Amended 7/13/06
JUDICIARY
June 15, 2006
Minutes
Members Present: Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Dianne Holman, Deb Nolan, Rebecca Bahar-Cook, Randy Schafer, Steve Dougan and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: None
Others Present: John Neilsen, Maureen Winslow, Don Reisig, Nervy Oliver, Amy Winans, Carol Dixon, Matt Wojack, Al Way, Susan Hull, Mike Botke, Latisha Heath, Sue Le Duc, Juaquin Sanchez, Bob Sheehan, Anethia Brewer, Harry Moxley, Judge Aquilina, Joe Watson, Sheryl Schrefp, Malissa Pearson, Tanisha Grace, Karen Beauregard, Nancy Schertzing and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant at 7:36 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the June 1, 2006 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE JUNE 1 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Additions to the Agenda
5. Chinn Update
6. Day Treatment Center – Update
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1b. District Court – Resolution Authorizing the Approval of the District Court’s Selection of a Per Diem Magistrate
2. Friend of the Court – Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Funds to the Friend of the Court Imprest Cash within the Friend of the Court Fund
3b. Community Mental Health – Project IMPACCT (Integrating Multiple Paths Achieves Comprehensive Children’s Treatment) - Resolution in Support of the IMPACCT Partnership and a Community Based System of Care
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1a. District Court – Revenue Update
Ms. Brewer distributed a Revenue Comparison sheet for May 2005 and May 2006 to the Committee. She then reviewed the information contained in the Comparison. Total revenue for May 2005 was $217,130.45 and the total revenue for May 2006 is $198,149.59. Ms. Brewer then explained the Court is still working internally on costs.
Judge Aquilina stated the collection of restitution is going well. Some clerks are being retrained. In the past, mandatory costs were being waived by the clerks. Those costs will now be collected.
In response to Comm. Holman, Judge Aquilina state month to month comparisons are important to the Court. Comm. Nolan expressed her appreciation to the Court for the detailed information.
3a. Community Mental Health – Project IMPACCT (Integrating Multiple Paths Achieves Comprehensive Children’s Treatment) – Presentation – Bob Sheehan, Executive Director Clinton, Eaton, Ingham Community Mental Health; Sue Hull, Director Ingham DHS; Amy Winans, Director of Association for Children’s Mental Health; Sheryl Schrefp, National TA Partnership
Ms. Winans thanked the Committee for its leadership in the area of mental health. She urged the Committee to approve the Resolution in agenda item 3b. Ms. Hull stated it is a pleasure to work with Ingham County on this very important matter.
Mr. Oliver informed the Committee the Court is fully behind the Resolution and its concept. The Court is learning more about how to maximize its dollars. The IMPACCT Partnership has received a SAMHSA grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to create a community-based system of care with the goal of identifying and addressing youth with SED before it is necessary to place them in costly out-of-state institutions. Mr. Oliver stated the grant provides a fabulous opportunity for Ingham County.
Ms. Schrefp stated she has worked with ten communities across the country to help them be successful with the Project.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant asked how the communities are doing that have implemented the Project. Ms. Schrefp explained some communities were not able to sustain the Project because they did not collaborate within their communities. The successful communities have worked together and remained at the discussion table. Ms. Schrefp further explained there will always be some conflict associated with change.
Comm. Holman expressed her appreciation for the Project and the impact it has had on many communities. Ingham County will learn a lot from the Project and will be able to apply that new knowledge to other programs through a community-based system of care.
Mr. Neilsen explained a few of the names of organizations on the information is incorrect. The necessary corrections will be made before the Board meeting.
4. Judiciary Committee – Resolution Authorizing 2006 Agreements for Juvenile Justice Community Agencies
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated the Juvenile Justice Community Agency process was implemented this year. Juvenile Justice Millage funds are currently being used to the fullest, broadest extent to treat more youth before they enter the court system.
She further explained $50,000 has been allocated for this first year. The Dispute Resolution Center of Central Michigan has requested $34,416; Lansing Teen Court has requested $50,000; and Larry M. Trice Sr. Outreach Services (L.M.T.S.) has requested $15,000.
Ms. Beauregard and Ms. Schertzing addressed the Committee regarding the Dispute Resolution Center of Central Michigan (Center). Information was distributed to the Committee regarding the Balanced & Restorative Justice program (Program). The Program’s philosophy “acknowledges that when a person does harm, it affects not just the person(s) they hurt, but also the community (school) and themselves.” Program goals include accountability, public safety and competency development.
The pilot Program was started in the Lansing School District for the 2005/06 school year. During this time period, 149 interventions were held; 290 individual students were helped; 409 student ‘service units’ were held; and 121 parents were involved with the Program.
Ms. Beauregard explained the Program will be expanding to other schools outside the Lansing School District with the funds received from the Juvenile Justice Community Agency process. Ms. Schertzing stated the funding would also be used for training and outreach services for middle and high school students. .
Comm. Holman asked how the students receive the Program services. Ms. Beauregard explained students are referred to the Program by Assistant principles. Ms. Schertzing stated students are also referred by themselves and teachers. Program services are available during the school day or during evening hours if necessary.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant asked about the Program’s staffing level. Ms. Beauregard stated the Program consists of 1.5 people. In the 2006/07 school year there will be an additional half-time person. Ms. Schertzing explained that once the Program has been implemented in the schools, the schools take over responsibility for the Program services.
Comm. Nolan expressed her appreciation to Ms. Schertzing and Ms. Beauregard for the detailed funding application. Ms. Bahar-Cook asked what the Program would do if it does not receive the full amount requested. Ms. Schertzing stated the Program would probably have to cut back the number of presentations and would have to focus on districts in need of the Program.
In response to Comm. Dougan, Ms. Schertzing explained the Program does not receive any other funding.
Mr. Botke and Ms. Heath addressed the Committee regarding the request of the Lansing Teen Court. Mr. Botke provided the history of the Teen Court. It is predicated on restorative justice principles; and, it offers teens the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions.
He then stated the three applicants for the Juvenile Justice Community Agency funding fully deserve to be funded through this process. The Teen Court’s funding request is for an office support person and for the ability to provide more quality follow-up services.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant asked what Teen Court would do if it received the amount requested. Mr. Botke stated the Teen Court would like to open a second program site with some of this year’s funding and other resources. The Teen Court wants to have a base office in Mason. Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant asked if any commitments have been made for the proposed Mason site. Mr. Botke stated funding has been leveraged from several sources.
Comm. Holman asked if the Teen Court has an internal assessment program. Mr. Botke stated the Teen Court has its own in-take procedure and it also uses the M.A.C.I. tool. Comm. Holman asked if the Teen Court would be able to coordinate its assessment with the County’s future assessment center. Mr. Botke indicated that would be possible.
Comm. Bahar-Cook requested clarification regarding the Teen Court’s intended use of the County funds.
Comm. Dougan complimented the Teen Court for bringing other funding resources to the table. He then stated he wants to ensure that the funding would be allocated contingent on the agencies receiving other funding. Mr. Botke explained the Teen Court would initially use the funding to house an additional staff person in Lansing.
Mr. Watson, Larry M. Trice, Sr. Outreach Services (L.M.T.S.), explained L.M.T.S. is new in the community. Its mission is to provide outreach services on the front end to help youth avoid the need for Teen Court. The requested funding would be used to continue the L.M.T.S.’s operation. L.M.T.S. will provide the remaining needed funds for new office space. The goal of L.M.T.S. is keep youths’ dreams a possibility. If this program could partner with another agency, it could make a big impact.
Comm. Nolan asked how youth are referred to L.M.T.S. Mr. Watson explained youth are referred by their parents or other agencies. Youth also show up on their own. L.M.T.S. would also like to offer structure for youth leaving the court system.
Chairperson Celentino asked if L.M.T.S. provides on-site services at the schools as well as outreach services. Mr. Watson stated L.M.T.S. does provide on-site services for every youth needing the services. Comm. Bahar-Cook asked for the number of youth who have received L.M.T.S. services. Mr. Watson stated L.M.T.S. currently serves 50 to 100 youth.
Comm. Dougan asked if L.M.T.S. has been a non-profit agency. Mr. Watson stated it has been a non-profit agency since 2003. He also clarified the total revenue for the agency was $445.12 in 2005. Comm. Dougan questioned Mr. Watson regarding other funding information in the funding request.
In response to questions from Comm. Holman, Mr. Watson stated the agency is located at 2645 East Holmes Road. Mr. Murchison explained the facility was constructed to be similar to schools.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant explained the County requires outcome measurements. These measurements are to be quantified each year an agency requests funding from the County. Mr. Watson explained L.M.T.S. will follow 20 youth from eighth grade through graduation from high school. L.M.T.S. provides year-round services.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant asked what will happen if L.M.T.S. does not receive the requested funding. Mr. Watson explained L.M.T.S. would still provide its services because all youth are on the line. Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant explained the County
will need outcome measurements soon before the County can invest too much into this program. She further expressed her excitement for the program. She encouraged L.M.T.S. to submit their information to the County for the 2007 funding process.
(The Committee recessed from 9:11 p.m. until 9:21 p.m.)
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant explained the County Attorney has reviewed the three funding applications. The Attorney has advised the County could contract with the three agencies within the requirements of the Juvenile Justice Millage.
MOVED BY COMM. NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING 2006 AGREEMENTS FOR JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMUNITY AGENCIES.
MOVED BY COMM. NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. BAHAR-COOK, TO AMEND THE MOTION TO ADD:
DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER OF CENTRAL MICHIGAN $24,000
LANSING TEEN COURT $24,000
LARRY M. TRICE, SR. OUTREACH SERVICES $2,000
Comm. Holman expressed her concern that allocating $2,000 for L.M.T.S. may not be enough for the agency to do something productive. The other two agencies have been around for a long time and the County is aware of their services. Comm. Holman recommended the County watch L.M.T.S. for a while before allocating funding to that agency.
Chairperson Celentino respectfully disagreed with Comm. Holman. He stated he believes any funding amount would be beneficial to L.M.T.S. Chairperson Celentino further stated he is excited about L.M.T.S.’s goal of ensuring that youth receive high school diplomas which mean something.
Comm. Dougan stated Teen Court has demonstrated a sincere effort to show other funding sources. He expressed his discomfort with providing funding to agencies that have not demonstrated the same effort.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant explained that allocating $2,000 to L.M.T.S. expresses the County’s commitment and faith in the program. The proposed funding levels for the Center and the Lansing Teen Court are not what they requested; however, the funding will get them on their way to their goals.
Comm. Dougan suggested the County allocate funding to the Teen Court for the purpose of establishing an out-county center. Mr. Botke indicated his acceptance of this offer.
The Committee Consented to a FRIENDLY AMENDMENT to add the following language to the Resolution:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Lansing Teen Court appropriation will be used to expand the Teen Court to the other eleven school districts in the County.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED with Comms. Dougan and Holman voting NO
MAIN MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Dougan and Holman voting NO.
5. Chinn Update
Comm. Nolan stated this update could be provided at this Committee’s next meeting. She stated information for the update should be obtained from the Court; a working draft would be acceptable. Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant explained Mr. Neilsen has asked the Court to provide the requested information on a quarterly basis. An update will be obtained from the Family Court.
6. Day Treatment Center – Facility Update
Mr. Neilsen stated he is trying to organize a tour of the old Greater Lansing Realtors’ Association building, located at 3350 East Grand River. He proposed the tour be scheduled for Wednesday, June 21 at 11:00 a.m. Mr. Neilsen stated Judge Lawless thinks the property is listed at $1 million.
Chairperson Celentino informed the Committee that he emailed Comm. DeLeon about this site since it is located within her district. Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated she made this Committee’s plea for the Baker/Donora area.
Announcements
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant informed the Committee the court will tour Camp Highfields on Monday, June 19. Commissioners may join this tour or schedule a separate tour if necessary.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant informed the Committee the Judiciary Budget Hearing is Friday, June 23 at 9:00 a.m. at the Human Services Building.
Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant encouraged the Committee to contact her with any thoughts regarding the upcoming Juvenile Justice Millage campaign.
Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee the Board of Commissioners is now on its summer schedule.
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff