Approved 2/28/08

JUDICIARY

February 14, 2008

Minutes

Members Present:         Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Todd Tennis, Dianne Holman, Randy Schafer and Board Chairperson Marc Thomas

Members Absent:         Rebecca Bahar-Cook and Deb Nolan

Others Present:             John Neilsen, Maureen Winslow, Bob Sheehan, Sara Deprez, Elizabeth Schrock and others

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant at 7:34 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the January 31, 2008 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 31 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Nolan and Bahar-Cook

Additions to the Agenda

2b.       Substitute Resolution

Limited Public Comment:          None

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant informed the Committee that she plans to have representatives from the Footprints and the Crossroads programs to provide a progress report to this Committee in the near future. 

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

2.         Circuit Court/Family Division

a.         Resolution to Authorize the Reorganization of the Family Division Psychologist Position

b.         Substitute Resolution to Authorize Entering into a Contract with Michigan State University for the Adolescent Diversion Program

c.         Resolution to Authorize Entering into a Contract with Peckham, Inc. for the Family Division Day Program – Footprints

d.         Resolution to Authorize Entering into a Contract with Peckham, Inc. for the Family Division Day Treatment Program – Crossroads

e.         Resolution to Authorize Entering into a Contract with Peckham, Inc. for the Crossroads After Hours Program

3.         Judiciary Committee – Resolution Honoring Gerard Mauze

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comms. Bahar-Cook and Nolan

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comms. Bahar-Cook and Nolan

1.         Controller’s Office

a.         DRAFT for DISCUSSION – Resolution Authorizing the Creation of a Continuum of Care Facility Advisory Board

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated this Committee should wait until the neighborhood groups have their informational meeting before it considers approving this Resolution. 

Comm. Schafer stated he appreciates Mr. Sheehan’s reports from CMH.  He is impressed with the documentation in the reports.

Mr. Sheehan explained that there are two roles for the advisory board.  The board could be separated into two main purposes.  One board could be for monitoring the integrity of the current and future services under the Continuum of Care.  The other board would work with the appropriate neighborhood organizations to keep them informed and engaged with the Facility.  The two boards are vital to the Facility’s success.  The meeting process should be very open with plenty of notice for the meetings.  Mr. Sheehan further stated it’s important to have a contact person who is available 24 hours per day seven days per week to address any concerns from the neighborhoods.

Board Chairperson Thomas asked Mr. Sheehan for recommendations for handling a community meeting which will be held in a few weeks.  Mr. Sheehan suggested the County have a real structured agenda which includes time for public comment.  The public could write their questions or concerns on note cards for the advisory board to address.  Advisory board members should remain after the meeting to address more detailed questions from the public.

Comm. Schafer asked if it would be appropriate to hold a Judiciary Committee meeting at the facility prior to the informational meeting.  Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated this Committee could hold a meeting at the facility if the community has a lot of concerns at the informational meeting. 

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated this Committee is very excited for the neighborhoods due to the potential the facility has to offer. 

Comm. Holman asked how the Court and this Committee will receive the advice and recommendations from the advisory boards.  Mr. Sheehan stated this Committee and the Court should work on this issue.

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated she would like to have a member from the neighborhood on the advisory board.  She suggested the Resolution could include language which indicates the advisory board can create liaison committees.  The list of representatives in the Resolution should include service providers as well as the Community Coalition for Youth.

Mr. Neilsen thanked Mr. Sheehan for putting this information together.  He then asked Mr. Sheehan if minutes should be taken for the advisory board meetings.  Mr. Sheehan stated minutes could be kept of the larger board meetings.  It is not necessary to take minutes from the neighborhood meetings due to the varied discussions at those meetings.  Members of the advisory board could take turns taking the minutes. 

Ms. Schrock stated she reviewed the draft resolution and she does not have any recommendations for changes to same.  Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated it would be helpful for the CCY to provide their thoughts on the composition of the advisory board.

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated she appreciated Mr. Sheehan’s help with this matter.

b.         Update on Continuum of Care Our Savior Lutheran Property

Mr. Neilsen stated he emailed a copy of Mr. Meyers’ report to the Commissioners today. He then distributed copies of his report summary to the Committee. 

Comm. Tennis asked what types of improvements are being recommended.  Mr. Neilsen stated the details are contained in the actual report.  Many of the code improvements are related to the kitchen space.  Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant asked for an estimated timeline for the code improvements which need to be completed prior to using the facility.  Mr. Neilsen stated he will provide that information to the Committee.   

Mr. Neilsen stated the due diligence period ends on March 10, 2008.  He then stated tentative dates and times for the neighborhood meeting have been drafted.  One date is Wednesday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the facility.  An informational letter will be sent to people who live within 1500 feet of the facility.  This letter discusses the facility programming and it also includes a fact sheet.  The contact person is Ms. Winslow.  Once the meeting date is confirmed, the letters will be sent.  

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated she will be out of town on February 27.  She further stated she will assist with the meeting preparation.  Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant thanked Mr. Neilsen and Mr. Sheehan for their efforts on tonight’s information. 

Chairperson Weatherwax-Grant stated the Committee should receive a copy of the court’s letter to the neighborhoods. 

The Committee held a brief discussion regarding who should be invited to the informational meeting.    

Announcements:           None

Public Comment:          None

The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff