Approved 4/26/07

LAW ENFORCEMENT

April 12, 2007

Minutes

Members Present:          Dale Copedge, Tim Soule, Victor Celentino, Debbie DeLeon, Dianne 

                                        Holman and Board Chairperson Marc Thomas

Members Absent:            Randy Schafer

Others Present:               John Neilsen and Jared Cypher

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

Chairperson Copedge thanked Comm. Schafer for notifying him that he would not be present because he is on vacation.

Approval of the March 29, 2007 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. CELENTINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE MARCH 29 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent: Comm. Schafer

Limited Public Comment:          None

Additions to the Agenda:           None

Mr. Neilsen updated the Committee regarding the Potter Park Zoo matter.

1.         Sheriff’s Office - Resolution Authorizing Participation with the Meridian Township Police Department Highway Safety Grant

MOVED BY COMM. CELENTINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION WITH THE MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT HIGHWAY SAFETY GRANT.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Schafer

2.         Controller’s Office

a.         2008 Budget Guidelines:  Discussion – Resolution Establishing Areas of Priority Emphasis Guiding 2008 Activities and Budget Process

Mr. Neilsen stated this is the second part of the 2008 budget process.  He then reviewed the issues and indicators which are included in the agenda material.  Mr. Neilsen further stated any suggestions as to proposed changes to the 2007 Priority Resolution are requested at time.

Comm. DeLeon suggested this Committee add the pursuit of alternative funding mechanisms for public safety to the 2008 list of priorities.  Mr. Neilsen stated that issue has been discussed as possibly being a County-wide issue.  Comm. DeLeon stated she wants the County to pursue this issue for an upcoming ballot.   

Comm. Celentino stated this issue should remain on the list of priorities.  Mr. Neilsen stated the Committee has until next Monday to inform him of any further additions to the 2008 priority list.

Comm. Deleon asked about the Prosecutor’s concern regarding sentencing guidelines.  Mr. Neilsen stated he would draft priority language to address this issue.  Comm. DeLeon also suggested the issue of Community Corrections.  Mr. Neilsen informed Comm. DeLeon that this matter is addressed in the 2007 Priority Resolution. 

(Chairperson Thomas arrived at the meeting at 6:13 p.m.)

Comm. DeLeon suggested the current language regarding the pursuit of regional cooperation should be specific to law enforcement issues.  Mr. Neilsen stated he would draft language regarding this matter. 

b.         2007 First Quarter Budget Adjustment

Mr. Neilsen stated Ms. Morton’s April 6, 2007 memorandum to the Finance and Liaison Committees details the proposed adjustments.  Comm. DeLeon mentioned the recent large expense for the placement of a specific youth.  Mr. Neilsen explained the youth has very specialized needs and has failed in a number of facilities.  He was then placed in a specialized facility which would meet the youth’s needs.  Comm. DeLeon asked if the Court can provide information regarding the average length of time a youth is placed in out of State placements.  She also asked if the Court reviews the placements on a regular basis to help avoid the large placement costs.    

Mr. Neilsen stated the Judiciary Committee has addressed this issue.  The Court is to provide regular placement reports to the Judiciary Committee.  The Committee continued this discussion regarding its concerns about the placements and the associated costs. 

MOVED BY COMM. CELENTINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADJUSTIMENS TO THE 2007 INGHAM COUNTY BUDGET.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Schafer

Chairperson Copedge asked about the recent 911 memorandums.  Mr. Neilsen explained the 911 radio communications budget balance is approximately $90,000.  He then expressed his concern the balance may not be sufficient to cover all the BDA’s.  The 911 Advisory Board has discussed this matter in an effort to reach a solution.  A report should be submitted to this Committee in the near future. 

The Committee held a general discussion regarding its concerns about the lack of communication coverage in some areas and facilities. 

The Committee suggested staff draft a resolution to request that municipalities plan for emergency radio coverage in new construction projects.  Mr. Neilsen stated he will draft such language for this Committee’s approval.  An update on this matter should be available for this Committee’s next meeting.       

Announcements: None

Public Comment:     None

The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff