Approved 3/15/04
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
March 1, 2004
Members Present: Curtis Hertel, Lisa Dedden, Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Andy Schor, Mike Severino, John Nevin and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: None
Others Present: John Neilsen, Bruce Bragg, Jerry Ambrose, Judy Gardy, Joe Lessard and Anita Moneypenny
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Hertel at 7:02 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the February 23, 2004 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 23 MINUTES AS AMENDED. Absent: Comm. Weatherwax-Grant
Additions to the Agenda
Limited Public Comment
Mr. Bragg informed the Committee that some members of the Ingham Health Plan Corporation will meet with this Committee at 6:00 p.m. on its next scheduled meeting date. Dinner will be served.
Mr. Bragg also stated the Ingham County Advantage program is not ready at this date as hoped. Employers have contacted the Health Department regarding their interest in this program. Some businesses may be ready to receive benefits by April 1, 2004. The Health Department will work with the Chair of this Committee regarding the roll out of this program.
(Comm. Weatherwax-Grant arrived at 7:06 p.m.)
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH IRISH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. FOR RENOVATION OF THE "OLD SHERIFF'S RESIDENCE."
Mr. Neilsen explained the Irish Construction Company, Inc. submitted the lowest qualified bid for this project. The County will be repaid the costs ($63,957.00) as provided in the terms of the lease of the facility to Community Mental Health Board of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties.
Comm. Schor requested a cost breakdown for this renovation. Mr. Neilsen stated a majority of the renovation cost is to bring the facility up to code.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DEDDEN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION FOR INGHAM COUNTY MSU EXTENSION TO ACCEPT DONATIONS FOR THE OPERATION AND TEMPORARY STAFFING OF THE BAKER-DONORA FOCUS CENTER.
Mr. Lessard stated he is pleased to be affiliated with the implementation of the Baker-Donora Focus Center. The Resolution will authorize the acceptance of a $1,200 donation from the Lansing Rotary Club. The donations will be used to purchase supplies and materials or to employ temporary staff for the Center's programs.
Ms. Moneypenny stated the members of the Baker/Donora board are supportive of this proposal. She then explained how the funding will improve the bookkeeping aspects of the Center. The Center has also received donations from other agencies.
Comm. Dedden stated she has heard positive things about the Center. She then supported the acceptance of the donated funds. Ms. Gardy informed the Committee that the Center recently opened a computer learning center. The center has been used by many residents, youth and adults.
Mr. Lessard expressed his appreciation to the County for their support of this wonderful County/City collaboration.
Comm. Dedden asked for an update regarding the southeast neighborhood network center. Mr. Lessard stated there are ongoing efforts to obtain financial support and to develop partnerships within the area. He then invited the Committee to visit this center at their convenience.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Ambrose stated there has been a lot of discussion regarding the possible relocation of the Medical School. He could not think of any positive scenario which would result from the relocation of all or a portion of the Medical School from this area. Several questions remain unanswered. An important question is why is it necessary or desirable for MSU to move the School, in whole or in part.
A report will be issued next week from Health Management Associates which indicates the Association's position of the possible relocation of the School. Mr. Ambrose suggested this Committee draft a resolution expressing the County's concerns regarding this matter. This should be done as quickly as possible. Such a resolution could be introduced as a late item at the next Board of Commissioners meeting. Mr. Ambrose further explained the County has a vested interest in this matter due to the Health Department's relationships with the School.
Chairperson Hertel stated he would submit a resolution at the next Board meeting. Comm. Schor expressed his support for the proposed resolution.
The Committee discussed the possible origination of the relocation idea. Comm. Nevin suggested the County approach this from MSU's standpoint in regard to what it may lose if the Medical School is relocated. Mr. Ambrose stated the County should look at all angles of this issue. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant suggested the proposed resolution identify the local resources which medical students provide to this area within their first two years of medical school.
Mr. Ambrose instructed the Commissioners to email any further suggestions to him regarding the proposed resolution. Chairperson Hertel stated the proposed resolution should be drafted as soon as possible.
Announcements
Chairperson Hertel informed the Committee that it will address the issue of a Lead Task Force at its next meeting.
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff