HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Approved 1/14/08

HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

December 3, 2007

Minutes

Members Present: Curtis Hertel, Mark Grebner, Rebecca Bahar-Cook, Andy Schor, Tim Soule, Mike Severino and Board Chairperson Thomas

Members Absent: None

Others Present: Susan Hill, Marge Bossenbery, Sue McIntosh, Maurice Reizen, Maria Enriquez, John Castillo, Gerald Jennings, Patrick Patterson, Andy Deloney, Norma Bauer, Cindie Alwood, Dr. Sienko, David Stoker, Michael Allen, Diane Gorch, Melany Mack, Noah Powell, Molly Poverento and others

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 November 19, 2007 Minutes

The November 19 Minutes were approved as submitted.

Additions to the Agenda

2l. Resolution to Change a Job Title and Classification within the Health Department

3c. Resolution to Authorize Subcontracts for the Purpose of Providing After School and Summer Programming in the City of Lansing

Limited Public Comment: None

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

2. Health Department

a. Resolution to Eliminate the Position of Public Health Risk Communication Specialist and Establish the Position of Health Educator II/Emergency Preparedness

c. Resolution to Authorize an Agreement with Lansing-Mason Ambulance for Medical Examiner Transports

d. Resolution to Authorize Three Child and Adolescent Health Center Grant Agreements with the Michigan Primary Care Association

f. Resolution to Appoint Dean G. Sienko, M.D. to the Post of Ingham County Medical Examiner

g. Resolution to Appoint Deputy Medical Examiners

h. Resolution to Establish the Term of Office, to Set Compensation for and to Authorize Independent Contractor Agreements with Deputy Medical Examiners

i. Resolution to Authorize an Amendment to the Contract with the Ionia County Health Department for Medical Direction and Program Consultation

j. Resolution to Authorize a 2007-2008 Agreement with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

l. Resolution to Change a Job Title and Classification within the Health Department

3c. Human Services Committee – Resolution to Authorize Subcontracts for the Purpose of

Providing After School and Summer Programming in the City of Lansing

4. Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing Adjustments to the 2007 Ingham County Budget and Authorizing the Controller to Make Year End Budget Adjustments

1. Interviews

b. Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission

The Committee interviewed Maria Enriquez and Debbie Smith for a position on the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission.

(Comm. Schor arrived at 7:06 p.m.)

a. Board of Health

The Committee interviewed Molly Polverento for a position on the Board of Health.

2. Health Department

b. Resolution to Authorize Acceptance of a Federal Assistance Award for Health Care Services for the Homeless

MOVED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE ACCEPTANCE OF A FEDERAL ASSISTANCE AWARD FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES.

Comm. Bahar-Cook asked if the Salvation Army is involved in this effort. Dr. Sienko stated he could find out this information for her.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

e. Resolution to Amend the Ingham County, Michigan Regulation Eliminating Smoking in Public and Private Worksites by Adding New Requirements for Protecting Air Quality in Restaurants, Bars and Other Food Service Establishments which have Designated Smoking and Non-smoking Areas.

MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN REGULATION ELIMINATING SMOKING IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE WORKSITES BY ADDING NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTING AIR QUALITY IN RESTAURANTS, BARS AND OTHER FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH HAVE DESIGNATED SMOKING AND NONSMOKING AREAS.

Comm. Schor stated he wants the Health Department to inform this Committee of the number of waivers it receives regarding the Regulation. Comm. Bahar-Cook stated she understands the Board of Health’s efforts; however, she stated she still has concerns with some of the proposed changes. The changes go too far by trying to make non-smoking areas free of smoke. Comm. Bahar-Cook further stated the proposed changes will cost the businesses a lot of money.

Comm. Grebner spoke regarding the State’s and the County’s roles in law making. The State’s smoking law is regarding restaurants is vague. The law is not meant to keep people from smoking. Comm. Grebner stated the County applies its rules to carry out the will of the State government. He then stated his original draft addresses Comm. Bahar-Cook’s concern regarding the level of allowable smoke. The Board of Health has made changes to his original draft. The goal of the Regulation is to have a part of the restaurant be less smoky.

Comm. Grebner stated if a restaurant cannot afford to meet State requirements, it should close. The restaurants and bars will have ten to fifteen years to implement the required changes. We need to protect public health.

Chairperson Hertel stated he supports smoke free laws. The laws are important for the children and for the employees in restaurants and bars. The Committee needs to go back to Comm. Grebner’s earlier proposal. Also the proposal should describe what it will mean to the establishments it effects. Chairperson Hertel stated the motion should be tabled and the proposal should be reworked. This issue will be addressed in 2008 under the leadership of Comm. Schor.

Comm. Bahar-Cook stated she would like to see changes to the time periods as follows: Section 1016, subsection B1b, from five years to 10 years; B1c, from 10 years to 15 years; and subsection B1d, from five years to 10 years. She then stated she would like the penalty for violating the regulation to be changed. Suspending an establishment’s license is very punitive.

Board Chairperson Thomas stated it would be good for the Commissioners to indicate what they need in order for the Resolution to pass this Committee. Comm. Soule stated the Regulation does not contain a measuring device for smoke levels. A measurement mechanism should be included in the Regulation.

Comm. Schor stated he does intend to take this matter up next year. If the 2008 Committee is inclined to address the issues, he intends to do so early next year. He further stated he does favor the Regulation. The legal argument is not so important. We should do what we feel is right for our constituents.

Dr. Reizen, Board of Health, apologized to the Committee that there concerns were not addressed in the proposal. He stated an establishment must have at least two ventilation systems in order to have a non-smoking section.

Comm. Grebner stated his original proposal required that the Health Officer must approve an establishment’s plan. The establishment must then follow its plan. We are talking about relative protection of the air quality. Comm. Grebner stated the State will eventually become smoke free. He then expressed his concern regarding Comm. Bahar-Cook’s suggestion to give the establishments more time to meet the Regulation requirements.

MOVED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO TABLE THE RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN REGULATION ELIMINATING SMOKING IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE WORKSITES BY ADDING NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTING AIR QUALITY IN RESTAURANTS, BARS AND OTHER FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH HAVE DESIGNATED SMOKING AND NONSMOKING AREAS.

Comm. Severino withdrew his support of the motion to table.

The Committee held a brief discussion.

k. Proposed Resolutions for Sanitary Code Amendments Regarding Reporting Complaints of Alleged Foodborne Illnesses

The Committee reviewed the three versions of the proposed amendments to the Sanitary Code. Comm. Schor stated he believes it’s wise for people to be informed of the Health Department’s telephone number so that they may report foodborne illnesses. Chairperson Hertel stated he would like to see an actual license with the added language.

MOVED B Y COMM. BAHAR-COOK, SUPPORTED, COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AMEND CHAPTER IV OF THE INGHAM COUNTY SANITARY CODE, FOOD SERVICE SANITATION, BY ADDING NEW SECTIONS 410.1(E) AND 420.7, TO APPROVE REGULATIONS ON FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS REGARDING REQUIRED NOTICES AND REFRRALS TO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR COMPLAINTS OF ALLEGED FOODBORNE ILLNESS. (VERSION NUMBER 2)

Ms. Gorch, Health Department, left the meeting to obtain a copy of a license. The Committee will take this matter up once they review this license.

MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO TABLE THIS MATTER FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE HALF HOUR. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Human Services Committee

a. Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Volunteers of America for the New Hope Day Shelter Program

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA FOR THE NEW HOPE DAY SHELTER PROGRAM.

Mr. Patterson stated the New Hope Day Shelter Program is the largest program of its type in the area. It is a place of refuge and recovery. A variety of services are provided through this Program.

Comm. Bahar-Cook stated she agrees with staff’s recommendation. Volunteers of America (VOA) requested a one-time funding supplement in 2005. Comm. Schor stated he remembers Volunteers of America being here in 2005. They requested one-time funding to help them out of a financial situation. Comm. Schor asked why they are requesting additional funding and why this request did not proceed through the Community Agency process.

Mr. Patterson stated he was confident when he informed this Committee in 2005 that he was requesting a one-time appropriation. Things have changed dramatically at HUD since that time. Mr. Patterson further stated homelessness is a regional issue.

Board Chairperson Thomas stated the VOA originally applied to the County’s Community Agency process in 2005. The County requested the agency to come out of the Community Agency process since it probably had a need that was higher than those of the Community Agencies. A handful of Commissioners met with the VOA three months ago to discuss their budget concerns for 2008. From that meeting, VOA was instructed to keep the County informed of their situation. Due to the extraordinary nature of the request, it would be good for the County to try to help in some small way.

Mr. Cypher stated the current balance of the 2007 Contingency Fund is $68,129. The Drain Tax issue took $400,000 from the Fund.

Chairperson Hertel stated we have a serious and growing homeless problem in the County. Agencies in the Community Agency process do not address this problem. Next year, the VOA should become a part of our normal budget process. We should contract for services with Volunteers of America. Chairperson Hertel strongly suggested this Committee fund some amount this evening.

Comm. Severino stated it is unfair to the other agencies to make a special appropriation to other agencies outside of the normal process. We should follow the County’s normal process.

Mr. Patterson stated VOA has long-term pledges from local organizations and the City has increased its appropriation by $25,000 for 2008.

Comm. Bahar-Cook stated she agrees with Comm. Severino’s statements. She further stated we should have heard about VOA’s funding concerns earlier.

Board Chairperson Thomas stated the VOA came to us earlier in the year with their concerns. Comm. Bahar-Cook stated other agencies follow the normal process. Chairperson Hertel stated the County funds other agencies outside of the Community Agency process. The Community Agency process is not the only process whereby an agency receives County funding.

MOVED BY COMM. SOULE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION TO CHANGE THE ALLOCATION FROM $30,000 TO $10,000.

Comm. Schor agreed that homelessness should not get caught in our process. During the 2008 Community Agency process, we did not fund some agencies because they did not show up for the budget hearings. We will set an awful precedent by approving this funding request. If the VOA had applied to the Community Agency process they probably would have received $5,000.

MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO AMEND THE AMENDMDENT, TO CHANGE THE ALLOCATION FROM $10,000 TO $5,000 FROM THE 2007 CONTINGENCY FUND AND TO INDICATE THE VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA SHOULD APPLY TO THE 2008 BUDGET PROCESS.

Mr. Jennings, VOA, stated the homeless people in this County will suffer due to this punishment.

Chairperson Hertel stated he supports the efforts of the VOA; however, every agency that comes before this Committee is helping our residents. A $5,000 appropriation from the County should not be considered a punishment by the VOA. Comm. Schor stated the County supports agencies which deal with life and death issues every day. We are trying to find an appropriate compromise within our budget constraints.

$5,000 AMEND: MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Grebner and Soule voting NO.

AMENDMENT AS AMENDED: CARRIED with Comms. Grebner and Soule voting NO.

Comm. Grebner stated he will make a motion to increase the appropriation on the Board floor.

Mr. Patterson stated the VOA does not mean any disrespect to the County. He stated this is one of the poorest Counties in the State. Eighty percent of the clients that the VOA serves are Ingham County residents. We need as much help as we can get.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

b. Resolution Authorizing a 2008 Contingency Appropriation to the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, Inc.

MOVED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A 2008 CONTINGENCY APPROPRIATION TO THE WOMEN’S CENTER OF GREATER LANSING, INC.

Comm. Bahar-Cook asked staff if any of the first-time Community Agencies received funding from this Committee if they were not present at the Budget Hearing. Mr. Cypher stated those agencies did not receive funding.

Ms. Alwood stated the Women’s Center provides services to women in the greater Lansing area. Many of these women live in Ingham County. We submitted a proposal for grant consideration in November but did not receive notification of the Budget Hearing. We were then invited to tonight’s meeting for reconsideration of the request.

MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO APPROPRIATE $5,000 TO THE WOMEN’S CENTER OF GREATER LANSING, INC. FROM THE 2007 CONTINGENCY FUND.

Comm. Schor explained that he made the above motion because they were not notified of the Budget Hearing. The Women’s Center probably would have received $5,000 through the Community Agency process.

Comm. Bahar-Cook stated she is very supportive of the Women’s Center; however, she expressed her concern that the other agencies which did not receive notification will also request funding from the Contingency Fund.

MOVED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO AMEND THE ABOVE MOTION TO $2,500.

Comm. Severino stated if things pass on the Board floor on another item, he reserves the right to vote against this matter on the Board floor. Comm. Tennis stated the Women’s Center and the VOA provide needed services to our residents. If we have $5,000 in the Contingency Fund, we should appropriate that amount.

Board Chairperson Thomas stated he is generally in favor of following our standard process. Unfortunately, our process in this particular case was flawed due to the miscommunication. The residents should not be punished due to a mistake on the County’s part. Board Chairperson Thomas stated the Women’s Center probably would have received $4,000 or $3,500 in the Community Agency process if they had received proper notice.

Chairperson Hertel apologized to the Community Agencies for the County’s flawed Community Agency process. In the future, staff will mail postcards to the Agencies notifying them of the process. He committed himself to helping to fix the Community Agency process next year.

Comm. Schor agreed with Chairperson Hertel. He then stated the other Agencies which did not receive proper notice should be informed that they may submit requests in the amount of $5,000.

Comm. Severino stated our Community Agency process is flawed; however, it does work. Any changes to improve the process should be done before the 2009 budget process. Comm. Grebner stated he will propose a change to the Community Agency process in 2008.

MOTION TO AMEND FAILED with Comms. Bahar-Cook and Severino voting YES.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2k. Continued

Chairperson Hertel stated the license is appropriate.

MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SOULE, TO REMOVE THE ITEM FROM THE TABLE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MAIN MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Announcements: None

Public Comment: None

The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff