Approved 10/13/05

JUDICIARY

September 29, 2005

Minutes

Members Present:         Dianne Holman, Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Deb Nolan, Chris Swope, Steve Dougan

Members Absent:         Randy Schafer and Board Chairperson Grebner

Others Present: John Neilsen, Travis Faulds and Nervy Oliver

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Holman at 7:15 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the September 15, 2005 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DOUGAN, TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 15 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Schafer

Additions to the Agenda:           None

Limited Public Comment:          None

1.         Controller’s Office/Steering Committee – Resolution to  Authorize Entering into a Contract with Chinn Planning, Inc. for a Juvenile Justice System Assessment and Action Plan

MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT WITH CHINN PLANNING, INC. FOR A JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM ASSESSMENT AND ACTION PLAN.

Mr. Neilsen stated the Steering Committee interviewed the three respondents to the RFP.  By a unanimous decision, the Steering Committee has recommended Chinn Planning, Inc.  The original Resolution authorized up to $30,000.  This was just a guess.  This Resolution authorizes up to $46,900.  Mr. Neilsen explained that he has spoken with Chinn regarding the possibility of reducing the cost since the County has already done a lot of the preliminary work.

Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated the three respondents were well qualified.  Chinn seemed to be closer to what the County actually wants.  Mr. Faulds stated the court is very comfortable with the recommendation from the Steering Committee. 

Chairperson Holman stated she was comfortable with Chinn’s presentation.  Ms. Chinn seems to be very knowledgeable.  Ms. Chinn also seemed to be more flexible regarding meeting our needs than the other two respondents.  Chairperson Holman stated Ms. Chinn spoke at her interview about a staff-secure setting. 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Schafer

Comm. Dougan asked for the completion date of the Plan.  Comm. Nolan stated the completion date is March 31, 2006.  Chairperson Holman stated the time may be earlier after discussions are held with Chinn regarding modifying the Plan because the County has already done some preliminary work.  Mr. Faulds stated the Plan could be complete by the end of January. 

2.         Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing Adjustments to the 2005 Ingham County Budget

MOVED BY COMM. SWOPE, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE 2005 INGHAM COUNTY BUDGET. 

Mr. Neilsen explained the Resolution authorizes a standard quarterly budget adjustment.  The most significant adjustment is in the Friend of the Court budget as a result of the Governor’s 2005 Executive Order.  The supplemental state grant was reduced by $67,337 and the Medical Enforcement grant was terminated.  The budget for Medical Enforcement staff was rolled into the cooperative reimbursement budget, and hearing fees were increased by $40,000. 

Comm. Swope asked what had happened with the projections for the remainder of the year.  Mr. Neilsen stated the Law Enforcement Committee had questions regarding the Drain Office and Environmental Health issues. 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Schafer

Announcements

Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee that the Finance Committee recommended $140,000 in funding for the Friend of the Court regarding the Executive Order.

Chairperson Holman stated the Parks Department received half of its z list request.  They have indicated they can work within this recommendation. 

Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated MAC and the legislature should work together on the jail over-crowding issues.  They should also address the Friend of the Court matter.  She stated its time for MAC to work with the legislature for solutions to county funding concerns.  Mr. Neilsen stated he would prepare a resolution which urges MAC to work with the legislature on legislative issues.  Comm. Weatherwax-Grant further stated a coordinated approach is needed to resolve the issues. 

Public Comment:          None

The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff