Approved 12/5/07
FINANCE COMMITTEE
November 26, 2007
Minutes
Members Present: Victor Celentino, Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Mark Grebner, Curtis Hertel, Todd Tennis, Steve Dougan and Board Chairperson Marc Thomas
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Teri Morton, Tom Shewchuk, Janeil Valentine, Doug Stover, Dr. Sienko, John Jacobs,
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Celentino at 6:02 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the November 7, 2007 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DOUGAN, TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 7 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Additions to the Agenda
3. Substitute Resolution
9. Substitute Resolution
10. Resolution Amended by County Services – 2.5% for 2009 and 2010 was amended to 0% in 2009 and 2% in 2010
12. Regulation to Require License for the Retail Sale of Tobacco, and to Prohibit Sale of Tobacco to Minors, and to Restrict Location of Tobacco Vending Machines
13. Resolution to Authorize Ingham County to Donate Surplus Computer Equipment to Grace Tabernacle Church for their After School Computer Lab Program
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1. Sheriff’s Office – Resolution to Accept a $1,000.00 Donation from the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Division Charitable Fund
2. Equalization
a. Resolution Approving Entering into a Grant with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth and Appoint Douglas A. Stover as County Grant Administrator for the 2008 Remonumentation Project
b. Resolution to Contract with Ronnie M. Lester as County Representative and Wolverine Engineers and Surveyors, Inc. for Services as Monumentation Surveyor for the Ingham County Monumentation and Remonumentation Project in 2008
c. Resolution to Amend the 2007 Apportionment Report
3. Parks and Recreation Commission – Substitute Resolution Establishing Criteria for Cost Sharing Arrangements for Park and Recreation Facilities with Other Municipalities
4. IJIGS Committee – Resolution Authorizing a Career Quest Contract Extension for the Integration Phase of the Integrated Justice Information System
5. Health Department
a. Resolution to Authorize a Contract with Patriot Services to Assist with the Completion of the 2007-2008 Emergency Preparedness Grant Requirements
c. Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with Eaton Intermediate School District to
Prevent and Reduce Tobacco Use in Ingham County
d. Resolution to Authorize an Amendment to the 0-3 Secondary Prevention Grant
with the Children’s Trust Fund
e. Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with the School Community Health
Alliance of Michigan
f. Resolution to Establish a Tobacco Addiction Specialist Position at the Ingham
County Health Department
6. Health Department/MSU Extension – Resolution to Authorize the Continuation of a
Memorandum of Agreement with and a Grant from the Corporation for National and
Community Services
8. Purchasing Department – Resolution Authorizing Adjustments to the 2008 Capital Improvement Budget for the Ingham County Fairgrounds
12. Regulation to Require License for the Retail Sale of Tobacco, and to Prohibit Sale of Tobacco to Minors, and to Restrict Location of Tobacco Vending Machines
13. Resolution to Authorize Ingham County to Donate Surplus Computer Equipment to Grace Tabernacle Church for their After School Computer Lab Program
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. TENNIS, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Health Department
b. Resolution to Authorize a Grant Contract with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Inc.
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. TENNIS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE, INC.
In response to Comm. Dougan’s question, Dr. Sienko explained the Health Department operates the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program in eight counties, including Oakland County.
Comm. Grebner suggested the title of the Resolution be amended to: Resolution to Authorize a Grant Contract with the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure, Inc. This was accepted as a Friendly Amendment to the Resolution.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. MIS Department – Resolution to Authorize Entering into an Agreement with Granger
Recycling Center for Disposal of Surplus Computer Equipment
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH GRANGER RECYCLING CENTER FOR DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS COMPUTER EQUIPMENT.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant disclosed that her husband works for the Granger Company.
Comm. Hertel thanked Mr. Shewchuk for his hard work on this item and agenda item 12. He also commended Mr. Shewchuk for the work he has done since assuming his position as MIS Director.
9. Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing 2008 Agreements for Community Agencies
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. TENNIS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 2008 AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY AGENCIES.
Comm. Dougan disclosed that he’s on the Lansing Area Safety Council Board.
Ms. Alwood, Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, Inc. (Center), stated she received notice of the November 5, 2007 Human Services Community Agency meeting on November 6, 2007. She would have been present at the November 5 meeting if she had received proper notice. Ms. Alwood further stated she hopes her absence from that meeting would not be held against her funding request.
Ms. Alwood stated the Center has helped over 700 women in the last few years. The Center is a very successful program. Ms. Kress, Center, stated the Center receives referrals from other agencies. Funding from the County will allow the Center to better serve its clients.
Comm. Hertel apologized for the lack of notice regarding the November 5, 2007 meeting. Staff informed him that they made telephone calls to notify the community agencies of that meeting. Comm. Hertel stated the funding allocations should not be changed at this time. The Human Services Committee did not grant full funding requests for new agencies. He then asked if it is fair to reduce funding to agencies without giving them notice.
Chairperson Celentino stated the Human Services Committee had several new agency requests and many of them did not receive funding. Many of the returning agencies received reduced funding levels for 2008.
Ms. Alwood stated she appreciated Comm. Hertel’s comments. She also stated the Center has never received funding from Ingham County while it serves 700 women in this County.
Comm. Hertel stated staff will mail notifications for next year’s community agency hearings. He asked the Center to reapply for funding next year and this Committee will determine how to fix this year’s problem.
Comm. Dougan asked the Center about funding they receive from other organizations. Ms. Alwood stated the Center is seeking funding from the City of Lansing for transportation services and the City of East Lansing has provided $9,000 in funding for East Lansing residents only. The Center’s 2007 budget totals approximately $135,000. The majority of this funding is from private people and private organizations. In response to Comm. Hertel, Ms. Alwood stated the Center has one paid staff member.
Mr. Neunen, Gateway Community Services (Gateway), stated Gateway operates a homeless shelter for youth. The youth at Gateway are required to attend school, help with chores, develop resumes, apply for and maintain jobs. Gateway is very successful. Mr. Neunen stated he understands the County financial situation. He appreciates any funding he receives from the County.
A representative from the NorthWest Healthy Communities Initiative was present to address any questions from the Committee.
Mr. Swope, St. Vincent Catholic Charities, stated he did not receive notification of the Human Service’s November 5 meeting. He then stated he appreciates this Committee’s difficult situation. St. Vincent’s appreciates the County’s continued support.
Comm. Grebner addressed the notification issue. He stated it would be appropriate for the County to send postcards to the community agencies and then follow up with email reminders of the Community Agency meetings. Comm. Grebner stated the best solution tonight is to deal with the liaison committee recommendations. This Committee should not reopen the process. He then stated he intended to increase the community agency allocation for the Human Services Committee.
Comm. Tennis stated his hope to reopen one agency due to their lack of notification. He spoke about the Oakpark YMCA where he was a former board member. Comm. Tennis asked the Committee to restore their funding for the Achievers Program.
Chairperson Celentino stated he did not intend to reopen the process this evening. If the Committee wishes, specific agencies could be referred back to the appropriate committees.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked why Cristo Rey did not receive funding for its prescription assistance program. Comm. Hertel stated Cristo Rey was not at the November 5 meeting and they have not contacted the staff since that date. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant expressed her concern about this matter. Cristo Rey is a reputable group that assists the community with important issues. She then stated her hope that the Human Services Committee will look favorably upon them next year.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated the process can be reopened and the allocations can be adjusted. If this Committee has great concerns, the agencies can be referred back to the appropriate committees. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant then stated she is not in favor of funding the Hawk Island Triathlon or the South Side Community Coalition for staffing purposes. She also expressed her concern about funding the Y Achievers Program.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant further stated the Judiciary Committee gave up some of its community agencies dollars in recognition of helping people to meet their basic needs. She stated she hopes the County goes out of its way in this effort. The Women’s Center’s request should be addressed.
Comm. Hertel stated he would be happy to consider funding for the Women’s Center for 2009. He also stated he is personally willing to reopen the process but cautioned the committee that the numbers may not change. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated she did not want to hold up the process.
Comm. Tennis asked Comm. Grebner how he intends to increase the Human Services allocation. Comm. Grebner stated he did not have a plan. The current process should continue through the normal channels. A make up round could be held in January for the agencies which did not receive notification of the November 5 meeting.
Board Chairperson Thomas stated the Board of Commissioners should take responsibility for the lack of notification for several agencies. The Human Services Committee determined to not fund new agencies that were not present for the November 5 meeting. Board Chairperson Thomas then stated he supports Comm. Grebner’s suggestion of a make up meeting in January.
Comm. Hertel stated he is willing to hear from the Women’s Center in December. He then explained that it has been a long practice of the Human Services Committee that agencies who are not present for the meeting do not receive funding. The Human Services Committee was not aware of the miscommunication at its November 5 meeting. The Community Agency meeting is held during the same month every year. The returning agencies could have called staff about the community agency meeting date.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant thanked Comm. Hertel for his willingness to entertain the funding request from the Women’s Center. She then stated improvements will be made for next year’s process. Staff should be asked to contact all agencies next year to determine if they received notice.
MOVED BY COMM. TENNIS, TO AMEND THE FUNDING FOR THE WESTSIDE COMMUNITY YMCA FOR THE Y ACHIEVERS PROGRAM FROM $2,000 TO $3,000. MOTION DIED due to lack of support.
MOVED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO ELIMINATE THE FUNDING FOR THE SOUTH LANSING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION FOR THE HAWK ISLAND TRIATHLON, THE SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY COALITION AND THE WESTSIDE COMMUNITY YMCA FOR THE “Y” ACHIEVERS PROGRAM. MOTION DIED due to lack of support.
Comm. Hertel disclosed that his firm represents the law firm that represents the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, Inc.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Comm. Dougan stated he appreciates the organizations that appeared this evening.
10. Board of Commissioners – Resolution Amending Resolution 05-296 Authorizing Adjustments to Commissioner’s Compensation
MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 05-296 AUTHORIZING ADJUSTMENTS TO COMMISSIONER’S COMPENSATION.
Comm. Grebner stated he is in favor of symbolic gestures. It’s fine to zero out a compensation increase for one year but the second year should remain unchanged. He stated he has fought for some years to increase the compensation so that it is comparable to the rate of inflation. Inflation is clearly more than 2%. Comm. Grebner stated it’s genuinely bad to not compensate the Board sufficiently.
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO CHANGE THE SECOND YEAR INCREASE FROM 2% TO 4%. MOTION DIED due to lack of support.
The Committee held a general discussion regarding this item. Comm. Tennis stated he is fairly confident that over the next few years, the employees’ compensation will not keep up with inflation. He also expressed his concern about the increasing health care costs for the County’s employees. He supports the current proposal and would also support a zero percent increase for the next two years.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated she shares Comm. Tennis’ sentiments. The economic times ahead will be tough. Comm. Hertel stated it’s appropriate to reduce the Board’s compensation at this time.
Comm. Grebner stated it’s fine to correct the curve; however, the rates should return to 2% and 2%.
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A 2% INCREASE IN 2009 AND A 2% INCREASE IN 2010.
Comm. Tennis stated he supports the principle comments of Comm. Grebner. He then stated he believes in a fair days’ wage for a fair day’s work.
(Note: recording was suspended from 7:08 until 7:11)
Comm. Hertel stated it’s important to pay a fair compensation.
AMEND: MOTION FAILED with Comms. Hertel and Grebner voting YES
ORIGINAL: MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Grebner voting NO.
11. Board Referrals
a. Letter from the Department of Health and Human Services Forwarding the Findings and Recommendations as a Result of the Audit of 2006 Records
b. Resolution from Bay County Urging Legislators to Vote in Support of Proposals that with Fund Local and County Programs
c. Letter from the City of Lansing Economic Development Corporation Announcing a Public Hearing Regarding an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for Five After LLC.
d. Letter from the Department of Treasury Regarding a Request to Revoke the Real and Personal Property Component of an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for Quantum Graphix, LLC
e. Letter from the City of Leslie Regarding a Request to Transfer the Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate from the Modern Fur Dressing, LLC to Antler Development, LLC.
The Board Referrals were received and placed on file.
Public Comment: None
Announcements: None
The meeting adjourned 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff