Approved 2/23/04

HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

February 2, 2004

Minutes

Members Present: Curtis Hertel, Lisa Dedden, Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Andy Schor, Mike Severino and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino

Members Absent: John Nevin

Others Present: John Neilsen, Bruce Bragg and Randy Marwede

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Hertel at 7:00 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

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

Health Department

Resolution to Authorize and Amendment to the Kent Health Plan Agreement and to Authorize Staffing Changes to the Health Plan Management Bureau
Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with the Capital Area Youth Alliance to Partner in the Kellogg Foundation Grant
Resolution to Change the Status of an Early Childhood Consultant Position
Resolution to Make Staffing Adjustments in the Health Department

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nevin

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nevin

Health Department

Resolution to Authorize a Grant Contract with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE SUSAN G. KOMEN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION, INC.

Comm. Schor requested an explanation of the differences in the contract amounts. Mr. Bragg stated he believes the Oakland County contract is much higher than the other contracts due to their population.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nevin

Resolution to Authorize a 2003 - 2004 Licensing Support Services Agreement with the Department of Labor and Economic Growth

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A 2003 - 2004 LICENSING SUPPORT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC GROWTH. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nevin

Ingham County Department of Veteran's Affairs - Discussion on Implications of PA 235 of 1911, Funeral Expenses of Veterans

Mr. Marwede informed the Committee that the Governor signed a bill on January 8, 2004 which increases the asset limit of a veteran's estate from $25,000 to $40,000, in order to receive the $300 burial allowance that counties must provide to veterans or their widows. He further stated he did not know what impact, if any, his Department would experience due to the asset increase.

Mr. Neilsen advised the Committee of the background information Mr. Marwede provided in the agenda packet. He also stated the bill allows for counties to opt out of this increase with an appropriate resolution. Mr. Marwede stated the local veteran's associations are very supportive of the bill.

In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Marwede explained that the denial of requests for burial funds are mainly due to estates which exceed the limit. Families of a deceased veteran usually make the request for burial cost assistance.

Comm. Schor asked if this bill would cause a reduction in other services within the Department. Mr. Marwede indicated other services would not be affected. Chairperson Hertel stated this issue could be explored further during the budget process. Comm. Severino asked that Mr. Marwede update this Committee regarding this issue before the end of this year.

Announcements

Comm. Weatherwax-Grant expressed her appreciation for the peanut-butter sheet cake that was provided by Comm. Stid this evening. The cake was wonderful.

Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee that its next meeting is scheduled for February 23, 2004 due to a County holiday on its normally scheduled date.

Chairperson Hertel informed the Committee that he intends to develop a task force to address lead issues in this County. Recommendations for task force members can be emailed to him by the end of this month.

Public Comment: None

The meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff