Amended 3/13/08

LAW ENFORCEMENT

February 28, 2008

Minutes

Members Present:          Dianne Holman, Dale Copedge, Victor Celentino, Debbie DeLeon, Todd

                                       Tennis and Randy Schafer  

Members Absent:           None

Others Present:               John Neilsen, Larry Silsby, Alan Spyke, Greg Harless, Sam Davis, Ron

                                        Bunker, Patty Wade, Jerry Lugden and Ron Haas

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Holman at  6:05 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the February 14, 2008 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. TENNIS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 14 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Limited Public Comment

Mr. Silsby, Williamstown Township, thanked the Committee for inviting Township officials to previous meetings to discuss this issue.  He then distributed copies of a letter from the Williamstown Township Attorney.  The letter was originally mailed to the Committee in November 2007.  Mr. Silsby stated the Township has not received any answers to questions that were raised in the letter.  The Township wants to be kept up to date on this matter.  Mr. Silsby further stated all municipalities are facing revenue issues.  If Townships are going to be expected to come up with additional funding for law enforcement services, this needs to be known as soon as possible. 

Mr. Hass of Bunker Hill Township and Ms. Wade of Leslie Township echoed Mr. Silsby’s statements. 

Additions to the Agenda

2a.       Resolution to Accept the 2008 Emergency Vehicle Operations Grant

2b.       Resolution to Accept the 2008 Proficiency Workshop Grant

2c.       Inmate Phone – Discussion

2d.       Homeland Security Grant – Update

2.         Sheriff’s Office

            a.         Resolution to Accept the 2008 Emergency Vehicle Operations Grant

Mr. Neilsen stated this is a training grant that the County has received for the past several years.  The total grant amount is $61,178 and it also has a 25% in-kind match requirement.  The funds are used to train officers to safely pursue suspects. 

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE 2008 EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATIONS GRANT.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            b.         Resolution to Accept the 2008 Proficiency Workshop Grant

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE 2O08 PROFICIENCY WORKSHIP GRANT.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            c.         Inmate Phone – Discussion

Mr. Neilsen stated the County has a contract with Infinity for inmate phone services.  This contract runs through December 2010.  He further explained that Infinity was bought out or merged with another company (Company).  The Company is claiming they are losing money on this contract.  The County has informed the Company that it chose to merge with or buy out Infinity.  Mr. Neilsen stated the County suggested the Company should explore other options to generate additional revenue.  Staff does not intend to ask the Board of Commissioners for a reduction in the contract amount at this time. 

Mr. Davis, Sheriff’s Office, stated the Office is looking at calling cards to allow inmates to call cell phones.  The current arrangement does not allow inmates to call cell phone numbers.  Allowing inmates to call cell phone numbers will benefit them as well as generate additional revenue for the County. 

Comm. Copedge asked if the Office will keep track of the number of calling cards they sell to the inmates.  Mr. Davis explained that existing Office staff will sell the cards and track how many are sold.  The Office will also determine if the minutes on the calling cards meet the needs of the inmates.  Inmates will have to leave there calling cards with other inmates when they leave the Jail.  The cards cannot be used outside of the Jail. 

Comm. De Leon thanked Mr. Neilsen for handling the contract situation.  She then stated if the Company continues to be a problem, the County should issue another RFP for inmate phone services.

Comm. Copedge asked if the County keeps track of vendors who do not provide good faith contract rates.  Mr. Neilsen stated any such vendors are flagged for bad faith rates. 

            d.         Homeland Security Grant – Update

Mr. Neilsen stated the Homeland Security Grant funds must be expended by the end of March this year.  After some discussions with staff and the City of Lansing, a determination has been made to reimburse M/A-COM $200,000.  Once the payment has been made, the County will be reimbursed with the Grant funds.  The County has not made any payments to M/A-COM on the contract. 

Comm. Copedge asked if the County can request an extension on the Grant.  Mr. Neilsen explained the County has received a number of extensions on this Grant.  Comm. Celentino asked what will happen if the County does not make the payment to M/A-COM.  Mr. Neilsen stated it is normal to make partial payments on contracts.  If the Grant funds are not used for this payment, the funds would come from the 911 Fund. 

Comm. Schafer stated it would be prudent to pay this amount.  The County cannot lose this Grant.  Chairperson Holman stated we expect the communication system to work; therefore, we should make the $200,000 payment at this time. 

MOVED BY COMM. COPEDGE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. CELENTINO, TO DIRECT STAFF TO TRY TO OBTAIN A 2006 HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT TIME EXTENSION PAST MARCH 31, 2008.  IF INGHAM COUNTY IS UNABLE TO GET A TIME EXTENSION FOR THIS PROJECT, THEN THE COMMITTEE APPROVES A CONTRACT PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 TO M/A-COM INC. FOR THE MULTISITE PROJECT BY THE END OF MARCH 31, 2008 IN ORDER TO MEET THE TIME REQUIREMENTS OF THE 2006 HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO INGHAM COUNTY.  IF A TIME EXTENSION IS GRANTED FOR THE HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT, THE PAYMENT WOULD NOT BE PAID AT THIS TIME. 

Comm. Schafer asked if the federal government will respond to the request for an extension within 30 days.  He suggested the County should make the $200,000 payment. 

Comm. De Leon stated if the County makes the $200,000 payment, M/A-COM should be informed via letter that the payment does not change our position on this matter. 

MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Schafer and DeLeon voting NO.

1.         Review of Law Enforcement Material – Ingham County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Services

Chairperson Holman stated this Committee should remain objective by looking at the range of services from the Sheriff’s Office at this time as well as what some townships already provide. 

Mr. Neilsen stated the 2007 Law Enforcement Committee directed staff to invite many communities to discuss this issue.  He then reviewed the information he included in the agenda material. 

Comm. Celentino asked if the County responded to questions from the municipalities.  Mr. Neilsen explained that he has had some discussions with Mr. Henney.  Mr. Henney and Ms. Martin were informed that this Committee will take up the discussion early in 2008.  Chairperson Holman stated this Committee should make sure that the County responds to questions from the municipalities in this matter in a timely manner.   Comm. Copedge stated the County should inform the municipalities that information will be forthcoming. 

Mr. Spyke, Sheriff’s Office, stated the Office has been compiling information since last November.  The Office is now waiting for direction from this new Committee.  Mr. Spyke stated some of the municipalities’ questions may be addressed in their information.  The final road patrol information should be ready soon.  A power-point presentation will be provided for this Committee which details the Office’s road patrol services, jail functions, jail population, etc. 

Comm. Celentino stated the municipalities should be invited to the power-point presentation.  Board Chairperson Thomas stated the municipalities will receive copies of this Committee’s agendas. 

Board Chairperson Thomas reminded the Committee and the public that this is partially a budget question which may not be determined until later in spring.  (Language deleted.)  The County should be ready to deal with this matter in the spring.  She further stated the County should compare what services an urban area needs versus services that a rural area needs. 

Mr. Spyke stated Delhi Township conducted a study regarding the level of services that other municipalities provide.  He can provide a copy of the study to the Board Office tomorrow.  Mr. Neilsen stated Delhi Township conducted the study to determine if it should continue its contract with the County or if it should develop its own services.  The study revealed the Township should continue its contract. 

The Committee held a general discussion regarding this item.  Comm. De Leon stated this Committee has discussed the idea that some smaller municipalities may need to come together for law enforcement purposes.  Comm. Celentino stated last year this Committee discussed whether or not to have a subcommittee to handle the volume of information.  He asked how this Committee will proceed. 

Comm. Schafer stated he has strong heart felt feelings on this issue.  He stated if this Committee develops a subcommittee, it should be cognizant that we should support things that benefit the County as a whole.  A subcommittee should also be sensitive to the different geographical areas and different beliefs of the residents.  County residents pay 9.4 mills for law enforcement services. 

Comm. Copedge stated he agrees with Comm. Schafer’s concept.  He then asked if the municipalities that are represented here this evening are fine with the current level of law enforcement services.  Mr. Silsby stated Williamstown Township is fine with the current level of services.   He then stated he wants to know how much municipalities contribute for law enforcement through the County Millage. 

Ms. Wade, Leslie Township, stated she thinks everyone is pretty satisfied with the current services.  She further stated there have been situations which required more of a response.  The current level of services are minimal. 

Comm. De Leon stated budget issues are driving us to look at making cuts in services that are not mandated.  The Sheriff’s Office is mandated to provide jail services.  It is not mandated to provide road patrol services.  Comm. De Leon stated the County does not want to leave its residents without law enforcement services. 

Comm. Tennis stated he was stunned to hear from the representatives tonight that they are happy with the current level of services.  Mr. Silsby stated Williamstown Township feels it has adequate services because the police have to travel through their Township to get to another Township.  Ms. Wade stated Leslie Township is happy with the current level of services when it is compared to no services at all.  The Township would love to have more patrol cars.  Mr. Haas, Bunker Hill, stated the Township has become accustomed to the services it receives. 

Comm. Schafer stated the Townships’ expectations are low because they have always been low. 

Chairperson Holman stated once this Committee reviews additional information in March, it can make the determination regarding a subcommittee. 

Announcements

Comm. Copedge thanked the Commissioners who attended the meeting last night at Our Savior Lutheran Church.  He stated he understands that Comm. Celentino had other obligations last night.  Many of his residents were pleased with they have been hearing about the Continuum of Care facility.  They want to be involved in further discussions and to be kept up to date.  Comm. Copedge stated some of the residents want to be on the advisory board.  Judge Garcia delivered an outstanding presentation.  Comm. Bahar-Cook did an excellent job providing the history on the CCF project.

Public Comment:          None

The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff