Amended 10/4/04
HUMAN SERVICES
September 20, 2004
Minutes
Members Present: Curtis Hertel, Lisa Dedden, Andy Schor, Mike Severino and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: John Nevin
Others Present: John Neilsen, Dean Sienko, Jim Wilson, John Jacobs and Holly Wilson
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Hertel at 7:06 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the August 16, 2004 Minutes
The August 16 minutes were approved as submitted. Absent: Comm. Nevin
Additions to the Agenda
2k. Update Regarding Ingham Advantage Program
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1. Community Mental Health/Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing Revised Lease Contract with the Community Mental Health Board of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties for the Old Sheriff’s Residence
2. Health Department
a. Resolution to Authorize Administrative Support Services Agreements with County Health Plans
c. Resolution to Amend the 2005 CPBC Agreement with the Michigan Department of Community Health to Provide Interim Chief Medical Executive Coverage
d. Resolution to Appoint Dennis Jurczak, M.D. as Deputy Medical Director and Deputy Medical Examiner and to Authorize an Employment Contract
f. Resolution to Authorize a Contract with the Ionia County Health Department for Medical Direction and Program Consultation
g. Resolution to Authorize a Contract with the Barry-Eaton District Health Department for Medical Direction and Program Consultation
h. Resolution to Authorize an Amendment to the Teen Parent Program Grant Agreement with the Michigan Family Independence Agency
i. Information item: Communication from Brenda Matson, ICHD Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
3. Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing a Two Month Hiring Delay Policy for the 2005 Budget Year
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
2. Health Department
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. DEDDEN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, 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. Severino, Dr. Sienko stated the level of State funding has been flat for the past several years.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nevin
e. Resolution to Eliminate a Vacant Position and to Establish a New Position in the Health Department
MOVED BY COMM. DEDDEN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ELIMINATE A VACANT POSITION AND TO ESTABLISH A NEW POSITION IN THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
In response to Comm. Dedden, Dr. Sienko explained the vacant position performed administrative duties. The new position would perform hands on duties and would provide more direct and broad based services.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Nevin
j. Update – Out County Recycling
Mr. Wilson distributed information containing the History of Ingham County Rural Recycling to the Committee for their review during his update. The Board of Commissioners adopted an updated Solid Waste Management Plan in April 2000. The Plan includes a funding mechanism for the solid waste program, including County-wide recycling.
In June 2000, the Board of Commissioners adopted a Resolution which requires each solid waste disposal facility authorized in the Plan to enter into a contract with Ingham County to provide on-site recycling, collect and provide data regarding annual volumes of the County’s waste disposed at the facility and pay $.42 per cubic yard for all Ingham County waste. These funds will be used to fund solid waste activities, including recycling drop off sites for the rural areas.
Granger Associates, Inc. filed a lawsuit against this County in December 2000. The lawsuit requested relief from the requirements of the Plan. Negotiations from December 2000 to December 2002 were ongoing in an effort to settle the Granger lawsuit.
The County entered into a Solid Waste Disposal Funding and Settlement agreement with Granger, Allied and Waste Management. The Waste Management agreement includes the continuation of the rural recycling program until December 31, 2005.
Mr. Wilson stated letters are sent to the local municipalities each year reminding them of the end date of the rural recycling program. Once the program ends, the municipalities will be responsible for funding their own rural recycling programs. Mason held a meeting last week to update the community regarding this issue. Approximately 80 people attended this meeting. About 90% of the public was very receptive to working with communities in an effort to develop the best recycling program possible.
(Chairperson Celentino arrived at 7:18 p.m.)
Mr. Neilsen stated the reminder letters to the municipalities also inform them that the County is willing to work with them to develop rural recycling programs.
Mr. Wilson addressed questions from the Committee at this time. In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Wilson stated the Solid Waste Plan includes ten funding mechanisms. Comm. Severino stated it would be fair to offer the local communities the first opportunity to bid on the recycling contract. Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant asked for additional information regarding the Mason meeting. Mr. Wilson stated the people are willing to increase taxes for a local recycling program. The City of Mason could take the lead in the development of a new recycling program. A Leslie representative was also present at that meeting. Leslie is also willing to work with Mason on this matter.
k. Update Regarding Ingham Advantage Program
Ms. Wilson distributed update information to the Committee for their review. Currently, three businesses are enrolled in the Ingham Advantage Program. The Program is currently enrolling new businesses. However, the inquiries have decreased in the past month. The inquiries are now from word of mouth, Health Department referrals and Flap Jack restaurant ads.
The enrollment process as well as USHL’s policies are now understood and are working smoothly. The 75% rule has further clarified the process and has not been a barrier to enrollment. Current barriers include not offering insurance in the past two years, $10 or less and new businesses. The $10 an hour rule may be increased to $12. Ms. Wilson stated the Marketing Plan includes continued grass roots outreach, direct mailing and cost effective options.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated some of her constituents are concerned that they don’t qualify for the Advantage Program. Comm. Hertel stated spouses of Program business owners are covered by the Program. Ms. Wilson encouraged the constituents to call her so that she may address their concerns.
Comm. Severino asked if there are any limits on expanding the Program. Ms. Wilson stated the 2005 budget allows for 500 businesses. She further explained some of the financial aspects of the Advantage Program. Comm. Hertel stated Ingham County Advantage is looking to place more businesses in the Program, not to have people change from their current insurance to the Program.
In response to Chairperson Celentino, Ms. Wilson explained that the hourly rate has been an issue of discussion in regard to the Program. A change to the hourly rate may be made in the future. Comm. Hertel suggested the rate could be changed over time. Ms. Wilson stated she will take this issue to the Health Center Board at its next regular meeting. This discussion continued.
In response to Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant, Ms. Wilson stated the Lansing Chamber of Commerce has not been very receptive to this Program. Comm. Hertel stated he believes one of the Chamber’s concerns involves the lack of a sunset date in the Program. Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant expressed this Committee’s concern that the Chamber of Commerce is not embracing the Ingham County Advantage Program.
4. Board Referral – Resolution from Lake County in Support of the Drug Fair Pricing Act and the Great Lakes Alliance for Affordable Drugs Act
The Board Referral was received and placed on file.
Announcements
Comm. Schor informed the Committee that Clinton County turned down the 211 funding.
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff