Amended 5/1/07
COUNTY SERVICES
April 17, 2007
Minutes
Members Present: Debbie DeLeon, Todd Tennis, Dale Copedge, Deb Nolan, Mike Severino, Steve Dougan and Board Chairperson Marc Thomas
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Matthew Myers, Harold Hailey, Jim Hudgins, Rick Terrill, Dr. Sienko and Mr. Lewis
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson DeLeon at 7:06 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the April 3, 2007 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. DOUGAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE APRIL 3 MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Tennis
The Minutes were amended to reflect the following change:
Page 3, item 5a, second paragraph, first line – Comm. Dougan asked if Mr. Hudgins had contacted the business (changed to “businesses”) that did not respond to the RFP.
Additions to the Agenda
8. Reschedule May 1 County Services meeting – discussion
1a. Housing Commission Interviews - Item pulled due to the withdrawal of the applicants
1b. EOC Interviews - Item pulled due to the withdrawal of the applicant
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
2. Health Department – Resolution to Authorize Staffing Changes in the Billing and Reporting Unit of the Health Department
3a. Facilities Department – Resolution Awarding a Contract to McDonald Roofing & Sheet Metal for Roof Replacement at the Ingham County Fairgrounds
4. Human Resources Department – Request to Start Above the Minimum Step – David Mateer
5c. Controller’s Office – Resolution Approving the Reclassification of the Budget Director and Establishment of the Assistant Deputy Controller Position
6. County Services Committee – Request for an Extension for an Additional Six Months of Severance Benefits
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Tennis
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Tennis
3b. Facilities Department
MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. NOLAN, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH TEACHOUT SECURITY SERVICES, INC. FOR UNIFORMED UNARMED GUARD SERVICES AT VARIOUS COUNTY FACILITIES.
Comm. Dougan stated he has not heard or received sufficient evidence that Moore’s Security (Moore’s) should be replaced. He also stated Teachout Security Services, Inc. (Teachout) should abide by the County’s local purchasing preference policy to match the lowest out-County bidder. Mr. Hudgins explained the importance of contracting with a local vendor for security services. He also explained that if Teachout was within 5% of the next lowest bidder, it would have the opportunity to lower its cost.
Mr. Myers stated Teachout does not have to lower their cost. Chairperson Thomas stated he does not understand Comm. Dougan’s concern. Comm. Severino stated he thought Teachout was selected due to elements of their proposal and professional qualifications. Price was not the only consideration in this matter. Mr. Hudgins stated cost was considered, however, however, while cost is certainly an important consideration, it was not the sole determing factor in the evaluation and recommendation of Teachout Security.
Comm. Dougan stated a matrix should have been provided regarding the companies’ qualifications, not just cost. Chairperson Thomas agreed, however, he stated he would defer to the County Attorney’s advice on this matter. This discussion continued.
Mr. Terrill stated he will work with the Controller and the County Attorney to determine the best fit for the County in regard to the matrix issue.
Chairperson DeLeon stated Mr. Lewis, Moore’s, provided an informational packet to the Committee titled “Unarmed Security Services.” Mr. Lewis responded to several allegations which were made during this Committee’s last meeting in this packet. The information indicated that Mr. Terrill provided this Committee with incorrect information regarding Moore’s services. The allegations and responses were detailed in the informational packet.
Chairperson DeLeon asked Mr. Lewis if he had any documented information to support his responses to the allegations. Mr. Lewis asked the County to review his list of invoices which he stated were not paid by the County. The list is contained in the informational packet. Chairperson DeLeon stated that information will be investigated. Mr. Lewis further stated his Company does not feel they have been treated fairly. He also asked why the proposals were not evaluated in the same manner as they were during the past few RFP processes for security services.
Comm. Dougan stated Moore’s should have provided the invoice information from 2001 much earlier to this Committee. Mr. Moore stated he understands Comm. Dougan’s position; however, he was not aware of the invoice problem until recently.
Chairperson Thomas stated staff has advised this Committee of a number of incidents over the past few years regarding security services. This Committee has to determine if it should trust its staff in this matter.
Mr. Myers stated he personally made phone calls to the Circuit Court and the Sheriff’s Office administrations regarding their security services. The two administrations indicated they were offended by Moore’s allegations during this process. Mr. Myers also stated if there are unpaid bills, he will ensure they are paid.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Tennis
5. Controller’s Office
a. 2008 Budget Guidelines: Discussion – Resolution Establishing Areas of Priority Emphasis Guiding 2008 Activities and Budget Process
Mr. Myers stated the 2007 Priority Resolution is included in the agenda material for this Committee’s review. During this round of meetings, the Controller’s Office is requesting proposed changes to the 2007 Resolution. No action is required during this round of meetings.
Chairperson DeLeon suggested the Committee add language regarding the Zoo. She also stated Comm. Schor would like the resolution to include language regarding wireless internet. Mr. Myers stated this issue was a part of the priority resolution for a few years. He stated he can provide that information to this Committee. Chairperson Thomas stated Mr. Dore looked into the wireless internet issue last year, and could not determine if it would make sense for the County to pursue the matter. Chairperson DeLeon stated the budget will not support this matter; therefore, she will not support its inclusion in the 2008 Priority Resolution.
Comm. Copedge stated he is interested in exploring the wireless matter. Mr. Myers stated if the County is not going to pursue this matter in the next year, perhaps it should not be included in the 2008 priority resolution.
Mr. Myers further stated language will be included in the 2008 resolution regarding the Zoo. Chairperson DeLeon stated the possible increase in Road Commissioners does not need to be listed in the 2008 priorities.
(Comm. Tennis arrived at 7:41 p.m.)
The Committee discussed the wireless issue further. Mr. Myers indicated he will email the Commissioners the language used in prior priority resolutions regarding wireless internet.
Comm. Nolan stated the priorities should include revenue sharing language. The County should keep updated on this issue at the State level. Chairperson DeLeon suggested the County’s newsletter, and possibly its website, could reference Michigan Works’ studies regarding construction trades, healthcare, IT and manufacturing. Comm. Dougan asked about the County’s pre-funded health insurance for retiree healthcare. Mr. Hailey indicated this issue is being addressed through the normal budget process.
Chairperson DeLeon suggested including language regarding regionalization in various areas to help reduce costs to the County. Mr. Myers stated his office is looking into this matter. He further stated the County has been in a very good cooperative agreement with the unions and other employers in reducing healthcare costs. Ingham County is far ahead of other Michigan counties in this area. Mr. Myers commended the unions on their efforts to help keep healthcare costs down.
Mr. Hailey stated the current language regarding an aging workforce should be clarified in the priority resolution.
b. Resolution Authorizing Adjustments to the 2007 Ingham County Budget
MOVED BY COMM. SEVEIRNO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. TENNIS, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE 2007 INGHAM COUNTY BUDGET. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Comm. Dougan expressed his thought that it would have made more sense to issue an RFP for the District Court and Fair roofs at the same time. It may have resulted in a reduced overall cost.
7. Board Referral – Letter from Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Regarding Preliminary FY 2008 Preliminary Budget
The Referral was received and placed on file.
8. Reschedule of May 1, 2007 Meeting – Discussion
Chairperson DeLeon stated she was asked to reschedule the May 1 meeting due to a Children’s Trust Fund fundraiser that evening. After a brief discussion, the Committee consented to keeping the scheduled May 1 meeting.
The meeting will remain as scheduled on May 1, 2007.
Announcements
Chairperson Thomas informed the Committee the ceremonial signing of the Zoo agreement is tentatively scheduled for May 1, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. at the Zoo.
Mr. Hailey introduced Brian Klebba to the Committee. Mr. Klebba has been an Assistant Director in the Human Resources Office for 20 years. Mr. Lindsey has rejoined the County as an Assistant Director in the Human Resources Office.
Chairperson DeLeon informed the Committee that the construction industry is holding an event to honor Mary Becktel for her 40 years of service to the construction industry. The event will be held May 1, 2007 at the MSU University Club from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Comm. Copedge commended Mr. Hailey’s staff for their assistance in the development of the new selection process.
The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff