Amended 11/1/07
JUDICIARY
October 11, 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, Jean Corbin, David Easterday, Maureen Winslow, John Evans, Denise Lycos, Carol Read, Lucille Jones, Kay Taylor, Kristen Kirsch, Tamiekco Smith, Warren Henson, Leon Williams and James Dudzinski
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bahar-Cook at 7:35 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the August 16, 2007 Joint Committee Minutes, September 5, 2007, September 25, 2007 and September 27, 2007 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 16, 2007 JOINT COMMITTEE MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 5, SEPTEMBER 25 AND SEPTEMBER 27 MINUTES AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Weatherwax-Grant and Nolan
Additions to the Agenda
2. Substitute Resolution
4. Substitute Resolution
Limited Public Comment: None
1. Presentation – Prosecutor Dunnings on Michigan Sentencing Guidelines
Mr. Dunnings provided a powerpoint presentation to illustrate how the Sentencing Guidelines work in specific types of cases.
(Comms. Weatherwax-Grant and Nolan arrived at 7:40 p.m.)
Mr. Dunnings explained that the Guidelines don’t allow for too many offenses to be placed in the State prison system. This is a principle reason for overcrowding at the County Jail. Mr. Dunnings also stated the Governor may make additional changes to the Guideline grids.
Comm. Schor asked if there is any consideration to adjust some of the cells within the Guidelines. Mr. Dunnings stated his Office is willing to work on this matter. If the Governor’s proposal is passed, it will greatly affect the population in the County Jail.
2. Ingham County Circuit Court/Juvenile Division – Substitute Resolution to Appropriate Funds from the Juvenile Justice Millage for the Samuel D. Ingham Academy Pilot Program for the Remainder of the School Year and to Amend the 2007/08 Child Care Fund Budget
MOVED BY COMM. NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FROM THE JUVENILE JUSTICE MILLAGE FOR THE SAMUEL D. INGHAM ACADEMY PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR AND TO AMEND THE 2007/08 CHILD CARE FUND BUDGET.
Ms. Winslow explained the amended Resolution reflects changes in numbers from the Ingham Intermediate School District.
Comm. Nolan asked how many behavioural specialists are on staff.. Mr. Evans, Camp Highfields, explained the Academy is more like a residential setting than a typical school. He also stated behavioural specialists are crucial to getting the kids to the Academy and keeping them there for the day. Ms. Winslow stated 19 students are currently enrolled at the Academy.
Comm. Nolan asked if the students will receive school lunches. Mr. Evans explained the Academy will receive a 50% State reimbursement for its lunch expenses. Comm. Schor asked for clarification regarding the travel expense. Mr. Evans stated a majority of the travel expense will be used to transport students to and from the Academy.
Chairperson Bahar-Cook asked about the Y expense. Ms. Winslow explained if the students complete the Y program, they will receive a free three-month membership.
Comm. Nolan stated her concern about having sufficient Millage funds for the purchase of a continuum of care facility and for the costs associated with providing services through the facility. Mr. Neilsen stated if the Millage funds are not sufficient, general fund dollars will be used to make up the difference. He then reviewed the Summary of Juvenile Justice Millage Expenditures.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated she shares Comm. Nolan’s concerns about the funding; however, she stated her hope that once the programming comes online, the residential expenditures will be reduced.
Chairperson Bahar-Cook stated residential costs are being reduced as a result of Project Impact. Mr. Neilsen stated the out of state placement dollars will be reduced. Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated the County may not be able to place youth in out of state placements if necessary.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Ingham County Circuit Court
a. Resolution to Allow the Donation of Excess Circuit Court Law Library Books
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ALLOW THE DONATION OF EXCESS CIRCUIT COURT LAW LIBRARY BOOKS. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. Resolution to Change the Hours of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO CHANGE THE HOURS OF THE CIRCUIT COURT CLERK’S OFFICE.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated the proposed 4:30 p.m. closure may not be convenient for many residents. Mr. Easterday stated she has a legitimate concern. He then explained the 4:30 closure is an attempt to keep people from waiting until the last minute to file papers or make payments at the Clerk’s Office. Ms. Taylor stated the Court hopes that by being open a half hour earlier in the morning, the afternoon rush will be alleviated. The Office will remain open during the lunch hour. Ms. Taylor further explained that once the Office closes, staff has to process the money and the paperwork.
Comm. Schor stated he shares Comm. Weatherwax-Grant’s concern about the change in closing time. He suggested the Office gradually move to a new closing time to accommodate the needs of the public. Mr. Easterday stated the Court has discussed the issue of providing notice to the public and the attorneys. Notices may be placed in briefs and in local newspapers. Mr. Easterday also stated a gradual change may confuse some people.
Ms. Taylor stated the Office makes every attempt to notify people when they come into the office of the upcoming time changes.
Comm. Schafer stated the Resolution does not indicate the days the Office will be open. The Committee consented to a Friendly Amendment to include “Monday through Friday” in the third WHEREAS paragraph of the Resolution.
Comm. Holman stated she supports the Court’s request. Chairperson Thomas asked if the Court has considered being open until 7:00 p.m. one night per week. Mr. Easterday stated he is not aware that this has been considered; however, the suggestion will be considered. He then stated the EVE Office may remain open late one night as was suggested by this Committee.
Chairperson Bahar-Cook requested the Court provide a report in April regarding how often the Clerk’s Office has been asked to stay open until 5:00 p.m. Mr. Easterday stated the Court will provide that report and it will also return to its regular hours if necessary. Chairperson Thomas stated the 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. window may be more problematic due to emergency situations. Mr. Easterday stated that may be true.
Chairperson Bahar-Cook stated the report should also include how many times a supervisor is requested and how many emergency situations occurred.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing Adjustments to the 2007 Ingham County Budget
Mr. Neilsen stated the Resolution authorizes standard adjustments.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. WEATHERWAX-GRANT, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE 2007 INGHAM COUNTY BUDGET. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Announcements
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant informed the Committee the Camp Highfields event will be held on October 14 at the Kellogg Center.
Comm. Weatherwax-Grant stated she is most grateful for Ms. Jerre Cory’s work at the Angel House.
Comm. Nolan reminded the Committee of an October 18 meeting at the Ingham County Road Commission to determine the qualifications ford a new Road Commission Director.
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff