Amended 8/10/06
LAW ENFORCEMENT
July 13, 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, Comm. Grebner, Comm. Dougan, Comm. Bahar-Cook, Adam Rujan, Christine Andrysiak, Tom Krug, Karen Phelps, Barb Mottin, Lout Stadt, Karen Chadwick, Bruce Gaukel, Gine Tidd, Mike Fancher, Jayme Miller, Tom Wibert, David Hall, Dale Monnier, Chuck Fulger, Bryce Alford, Tom Cochran, Dave Harper, Mark Ally and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Nolan at 6:05 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the June 15, 2006 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE JUNE 15 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Thomas and Copedge
(Comm. DeLeon did not vote because she was absent for the June 15, 2006 meeting.)
Additions to the Agenda: None
(Comm. Copedge arrived at 6:17 p.m.)
1. MOVED BY COMM. VICKERS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER #9 FOR THE WIRELESS VOICE COMMUNICTION SYSTEM FROM M/A COM, INC.
Comm. DeLeon asked why the increase is necessary. Mr. Neilsen explained the additional funds will be for the purchase of critical spare equipment for the radio system. It will also be used to provide encryption for the 911 Center Consoles and some miscellaneous end user radio equipment.
(Chairperson Celentino arrived at 6:13 p.m.)
Comm. Schafer stated he is happy with the new 911 system. Mr. Neilsen deserves a lot of credit for his work regarding the new system. One of the best things the Board has done over the years was to create the 911 Advisory Board.
Chairperson Nolan asked about the South Lansing system. Mr. Neilsen explained M/A Com and the engineers are working on the clarity issue. Additional directional receivers may be necessary in South Lansing. Ingham County would not be responsible for this additional cost.
(Comm. Copedge arrived at 6:17 p.m.)
Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee that he would have further information regarding the completion date next week. The County will not formally accept the system until the ‘bugs’ have been resolved. Comm. Vickers asked about a system warranty. Mr. Neilsen stated the one year warranty will be in effect once the County has formally accepted the system. Request for proposals will be issued for maintenance contracts.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Thomas
2. Controller’s Office
a. Resolution to Adopt an Ordinance Amending the Ingham County Animal Control Ordinance to Transfer Supervisory Responsibility over the Animal Control Director to the County Controller/Administrator
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE INGHAM COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE TO TRANSFER SUPERVISORY RERSPONSIBILITY OVER THE ANIMAL CONTROL DIRECTOR TO THE COUNTY CONTROLLER/ADMINISTRATOR.
Chairperson Nolan stated it became apparent during the recent dog attacks at the Zoo that the Animal Control Director does not report directly to the Controller. Chairperson Celentino explained the Animal Control Director is supportive of this change. He then stated this change will make the Director’s position more efficient and effective. The Board of Commissioners retains the right to hire and fire the Animal Control Director.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Thomas
b. Ingham Medical Center – Jail Medical Reports
Mr. Neilsen stated this Committee requested the 2006 Jail Medical Report and an update on the remaining balance of the Ingham Medical In-Kind services amount. The agenda packet includes the Ingham Medical In-Kind Services History (actual data as of 12/31/05) and the Jail Medical Bills BC/BS Contract and Ingham Medical In-Kind Services.
It has become apparent that the In-Kind funds will not last until 2011 as originally expected based on the current rate of use. The Board authorized a contract with Health Management Associates to conduct a review of jail medical expenses for 2005/2006. Mr. Neilsen stated the Board authorized up to $11,150 for this purpose. HMA has assessed the trends in providing health services to the Ingham County Jail inmates. Staff continues it efforts to contain costs.
The Committee held a general discussion regarding this item. Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee that bills have been found from Detroit and Grand Rapids area hospitals. This raises a concern regarding the integrity of the billing process. This concern is being addressed.
The Health Department and the Sheriff’s Office have been asked to provide a proposal on Jail medical management. This proposal will be considered during the 2007 budget process.
Comm. Copedge asked if it is possible that previous Ingham County inmates who received medical treatment during their incarceration needed further medical treatment while incarcerated in another jail. Mr. Neilsen stated that possibility is being considered.
Comm. Schafer stated he has a real concern regarding the Jail medical costs. Previous efforts to contain costs don’t appear to have worked. The County will have serious financial trouble if this situation is not resolved soon. He then stated he asked about the Ingham Health Plan at this Committee’s last meeting.
Comm. Grebner stated the billings from other hospitals are a specific concern; although, it is not the main concern regarding inmate medical costs. The County has been very frugal regarding the Jail medical costs most of the time. Comm. Grebner then stated the increase in medical costs is probably due to a change in staff. It is possible that the person who used to handle the medical costs retired or left and has been replaced with another employee. It is also possible that the person’s views have changed. The County will have some clue regarding the high costs once the story behind the situation is revealed.
Comm. Schafer stated he would like to know if the Ingham Health Plan could impact the medical costs in the future. Comm. Grebner explained the early release plan is still in
effect for seriously ill inmates.
Mr. Neilsen stated a number of issues have been identified during the HMA review. More information will be available when a discussion takes place with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. An update of the review may be ready in August. The next meeting regarding the Jail medical costs will be held at the Jail on August 2, 2006.
Chairperson Nolan stated this item would be placed on the August Law Enforcement Committee meeting agenda.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The Committee recessed until 7:00 p.m.
The meeting was called back to order at 7:04 p.m.
3. Presentation
Chairperson Nolan stated the June 15, 2006 Law Enforcement minutes includes statements from Mr. Leaf. Mr. Leaf stated at the June 15 meeting, that “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.” Chairperson Nolan stated she wanted the members of the 911 Advisory Board to be aware of Mr. Leaf’s statements.
Mr. Neilsen stated the Board of Commissioners hired Plante & Moran to study the financial feasibility of the proposed consolidation of the 911 centers. The feasibility study was presented to the Board of Commissioners on May 23, 2006. This Committee agreed to schedule the Plante & Moran presentation for tonight and to invite the entire Board of Commissioners, representatives of the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing and the public safety community to attend.
Ms. Andrysiak, Plante & Moran, stated the discussions which occurred during the study were candid and very helpful. Separate interviews were held with the Lansing and the East Lansing centers. The facilities were reviewed and estimates have been developed. Ms. Andrysiak and Mr. Rujan, Plante & Moran, reviewed the summary Feasibility Study via a power-point presentation.
The Key Project Drivers include:
· Expenditures outpacing revenues
· Telephone surcharge revenues on the decline
· Difficult state of the economy
· Potential economies of scale
· County-wide radio system
· Increased efficiency and/or reduced expenses
The Lansing Center has 13 total work stations with 56 total staff. The overtime rate is 16%. Ms. Andrysiak stated the benefit factor is 57%. Escalation factors include: 5.0% salaries and overtime; 10.5% fringe benefits; and 3.0% most other items. Additional costs include: CAD upgrade in Year 6 ($600,000) and E9-1-1 System Replacement Year 2 ($415,000).
East Lansing’s Center has 5 full service work positions with 17 employees. The overtime factor is 5% and the benefit factor is 40%. East Lansing’s escalation factors include: 5.0% salaries and overtime; 10.5% fringe benefits; and 3.0% most other items. Additional costs include: CAD replacement in Year 2 ($160,000) and E9-1-1 System Replacement Year 2 ($225,000).
Key Assumptions for the Consolidated Model include:
Exclusions from the Consolidated Model include:
Ms. Andrysiak reviewed the 10-Year Estimated Cost Comparison for the separate Centers and a Consolidated Center. Consolidating the Centers would result in a big cost savings in Dispatch Expenditures. The total shortfall for the Separate Centers would be $9.0 million; and the total shortfall for a Consolidated Center would be $3.2 million.
A Consolidated Dispatch Center would provide a more economically attractive option to the County. It would also provide an almost break-even scenario over a ten-year period,
without consideration of new facility costs. The consolidation would provide for a state-of-the-art dispatch system with upgraded technology and facilities at lower overall costs. Ms. Andrysiak stated the study reveals it would make financial sense to move forward with the consolidation.
The Study recommendations include establishing a working steering committee for implementation; determination of the most appropriate governance structure for such an initiative; development of a detailed implementation plan; gaining buy-in to the plan; communication and implementation.
Comm. Dougan asked if there are any rationales which would recommend maintaining the two separate Centers. Ms. Andrysiak stated service levels may be higher with separate Centers; however, this issue can be addressed with appropriate training. Chairperson Celentino asked if the reduction in personnel levels would be achieved through the elimination of positions. Ms. Andrysiak explained the reduction would be achieved through attrition.
In response to Comm. Schafer, Ms. Andrysiak stated it is difficult to distinguish between appropriate, nuisance and repeat calls. She further explained the Study did not address the issue of the declining use in land-line telephones. Mr. Rujan stated that issue could be addressed through the implementation planning.
Mr. Krug, F.O.P. #141, asked if the Study considered a back-up plan should the Consolidated Center go down. Ms. Andrysiak explained the Study did include a discussion of that matter. It was not included in the scope of this presentation. Mr. Wibert, East Lansing Police Department, stated there are many questions to be answered at this point. Police Chiefs and Fire Chiefs should have an opportunity to express their concerns regarding the recommendations. Mr. Wibert further stated the East Lansing emergency system is very effective at this time. Perhaps this discussion should address the consolidation of two geographic locations.
Mr. Ally, Lansing Police Department, stated he has discussed the Study with Ms. Chadwick. The Department is waiting for their point of view. The County may be better served with one Center. The Steering Committee and Plante & Moran did a nice job and he looks forward to further discussions regarding the proposed consolidation.
Comm. Dougan asked about the needed renovations at the current Lansing Center. Ms. Chadwick explained it would not be feasible to renovate the Center in its current site.
Mr. Cochran, Lansing Fire Department, stated the costs of maintaining the separate Centers needs to be compared to the consolidation costs. It would be a disservice to the community if the consolidation was not considered.
Comm. Schafer requested that the recommendations of the steering committee members be forwarded to the Board Chairperson.
Chairperson Nolan asked Mr. Neilsen for the next step in this process. Mr. Neilsen explained the 911 Advisory Board was implemented to advise the Board of Commissioners on major policy decisions. The Resolution appointing the Ingham County 911 Advisory Committee was distributed to the Committee for their review. Mr. Neilsen stated this would be a logical time to forward the recommendation to the 911 Advisory Board for their review. A determination would then need to be made whether a separate body would be necessary for the review of the recommendations from Plante & Moran. Other jurisdictions were invited to work with the 911 Advisory Board during the study process.
Chairperson Nolan stated the Board of Commissioners will formally accept the Study recommendations through a resolution.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO DIRECT STAFF TO DRAFT A RESOLUTION FORMALLY ACCEPTING THE REPORT; TO REFER THE REPORT TO THE 911 ADVISORY BOARD; AND, TO FORWARD A COPY OF THE REPORT TO THE CITIES OF LANSING AND EAST LANSING FOR THEIR REVIEW AND COMMENT. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Thomas
Announcements: None
Public Comment; None
The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff