Amended 5/2/06

COUNTY SERVICES

April 18, 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, Bruce Bragg, Rodney Taylor, Eric Schertzing, Jon Coleman, Bob More, Murdock Jemerson, Lori Brasic and others

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

Approval of the April 4, 2006 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE APRIL 4, 2006 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comm. Schor

Additions to the Agenda

6d.       Resolution Declaring the Week of April 23 – 29, 2006 as National County Government Week in Ingham County

6e.       Resolution Declaring the Week of April 23 – 29, 2006 as “Holocaust Remembrance Week” in Ingham County

6f.        Resolution Congratulating the Haslett Woman’s Club on the Event of their 100^th Anniversary

Limited Public Comment:          None

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

1b.       Tri-County Regional Planning Commission – Resolution Endorsing and Supporting the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission’s “Regional Growth:  Choices for Our Future” Project’s Regional Land Use Vision Policy Map, Themes and Principles

4.         Treasurer – Resolution Authorizing a Temporary Foreclosure Prevention Assistant

6.         County Services Committee

            a.         Resolution Honoring Daniel Irvine

            b.         Resolution Congratulating Vision 2020 Lansing on Receiving Grants from

The MSU Land Policy Program and the Neighborhood Advisory Board Committee

d.         Resolution Declaring the Week of April 23 – 29, 2006 as National County Government Week in Ingham County

e.         Resolution Declaring the Week of April 23 – 29, 2006 as “Holocaust Remembrance Week” in Ingham County

f.          Resolution Congratulating the Haslett Woman’s Club on the Event of their 100^th Anniversary

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comm. Schor

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

1a.       Tri-County Regional Planning Commission - Presentation – Tri-County Regional Planning Commission’s “Regional Growth:  Choices for Our Future”

Mr. Coleman distributed copies of the Tri-County Regional Growth – Choices for Our Future document to the Committee for their review during this presentation.  Ms. Reardon, MSU Extension Land Policy Educator, stated Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (Commission) has achieved a consensus on a regional land use vision consisting of 29 principles under five “themes” (shown on pages 19-22 in the summary report).  The real work of implementing this regional vision now begins. 

The region includes 78 different local governmental units (50 with their own land use powers).  The large number of units will lower the costs and result in greater benefits than if each unit develops independent local plans.  Ms. Reardon stated the Commission does not have its own land use powers.  She reviewed the various growth maps and graphs contained in the presentation document. 

(Comm. Schor arrived at 7:16 p.m.  Vice Chairperson DeLeon continued to Chair tonight’s meeting.)

The Commission has integrated the “Regional Growth:  Choices for Our Future” Project in the Commission’s Regional 2025 Transportation Plan.  The purpose of the Plan is to link land use and transportation.  Ms. Reardon stated the transportation linkage includes policy maps, themes and principles considered as part of the project selection criteria.  Also, the adoption/endorsement of the map and principles by local governments and transportation agencies are considered as project selection criteria.

In May 2004, five focus groups were held to obtain feedback on the aspects of the project and the regional vision.  Ninety-two percent of the focus group participants believe the regional vision should be implemented. 

The Commission is in the process of distributing the plan and poster plan to local municipalities.  Municipalities are being asked for resolutions of endorsement and support; commitment to utilize the themes and principles in evaluation of future plans; and to host training programs to educate the public on the importance of the project. 

Ms. Reardon stated the Commission has identified nearly 200 specific implementation goals and objectives to fully integrate the vision into the fabric of regional life.  The plan is to be implemented and guided by the “Task Forces” and Implementation Steering Committee. The Commission will be asking for short-term appointments to the “New” Implementation Steering Committee (formerly the “Existing” Steering Committee). 

Comm. Copedge asked if the Commission supports the PDR Program.  Mr. Coleman stated the Commission is very supportive of the Program, and it will fall within the Commission’s plans. 

2.         Management Information System – Presentation on Countywide Wireless Internet

Copies of the power-point presentation were distributed to the Commissioners.  Mr. Taylor, MIS, explained the term “Jurisdictional Wide Wireless.”  Wireless is a free or low cost access to the Internet for all citizens and visitors, using a non-wired technology at speeds faster than 512Kbps.  The Wireless issue should be discussed because it’s a hot-button issue. 

Mr. Taylor explained Wireless access will increase competition and lower costs of Internet options.  The access will also increase telecommuting, will attract skilled and specialized workers and will increase public safety.  Mr. Taylor reviewed the options for providing coverage.   Wi-fi (802.1 a/b&g) is the current consumer and business standard as it has very large penetration and supports most laptop technologies.  Wi-fi, however, does not penetrate walls very well.  As more “AP” are rolled out, frequency interferences are created. 

New technologies are on the horizon and will be available within a few years.  The options are contained in the presentation document.  Mr. Taylor stated Wimax looks very promising.  Wimax can reach 3 to 31 miles, this is significant.  Speeds up to 70Mbps are claimed by Wimax. 

Mr. Taylor reviewed information regarding what other areas in the State are doing regarding wireless technology.  Grand Haven is known as the first completely wireless city in the country.  Mr. Taylor explained that Grand Haven is not completely wireless.  Muskegon and Marquette Counties have implemented the Digital Divide Investment program.  The program combines Michigan Broadband Development Authority loans with CDBG dollars.  Arialink from Lansing has been selected as the vendor for the program. 

Oakland County implemented the Wireless Oakland Public Corporation.  The Corporation collects and pools public assets.  The collected assets will be licensed to private partners on a non-exclusive, non-interfering basis.  Michtel Communications has been selected as Oakland County’s vendor.  The wireless service is to be provided to all residents free of charge. Washtenaw and Ottawa Counties, Grand Ledge and Grand Rapids are also issuing RFP’s or are already providing wireless service to their residents. 

The Red Team 2003 Report of the Internet (Report) indicates that 61.9% of the people polled use a dial-up modem and 23.8% use a cable modem.  According to the Report, 38.8% of the people have not switched from dial up service to high speed Internet because the access is too expensive. 

Mr. Taylor stated the County should now focus on competition.  He has issued an RFP for wireless, low-speed, free Internet access service in Mason and other “hot spots.”  The free access will be provided to the public and private sectors. 

Chairperson Schor expressed his appreciation to Mr. Taylor for his informative presentation.  He then stated his personal preference to move forward on this issue.  The County should look to other counties when considering the appropriate service.  Chairperson Schor encouraged Mr. Taylor to inform this Committee on the direction he would like to pursue.  Mr. Taylor stated Arialink has been awarded a small loan in the Tri-County area.  He will work with them to possibly develop a plan for this County. 

Comm. Severino stated he supports moving forward on this matter because providing wireless access will show that Ingham County is a user-friendly County.  Chairperson Schor stated he would not ultimately settle for coverage only in the “hot spots.”  All residents should eventually have access to the service. 

Comm. Vickers stated his preference for a “wait and see” approach regarding the other municipalities.  The County should, however, pursue a good opportunity if it comes up in the meantime.  Comm. Holman stated the County shouldn’t wait too long.  This Committee needs to engage in a good philosophical discussion regarding which residents should receive the free service.  Mr. Taylor agreed such a discussion is very important.

Vice Chairperson DeLeon suggested the County look at this matter from a regional perspective in order to develop a shared vision.  She suggested the MIS Department work with the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission on this issue.   The County needs to keep up with the times while always considering regional cooperation. 

3.         Health Department – Resolution to Reorganize the Office for Young Children

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION TO REORGANIZE THE OFFICE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. 

Mr. Bragg informed the Committee that the appropriate union was notified of the proposed reorganization and they are very supportive of the plan.  Three current positions will be reclassified to Program Coordinators, and the current Director’s position will be eliminated.  The Director’s responsibilities will be assigned to Ms. Peterson, Director of Health Plan Management Services.  Mr. Bragg further explained the three reclassified positions are equitable.    The Coordinators will have different duties which will be equal in content and duty. Ms. Brasic, Program Coordinator, supports the proposed reorganization.

Mr. Hailey asked for the Health Department’s long-term plans regarding the Office for Young Children.  Mr. Bragg stated the proposed reorganization is the long-term plan.  The Health Department does not plan to reinstate the Director’s position.  Comm. Holman asked if there are similar Coordinator positions in other programs.  Mr. Bragg stated there are similar positions. 

Comm. Holman expressed her continued concern regarding the constant staffing changes in the Health Department.  She asked if there is a way for the Department to move common positions without this Committee’s approval.  Mr. Bragg stated the Department is a fairly dynamic unit.  It is trying to become more efficient by proposing the reorganization. 

Mr. Hailey stated the Department has a large number of commonly titled positions.  Through the Rye Study, the County tried to condense positions where possible.  The Committee will always see Department requests for staffing changes.  Mr. Bragg explained the Department has made some progress with creating common job titles with common duties. 

Comm. Vickers stated the constant changes in the Department are the “nature of the beast.”  He further stated he does not perceive a down side to this proposal.  Vice Chairperson DeLeon asked Ms. Brasic about her experience with having the Director in a different office.  Ms. Brasic explained that Ms. Peterson is not a hands-on person in the office every day.  She is always available by phone or in person to meet any needs of the OYC. 

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5.         Human Resources Department – Resolution Appointing the Ingham County Administrator/Controller

MOVED BY COMM. SCHOR, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION APPOINTING THE INGHAM COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR/CONTROLLER.

The Committee consented to a Friendly Amendment from Chairperson Schor to add A. Edwin Dore in the third WHEREAS and the THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED paragraphs.  The Search Committee recommended Mr. Dore for the County Administrator/Controller position.  Comm. Holman asked when Mr. Dore will assume the role as Controller.  Chairperson Schor stated that date would not be known until next Monday.  He will make a motion on the Board floor to fill in that information. 

Comm. Copedge stated the Committee should consider more participation by the full Board when making they type of decision.  He stated he is not against the recommendation.  The entire Board should have been involved in this large issue.

Chairperson Schor stated he respects Comm. Copedge’s suggestion.  He then stated Comm. Grebner and Chairperson Celentino kept the Board up to date during the selection process.  All Commissioners were invited to attend the open meetings.  He further stated he thought that if other Commissioners did not attend the meetings, it was due to their trust in the Search Committee.  This was a very open process.

Comm. Copedge expressed his appreciation for Chairperson Schor’s statements.  He then explained he does not have a problem with the selection or the process.  He just wants the full Board to participate in such matters in the future.  Comm. Severino stated his wish that the full Board would have had access to the Search Committee’s information.  He then stated he understands that a small Search Committee was necessary during the process. 

Chairperson Schor explained the information regarding the five remaining candidates was available for the full Board.  Prior to that point, the information was confidential.  Comm. Holman stated she agreed with the process used in this case.  Vice Chairperson DeLeon stated the process used was very refined; therefore, any number of Commissioners could have been involved on the Search Committee.  The Committee continued their discussion of this issue.

Chairperson Celentino stated he had a hand in the selection process.  The search firm was very helpful in the process.  He stated he agreed there is room for improvement in the future.  Chairperson Celentino stated he tried to accommodate all of the Commissioners; however, he thought a smaller selection committee was necessary.  If all the Commissioners were involved, the meetings would have had to be scheduled around 16 different schedules.  Chairperson Celentino stated he appreciated Comm. Copedge’s feedback regarding the selection process.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

6c.       County Services Committee – Communication from the County Services Committee Regarding Review of Process for Making Appointments to Boards, Committees and Commissions

MOVED BY COMM. HOLMAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A FUTURE MEETING.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

7.         Board Referral – Letter from Virg Bernero, Mayor, Requesting the Board of Commissioners Place on the November Ballot a Request for Voter Approval of a Special Property Tax Millage to Support the Operation of the Potter Park Zoo

Chairperson Schor stated the Committee has until August 22, 2006 to decide of this millage question should be placed on the November ballot.  He then explained his intent to refer this matter to the Parks Board for the discussion of a possible parks millage.  The Committee should discuss this issue tonight and determine questions which should be addressed by the City of Lansing.  A report containing the answers to this Committee’s questions could be submitted during a May meeting. 

Chairperson Schor stated he would like to know if the County can propose a millage on property it doesn’t own.  Chairperson Schor stated Mr. Cohl, County Attorney, has indicated the County could place such a millage on the ballot.  Mr. Cohl will provide a written opinion on this issue to the Committee later this week.  Chairperson Schor stated his intent that if the County takes over the Zoo, it will also assume management of the Zoo.  

Chairperson Schor stated he would take direction on this matter from this Committee.  Chairperson Celentino informed the Committee that earlier during this meeting, he spoke with Mr. Moore and Mr. Murdock regarding this item.  Questions raised during this discussion included:  how would dedicated park property be transferred; and, staffing and collective bargaining issues would need to be addressed. 

Chairperson Celentino suggested that Mr. Moore conduct a fact finding mission in Grand Rapids where this issue was just resolved.  He then stated the County Services Committee is a thorough Committee; however, its meetings run late due to the Committee’s responsibilities.  Chairperson Celentino suggested the Committee implement a task force to deal with this matter.  A joint caucus meeting could be held to determine who would serve on the task force.  Task force members should include the Parks Department and the City.  Clinton County should be invited to participate in the discussions. 

Comm. Vickers stated there would be salary implications if the County takes over the Zoo.  Mr. Jemerson, City of Lansing, stated the Zoo staff has two unions.  Comm. Vickers stated he would like to see a typical budget (2005) as well as the short and long-term needs of the Zoo.  Mr. Cypher informed the Committee the City subsidizes the Zoo in the amount of $1.2 million per year.  Approximately $800,000 in revenue is expected this year. 

Comm. Severino stated this Committee should move forward on this item.  He then stated he would not support the designation of specific people to deal with the City.  The process should be open and inclusive, including the out-County.  Comm. Holman stated she would like to have information explaining what controls the County would have regarding the Zoo.  She then suggested the County consider a “green” millage. 

Vice Chairperson DeLeon stated she likes the idea of a task force which would report back to this Committee on a regular basis.  Discussions of this item would involve too much information for this Committee to deal with on a regular basis.

Chairperson Schor suggested that Chairperson Celentino appoint six Commissioners to a Task Force to investigate this issue.  The City of Lansing will be requested to appoint two representatives to the Task Force.   The City of Lansing will be a participating member, not a voting member.  Chairperson Celentino could appoint Comms. Schor, DeLeon, Severino and Weatherwax-Grant to the Task Force.  Chairperson Celentino will also serve on the Task Force.  The Task Force will make the final recommendation to this Committee.

Comm. Holman stated she would participate in the discussions when possible.  Chairperson Schor suggested voting members be included on the Task Force.  Other members would be non-voting members. 

Comm. Vickers expressed his concern that a drastic Zoo repair could cause the Parks Department to suffer financially.  He suggested the Zoo and the Parks budgets be separate budgets. 

8.         Controller’s Office – Discussion of the 2007 Budget:  Draft Resolution Establishing Areas of Priority Emphasis Guiding 2007 Activities and Budget Process

Mr. Cypher stated the Committee should review Priority items which relate to this Committee.  A Resolution establishing the 2007 priorities may be submitted at this Committee’s next meeting.  Mr. Cypher encouraged the Commissioners to contact him with any questions or concerns.

9.         Board Referrals

a.         Resolution from Oceana County Supporting Legislation to Allow County Boards of Commissioners the Option to Assume the Powers, Functions and Duties of its Road Commission

b.         Tri-County Regional Planning Commission’s Preliminary FY 2007 Budget

The Board Referrals were received and placed on file.

Announcements:           None

Public Comment:          None

The meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff