Approved 2/4/03
COUNTY SERVICES
January 21, 2003
Minutes
MEMBERS PRESENT: Victor Celentino, Dianne Holman, Debbie DeLeon, Andy Schor, Michael Severino and John Nevin
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Jerry Ambrose, Harold Hailey, Calvin Lynch, Bruce Johnston, Don Reisig, Bob Moore, George Banna, Fred Featherly, Mary Stid, Pat Sonnenberg, Jessica Fried, Erica Robinson and Marty Culver
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Celentino at 7:01 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Chairperson Celentino welcomed the new Commissioners to this Committee. He also welcomed back the returning Commissioners and staff.
Approval of the December 3, 2002 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 3 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Additions to the Agenda
7a. Additional Information
8. Substitute Resolution
Limited Public Comment
Mr. Moore explained that he would be able to address any questions of the Commissioners off record regarding an employment situation in the Parks Department. The County Attorney advised him that he should not make any comments during the course of this meeting.
1. Board and Commissions B Interviews BHousing Commission, Equal Opportunity Commission, and Environmental Affairs Commission
The Committee interviewed George Banna for the vacancy on the Housing Commission.
The Committee interviewed Fred Featherly for the vacancy on the Environmental Affairs Commission.
CHAIRPERSON LYNCH DISCLOSED THAT HE SITS ON THE TRI-COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION.
The Committee interviewed Jessica Fried and Erica Robinson for the vacancies on the Equal Opportunity Committee.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE
FOLLOWING ITEMS:
4. Parks Board
a. Resolution Adopting an Adjustment to the Parks Department Seasonal Employee Wage Schedule
b. Resolution Authorizing a Contract for Services Between Ingham County and the Charter Township of Meridian to Maintain the Watershed Management Plan for Lake Lansing Including the Lake Frontage Owned by Ingham County
5. Economic Development Corporation
a. Resolution Authorizing a One Year Contract Extension with Economic Consulting Services, LLC to Provide Economic Development Services
c. Resolution to Amend the Retention Program Contract with the City of Lansing
d. Resolution to Execute Interlocal Agreement with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
6. Health Department - Resolution to Combine to Part-time Clinic Assistant/Tech Positions in the Health Department
7. Human Resources
a. Request for Leave of Absence B Robert Irwin
9. Board of Commissioners
a. Resolution Honoring Frank Lyon for His Service to the Ingham County Historical Commission
b. Resolution Honoring John Klumpp for His Service to the Ingham County Historical Commission
c. Resolution Recognizing ABlack History/Cultural Diversity Month@In Ingham County
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Sonnenberg expressed her appreciation to this Committee for their assistance with agenda item 7a.
2. County Services Committee
a. Overview County Services Committee and 2003 Issues
In response to Comm. Nevin, Chairperson Celentino stated the Living Wage issue is still in the discussion phase. This item will not be placed on an agenda for at least the next few months.
Mr. Ambrose reviewed this Committee=s responsibilities and long-term objectives and issues of priority. This information is contained in the agenda packet. In response to Comm. Nevin, Chairperson Lynch stated he would update him regarding the Airport at a later time. Chairperson Celentino further explained that the County is still in discussions with Clinton and Eaton Counties, Williamston, DeWitt Township and Delta Township.
Mr. Ambrose stated the role of this Committee is to foster good communications with County agencies and commissions. This Committee can expect updates from the agency and commission chairs during the course of this year.
b. Briefing Book on Selected County Issues: Analyses on Area of
Priority Identified by the Ingham County Board of Commissioners
Mr. Ambrose stated this information is intended to brief the Commissioners on specific County issues.
3. Housing Commission
a. Informational Item - Letter Regarding the History of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Mr. Johnston explained the history of the Commission=s involvement with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). After researching MSHDA=s program and after receiving their technical support and grant, the Housing Commission initiated Ingham County=s CDBG Homeowner Rehabilitation program in June 1999. The Program assists low/moderate income homeowners located in the County, excluding Lansing and East Lansing. Homeowners receive low or no interest loans which will bring their homes up to local code or correct an emergency situation.
The Commission utilized $172,000 in grant funds for improvements to 12 homes before the grant expired in December 2000. As of December 31, 2002, all Community Development Block Grant funds for the 2001-2002 Program were expended. Due to the success of the past two years in reaching matching fund goals, the Commission is now able to apply for a $450,000 grant for Ingham County=s 2003-2004 CDBG allocation.
Comm. DeLeon stated the Commission is providing an excellent initiative with the MSHDA Program. She also requested demographics regarding the home locations and the homeowners= ethnicities. Mr. Johnston stated he would provide this Committee with that information. He also distributed ABefore@and AAfter@ photographs of home projects for the Committee to review. More than 50% of the homeowners in the Program are single females.
Mr. Johnston addressed further questions from the Committee. In response to Comm. Holman, Mr. Johnston stated that once a homeowner is deemed eligible, the rehabilitation process begins. Names are not placed on a waiting list. Mr. Johnston also stated the Commission advertises this program on television and radio stations as well as other publications throughout the County.
Chairperson Celentino expressed his appreciation to Mr. Johnston for his leadership in this matter.
b. Resolution to Authorize Acceptance of 2003 Community Development Block Grant Funding by the Ingham County Housing Commission from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority in the Amount of $937,800
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE ACCEPTANCE OF 2003 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT FUNDING BY THE INGHAM COUNTY HOUSING COMMISSION FROM THE MICHIGAN STATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $937,800.
Comm. Nevin stated he was impressed with the program. However, he has concerns regarding the new landlords= role in this program. He distributed possible amendment language to the Committee for their review and consideration. Comm. Nevin explained that his language duplicates that used by Gov. Granholm=s Executive Order which requires the State to only conduct business with vendors who practice ethical standards. He further explained that he only wants the highest standards for this County.
MOVED BY COMM. NEVIN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION BY INCORPORATING THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE:
WHEREAS, Governor Jennifer Granholm issued Executive Order 2003-1 to insure that procurement of goods and services from vendors are in compliance with state law; and
WHEREAS, Ingham County wishes to follow this outstanding example of adhering to strict ethical guidelines regarding the procurement of goods and services from vendors at the county level; and
WHEREAS, Ingham County taxpayers deserve the right to demand that tax dollars spent to subsidize rental housing are only distributed to ethical business owners who pay their taxes, obey the law and keep their rental properties up to code; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners prohibits the Ingham County Housing Commission from awarding funds for rental rehabilitation to landlords who have been convicted of a criminal offense, been convicted of any offense which negatively reflects on the landlord=s business integrity (including, but not limited to theft, falsification or destruction of records and receiving stolen property), been convicted of any other offense that indicates the landlord may not be able to perform responsibly, failed to substantially perform on previous county contracts, violated bid procedures, failed to respond to requests for information and not maintained their properties consistent with local building codes.
The Committee discussed the proposed amendment. Chairperson Lynch expressed his concern that any landlords who have a criminal offense in their past will not be allowed to take part in the Commission=s programs. Comm. Nevin explained that exceptions could be made for people who have turned their lives around. His proposed language is not written in stone. Comm. Severino stated applications for County appointments ask if the applicant has been convicted of a felony within the past ten years. Chairperson Celentino stated the proposed language should be reviewed by the County Attorney. Mr. Johnston stated the language should also be reviewed by MSHDA. Comm. Schor agreed that the County=s legal counsel should review this matter.
Comm. Nevin withdrew his motion to amend the Resolution so that it can be reviewed by the County Attorney. Mr. Johnston stated the amendment language could be added at a later date. Chairperson Celentino stated the language could be placed on the February 4 agenda for consideration after it has been reviewed by the County Attorney.
MAIN MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
c. Informational Item - Monitoring Report and Response Letter to Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Mr. Johnston stated the Ingham County 2001 Community Development Block Grant homeowner rehabilitation program was monitored by the Community Development Specialist on behalf of MSHDA on September 27, 2002. Any violations have been resolved since that date. Chairperson Celentino congratulated Mr. Johnston on the Specialist=s finding that the County has successfully implemented the grant. The Specialist also appreciated the hospitality which was extended to him on his visit.
Mr. Culver, Mason City Administrator, thanked the County for its support of the Housing Commission as well as its support of the Mason Courthouse.
8. Resolution Authorizing Amendments to the Circuit Court/ Family Division 2002/03 Child Care
Fund Budget
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENTS TO THE CIRCUIT COURT/FAMILY DIVISION 2002/03 CHILD CARE FUND BUDGET.
Comm. Stid stated that once the Juvenile Justice Millage was approved by the voters, she met with Mr. Ambrose, Chairperson Lynch, Comm. Grebner, Judge Collette, Judge Garcia and Mr. Reisig to discuss the development of a proposal to submit to this Committee at last week=s Judiciary meeting. This proposal was to start the process of increasing current services and it would also address the overcrowding issue at the Youth Center. Comm. Stid expressed her appreciation to the County residents who approved the Millage during the last election. The County will use those funds wisely.
The Judges passed the proposal unanimously. The Court=s proposal requests four new positions: Youth Services/Aftercare Program Director, Juvenile Court Officer, Unit Secretary and Data Collection. Mr. Reisig explained that 50% of the four positions would be paid for by the State Child Care Fund. Comm. Stid explained that the Judiciary Committee amended the Resolution to include the following language:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that up to $21,119 in Juvenile Justice Millage funds is authorized to be used for up to four workstations, four personal computers, and four telephones and the related phone/network/PC usage costs for the four new positions authorized by this Resolution.
Comm. Stid further stated the County has space available for the four new positions.
In response to Comm. Celentino, Comm. Stid explained that the proposed relationship with the St. Vincent Home is a key factor in the proposal. The proposed relationship with St. Vincent=s could be expanded in the future. Mr. Reisig stated the Judges are committed to local programming, which means within Ingham County as often as possible.
Comm. Severino spoke regarding Mr. Dunnings=letter about the use of the Juvenile Justice Millage funds. Mr. Dunnings=letter suggested that former and current County Commissioners should not personally benefit from the Millage funds. Comm. Stid stated she was confused by Mr. Dunnings= letter. A person could have been a County Commissioner 20 years ago. That fact should not bar his/her service agency from receiving the Millage Funds. This issue was discussed further. Comm. Severino suggested the County bar former Commissioners who served as far back as 15 years.
After further discussion, Mr. Ambrose stated the above issue concerns the County=s Ethics Policy. The Committee could amend the Policy to incorporate Comm. Severino=s suggestion. Comm. Severino expressed his concerns regarding the County=s Ethics Policy. Comm. Nevin stated he agreed with Mr. Dunnings=concerns as expressed in his letter to the Board.
In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Reisig stated Catholic Social Services and Lutheran Social Services have provided services to the County for a long period of time. Concerns have not been raised regarding faith-based services within the County.
MAIN MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Severino voting NO.
5. Economic Development Corporation
b. Resolution to Eliminate Per Diems to the Ingham County Economic Development Corporation Members
MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO ELIMINATE PER DIEMS TO THE INGHAM COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEMBERS.
In response to Comm. Severino, Comm. Stid explained that boards which handle monies are paid a per diem. The EDC no longer handles money. They have agreed to eliminate their per diems. The budgeted per diem funds will remain within the EDC budget. In response to Comm. Nevin, Mr. Ambrose stated the last WHEREAS of the Resolution is intended to be a reminder of the County=s financial situation.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Human Resources
b. 2002 Grievances Update
Mr. Hailey reviewed the information contained in his Update. This information was requested by the Administrative Services/Personnel Committee in December 2002. Mr. Hailey explained that this Committee is a part of the grievance process in many of the County contracts.
c. Labor Relations Update
Mr. Hailey explained that the Update contains information regarding the County=s current contracts and their status. In response to Comm. DeLeon, Mr. Hailey stated he did not know why bargaining units wait until late in the contract to begin their discussions. Unions usually request a discussion with Human Resources late in the year. In response to Comm. Nevin, Mr. Hailey also explained that retroactive pay would be a point of discussion between the unions and Human Resources.
In response to Comm. DeLeon, Mr. Hailey stated the issue of exchanging holidays remains on the table with the UAW. The UAW countered the County=s proposal and stated it would accept working on Columbus Day in exchange for eight hours of vacation time and two additional holiday pay days for Christmas Eve and New Year=s Eve. The OPEIU has not addressed the County=s proposal. All unions have to agree to the County=s proposal for it to work.
1. Interviews - Continued - Recommendations
MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF JESSICA FRIED AND ERICA ROBINSON TO THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITTEE; TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF GEORGE BANNA TO THE HOUSING COMMISSION; AND TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF FRED FEATHERLY TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Announcements
Ms. Munson stated she was a student in a Public Affairs class. She will be attending these meetings periodically.
Chairperson Lynch stated if the Commissioners would download the agenda packets off their computers or use laptops, it would help with the expenses.
Mr. Ambrose updated the Committee regarding the MIS Department=s efforts on virus protection. He also addressed the issue of labor relations. He explained that this is a complex labor environment for County government. Not all labor decisions will come before this Committee.
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
Debra Neff