilsen stated he would look into this matter.
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff