FINANCE

Amended 6/8/05

FINANCE

May 18, 2005

Minutes

Members Present: Lisa Dedden, Chris Swope, Curtis Hertel, Andy Schor, Marc Thomas, Steve Dougan and Board Chairperson Grebner

Members Absent: None

Others Present: Teri Younger, Eric Schertzing, Paula Johnson, Dave Ferguson, Bruce Bragg, Vicki Harrison and Bryce Alford

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dedden at 6:03 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the May 4, 2005 Minutes

The May 4 Minutes were approved as amended.

Additions to the Agenda: None

Public Comment: None

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

1. Register of Deeds – Resolution Authorizing a Contract Amendment with Tyler Technologies, Eagle Division, Inc. to Enhance the Register of Deeds Document Recording System

3. Ingham County Sheriff’s Office/IJIS – Resolution to Implement a Patrol Vehicle Electronic Citation System for the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office

4a. Treasurer’s Office – Resolution to Authorize Service Contracts for the Purpose of Conducting Title Searches

7. Fair Board – Resolution Authorizing an Amendment to the 2005 Capital Improvement Budget for Ingham County Fairgrounds

8c. Health Department – Resolution to Authorize a Collaborative Agreement with the Capital Area United Way

9. Parks Board – Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant to Develop a Spray Water Playground at Hawk Island County Park

10. Controller’s Office

a. Resolution Updating Various Fees for County Services

b. Resolution Urging the Capital Region Airport Authority to Act Favorably on the Clinton County Proposal Regarding Ex-Officio Membership

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Sheriff’s Office – Resolution to Support the Establishment of the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Motorcycle Unit

Comm. Thomas stated he expressed his concerns regarding this item during the recent Law Enforcement Committee meeting. He was concerned that County residents would assume the Motorcycle Unit (Unit) consisted of fully authorized police officers because the Unit would wear uniforms, badges and carry guns. Comm. Thomas stated if the Unit is to carry guns, they should be certified as police officers.

Chairperson Dedden asked if this issue involved MCOLES. Ms. Harrison stated the Unit would not be MCOLES certified. To receive this certification, a person would have to graduate from the police academy.

Comm. Thomas stated this issue should be forwarded to the 911 Advisory Board for their review. If the Advisory Board has any recommendations regarding the expenditure of 911 funds for this purpose, those recommendations should be forwarded to the BOC. Ms. Harrison explained the Resolution directs that this request be sent to the 911
Advisory Board for their review and recommendation for the expenditure of 911 funds for the purchase of the Unit equipment.

Comm. Hertel asked if the Ingham County Volunteer Mounted Police are MCOLES certified. Ms. Harrison stated the Mounted Police are not certified by MCOLES. They do wear uniforms, badges and carry weapons. The Mounted Police are covered by County insurance; also, the Unit would be covered by the same insurance.

Comm. Schor expressed his concern that if the Unit becomes involved in a potentially life-threatening situation, the Unit should be fully trained to handle such a situation. Comm. Dedden expressed her concern that residents would assume the Unit had arrest powers. Chairperson Grebner stated the Mounted Police are evasive regarding the fact that they are not certified police officers.

Ms. Harrison explained the Volunteers would request officer assistance if they came upon a life-threatening situation. Volunteers carry weapons for the protection of life. The weapons would only be used in situations where an ordinary citizen would use a weapon in a life-threatening situation. In response to Comm. Swope, Ms. Harrison stated the Sheriff’s Office is very responsible regarding who they accept as Office volunteers. An extensive background check is made of each volunteer.

Comm. Hertel asked about the financial implications of this Unit. Ms. Harrison stated the Unit uses their own motorcycles; and, these motorcycles are only used for the volunteer Unit. Each vehicle costs approximately $20,000. This cost is paid by the volunteers.

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INGHAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE VOLUNTEER MOTORCYCLE UNIT.

Comm. Thomas stated he understands Comm. Hertel’s position that a gun would be helpful in specific situations. However, carrying a weapon could draw the volunteers into a dangerous situation. Volunteers are not trained in how to respond to such situations. Ms. Harrison explained the Unit receives the same weapons training as the police officers. The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office standards are much higher than those of MCOLES. The County Attorney is very satisfied with the training the Unit would receive. She further stated the Unit is trained in “shoot” and “no shoot” scenarios.

Comm. Thomas stated he felt somewhat better about this matter due to tonight’s information regarding the volunteer training. However, he still has concerns. The Unit should receive more training and/or wear different uniforms. They should be visually distinguished from Ingham County Police Officers.

Chairperson Dedden asked if the FOP has a position on this matter. Ms. Harrison stated the FOP is aware of this matter, and it also recognizes the Sheriff’s Office’s authority to implement the Unit.

Comm. Thomas stated he is not ready to endorse the idea of non-certified deputies carrying guns. He stated he is prepared to send this matter to the 911 Advisory Board for its review of the financial implications. Chairperson Grebner stated it is not a good idea for the BOC to approve 911 funding prior to its review by the Advisory Board. Comm. Hertel stated the first BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED paragraph of the Resolution addresses this concern. The Resolution only authorizes the establishment of the Unit.

Chairperson Dedden stated she still has strong reservations regarding this concept and how it will be perceived by the public. Ms. Harrison stated the Sheriff’s Office cares about the BOC’s position on this matter. Comm. Hertel stated Sheriff’s Office feels this is an appropriate action to take; therefore, he will support this request.

MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Thomas and Dedden voting NO.

4b. Treasurer’s Office – Resolution Authorizing a Temporary Foreclosure Prevention Assistant

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A TEMPORARY FORECLOSURE PREVENTION ASSISTANT.

Comm. Dougan asked about the financial implications of this temporary position. Mr. Schertzing stated the position will last for approximately two months. The cost issue will be addressed by the Controller and the Human Resources Department as a part of the normal process.

Comm. Swope asked if this request would become an annual request. Mr. Schertzing stated that is a difficult question to answer at this point.

MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Dougan voting NO.

8. Health Department

a. Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with Care Free Medical, Inc.

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AN AGREEMENT WITH CARE FREE MEDICAL, INC.

Comm. Dougan asked if there is a guarantee as to how long this program will operate. Mr. Bragg stated there is no such guarantee. However, this program could be very important to the people of South Lansing. It is possible that, at some point, this could become a Qualified Health Center. Mr. Bragg also explained that many of the physicians and nurses involved with this program work on a voluntary basis. Comm. Dougan stated he would like some assurance that this program will still exist in a year or two. Mr. Bragg stated he believes this program will remain in operation for some time. He then stated that it will be a challenge to stay in business.

Comm. Thomas asked about Dr. Saltman’s background. Comm. Hertel stated he spoke with Dr. Saltman. He appears to be honestly interested in the welfare of this community. Chairperson Grebner stated this is not a commercial venture for Dr. Saltman. Mr. Bragg stated he does not know if Dr. Saltman will receive any compensation for his services as the Primary Care Director. He then stated he could have this information available prior to the next Board meeting.

MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. THOMAS, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION’S FIRST BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT THE CONTRACT SHALL BE FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 1, 2005 THROUGH OCTOBER 30, 2005 AND THAT THE COUNTY SHALL MAKE AVAILABLE UP TO $22,000 TO SUPPORT BUILDING AND REMODELING EXPENSES FOR SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME UNINSURED PERSONS.

Mr. Bragg explained that the Resolution was intentionally vague regarding the specific purpose of the funding. The language in this Resolution is similar to the language in the Resolutions for the Cristo Rey and Gateway contracts. Mr. Bragg suggested the County Attorney be consulted regarding the proposed amendment.

Comm. Hertel suggested the proposed amendment be referred to the County Attorney for review. After a brief discussion, Comm. Dougan withdrew his motion and Comm. Thomas withdrew his support of the motion. Comm. Dougan requested more specificity from the County Attorney regarding the financial implications of this Resolution. Chairperson Dedden stated the withdrawn amendment would be referred to the County Attorney. Ms. Younger explained that the Resolution language is similar to other service contracts which have been reviewed by the County Attorney. The County has many service contracts that are not specific for legal reasons.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

b. Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with the State of Michigan to Carry Out a Mobile Home Park Inspection Program in Ingham County

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DOUGAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF MICHIGAN TO CARRY OUT A MOBILE HOME PARK INSPECTION PROGRAM IN INGHAM COUNTY.

In response to Comm. Dougan, Mr. Bragg stated the Program is being conducted at a loss to the County; however, the Health Department feels it is very necessary to conduct this service.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

d. Informational Item: UAW-GM Local #602 OYC Subcontract

Mr. Bragg explained that he is more optimistic regarding this issue at this time. UAW-GM leadership has had conversations with the national organization regarding this matter. Mr. Bragg further stated this matter may be resolved by June. If not, he will be back before this Committee to address financial concerns.

5. 911 Advisory Board – Resolution Authorizing Five Year Contracts with SBC for T-1 Communication Lines for the Ingham County Radio Communications System Project

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FIVE YEAR CONTRACTS WITH SBC FOR T-1 COMMUNICATION LINES FOR THE INGHAM COUNTY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM.

Comm. Dougan asked why the 911 Advisory Board is not recommending only SBC for this project. Chairperson Grebner stated the reason may be related to whichever company is closest to the towers. Finances are also an issue. The 911 Advisory Board may have received a package deal. Ms. Younger stated she will provide information on this matter via email prior to the next Board meeting.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

6. Agricultural Preservation Board – Discussion of Ingham County Agricultural Preservation Board RFP for Technical Assistance

Comm. Hertel stated he presented this discussion to the County Services Committee meeting last evening because he sits on the Preservation Board. Comm. Swope stated the County Services Committee approved the request to issue an RFP. The Preservation Board needs new and creative funding options. Many of the items listed in the Resolution are needed to obtain State and Federal funding.

Chairperson Dedden stated she has several concerns regarding this request. She thought the Preservation Board indicated during the initial discussions regarding this issue that it would come up with the necessary funding. She then stated that maybe the request should not be approved at this time due to actions at the State and Federal levels.

Comm. Hertel stated there are State and Federal funds available for this project. If the County wants to preserve its farmland, it should be willing to appropriate some County funds. Ms. Younger explained that the request to issue RFP’s does not appropriate any funding at this time. It is possible that a consultant may cost $30,000. Comm. Thomas stated it is also possible that the cost may be less than $30,000.

Comm. Thomas asked if the MSU Extension is involved with this matter. Comm. Hertel stated the Extension is involved. Mr. Ambrose has talked with the Extension regarding what it could provide to assist the Preservation Board.

Comm. Schor stated he supported this request during the County Services Committee meeting because technical advice is needed to give direction to the Preservation Board. The funds would be taken from the Contingency Fund. Future requests of this nature will become part of the normal budget process.

The Committee discussed this matter further. Comm. Hertel stated the Controller was instructed to move forward on this issue based on the Board of Commissioners priorities.

This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.

Comm. Dougan suggested the Resolution be amended to reflect that the funding would be appropriated from the Parks Millage. He then stated a letter should be sent to the City of Lansing to thank them for their financial contribution to this matter.

11. Board Referrals

a. Letter from the City of Leslie Regarding a Public Hearing to be Held on May 17, 2005 Concerning the Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for Len Industries, Inc.

b. Letter from City of Lansing Department of Planning and Neighborhood Development Regarding a Public Hearing to be Held on May 16, 2005 to Create a Lansing Industrial Development at 912 W. St. Joseph Avenue (Attachment on File in Clerk’s Office)

The Board Referrals were received and placed on file.

Announcements: None

Public Comment: None

The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff