Amended 2/21/06
COUNTY SERVICES
February 7, 2006
Minutes
Members Present: Andy Schor, Debbie DeLeon, Dianne Holman, Dale Copedge, Mike Severino, Don Vickers and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Jared Cypher, Harold Hailey, Bob Moore, Rick Terrill, Jack Restuccia, Bruce Johnston, Rick Kibby, Georgi Banna, Laura Pettit, Joe Pettit, Amy Thomas, Mark Banghart, Dennis Pido and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schor at 7:02 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the January 17, 2006 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. HOLMAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 17 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Vickers
Additions to the Agenda: None
Limited Public Comment
Mr. Pettit addressed the Committee regarding letters he submitted to the Board Office regarding Resolutions #04-132 and #05-115.
Mr. Pettit explained that he filed the January 3, 2006 letter regarding Resolution #04-132 on behalf of the Ingham County Employees Association (ICEA) Local 33 and the employees of the Ingham County Health Department. The purpose of the letter is to request the Board of Commissioners to revisit a specific issue pertaining to this Resolution. Resolution 04-132 amended the Health Department’s Plan for Organization.
Under that Resolution, position HLHCAN011 was under review by the Human Resources Department. A recommendation resulting from that review was to be made to this Committee. Mr. Pettit stated he has carefully reviewed the minutes from the County Services Committee meetings and the Board of Commissioner meetings which followed the date of the adoption of Resolution 04-132. A recommendation has not been submitted following the review.
The position at issue is classified as PR09 which is covered under the ICEA Local 33 Collective Bargaining Unit. Mr. Pettit stated position PR09 is responsible for supervising and managing the day to day operations of the Membership Service Unit within the Bureau of Health Plan Management. This position is responsible for other functions.
Mr. Pettit explained this is an important issue because the person in this position was the Local 33 President at the time of the reclassification and he continues to be the Local 33 President today. This situation creates a conflict of interest between the employer and the members of Local 33.
Resolution #05-115 involves the reorganization of the Ingham County Health Department. Mr. Pettit stated this Resolution presents specific ethical issues. He then requested this Committee conduct a formal investigation into this matter as provided for in Section VII of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners’ Ethics Policy. Mr. Pettit explained this Resolution perpetuates alleged unfair labor practices.
Chairperson Schor stated Mr. Pettit’s concerns do not fall under the purview of the Ingham County Ethic’s Policy. This is a collective bargaining agreement issue. Chairperson Schor stated this Committee would not discuss Mr. Pettit’s concerns this evening. Mr. Pettit’s letters will be placed on file with the Board Office.
Mr. Pettit stated he objected to Chairperson Schor’s position that his concerns are a collective bargaining agreement issue.
Mr. Pido, Facilities Department, addressed the Committee regarding his concern that he has been overlooked a number of times for advancement within his Department. Mr. Pido stated he has been a good County employee for 16 years. He earned a certificate in Heating and Cooling approximately ten years ago. Employees with lesser qualifications and experience than Mr. Pido have been promoted.
Mr. Pido stated minorities in the Facilities Department have always had a difficult time advancing. He then requested this Committee investigate this matter. Mr. Pido stated he has followed internal procedures without resolution; also, he has filed a complaint with the Civil Rights Commission.
Mr. Hailey stated Mr. Pido’s concerns have been addressed by his Office and the Controller’s Office. Formalized training has just been offered by the Facilities Department under the new Director.
Comm. DeLeon asked if formalized training is offered to any employee on their request. Mr. Hailey explained the Facilities Department does not have a formal process for offering training to its employees.
Chairperson Schor suggested that Mr. Pido send a letter to the Board Office if the Civil Rights complaint is not resolved to his satisfaction. If the Board receives such a letter, it will request information regarding staff’s initial investigation. This Committee will determine at that time if any additional action is needed.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
6. Parks & Recreation Commission – Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of up to $20,000 from the Lake Lansing Trail Appropriation to be used for a Recreation Needs Assessment to Update the Ingham County Parks Master Plan
7. Health Department – Resolution Authorizing a Change in Status of the Human Services Grant Coordinator Position in the Health Department
8. Financial Services Department
a. Authorization for Out of State Travel
b. Resolution to Increase the Financial Reporting Threshold for Fixed Assets from $1,000 to $5,000
9b. Human Resources Department – Resolution Approving the FOP/Corrections Collective Bargaining Agreement
10a. Board of Commissioners – Resolution Recognizing “Black History/Cultural Diversity Month” in Ingham County
11. Controller’s Office – Jail Water Tank – Emergency Purchase
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Vickers
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Vickers
1. Boards/Commissions Presentation – Women’s Commission Interviews
The Committee interviewed Dorothy Mitstifer and Nicole Clemen for a position on the Women’s Commission.
The Committee consented to make a recommendation at a future time.
(Comm. Vickers arrived at 7:25 p.m.)
2. Housing Commission – Presentation – Housing Commission Plans for 2006 and Beyond – Bruce Johnston
Mr. Johnston asked for this Committee’s continued support as the Housing Commission works toward the development of a system that will assist families of the County who need affordable housing to find help when the need increases. The Commission has been working toward this goal of increasing the supply of affordable housing opportunities.
The Commission plans to step up the process and work more aggressively to obtain that goal. Mr. Johnston stated the Commission will hire a Deputy Director to oversee the day to day activities of its Public Housing and Section 8 programs to assure the residents in these programs continue to receive the care and attention they are accustomed to and deserve. Hiring a Deputy Director will allow the Executive Director to work on the development of new housing opportunities. Mr. Johnston stated approval from the Board of Commissioners will continue to be sought before any new programs are implemented.
Mr. Kibby, Housing Commission, stated the Commission desires to partner with the County, other non-profit organizations, MSHDA, Rural Development and various cities and townships within the County to positively impact the lives of low to moderate income families.
Mr. Johnston stated the Commission would like to complete a County-wide Needs Assessment. This Assessment would allow the Commission to focus where the need is greatest. The information would also be valuable when seeking additional funding sources.
Mr. Kibby stated the Land Bank Authority will be a valuable tool for the Housing Commission’s efforts to continue to meet the needs of the County residents. Mr. Kibby thanked the Committee for appointing him to the Housing Commission.
Mr. Banna, Housing Commission, stated the Commission will host an Open House at a Mason home renovation on February 16 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The Committee has been provided with invitations to the Open House.
Comm. Severino commended the Housing Commission for its efforts in providing rental housing. He then asked if the Commission has had any discussions about offering home ownership incentives. Mr. Johnston stated there is a need for both rental housing and home ownership. Some people who have received rental housing assistance will seek home ownership assistance at a later date. Comm. Severino asked that the Commission keep this Committee updated regarding its efforts.
Comm. Copedge stated the Housing Commission’s presentation at the Land Bank Authority meeting on Monday evening was very informative and impressive. The Housing Commission provides a wonderful service for the community.
Chairperson Schor echoed Comm. Copedge’s statements. He also stated the proposed partnerships would be very beneficial for the community.
3. Facilities Department – Resolution Setting Penalties for Parking Violations at the Veterans Memorial Courthouse/Grady Porter Building
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE RESOLUTION SETTING PENALTIES FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL COURTHOUSE/GRADY PORTER BUILDING – VERSION #2.
Comm. Holman expressed her concern that implementing this policy will be a record keeping burden for the Facilities Department. Mr. Terrill stated this concern has been discussed. He then explained that when a warning is issued, staff will record the vehicle’s make, model and license plate number. This should not create a burden on the Department.
Comm. Copedge asked how visual confirmation would be made for people who park in the lot prior to 7:00 a.m. He then stated he disagrees with including the language in Version 2 which details how the ordinance would be enforced. This language should only be contained in the ordinance. Mr. Terrill stated staff hours will be flexible to address specific situations regarding the parking lot. Comm. Severino stated the language provides protection for the County. He then suggested the term “and” after the (1) paragraph in Version 2 be changed to “or.”
The Committee consented to a Friendly Amendment to change the term “and” after the (1) paragraph under the third BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED paragraph to “or.”
Comm. DeLeon asked Mr. Terrill if he has spoken with the MIS Director regarding the possibility of providing parking lot information to jurors in their regular mailings. Mr. Terrill stated the MIS Director would look into this matter. Mr. Terrill further stated he would report back to the Committee on this issue.
Comm. Vickers stated he agreed with Mr. Terrill’s perception that after the first month or two of enforcing this ordinance, the violations will dramatically decrease.
Chairperson Schor informed the Committee that Comm. Hertel had requested the fines be separated between non-disabled and disabled persons. Comm. DeLeon asked who would keep the fines and costs from the tickets. Mr. Terrill stated the agency which issues the tickets would keep the fines and costs. Mr. Terrill explained that two Facilities staff people could be deputized by the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office so they could issue the tickets and the County would keep the fines and costs recovered from the tickets. He also explained the Sheriff’s Office has informed him that it would be difficult for them to issue tickets when they do not witness the violation.
Comm. Copedge asked if the Facilities Department had any thoughts on how it would maintain the parking violation records. Mr. Terrill stated that when tickets are issued, the make, model and license plate numbers are recorded on the ticket and the ticket stub. At this time, only a hard copy of the information will be available.
Comm. DeLeon stated two staff members should be deputized so that the County collects the fines and costs. She then asked in which fund this money would be placed. Comm. DeLeon suggested the funds be used to maintain the lot. Chairperson Schor stated staff would look into this matter and report back to this Committee.
Comm. DeLeon stated she agreed with Comm. Hertel’s suggestion regarding the separation of the non-disabled person fines and costs and the disabled persons fines and costs.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO AMEND RESOLUTION – VERSION #2 BY CHANGING THE INFORMATION BENEATH THE THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
Add: Space Designated for Non-Disabled Person:
First Offense Written Warning
Second Offense $100.00 plus costs
Third and Subsequent Offense $200.00 plus costs
Add: Space Designated for Disabled Persons: $250 for each offense plus costs
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Terrill informed the Committee that new signs would be placed on the lot because the old signs are faded. Comm. Holman asked that the signs be made clear and obvious to people. She then stated that new programs sometimes need to be tweaked once implemented. She encouraged the Facilities Department to report back to this Committee prior to the designated six month update if necessary.
MAIN MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY as amended.
4. County Services Committee – Resolution Amending Resolution #04-045 to Increase the Number of Members Serving on the Ingham County Fair Board
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BYC OMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION #04-045 TO INCREASE THE NUMBERS OF MEMBERS SERVING ON THE INGHAM COUNTY FAIR BOARD.
Comm. Severino explained he would not vote in favor of the above motion. The goal of increasing diversity is laudable; however, if the Committee wishes for a more diverse Fair Board, it should strive to appoint diverse members.
Comm. DeLeon asked how the Committee made the determination to increase the Fair Board membership by two. Chairperson Schor explained the number was reached through a compromise. Comm. DeLeon stated her preference to increase the membership by three. Chairperson Celentino stated he is satisfied with increasing the membership from eleven to thirteen.
Comm. Holman stated long-term appointments should be made to reflect the integrity of the Fair Board. Because this is a working board, Comm. Holman stated she would support a membership increase from 11 to 14 for the purpose of working on Fair Board issues.
Comm. Vickers stated he was neutral on this matter. The Fair Board does, however, need to reach out to Lansing and East Lansing residents. Appointing the current applicants will not achieve this goal. On this basis, Comm. Vickers stated he would not support the motion. He further stated the consensus of the Fair Board is to maintain eleven members.
Comm. Copedge expressed his support for the motion to increase the membership for the purpose of expanding the Fair Board’s diversity. It now appears the reason for expanding the membership has changed. Comm. Copedge stated he would support expanding the Fair Board for diversification purposes. This Committee should look hard at the current Fair Board and make a determination as to its current needs before making any additional appointments. Comm. Copedge then stated he would vote in favor of increasing the membership in hopes that it will help to increase diversity.
Chairperson Schor stated the Committee will be very deliberate when making appointments to the Fair Board.
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION BY INCREASING THE FAIR BOARD MEMBERSHIP FROM 11 MEMBERS TO 14 MEMBERS.
Comm. DeLeon explained her reason for increasing the membership to fourteen members is to increase geographic as well as ethnic diversity on the Fair Board. Additional applications should be sought for this Committee’s review.
Comm. Severino stated if diversity has not happened since the Fair Board membership was last increased in 2004, when it will happen.
MOTION TO AMEND FAILED with Comms. Severino, Holman and Vickers voting NO.
Chairperson Schor stated a working board is more effective with several members.
MAIN MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Severino and Vickers voting NO.
9a. Human Resources Department – Resolution Reclassifying the Purchasing Director Position
MOVED BY COMM. VICKERS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION RECLASSIFYING THE PURCHASING DIRECTOR POSITION.
Chairperson Celentino asked about the Purchasing Director’s additional responsibilities. Mr. Hailey stated this position was last evaluated in 1999. Since this review, the new responsibilities for this position include the enforcement of the Living Wage Policy and the Prevailing Wage Policy. According to the Rye Study, the Director’s position scored as a #5 Supervisory position. The Assistant Director position is a Managerial/Confidential position.
Comm. DeLeon asked as to who monitored the Prevailing Wage Policy prior to the current Director. Mr. Hailey stated this Policy was not an issue prior to the current Director. Comm. DeLeon stated the Prevailing Wage Policy has always been a part of our Purchasing system. Mr. Cypher explained the Purchasing and Facilities Departments were one Department prior to its reorganization. The two Departments were separated.
Mr. Hailey stated he would look into Comm. DeLeon’s concerns prior to the next Committee meeting. Chairperson Schor stated this item would be rescheduled for this Committee’s February 21, 2006 meeting.
Comm. Vickers withdrew his motion and Comm. Severino withdrew his support of the motion.
5. Fair Board – Resolution Authorizing the Award of a Proposal and Entering into a Contract for the Purpose of Providing and Installing Insulation and Painting of the Main Pavilion at the Ingham County Fairgrounds
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE AWARD OF A PROPOSAL AND ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING AND INSTALLING INSULATION AND PAINTING OF THE MAIN PAVILION AT THE INGHAM COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS.
Comm. DeLeon stated the Staff Review did not contain information regarding the location of the proposed vendor. Mr. Cypher explained that nine of the 16 received proposals were from local vendors. The not to exceed amount of this contract is $115,000. The next lowest bid was approximately $45,000 more than the proposed contract amount.
Comm. DeLeon stated she had previously requested that such information be included with each contract that is submitted to this Committee. Mr. Cypher stated he would look into this matter. Comm. Severino asked if the Purchasing Department has access to minority information regarding vendors. Chairperson Schor stated staff would provide the requested information to this Committee.
Comm. Vickers stated he has worked with the Irish Construction Company in the past. It is a reputable company.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10b. Discussion Item – Financial Support for the MLK Holiday Commission
Comm. Copedge informed the Committee that Mr. Elam was present earlier this evening, but he had to leave. Mr. Elam will be present at this Committee’s next meeting for this discussion.
This item was rescheduled for this Committee’s next meeting.
12. Board Referral – Letters from Joe Pettit Regarding Ingham County Resolution 04-132
The Board Referral was received and placed on file.
Announcements
Comm. Copedge encouraged the Commissioners to attend MSU Extension’s Economic Development Workshop to discuss issues and its goal to improve Ingham County land use.
Public Comment
Mr. Pettit stated there were material misrepresentations which may have affected the Board of Commissioners’ approval of Resolution #05-115. When this Resolution was under consideration by the Board, it reviewed a proposal which stated there were zero Sanitarian I positions. Mr. Pettit stated there were two full time temporary Sanitarian I’s. The Sanitarian II position previously held by the new Sanitarian III who was promoted from the Sanitarian II level would have reverted back to a Sanitarian I position in accordance with Article 11, Section 5 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff