COUNTY SERVICES

Amended 1/16/07

COUNTY SERVICES

December 5, 2006

Minutes

Members Present: Andy Schor, Dianne Holman, Dale Copedge, Mike Severino, Don Vickers and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino

Members Absent: Debbie DeLeon

Others Present: Ed Dore, Jared Cypher, Harold Hailey, Charlene Corrigan, Chris Thelen, Paul Pratt, Allen Burk, Stacy Sheridan, Michael Otis, Joseph Pirch, Richard Fulton, Nick Dobson, Ron Seely, Doug Koons, Mark Major, Regina Bell, Celeste Weidig, Al Dionise, Leo Sheets, Calvin Lynch and Tim Barron

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schor at 7:07 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the November 14, 2006 Joint County Services/Finance Committee Minutes and November 21, 2006 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SEVERINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 14 AND NOVEMBER 21 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon

Additions to the Agenda: None

Limited Public Comment: None

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

2. Parks Department – Resolution Creating New Classifications within the Ingham County Parks Department

3. Equalization

a. Resolution to Contract for Commercial Appraisal Service for the Ingham County Equalization Department

b. Resolution Approving Entering into a Grant with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth and Appoint Douglas A. Stover as County Grant Administrator for the 2007 Remonumentation Project

c. Resolution to Contract with Ronnie M. Lester as County Representative and Wolverine Engineers and Surveyors, Inc. for Services as Monumentation Surveyor for the Ingham County Monumentation and Remonumentation Project

5. Agricultural Preservation Board

a. Resolution Approving Letter of Intent to Sell Development Rights to Ingham County

b. Resolution Approving the 2006 Ranking of Applications to the Ingham County Farmland Preservation Program

6. Health Department

a. Resolution to Adjust the Status of Two Public Health Nursing Positions

b. Resolution to Authorize a Memorandum of Agreement with and a Grant

from the Corporation for National and Community Services

7. Management Information Services – Resolution Authorizing Entering into an Agreement with Luis Padnos Iron & Metal Company for the Disposal of Surplus Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) Units

9. Board of Commissioners

a. Resolution Entering into an Agreement with AVI Systems for Digital Recording Equipment for the Board of Commissioners’ and County Clerk’s Offices

b. Resolution Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

10. Controller’s Office – Resolution Authorizing Adjustments to the 2006 Ingham County Budget and Authorizing the Controller to Make Year End Budget Adjustments

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon

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

4. Drain Commissioner – Resolution Amending Resolution #06-156 Updating Various Fees for County Services

MOVED BY COMM. HOLMAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION #06-156 UPDATING VARIOUS FEES FOR COUNTY SERVICES.

Chairperson Schor informed the Committee that amendments will be proposed during the discussion of this item.

Mr. Lindemann stated commercial soil erosion fees have raised several complex issues recently. Traditionally, this Office planned that the soil erosion fees would cover the paperwork and review time to issue the permit, to provide an opening inspection, a mid-project inspection, and a close-out inspection. He further explained that in some cases, the time involved to accomplish these things far outweighs the amount of money paid. The assumption that the same amount of time is spent on each case has the effect of subsidizing wrongdoers who violate the terms of their permits. The majority of earth disturbance activity in the County is in urbanized townships covered by the US EPA’s Phase II Clean Water Act. The gap in enforcement hinders attainment of clean water and may lead to violations of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits held under Phase II by local municipalities, including the Drain Commissioners.

Mr. Lindemann requested this Committee make explicit the custom that the published soil erosion fee pays for at least the permit paperwork and two inspections. The two inspections involve the initial site review prior to issuing the permit and the closing inspection. Further inspections are required and will be more frequent due to the Phase II storm water pre-treatment rules. Until now, the further inspections have been paid for out of what is left from the permit fee.

Mr. Lindemann urged this Committee to approve that further inspections be paid for entirely by the permit holder at the inspector’s hourly rate. The permit holder would be required to fund an escrow account from which the permit holder’s inspectors would be paid. This would allow for additional staff and/or contract time needed for full and fair enforcement of Part 91 (the soil erosion statute). Permit holders who follow best management practices and prevent soil erosion and sedimentation will be charged less for inspection fees and will be more likely to have unused escrow money when the permit is closed. Any remaining escrow funds would be returned to the permit holders.

The proposed fee chart would be as follows:

Soil Erosion Permit – Commercial

First Acre $400

Additional Acre 40

Renewal ½ of original fee

Transfer of permit fee:

Commercial $ 85

Residential 25

Refundable escrow for additional enforcement costs: starts at $1,500 for one acre or less (including “commercial minor disturbances”); $3,000 for one to five acres; $5,000 for 5 to 10 acres and $2,500 for each additional 10 acres or fraction of 10 acres. The Drain Commissioner may also consider matters such as proximity of the site to waters of the state, known as sensitive areas; and the presence of “critical” soils and conditions in setting the escrow amount. Mr. Lindemann’s letter, dated October 3, 2006, further outlines the fee schedule.

Soil erosion staff records indicate the proposed reduction in the base commercial soil erosion permit fees might reduce the annual General Fund receipts by approximately $18,000, assuming present building conditions. This reduction would be offset in large part by other fee and policy changes as detailed in his October 3 letter to the Board of Commissioners.

Mr. Lindemann asked that the new commercial soil erosion fee approach be implemented immediately, rather than waiting until January 1, 2007. This would allow the new approach to be implemented during part of the construction season.

Comm. Severino asked why the “Fast Track” review program is not included in the fee schedule. Mr. Lindemann explained his Office has worked on this issue for approximately 15 years with the Greater Lansing Homebuilders Association. Under this program, builders would pay a substantial additional fee above and beyond those currently charged, to have their drainage review, site plan review and soil erosion application processed immediately by an engineering firm on contract to the Drain Office. This concept remains under discussion with the Association and other interested parties.

Comm. Severino commended Mr. Lindemann for working with the Association regarding the Fast Track program. He then stated he would wait to vote in favor of the fees until he can see them in finalized form.

Comm. Vickers asked about the current soil erosion fees. Mr. Lindemann stated the current base fee is $570 for the first acre and $60 for each additional acre.

Comm. Holman stated she has had discussions with Mr. Lindemann and the Lansing Chamber of Commerce regarding this issue. As a result of these discussions, Comm. Holman suggested the following amendments:

MOVED BY COMM. HOLMAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION’S THIRD BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED PARAGRAPH AS FOLLOWS:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT THE BOARD AUTHORIZES THE ESCROW ACCOUNT TO BE IN ACREAGE CATEGORIES, AS THOSE UNDER NPDES, AND SET $500 FOR A HALF-ACRE OR LESS, AND SET . . .

Chairperson Schor stated the above amendment was proposed by the Chamber.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon

MOVED BY COMM. HOLMAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO AMEND THE THIRD BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED PARAGRAPH AS FOLLOWS:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT THE BOARD AUTHORIZES THE ESCROW ACCOUNT TO BE IN ACREAGE CATEGORIES, AS THOSE UNDER NPDES, AND SET $500 FOR A HALF-ACRE OR LESS, AND SET . . . OR FRACTION OF TEN ACRES. REFUNDS OF UNUSED ESCROW MONEY SHALL BE RETURNED TO THE PERMIT HOLDER WITHIN 45 DAYS OF THE CLOSING INSPECTION.

Mr. Lindemann explained that he has a “punch list” to be referred to once the inspection is completed. The Office tries to process the paperwork in one week; however, the process may involve more time on occasion. Mr. Lindemann stated the Resolution should not imply the refund checks will be issued within 45 days. Chairperson Schor explained that he has spoken with the Chamber and the Treasurer’s Office regarding this issue. Both Offices are fine with 45 days.

Mr. Cypher stated if the Treasurer is comfortable with the 45 day time period, its fine. He further stated his concern that the amendment appears to pertain only to the Drain Office. Mr. Cypher suggested the Committee address this Resolution in spring 2007 so that it could be implemented County-wide. Chairperson Schor stated he will keep the suggestion in mind. He then stated his appreciation for Mr. Cypher’s suggestion.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon

Comm. Thomas asked if a Commissioner votes against this Resolution, would he/she be voting to increase the current fees. Mr. Lindemann stated that would be the case. Comm. Severino asked if revenues are increased to the County, how can it lower the current fees. Mr. Lindemann stated the permanent costs would decrease substantially. The General Fund would be reimbursed for staff hours for pursuing violators of the County’s soil erosion policy. Costs would be decreased for positive behavior. The Home Builder’s Association approves this matter.

Comm. Severino stated he will base his vote on the information contained in Mr. Lindemann’s October 3, 2006 memorandum to the Board regarding this matter being revenue neutral. Mr. Lindemann explained that if the interest rate decreases and people stop building, the revenue may be affected. Comm. Severino stated he will vote in favor of the Resolution as amended.

Ms. Bell, External Affairs – AT&T, thanked Comm. Holman for her first amendment to the Resolution and for her efforts to improve the Resolution. Under the current fee structure, an account management mechanism does not exist. This Resolution addresses this concern. Regarding Comm. Holman’s second amendment, Ms. Bell stated the current fee structure allows for a waiver of fees. If a person is allowed to obtain a waiver to allow additional time for obtaining a permit, the escrow fund would not be necessary. Mr. Lindemann indicated Ms. Bell is correct regarding this issue. Ms. Bell further stated she believes her office can work with the Drain Office on the proposed new policy.

Mr. Lindemann stated he held a utility summit recently. The purpose of this summit was to allow people involved with this issue to meet each other. Mr. Pratt has been assigned as liaison to the utility company’s questions and/or concerns. This summit will take place on a quarterly basis to determine if the process can be improved.

Chairperson Schor thanked all parties to this matter for working together, including AT&T, Consumers Energy, the Chamber, Mr. Lindemann and Mr. Pratt.

MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon

8. Human Resources – Resolution Authorizing an Amendment Agreement Allowing Employees in the ICEA Professional Local 33 to Have Access to Domestic Partner Dental and Vision Insurance

Chairperson Schor stated the Board already approved an agreement to allow employees in the ICEA Local 33 to have access to domestic partner dental and vision insurance. Comms. Weatherwax-Grant and Dedden have stated the agreement should include all benefits.

Ms. Corrigan urged the Committee to vote favorably on this item.

MOVED BY COMM. HOLMAN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. COPEDGE, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT AGREEMENT ALLOWING EMPLOYEES IN THE ICEA PROFESSIONAL LOCAL 33 TO HAVE ACCESS TO DOMESTIC PARTNER DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE.

Comm. Severino stated he thought the County was to determine if it can offer such benefits. Mr. Hailey explained the issue is currently under review. A determination will be made soon. Chairperson Schor stated all Resolutions pertaining to domestic partner dental and vision insurance have also included “as allowed by law.” The unions have agreed with the language.

Mr. Hailey stated the definition of a “domestic partner” relationship is undefined. Initially, it pertained to a same-sex relationship. Chairperson Schor stated it would be appropriate for this Committee to address this issue in 2007.

Comm. Severino stated he appreciates Mr. Hailey’s efforts regarding this matter. The County should wait until a formal determination has been made before approving this type of resolution. The County should not discriminate against couples of the opposite sex.

MOTION CARRIED with Comms. Severino and Vickers voting NO.

1. Presentation – Capital Region Airport Authority Interviews

Chairperson Schor informed the Committee that Frank Ferro withdrew his application.

The Committee interviewed the following applicants for a position on the Capital Region Airport Authority:

Doug Koons Leo Sheets

Gordon White Wallace Wilson

Michael Otis Nick Dobson

Richard Fulton Phill Orth

Gertrude Mitchell Laverne Lenon

Joseph Pirch Ron Seely

Calvin Lynch Stuart Chavis

Manuel Delgado, Jr. Mark Allen Major

Tim Barron

Chairperson Schor informed the Committee that he would like them to submit their top three recommendations to him. He will forward the recommendations to the Democratic Caucus meeting in December.

11. Economic Development Corporation – Communication Regarding Drain Commission Fee Changes

The Communication was received and placed on file.

Public Comment: None

Announcements

Chairperson Celentino asked Chairperson Schor to be specific regarding his timeline in agenda item one. Chairperson Schor explained that he planned to bring this Committee’s recommendations to the December 12, 2006 Caucus meeting. If there is not adequate time to address this matter on that date, it could be rescheduled for the Board’s January 5, 2006 meeting.

Comm. Thomas informed the Committee that he had not planned on scheduling a Democratic Caucus meeting on December 12 due to the Board’s Holiday Party.

The Committee discussed this matter further. The Commissioners indicated Comm. Thomas could schedule the Caucus meeting on December 12 and they would be in attendance.

Chairperson Schor congratulated Comm. Vickers on his successful two years as County Commissioner. He then wished Comm. Vickers well on his future pursuits. Comm. Vickers stated he would miss serving on the Board of Commissioners.

Chairperson Celentino informed the Committee that the Finance Committee would consider a Resolution to Appoint an Interim Controller tomorrow evening. Mr. Neilsen has indicated his willingness to serve as the Interim Controller.

The Finance Committee would also consider a Resolution to Re-enact the Controller Search Committee the same evening.

Chairperson Schor congratulated Mr. Dore on his recent appointment. The County appreciates his efforts to take the County in a new direction.

The Committee held a brief discussion regarding the reactivation of the Search Committee.

The Committee adjourned at 9:36 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff