Amended 11/30/06

LAW ENFORCEMENT

November 2, 2006

Minutes

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

Members Absent:         Don Vickers

Others Present:             John Neilsen, Matthew Myers, Karen Chadwick, Lou Stadt and Lt. VanDerWoude

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 October 12, 2006 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 12 MINUTES AS AMENDED.

The Minutes were amended to reflect the following changes on page one of the October 12, 2006 minutes:

Approval of the September 28, 2006 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 28 MINUTES as amended.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Copedge

Additions to the Agenda:           None

Limited Public Comment:          None

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

1.         Community Corrections Advisory Board – Resolution Amending Resolution #06-176 and Authorizing Entering into Subcontracts for FY 2006-2007 Community Corrections Programs

2.         Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – Resolution to Accept a Grant from the U.S. Justice Department for a Gang Resistance Program to be Operated by the Lansing Police Department in the Lansing Public Schools

3.         Sheriff’s Office

a.         Resolution to Authorize a Four-Year Agreement for Law Enforcement Services Between Ingham County and Delhi Township

b.         Resolution to Accept an Award Grant from the Ingham Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinating Council

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comm. Vickers and Comm. Copedge

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comms. Vickers and Copedge

4.         Controller’s Office

a.         Resolution Authorizing Contracts with Lansing and East Lansing for 911 Center 2006/07 Operations

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACTS WITH LANSING AND EAST LANSING 911 CENTER 2006/07 OPERATIONS.

(Comm. Copedge arrived at 6:08 p.m.)

Mr. Neilsen explained this Resolution would fully fund the two 911 Centers at 95% of their operating budget costs by authorizing operational contracts with East Lansing for $1,228,212 and with Lansing for $5,074,900.  The total amount of the two contracts would exceed the 80% cap on operational funding by $513,080.  It’s estimated that approximately $800,000 will remain for reserve and improvement expenditures if this Resolution is approved.   The lease and maintenance costs associated with the radio project are factored into this amount.

Mr. Neilsen stated the funding for the City of Lansing is increased because the City is trying to pre-fund its retirement benefits. 

Comm. Schafer stated this Committee only agreed to cover the funding difference last year.  The Cities of Lansing and East Lansing do not have an incentive to change.  Comm. DeLeon stated she will not vote in support of this Resolution.  This Committee is not aware of any efforts put forth by the Cities to reduce their internal costs. 

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO REFLECT THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THE THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED PARAGRAPH OF THE RESOLUTION: 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AUTHORIZES THE EXPENDITURE OF UP TO $5,790,013 FROM THE 911 EMERGENCY TELEPHONE DISPATCH SERVICES – 911 FUND APPROVING REIMBURSEMENT OF THE CITY OF EAST LANSING’S 2006/07 OPERATION BUDGET OF $1,128,234 AND BY APPROVING REIMBURSEMENT OF THE CITY OF LASNING’S 2006/07 OPERATIONAL BUDGET OF $4,661,797.

Mr. Neilsen stated this Committee can change the funding level and the Cities may come before this Committee to ask for the full funding level.  They would be expected to explain their need for the increase. 

Comm. Thomas stated, as Finance Committee Chair, that he would (language removed) be supportive of the Cities approaching the Law Enforcement Committee before addressing the Finance Committee.  The funding level in the Resolution would get them through to a certain point in their fiscal year. 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comm. Vickers

            b.         Resolution to Establish a Jail Overcrowding Task Force

The Committee held a general discussion regarding the composition of the Task Force.  It also discussed a possible date for the first Task Force meeting. 

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO AMEND THE LIST OF TASK FORCE REPRESENTATIVES TO ADD “AND COMMISSIONERS WITH A STRONG INTEREST” TO THE FIRST LINE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES.

Comm. Thomas stated the Law Enforcement Committee will make the ultimate decision regarding the overcrowding issue.  The Task Force should stay on track and address the one or two options that may be realistic. 

Chairperson Celentino stated this issue would be thoroughly discussed in the Task Force setting.  This Committee would not have adequate time to address the issue during its regularly scheduled meetings.  He further stated his intent to ensure the overcrowding issue is dealt with thoroughly. 

Comm. Thomas stated he agrees with Chairperson Celentino’s preference to create a Task Force.  This Committee should be clear regarding the mission of the Task Force. 

Mr. Myers stated he understands this issue will be resolved through this Committee.  He then stated he sees overcrowding at the Jail on a regular basis.  Overcrowding is the biggest issue facing the Jail.  

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO HAVE THE JAIL OVERCROWDING ISSUE DEALT WITH BY THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE IN SPECIAL MEETINGS.  THE MEETINGS WOULD START IN JANUARY 2007.

Comm. Copedge indicated his agreement with Comm. Schafer’s unsupported motion.  Comm. Thomas stated this Committee is committed to dealing with the overcrowding issue soon. 

Comm. DeLeon stated the Committee will need background information on this issue for consideration prior to the Task Force meetings. 

After further discussion, the Committee decided to hold special Law Enforcement meetings to address the overcrowding issue.  The Task Force will not be implemented.

MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO TABLE THIS RESOLUTION INDEFINITELY.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comm. Vickers

            c.         Resolution Authorizing 2007 Agreements for Community Agencies

Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee they will consider funding for the Lansing Area Safety Council and the New Way In, Inc.  The Safety Council has requested a lower funding amount than the previous year.  New Way In has requested additional funds over their 2006 funding request. 

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROPRIATE $3,300 TO THE LANSING AREA SAFETY COUNCIL; AND, TO APPROPRIATE $6,200 TO THE NEW WAY IN, INC. 

Comm. DeLeon asked why the New Way In requested a higher funding amount.  Comm. Thomas stated the Safety Council has provided a detailed report as he requested in the 2006 Community Agency process.  He then stated he is pleased the Council responded to the concerns of this Committee from 2006.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comm. Vickers

COMMISSIONERS DELEON AND COPEDGE DISCLOSED THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW WAY IN, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS THEIR TREASURER.

5.         Board Referrals

a.         Letter from Virg Bernero, Mayor, City of Lansing, Regarding the Plante & Moran Study for the Potential Consolidation of the Emergency Dispatch Centers in Lansing and East Lansing

b.         Letter from John D. Parmer, Director, ORCBS, Requesting New Radio Equipment

Comm. Schafer requested a recommendation from the 911 Advisory Board regarding this matter.  Mr. Neilsen stated this request is consistent with Board policy. 

c.         Position Statement from the City of East Lansing Regarding the Consolidation of 911

Comm. Schafer expressed his surprise at this Statement.  He requested clarification from the Centers regarding their interest in the proposed consolidation.  Comm. DeLeon stated the Centers participated in the discussions regarding the consolidation.  Why are they now sending this letter to the Board of Commissioners?

Mr. Neilsen stated the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing have responded to the consolidation study.  Comm. DeLeon requested this communication be referred to the 911 Advisory Board.  This Committee will expect a response from the 911 Advisory Board in 30 to 60 days.  Mr. Neilsen stated some information should be available in January. 

The Committee held a general discussion regarding this item.  Chairperson Nolan stated this Committee has already approved a Resolution which indicates its interest in pursuing consolidation.  Comm. Thomas asked if the Resolution locked the County into actually consolidating the Centers.  Chairperson Nolan explained the Resolution was very convincing. 

Mr. Neilsen stated the 911 Advisory Board will flush out the positions of Lansing and East Lansing. The Board will conduct a fact-finding and discovery mission. 

Comm. Schafer expressed his concern regarding the time needed for this Committee to make an actual determination regarding the consolidation.   This Committee should proceed with the consolidation.  He then proposed that the County offer to extend the appropriate contracts.

Comm. Thomas requested a response from the 911 Advisory Board by January 28, 2007. 

Lt. VanDerWoude, East Lansing Police Department, stated the Department is not in favor of the consolidation if it causes a reduction in safety, efficiency, customer service or technology.  The Department is encouraging the 911 Advisory Board to look beyond the proposal on the table and to consider all options.  Several million dollars could be saved beyond what is already proposed.  Lt. VanDerWoude stated the Department is not against a consolidation.  It may be possible to propose a better plan than was presented by Plante and Moran. 

Ms. Chadwick suggested site visits be conducted to determine the best practice.  Efforts are being made with the State of Michigan regarding an IP solution.  Ms. Chadwick explained the IP solution.  The State is looking closely at the City of Lansing to conduct a pilot program.  Ms. Chadwick stated the solution would make a regional back up system more realistic.

Mr. Neilsen stated this Committee approved 80% in agenda item 4a earlier this evening.  Ms. Chadwick explained the City’s health insurance costs have increased.  A 34% increase is anticipated for 2007/08.  Retirement costs are up 15%. 

Comm. Copedge requested a summary of the City’s cost projections for this Committee’s review.  Mr. Neilsen stated background information could be available for the next meeting.

Comm. Thomas stated it’s up to the City to convince the County to increase the cap from 80% to 95%.  The City of Lansing could address this Committee regarding this issue in mid 2007 when more accurate information is available. 

Ms. Chadwick stated the City would be present at this Committee’s November 30, 2006 meeting.

The Board Referrals were referred to the 911 Advisory Board for review.

Announcements:           None

Public Comment:          None

The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff