Approved 10/27/05
JUDICIARY
October 13, 2005
Minutes
Members Present: Dianne Holman, Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Deb Nolan, Chris Swope, Randy Schafer, Steve Dougan and Board Chairperson Mark Grebner
Members Absent: None
Others Present: John Neilsen and Judge Acquilina
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Holman at 7:01 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the September 27 and 29, 2005 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 27 AND SEPTEMBER 29 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Swope
Additions to the Agenda
2. Resolution Requesting Support of the Michigan Association of Counties 2005/2006 Judiciary & Public Safety Platform
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING:
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
2. Judiciary Committee - Resolution Requesting Support of the Michigan Association of Counties 2005/2006 Judiciary & Public Safety Platform
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Swope
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Swope
1c. 55th District Court – Resolution Authorizing Funding for a Work Station for 55th District Court
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DOUGAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FUNDING FOR A WORK STATION FOR THE 55TH DISTRIC COURT.
Judge Acquilina stated the Court is very cramped for space. The work space will be reconfigured to add a work station which will provide more efficiency.
(Comm. Swope arrived at 7:04 p.m.)
Comm. Nolan stated this Committee was told that Judge Boyd would not expend the $10,000 allocated for his office furniture. Mr. Neilsen stated the Purchasing Department recommended an amount sufficient to outfit a full office suite. Comm. Nolan expressed her concern with how this current request was brought to this Committee.
Judge Acquilina explained that it appears the Court is going through the backdoor with this request. However, that is not the intent of the Court. She then updated the Committee on her efforts to collect court fees. People are paying their fees without any complaints when they are able to pay the amount. She will continue to enforce the collection of bonds. Sobriety court attendance is continuing to increase. She has not had any repeat offenders to date.
Judge Acquilina further stated the Court’s revenue will only continue to increase. She then explained the Court will need a temporary probation officer when the current probation officer takes maternity leave. Chairperson Grebner encouraged Judge Acquilina to contact the Human Resources Office regarding the temporary employee situation. Mr. Neilsen stated he would speak with Ms. Brewer regarding this matter tomorrow.
Chairperson Grebner stated he was happy that “Drug Court” was changed to “Sobriety Court.” The new name reflects the purpose of the Court. He also stated he was impressed that Judge Acquilina could sentence 119 people in one day. Chairperson Grebner then explained that the Board of Commissioners is experiencing the best relations with the Court than it has in some years. He urged this Committee to appreciate the efforts of Judge Acquilina to take charge and collect fees.
The 55th District Court is also overwhelmed. Something will have to be done to alleviate this concern. One such option would be to merge the 55th and East Lansing District Courts.
Comm. Schafer stated he thought $10,000 was a low amount to furnish an office suite. He then expressed his appreciation to Judge Acquilina for her efforts on the bench. Comm. Schafer then strongly encouraged the Committee to support her request for a temporary position.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Neilsen stated the Purchasing Department reviewed and recommended the request for furniture be approved.
Comm. Nolan suggested the need for additional judges be addressed by MAC along with the issues contained in Resolution item number two of this agenda. Chairperson Grebner stated he didn’t think the Board could support a request for an additional judge due to budgetary concerns.
Regarding Chairperson Grebner’s statements concerning the merger of the two courts, Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated East Lansing was not willing to share its parking resources. This Committee should remain open-minded and consider all options.
The Committee thanked Judge Acquilina for her efforts on the bench.
Announcements
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated her concern that the Resolution in agenda item number two does not specifically address some of this Committee’s issues. She further stated the Resolution is too broad. Chairperson Holman stated that once the process starts with MAC, the specifics can be addressed at that time. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant suggested that a task force may be necessary.
Mr. Neilsen stated MAC has a statewide task force to work with State budget directors and others on County issues.
Comm. Schafer stated he agrees that the Resolution in item number two should include the specific concerns of this Committee. He then stated this current Resolution is reasonable and prudent. Staff could draft another Resolution which addressed the specific concerns. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated she would speak with the Controller regarding her task force concerns.
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff