Amended 1/31/08

JUDICIARY

January 10, 2008

Minutes

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

Members Absent:         None

Others Present:             John Neilsen

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

Approval of the November 29, 2007 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 29 MINUTES AS AMENDED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Minutes were amended on page one to reflect that the meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson Schor. 

Additions to the Agenda:           None

Limited Public Comment:          None

1.         Circuit Court, Family Division

            a.         Resolution Honoring Nolan Singleton

MOVED BY COMM NOLAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. TENNIS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION HONORING NOLAN SINGLETON.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            b.         Resolution Honoring Pamela Heverly

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION HONORING PAMELA HEVERLY. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2.         Circuit Court – Request for 2008 Legal Representation – Judge Collette

Comm. Nolan asked about the attorney fees line item.  Mr. Neilsen stated that line item has just over $800,000 for the Circuit Court/General Trial division.  Comm. Tennis explained the funds have already been budgeted.  The Circuit Court is requesting to use the funds for a different purpose.  Mr. Neilsen stated the County Attorney cannot represent one Judge against another Judge. 

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated the Court should make the request more transparent in the future.  Mr. Neilsen stated additional funds should not be needed in this matter.

Comm. Bahar-Cook asked if the Committee could approve $1,682.50 at this time.  Additional funds could be authorized later if necessary.  Mr. Neilsen stated the Court would not have a problem with this amount. 

The Committee declared its intent to approve $1,682.50 for the outstanding balance.  The Court may request additional funds if necessary. 

Comm. Schafer asked about the County paying for a Judge who is not sitting on the bench while also paying for a visiting Judge.  Mr. Neilsen stated when the Judge Nettles-Nickerson issue is resolved; he will ask the Court to report on this matter to the Committee. 

3.         Controller’s Office – Update on the Continuum of Care Our Savior Lutheran Property

Mr. Neilsen stated a few of the contingencies have been met since the last 2007 Board meeting.  The Congregation has voted to accept the offer.  We are now in the 90 day due diligence period.  Mr. Meyer and others met at the facility on January 3, 2008 to conduct an inspection.  Recommendations from the architect should be presented to this Committee by the end of this month.  The title work should be completed within the next two weeks.  The survey work will begin at that time.  Our Savior Lutheran Church may vacate the property in September. 

Comm. Holman asked about the neighborhood meeting.  Mr. Neilsen stated that meeting will happen in the very near future.  The Court will be happy to be a part of this process.  Comm. Bahar-Cook stated Judge Garcia should be encouraged to participate in the process. 

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated this Committee should determine the best uses for the facility as well as the stakeholders at the next meeting or soon thereafter.  Comm. Nolan stated CMH has the governing body model to share with this Committee.  Mr. Neilsen stated he will contact CMH regarding this matter.

Comm. Nolan stated CMH has the governing body model to share with this Committee.  Mr.  Neilsen stated he will contact CMH re this issue.

Board Chairperson Thomas stated the Community Coalition for Youth has expressed an interest in being involved in the process.

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated she welcomes this Committee’s thoughts on how to proceed this year.  She also stated she will work with Mr. Neilsen to develop a tentative timeline for tackling the issues this year.

Announcements

Comm. Schafer stated the County needs to address the issue of incorporating Lansing Township into the 54-B District Court.  Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated Judge Boyd has indicated he may take this issue up this year.  The Committee discussed this issue briefly. 

Comm. Bahar-Cook stated she received an email informing her that a person has been placed in jail for having an unlicensed dog.  She asked if anyone knew if this person was jailed on additional charges.  Mr. Neilsen stated Judge DeLuca did sentence an individual for having an unlicensed dog.  He then explained that the Jail count has been down due to the holidays.  This status will change soon.  The individual is probably known by the Judge or by the Court for other reasons. 

Comm. Bahar-Cook asked if the Board Chair could send a letter to the Judge stating our knowledge of this issue.  Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated the sentencing may be a part of County policy.  Mr. Neilsen stated staff will follow up in this matter.  Additional information will be forwarded to this Committee.  Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated she would like to know what policy the person was sentenced under. 

Board Chairperson Thomas stated the Committee should keep in mind that if space is available in the Jail, the Judges will use that space.  He also stated he spoke with Mr. Myers regarding the Jail’s rental beds.  He stated Mr. Myers informed him that the current Jail administration has not been contacting the MDOC regarding this issue.  Mr. Myers has talked with the Jail about how to contact the MDOC.

Comm. Schafer stated it would be cheaper for the County to operate a dorm-style setting for non-violent offenders.  This issue will be addressed by the Law Enforcement Committee this year. 

Comm. Tennis expressed his concern that a person was jailed for having an unlicensed dog.

Comm. Nolan stated the CCY is in the process of hiring a person to collect data.  The CCY is currently looking at a $2.5 million federal grant to prevent youth violence in the greater Lansing area.  She also stated the new Lansing Airport  is offering international flights.

(Sentence deleted.)  She further stated she had the privilege of touring Sparrow’s new youth emergency room and trauma facility.  The facility is unbelievable and it’s the only one of its type in the nation.  She encouraged the Commissioners to tour the new facility. 

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant informed the Committee that Judge Boyd would like to invite the Commissioners to visit his court for a half day. 

Public Comment:          None

The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff