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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS May 5, 2005 The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:02 p.m., Thursday, May 5, 2005 in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan. Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Bolger, Miller, Moore, Segal, Strowbridge and Todd. Excused: Comr. Solis. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Comr. Strowbridge, followed by a Moment of Personal Prayer. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Comr. Bolger advised that he was not present at the April 7 Board Meeting, and requested the minutes be approved separately.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Resolution Supporting Federal Re-Authorization of the Community Service Block Grant Chairman Miller read and presented the following resolution to Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan Chief Executive Officer Don Mercer. Mr. Mercer stated that the block grant funding is very important as it funds 75 percent of what the Agency does. Mr. Mercer thanked the Board for their support and advised that the resolution shall join similar resolutions being approved.
School Nurse Day Proclamation Chairman Miller read and presented the following proclamation to Health Officer Heidi Oberlin.
Ms. Oberlin thanked the Board on behalf of all school nurses in Calhoun County. Summit Pointe Annual Report Presentation Summit Pointe Chief Executive Officer Ervin Brinker presented the Report addressing Summit Pointe’s mission and advised that Summit Pointe is all about focusing upon results and outcomes, and how Summit Pointe can help people to work through some of the issues they have. Mr. Brinker advised that Summit Pointe has accessible and affordable services throughout the county with two locations in Battle Creek and one in Albion. Mr. Brinker stated that Summit Pointe is all about collaboration with other organizations and has many affiliations. Mr. Brinker advised regarding the Multisystemic Therapy Program, which is a partnership with the Family Court, probation officers, police officers and the Juvenile Home, that the Program is a unique, goal-oriented, comprehensive treatment program designed to serve multi-problem youth and is very effective with chronic, violent delinquent youth and youth with serious emotional and behavioral issues. Mr. Brinker pointed out that the Report this year highlights the psychiatrists working with Summit Pointe; e.g., Dr. Gandy, Dr. Zethelius, Dr. Rao and Dr. Ramesh. Mr. Brinker advised that Summit Pointe’s budget is $28 Million, and that the county for the last seven or eight years has appropriated $265,000 to Summit Pointe. Mr. Brinker further advised that Summit Pointe conducts a 30 minute program each week called Change Your Mind which addresses various mental health issues; further, that Summit Pointe has billboards throughout the community. Mr. Brinker stated that May is mental health month and advised of a luncheon on Tuesday, May 10 at the Burnham Brook Center at which there shall be an expert speaking regarding bullying. Juvenile Home Phase II Final Report Presentation Kalamazoo County Extension Director Ann Nieuwenhuis stated that a year ago she went to the Juvenile Home and conducted an analysis of existing programs, operating policies and procedures, program effectiveness, efficiency of operations, and employee morale. Ms. Nieuwenhuis advised that she conducted 45 interviews and then prepared a report of recommendations. Ms. Nieuwenhuis stated that she indicated in the report that the staff was working in a negative culture and that the old way of doing things needed to be abandoned which would require communication, commitment from all the staff, flexibility and hard work. Ms. Nieuwenhuis advised that this year she has seen amazing changes in the employees’ work attitude and that in the areas evaluated all are at least improving or are better and improving. Ms. Nieuwenhuis addressed Power to Change on Page 7 of the Report, advising that when conditions are right to pursue a new Home, the staff would like to address treatment programs, new positions and a transition time for students before returning home. Ms. Nieuwenhuis recommended an action plan addressing communication, trust, cooperation, consistency, safety, leadership style, conflict management, recognition, professional development, job satisfaction, team work, frustration levels and decision-making. Ms. Nieuwenhuis stated that overall she found the Home to have a positive, open, and more trusting atmosphere than a year ago, and that open and honest communication at all levels has made the difference. Ms. Nieuwenhuis encouraged the Home and County Administration to establish a checks and balance and adjust as necessary to ensure that the past challenges and issues do not reoccur. Ms. Nieuwenhuis advised that she found that the top six most important factors that influence the culture at the Home have more to do with interpersonal relationships than with tangible factors, therefore, that she would encourage administration to discuss with staff possible innovative approaches to improve areas within the Report including work schedules, salary and benefits. Comr. Todd inquired whether there has been any discussion regarding changing the name of the Home to a Refocus Center. Ms. Nieuwenhuis responded no, that renaming the Home was not discussed by the staff. Juvenile Home Director Reggie LaGrand thanked Ms. Nieuwenhuis for presenting the Report. Mr. LaGrand advised that the staff is beginning to step forward and help, and that the Home will be moving forward on some of the training issues. Comr. Bolger congratulated Mr. LaGrand and staff for their great work. Comr. Bolger inquired whether there are plans to resurrect the citizens advisory panel which was created during the millage initiative to review diversion options. Mr. LaGrand responded Yes. Comr. Todd inquired whether the school districts shall be included in the collaboration. Mr. LaGrand responded Yes. County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that he had a wonderful opportunity to be at the Home today to hear Mr. Richard Santana, a former gang member and drug user who turned his life around and graduated from Harvard. Mr. Purcell stated that he believes Mr. Santana really connected with the kids, and expressed his thanks to the Kellogg Foundation for funding the presentation. Mr. Purcell further expressed thanks to the Home’s staff for the Cinco de Mayo day and all the great food. Mr. Purcell addressed the Report, advising that last year there were some very difficult times with some transitions in the administration of the Home; however this Report reflects a 180 degree turn around, which could not have been made without the efforts of Ms. Woods, Ms. Mullett and Mr. Wilcox. Mr. Purcell further expressed his appreciation to Mr. LaGrand for attaining the Home’s permanent two-year license. Mr. Purcell advised that administration is currently working on providing centralized air conditioning at the Home. Mr. Purcell also thanked Commissioners Bolger and Segal for attending the presentation of the Report provided to the staff at the Home on April 21. Mother’s Day Resolution
CONSENT AGENDA:
SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS: Employee Recognition and Relations Committee Committee Chairperson Segal advised that the birthday luncheon for this month at the Penn Station is provided by Commissioner Strowbridge, and requested he draw the winner. Comr. Segal announced the winner to be Kathryn Seedorff. Comr. Segal wished a happy birthday to Ms. Seedorff, whose birthday is May 6. PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report Health Department Albion Building Office Lease Agreement Mr. Purcell stated that with the Family Independence Agency relocating out of the building last year, Administration thought about closing the building this year; however, the Health Department negotiated a lease for additional space. Health Officer Heidi Oberlin advised that the Department shall offer primarily clinical services at the Albion office; e.g., WIC, immunizations, family planning, HIV/AIDS services. Ms. Oberlin stated that the changes and the design of the rooms will be a great improvement. Administrative Services Director Bradley Wilcox advised that there had been a loss of revenue with the departure of the Family Independence Agency; therefore in preparing the 2005 budget, he presented a budget to close the building. Mr. Wilcox stated that in evaluating options for the Health Department for office space in Albion a suitable facility could not be located that met the needs of the Department’s clients and the financial restraints of the Department’s budget. Mr. Wilcox advised that the Albion Building was reviewed and that a plan was developed to provide the Department more space and improvements to existing space to remedy past issues with program accreditation and to improve client access to services. Mr. Wilcox advised that the net impact is a loss of $14,000. Mr. Purcell advised that there is still 6,000 square feet available in the Albion Building, and that the county is seeking a complimentary tenant.
Correctional Supplies and Clothing Bid Awards Mr. Wilcox advised that the bids are the fourth time the supplies/clothing have been placed out for bid. Mr. Wilcox pointed out that the only change is the incorporation of supplies/clothing for the Juvenile Home. Mr. Wilcox recommended bid award for provision of supplies to Bob Barker Company, advising that the Company is a long standing vendor and the only vendor that could bid on all the items required. Mr. Wilcox further recommended bid award for provision of the clothing to Robinson Textile, advising that the Company was not the lowest bidder, that the recommendation is based upon product quality.
Adult Residential Probation Center Agreements Mr. Purcell stated that three agreements have been presented; e.g., Community Programs, Inc.; Pathfinder Resources, Inc.; and Home of New Vision. Mr. Purcell recognized Community Corrections Jail Population Manager Roselynn Goff and new Community Corrections Advisory Board Member Dorothy Height. Mr. Purcell stated that Administration is concerned with keeping the jail population low to rent bed space, and that Community Corrections wants more options other than just K.P.E.P. Ms. Goff stated that Community Corrections has been attempting to improve treatment and placement options to alleviate use of the jail. Ms. Goff advised that in the past Community Corrections has had a contract with only one provider and could not meet the needs of those with severe substance abuse. Ms. Goff advised that one of the new vendors, Home of New Vision, is for women and focuses upon integrating them back into the community. Mr. Purcell advised that the per diem rate for the three facilities is $43 per day per resident.
Ms. Goff thanked Ms. Height for joining the Community Corrections Advisory Board. Ms. Goff advised that with Ms. Height’s appointment and the addition of one more member, Community Corrections shall have a full Board for the first time that she can remember. Ms. Height thanked the Commission for appointing her to the Community Corrections Advisory Board. Ms. Height stated that she is eager to learn and shall do her best. Employees’ 401 {k} Retirement Savings Plan Amendments Mr. Purcell advised that both of the amendments are technical to bring the Plan into compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations. Mr. Purcell explained that the 10th Amendment removes the reference to proposed regulations and updates Plan language regarding timing of distributions under the Plan to match the actual operation of the Plan. Mr. Purcell advised that the 11th Amendment addresses involuntary distribution of an account with a balance of more than $1,000 and less than $5,000.
E 9-1-1 Dispatch Center Interlocal Agreement Termination Mr. Purcell recommended termination of the county’s participation in the 2004 Interlocal Agreement with the Cities of Battle Creek, Marshall and Albion to explore the feasibility of consolidating emergency 9-1-1 communication services. Mr. Purcell advised that the City of Battle Creek has already terminated their participation. Mr. Purcell stated that the bad news is that the proposed millage was not passed; however, that the good news is that Mr. Muladore wrote a grant application and a $750,000 FEMA grant was received to improve communications in the fire services. Mr. Purcell continued that he has had discussion with the Cities of Marshall and Albion to advise what the county is doing, and both would still be interested should consolidation of services be proposed in the future. Mr. Purcell advised that termination of the agreement will eliminate the Communications Coordinator position and that he has given Mr. Muladore 90 days notice of termination commencing today with the agreement’s termination. Mr. Purcell stated that Mr. Muladore shall use his remaining time working on the implementation of the FEMA grant, for which the City of Marshall is fiscal agent. Mr. Purcell thanked Mr. Muladore for the professional work he has done for the county, stating that while the millage proposal was not approved, its defeat had nothing to do with Mr. Muladore or his work. Mr. Purcell continued that if there is any opportunity for his future work with the county or elsewhere, he will provide him a future reference.
Comr. Strowbridge stated that having been involved in the consolidation process for two plus years, one of the first things identified as a problem was the inability to communicate between the agencies, and this has not changed. Comr. Strowbridge further stated that the second problem was funding equity, pointing out that the three cities pay 90 percent of dispatching costs while the other jurisdictions and fire stations pay nothing. Comr. Strowbridge stated that he believes the plan in place to address the concerns that started the initiative is a good plan, and that he is in no hurry to recommend another millage proposal; however pointed out that as long as there is inequity in funding, there will never be consensus regarding services provided. Comr. Bolger thanked Mr. Muladore for his dedication, loyalty, efforts, and for attending the meeting tonight. Comr. Bolger stated that he read in the newspaper that the City of Battle Creek has had discussion regarding some coordination of services; i.e., animal control; and inquired whether Mr. Muladore is aware of why the City withdrew from the agreement. Mr. Muladore recommended that City representatives be contacted to determine. Comr. Bolger inquired whether Mr. Muladore believes there is any opportunity to work towards some consolidation of services. Mr. Muladore responded that based on investigation and discussions, he believes there are some methods that could be employed to consolidate. Comr. Bolger stated that since Battle Creek City has withdrawn from the agreement he believes the county’s options are limited at this time, and requested Mr. Muladore work with the City of Marshall on the FEMA grant to protect the county’s public safety personnel. Mr. Muladore responded that it would be his pleasure. Chairman Miller expressed his gratitude to Mr. Muladore for the work he has done, and stated that he wished the county had been able to move forward with a consolidated dispatch center.
CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, addressed the bids for correctional clothing/supplies, pointing out that there is no break down of the costs between the Juvenile Home and the Sheriff Department. Road Commissioner David Veramay introduced recently appointed Road Commissioner Charles Monaweck. Mr. Veramay advised that Mr. Monaweck is a retiree of Michigan Bell where he was a field supervisor, a farmer who is married and has four sons. Mr. Veramay stated that he believes Mr. Monaweck shall be a great addition to the Road Commission. COMMISSIONERS’ TIME: Comr. Todd thanked Mr. Brinker and the Summit Pointe staff for their expertise, the Community Action Agency for their programs, and the school nurses; and congratulated the Road Commission upon the awards recently received. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Comr. Segal congratulated the Road Commission for recently receiving an award. Comr. Segal announced that the Juvenile Home Golf Outing shall be on Friday, June 10, and thanked the Commissioners who have sponsored some teams. Comr. Todd announced that this Saturday is the Walk for Diabetes at the Binder Park Zoo. Chairman Miller announced that the Disabled American Veterans’ Third Annual Golf Outing is Saturday, June 4 at the Marywood Golf Club in Battle Creek. Chairman Miller advised those interested in playing to contact David Martin at (269) 964-1915. Chairman Miller further announced that the Sheriff’s Golf Outing is Friday, September 16 at the Medalist Golf Club, and advised those interested in playing to call (269) 969-6333. Chairman Miller advised that he is holding constituent service hours on Monday morning from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. at the Addington Hills Coffee House on East Emmett and encouraged citizens to show up if they have any concerns they would like to discuss with him. CLOSED SESSION:
The Board met in Closed Session commencing at 8:28 p.m. until 9:06 p.m. with General Counsel Nancy Mullett, County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell, Assistant County Administrator Wendee Woods and Deputy Clerk Mary Lou Barrett present. OPEN SESSION -- ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
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