Approved 5/5/04
Members Present: Calvin Lynch, Mark Grebner, Lisa Dedden, Debbie DeLeon, Marc Thomas, Thomas Minter and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Jerry Ambrose, Bob Moore, John Jacobs, Susan Aten, Mike Gresens, Gordon VanWieren, Kathleen Rodgers, Timothy Perrone, John Daher, Jose Samber, Steven Hayward, Chuck Connally, Barb Mastin and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Lynch at 6:11 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the April 7, 2004 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. MINTER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE APRIL 7 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon
Additions to the Agenda
7b. Resolution was tabled by the Law Enforcement Committee until December 2, 2004
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. MINTER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
5a. Health Department - Resolution to Amend the Plan of Organization and Authorize a Reorganization in the Health Department
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon
MOVED BY COMM. MINTER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon
Mr. Ambrose stated the County Services Committee discussed this item extensively last night. A few changes were made, one of which requires a more detailed list of the projects and the other was to develop a mechanism for resolving disputes between the Township and the County during the course of the Agreement. Information regarding the changes made by County Services was distributed to the Committee. Mr. Ambrose stated he worked with Lansing Township today to resolve those issues.
Mr. Daher, Lansing Township Supervisor, stated he was embarrassed that this matter was taken to court. The Township takes partial responsibility for the need for court action. However, both parties are making amends. Mr. Daher informed the Committee that the Lansing Township Board's meeting is being held at this time during this meeting. This is in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.
Mr. Daher stated the Township wants the County's financial assistance and partnership. Both parties have done a great job in getting to this point. Without financial assistance from the County, the downtown development projects may be jeopardized. If the proposed Agreement is approved, the County will see exponential returns on its investment in 10, 20 and 30 years.
Comm. Minter expressed his concern regarding the outline of the district boundaries. Mr. Hayward explained that the Board of Water & Light is currently in the process of filling the landfill within the district. This is public property and is on the Township's tax roll. It is the goal of the BW&L and the Township to make this revenue generating property in the future.
Comm. Minter also expressed a concern regarding the list of projects relating to the infrastructure. In particular, he was concerned with the $4 million price tag for the storm drain project. He also has a general concern regarding the allocation of the County's funds for the project.
Mr. Hayward addressed Comm. Minter's concern regarding the storm drain. He explained, at length, that the Township's storm drain issue is unique to the Township.
(Comm. DeLeon arrived at 6:34 p.m.)
Comm. Minter stated he believes a footbridge over US 127 is a good idea for the area. He asked about the interchange designs relating to the motor traffic. Mr. Hayward illustrated how the proposed interchanges may be designed. He then explained that the footbridge or the SPUI could be constructed if the Township can leverage adequate Federal funding. A SPUI is preferred between the two projects.
Mr. Hayward addressed Chairperson Lynch's concern regarding the proposed vertical parking structure project. He explained that parking lots are basically useless as a tax base. Also, a vertical parking structure would only involve a half-acre of property. A parking lot would involve four acres of Township property.
Mr. Ambrose explained that the projects have been estimated at high levels. The Agreement has been amended by the County and the Township to require that the Township provide the County with a detailed project list by January 15, 2005. What the County is asking for is similar to house drawings. If the Township's 'drawings' are inconsistent with the County's understanding, then the County may object. Also, it is likely that some projects will be more feasible than others. Any intent to change the project list will be presented to the Township and the County.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A TAX SHARING AGREEMENT WITH LANSING TOWNSHIP UNDER THE URBAN COOPERATION ACT, TO ENTER INTO A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH LANSING TOWNSHIP AND THE LANSING TOWNSHIP DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO RESOLVE PENDING LITIGATION, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SIGNING OF DOCUMENTS TO SETTLE PENDING LITIGATION as revised by the County Services Committee.
Comm. Grebner stated it appears that the parking structure project may not be as firm as the other projects on the list. The Township may find that a $2.5 million parking structure is not feasible. Mr. Hayward stated the Township never anticipated building a parking structure for $2.5 million. The $2.5 million is incentive money.
Comm. Dedden stated the revised language provides for the County and the Township to alter the project list if necessary. Mr. Ambrose also explained that there may be changes to the project list by January 15, 2005.
Comm. Thomas expressed his appreciation to the Controller's Office, Chairperson Celentino and the Township for addressing his concerns from the County Services meeting last night. He will now support the Resolution.
This discussion continued. In response to Comm. Minter, Mr. Ambrose explained that if the County does not agree to a proposed amendment from the Township, the amendment will not be made and the Township will stick with the original plan. The County's ability to object has to be reasonable. Comm. Minter stated the project list should be as clear and precise as possible to avoid any future misunderstandings. Mr. Ambrose stated he understands Comm. Minter's concern. However, it is very difficult to be clear and precise with a project of this scope. Any new future Commissioners should understand the current Agreement.
MOVED BY COMM. MINTER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO AMEND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FOOTBRIDGE/SPUI IN EXHIBIT "B" BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE: PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION AND EXPENSE OF COUNTY FUNDS, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL APPROVE THE FOOTBRIDGE/SPUI PLANS, WHICH APPROVAL WILL NOT BE UNREASONABLY WITHHELD.
Comm. Minter explained that he proposed the above amendment because the Footbridge/SPUI project causes him the most concern. The project will impact several municipalities. The County should have the opportunity review the feasibility study. Mr. Hayward explained that the Federal Government will study this issue for two to three years. This project will involve many municipalities and many other governmental entities.
Comm. Thomas also expressed his concern that the Footbridge/SPUI project will impact many districts. Comm. Grebner explained that the County will not participate much with the interchange design. This is a Federal and State issue. Mr. Ambrose explained that if the County does not agree with the interchange designs, the County could not allow capture of County dollars for that specific project. However, the County could not veto a specific project.
Comm. DeLeon stated her concern that this Committee is digressing from the Agreement. The Township will be back before this Committee by January 15, 2005 with more details regarding their proposed projects. This Committee will have an opportunity to review the projects at that time.
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL LATER IN THIS AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. MINTER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF UP TO $70,000 WITHIN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET TO THE HAWK ISLAND PLAYGROUND.
In response to Comm. Dedden, Mr. Moore explained the Parks Board did not accept $25,000 from the Kellogg Foundation because the Foundation required a rubberized playground surface. This would have added $50,000 to the cost. The Parks Board used an alternative surfacing which also meets ADA requirements.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5b. Health Department - Resolution to Transfer Funds to Temporarily Expand Dental Access to Deal with Emergency Needs
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO TRANSFER FUNDS TO TEMPORARILY EXPAND DENTAL ACCESS TO DEAL WITH EMERGENCY NEEDS.
Comm. DeLeon asked if the funds for a temporary expansion will be an ongoing increase to the General Fund. Mr. Jacobs explained that if the Community Health Center receives a funding grant, adult dental services will be expanded. Also, this situation will be alleviated by a reinstatement of the Medicaid funding.
Chairperson Lynch stated he has spoken with a number of people regarding this issue. The Capital Area Health Alliance is picking up a lot of the slack. Ms. Mastin stated there is a two to three day wait for emergency appointments. Routine dental services have a three to four month waiting period. Chairperson Lynch stated he believes the private sector has a role in this matter. This sector is now becoming engaged. Also, the County's Contingency Fund is very tight.
Comm. Minter stated he is not prepared to obligate the County to $100,000 per year for dental services. He is afraid that if this request is approved, it will become a permanent increase to the General Fund. Mr. Jacobs explained that the Health Department's 2005 Budget request includes a request for the continuation of this temporary funding.
This discussion continued. Comm. Dedden explained that this temporary funding will not hurt the Department's grant opportunities. It also will not jeopardize the reinstatement of Medicaid funding or the efforts of CAHA. The request for temporary funding is to address a back log. Providing funds for this purpose does not obligate the County to continue this funding in the future.
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO REDUCE THE FUNDING AMOUNT IN THE RESOLUTION FROM $50,000 TO $25,000.
Comm. Grebner stated this is not a temporary issue. The County should slowly increase funding for dental services in the adult clinic to meet the needs of the community. Comm. Grebner further stated he will look favorably upon the Health Department's 2005 budget request for additional funding for adult dental services.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairperson Lynch stated he is not opposed to the request for funding. He doesn't like the knee-jerk reaction the County is taking in regard to the article in the Lansing State Journal. Comm. Grebner stated he understands Chairperson Lynch's concern. Comm. Minter also expressed his concern that the increase in funding will continue to be drawn from the County's General Fund after the expiration of the temporary funding request.
Ms. Mastin informed the Committee that the Adult Dental Clinic is changing its open enrollment program to continuous open enrollment.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY as amended.
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH XYBIC SYSTEMS, INC. FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM PROJECT CONSOLE FURNITURE PURCHASE.
Comm. Minter expressed his appreciation to Mr. Ambrose for the proposed language.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION TO REMOVE AGENDA ITEM ONE FROM THE TABLE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Committee continued this discussion. Mr. Ambrose explained that there will be many uncertainties regarding some of the proposed projects beyond January 15, 2005. The County will have very little say in the plans for the interchange. Mr. Ambrose further explained the County is relying on the Township to use its processes to develop the infrastructure.
Comm. Minter stated the County will be taking a small leap of faith in approving this Agreement. The County has to be convinced that the Township's proposed projects will provide economic benefit to the Lansing area. The interchange is the only proposed project which will impact districts outside of the Township. Comm. Minter stated he proposed the amendment to allow the County one final look at the specifics of the interchange plans. He further stated future Boards of Commissioners should have the opportunity to talk about these plans.
Mr. Gresens, Township Attorney, stated the proposed Agreement is a part of the settlement of the lawsuit. The numbers contained in the Agreement were the results of those negotiations.
Comm. Thomas explained he supports Comm. Minter's proposed amendment because the County will not have the opportunity to review the interchange designs due to the nature of the project. Future Boards of Commissioners should have an opportunity to review these plans.
Mr. Gresens thanked the Committee for their time on this matter. The Township wants this relationship to be a positive relationship.
MOTION TO AMEND FAILED with Comms. Dedden, Lynch and DeLeon voting NO.
Comm. Minter stated he will vote against this Resolution tonight because he feels the failed amendment would have provided an important safeguard. He will review this item further before the next Board meeting. Comm. Grebner stated the failed amendment may be brought up on the Board floor.
Mr. Daher thanked the Committee for all of its time and effort on this item.
MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Minter voting NO.
In response to Comm. Thomas, Comm. Grebner explained this Resolution would authorize a technical reauthorization of .85 mills.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
This item was tabled by the Law Enforcement Committee.
MOVED BY COMM. MINTER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION APPROVING A DEFICIT ELIMINATION PLAN.
The Committee discussed this items briefly.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Ambrose stated Resolution #02-155, which sets various fees for County services, directed the Controller's Office to annually review the fees and to recommend adjustments. This review has been completed and some adjustments are being presented to the Commissioners for their consideration. A resolution recommending any fee increases will be presented during the next round of meetings.
Mr. Ambrose stated the Committees will be requested to act on a resolution setting guidelines for development of the 2005 budget during the next round of meetings. No action is requested this evening. Any suggestions to any of the proposed changes would be appreciated.
The Report was received and placed on file.
The Board Referrals were received and placed on file.
Announcements: None
Public Comment
Mr. Veenstra informed the Committee that he was circulating a petition for Bob Alexander's run for congress.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff