Amended 2/15/07
JUDICIARY
February 1, 2007
Minutes
Members Present: Rebecca Bahar-Cook, Schor, Comm. Weatherwax-Grant, Dianne Holman, Deb Nolan, Randy Schafer and Board Chairperson Marc Thomas
Members Absent: None
Others Present: John Neilsen, Nervy Oliver, Ms. Deprez, Brian Philson, John Evans, Warren Henson and Tamieko Smith
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bahar-Cook at 7:33 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the January 11, 2007 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 11 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Minutes were amended as follows:
Page one: Approval of the November 30 Minutes – Comm. Holman’s statement should read as: Comm. Holman asked how Highfield’s closure affected the budget.
Page one, last paragraph: Change Comm. Schafer to Comm. Schor.
Judge Giddings was changed to Judge Collette on pages one and two.
Page two, last paragraph: Comm. Nolan stated the City of Lansing has determined this site to be ideal for the Southside Community Center – was changed to:
Comm. Nolan stated there was interest in using this facility for the Southside Community Center.
Additions to the Agenda: None
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR AGENDA ITEM 4A:
b. Resolution Honoring Kenneth James-Albert Windsand
(Technical correction to the first WHEREAS paragraph, second sentence. A semi-colon was added between “family members” and “in all.”)
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE ITEM ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Presentation – John Evans – New President/CEO for Highfields
Mr. Evans thanked the Committee for the time to address this Committee. He spoke regarding his work history. Mr. Evans then stated Highfield’s was accredited by the National Council on Accreditation.
Mr. Philson7:42:53 PM spoke regarding his work history. He then stated he is very happy with the status of Highfields. Highfields’ services are based on National Best Practice. Behavior assessments have been refined. Mr. Philson explained some of the changes to Highfield’s.
Mr. Philson stated there are still many open beds. Highfields is marketing to all of mid-Michigan in an effort to fill the beds.
Comm. Holman asked if referrals to Highfields are increasing. Mr. Oliver stated the Court is primarily using the Phoenix program. It is also trying to ensure the short-term program is used efficiently. He further stated his hope to see a significant increase in bed use within the next month. Comm. Schor stated he wants to ensure that the Judges are comfortable with sending kids to Highfields. He stated there should be regular communication between Highfields and Judges. Mr. Evans stated that is their goal.
Comm. Nolan asked for the number of youth in long-term placement in Michigan and out of state. Ms. Deprez stated 48 youth are in the long-term placements. Four of the 48 are in Michigan.
Comm. Nolan asked how Highfields tests and assesses youth for placement. Mr. Philson stated the Judges use the YLS. He uses YASI. He then stated Highfields does pre- and post-assessments. The assessments are typically conducted every three months.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated it would be helpful to know the number of youth in state and out of state placements. The County brought many services on line but is still spending a lot money to send youth out of state. Youth do better when served within their communities. She further stated she wants to know why the Judges are not using our programs. Chairperson Bahar-Cook asked Ms. Deprez to have that information at the next meeting. Ms. Deprez stated she would have that information available.
Comm. Nolan asked when this Committee will receive the report from the Judges. Mr. Neilsen stated the report is scheduled for this Committee’s February 15 meeting.
Comm. Schafer stated the Committee should focus on what Highfields is offering. He has been impressed with Highfields’ improvements.
The Committee held a general discussion regarding testing measures.
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Chairperson Bahar-Cook thanked Mr. Evans and Mr. Philson for their presentation this evening. She then stated it would be a disservice to allow additional youth to be placed outside of the County programs.
The Committee continued its discussion regarding the placement of youth.
Chairperson Bahar-Cook asked Ms. Deprez to communicate to the Judges and court staff how important it is for them to use County programs. Ms. Deprez stated she believes there will be an increase in local placements over the next several weeks.
4. Judiciary Committee
a. Resolution Honoring Nervy Oliver
MOVED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION HONORING NERVY OLIVER.
Chairperson Bahar-Cook read the resolution Honoring Nervy Oliver. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant spoke of her positive discussions with Mr. Oliver. She further stated Mr. Oliver sincerely cares for each youth in the court system. His passion and real commitment to the youth of this County is phenomenal.
Mr. Smith, Juvenile Court Officer, stated Mr. Oliver is a true professional. He has the best interest of the youth in mind.
Chairperson Bahar-Cook stated she it has been a pleasure working with Mr. Oliver.
Mr. Oliver stated it has been an honor working for Ingham County. This County is a wonderful place to work. He will keep in contact with the County.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Committee recessed at 8:33 p.m.
The meeting was called back to order at 8:37 p.m.
2. Controller’s Office – Chinn Planning, Inc., Final Report – Ingham County Action Plan for Juvenile Continuum of Care
(Chairperson Thomas left the meeting at 8:37 p.m.)
Mr. Neilsen provided a brief overview of what has been done and what remains to be done regarding the Chinn report. Mr. Neilsen stated the Family Court was going to address the Court’s status; however, Ms. Winslow was not able to be here this evening. He then reviewed the eight recommendations which are included in his January 18, 2007 memorandum to this Committee. A number of the recommendations will be addressed at this Committee’s February 15, 2007 meeting.
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Comm. Nolan stated progress has been made on a number of the eight recommendations.
3. Information
a. Inventory of County Property
Mr. Neilsen stated the agenda packet includes an inventory of County property. He then reviewed some of the properties. The County has 3.5 acres adjacent to this facility.
The Committee held a brief discussion regarding this matter.
b. Our Savior Lutheran Church – Site Visit
Mr. Neilsen stated the Facilities director and the Purchasing and Properties director visited the site. Their observations are included within the agenda information.
5. Commissioner Nolan – Discussion on Potential Trip to the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) in Wayne County
Comm. Nolan stated she would like to schedule a trip to this Center. Chairperson Bahar-Cook suggested that Comm. Nolan review her schedule to determine possible dates. Chairperson Bahar-Cook stated the Committee will tentatively schedule the trip for May 7, 2007.
Mr. Evans provided a booklet regarding the JAC to the Committee for their review.
6. Chairperson Bahar-Cook – Resolution Requesting the Ingham County/City of Lansing Community Coalition for Youth to Establish a Task Force to Help Facilitate the Planning of the “Continuum of Care” Facility
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE INGHAM COUNTY/CITY OF LANSING COMMUNITY COALITION FOR YOUTH TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE TO HELP FACILITATE THE PLANNING OF THE “CONTINUUM OF CARE” FACILITY.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked if someone from the court staff can actively engage in these discussions. Mr. Oliver stated a person has been appointed to participate in the discussions.
Comm. Holman distributed a handout to the Committee. The handout addressed the following questions: Who will be served at the Facility and who can provide the services? She also asked what specifically will take place within the Facility. The Committee should consider these items prior to identifying a facility.
Chairperson Bahar-Cook suggested that Comm. Holman’s information be included within her Resolution.
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Mr. Oliver stated the Impact System of Care will address this Committee at its next meeting. The goal of the Continuum of Care is to place many different services within one facility. The specifics about who will pay for the services have not been addressed; however, they will be soon.
The Committee continued their discussion of this item.
Chairperson Bahar-Cook suggested that one resolution should address software and a separate resolution should address hardware.
MOVED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO POSTPONE THIS RESOLUTION TO THIS COMMITTEE’S FEBRUARY 15, 2007 MEETING. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairperson Bahar-Cook stated a substitute Resolution may be presented at the next meeting.
Announcements: None
Public Comment
Mr. Oliver asked that Mr. Wojack receive a copy of the substitute resolution.
The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff