Amended 5/27/04
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Members Present: Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Dianne Holman, Calvin Lynch, Mark Grebner, Mary Stid, Randy Schafer and Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: None
Others Present: John Neilsen, Jeff Venn, Don Reisig, Harry Moxley, David Buck, Christine Timmon, Loretta Beachnau, Judge McCabe, Anethia Brewer, Roshawnda Lilly, Heather Baugh, Rebecca Baugh, Bobby Lilly and Keyarea Buckley
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant at 7:05 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the April 29, 2004 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE THE APRIL 29 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Lynch
Additions to the Agenda: None
Limited Public Comment
Ms. Timmon addressed the Committee regarding cameras in the Courthouse. She addressed the Committee regarding this matter at the last Judiciary meeting. Ms. Timmon stated the policy regarding cameras in the Courthouse should be posted where it is seen by the public before it enters the Courtroom.
Judge McCabe introduced Anethia Brewer, the new Court Administrator, to the Committee. She stated Ms. Brewer has been with the County for two weeks. Ms. Brewer previously worked for Jackson County. Judge McCabe stated the District Court is thrilled to have Ms. Brewer as the new Court Administrator.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated this Committee addressed the Fees issue at a previous meeting. Some questions were raised at that time regarding the 55th District Court's proposed fees. Mr. Neilsen stated Mr. Thiesen communicated the Court's disagreement with the Controller's proposed fee recommendations in a memo to Ms. Younger, dated March 9, 2004. The communication indicated the fees target probationers who are already financially stressed due to existing internal and external fees. Mr. Thiesen's communication also stated the Court would make every effort to increase revenues, however, not by increasing the identified fees. Mr. Neilsen further stated Judge McCabe could not be present at the last meeting to address this Committee's concerns.
Judge McCabe stated the Court was daunted by the proposed fee increases. The Court understands the County's budget situation and it enjoys a good working relationship with the Controller's Office. However, the Court has increased fees every year for the past several years. The County also has to understand the people the Court works with. Judge McCabe further stated the Maximus study recommendations are off the wall. It recommends that defendants work for community agencies as part of their sentencing while paying $20 to do so.
Judge McCabe explained the Court will do everything it can to balance the Court's budget, however, it may do things differently than Maximus' recommendations. In response to Comm. Holman, Judge McCabe stated the Court is looking to the Traffic Division in its search for budget balancing ideas. The Court is currently working with the MIS Department regarding this matter.
Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee that the Controller's Office has reviewed the Court's revenue projections. The Court is currently on target with the Controller's recommendations.
(Comm. Lynch arrived at 7:17 p.m.)
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant expressed her appreciation to Judge McCabe for this dialogue. This Committee hopes to continue to this dialogue. She then requested the 55th District Court keep this Committee up to date regarding their actions to maintain its budget.
Ms. Beachnau, Peckham Crossroads Program, explained the Program is a community-based, comprehensive day treatment program for the Ingham County 30th Circuit Court - Family Division referred youthful offenders between the ages of 14 and 17. This Program was designed as an alternative to long-term detention or residential placements with the efforts of the Court, Pechkam, Inc., Ingham County Board of Commissioners and the Lansing School District.
The goal of the Program is to reduce recidivism, improve social functioning, increase academic performance and provide job skills training for youths that have been unsuccessful in traditional settings. Program youth and their parents make a minimum 12-month commitment to the Program.
Currently, 30 youth are enrolled in the Day Treatment Program. This involves academic assistance, work and job skills training at Peckham three hours a day. The youth work at preparing military apparel or conducting services for General Motors. Ms. Beachnau explained this type of work teaches the youth soft-skills, such as working as a team and being responsible. Youth also have time to explore careers through Michigan Area Capital Works.
Program youth want to be in this Program. Some youth who reach their graduation status, request to stay with the Program for one additional term. Ms. Beachnau informed the Committee that Peckham's graduation is June 30, 2004. Of the 30 graduates, 15 will take part in the ceremony. The Commissioners were invited to attend the graduation.
Ms. Beachnau stated Peckham has implemented Dr. Latessa's recommended cognitive development programs. The Program's cash incentive program has been eliminated. Youth may enjoy after-hour activities when appropriate. The youth make suggestions as to what the activity shall be.
Comm. Schafer inquired as to the Program's work training. Ms. Beachnau stated youth are paid for their work. The pay they receive is determined by the specific contract work they are performing. Currently, the average hourly pay is $6 per hour. These wages are used to help pay the youth's restitution requirements. Comm. Schafer stated he has visited Peckham in the past and has been very impressed with its Program.
Comm. Stid asked how the Program evaluated its services prior to the Latessa Report. Ms. Beachnau explained that Peckham is now using outcome-based measures. The Program, however, continues to also use the twelve-month schedule as it has in the past. She also explained, in response to Comm. Stid, that youth receive job interview skills during the second phase of their treatment. Interview skills training is a very big part of the vocational training component.
In response to Comm. Holman, Ms. Beachnau stated the Peckham staff is receiving cognitive training as recommended by Dr. Latessa's report. This information is also included on Peckham's website. The training involves very strict guidelines. The cognitive development program includes walking a youth through his/her underlying experiences which lead him/her to this point in life. These experiences are reviewed and discussed with each youth to determine how the youth can make changes in order to lead a successful life. Anger issues are addressed in a separate program.
Chairperson Celentino asked about Peckham's after-hours program. Ms. Beachnau explained the after-hours program is not a residential program. Youth are responsible for transportation to Peckham and then Peckham will provide transportation to the homes of the youth. This program targets younger youth with attendance and/or attitude issues.
Currently, there are 30 youth in the after-hours program. Peckham had to institute a waiting list for this program recently. The Lansing School District has approved a Summer School program which will be held at Peckham. Ms. Beachnau stated this will be a wonderful opportunity for the youth in Peckham's programs.
In response to Comm. Stid, Ms. Beachnau explained Peckham tried to work with literacy coalition workers in the past. However, Peckham determined that using MSU students is more efficient and successful for the students.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated this Committee recently met at Camp Highfields. During this meeting, some Highfield's youth indicated why they were at Highfields and that they are trying to get their acts together and to obtain and maintain jobs. Ms. Beachnau explained that Student Support Specialists works with youth when they are ready to transition back to public school. Youth may perform work study at Peckham during the first term during lunch hours. Lunch hour is a very difficult time for some students. Providing this services helps to ease the students' transition.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant asked about substance abuse treatment within the Program. Ms. Beachnau stated many of the Program youth have substance abuse issues. At times, 20 of 30 youth will test positive for substance abuse during random testing. Peckham is seeing more cocaine use because this drug is now readily available to area youth. The Program does address mental health issues for the youth and their families.. Peckham works with Cristo Rey, Child and Family Services and Community Mental Health. Peckham has 29 contracts with area organizations for the provision of different types of needed services for the youth.
In response to Comm. Lynch, Ms. Beachnau stated Program youth are not allowed to work if they are high.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated she is very pleased with Peckham's semester transition program. She then asked about those students who do not wish to return to school after completion of the Program requirements. Ms. Beachnau explained there are many other academic programs offered to the students. Program students are highly encouraged to receive their GED's. To be leased from the Program, a youth must return to school or have a full-time job.
In response to Comm. Lynch, Ms. Beachnau stated Peckham could not currently provide recidivism information. If a Program youth gets into some form of trouble at school, the school does contact Peckham.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant expressed her appreciation to Ms. Beachnau for her informative presentation.
Mr. Reisig explained the Friend of the Court budget shortfalls in 2003 and 2004 are due to reductions in incentive funding from the State of Michigan. The shortfalls are not due to the Court's overspending. The Court believes the incentive revenue decrease will create a structural shortfall of approximately $200,000 in the FOC budget for this and future years. Additional reductions in funding for 2004 will result from a reduction in CRP reimbursement of $117,086 for MIS services (the result of Maximus over-billing for such services in prior years), and a $20,000 reduction in statutory fees because of the Court's inability to "prioritize" their collection due to limitations engendered by our conversion to the MiCSES system.
Mr. Reisig's April 21, 2004 memorandum to Mr. Ambrose outlines the Court's proposed reductions for 2004 in order to partially offset the above shortfall of $337,086. The reductions include: the Restructuring of the Parenting Time Program; the Reduction of MIS Office Equipment Service Charge; the Reduction in Postage and Computer Supplies line items and Reduction in Personnel Costs Due to Staff Attrition. These reductions will result in lowering the FOC General Fund shortfall by $157,908. However, even with these reductions, the Court anticipates a deficit of $179,178 for 2004.
Mr. Reisig further explained the reduction in incentive funding is a statewide issue and does not reflect a "sub par" performance on the part of Ingham County FOC. The change in FOC collections have exceeded the state average in each of the last three fiscal years.
Mr. Neilsen distributed Friend of the Court Net GF Cost informational sheets to the Committee for their review. Mr. Moxley reviewed this information for the Committee. He then explained the Court is looking for the restoration of its 1999 and 2002 funding level.
Comm. Schafer stated he was confused by the language in the Resolution. Mr. Neilsen explained the Contingency Fund balance is approximately $120,000. Before the $179,178 appropriation can be made to the Court, the County must first replenish the CF account. A separate Resolution will be submitted to the Finance Committee and the Board meeting requesting to replenish the Contingency Fund. This issue will be more thoroughly explained during the Finance and Board meetings. However, if the Board does not approve the replenishment, the FOC will not receive the funds it has requested.
The Committee discussed this issue further. Mr. Reisig explained the Parenting Time position will be recreated in another form so that it will be reimbursed by the State. The Court is proposing to eliminate one position, transfer one position and to restructure duties as outlined in Mr. Reisig's memorandum.
MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. STID, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENTS AND CONTINGENCY FUND APPROPRIATION TO THE CIRCUIT COURT/FAMILY DIVISION - FRIEND OF THE COURT BUDGET.
Comm. Schafer expressed his ambivalence regarding the Court's request. He stated he was not convinced the Court has squeezed enough from its own budget. Also, many other County departments are experiencing financial difficulties.
In response to Comm. Grebner, Mr. Neilsen explained the Controller's Office can live the proposed MIS changes.
MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Schafer voting NO.
Announcements
Comm. Holman distributed updated copies of her Juvenile Justice Millage expenditure chart to the Committee. She requested this Committee place this item on an agenda for discussion in the near future. The Committee discussed this item briefly.
Public Comment
Ms. Baugh stated her mother appeared before this Committee in the past to inform it of this County's need for transitional services for females. Ms. Baugh stated her mother was speaking on her behalf. She then stated she has successfully completed her court-ordered out-of-state placement. Ms. Baugh explained her previous life experiences which involved drug abuse, theft and her many times in the County's Youth Center.
Ms. Baugh stated she is very thankful she was placed in a treatment program. She has learned how to live as a sober person and to help others and to work as a team member. When she returned home from placement, she returned to the same environment which was very scary for her. She has needed help to adapt to life after placement. She encouraged the County to develop transitional services for females so that they may be successful in the future.
Ms. Lilly stated she has been in the juvenile justice system she was in middle school. She first experienced substance abuse and theft at the age of 12. Ms. Lilly further stated she spent two years at Boys Town learning social and employment skills. She currently has a 4.0 grade point average at school.
Ms. Lilly stated she wished there were transitional services for females when she was released from Boys Town. This service is needed to help teach girls how to be members of their communities. Programs are also needed to help keep younger girls from getting into trouble.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant asked if the County could have done anything differently during Ms. Baugh's and Ms. Lilly's first times at the Youth Center. Ms. Lilly stated the County could not have done anything differently because teen girls believe they know everything.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated Ms. Baugh and Ms. Lilly were intelligent and well articulated. She wished them well and stated she would like to hear from them again in a year. The County is currently working to put female transitional services within this community.
Ms. Timmon spoke again regarding the Juvenile Justice Millage expenditures. She stated she has requested a full accounting of the JJM expenditures.
The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff