Approved 12/5/06

COUNTY SERVICES

November 21, 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:             Ed Dore, Jared Cypher, Harold Hailey, Marc Thomas, Curtis Hertel, Steve Dougan, William Hufnagel, Terry Scurlock, Darryl Hamlin, Debbie Miller, Al  Zeller, Paul Goulet, Neil Kentner, Richard Pritchard, Edward Kerns, Kathy Doyle, Michelle Conarton, Tod Whipple, Fred Rach, Eric Little, John McGlintchey, Neal Johnson, Thomas Krug, Vince Corazza, Shirley Rodgers, Harry Spenny, Jean McDonald, Norman Grant, Leo Sheets, Calvin Lynch, Thom Mitchell, Dick Baker, Darlene Fancher and others

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schor at 7:03 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the November 7, 2006 Minutes, October 17 and November 7, 2006 Executive Session Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. VICKERS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 7 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comm. Severino

MOVED BY COMM. VICKERS, SUPPORTED BY COMM. HOLMAN, TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 17 AND NOVEMBER 7 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.   Absent:  Comm. Severino

Additions to the Agenda:           None

Limited Public Comment

Mr. Scurlock, District IV Chairperson – Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association, addressed the Committee regarding agenda item 1a.  Mr. Scurlock spoke of problems he encountered with the Fair Board Manager.  His letter, dated October 19, 2006, detailed these problems.  The letter is included in the agenda packet.  Mr. Scurlock further stated the Board of Commissioners should speak to the real people who are being hurt by the inconsistency, double bookings, incorrect invoices and others issues associated with the Fair Office.

A representative from Bailey’s Concession addressed the Committee regarding agenda item 1a.  The representative stated he has been treated unfairly by the Fair Board Manager.  The Manager made false accusations regarding Bailey’s Concession.

Ms. Conarton, Fair Board staff member, addressed the Committee regarding agenda item 1a.  She expressed her appreciation to the Committee for taking the time to address this issue. 

1.         Fair Board

            a.         Discussion of Employee Issues

Chairperson Schor stated this Committee has discussed this issue at length and it is ready to take action.  Comm. Holman stated the issue regarding the Fair Board Manager comes down to if any manager does not understand his authority; he/she should clarify the matter with the appropriate people.  The Fair Board Manager did not clarify this matter.  Comm. Holman further stated there has been a lot of disorganization and unclear direction at the Fair facility.

Mr. Kentner did not live up to his position.  This Committee would be justified in following the recommendation of the Fair Board.  Comm. Holman stated she could support the renewal of Mr. Kentner’s probationary period for six months to one year.  This would give Mr. Kentner adequate time to resolve the problems.  Should the probationary period be reinstated, Mr. Kentner should have very clear directions.

Chairperson Schor stated the Fair Board has recommended the termination of Mr. Kentner as Fair Board Manager.  This Committee has three options:  1) accept the Fair Board’s recommendation; 2) request Mr. Kentner’s resignation; 3) the Committee could not take any action.

Comm. DeLeon agreed this Committee has discussed this issue at length in Closed Session.  She then stated she thought the Committee would enter into a Closed Session this evening to discuss information received by this Committee since its last meeting. 

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO RECOMMEND FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE FAIR BOARD TO TERMINATE MR. KENTNER’S POSITION AS FAIR BOARD MANAGER. 

Comm. Copedge stated it appears from the last discussion of this matter, that Mr. Kentner has a very different management style.  As the employer, the County failed to train the Manager.  Mr. Kentner was not given an opportunity to face the allegations and to resolve them. 

Comm. Copedge further stated he has brought EOC issues to this Committee over time.  It appears there is an unwillingness to conduct performance evaluations.  Comm. Copedge stated he will continue to address this issue in 2007 with the hope that it will be entertained by this Committee.

Comm. Severino urged the Committee to vote “no” on the motion.  As an employer, the County failed to give Mr. Kentner the proper tools to succeed in his position.  Before this Committee takes any action, it should make changes regarding the authority of the Fair Board.  Mr. Kentner should be given another year as Manager and then this Committee can revisit the issue.

Comm. DeLeon respectfully disagreed with Comm. Severino’s position.  Mr. Kentner did receive warnings and he had ample time to improve his performance as Fair Board Manager.  This Committee should also recognize Mr. Kentner’s level of management experience.  He should have only needed orientation, not management training.

Comm. Vickers stated the Fair Board did work with Mr. Kentner.  He was offered assistance; but, he seldom sought assistance.  This issue deals with getting along with people.  People cannot be trained to get along with others.  Comm. Vickers stated he will vote in favor of the motion. 

Chairperson Schor stated he believes there was a breakdown on both sides of this issue, the Fair Board and the Fair Board Manager.  Mr. Kentner did not receive the correct management tools and communication was inadequate on both sides.  A change is needed.  Chairperson Schor stated his preference is to request the resignation of Mr. Kentner so that he will receive his two-month severance package.

MOTION FAILED with Comms. Severino, Schor and Copedge voting NO.

MOVED BY COMM. DELEON, SUPPORTED BY COMM. VICKERS, TO REQUEST MR. KENTNER TO SUBMIT A LETTER OF RESIGNATION WITHIN TWO WEEKS TO THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS. 

Comm. Severino stated he will vote “no” on this motion also.  Mr. Kentner’s resignation will not create any positive changes.  Fair Board members are in conflict with each other.  Comm. Severino further stated he has received letters indicating support for Mr. Kentner’s position as Fair Board Manager.  He also stated he is extremely disappointed that this Committee was not informed of the ongoing problems regarding the Fair Board and its Manger much earlier. 

Chairperson Schor addressed Comm. Copedge’s statement regarding performance evaluations.  This Committee passed a resolution at it last meeting that requires performance evaluations for specific positions.  Chairperson Schor stated he agrees with Comm. Severino’s statements regarding the need for positive change.  The roles of the Fair Board and the Fair Board Manager need to be defined. 

Chairperson Schor further stated he will not support the hiring of a new Manager until these roles have been defined. He stated he likes Mr. Kentner; however, it would be a disservice to keep Mr. Kentner on board. 

MOTION CARRIED with Comm. Severino voting NO.

            b.         Informational Item – Fair Board By-Laws

This information was received and placed on file.

2.         Presentations – Road Commission Interviews

The Committee asked the applicants to address the following questions/issues during their interviews:

• Work Experience
• Diversity
• How should the Road Commission work with a local community during all stages of a road project?
• What is the role of enhancement projects in the overall transportation system?
• What is the most important quality in a Road Commissioner?
• How should a Road Commissioner work with the public and local governmental units?
• Managerial Experience
• How should the Road Commission work with a union?
• How should the Road Commissioners relate to the Ingham County Board of Commissioners?
• What time commitment could the applicants make to the Road Commission?
• Transportation experience
• How should the Road Commission influence a list of road projects that are to become eligible for transportation funding?

The Committee interviewed the following applicants for a position on the Road Commission:

            Jean McDonald                        Leo Sheets                   Richard Pritchard

            William Hufnagel                       Calvin Lynch                Al  Zeller

            Tom Mitchell                            Vincenzo Corazzo        Dick Baker

            Darlene Fancher                       Paul Goulet                   Eric Little

            Edward Kearns                        Neal Johnson                Tom Krug

            Tim Barron                               Shirley Rodgers

(Absent applicants:  James Wessinger, David Woltz, Norman Grant, Lamar Knox, Frank Ferro and Gordon White)

The Committee did not recommend an appointment this evening.

Announcements

Comm. Thomas informed the Committee that the Democratic Caucus will discuss the applicants at its Annual Board Leadership meeting next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.  The Republican Caucus is welcome to attend this meeting to provide input in the discussion.  A formal appointment will not be made until January 2007.

Public Comment

Mr. Kearns withdrew his application for the Road Commission.  He explained that his decision was based on Ms. Rodgers’ statements during her interview.

The committee adjourned at 10:11 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff