Approved  10/18/05

COUNTY SERVICES

Budget Hearings

September 13, 2005

Minutes

Members Present:         Victor Celentino, Dale Copedge, Debbie DeLeon, Andy Schor, Mike Severino, Don Vickers and Board Chairperson Mark  Grebner

Members Absent:         None

Others Present:             Harold Hailey, Jerry Ambrose, Teri Younger, Lisa Dedden, Jared Cypher, Mike Bryant, Bruce Bragg, Rodney Taylor, Doug Stover, Steve Dougan, Paula Johnson, Sheldon Lewis, Dennis Probst, Mike McDowell, Teresa Borsuk, Tina Weatherwax-Grant and others

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Celentino at 6:30 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Additions to the Agenda:           None

Limited Public Comment:          None

1.         Budget Hearings

            c.         Register of Deeds

Ms. Johnson stated she was happy with the Controller’s Recommended Budget.  In the event of an emergency, she may be back to request additional funds.

            t.          Board of Commissioners

Ms. Bennett stated her office is happy with the Controller’s Recommended Budget.  The Advisory Boards are also happy.

            i.          Hotel/Motel

Mr. Ambrose stated Hotel/Motel is satisfied with the Controller’s Recommend Budget.

            h.         Housing Commission

Mr. Ambrose stated the Housing Commission is satisfied with the Controller’s Recommended Budget.

            j.          Financial Services

Mr. Ambrose stated Financial Services is satisfied with the Controller’s Recommended Budget.

Ms. Johnson commended Ms. Younger for her efforts on the 2006 Budget.

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE CONTROLLER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR THE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENTS:

            a.         TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING

            b.         TREASURER

            c.         REGISTER OF DEEDS

            d.         PURCHASING

            f.          MIS

            g.         HUMAN RESOURCES

            h.         HOUSING COMMISSION

            i.          HOTEL/MOTEL

            j.          FINANCIAL SERVICES

            k.         FAIR

            l.          FACILITIES

            m.        EQUALIZATION

            n.         ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

            o.         DRAIN COMMISSIONER

            p.         COUNTY CLERK

            q.         COUNTY ATTORNEY

            r.          CONTROLLER

            t.          BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

            u.         ADVISORY BOARDS

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. Severino

            e.         Parks

Mr. Moore stated Parks is happy with the Controller’s Recommended Budget.

(Comm. Severino arrived at 6:37 p.m.)

Mr. Moore then addressed the Committee regarding the Heart of Michigan Pathways.  He used a map to show the Commissioners the locations of the proposed trails and connections. 

MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO ALLOW COMM. SEVERINO TO VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS MOTION.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. McDowell stated the proposed trail system could become a major attraction in this area of the state.   Additional funding will be allocated over the next few years for non-motorized enhancements.  Mr. Probst stated this project is as exciting to him as the Hawk Island Park project.  Residents of various backgrounds feel this trail system is a brilliant idea. 

Comm. Schor asked if the County has received commitments from MSU, East Lansing or Meridian Township regarding the proposed plans.  Mr. Moore stated he does not anticipate that East Lansing will be involved in the process.  Meridian Township will participate in the segment of the trail which affects their community.  The Parks Department is not requesting funding from MSU. 

In response to Comm. Vickers, Mr. Moore stated easements are being considered where appropriate.  Comm. Severino stated the project sounds like a great idea.  He then stated he had a few questions regarding other matters.  He asked for an update regarding entrance fee revenues.  Mr. Moore stated the revenue has far exceeded the cost of collecting the entrance fees.  Parks has experienced approximately a 90% profit.  Comm. Severino asked if more money had been allocated for life guards.  Mr. Moore stated he would report back to this Committee regarding that item at a later date.  Comm. Severino asked that Mr. Moore break out the newest implemented fees versus expenses.

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO RECOMMEND PLACING $120,000 ON THE Z LIST FOR THE HEART OF MICHIGAN TRAIL’L PRELIMINARY AND FINAL DESIGN, AND TO ALSO APPROVE THE CONTROLLER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR PARKS.

Mr. Ambrose stated the County’s cost would be approximately $5.4 million. 

Comm. DeLeon asked for information regarding free entrance permits and boat launch rental.  Mr. Moore stated he would update the Committee regarding these issues at its next meeting. 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            s.          Community Agencies

Mr. Ambrose stated the Controller’s Recommended Budget recommends approving the 2005 allocation for 2006.  This Committee is only approving the total Community Allocation amount at this time.  Specific agency allocations will be made at a later date. 

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE CONTROLLER’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR COMMUNITY AGENCIES.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2.         Final Ranking

The Committee forwarded its recommendations to the Finance Committee for consideration.  The z list consists of one item – the Parks Department for $120,000.

Announcements

Comm. Copedge informed the Committee that the EOC is considering whether some of the skill sets and requirements included in County job descriptions are necessary. 

Public Comment:          None

The meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff