Amended 8/20/07
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
July 16, 2007
Minutes
Members Present: Curtis Hertel, Mark Grebner, Andy Schor, Tim Soule, Mike Severino, Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Board Chairperson Marc Thomas
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Jared Cypher, John Jacobs, Jim Wilson, Laura Peterson, Dr. Sienko, Robin Reynolds, Sara Lurie, Susan Brown, Luke Kreft, Melany Mack, Kitty Dowding, Greg Holzman and Ed Weglarz
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.
Approval of the June 18, 2007 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE JUNE 18 MINUTES A SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Severino
Additions to the Agenda
1g. Substitute Resolution to Amend the Health Department Fee Schedules
3c. Late – Resolution Authorizing a Contingency Fund Appropriation to the Allen Neighborhood Center, Baker Donora Focus Center, Southside Community Center and Northwest Initiative
Limited Public Comment
Chairperson Hertel informed the public that the smoking issue is not on tonight’s agenda.
Dr. Holzman, Chief Medical Executive for the Michigan Department of Community Health, addressed the Committee regarding agenda item 1f. He addressed the Committee as a citizen of Ingham County. Mr. Holzman spoke of the dangers of smoking and the inhalation of second hand smoke. He applauded Ingham County and its Health Department for their efforts to assist people in quitting smoking. He then reminded the Committee that many smokers are addicted to smoking and it is very difficult to quit. Mr. Holzman suggested the Committee allocate some of the funds to assist them in quitting smoking.
Mr. Weglarz, Associated Food & Petroleum Dealers, asked the Committee to reconsider raising the fee to sell tobacco in Ingham County. Raising the fees means raising the tobacco costs to consumers which will send them to another county to purchase tobacco products. He spoke further regarding the costs associated with businesses who sell tobacco products. Mr. Weglarz requested that the increase be made more reasonable.
Ms. Lurie, Eaton Intermediate School District and Lansing resident, addressed the Committee regarding agenda item 1f. Ms. Lurie referred to her July 16, 2007 letter to Dr. Sienko in which she indicates her support for the proposed increase in tobacco-licensing fees. Ms. Lurie strongly urged the Committee to increase the licensing fees. The fees support work that is critical to the health and well being of the youth and adults in our community.
Ms. Brown, Lansing Township resident, addressed the Committee regarding agenda item 1f. Ms. Brown stated she works in the tobacco business. As a tax payer, she stated everyone is aware of the current tough economic times; however, paying the increased licensing fee is a part of conducting business as a tobacco product retailer. The retailers should pay a reasonable cost to assist in enforcing the smoking laws.
Ms. Dowding, owner of Living Art Tattoo in Holt, commended the County for trying to come up with a solution to keep people from tattooing in their homes. She then expressed her hope that the fines will keep the people in this community safe.
1. Health Department
f. Resolution to Increase the Fee for Tobacco Licenses and Change the Licensing Period to One Year
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO INCREASE THE FEE FOR TOBACCO LICENSES AND CHANGE THE LICENSING PERIOD TO ONE YEAR.
Dr. Sienko stated the Board of Commissioners adopted a tobacco regulation which requires a license for the retail of tobacco in Resolution #92-95. The Resolution further prohibits the sales of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18. This regulation became effective January 1, 1993 and has not been increased although the costs for issuing licenses and conducting enforcement activities have risen significantly over the past 15 years. Since implementing this fee, Dr. Sienko stated the smoking rate of minors has decreased greatly. The vendors should pay the County for what its costs to implement this program.
Comm. Schor asked for clarification regarding the proposed changes. Ms. Mack explained the new licensing period would begin on January 1, 2008. The new annual rate would be $250 ($750 for three years).
Comm. Bahar-Cook asked if Eaton and Clinton Counties have similar fees. Ms. Mack stated Genesee, Marquette and Ingham Count ies are the only counties that have these fees. Comm. Severino asked if the Health Department provides education to the vendors. Ms. Mack stated during the licensing process, the vendors do receive an education visit.
Comm. Severino stated he will vote against this fee increase. The State has increased the tobacco tax over the years. Some of that revenue should be shared with the Counties to assist in their efforts. Increasing the fee at the County level will not assist County business owners in making a living.
Comm. Soule asked if the Health Department has considered raising other fees associated with this issue. Ms. Mack stated the County Attorney’s office is reviewing this issue and information will be available to this Committee in the fall of 2007.
Comm. Schor asked if the revenue associated with the license fees are included in the agenda information. Ms. Mack stated the County does not receive any revenue from the licensing fees. There have been very fee regulation offenses.
Comm. Schor stated he is sensitive to the large increase. He then stated he does not believe the increase will keep people from purchasing tobacco products.
MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Severino voting NO.
g. Substitute Resolution to Amend the Health Department Fee Schedules
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT FEE SCHEDULES.
Dr. Sienko informed the Committee that the Substitute Resolution does not include the fee for food service establishments where a potential environmental tobacco smoke threat exists to non-smoking areas. This issue will be addressed at a later date. He then stated the $450 fee for a tattooing business operating without an initial license or reinstatement of a revoked license is 100% of the cost.
Comm. Bahar-Cook asked if the Health Department had heard from people opposing any of the fee increases. Mr. Wilson stated the Department heard from someone regarding the Child and Adult Care Facility license non-compliant with well and/or septic inspection fee. Dr. Sienko stated the proposed fee is a reduction to the current fee. Mr. Wilson also stated the Department received a phone call from a person regarding the day care fee. The Department has not been able to contact the person as of this date.
MOTION CARRIED Severino voting NO.
3. Board Referrals
c. Resolution Authorizing a Contingency Fund Appropriation to the Allen Neighborhood Center, Baker Donora Focus Center, Southside Community Center and Northwest Initiative
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTINGENCY FUND APPROPRIATION TO THE ALLEN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER, BAKER DONORA FOCUS CENTER, SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER AND NORTHWEST INITIATIVE.
Comm. Grebner asked if this will be a one-time appropriation. Comm. Schor stated it is the intent of the County to assist in an emergency situation. This is not intended to be a continuous funding stream. Future funding requests would be made through the normal County budget process.
Comm. Bahar-Cook stated the Lansing district Commissioners spoke with Mayor Bernero regarding their displeasure with this situation.
After further discussion, the Committee consented to the following amendments:
FRIENDLY AMEND: WHEREAS, the shortfall occurred in the middle of the City’s fiscal year and has threatened staff layoffs or the closure of facilities if funds are not found;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners has declared that this appropriation be considered a one-time contribution.
MOTION CARRIED as amended with Comm. Severino voting NO.
a. Letter from the Capital Area District Library Regarding Charging a Non-Resident Fee
b. Letter from Mayor Bernero Regarding Proposal for Shortfall for Neighborhood Centers
The Board Referrals were received and placed on file.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff