Amended 5/31/07

JUDICIARY

May 10, 2007

Minutes

Members Present:         Rebecca Bahar-Cook, Andy Schor, Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Dianne Holman, Deb Nolan, Randy Schafer and Board Chairperson Marc Thomas

Members Absent:         None

Others Present:             John Neilsen, Sara Deprez, Maureen Winslow, David Easterday, Mark Grebner, Ruth-Hill Schorsch, Elizabeth Schrock and others

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bahar-Cook at 7:30 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the April 26, 2007 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APPROVE THE APRIL 26 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Additions to the Agenda:           None

Limited Public Comment:          None

1.         Interviews - Jury Board

The applicant was not present for the interview.

2.         Community Coalition for Youth - Final Report and Recommendations on the Continuum of Care Initiative

Comm. Nolan stated Mr. Paparella, Ms. Hill-Schorsch and Ms. Schrock were highly instrumental in developing this Report.  She then explained that Mr. Paparella was not present because he is out of town.

Ms. Hill-Schorsch and Ms. Schrock reviewed the material contained in the Executive Summary power-point presentation.  This information is contained in the Report that was distributed to the Committee.  A summary of the Recommendations is contained in this Committee’s April 26, 2007 Minutes.

Comm. Holman asked if the Report indicates a short-term facility may be used if a permanent facility is not found in a reasonable amount of time.  Chairperson Bahar-Cook stated the Resolution in the Board packet addresses that issue.  Comm. Nolan explained the term “Purchase” was changed to “Procure” in the Executive Summary.  Comm. Holman stated the Report should specifically address this matter.  A brief discussion was held regarding this issue.

Comm. Nolan stated Comm. Holman’s concern will be addressed in the Report. 

The Committee’s discussion of this item continued for a brief time.

3.         Chairperson Bahar-Cook

a.         Resolution Authorizing the County Controller to Procure Property for the Continuum of Care Facility

Comm. Schor asked if the Board is giving the Controller absolute authority to negotiate for the purchase of property.  He then suggested the THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED paragraph be amended to state “. . . authorizes the County Controller, subject to the approval of the Board Chair, to negotiate for the purchase of property . . .”    

Comm. Schor’s suggested amendment was accepted as a Friendly Amendment.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY as amended.

            b.         Resolution to Establish a Joint Continuum of Care Facility Task Force

Comm. Schafer stated he shares Comm. Schor’s concerns regarding the make up of the Task Force. The last Task Force representative should not be a voting member. 

The Committee consented to a Friendly Amendment to change the language to:  Any other organization(s) deemed necessary by the Board of Commissioners not as voting members. 

Comm. Schor asked if the representative list is absolute.  Comm. Nolan stated the Therefore Be it Resolved paragraph can be changed to:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a Joint Continuum of Care Facility Task Force May be established with the following representation:

The change in language was accepted as a Friendly Amendment to the Resolution.

Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked what the charge of the Task Force is and if there is a timeline to deliver the completed product.  Chairperson Bahar-Cook explained there are many unclear details at this time.  The details will become clear as we progress.  Comm. Nolan stated the Court is to be consulted about contracting with non-profits for services, who will operate the facility, etc. 

Comm. Weatherwax-Grant suggested the court also be consulted regarding their thoughts for services for non-adjudicated youth.  Chairperson Bahar-Cook stated the Court has been asked, in informal discussions, to issue an RFP for services.    

Comm. Schor stated there are many ideas to incorporate into this Resolution.  An end date earlier than the end of 2008 should be determined.  Chairperson Thomas suggested the Task Force report back to this Committee in six months. 

Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated it may be a logistical nightmare to have all Task Force members available at one time to tour properties.  Chairperson Bahar-Cook explained the intent is that some of the members will be available to tour properties.

Comm. Schor suggested the Task Force be refocused.  Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked why a Task Force is being created to review properties.  A Realtor is already addressing this task.  The Committee held a general discussion regarding this issue.

Comm. Holman stated services which can be provided immediately should be identified.  Ms. Winslow stated the implementation of the evening reporting program could be implemented soon with an additional staff person.  Programming development should begin immediately.

MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO TABLE THE RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A JOINT CONTINUUM OF CARE FACILITY TASK FORCE.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4.         Commissioner Nolan - Report on Wayne County Trip

Ms. Winslow stated Wayne County has done a very impressive job of organizing youth services under one umbrella.  Wayne County has 6,000 youth in the system, Ingham County has 600.  Ms. Winslow then spoke about the differences between the two Counties.  Wayne County conducts drug testing on all their youth entering the system.  They do not make out of state placements; in-state residential placements are used.  Many of Wayne County’s youth are committed to Act 150. 

Ms. Deprez agreed with Ms. Winslow’s statements.  She then stated she was also impressed with the speed in which things move in Wayne County from intake to disposition.  Ingham County is better off in terms of what our assessments say about our youth. 

Comm. Holman stated Wayne County emphasizes data collection.  Ingham County should also do this also. 

The Committee held a lengthy discussion regarding this item.    

5.         Circuit Court/Family Division

            a.         Report on the Kent County Sex Offender Program

Ms. Perez stated she visited the Kent County Adolescent Sex Offender Program with Mr. Delano over a three day period.  She then provided background information regarding the Program.  Mr. Delano stated he was very impressed with the Program. 

Comm. Holman asked if the Program is attached to Kent County’s Detention Center.  Mr. Delano stated the Program is community based.  Youth remain in their homes/foster homes and attend the group sessions.  The Program last for approximately one year. 

Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked about Ingham County’s CSC program.  Mr. Delano stated we have an 18 month program. 

The Committee held a general discussion regarding Kent County’s Program and how it differs from services provided in Ingham County.

b. Quarterly Report (Report to be distributed under separate cover.)

The Report was distributed to the Committee.  Ms. Winslow reviewed the Report. 

(Comm. Schor left the meeting at 8:47 p.m.)

The Committee held a general discussion regarding the Report and its supporting data.  The Committee expressed their appreciation for the landscape report form.

6.         Controller’s Office – Resolution Updating Various Fees for County Services

Mr. Neilsen stated information regarding the FOIA fee increase has been added to the Fee information.  The County Attorney reviewed the FOIA issue.  The liaison committees are being asked to approve this Resolution. 

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO APPROVE THE JUDICIARY PORTION OF THE RESOLUTION UPDATING VARIOUS FEES FOR COUNTY SERVICES.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 

7.         Communication - Adam Pitcher, System Administrator, Computer Science and Engineering of MSU (E-mail)

Chairperson Bahar-Cook stated she had this item placed on the agenda for this Committee’s review.

Announcements

Comm. Weatherwax-Grant asked if the Committee could receive an updated property list which would meet the County’s criteria.

Comm. Nolan stated the County should review the Walter French facility.  It may be suitable for purchase or rental.  Chairperson Bahar-Cook stated the Holy Cross facility will be vacant soon.  It should be added to the watch list.  The Court is very excited about this facility.

Public Comment

Comm. Grebner stated he has been asked by the Judiciary Committee to draft a resolution regarding jail overcrowding.  The resolution will be emailed to the Board.  The Board is not making any real progress to address overcrowding.  Comm. Grebner proposed the County draw a clear line.  He then explained there is a real disparity between the judges and their sentencing patterns.    A method of allocating jail beds on a per judge basis is needed. 

Chairperson Thomas stated he, Chairperson Bahar-Cook and Comm. Copedge will meet next week to discuss Comm. Grebner’s resolution and a strategy to move forward and resolve the overcrowding problem by the end of the year. 

Comm. Schafer asked about the Jury Board appointment.

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF MATT DAVIS TO THE JURY BOARD.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff