Amended 10/28/04

JUDICIARY

October 14, 2004

Minutes

 

 

Members Present:         Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Dianne Holman, Calvin Lynch, Mark Grebner, Mary Stid, Randy Schafer and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino

 

Members Absent:         None

 

Others Present:             John Neilsen, Sue LeDuc, Nervy Oliver, Jeff Venn, Beryl Frenger, Steve Luciano and Larry Coles

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant at 7:14 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

 

Approval of the September 30, 2004 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. LYNCH, TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 30 MINUTES AS AMENDED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

Additions to the Agenda:           None

Limited Public Comment:          None

 

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

 

1.         55th District Court

a.         Resolution to Authorize Entering into  a Contract with the State of Michigan, Office of Drug Control Policy for the U.S. Department of Justice Byrne Memorial Grant for the 55th District Court/Drug Court

b.         Resolution to Authorize Entering into a Contract with the State of Michigan, Michigan Supreme Court, State Court Administrative Office for the 55th District Court/Drug Court

c.         Resolution to Reimburse the 55th District Court Petty Cash Fund and Bond Account

 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GREBNER, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

2.         Youth Center – Intake Criteria and Procedures

 

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated this Committee had held discussions regarding the placement of youth who have committed minor offenses.  Comm. Schafer explained his concern that youth who commit (delete: minor) offenses are sent home because there is not a facility for this purpose. A youth who shoplifts for the fifth time, eggs a car and then runs from the police should be detained.  The youth do not need high-security lock-up. 

 

Mr. Oliver explained, however,  that a youth will be detained if he/she commits a violent offense.  A facility does not exist for youth who commit non-violent offenses.  He further explained that many factors are considered before a placement is made. 

 

Ms. LeDuc stated the police face another problem when they cannot locate the parents of a youth.  The police may only detain a youth for six hours.  Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated Mr. Wriggelsworth and Mr. Myers were invited to this meeting but they had previous engagements.  Mr. Luciano, Lansing Police Department, explained the difficulties the police encounter when they cannot  detain a youth.  The Sheriff’s Office only has two holding cells.  Mr. Coles, Lansing Police Department, stated three hundred eighty three youth have been arrested year to date.  Approximately 60 of those youth were placed in the Youth Center. 

 

Ms. LeDuc stated Saginaw County has a day center for these youth.  She further stated Mr. Dunnings believes Maple Wood School would be an appropriate facility for a day center in this area.  Ms. LeDuc further stated day centers do not address the need for placement during the nighttime hours. 

 

Mr. Luciano stated Mr. Oliver and his staff has done a great job.  He further stated a facility is needed that would be open May through October, Friday through Saturday.  Most youth crime is committed during this period.  Mr. Oliver stated Ann Arbor opened a new 40-bed day treatment center.  Youth attend this center for education and remain there until 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.  A multi-use facility would be very helpful.  He further stated youth should not be placed in the court system when there is an appropriate alternative.

 

Chairperson  Weatherwax-Grant asked for information regarding youth offenses that are related to drug and/or alcohol abuse issues.  Mr. Coles  stated he could provide this information to the Committee at a later date.  He did state that he believes the number of related cases is very high.  Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated the court could partner with Child and Family Services to address the drug and alcohol abuse issues.    She also stated youth  need an opportunity to do creative and fun things which are offered by responsible adults.  Comm. Stid stated the PAL’s program keeps youth occupied and very busy.  The youth are usually tired at the end of the day.

 

Comm. Schafer stated youth with substance abuse issues are our future criminals.  Police officers should have a place to put youth who have committed a  non-violent offense.  Comm. Grebner stated it sounds from this discussion like a non-residential facility is needed in this County.  This type of facility would be a part of the continuum of care.  Comm. Lynch stated the Juvenile Justice Millage funds could be used to address this issue.

 

Comm. Stid commended the Lansing Police Department for assisting with some criminal activity which took place in her neighborhood.   She further stated she thinks a May through October program could be within the County’s price range.  Comm. Lynch suggested the County also look into the Jr. ROTC program.

 

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated she will invite representatives from Community Mental Health, the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, Meridian Township and others to another meeting to continue this discussion. 

 

3.         Board Referral – Letter from the Michigan Family Independence Agency Annual Plan and Budget for Child Care Fund Expenditures

 

The Board Referral was received and placed on file.

 

Announcements

Comm. Stid informed the Committee that Dr. Latessa will be in town on November 26.  She also stated there was a good turnout for the BARJ Conference.

 

Public Comment:          None

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Debra Neff