Approved 6/15/06

LAW ENFORCEMENT

June 1, 2006

Minutes

Members Present:         Deb Nolan, Dale Copedge, Debbie DeLeon, Randy Schafer, Don Vickers and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino

Members Absent:         Marc Thomas

Others Present:             John Neilsen and Mark Grebner

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Nolan at 6:01 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the May 11, 2006 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE MAY 11 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comms. Thomas and DeLeon

Additions to the Agenda

5.         Update – Washtenaw County

Limited Public Comment

Mr. Shannon addressed the Committee regarding the release of Ingham County Jail inmates.  He stated there are too many young people in the Jail.  The County and the City should work together to improve the corrections system.  Mr. Shannon then requested an investigation into the inmates’ Jail accounts. 

Mr. Shannon stated the inmates should be released during the second shift.  CATA does not provide transportation services at 2:00 and 4:00 a.m. 

(Comm. DeLeon arrived at 6:09 p.m.)

4.         Commissioner Dale Copedge – Discussion:  Release of Inmates from the Ingham County Jail between the Hours 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. and the Possibility of CATA Picking Up these Inmates

Chairperson Nolan explained this item was placed on tonight’s agenda due to the concerns expressed by Mr. Shannon at the recent Board of Commissioner’s meeting. 

Mr. Shannon said if people have to wait outside for transportation home from the Jail, they should be protected from the weather. 

Comm. Grebner explained CATA already provides transportation at the Jail Monday through Saturday.  This service is not provided on Sundays or holidays.  The first bus arrives at the Jail at approximately 7:00 a.m.  If the inmates are released later in the morning, bus transportation would be available.  The Sheriff’s Office should be asked to consider this idea.  Comm. Grebner then explained that CATA cannot provide the early morning transportation due to a Charter Regulation.

Comm. Grebner suggested this matter be addressed during the current budget process.  Rough parameters would include releasing 15 to 20 inmates at a time and the provision of bus transportation service to transport inmates north from the Jail to areas close to their homes.  This release would be scheduled to occur 10 to 15 times per year.  The County could contract for bus transportation at a cost of $2,000 per year.  CATA could help with this process.  Comm. Grebner offered his assistance also.

Comm. Grebner further explained transportation would not be provided for a single release.  The County would provide the transportation while the budgeted funds are available.  The Sheriff’s Office should be invited to a meeting soon to discuss this matter.

Comm. Vickers stated it would be easier on the inmates to be released later in the morning.  Comm. Copedge stated temporary housing could be provided in the interim to protect the inmates from the weather.  The Sheriff’s Office could at least wait to release the inmates when the first bus arrives.  Supervision of the released inmates should be provided while they are waiting for the bus.

Chairperson Nolan informed the Committee that Mr. Myers emailed her to notify her that he is working on this issue.  Mr. Myers will be invited to the next meeting to discuss this matter further. 

Chairperson Celentino thanked Mr. Shannon for bringing this matter to the attention of the Board of Commissioners and for attending tonight’s meeting. 

Mr. Shannon expressed his appreciation to the Committee for their efforts regarding his concerns.

1.         Sheriff’s Office – Resolution for the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office to Accept an Additional $11,550.00 from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning for the 2005/06 PA 416 Grant

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION FOR THE INGHAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO ACCEPT AN ADDITIONAL $11,550.00 FROM THE MICHIGAN OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY PLANNING FOR THE 2005/06 PA 416 GRANT.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comm. Thomas

2.         Update – Ingham County Public Safety Wireless Voice Communications System (WVCS)

Mr. Neilsen distributed copies of the Lansing State Journal article regarding this item to the Committee for their review.  He then stated there have been a few minor problems; however, the system is anticipated to be operational by the end of July for all safety agencies.  Once all agencies are satisfied with the new system, it will be formally accepted.  This formal acceptance will start the warrant period. 

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the issue of funding the maintenance costs for the new system.  All maintenance costs could be paid through the 911 funds; or, part of the costs could be billed to the 911 fund and the remainder could be charged to the agencies.  The 911 Advisory Board will submit a recommendation regarding this issue next year. 

Comm. Vickers asked if the statements he has heard regarding damage to the vehicles during installation are true.  Mr. Neilsen explained the initial installers have been released by the installation company.   Some of the installations have been redone. 

Comm. Vickers stated there are concerns from the smaller jurisdictions regarding the maintenance costs.  Mr. Neilsen stated all of the safety agencies have the same concern. 

Comm. DeLeon stated the costs will be reduced when more agencies are included in this process.  She then asked for the estimate of the maintenance costs.  Mr. Neilsen stated an RFP will be issued by the project manager.  Once the proposals are received, an estimate can be determined.  The safety agencies have been informed an actual cost has not yet been determined.

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Comm. DeLeon asked if the 911 Advisory Board would recommend a few payment options to this Committee.  Mr. Neilsen stated that is the understanding of the Advisory Board.

Comm. Copedge asked who will be responsible for the costs associated with the installation damage.  Mr. Neilsen explained the agencies have been informed to verify their damage and to submit that information to the Controller’s Office.  Such information has not been received as of this date.

Comm. Copedge asked for the name of the company that conducted the installation of the new equipment.  Mr. Neilsen stated Cynergy Wireless installed the equipment.   M/A-Com. Inc. sub-contracted with Cynergy to conduct the installation.  Comm. Copedge asked if a back-ground check had been conducted on the installers.  Mr. Neilsen explained the installers did not have any contact with sensitive information at the safety agencies.  The agencies did have the opportunity to supervise the installation.

Comm. Schafer stated he also heard complaints regarding the installation process.  He then stated the maintenance costs are a part of the County’s obligation.  Comm. Schafer stated the 911 Advisory Board is doing a great job.

This discussion continued.  Chairperson Nolan asked when the system would be converted to digital.  Mr. Neilsen explained the new system is designed to operate digitally or non-digitally.  He then stated a wrap-up presentation could be scheduled if that is the wish of this Committee.  The presentation could be scheduled in July or August.

Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee that Plante Moran is tentatively scheduled to make a consolidation presentation to this Committee at its June 15 meeting.  The meeting should be held in Conference Room A so that all interested parties can be invited to attend.  Comm. DeLeon stated she will be out of state during that week for a family matter.  Chairperson Nolan stated the Committee will work on the date.  The Board of Commissioners will be entering its summer schedule next month. 

Comm. DeLeon asked why the presentation could not wait until the July meeting.  The Committee consented to scheduling the presentation for its July 13 meeting.

3.         Controller’s Office – Resolution Updating Various Fees for County Services

MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION UPDAING VARIOUS FEES FOR COUNTY SERVICES.  THE COMMITTEE APPROVED THE RESOLUTION AS IT PERTAINS TO THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE. 

Mr. Neilsen explained the fees are reviewed on an annual basis, per Board direction, so the fees remain current without making large, one-time increases.  He then reviewed the information contained in the agenda packet regarding this item.  If the fee adjustments are passed as proposed, additional revenue would total approximately $163,016.  Any additional revenue will be recognized in the 2007 Controller’s Recommended Budget.

The Committee held a general discussion regarding this item.  Comm. Schafer stated he reviewed the proposed fees carefully.  He expressed his concern regarding the pay discrepancy between the Animal Control Officers and the Septic System Inspectors.  The County charges $85 per hour for the Inspections and it pays $19 per hour for Animal Control Officer services. 

Comm. Schafer stated he doesn’t believe the fees were reviewed on a per line basis.  Comm. Copedge stated there is a difference between the services which are provided by Animal Control and by Environmental Health. 

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Chairperson Nolan asked if Maximus provided a formula for determining fees.  If so, does the formula address fringe benefits?

Comm. DeLeon stated the new Animal Control Director may not have received the formula.  Mr. Neilsen explained that State law mandates the fees cannot exceed the actual cost of the service. 

Mr. Neilsen explained that in cases where the calculated cost multiplied by target percent is much higher than the current fee, the fee will be recommended to increase gradually each year until the full cost multiplied by target percent is reached.  This issue is addressed in the sixth WHEREAS paragraph of the Resolution. 

Comm. DeLeon asked that departments be contacted to determine if they are using the correct fee formula.  Mr. Neilsen stated that information will be available for the next Finance meeting.

Comm. Schafer explained he was raising awareness of the disparity of the fees.  He then requested the Finance Committee clarify this matter.  Comm. Vickers stated the same formula is used at the township level.  He then stated he suspects some departments figure other than the specified costs into the fees.  Comm. DeLeon stated her belief that there is a State law which puts limitations on some fees. 

This discussion continued.  Comm. Copedge clarified that when he votes on this Resolution, he will vote on the Law Enforcement aspect of the Resolution.  The Committee indicated its agreement with Comm. Copedge.

MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Vickers voting NO.

Comm. DeLeon stated during the County Services meeting, she requested information on additional revenue received as compared to the projected revenue amounts.  Mr. Neilsen explained this information is included in the Cost vs. Actual Revenue information in the agenda packet. 

5.         Washtenaw County – Update

Mr. Neilsen stated, as of today, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, Administration and Sheriff’s Office are still in discussions regarding previous concerns.  The Controller’s Office received a letter from Washtenaw County assuring they would pay through June 12, 2006. 

The Sheriff’s Office will not hire any additional full-time deputies until this situation is resolved.  The County still has not received an answer from the MDOC regarding a possible increase in their contract.  Mr. Neilsen stated his hope to report the resolution of this matter at this Committee’s next meeting.

The Committee held a general discussion regarding this item.  It also discussed its concern if this matter drags out longer.  Mr. Neilsen stated Mr. Myers has spent a lot of time speaking with the MDOC and Washtenaw County.

Chairperson Nolan stated this item will remain on this Committee’s agenda until it is resolved.

Announcements:           None

Public Comment;          None

The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff                                                                   4