Amended 2/01/07

LAW ENFORCEMENT

January 11, 2007

Minutes

Members Present:         Dale Copedge, Tim Soule, Victor Celentino, Debbie DeLeon, Dianne Holman and Randy Schafer

Members Absent:         None

Others Present:             Jared Cypher, Matthew Myers, Mary Sabaj, George Vernon, Becky Bennett and Desiree Cook

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

Approval of the November 30, 2006 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. CELENTINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 30, 2006 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  Absent:  Comm. DeLeon

Additions to the Agenda:           None

Limited Public Comment:          None

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

 1.        Community Corrections Advisory Board

a.         Resolution Authorizing the Community Corrections Advisory Board to Continue a Contract for Staff Consultant Services in 2007

b.         Resolution Authorizing Entering into a Subcontract with Total Health Education for FY 2006-2007

2.         Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – Resolution to Reorganize Staffing in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent:  Comm. DeLeon

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. CELENTINO, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. DeLeon

3.         Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing a Contract Amendment with Health Management Associates for a Review of Jail Medical Expenses

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. CELENTINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH HEALTH MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES FOR A REVIEW OF JAIL MEDICAL EXPENSES.

Comm. Schafer asked if the cost of this type of contract is typical.  Mr. Cypher stated he did not know the answer to Comm. Schafer’s inquiry.  Mr. Myers informed Comm. Schafer that the Controller is comfortable with this firm. 

The Committee held a general discussion regarding this item.  Mr. Myers informed the Committee that the Ingham County Health Department assumed management of the Jail Medical issues January 1, 2007.   The Health Department will determine if the County’s contract with Blue Cross should be continued.  He further stated the illegitimate bills will be totaled and then a determination will be made regarding how much of those funds can be recovered.

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

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MOVED BY COMM. CELENTINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO SUSPEND THE BOARD RULES TO ALLOW COMM. DELEON TO VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMM. DELEON VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

Comm. Schafer requested an update regarding over-crowding concerns at the Ingham County Jail.   Mr. Myers stated the Jail was very over-crowded during the end of 2006.  The 54-A District Court believes the over-crowding situations can be dealt with by eliminating the County’s contract with the MDOC.  Mr. Myers explained the MDOC contract provides approximately $1.2 million in revenue to the County. 

This Committee made a determination at the end of 2006 to deal with the over-crowding issue early in 2007.  Mr. Myers asked who will serve on the subcommittee to address this issue.  The CCAB has done an excellent job in determining alternatives to placing people in the Jail. 

Comm. Schafer questioned the format to be used to address the issue of jail over-crowding.  A comprehensive format is needed prior to dealing with this matter.  Ms. Sabaj stated Mr. Neilsen had asked her to provide this Committee with information regarding what the CCAB currently does to assist in alleviating the concern.  This information will be available soon. 

Comm. DeLeon asked for a history of the jail over-crowding issue for the benefit of the new Commissioners.  She also stated all pertinent information should be placed on the table for this Committee to refer to during its discussions of over-crowding.  Information should also be provided that includes a range of ideas and data regarding what other counties and states are doing to address this problem. 

Comm. Schafer stated this Committee should have options to consider once the discussions have ceased.  Chairperson Copedge stated the discussion information should also include data regarding what the County has tried but failed and why some programs have failed. 

This issue was discussed further.  Chairperson Copedge stated the over-crowding discussions will take place in this Committee. 

Announcements

Mr. Myers informed the Committee that retired Major Carpenter suffered an aneurysm in October.  He is expected to make a full recovery. 

The Committee asked staff to draft a resolution expressing the Board’s concern for Mr. Carpenter’s health.  Resolutions should also be drafted which recognizes the retirements of Mr. Reisig and Mr. Oliver.

Public Comment:      None

The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff