Approved 1/11/07

LAW ENFORCEMENT

November 30, 2006

Minutes

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

Members Absent:         None

Others Present:             John Neilsen, Karen Chadwick, Angie Bennett, Jamie McAloon-Lampman, Eric Schertzing and Steve Dougan

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Nolan at 6:02 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the September 6 and November 2, 2006 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comms. Copedge and DeLeon

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 2, 2006 MINUTES AS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

Item 4a, page 2, the sentence should read:  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. 

Item 5c, page 4, the sentence should read:  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. 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comms. DeLeon and Copedge

(Comm. Copedge arrived at approximately 6:06 p.m.)

Additions to the Agenda

6a.       Substitute Resolution

8.         Update re Under Sheriff

9.         Jail Over-Crowding Meeting Schedule

10.       Wayne County Facility Tour

Limited Public Comment:          None

(Comm. DeLeon arrived at 6:10 p.m.)

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

1.         Animal Control – Resolution to Amend the License Fee for Un-Sterilized Dogs and to Adjust the Animal Control Department’s 2007 Budget

4.         911 Advisory Board/City of East Lansing – Resolution Authorizing a Contract with East Lansing for a New Trunked Logging Recorder for the 911 Center

6.         Sheriff’s Office/Emergency Operations

a.         Resolution Authorizing Contracts for Approved FY05 State Homeland Security Grant/Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Projects

b.         Resolution to Accept the 2007 Risk Avoidance Grant (RAP) from the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA)

7.         Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing Adjustments to the 2006 Ingham County Budget and Authorizing the Controller to Make Year End Budget Adjustments

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3.         City of Lansing and City of East Lansing – Resolution Authorizing Contract Amendments with Lansing and East Lansing for 911 Center 2006/07 Operations

Mr. Neilsen stated this Committee approved the 911 budgets within the context of the 80% CAP at its last meeting.  The approval was based on the understanding that budget information would be available from the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing for this meeting.  This information is to be considered during this Committee’s review of this item.

Mr. Neilsen further explained this Resolution would fully fund the two 911 Centers at 95% of the operating budget costs by authorizing operational contract amendments with East Lansing for $1,228,212 (an increase of $99,978) and Lansing for $5,074,900 (a tax increase of $413,103).   The total amounts of the two amended contracts would exceed the 80% CAP on operational funding by $513,080.  This Resolution would authorize a supplemental appropriation.

It is estimated that approximately $800,000 will still remain in the Management and System Improvements reserve expenditures should this Resolution be approved by this Committee.  This amount also takes into consideration the lease and maintenance costs associated with the radio project. 

Ms. Bennett, City of Lansing Budget Office, addressed the Committee regarding this item.  She distributed information to the Committee regarding the City’s FY 2007 911 Dispatch Center funding request.  The information indicated a wage decrease of $96,500 for the FY 2006 budget request.  Ms. Bennett explained this decrease would be made despite the decrease in budgeted wages and budgeted fringe benefits by 53% for FY ’06.  Prior to FY ’07, the City based its fringe benefits’ model on fringe benefit rates for the most recently-completed fiscal year.  Fringe benefits were added to the City’s General Fund with departments’ and other funding contributions being recorded as reimbursements. 

Due to the lag in fringe benefit rates in an environment of double-digit inflation in healthcare and pension costs in recent years, the City’s General Fund was subsidizing the increase in other funds’ share of fringe benefit costs, including the 911 Center.  With the City’s current General Fund budget challenges, that subsidy is something the City can no longer afford. 

Chairperson Nolan stated the County is concerned that the City’s fringe benefit costs are very high.  Ms. Bennett explained the City pre-funds its retiree healthcare costs.  The fringe to salary ratio is approximately 83%.  Approximately 5% of the 83% is due to pre-funding of retiree healthcare.  The City has also had an increase in the pension fund.

Comm. Schafer stated his concern that East Lansing and Meridian Township’s fringe benefit levels are approximately 30% to 40%.  He further stated funding differences between the 911 Centers is disturbing.  Comm. Schafer further stated he has mixed emotions regarding this item.  He then stated he respects the 911 Centers; however, it appears the City of Lansing is taking advantage of the County.  Also, the City didn’t notify the County of its funding request until recently.    

The Committee discussed this item further.  Comm. Thomas stated the City’s rate will not go back down.  He then clarified this is a one-time increase.  Mr. Neilsen explained the base has been increased one-time; however, the rate will remain at the current level until 2008. 

Ms. Bennett stated the City is auditing its expenditures.  Comm. Thomas suggested the City provide the County with a cost-savings plan in the next few months.  Ms. Chadwick stated the City’s budget starts July 1.  If there is an increase at that time, the increase will be small. 

Comm. DeLeon stated it’s been a tradition that the County covers 95% of the City’s 911 Center’s operational costs.  Mr. Neilsen explained the City’s costs are increasing faster than their revenues.  He further stated this is the third time the County has increased its funding to the City for its 911 Center.  Comm. DeLeon requested assurance that this is a one-time supplemental appropriation to the City of Lansing.  Mr. Neilsen stated the long-term solution to this problem is a consolidation of the 911 Centers.  The short-term approach is a supplemental appropriation. 

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACT AMENDMENTS WITH LANSING AND EAST LANSING FOR 911 CENTER 2006/07 OPERATIONS.

Comm. Schafer suggested a Friendly Amendment to the Resolution to indicate the Committee is approving a one-time appropriation.  This will send a message to the City that the County is not happy with the current situation.  Comm. Thomas stated the City needs an incentive to not approach the County with any more surprises.  Such an incentive would be to fund the City for six months.  The City would be required to provide the County with an update prior to the end of the six-month period.  Ms. Bennett explained the City is looking at all options to relieve its healthcare costs.   

FRIENDLY AMENDMENT to the THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED PARAGRAPH:  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners authorizes a one-time supplemental appropriation  . . .

Comm. Thomas stated he is uncomfortable with the County moving forward when two municipalities have very different budgets.  He then asked if the County will be providing incentives to keep healthcare costs down.  Comm. Thomas then asked if the municipalities take the 90% to 95% CAP into consideration when determining their annual budgets.  Comm. Vickers asked if the City charges an administrative fee for 911 services.  Ms. Bennett indicated the City does not charge an administrative fee.

Comm. Schafer stated the County needs to have ongoing discussions regarding this issue.  Ms. Chadwick stated she will keep the County informed during the City’s next budget process. 

Comm. DeLeon stated the County should continue to move toward consolidation to decrease costs.  The County has a good working-relationship with the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing.  Comm. Thomas stated he is not optimistic regarding the actual implementation of the consolidation.  Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee that the 911 Advisory Board’s main topic of discussion is the consolidation issue.  The County should have a statement of needs by the end of the first quarter of 2007.

Comm. Thomas further stated he does not see how the consolidation will lead to cost savings.  Comm. DeLeon explained the primary answer is the consolidation so that services can be streamlined.  The consolidation wouldn’t necessarily increase positions.  Comm. Thomas stated the consolidation will result in cost savings; however, the County does not know if the proposed savings will continue into the future. 

Mr. Neilsen stated the Board of Commissioners referred the consolidation issue to the 911 Advisory Board.  The Advisory Board has the responsibility to determine the needs for the consolidation in the first quarter of 2007.  Comm. DeLeon stated this Committee will need a time line for this process. 

Comm. Thomas suggested the Committee approve 94% for six months.  The City would be required to report back to this Committee at the end of the six-month period.  The County needs to force the City to seriously review the funding issue.  Comm. Schafer agreed with Comm. Thomas’ position.  He is also concerned regarding the amount of revenue the City receives.  Comm. Schafer further stated he would support a lower percentage in the Resolution.  Comm. DeLeon stated the Friendly Amendment refers to a “one-time” appropriation.  She also stated she believes the City understands the County’s position.  The City is very public safety conscious; therefore, this issue is also important to them.

Comm. Thomas stated he is not sure that much has happened since last year on the City’s part to reduce its operational costs.  Comm. Schafer stated he would support a 92% funding level for the City of Lansing.

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO INDICATE A 93% REIMBURSEMENT THIS FISCAL YEAR.

Mr. Neilsen explained the difference in funding at 93% versus 95% is $306,263 for the City of Lansing.  The difference to East Lansing would be $106,840 at the 95% level.  Comm. Thomas asked how the lower percentage would affect the City.  Ms. Chadwick explained the lower funding amount would likely result in the elimination of one position.  Comm. Thomas asked if the City could eliminate something other than a position.  Ms. Chadwick explained the only thing left to eliminate in the City’s budget is positions.  Comm. Thomas said it’s amazing that the City is in the position that they have to cut a position as result of an 11% decrease. 

Chairperson Nolan stated the City of East Lansing would receive $25,857 with a 93% funding arrangement. 

Comms. Schafer and Thomas withdrew their previous motion to amend. 

Chairperson Nolan suggested the County require the City of Lansing to not request an amount that exceeds the Consumer Price Index.  Mr. Neilsen stated the County could express its intent to limit the increase next year. 

MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE:

 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THE INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONER’S URGES THE CITY OF LANSINING AND THE CITY OF EAST LANSING TO REQUEST 2007/08 911 CENTERS OPERATIONAL BUDGETS THAT DO NOT EXEED THE INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2.         IJIG’s Committee – Resolution Authorizing a Career Quest Contract Extension for the Integration Phase of the Integrated Justice Information System

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CAREER QUEST CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR THE INTEGRATION PHASE OF THE INTEGRATED JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEM. 

Comm. DeLeon stated she thought the integration phase would have been completed by now.  Mr. Neilsen explained a sub-committee has reviewed the issue of a contract position versus a County position.  The sub-committee recommended the continuation of the contract position last year.  IJIG’s also has recommended the extenuation of the contract.  The person in the contract position has worked with the County for eight years without receiving an increase.  IJIG’s has recommended the continuation of the contract.

Comm. Thomas stated the former Controller determined that the contract employee does not wish to be a County employee.   He then suggested this person appear before this Committee in 2007 to explain the services he provides to the County.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5.         911 Advisory Board – Resolution Authorizing a Contract with Adams Electronics Company for a New Zetron Station Alerting System for 911 Operations

Mr. Neilsen explained an RFP process was conducted for this contract.  Adams Electronics Company was the only responding vendor.  He then suggested the Committee approve a not to exceed amount in the Resolution. 

MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH ADAMS ELECTRONICS COMPANY FOR A NEW ZETRON STATION ALERTING SYSTEM FOR 911 OPERATIONS WITH AN AMENDMENT TO THE THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED PARAGRAPH: “ . . .AN APPROPRIATION NOT TO EXCEED $132,760 . . .”  

Ms. Chadwick explained the Lansing 911 Center wants a back up alerting system for out-County fire personnel pagers.  She then informed the Committee of proposed legislation regarding cell phone surcharges.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Items 8, 9 and 10 were not discussed this evening due to the late time.

Announcements:           None

Public Comment:          None

The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff