Approved 10/11/07
JUDICIARY
September 27, 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, Dave Fergason, Joann. Arcan, Anethia Brewer, David Easterday, Maureen Winslow, George Strander, Julie Teed, Matt Wojack, Steve Dougan, Tonya Avery, Matt Wojack 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.
Additions to the Agenda
3. Resolution Authorizing a 2007/2008 Agreement with EVE, Inc. for the Personal Protection Order Office Program
Limited Public Comment: None
1. Integrated Justice Information Systems Group
a. Demonstration by the IJIG’s Committee and WEBTecs, Inc. on the Proposed County Website that will Allow Specific and Secure Remote Access into the County’s CourtView Database
(This Demonstration started during the Law Enforcement Committee meeting immediately preceding the Judiciary Committee meeting.)
Ms. Brewer stated the website will greatly reduce the number of telephone calls the District Court receives.
Ms. Arcan, WEBTecs, Inc., explained the monthly account program is for people who use the website several times per day. Payments from this account are made to the County via check or credit card. She further stated WEBTecs also provides payment collection services. If a person does not pay their account, their web access will be cut off until the balance is paid in full.
Kent County charges website users $2.50 per name search. Ingham County will determine its own charges for using the website.
b. IJIG’s Committee – Resolution to Authorize Funding for Acquiring WEB Online Services Development and Maintenance for the IJIS (Integrated Justice Information System)
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE FUNDING FOR ACQUIRING WEB ONLINE SERVICES DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE FOR THE IJIS (INTEGRATED JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEM).
Mr. Easterday stated the two current public terminals in the courthouse are used daily by many people. This new web system will allow people to make payments from anywhere they have web access. Mr. Easterday stated he believes this new system will be a tremendous advantage to court personnel and the public.
Comm. Schafer asked if the County will charge a fee to offset its costs associated with the new website. Mr. Fergason stated it would be reasonable for the County to offset its costs with a fee for the users.
Comm. Nolan stated she is very supportive of the website as it will save costs and personnel time. She then asked for a breakdown of the costs associated with the IJIS. Mr. Fergason stated the IJIG’s Committee intends to present and overall picture of CourtView to this Committee in the near future. This presentation will include financial information.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Resolution Authorizing a 2007/2008 Agreement with EVE, Inc. for the Personal Protection Order Office Program
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A 2007/2008 AGREEMENT WITH EVE, INC. FOR THE PERSONAL PROTECTION ORDER OFFICE PROGRAM.
Ms. Avery, EVE, distributed information to the Committee for their review during this discussion. She stated the Personal Protection Order Office (Office) funding has been cut by 16%. The Office is requesting a one-time appropriate from the County in the amount of $13,690 to help cover the loss in funding.
Ms. Avery explained the funding cut at the federal level was a fluke and is being addressed; however, it will take the government one year to resolve this matter. Comm. Schafer stated this is another case where the state or federal government cut funding and the County has been expected to pick up the slack. He then stated this case is different since EVE is requesting a one-time appropriation.
The funding cut will result in reduced Office hours and a limitation on trainings and meeting participation.
Comm. Holman stated she could support this one-time funding request. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated she could also support this request. If the Office’s funding level is not restored, the County will have to find a way keep the Office open. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant further stated she is passionate about keeping this Office open.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairperson Bahar-Cook informed the Committee they should direct any questions they may have about the recent article in the City Pulse involving Judge Economy to the Court. Ms. Winslow updated the Committee regarding this matter.
2. Presentation – Matt Wojack, Project IMPACT
Mr. Wojack introduced Ms. Teed to the Committee. He stated Ms. Teed and her daughter receive Project IMPACT (Project) services.
Ms. Winslow stated the Court has referred 156 youth to the Project. The Project has definitely impacted the youth by reducing the number of days they are out of their homes. She further stated each Project case is represented by the Court, Community Mental Health, Department of Human Services and the families. Programs and assessments are tailored to the families. Ms. Winslow stated this is the right approach to use to assist the families.
Ms. Teed shared her experiences with the Project. Her teenage daughter’s grades had dropped and she started to act out. She ended up in Court. Ms. Teed stated she was lost until the Project became involved with her case. The Project provided a parent advocate and a number of resources for her and her daughter. The team approach that the Project uses was very beneficial. Ms. Teed stated she believes her daughter will be a better person due to the Project.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated she appreciated Ms. Teed sharing her personal story with this Committee.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff