Approved 5/11/06

LAW ENFORCEMENT

April 25, 2006

Minutes

Members Present:         Deb Nolan, Dale Copedge, Debbie DeLeon, Marc Thomas, Randy Schafer and Don Vickers

Members Absent:         None

Others Present:             John Neilsen, Matthew Myers, Mark Grebner, Steve Dougan and others

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Nolan at 7:20 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room of the Ingham County Courthouse, Mason.

Additions to the Agenda:           None

Limited Public Comment:          None

1.         Sheriff’s Office – Resolution Authorizing the Opening of a Post at the Ingham County Jail, the Amendment to the MDOC Contract and Related Budget Adjustments

Mr. Neilsen distributed an April 21, 2006 letter from the Washtenaw County Administrator to the Committee.  He stated Washtenaw County has been paying Ingham County on a monthly basis to house its inmates.  Mr. Neilsen then stated he has suggested amendments to the Resolution which would provide this County with maximum flexibility to move forward and to open the post once rental agreements have been procured for the remaining 70 beds.  The Substitute Resolution was distributed to the Committee.

The MDOC may rent the 30 beds currently being used by Washtenaw County inmates.  This entire issue may be resolved by Wednesday or Thursday of this week. 

Comm. Schafer asked for clarification regarding the Washtenaw County situation.  Mr. Neilsen explained proper procedures were not followed by Washtenaw County staff when arranging the rental of 30 Ingham County beds.  The Administrator of Washtenaw County indicates in his April 21 letter that without an executed contract between the Counties to pay for such boarding, Washtenaw County is not responsible for any costs incurred in boarding their inmates in Ingham County. 

Mr. Myers stated Washtenaw County has sent similar letters to four other Counties.  He then stated he would be comfortable opening the Post without hiring any additional staff until the numbers are firm.  The MDOC has indicated a possible interest in the 30 beds currently in use by Washtenaw County inmates. 

Comm. Grebner explained that Washtenaw County is not obligated to pay Ingham County once their letter was sent.  He then suggested that Mr.  Cohl, County Attorney, review this matter.  Mr. Neilsen stated Mr. Cohl is aware of this matter. 

Chairperson Nolan stated she was pleased the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office was able to lease other beds.  Comm. DeLeon asked if the third WHEREAS paragraph was clear.  She suggested the term “additional” be added between “30 – 103” and “beds.”  Mr.  Neilsen stated the amendment would be made.  This was accepted as a Friendly Amendment. 

Comm. DeLeon expressed her appreciation to Mr. Myers for his diligent efforts regarding this matter.

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE OPENING OF A POST AT THE INGHAM COUNTY JAIL, THE AMENDMENT TO THE MDOC CONTRACT AND RELATED BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AS AMENDED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2.         Law Enforcement Committee – Resolution Encouraging Drivers to Operate Their Vehicles in a Careful Manner around Public and Private Service Vehicles

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING DRIVERS TO OPERATE THEIR VEHICLES IN A CAREFUL MANNER AROUND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SERVICE VEHICLES.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Announcements:           None

Public Comment:          None

The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff