Approved 6/15/04



COUNTY SERVICES

June 1, 2004

Minutes



Members Present: Marc Thomas, Debbie DeLeon, Curtis Hertel, Mike Severino, John Nevin and Board Chairperson Celentino



Members Absent: Chris Swope



Others Present: Jerry Ambrose, Harold Hailey, Bob Moore, Christine Timmon, Donna Rummel, Paula Johnson, John Veenstra, Dale Creyts, Matt Denny and Dave Dempsey



The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson Thomas at 7:02 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.



Approval of the May 18, 2004 Minutes and the May 18, 2004 Closed Session Minutes:

MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE MAY 18 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Swope and Nevin



The May 18, 2004 Closed Session Minutes will be approved at the next meeting.



Additions to the Agenda

9d. Resolution Honoring Reverend Dr. Michael C. Murphy

9e. Resolution Commending Mask Memorial C.M.E. Church for Hosting the Eleventh Freedom Festival



Limited Public Comment

Ms. Timmon explained her non-support of agenda item 11a. She then spoke regarding the Conscientious Objector Bill.



Mr. Veenstra addressed agenda item number four. He requested this Committee to approve that item.



Mr. Creyts addressed agenda item number four. He explained how the trails promote good health for adults and youth. He further stated there is a strong interest in biking across the County and the State.



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



d. Resolution Honoring Reverend Dr. Michael C. Murphy

e. Resolution Commending Mask Memorial C.M.E. Church for Hosting the Eleventh Freedom Festival



Comm. Hertel thanked Mr. Veenstra and Mr. Creyts for their comments regarding agenda item four.



MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Swope



MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Swope



The Committee interviewed Rami Janoudi and Matthew Witter for the Youth Commission.



MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENTS OF RAMI JANOUDI AND MATTHEW WITTER TO THE YOUTH COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Swope



The Committee interviewed the following applicants for positions on the Women's Commission:



Mary Lindemann

Ren'e Eis

Lori Hinkley

Deborah Lynch

Judy Carroll



MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NEVIN, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF DEBRA VOSS TO THE HOUSING COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Swope



MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO RECOMMEND THE APPOINTMENT OF JENITA MOORE TO THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Swope



MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE REGISTER OF DEEDS AUTOMATION FUND AND APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH I2INTEGRATION, INC.



Ms. Johnson explained this contract will add real-time credit card processing and verification to the Register of Deeds' online e-commerce application. If users wish to purchase a Register of Deeds' document online, they may add the purchase to their shopping cart. The order will be available to the user once purchased for a predetermined period set by the Register of Deeds. Instead of entering their credit card information, the users' order amount will be deducted from their debit fund. These enhancements will allow anyone to receive a copy of these documents without having to leave their home provided they have a internet access and a valid credit card.



Comm. Nevin commended Ms. Johnson for her efforts on this matter. He then expressed his concern that many departments use varying companies for technology and Internet service. Mr. Ambrose stated the County has made significant progress in providing consistency in this area.



Ms. Johnson introduced Robert Holcum, Deputy Register of Deeds, to the Committee. In response to Comm. Severino, Ms. Johnson explained that users will still be able to view documents online. They will only be charged if they wish to purchase a document.



MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Swope



MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPROPRIATION OF UP TO $25,000 FOR THE SURVEY COSTS FOR THE LAKE LANSING TRAIL.



Comm. DeLeon expressed her concerns regarding the use of Contingency Fund monies for this item. Mr. Moore explained that this matter could wait until 2005. However, many people have indicated they are ready to move forward at this time. Comm. Hertel stated he understands the Parks Board concerns. This has been a long process. Spending the monies now will save the County money in the long run.



Mr. Ambrose explained that this request is a reasonable one for use of Contingency Funds. The survey does not qualify for any sort of millage funds. Comm. DeLeon stated she appreciated Mr. Ambrose's explanation. She just has concerns regarding the Contingency Fund expenditures.



Comm. Hertel stated the trail would provide a safe travel route for the residents of the community. The survey is essential in order to provide additional trails for the residents.



MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Swope



MOVED BY COMM. NEVIN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION CONDITIONALLY AUTHORIZING A LEASE OF A PORTION OF THE INGHAM COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS TO THE CITY OF MASON.



In response to Comm. Nevin, Mr. Ambrose stated the lease amount would probably be $1.00. The City of Mason would construct a new road to the east of the Fairgrounds and new entrances. This construction would be a benefit to the Fairgrounds. This proposal also involves the construction of parking which can also be used by the Fairgrounds at appropriate times. Mr. Ambrose further stated the construction of the Sports Complex is contingent upon the City of Mason obtaining funding.



Comm. Nevin expressed his concern regarding the use of asphalt for the parking surface.



MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Swope



MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONTRACT TO DIETZ JANITORIAL SERVICE FOR CLEANING SERVICES AT THE HUMAN SERVICES FACILITY, TH GRADY PORTER BUILDING/VETERANS MEMORIAL COURTHOUSE AND THE WILLOW CLINIC.



Comm. Nevin questioned the Living Wage issue. Mr. Ambrose explained the Resolution could only cost out two years. The County could not know the costs beyond 2006. It is estimated that the cost increase in the contract, due to the Living Wage Policy is $12,221 per month for the remaining five months in 2004 or $61,105 total.



MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Swope



Mr. Dempsey explained that all waters in Ingham County ultimately drain into the Great Lakes. Michigan is one of only two Great Lakes states that has no statutory controls on the amount or environmental impact of surface and groundwater withdrawals from within the state. This County can send an important message to the Michigan Legislature by calling for swift action on a water withdrawal statute, and a strong message of corporate responsibility to Nestle by supporting a boycott on Ice Mountain bottled water until such a statute is enacted.



Vice Chairperson Thomas stated both draft Resolutions have good elements. The Committee could incorporate language from both drafts into one Resolution.



MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. DELEON, TO APPROVE DRAFT ONE OF THE RESOLUTION REGARDING GREAT LAKES WATER WITHDRAWALS AND EXPORTS.



Comm. Nevin expressed his concern that one company is being singled out in this matter. The County should let the courts resolve this issue due to the amount of groundwater involved. Vice Chairperson Thomas asked why just one company should be mentioned in the Resolution. Mr. Dempsey explained that Ice Mountain is the first export proposal received since 2001. This company has exploited any absence of State control over the groundwater.



Comm. Hertel agreed that the Resolution should not address just one company. Other companies could profit from the use of our groundwater. Vice Chairperson Thomas stated the 2001 Annex language could be included in the first or second draft. Comm. DeLeon agreed with Comm. Hertel and she further stated the County should boycott Ice Mountain.



Vice Chairperson Thomas stated the fourth and eighth Whereas paragraphs in draft two are worthy of inclusion in draft one.



MOVED BY COMM. HERTEL, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NEVIN, TO AMEND THE MAIN MOTION BY ADDING THE FOURTH AND EIGHTH WHEREAS PARAGRAPHS FROM DRAFT TWO IN TO DRAFT ONE.



Draft two:

(4th) WHEREAS, in the Great Lakes Charter of 1985, the Great Lakes states committed to enact legislation requiring the registration of all water withdrawals of more than 100,000 gallons per day and the regulation of all water withdrawals of more than 2 million gallons per day; and



(8th) WHEREAS, the Council of Great Lakes Governors, working with the premiers of Ontario and Quebec in the Annex 2001 process, are developing a resource-based standard for water withdrawal based on the principles of preventing water loss, no significant adverse impacts and improvement to the waters and water dependent natural resources of the basin.



Comm. DeLeon stated the Resolution should include a paragraph which indicates the County's boycott of Ice Mountain products. Comm. Hertel stated Corporate Counsel should review this issue prior to the next Board meeting. However, he will support this matter at this time.



MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO AMEND THE PREVIOUS MOTION TO AMEND BY INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH IN RESOLUTION ONE:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUPPORTS A BOYCOTT ON ICE MOUNTAIN BOTTLED WATER UNTIL SUCH A STATUTE IS ENACTED OR UNTIL A LEGAL OR APPROPRIATE SOURCE OF WATER IS FOUND.

MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED with Comms. Severino and Nevin voting NO. Absent: Comm. Swope



Comm. DeLeon suggested the following language as a Friendly Amendment to the Resolution:

Whereas, the Board of Commissioners urges Michigan corporations to practice responsibility in its protection of the environment.



The Committee accepted the above language as a Friendly Amendment to the Resolution.



MAIN MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY as amended. Absent: Comm. Swope



MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HERTEL, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION DESIGNATING JUNE 12, 2004 AS "LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE DAY" IN INGHAM COUNTY.



Comm. Hertel stated this is an excellent idea and he is glad the County will observe "Pride Day" again this year. Comm. Hertel further stated he hopes the County will continue to observe this Day in the future. Comm. DeLeon stated it is important to remember that the County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and the County should recognize every segment of the community.



MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Severino voting NO. Absent: Comm Swope



Comm. DeLeon asked if the Report included information regarding current employees who were promoted to fill vacant positions. Mr. Hailey stated he would have to look into this issue. Board Chairperson Celentino stated the Report includes this information for the Circuit Court/Family Division.



The Report was received and placed on file.



Announcements: None



Public Comment

Ms. Timmon expressed her concerns regarding the amendments to agenda item 9b. She then spoke regarding the Youth Commission, the Women's Commission and agenda item 9a.



The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.



Respectfully submitted,





Debra Neff