Amended 12/02/97
Members Present: Paul Pratt, Paul Goulet, Jean McDonald, Bruce Hunting and
Wallace Juall
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Harold Hailey, Jerry Ambrose, Darnell Earley, Mark Grebner, Linda Sims,
Bruce Johnston, Gordon Kyle, Lynn Downey, David Rew, Paul Norgren,
Tom Page, Bob Moore, Bonnie Olsen and Tim McCarthy
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Pratt at 5:30 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the October 7 and October 21, 1997
THE OCTOBER 7 AND OCTOBER 21, 1997 MINUTES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES/PERSONNEL COMMITTEE WILL STAND APPROVED.
Additions to the Agenda
8d. Environmental Affairs Commission Members
9. Resolution Amending Resolution No. 97-247, 1998 General Appropriations Resolution
Authorizing Contracts for Services with Capital Area Rail Council and Ingham Conservation
District
Limited Public Comment: None
1. Presentation
a. Michiana Land Services, Inc.
Mr. Norgren explained that IPL Energy (U.S.A.), Inc. is proposing to build a pipeline, 16-inches in diameter, which would run from Stockbridge to Freedom Junction. Approximately seven miles of the 27-mile proposed pipeline would run through Stockbridge Township. This pipeline will be connected to the Lakehead Pipe Line. The construction will begin during the summer of 1998.
Mr. Norgren stated that landowners are currently being contacted as part of the process of surveying the proposed route. The landowners will be dealt with on a voluntary basis. Once the route is established, an application will be filed with the Public Service Commission.
There will be approximately $11 million spent in Ingham County in relation to the proposed pipeline. Mr. Norgren stated that local contractors will provide some of the needed services. The pipeline will be laid below the design of the drains at a depth of 42 inches. Comms. McDonald and Juall stated their concerns regarding the depth of the pipeline.
Mr. Kyle explained that there currently are two 30-inch pipelines which run through Michigan. These lines carry more than one million barrels of crude oil per day. The Lakehead Pipe Line system delivers approximately 40% of the crude petroleum refined in Michigan. Mr. Kyle detailed the delivery points for the petroleum within Michigan.
Chairperson Pratt stated concerns regarding the cutting down of trees to affect pipeline maintenance. Mr. Norgren explained that Public Act 125 was recently signed by Governor Engler which specifically dealt with that issue. Mr. Norgren further explained that the right-of-way will be cleared on a continual basis. The clearance will also provide the needed visual inspections of the weekly aerial patrols. In response to Comm. Hunting, Mr. Norgren explained that they are requesting a 60-foot wide easement of the landowners. An additional 15 feet will be needed for temporary working space. Once the right-of-way is cleared and the damages are paid, there will be an understanding that Lakehead will have a right to maintain the right-of-ways.
In response to Comm. Sims, Mr. Norgren stated that local union companies will provide the maintenance and emergency response services.
Mr. Norgren explained that the landowners will be given an estimate of the damage, before and after the project, and the landowners will be paid for those damages once the project is completed. The landowner will sign off on the repairs before the contractor is released from the contract.
Comm. McDonald stated that she spoke with Jim Wilson in regards to this matter. Due to the many regulations concerning pipelines, Mr. Wilson stated that he did not have any concerns. However, there is a concern regarding the one-well situations which do not have the environmental protections. These concerns should be addressed.
b. Lake Lansing Property Owners Association
Mr. Page stated that the Lake Lansing Property Owners Association (Property Owners) has established a special assessment district in conjunction with Meridian Township to fund the implementation of the Watershed Management Plan.
Mr. Page distributed a packet to the Commissioners which addresses the five-year Watershed Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to alleviate current problems and to help prevent future problems. The five-year goal is to develop a document containing a series of recommendations concerning the care and maintenance of Lake Lansing. The current issue which is being addressed by the Plan is the tremendous weed problem. This issue will require the use of chemical treatments.
The five-year period for the Plan was established so that the volunteers would not be over extended. However, the findings from the Plan will still be relevant at its conclusion. The Plan is organized into five areas. The Aquatic Plant Management will provide for the 1997 Fall survey of aquatic plant conditions, the 1998 aquatic plan control treatment and it will also design an aquatic plant control program. Water Quality Testing will continue and expand in the Spring. The testing will continue and will possibly be expanded for 1998. The Testing will provide for the development of a comprehensive water quality testing program and develop a list of possible pollution sources. Public Awareness and Education will provide for the formation of an advisory committee, establish a communications system and conduct a survey to residents of the watershed. Educational mailings regarding lake friendly lake use will be developed and a budget for 1999 will be prepared. The Land Use section will develop a plan to manage the drains into Lake Lansing and complete a land use inventory. The Water Safety and Recreation Use section will compile usage and marine law information.
The funding for the plan was established by the special assessment district (SAD). The SAD is composed of two tiers, riparian owners and back lot owners. The total cost for the Plan is approximately $40,000 per year. The amount contributed by the County would lower the amount assessed by the homeowners.
Comm. Grebner expressed his concern regarding the number of volunteers involved with the Plan. He also stated that the $40,000 per year is a minimal amount and that the County could fund the Plan in the low six figures. Chairperson Pratt stated the Committee should receive a statement regarding the start up costs. Mr. Page stated that approximately $1,000 had been spent for the start up costs. Comm. Grebner suggested that the Controller should be requested to develop a resolution appropriating the funds for the Plan. The Committee discussed the possibility of a contingency fund.
In response to Comm. Juall, Mr. Page explained that a consultant would be hired to oversee the volunteers.
Mr. Page explained in response to Comm. McDonald, that the purple loose strife project was inconclusive. Mr. McCarthy explained that the results of the project would not be known until Spring 1998.
Chairperson Pratt stated that a Resolution should be prepared providing for the County's payment of their share and also to provide for more flexibility. Comm. Grebner stated the Resolution should be drafted in a generous spirit. He also suggested that Mr. Page work with the Controller regarding a payment schedule. Comm. Hunting agreed that the Resolution should be drafted in a generous manner due to the Property Owners' compliance to the County's requirements.
2. Human Resources Department - 1997 Third Quarter Labor Force Statistics Report
Mr. Hailey explained that the third quarter report shows minority employment at 16.40%. Comm. McDonald stated that Mr. Hailey has performed an excellent job on this issue over the years. In response to Comm. Hunting, Mr. Hailey explained that approximately 10 years ago, the minority employment rate was only 8%.
3. CVB - Quarterly Activity Report
Comm. Sims stated that she had attended a CVB meeting this morning. She distributed copies of the 1998 Targeted Groups to the Commissioners for review. Comm. Sims explained that the membership has increased from 140 to approximately 680 members. The CVB expects a 25% growth in membership over the next few years.
Comm. McDonald questioned the 1997 Confirmation totals in Tourism Sales. Comm. Sims stated that she would look into the matter.
Chairperson Pratt requested that future reports be more self-explanatory. He also stated that Comm. Czarnecki's city comparison report was not included with the Quarterly Report. Mr. Ambrose suggested that the report could be included in the next quarterly report.
4. Parks Department - Prohibition Regarding Naming Natural Resource Trust Fund Projects in Honor of a Person or Persons
Mr. Earley explained that the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund land acquisition project agreement was submitted in response to the question raised on the Board floor regarding the prohibition.
The letter was accepted by the Committee.
5. Housing Commission - Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Amendment #7 to Consolidated Annual Contributions Contract No. C-8026
Mr. Johnston explained that the Housing Commission applied for funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for needed improvements and repairs to the Carriage Lane Apartments. The County has been granted $402,000 for repairs to plumbing lines and air handling units.
In response to Comm. Goulet, Mr. Johnston explained that the County will be involved with the Carriage Lane Apartments until the year 2020. Mr. Johnston also explained to Comm. Juall the County's obligations regarding this matter.
MOVED BY COMM. MCDONALD, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HUNTING, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT #7 TO CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS CONTRACT NO. C-8026. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Fair Board - Resolution Authorizing Leasing of the Old Office Building Located at the Ingham County Fairgrounds
Comm. Grebner stated that Resolutions should include a WHEREAS clause indicating that they have been reviewed and they have been recommended as in the best interest of the County. Mr. Earley stated that he has talked with Terry Brail regarding this Resolution. Mr. Brail assured Mr. Earley that this Resolution was in the best interest of the County. Mr. Ambrose stated that staff also reviews the resolutions and makes the appropriate recommendations. Comm. Grebner suggested the following amendment to this Resolution:
WHEREAS the Director of the Fair Board has reviewed the proposal and has received approval from the Fair Board to recommend entering into this agreement.
This amendment was accepted as friendly by the Committee.
MOVED BY COMM. MCDONALD, SUPPORTED BY COMM. JUALL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING LEASING OF THE OLD OFFICE BUILDING LOCATED AT THE INGHAM COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairperson Pratt stated that he still wants to review the Fair Board's solicitation policy.
7. Board of Commissioners - Request from Commissioner Randy Schafer - Resolution Amending the Ingham County Board Rules to Require Appropriate Liaison Committee Approval for all Committee and Chair Appointments
Comm. Juall explained that Comm. Schafer's rationale regarding this matter was that the Board should receive information on appointments to review and to discuss any concerns. Information was not available for the last few appointments.
Comm. Grebner stated that this Resolution should receive more consideration. The Board rules should be changed. A vacant or expired seat should be referred automatically by the Board office to the appropriate liaison committee.
Comm. Sims questioned the reasoning for changing the Resolution when it hasn't been troublesome. The Committees are experiencing difficulties in obtaining new people to apply for committee appointments.
Comm. Grebner stated that he would review this matter next year.
This matter was tabled by consensus.
8. Other
a. Elected Officials Compensation - Board of Commissioners
Mr. Ambrose stated that a survey of Commissioner compensation has been completed, including mileage reimbursement information, at the direction of the Committee.
b. Resolution Changing Retirement Benefits for Judges
Chairperson Pratt suggested that Mr. Ambrose write a letter to Judge Owens regarding retroactive pay raises.
MOVED BY COMM. JUALL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GOULET, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION CHANGING RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR JUDGES. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
c. Fair Board Appointments
MOVED BY COMM. MCDONALD, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GOULET, TO REAPPOINT TOM MITCHELL AND TO APPOINT MIKE PRELESNIK TO THE FAIR BOARD. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairperson Pratt stated that Mr. Shaver would appreciate having the term limit waived and that the Committee would not support this request.
d. Environmental Affairs Commission Members
MOVED BY COMM. HUNTING, SUPPORTED BY COMM. MCDONALD, TO REAPPOINT THE CURRENT MEMBERS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Comm. Hunting informed the Committee that the EAC is interested in providing additional services to the County. The Committee should express support for their efforts.
9. Resolution Amending Resolution No. 97-247, 1998 General Appropriations Resolution
Authorizing Contracts for Services with Capital Area Rail Council and Ingham Conservation
District
Mr. Earley explained that the Board passed the 1998 General Appropriations Resolution. The Resolution includes an amendment which authorizes contracts for services with the Capital Area Rail Council and the Ingham Conservation District. These agencies receive funding through the annual budget process. This Resolution would establish a precedent for approving contracts with the two agencies, as well as similar agencies, to become part of the budget process.
MOVED BY COMM. JUALL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. GOULET, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 97-247, 1998 GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CONTRACTS FOR SERVICES WITH CAPITAL AREA RAIL COUNCIL AND INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Announcements
Mr. Hailey informed the Committee that he is anticipating a highly charged and emotional next round of meetings. There will be an item regarding the reorganization within the Health Department. He will also be requesting additional appropriations for an independent job evaluation study. Proposals have been solicited to evaluate all UAW positions in the County. The UAW is supportive of this study. There will also be a grievance from the UAW.
Mr. Hailey also stated that Dan Hankins is in serious ill health and will be leaving his position immediately.
Comm. Goulet stated that one of his constituents is a retired Ingham County employee and he is also retired from the State of Michigan. This constituent wishes to cash in his County policy. Mr. Hailey stated that this issue will be negotiated in the future.
Public Comment: None
The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff