Amended 7/13/06
LAW ENFORCEMENT
June 15, 2006
Minutes
Members Present: Deb Nolan, Dale Copedge, Randy Schafer, Don Vickers and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: Marc Thomas and Debbie DeLeon
Others Present: John Neilsen, Karen Chadwick, Bryce Alford, Mike Leaf, Mary Sabaj, Matthew Myers, Mike Perez and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Nolan at 6:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the June 1, 2006 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE JUNE 1 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Thomas and DeLeon
Additions to the Agenda
.5 Wireless Voice Communication System Update
Limited Public Comment: None
.5 Project Update – Ingham County Wireless Voice Communications Systems
Mr. Leaf informed the Committee the system is operational. The system provides approximately 95% coverage within buildings and approximately 98% coverage with the mobile system. Mobile radios are being installed at this time and should be completed a few days ahead of schedule in July. A punch list will be developed and corrections will be made where necessary. Final system acceptance is scheduled for the end of August.
Mr. Leaf explained how the new system is set up. There are four transmit sites plus eight auxiliary sites.
Mr. Alford demonstrated how the mobile system works via his hand held unit. Comm. Schafer asked if there are any dead spots in the coverage. Mr. Alford stated there aren’t any dead spots; however, there are some ‘scratchy’ areas.
Mr. Leaf stated he is extremely pleased with the new system. The system users will be happy once they are used to the system.
Comm. Schafer asked if the installation complaints have been addressed. Mr. Leaf explained that he, and M/A Com, addressed the complaints immediately. Mr. Myers stated the old out-county system died last week. The 911 Center has adapted very well to the situation by using mobile radios. Mr. Myers thanked Mr. Leaf for his assistance in this matter.
Mr. Leaf stated he has worked with many 911 committees throughout the country. Ingham County is truly extraordinary. This 911 Advisory Board is far and away the best one he has worked with in over 17 years.
Comm. Schafer asked about the life expectancy of the new system. Mr. Leaf stated the life expectancy is 20 years. A Request for Proposals is being developed for a system maintenance contract. The RFP should be released in July.
Mr. Neilsen stated the cost of the entire project is approximately $12.5 million. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be coordinated with the Board of Commissioners’ schedule. Comm. Nolan asked about the upgrade funds. Mr. Neilsen stated approximately $355,000 has been budgeted for BDA’s bi-directional amplifiers.
Comm. Schafer stated he believes the best thing the Board of Commissioners has done was to create the 911 Advisory Board. Chairperson Nolan expressed her appreciation to Mr. Leaf for keeping the project within budget.
1. CCAB – Resolution Authorizing Submission of a Grant Application and Entering into a Contract with the Michigan Department of Corrections for Ingham County/City of Lansing Community Corrections for Fiscal Year 2006-2007
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION AND ENTERING IINTO A CONTRACT WITH THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR INGHAM COUNTY/CITY OF LANSING COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007.
Mr. Neilsen distributed a Staff Review sheet to the Committee for their review. Comm. Schafer complimented the CCAB for its efforts to date on this grant.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Thomas and DeLeon
2. Tri-County Metro Narcotics Squad (Metro Squad) – Request for Unbudgeted Equipment, Communication Equipment Request
Mr. Neilsen explained the Metro Squad is seeking the County’s approval of the use of excess operational funds for the purchase of communication equipment for the Squad. The total purchase price and programming costs is $22,841.27.
The Metro Squad does not expect to fully reimburse each County for the grant match for FY 2005/06 Metro Squad operations this year. The total shortfall is estimated at approximately $125,000, of which our share will be approximately $78,000 (63.39%).
Mr. Neilsen explained another option would be to take funds out of the Squad’s contingency fund. The Squad’s contingency fund balance is approximately $380,000. This amount is $265,000 short of reaching the agreed upon members’ goal of 1.5 years of operational fund balance.
Ingham County’s portion of the 2005/06 operational money it won’t get back is approximately $78,000, or about 30% of the total that is normally reimbursed to the County. The County’s portion of the radio purchase would be $14,250 (62.39% of the $22,841.27).
Mr. Neilsen stated this request seems reasonable and he recommended the Committee approve the request contingent on approval by Eaton and Clinton Counties.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Thomas and DeLeon
3. Sheriff’s Office/Emergency Operations – Resolution to Accept the Revised Budget of the Michigan Department of State Police, Emergency Management Division 2005 State Homeland Security Grant/Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program Grant
Mr. Neilsen explained the grant has already been accepted, as well as portions of the budget. These are federal pass through grant funds which are administered by the State. The total grant is $951,599 for the State Homeland Security Program and $353,464 for the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program portion of the grant for a total grant amount of $1,305,063, with no County match required.
Mr. Neilsen recommended the final project and budget.
Chairperson Nolan asked about funding for the Tri-County Metro Narcotics Squad radios. Mr. Neilsen explained that issue has been discussed. It was determined the
Squad has a contingency fund to use for the radios. Mr. Perez stated many of the Squad Officers already have radios through their law enforcement agencies. Mr. Neilsen explained there are many more equipment requests than available funding. Next year, there will be a regional concept for the Homeland Security Grant.
Chairperson Nolan suggested the Metro Squad could receive some of the grant funding next year for equipment, if necessary. Mr. Neilsen explained the Squad has been waiting for some time for forfeiture funds. Once those funds are received, the Squad will be financially sound.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Thomas and DeLeon
4. Sheriff’s Office
a. Update on Contractual Beds at the Ingham County Jail
Mr. Myers reviewed the history of this issue. Currently, 35 of the 70 beds are rented. The Budget Director has been requested to provide the Sheriff’s Office with information regarding what the Office needs to do to break even. According to the information, the Office would have to rent 43 beds to break even.
Mr. Myers further explained the Sheriff’s Office has been encouraging the State to send more inmates to the Jail when possible. As of today, the Jail is housing 163 State inmates. The current State contract is for 160 inmates. The MDOC seems to be interested in the extra beds. Mr. Myers stated the Office received a call today from Washtenaw County. They are now ready to discuss this issue.
The Jail is 8 beds behind on a daily basis; however, the raw numbers indicate the Jail is in fairly good shape. Mr. Myers further stated he believes the Office can rent the extra beds. Other counties have been informed there are beds available for rent at the Ingham County Jail.
Mr. Myers explained six additional Corrections Officers would be needed to open a closed post. The Officers have not been hired. Due to this situation, the current Officers are working over-time. He further stated he believes that paying over-time wages is cheaper than hiring six new Officers.
Comm. Vickers asked about the current situation with Washtenaw County. Mr. Myers stated Washtenaw County has indicated it will pay for the beds.
Mr. Neilsen explained that funds could be returned to the Contingency Fund once a new contract has been secured. If a new contract is not secured, a post may have to be closed.
Chairperson Celentino stated more information should be available by this Committee’s next meeting. The Committee should be able to make a determination at that time if any action is required.
The Committee discussed this issue further. Mr. Myers stated he would prefer not to close a post at this time. It will be easier for him to rent beds if the post remains open.
Chairperson Celentino stated it is important for this Committee to realize the Corrections Officers have a stressful job. They cannot take vacation time because they are needed on the job.
Chairperson Nolan stated it is the consensus of this Committee to wait until its July 13, 2006 meeting to make a determination regarding this matter. Chairperson Celentino stated there will still be over-crowding at the Jail and the Corrections Officers will continue to work over-time if additional Officers are not hired. Mr. Myers explained new hires are required to participate in a 7 week training course before they assume full duty. If the Committee waits to take action at its next meeting to authorize additional staff, it will be three months before the Office is up to a full staff level.
Comm. Vickers asked about the process to authorize the hiring of four additional Corrections Officers. Mr. Neilsen explained the Board of Commissioners authorized the additional hires sometime ago. The additional staff was authorized based on extra funds from rental contracts. Comm. Vickers stated his preference is to hire three or four Officers to relieve the stress on the existing Officers.
Comm. Schafer stated the Sheriff’s Office has always done a tremendous job. This is a very difficult situation. He then stated he would approve the hiring of three Officers at this time. Mr. Neilsen stated the costs implications would need to be developed for the Finance Committee. Comm. Schafer stated he would recommend the additional hires based on the Finance Committee receiving the financial implications.
Chairperson Celentino stated the Committee understands the financial situation; however, something must be done now. The Finance Committee meets next on June 21, 2006. Chairperson Nolan stated it is the consensus of this Committee to move forward with the hiring of three additional Corrections Officers. The necessary information will be submitted to the Finance Committee.
Mr. Neilsen stated he would draft a financial scenario regarding the hiring of the additional Corrections Officers.
b. Discussion on the Release of the Inmates from the Ingham County Jail During Overcrowding Emergencies
Mr. Myers informed the Committee that Maj. Carpenter is working with CATA on a bus route for this situation. He then explained the Sheriff’s Office does not release female inmates during an overcrowding emergency unless they have transportation. CATA may be able to send a special van on specific days for an additional cost to the County.
Comm. Copedge stated this Committee discussed the possibility of providing access to a restroom while the released inmates are waiting for transportation. Mr. Myers explained the inmates can use the facilities on the law enforcement side of the Office. Inmates are also allowed to use the telephone to make transportation arrangements. Inmates are not released during the night on a regular basis.
Mr. Neilsen asked Mr. Myers how often inmates were released last year per the over-crowding statute. Mr. Myers stated the releases are made probably one time per year due to an administrative order.
Announcements
Comm. Schafer stated this Committee should hold a discussion regarding the Jail medical issue at it relates to the Ingham Medical funds. Financial information regarding this matter would be sufficient. Mr. Neilsen stated he could submit that information at this Committee’s next meeting.
Comm. Schafer asked why Jail inmates cannot use the Ingham Health Plan or Medicaid. Mr. Neilsen explained that some insurance companies will not cover a person if he/she is incarcerated. Mr. Myers stated the Sheriff’s Office is working with the Ingham County Health Department, Blue Cross, etc. regarding this issue.
Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee the Board is now on its summer schedule. Meetings will be held once per month, with the exception of the budget hearings.
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff