Approved 6/5/00

HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

May 15, 2000

Minutes

Members Present: John Czarnecki, Mark Grebner, Alfreda Schmidt and Mike Severino

Members Absent: Anne Smiley

Others Present: John Neilsen, Mary Stid, Jerry Ambrose, Jim Wilson, Bob Godbold,

Terry Guerin, Steve Chalker, Lucy Doroshko, Keith Pasterz and Bob Sheehan

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Czarnecki at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room B of the Human Services Building, 5303 South Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the May 1, 2000 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHMIDT, TO APPROVE THE MAY 1, 2000 MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED absent: Comm. Smiley

Additions to the Agenda

3c. Resolution in Support of the Managed Specialty Care Plan Presented by

Senator Hammerstrom and Senator Johnson

Mr. Ambrose informed the Committee that the Medical Care Facility's annual survey was deficiency free. He also stated the Facility is negotiating its first labor contract with the UAW.

Limited Public Comment

Mr. Guerin explained that he wanted to clarify two of the statements he made during the April 10 meeting. In the fourth paragraph of page one of the minutes his statement should read ". . .he had not had the time to thoroughly review the information before the committee that evening." The sentence "The Plan is facility specific" on page three, which was subsequently removed from the minutes, should be replaced. Mr. Guerin explained his statement.

MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SEVERINO, TO RECONSIDER THE PREVIOUS APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 10 MINUTES TO REFLECT MR. GUERIN'S STATEMENT THAT HE HAD NOT HAD TIME TO THOROUGHLY REVIEW THE INFORMATION BEFORE THE COMMITTEE THAT EVENING. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

1. Controller/Health Department

a. Resolution to Authorize Contracts with Any Solid Waste Management Facility

Approved to Accept Solid Waste under the Proposed Ingham County Solid

Waste Management Plan (Tabled from April 17 and May 1, 2000 Meetings).

Two Alternative Resolutions are attached.

b. Resolution Approving the Closure of Certain Drop-Off Recycling Sites

c. Update to Discussions Regarding Financing of Solid Waste Plan and Interim

Provision of Certain Recycling Services

Mr. Ambrose explained that, in item 1a, staff tried to respond to questions and comments made during the previous two committee meetings. The alternative resolution is the same as the tabled resolution. However, the language was cleared up in the alternative resolution.

Mr. Ambrose stated staff has had discussions with the waste industry and it has also met with most of the municipalities that would be affected by the closure of certain drop-off recycling sites. The County also communicated with the municipalities in writing that financial participation is desired and that a response is needed by May 26. If positive responses are not received, action will be taken to close the recycling sites by June 10. The Resolution in item 1b recognizes that the Board's appropriation of $10,000 will be sufficient to continue the operation of the sites through June 10. Mr. Ambrose state if no other financial commitments or other arrangements are made by May 26, he would recommend appropriation action be taken to begin the process of closing the sites. An additional $5,000 is being requested to keep the sites open while arrangements are being made if financial commitments are received from the municipalities.

A letter has been received from Lock Township which indicates they support the continuation of the Webberville recycling site at a rate of $1,000 per two quarters. The City of Leslie also sent a letter indicating they would be glad to continue to take care of the Leslie recycling site. However, due to budgetary concerns they would not be appropriating any funds. Responses are expected from the other municipalities.

Mr. Guerin stated the Resolution in item 1a does not address specific issues regarding the collection and disbursement of funds. To thoroughly evaluate the funding mechanism, the issues should be addressed. Mr. Guerin also explained that after giving the $0.36 back to Lansing, East Lansing, MSU, Meridian and Williamston, the total remaining would only be $77,000. The money left would be the amount requested to cover the $0.06 to pursue household hazardous waste pick up and other programs. The industry laid this proposal on the table voluntarily.

Mr. Guerin also explained that shifting the burden of data collection from the industry to the municipalities is unfair to the municipalities. He further stated he does not believe the explicit way of implementing the program has been laid on the table.

In response to Ms. Doroshko, Mr. Ambrose stated the $2,000 amount currently comes from the general fund. Comm. Grebner explained the Board will continue the current level of funding. However, the Plan also identifies an increase in educational activities. Any consideration of increases will occur during the budget discussions. Mr. Ambrose explained that currently there is approximately $175,000 in the general fund which supports current solid waste management activities, including education. The Plan proposes an increase in expenditures for disposal costs related to household hazardous waste, implementation of tire and household battery recycling. It also proposes an increase in education activities. The cost of implementing those programs would translate into $0.62 per cubic yard of waste. This Committee has been discussing whether to adopt such a fee in an amount which would supplant or add on to existing solid waste management efforts. The County also has to discuss the $175,000 amount as part of the annual budget process.

Mr. Pasterz, on behalf of MSU, stated MSU appreciates being acknowledged in the current proposed formula. He also stated he is interested in knowing the specifics of how the formula might work. Mr. Pasterz now addressed the Committee as a resident of the County. He explained that he is interested in the Resolution which includes funding for the expansion of the household hazardous waste program. Mr. Pasterz also stated he is supportive of the concept of providing a basic level of recycling for County residents. The County should realize that a recycling program is beneficial to the entire County.

Mr. Pasterz respectfully disagreed with Chairperson Czarnecki's statement from the last meeting regarding the leveling or peaking of recycling. An educational program is vital to the success of any recycling program. Mr. Pasterz urged an increase in the County's budget for education. He also stated he would continue to work with the City of Mason to convince them to provide some financial support for the recycling program. The County should find a way to continue the recycling program beyond June 10. Closing the sites will cause a loss of momentum.

In response to Ms. Doroshko's previous statements, Mr. Guerin explained that $620,000 covers the scope of the budget. The $0.42 amount which Comm. Grebner has spoken about at previous meetings does not include expanded education.

Mr. Ambrose referred to his memorandum of May 9 when he explained to Ms. Doroshko that of the $620,000, approximately $260,000 is necessary to continue the existing County efforts related to solid waste management and to expand recycling efforts. The $135,000 and the $40,000 amounts are currently in the County budget. The $5,000, $10,000 and $70,000 items have not been funded. The $0.62 amount would fund the $5,000 and $10,000 items. The $70,000 item has not been addressed by this Committee. The Health Department may request funding for the $70,000 item in the budget cycle. If the request is made, it would be considered.

Ms. Doroshko stated education is important if the County is going to make an impact on the residents of the County.

MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. CZARNECKI, TO APPROVE THE ALTERNATIVE RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE CONTRACTS WITH ANY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY APPROVED TO ACCEPT SOLID WASTE UNDER THE PROPOSED INGHAM COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN.

Comm. Grebner explained some of the specifics of the Alternative Resolution. He also stated he believes the numbers in the Estimate of Funds Paid Through Proposed Cost Recovery Agreement will be more accurate next year.

Mr. Ambrose stated the disposal facilities are required to report the amount of waste disposed at their facilities on a county by county basis. That number is approximately one million yards per year. The County will know the exact number next year. The breakdown among the municipalities is based strictly on a formula provided by the EPA to estimate the amount of generated waste. The municipalities should not have to engage in their own data collection unless they believe the County's figures are wrong. He also explained that some major corporations in the area collect, recycle and dispose of their own waste. Those corporations could be considered in the same way as municipalities. This matter was discussed briefly.

Comm. Schmidt stated she wanted the Committee to be clear in understanding how the collection at the disposal sites will occur. This Committee has not discussed this issue. Mr. Ambrose explained that facilities are required by State law to report the amount of waste they collect on a per county basis. The County does not need to know which municipality the waste comes from within the County. The numbers contained in the Estimate of Funds chart are included in the Solid Waste Plan. Absent any other information, the County will use the formula to distribute the money which is collected. The Committee discussed issues regarding the formula.

Comm. Grebner addressed a hypothetical situation posed by Mr. Chalker. He concluded his explanation by advising Mr. Chalker to consult with his attorney.

In response to Comm. Severino, Mr. Guerin stated no further discussion has taken place regarding the proposal laid on the table at the previous meeting. If the County is not happy with Granger's proposal, it should submit another proposal to Granger. The Committee discussed the idea of putting Granger's proposal into a resolution form. The Committee agreed not to ask staff to put the proposal into resolution form.

In response to Comm. Schmidt, Mr. Ambrose explained that legal counsel has advised that they believe the Board has the legal ability to adopt this type of funding mechanism. Comm. Schmidt stated she is very cautious about the costs and arrangements. Chairperson Czarnecki explained that the Board has to rely on the knowledge of corporation counsel. There are no guarantees.

Mr. Guerin stated he would be pleased to work with the Controller's Office to put Granger's offer into a resolution. The same arrangement could be made with Waste Management.

MOTION FAILED with Comm. Grebner voting YES. Absent: Comm. Smiley

Chairperson Czarnecki expressed his concern that the County may not collect enough funds and then would be required to use the general fund for the waste management programs. He further stated he hopes the solid waste industry would come forth and make a voluntary contribution to assist the County with their recycling efforts.

MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CLOSURE OF CERTAIN DROP-OFF RECYCLING SITES. MOTION DIED due to lack of support. Absent: Comm. Smiley

Mr. Ambrose stated if the Committee is concerned regarding the $5,000 amount, it should be taken out of the resolution. The Committee should then recognize that staff's recommendation is to close the recycling sites on June 10 unless financial commitments are received from the municipalities. Comm. Grebner explained that different actions may be taken by the Finance Committee and the Board. The Controller will receive direction on this matter.

In response to Comm. Schmidt, Mr. Ambrose stated the municipalities have until May 26,2000 to respond to the County regarding their financial commitment. The municipalities are aware of the date.

Chairperson Czarnecki stated an exorbitant amount of general fund tax dollars have been spent on staff time to address this matter. The rural communities have no desire to come forth with any financial commitments. Staff should be directed to work on other priorities.

2. Medical Care Facility - First Quarter Report

The Report was received and placed on file.

3. Board Referrals

a. Letter from the Tri-County Office on Aging Forwarding Their Draft Multi-Year

Plan for Fiscal Years 2001-2003 and Inviting Public Comment

b. Letters from Vonnie Miller and Jim and Molly Beck Regarding Banning of

Smoking in Restaurants

The Board Referrals were received and placed on file.

c. Resolution in Support of the Managed Specialty Care Plan Presented by

Senator Hammerstrom and Senator Johnson

Mr. Sheehan explained that hearings were held in the Fall regarding the bid out of specialty health care services by the Michigan Department of Community Health. Since the hearings, the Department has been working on a revised plan. The plan has stalled out. Two senate republicans have developed an alternate plan. The plan responds to a number of concerns. Mr. Sheehan explained those concerns. He then requested this Committee's support for the Resolution.

MOVED BY COMM. GREBNER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHMIDT, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE MANAGED SPECIALTY CARE PLAN PRESENTED BY SENATOR HAMMERSTROM AND SENATOR JOHNSON. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Smiley

Announcements: None

Public Comment: None

The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff