Approved 9/22/04
FINANCE
August 18, 2004
Minutes
Members Present: Calvin Lynch, Mark Grebner, Lisa Dedden, Debbie DeLeon, Marc Thomas and Board Chairperson Celentino
Members Absent: Tom Minter
Others Present: Jerry Ambrose, Rodney Taylor, John Jacobs, Willis Bennett and Tim Traxler
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Lynch at 6:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the July 21, 2004 Minutes and Executive Session Minutes
The July 21 Minutes and Executive Session Minutes were approved as submitted. Absent: Comms. Minter, Dedden and DeLeon
Additions to the Agenda
3. Substitute Resolution
7b. Pulled from the agenda
10. Resolution Authorizing a Lease with the Board of Water and Light for a New Communication Tower for the Ingham County Radio Communications System Project
11. Resolution Authorizing Installment Purchase Agreement
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1. Register of Deeds – Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Four Document Image Scanners
2. Fair Board – Resolution Authorizing an Addition to the Crest View Horse Tack Shop at the Ingham County Fairgrounds
3. Ingham County Cooperative Extension – Resolution to Authorize an Agreement between Ingham County MSU Extension and Michigan State University to Accept $10,000 from Michigan State University to Provide Additional Educational and Technical Assistance to Residents on the Management and Control of Emerald Ash Borer
4. Health Department
a. Resolution to Authorize an Amendment to the 203-20-04 Comprehensive Plan Budget and Contract with the Michigan Department of Community Health
b. Resolution to Authorize an Amendment to the Refugee Assistance Program Contract with the Michigan Family Independence Agency
c. Resolution to Authorize a Grant Contract with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
d. Resolution to Authorize a 2004-2005 Agreement with the City of Lansing
e. Resolution to Authorize a 2004-2005 Agreement with the Michigan Department of Community Health for the Delivery of Public Health Services under the Comprehensive Planning, Budgeting and Contracting Process
5. MIS Department – Resolution to Purchase a Backup Generator to Support Servers Located at the Hilliard Building
6b. Parks Department – Resolution Authorizing an Appropriation from the Equipment Revolving fund to Purchase an Additional Passenger Van
7c. Human Resources Department – Resolution Approving the ICEA/Public Health Nurse Collective Bargaining Agreement
(Comm. Dedden arrived at 6:03 p.m.)
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Minter and DeLeon
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Minter and DeLeon
6a. Parks Department – Resolution Authorizing the Termination of the Contract between Pepsi Bottling Group and the Ingham County Parks Department
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORZING THE TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT BETWEEN PEPSI BOTTLING GROUP AND THE INGHAM COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT.
Mr. Willis explained the revenue from the vending machines has been very low at the Parks due mainly to the cost of machine repairs. The contract will be placed out for bid. The Pepsi Bottling Group would like to bid on the contract.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Minter and DeLeon
7b. Human Resources Department – Resolution Approving the ICEA/Nurse Practitioner – Clinic Nurse Collective Bargaining Agreement
This item was pulled by the County Services Committee.
11. Resolution Authorizing Installment Purchase Agreement (Energy Conservation Improvements)
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL LATER IN THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Minter and DeLeon
8. Controller’s Office
a. Resolution Supporting the Proposal to Collect County General Fund Taxes in July and to Continue Revenue Sharing for Counties, Cities and Townships at Current Levels
Comm. Grebner requested an explanation of this item. Mr. Ambrose explained that one of the Governor’s proposals to eliminate the $1.6 billion deficit was the total elimination of revenue sharing payments to counties with the replacement of these funds offset from funds withdrawn from a restricted account in each county which is funded from the proceeds obtained by advancing county general fund property tax collections from December to July.
The Governor’s original proposal has been modified to phase in the advancement of the property tax collection over a three year period, thus lessening the impact on taxpayers, and to provide assurances that once the restricted funds are exhausted, that the state will resume its revenue sharing payments. Taxpayers will not pay more under this proposal than they would otherwise pay. However, the payment of county general fund taxes will ultimately be advanced by six months, phased in over a three year period.
The revised proposals means a loss of approximately $5.2 million within the County spread in some manner between the County and the cities, villages and townships within the County. Applied proportionately, the reduction would be 17% to all, which would be some $900,000 to Ingham County government alone. Applied on the basis of the legislation as passed by the House, Ingham County would lose $2.0 million or 38% of its payment, with other reductions to cities, townships, villages and townships. These reductions would be in addition to the reductions made in previous years.
Mr. Ambrose further explained that, even with revenue sharing continuing, the 2005 County budget will be much the same. Any reductions in revenue sharing payments must be treated as a permanent reductions to our revenue base and will result in recommendations to eliminate positions and to reduce levels of service. Public safety, public health, recreation and other County services will be affected.
Comm. Grebner stated it will be interesting to watch this issue unfold.
(Comm. DeLeon arrived at 6:20 p.m.)
Mr. Ambrose reviewed the Comparing Current Budget Categories to Proposed Budget Categories information which he distributed to the Committee.
Chairperson Lynch commended Mr. Ambrose for his hard work in the revenue sharing negotiations which resulted in the modification of the original proposal.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Minter
11. Resolution Authorizing Installment Purchase Agreement (Energy Conservation Improvements)
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO REMOVE THIS ITEM FROM THE TABLE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Minter
Mr. Traxler, TRANE, explained the proposed savings were verified up front. The pre-measures have been verified with County staff. Once the retro-fittings have been completed, TRANE will re-measure the loads. Adjustments will be made at that time if warranted. Energy use will be monitored periodically through an ongoing service program. At the end of the contract year, if there is a shortfall, the County can choose to receive a check for the difference or it can carry the difference into the next contract year.
Mr. Ambrose stated the County has conducted a feasibility study and the County also uses many TRANE products. He further explained the proposal is good through the end of this month.
Mr. Traxler addressed questions from this Committee. In response to Comm. Thomas, Mr. Traxler stated only two of all the retro-fittings completed by TRANE have fell short of the specified contract levels. TRANE performed 30 to 40 retrofits in 2003.
Comm. Grebner mentioned that Comm. Nevin has questions regarding this matter. Mr. Ambrose stated Comm. Nevin has been informed of the Special County Services meeting which is scheduled for August 24, prior to the Board meeting. He indicated he would be present at that meeting.
Comm. DeLeon asked about the County’s newly constructed facilities. Mr. Ambrose explained there should only be a small amount of work to be done on the Grady Porter Building and the Veterans Memorial Courthouse. Comm. DeLeon stated the County needs to pay close attention to the details in this process to ensure that all County facilities meet the energy levels as specified in the contract.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Minter
8b. Controller’s Office – Resolution Amending the Definition of Cost Categories for Budget Transfer Purposes
MOVED BY COMM. THOMAS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF COST CATEGORIES FOR BUDGET TRANSFER PURPOSES.
Mr. Ambrose explained the amendments were made to reflect the County’s current budgetary practices. Comm. Grebner expressed his appreciation for the amendments.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Minter
Announcements
Comm. DeLeon apologized to the Committee for being late this evening. Mr. Ambrose addressed her concerns regarding agenda item number five.
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff