Approved 9/25/07

JUDICIARY

August 16, 2007

Minutes

Members Present:         Rebecca Bahar-Cook, Andy Schor, Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Deb Nolan and Randy Schafer

Members Absent:         Dianne Holman

Others Present:             John Neilsen, Judge Collette, Maureen Winslow, Sara Deprez, Judge Lawless and others

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bahar-Cook at 8:01 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Additions to the Agenda

1.         Request for Legal Representation – Judge Collette

3.         Update – Our Savior Lutheran Facility

Limited Public Comment:          None

1.         Request for Legal Representation – Judge Collette

Mr. Neilsen explained the financial aspects of this matter to the Committee.  He then stated he will draft another authorization similar to the one contained in tonight’s agenda information.  Judge Collette stated he would be comfortable if the Committee approved $2,000.  Chairperson Bahar-Cook suggested the Committee authorize up to $5,000 to cover any unexpected legal costs.

MOVED BY COMM. NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE UP TO $5,000 (AN HOURLY RATE NOT TO EXCEED $225 PER HOUR) FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION.  THE FUNDS SHALL COME FROM THE COURTS’ 2007 ATTORNEY FEES BUDGET.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comm. Holman

2.         Circuit Court Family Division – Quarterly Report

Ms. Winslow reviewed the information contained in the Quarterly Report.  She explained the Shiawassee Non-Secure Detention Center was moved from the Residential portion of the Report to the Detention portion of the Report.  The Center is strictly a detention facility. 

Comm. Nolan stated she has additional information she would share with the Circuit Court/Family Division at another time.

Judge Lawless thanked her staff for putting the Report together for this meeting.

3.         Our Savior Lutheran Facility – Update

Ms. Winslow stated the Court hopes the County will pursue this Facility.  Ms. Winslow then addressed the Committee regarding the Court’s proposal for the Samuel D. Ingham Academy.  The Academy would be a pilot day school for 15 adjudicated youth which would be housed on the third floor of the Grady Porter Building.  Once a Continuum of Care facility is online, the Academy would move to that facility.

Comm. Schafer asked about the educational component of the pilot program.  Ms. Winslow explained the Ingham Intermediate School District will provide two teachers and Highfields will provide two paraprofessionals.  Comm. Schafer expressed his support of this proposal.

Ms. Winslow stated the Court is committed to providing everything necessary to help the youth succeed.  Judge Lawless stated the YMCA may also provide a physical education component to the program.

Comm. Nolan stated she was very excided about this proposal.  She then stated her only concern regarding the “fourth Friday Count” statement contained in Ms. Winslow’s August 16, 2007 memorandum to this Committee.  The statement reads:  “It is also important to be able to benefit from the “fourth Friday Count” to access state funds.”  Comm. Nolan stated many of the youth in the pilot program would come from the district where she teaches.  Ms. Deprez explained that most of the youth in the program will be 16 years old, a few will be 15. 

Mr. Neilsen informed the Committee that a contract with Highfields for paraprofessional services would require Board approval.

MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO SUPPORT THE COURT’S REQUEST REGARDING THE SAMUEL D. INGHAM ACADEMY.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comm. Holman

Comm. Nolan stated naming a new facility should be a group process.  Comm. Schafer indicated his support for the Our Savior Lutheran facility.

Announcements:           None

Public Comment:          None

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff