Amended 10/18/06
FINANCE
BUDGET HEARING
September 27, 2006
Minutes
Members Present: Marc Thomas, Curtis Hertel, Mark Grebner, Lisa Dedden, Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Steve Dougan and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Teri Morton, Ed Dore, John Neilsen, Bruce Bragg, Bob Moore, Jared Cypher, Sgt. Perez, David Easterday, Mike Bryanton, Dianne Holman, Nervy Oliver, Judge Collette, Mary Sabaj, George Strander, Judge Giddings, Dr. Sienko, John Jacobs, Dallas Henney, Stacy Sheridan, Paul Kindel, Rebecca Bahar-Cook, Harry Moxley, Stuart Dunnings, Rhonda Swayze and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Thomas at 6:08 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Additions to the Agenda: None
Limited Public Comment: None
1. Overview of Liaison Committee Recommendations
Ms. Morton informed the Committee that two technical adjustments are to be made to the Controller’s Recommended Budget. The first adjustment is to the Circuit Court – Friend of the Court Division budget. The Senior Case Examiner position is to be converted to a Court Services Officer. The positions are equal in classification; therefore, the budget does not need to be changed.
The second adjustment involves the District Court Clerk position. The Clerk position is to be eliminated and the available budget will be used to provide security services through a contract. The budget should be amended to reflect this transfer, as well as the elimination of the District Court Clerk position. This would reduce the total District Court staffing level from 28.0 full time equivalents to 27.0 FTE’s. The budgeted cost for the vacant District Court Clerk position is $41,187. The 2007 cost for the security contract is projected to be $56,227. Ms. Morton further stated the District Court has indicated the additional cost can be covered by increasing the District Court Costs revenues by $9,040.
2. Review and Action on County Services Committee Recommendations
3. Review and Action on Human Services Committee Recommendations
4. Review and Action on Judiciary Committee Recommendations
5. Review and Recommendation on Law Enforcement Committee Recommendations
(The Committee did not address items two through five individually.)
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO APPROVE THE CONTROLLER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY SERVICES, THE HUMAN SERVICES, THE JUDICIARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEES INCLUDING THE TECHNICAL ADJUSTMENTS OUTLINED IN ITEM NUMBER ONE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMM. DOUGAN DISCLOSED THAT ONE OF THE PART-TIME TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES, LINDA ROSSMAN, IS ONE OF HIS CLIENTS.
Agricultural Preservation Board
Mr. Kindel, Agricultural Preservation Board, stated the Board has submitted a z list funding request for the funding of the consultant for July through December, 2007. The Board of Commissioners authorized the consultant funding for the first half of 2007. Mr. Kindel further explained the consultant is needed to give the Farmland Preservation Program continuity. The consultant handles the technical aspects of the Program.
Mr. Kindel stated Ms. Sheridan, Consultant, has done an excellent job on behalf of the Program. She will apply for matching funds in 2007, as she did this year.
Comm. Grebner asked if the Agricultural Preservation Board will pursue millage funding or if it will try to obtain funds from other sources. Mr. Kindel explained that for the Program to be significant, it will need a dedicated source of funding. Chairperson Thomas asked if the Board will look to other governmental entities for funding.
Ms. Sheridan explained the entities will not be approached until they will benefit from the Program. She further stated the Board has not changed its mind regarding the need for a millage. It is now considering requesting the millage in 2007 or 2008. Currently, grant funds are being sought for the purpose of developing educational and awareness programs.
Parks
Mr. Moore explained the Parks Department is requesting $60,000 in z funding for a “Spacenet” climb/play structure at Hawk Island County Park. Spacenet climbers are imaginative three-dimensional webs which provide an entirely new dimension in play for youth eight to twelve years of age. Currently, the play structures at Hawk Island are for younger children. The play structure would be installed by Park staff.
Health Department
Mr. Bragg explained the two Patient Navigator positions would be placed with two of the Health Department’s medical clinics. The Navigators would be Para-professionals with the same cultural demographics as the clinic areas. He further explained that many people within the clinics suffer from very expensive chronic illnesses. The Navigators would assist with theses cases. This is a new approach which has been successful across the Country. Funding for the two positions is approximately $36,000.
Mr. Bragg further informed the Committee the Health Department is also requesting funds to promote the Lansing Neighborhoods Redevelopment/Revitalization Program. The requested $75,000 would be used to obtain a contract, through the RFP process, to engage community groups in the Program’s efforts. Comm. Hertel requested the Program’s services also involve other communities within the County that are sorely lacking in this area.
Chairperson Thomas asked if the requested funds would be used to fund a coordinator position. Mr. Bragg stated the funds would be used to hire a person or an organization. Chairperson Thomas also asked what the City’s role would be in this effort. Mr. Bragg explained the City would not be directly involved; however, they will be engaged in the process.
Comm. Dougan asked if this would be a one-time funding request. Mr. Bragg stated this is a short-term, one-time cost to develop a plan. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked if Lansing Township has been asked to participate in this effort. Mr. Bragg stated he was not aware if Lansing Township has been invited to participate; however, they are aware of this program.
The Medical Examiner’s Office is requesting the half-time Public Health Nurse position be increased to a full-time position. Mr. Bragg stated the Medical Examiner believes this position has saved the Examiner’s Office 23 autopsies. The Medical Examiner would like this service to be intensified. The cost of this position is $37,028.
A general discussion was held regarding the responsibilities of the Public Health Nurse within the Medical Examiner’s Office. Comm. Grebner asked what the Medical Examiner’s Office would do with the additional funds that will result from the decrease in autopsies. Ms. Morton explained the funds would remain within the Medical Examiner’s budget. Any fund transfers would follow the normal County policy.
Circuit Court/General Trial Division
Judge Giddings stated he is the only County Judge that does not have a full-time recorder. According to statute, Judge Giddings stated he has a right to request this position. Judge Giddings stated his preference for a court recorder versus a court reporter. A court recorder position is approximately $90,000 less over five years than the court reporter. Judge Giddings explained he would have complete and accurate records with a court recorder. This issue was discussed further.
Ms. Swayze addressed the Committee regarding the Circuit Court’s request for a Deputy Clerk I position. The position is needed to relieve the stress on the current employees resulting from long hours and huge work loads. Judge Collette stated the position would allow the Court to comply with the union’s regulations.
Probate Court
Mr. Strander spoke regarding the Probate Court’s request for a Probate Law Clerk. He distributed information to the Committee outlining the need for the Clerk position. The main needs involve protection, equity, a reduced workload and increased efficiency. Mr. Strander further explained the Clerk would assess if a conservator is adequately bonded. The person in this position would create the necessary database to ensure the bonding adequacy. Comm. Dedden asked that the job description include these duties.
Project Sentry
Ms. Sabaj stated Project Sentry is very important to the County for the purpose of monitoring substance abuse within the community. She then spoke about the Jail Re-Entry Forum she attended earlier today. Approximately 85% of jail inmates have substance abuse problems. The Law Enforcement Committee will receive a report from Project Sentry in 2007.
Mr. Neilsen explained an additional $43,515, as well as revenue from recently developed programs, would be needed to continue Project Sentry through the end of 2007. The Law Enforcement Committee approved Project Sentry’s revenue enhancement plans. Approximately $150,000 would be needed to continue Project Sentry in 2008 if the program does not find additional funding resources.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked if there is a local private business which provides the same services as Project Sentry. Ms. Sabaj explained the local private businesses do not provide dependable test results. They do not maintain a chain of evidence as is done by Project Sentry. Judge Collette stated other courts have chosen to use other testing agencies. He further stated Ms. Sabaj will assess the feasibility of Project Sentry’s services next year.
Comm. Grebner asked if the Court could specify what they need in a testing agency so that information could be included in an RFP. Judge Collette stated the Court could identify their needs. He then stated the Court is dealing with questions of quality, reliability and accuracy. Comm. Grebner stated the chain of evidence requirement could be included in an RFP. Judge Collette further stated the Court could identify specifics, but they would not meet the County’s funding level.
Comm. Hertel asked how the Court would rank their z list request for Project Sentry funding. Judge Collette stated he would rank this request as a top priority.
Mr. Dunnings stated the savings from Project Sentry do not necessarily go into the County. Project Sentry is the only meaningful way to monitor people within this community who have committed crimes and also have substance abuse problems.
Chairperson Thomas asked what steps the Court would take if Project Sentry is closed. Ms. Sabaj explained the other testing agencies are not as experienced and reliable as Project Sentry and they charge more for their services. The additional costs of the services would be paid by the offender. St. Lawrence conducts testing without supervision or monitoring.
Judge Giddings stated the Court could draft an RFP but the County will pay more for services from a lesser quality agency. Comm. Grebner stated it is possible to draft an RFP. The County will not know what it will receive until the proposals have been submitted. He further stated his belief that Project Sentry’s business model is gone. Project Sentry could be continued until the County receives a proposal which meets the needs of the Court. Project Sentry should submit a proposal.
Comm. Grebner suggested Project Sentry be continued until the RFP process has been developed. Chairperson Celentino stated the program should be monitored in six months. Judge Collette stated he believes the six-month monitoring process is to give the Board time to determine the viability of Project Sentry and to allow for enough time to resolve concerns if Project Sentry has to close.
Chairperson Thomas stated he would like to see a long-term plan for Project Sentry. Currently, Project Sentry is operating on a month-to-month basis.
Comm. Grebner explained he is proposing that the Court develop an RFP based on its needs for a substance abuse testing agency. The RFP’s would be issued in November or December. Once proposals have been submitted, they will be reviewed. Once the review is completed, the Controller’s Office will issue a recommendation. The funding to be placed on the z list for Project Sentry is tied to the RFP process. Project Sentry would continue its services until the Board of Commissioners takes action.
Chairperson Thomas stated he would like to know what other Michigan counties are doing regarding substance abuse testing. This information was requested by him at a recent meeting. Chairperson Thomas stated he originally requested the information for consideration during the ranking process.
Prosecuting Attorney
Mr. Dunnings stated his Office has requested a part-time clerk for the Major Crimes Unit. The prosecutors within his Office currently spend a lot of their time organizing these cases. The part-time clerk would assist with the organization of the cases which would lessen the load on the attorneys.
6. Action to Incorporate Strategic Planning Initiative Funds into Recommended Budget
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO PLACE THE TEN STRATEGIC PLANNING INITIATIVE ITEMS ON THE Z LIST. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO AMEND THE LANGUAGE TO THE PROJECT SENTRY ITEM TO SPECIFY THAT THE CONTINUATION OF PROJECT SENTRY THROUGH MARCH 31, 2007 AND TO IMPLEMENT THE RESULTS OF AN RFP PROCESS, TO BE UNDERTAKEN PROMPTLY, TO CONSIDER HOW THOSE SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE FUTURE.
Comm. Hertel stated he needs time to consider the above motion; therefore, he probably will not vote in support of it this evening. He further stated he would like to speak with the Judges regarding the RFP process.
MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Weatherwax-Grant and Hertel voting NO.
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER TO AMEND THE Z LIST BY REDUCING THE AUTOPSY LINE ITEM BY $10,000 TO PARTIALLY OFFSET THE COST OF THE HALF-TIME MEDICAL EXAMINER INVESTIGATOR POSITION. MOTION DIED due to lack of support.
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO AMEND THE PROBATE COURT FULL-TIME COURT OFFICER/RESEARCH CLERK TO SPECIFY THE POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE THE USE OF A DATABASE TO BETTER MONITOR PROTECTED INDIVIDUALS’ FUNDS. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant informed the Committee that she is leaving the meeting at this time for personal reasons.
(Comm. Weatherwax-Grant left the meeting at 7:52 p.m.)
(The Committee recessed at 7:52 p.m.)
(The Committee was called back to order at 8:10 p.m.)
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO INCORPORATE THE TOP EIGHT Z LIST ITEMS INTO THE FINANCE 2007 RECOMMENDED BUDGET.
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO FUND THE LANSING NEIGHBORHOODS REDEVELOPMENT/REVITALIZATION PROGRAM WITH THE REMAINING $15,000 FROM THE CONTINGENCY FUND TO FUND THE PROGRAM AT APPROXIMATELY $30,000. MOTION DIED due to lack of support.
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO AMEND THE PREVIOUS MOTION TO FUND THE LANSING NEIGHBORHOODS REDEVELOPMENT/REVITALIZATION PROGRAM WITH THE REMAINING $15,554. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Weatherwax-Grant
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Weatherwax-Grant
7. Adoption of Finance Recommended Budget
MOTION TO APPROVE THE FINANCE RECOMMENDED BUDGET APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.
Comm. Hertel asked that Comm. Weatherwax-Grant’s ranking be made a part of the record.
Absent: Comm. Weatherwax-Grant
Announcements: None
Public Comment
Judge Collette thanked the Committee for its hard work on the 2007 budget.
The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff