Amended 11/19/07
HUMAN SERVICES
November 5, 2007
Minutes
PRESENT: Rebecca Bahar-Cook, Mark Grebner, Curtis Hertel, Andy Schor, Tim Soule and Board Chairperson Marc Thomas.
ABSENT:
Mike Severino.
OTHERS:
Jared Cypher, Dean Sienko, Timothy
Perrone, Melany Mack, Judy Craddock and others.
The Human Services Committee meeting was called to order at
approximately 7:02 p.m., in Conference Room A of the Human Services Building,
5303 S. Cedar, Lansing..
Approval of the October 15, 2007 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, SUPPORTED
BY COMM. SCHOR TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 15, 2007 MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm Severino
Additions to the Agenda
Additional Community Agency information
Item #3 pulled. .
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK TO APPROVE A CONSENT
AGENDA FOR ITEMS:
2. Health Department
a. Resolution to Authorize 2007-2008 Medical Provider Agreement with the Ingham Health Plan Corporation
b. Resolution to
Renew a Lease Agreement for the Pediatric Dental Clinic at 2815
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Severino
1a. Public Hearings - Amendment to the Ingham County Sanitary Code to Require Food Services Establishments to Provide Signage Referring Complaints of Alleged Foodborne Illness to the Ingham County Health Department
Comm. Hertel explained that no action will be taken
on either of the public hearings at this meeting. Action will be taken at
a subsequent meeting in order to allow the committee the opportunity to
consider what has been said at this meeting by the public.
Comm. Schor explained his reasons for the ordinance
changes to the Sanitary Code. If the restaurant receives a call from a patron
they should give out the Health Department’s telephone number and signs should
be posted.
Andy Deloney, representing the Michigan Restaurant
Association explained that this is an issue that is taken very seriously.
The second part “posting” is of concern to him because this will scare
patrons. They feel the customer will look at the sign and be concerned
about eating at the establishment.
Comm. Schor indicated that he is sensitive to the concern. He explained that the Health Department could put up a notification stating that this is a requirement for all restaurants by the Health Department. Comm. Schor asked if there is some language that could be used that would make the Michigan Restaurant Association members more comfortable.
Mr.
Deloney feels that the 1st part of the
concern would take care of the problem and would be sufficient. Outside
the County border, 15 minutes away, they will not have this requirement,
Richard Bruner, General Manager of the University
Club of MSU distributed a Common Foodborne
Pathogens sheet. He asked the committee to notice the incubation period
and explained that if someone gets a foodborne
illness at a restaurant they will be far removed from the establishment before
the symptoms hit; so they would still have to look up the phone number from
another site. He has no problem with the first part of the
proposal. The second part he feels would have a negative effect on his
patrons. Mr. Bruner asked “Where in my lobby would I want to put up a
sign that says don’t eat in my restaurant it’s safer to eat at home”?
Will Tyler White – Owner of the Travelers Club Okemos
and member of the Michigan Restaurant Association – Mr. White echoed what the
other speakers have said. It is a practical matter that is not
enforceable. It is pointless. People will ignore the posting.
If you post this sign you will get a lot of calls that are not food
related. A public education campaign would work better than posting a
sign or having a proposed ordinance.
Comm. Bahar-Cook asked for clarification that Mr. White was okay with the 1st part and that only the posting of the sign is what he objects too.
Mr. White stated that he does not think it should be required he does that already and has told his patrons to call the Health Department or go to the hospital and they will call the Health Department, so he does not have a problem with that. It is the 2nd part he objects to.
Comm. Thomas asked Mr. White if he had actually had a call
from a patron that he has actually instructed to go to the Health Department.
Mr. White responded that yes he has and feels any responsible restaurant owner
would.
Chairperson Hertel closed the public hearing
on this matter.
Chairperson Hertel asked that staff bring back to the
Committee two versions of the proposal, one with part two and one without
part two. He wants to see both options and a third if someone has
one. Bring them to the next meeting on November 19th.
1b Amendment to the Regulation
Requiring a License for Retail
Location of Tobacco Vending Machines
Dr. Seinko gave a short synopsis on the changes of the regulation. In addition to it being unlawful to sell tobacco to an individual under 18 years of age, it would also be unlawful to attempt to sell or deliver tobacco to an individual under 18 years of age.
The Health Department also wants to change a license from a 3 yr to a 1 yr
term. This would be helpful to vendors who might sell their
operation. They would only incur a one year expense instead of a 3 year
expense.
They propose in Article 4 to make an amendment to allow the Health Department
to use some of the revenues generated from this program to assist them in their
tobacco control programs. In Article 4 Section 3 on the license fee, they
want to bring everybody up to the same level. In the past vendors who
have paid a fee to municipalities would not pay any difference from the
municipal fee to the County fee. Now they want everyone in the County to
pay the same amount. So if they pay a certain amount to a municipality
then a difference would have to go to the County fee. For fee
distribution they would like 30 days notice. If an employee or agent of a
retailer violates this, on a 1st offense, they would like an option
to have that person pay a fine or attend a tobacco education program that the
County would provide.
In Article 7 Section 3 in terms of license suspension and revocation, change
where it says the Health Officer shall suspend or revoke the license, where
ever it says “shall” change it to “may” to give us the option to consider all
circumstances.
Susan Brown from
Comm. Hertel announced that the public hearing on
this issue is closed. Amendment is to be brought to the next meeting on
November 19th.
4. Controller’s Office –
Resolution Authorizing 2008 Agreements for_Community Agencies
Jared Cypher explained that $125,985 was
allocated for Human Services Committee Community agencies. The
Judiciary Committee gave $5,650 of the money that was allocated to them to
Human Services for a new total of $131,635. If every existing agency
was given a flat appropriation for 2008 there would be approximately $16,000 to
$18,000 remaining to split between the new agencies that applied. If you
include an agency that I called on the total would be $115,725 without the
agency it’s $113,108.
Representatives of the community agencies in attendance identified
themselves. Ten groups were absent: Cristo
Rey Community Center Roots & Wings, Cristo Rey Community Center
Prescription Assistance, Listening Ear, MSU Detroit College of Law,
Chairperson Hertel excused anyone who is happy with
what they were given last year and would accept the same for 2008.
Addiction Relief & Support Services.
Comm. Bahar-Cook inquired about
other agencies that do this work and the duplication of services
and asked why would the County want to give money for duplication of
services? David Beatty replied that many do not have a 501c3, Addition
Relief and Support Services has worked to get a 501c3. There is not
enough transitional housing for homeless people. The need is still there
in spite of the duplication. Eaton and
Comm. Bahar-Cook asked if they had ever approached
the other two counties for grants. Mr. Beatty replied that he has not
asked the other counties for grants.
Gateway Community Services: Dennis Neuner, Executive Director addressed the Committee.
Comm. Bahar-Cook asked since Gateway Community
Services’ application mentioned Tri-County services more than any other, has
Gateway requested money from the other counties. Mr. Neuner
indicated that he has not requested funding from other counties at this time.
However, since his becoming Director in May, Gateway has had some success
achieving funding from other sources such as Michigan Works.
In response to Comm. Bahar-Cook, Mr. Neuner explained the services provided to their clients,
indicating that the cost to house young people off the streets, try to enhance
their education, provide them employment and develop their skills for
independent living is $5,650 a year per person. This cost is small and
justifiable compared to the $39,000-$45,000 it would cost to house them in a
public correctional facility.
Comm. Schor asked how many years Gateway Community Services
has been getting funding from the County. Mr. Neuner
answered 6 or 7 years but isn’t certain.
Comm. Grebner gave a brief history on the length of
time Gateway has been receiving funds from the County.
Comm. Schor indicated that he would like to give
money to the new agencies and try to phase out the old agencies and expect them
to work toward finding other methods of funding. He asked Mr. Neuner how they work in conjunction with the courts or
county resources.
Mr. Neuner responded that they have referrals
from the courts, youth center, hospitals, jails, schools.
Mr. Neuner added that Gateway has asked for a $2,300 increase for Gateway Direct Care workers in order to give them an increase in salary of a $1.00 an hour to help recognize the important work they do. It will take them to slightly above minimum wage. Mr. Neuner stated that since he became Director he has realized the funding resources for Gateway are way too few and he is trying to diversify the funding for Gateway.
Eve Inc. – Susan Schultz, Executive Director. The shelter is known
as Eve’s House, a program for domestic violence victims as well as very
extensive support services, primarily counseling, advocacy, providing public
awareness in to the Community and working with youth. Their request is
for some assistance with supplementary money to help underwrite a portion of
the crisis line, advocacy, counseling and additional cost. The need comes
about as a result of budget cuts and the fact that this organization is heavily
grant funded.
Comm. Bahar-Cook asked Ms. Schultz to clarify the
answer on the application to question 3a: Have you ever received funding from
Ms Schultz explained that those funds were for the Personal Protection Office
which is a separate part from the shelter operation. That was funded by
the STOP Grant now the STOP Grant has been cut. The Judiciary Committee
has come forward with $13,000 to help make that part of the operation whole.
Comm. Bahar-Cook added that now EVE is asking for an
additional $15,540. The Judiciary Committee also gave funds to Legal
Services which ultimately goes to domestic violence. If this is granted
the County would be spending close to $53,000 on domestic violence.
Ms. Schultz stated that if you look at the statistics there is rational for
that. The statistics are extremely high. Locally their operation
has doubled the number of victims in the last six months. The shelter is
completely full right now. They have 30 beds and have been running
anywhere from 26 to 32, and have been that way since July.
Comm. Bahar-Cook added that the need for homeless,
the need for food, and the need for all the emergency services makes it is
difficult to weigh one emergency service over the other to justify the way this
is leaning.
Ms. Schultz responded that she understands and added that they are not greedy people, they try to be collaborative people in this
Community.
City of Lansing/Mayor’s Office Community Faith-Based Initiatives -
The Mayor’s Office Community of Faith-Based Initiatives has been
empowered to organize many of the Faith-Based and Church institutions within our
City that provide a plethora of services. But they were not organized and
there was duplication, they did not have the capacity to do their job
effectively. They want to bring those groups together collaboratively and
help them work effectively within the Community. The funding would be
used for staffing.
Comm. Schor expressed his concern about the City of
Comm. Grebner asked if it would be a 501C3 or City of
Comm. Bahar-Cook asked if it was set up to capture
Federal dollars.
Toiva Hinamann replied no,
it was set up to fund the Faith-Based initiatives. It is not a parallel
with the Government.
Ingham East Habitat for Humanity – Liz Hogg -
They are a restore that sells gently used furniture, appliances and building
supplies. They are requesting a one time and one time only
contract. They need the money to make their building more energy
efficient.
Comm. Schor said that this is quite a large request
and asked if any portion of the $7,385 would be going to help people in the
Community meet a basic need. If they were granted $2,000 or $3,000 would that meet a need?
Ms. Hogg explained how the funds would be spent
- $750 for floor fans, $150 shipping & handling, $550 for ceramic
heaters, $110 for shipping & handling, $400 for shelving, this totals
$1,960 to cool and heat the store. An additional $2,015 is needed for insulation, $1,050 for drywall and painting, $500
for labor to stud out the walls and some painting. The insulation is the
most important need.
Comm. Bahar-Cook asked how they fill a basic need in
the Community.
Ms. Hogg responded that they keep a lot of stuff out
of landfills, they provide low cost furniture, doors, windows, and appliances
to people who may not be able to afford new. They use the profits to
build the Habitat for Humanity Houses.
Bahar-Cook asked how many computers they would be
buying. Reverend Robert Nicholson responded that they would like to get
eight to ten computers and internet hook up.
Bahar-Cook - How many kids do you expect to have per session. He responded 8 to 12 kids for each training
session. The basic need filled would be education, life skills,
employability for at risk youth.
Comm. Schor asked who would be allowed to use these
computers. The answer was the door will be open to any children. They
also do family counseling. It is for everyone.
South Side Community Coalition – David Wiener, Chair of
the South Side Community Coalition Board. Primary service is
to at risk, low income, and young children. They have an active after
school program. Students from MSU help mentor the young people. In
the summer they provide 50 to 70 children with breakfast and lunch. They
have a Senior program, two days a week, one day a week
for youth. They have a Food Pantry as well as a phone and old computers
that people can use. They are a part of the Ingham County Health Plan and
canvassed over 1,000 households from which they signed up 300 people.
They are trying to be a full service Community Center, however, they have lost
30% of there funding with the cuts from the State. They are asking for
$6,000.
Comm. Bahar-Cook asked if they anticipate a one year
request while they look for other funding sources, or will there be a need to
come back year after year.
Mr. Wiener said he cannot say they will not come back not knowing what their
future is, but their hope is to find other funding sources.
Comm. Schor asked how many people generally come
through the program.
Mr. Wiener responded that they will serve 450 people in the course of a year.
Comm. Hertel asked Mr. Cypher
to compile the dollar amount of the agencies already funded, the requested
amounts from those in attendance, and the amount for those who are not here if
they were cut by 25%.
Comm. Hertel called for a 5 minute recess.
Back in session p.m. at 8:36
Jared Cypher reported funding amounts. The
amount already funded to agencies is $42,147, leaving $89,488 for the original
total of $131,635. If we funded returning Community Agencies at their
full requested amounts, for those who were here that total would be $54,799.
Leaving a total of $34,689 remaining. Then
looking at the repeat Community Agencies who are not here, giving them a 25%
cut the total comes to $23,507 that leaves $11,182 remaining.
Comm. Bahar-Cook has a problem with the Westside
Community YMCA funding. They were not in attendance so she suggested that
they take the money requested and give it to another agency that needs
it. She is slightly uncomfortable with the two Cristo
Rey Agencies, because she had questions for the Roots
and Wings she needed answers for and that they were not present, the other one
she feels is a duplication of services; she suggested both Cristo
Rey funds be reduced by 50%.
MOTION BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR THAT WE SPEND THE $54,799
FOR THE REAPPLYING AGENCIES WHO WERE PRESENT AT THIS HEARING AND THE $23,507
FOR THE REAPPLYING AGENCIES WHO WERE NOT PRESENT, AT A 25% CUT.
Comm. Bahar-Cook clarified that for those who did not
show, they should get a 25% cut.
Comm. Grebner raised his concern about cutting the
Listening Ear by 25%. They are a small agency that does a lot of good
things. He feels it is too harsh to cut the 25%.
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR TO KEEP
LISTENING EAR AT $6,602, THE PRESENT AMOUNT. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Severino
MOVED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK TO REDUCE THE
FUNDING FOR YMCA FROM $4,061 TO 0. MOTION FAILED DUE TO LACK OF
SUPPORT.
MOVED BY COMM. SOULE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK TO CUT YMCA FROM $4,061
TO $2,000, MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Hertel and Schor voting no. Absent: Comm. Severino
Bahar-Cook disclosed under the County Ethics Policy
that The Greater Lansing Food Bank is a client, and
Habitat for Humanity
MOVED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, TO NOT FUND THE
Comm. Grebner asked for the list of Agencies that are
proposed to be cut by 25%.
Mr. Cypher read of the following list of Agencies proposed to be cut by 25%:
Cristo Rey Root & Wings Anger Management for Teens
Listening Ear, Inc. was on this list but will now be funded at
last year’s rate.
St.
Westside Community YMCA was on this list but is now going to be funded at $2,000.
Comm. Schor asked for clarification about what the
issues are with the two
Mr. Cypher explained that he received an e-mail from
Comm. Thomas that
Comm. Schor asked if anyone knows anything about
this.
Margaret Houseman commented on behalf of
Comm. Grebner suggested that the funds be set aside
so they would be there in the event they are needed when the program is taken
over.
Comm. Thomas commented that the Lansing Area Parents’ Respite Center,
Inc. has been in our Community for 10 or 15 years, they are a long standing
program. Comm. Thomas understands that they happen to be housed in St. Vincent
but not really a
Comm. Schor commented that he would be uncomfortable
setting the money aside. He would rather eliminate it now and if they
come back for money later we give them the money on contingency.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR MOVED, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE TO BRING THE
A brief discussion was held on what funds are still available at this
point, after all the returning agencies have been considered, what is left for
new agency funding. Mr. Cypher reported that
there is roughly $15,000 left for new agency funding.
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO GIVE THE
Comm. Grebner brought up that he is not completely
comfortable with giving all the agencies that asked for larger amounts, the
full amount that they have requested. He would like to discuss shaving
down the requested amounts. Particularly Gateway
Community Services.
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR TO GIVE
GATEWAY COMMUNITY SERVICES $11,000. MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Hertel voting no. Absent: Comm. Severino
MOVED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER THAT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL
OF ALCOHOLISM RECEIVE $5,000. MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Hertel voting no. Absent: Comm. Severino
At 9:09 pm Chairperson Hertel called a short
recess. At 9:13 p.m., the meeting was back in session.
Mr. Cypher reported that at this point $17,875 is
unallocated.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE TO FUND $7,000
FOR EVE, $2,015 FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, $6,000 FOR SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY
COALITION, $2,860 FOR THE WOMEN’S CENTER. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Severino
Comm. Schor explained the reasons for his recommendations. The Southside Community Coalition has plans to cover nine or ten basic needs. Eve is one of the basic needs we should be supporting. Habitat for Humanity organization as a whole does contribute to the greater good so we should give them funding to help their operation help out the Community. The Women’s Center $2,860 is an appropriate amount since they did not show up.
Comm. Grebner expressed his desire to give more
money to Habitat for Humanity because they are an organization that does the
work they do for no pay.
MOVED BY COMM. SOULE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER TO AMEND THE MOTION TO
GIVE $3,015 TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND $5,000 TO SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY
COALITION. MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Schor
voting no. Absent: Comm. Severino
Comm. Bahar-Cook said while she
personally supports The Women’s Center, she thinks a precedent would be set to
fund an agency that did not come before the Committee.
MOVED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR TO TAKE MONEY FROM THE
WOMEN’S CENTER AND GIVE $4,015 TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, $7,860 TO EVE, AND
$6,000 TO SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Absent: Comm. Severino
Comm. Thomas stated that he is the one that suggested
to the Women’s Center that they apply for funding. He supports Comm. Bahar-Cook’s motion. He would be very happy to
go back to The Women’s Center and tell them that they should have
attended. And as long as they come next year their request will be
looked upon favorably.
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE
TO AMEND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO INCLUDE A RESOLVE, THAT IT WAS PROPOSED AS A
ONE TIME CAPITAL EXPENSE. AND SUBMIT A LETTER REPORTING WHAT THEY
DID WITH THOSE DOLLARS. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent:
Comm. Severino
Comm. Hertel stated that he would like to have
given money to
Also he would like to have seen MSU Kinship Care attend because of all the good
things they do, so that they could have received funding. He hopes that
if they apply next year they will do that in the future.
Comm. Grebner suggested that in the future the
Committees should set-up a task force to do research and take a look at which
of these agencies is the most efficient. Use paid staff to do the
review then bring it back to the Committees for their recommendations.
COMM. HERTEL ASKED ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE APPROVING ALL OF THE
MOTIONS. MOTIONS CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Severino
Announcements:
Comm. Schor announced that on the first part of the Public
Hearing, the 1st part of the Code change was his idea; the Health
Department had the idea for the 2nd part. Comm. Schor
has no problem with the signage but he really is only interested in the 1st
part.
Public Comment:
None
The meeting adjourned at 9:36 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Craddock