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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS March 16, 2006 The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:03 p.m., Thursday, March 16, 2006 in the Commissioners' Meeting Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan. Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Bolger, Miller, Moore, Segal, Solis, Strowbridge and Todd. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: A Moment of Personal Prayer was observed; followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Comr. Bolger. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
CITIZENS’ TIME: Substance Abuse Council of Greater Battle Creek Executive Director Suzanne Horsfall advised that the Council is hosting a town hall meeting regarding underage drinking on March 28 and is coordinating a teaching project with adults talking to youth in fifth and sixth grade classes during the month of April. Ms. Horsfall invited everyone to attend the meeting. Central Diagnostic Referral Service Director Bruce Hindenach advised that he provides screening and assessment services in Calhoun County and is concerned that with transfer of the substance abuse coordinating agency designation there shall be a funding loss of $400,000 than received the previous year. Mr. Hindenach stated that he hopes there shall be consideration of a plan to review any potential funding loss, to address oversight and regulation of the substance abuse services, that the services shall remain privatized; further, that the Board shall also consider communicating to the state some level of displeasure with the re-organization and upsetting the system that has been operating reasonably well. Humane Society-Calhoun Area Board of Directors President Annie Stetler advised that the shelter is a no kill center, that only animals with bad temperaments or that are ill are destroyed, not just to make space. Ms. Stetler advised regarding the animal cruelty cases the Society has investigated, and advised that the Society maintains the only lost and found data base. Ms. Stetler advised that the shelter houses 200 animals and rotates them on a regular schedule of outside and inside time. Ms. Stetler stated that the Society is a non-profit organization and that there is a doctor on staff. Ms. Stetler stated that the Humane Society has had a good relationship with the county for a long time and would like to continue that relationship. Behavioral Health Resources Director Janet Miles advised that she supports the creation of a new substance abuse services coordinating agency and believes that Summit Pointe would be great as the coordinating agency. Lakeview School District teacher Kathy Bloch advised that she supports Summit Pointe becoming the coordinating agency for substance abuse services. Ms. Bloch stated that she has the greatest admiration for Summit Pointe and the work they have done, and requested the Board support Summit Pointe as the coordinating agency. Dr. Walter, Newton Township resident, advised that she has been a private kennel owner since 1974 and has never lost a dog; however that if she did, she would feel comfortable if the dog ended up in the Calhoun County Animal Shelter. Dr. Walter stated that she knows the Bufords and they are very knowledgeable and operate a good shelter. Ms. Ann Lyon, Treasurer of the Battle Creek Kennel Club, advised that she also knows the Bufords and they operate a no kill shelter that provides veterinarian care. Ms. Lyon recommended the Board award the animal shelter services agreement to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: “Calhoun County Family Reading Month” Proclamation Comr. Todd read the following proclamation, advising that he shall present it to Willard Library.
Women’s History Month Proclamation Comr. Segal read into the record the following proclamation.
UNFINISHED AND OLD BUSINESS -- Substance Abuse Coordinating Agency Designation:
Summit Pointe Executive Director Ervin Brinker stated that Summit Pointe is the administrator of behavioral health benefits for the Medicaid benefit plan, and that substance abuse services are a critical component in that plan. Mr. Brinker advised that as a result of federal/state law and Department of Community Health policy, funding and accountability for behavioral health services which had been split, has now put the substance abuse and mental health funding together. Mr. Brinker stated that Summit Pointe does not wish to push everyone out of the way; however, Summit Pointe is legally responsible for providing the substance abuse services and believes that integrating the mental health and substance abuse funding would benefit the people throughout the five counties. Mr. Brinker stated that Summit Pointe has some excellent organizations providing the services in this community and that it only makes sense that Summit Pointe would build upon those organizations, which is what Summit Pointe intends to do. Mr. Brinker advised that Summit Pointe will involve consumers and organizations throughout the county to determine how to build a better system.
Comr. Solis advised that he requested the designation be tabled due to his reservations that the substance abuse prevention effort in Calhoun County is not a county-wide effort. Comr. Solis stated that as he reviewed the issue he realized that several agencies within the county take on this task. Comr. Solis continued that he received an email from Substance Abuse Council of Greater Battle Creek Board Chairperson Donna Ketchem and his reservations then resurfaced. Comr. Solis stated that his concerns are with the territorial tones of her letter. Comr. Solis advised that the email indicated that the Council is the substance abuse coalition for Calhoun County and that the Albion-Homer Coalition is in direct competition, and that partners such as the Prosecutor’s Office and other law enforcement agencies do not have the resources to participate with both coalitions; therefore, the Substance Abuse Council should be the agency of choice. Comr. Solis further advised that the email misrepresents the Coalition by labeling it the Albion-Homer Coalition when in fact that Coalition brought to the table such agencies as Michigan Works, the Legacy of Scholars Program, Operation Grad, representation from the South Hill Academy in Battle Creek, the Urban League and the C.A.A.; therefore, he does not believe the statements in the email are accurate. Comr. Solis addressed The Coordinating Council’s Calhoun County Community Report Card which indicates that the alcohol induced mortality rates for Calhoun County are significantly higher than anywhere else in the state; further, that within the various areas that the survey took into account he noted that between 2001 and 2003 there is no more than a 1 to 4 difference; yet it also indicates that Albion gave the survey in December of 2003, yet the results were not available, which is a significant number of people that could have a major impact on these percentages. Comr. Solis stated that he believes substance abuse services could be better and that there should be a comprehensive community plan. Comr. Solis questioned what good it is that the Substance Abuse Council is the nationally recognized substance abuse coalition, if the Report Card indicates at best minimal progress. Comr. Solis advised that he shall support the designation of Summit Pointe, and requested that the Board Chairman establish a committee of the Commission to assist Mr. Brinker to make sure that the needs of all areas of the county are taken into consideration. Comr. Moore requested Mr. Brinker address the potential loss of $400,000 due to the new funding formula. Mr. Brinker responded that the loss is possible. Mr. Brinker advised that he has not seen the specific numbers; however that hopefully Summit Pointe shall be able to determine other streams of funding to make up any loss, pointing out that Summit Pointe has been successful in doing such over the years. Comr. Moore noted that Summit Pointe intends to create a local advisory council, and questioned its composition. Mr. Brinker advised that the council shall be comprised of representatives of public and private treatment and prevention programs and private individuals. Comr. Moore requested Mr. Brinker advise regarding the bid process for service providers. Mr. Brinker responded that Summit Pointe’s intent will be the same as with prevention organizations, and advised that some of Summit Pointe’s clinicians have been working with the providers to compile the services and shall be exploring that to make improvements. Comr. Segal voiced concern that Calhoun County shall be losing funding, and supported the Board establishing a committee to work with Summit Pointe to ensure that the citizens receive those monies and services. Chairman Miller stated that this has been a subject that has been going on for some time and that there are a number of concerns, and not just with the Report Card. Chairman Miller stated that he believes the funding of substance abuse services is completely screwed up. Chairman Miller further stated that he believes with Mr. Brinker’s assurances and establishment of a committee, there shall be a county-wide operation. Chairman Miller advised that he is a member of the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission and that the Director had inquired whether she should attempt to attend tonight’s meeting, and that due to the weather, he advised her that it was not necessary.
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report Corporation Counsel Appointment County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell advised that Commissioners Miller, Solis and Bolger were on the selection committee along with Wendee Woods, Jennifer Bucienski and himself. Twelve applications were received and four candidates were interviewed. Mr. Purcell advised that the selection committee unanimously recommends Ms. Mullett for the position.
Senior Millage Home Heating Assistance Program Bid Award Mr. Purcell stated that the recommendation is for bid award to the Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan (C.A.A.) for a new Home Heating Assistance Program for seniors. Mr. Purcell pointed out that the Program is being provided by the senior millage which is up for re-authorization this August. Senior Services Manager Christine Schauer thanked the Senior Millage Allocation Committee that had two special meetings to present the recommendation offered tonight, and Mr. Wilcox and staff for developing and issuing the request for proposals (R.F.P.s). Ms. Schauer stated that according to 211 statistics there were 754 home heating assistance requests from seniors in 2005 which could not be met as there were no funds and pointed out that the number only represents those seniors who telephoned 211 to request assistance. Ms. Schauer stated that there is an expectation from the providers that this year due to current heating fuel costs there shall be a new group of needy seniors. Ms. Schauer requested the Board approve the $150,000 Program appropriation and a service agreement with the C.A.A. who already administers this service through other funding contracts.
Comr. Moore noted that the Program shall only operate from April through December, and inquired whether there is consideration of operating the Program for the next heating season. Ms. Schauer responded that this year’s Program shall prepare the seniors to go into the next heating season; further, advised that whatever, if any, funds that are not used this year could be utilized for the latter months of the year. Comr. Strowbridge advised that when the senior millage was originally approved it was the intent that all services would be available to all seniors and not be income based; however the reality is that all of the programs, with the exception of the Prescription Program, are income based. Comr. Strowbridge pointed out that all Calhoun County seniors and other residents pay for the millage; therefore he believes that the senior millage funding should be helping more seniors, rather than setting a barrier to services because of income. Comr. Bolger pointed out that the Program was developed at 250 percent of the poverty level; further advised that one difference in this Program from other home heating assistance programs, is that this Program shall assist those with alternative heating systems.
Calhoun Health Plan Office Space Lease Agreement Administrative Services Director Bradley Wilcox advised that the lease presented is a full service lease which includes an additional $500 per month for ancillary services such as phone, mail, copier, internet access, email and PC support. Mr. Wilcox advised that the Facilities Services staff handled the remodeling. Mr. Wilcox stated that the lease is for one year for an estimated $21,000 for space located on the third level of the Toeller Building.
Comr. Segal disclosed that she is President of the Calhoun Health Plan Board of Directors, however, receives no profit from that position.
FY 2005 Final Budget Adjustments Mr. Purcell advised that the final 2005 adjustments are required to allow the auditors to complete the 2005 audit. Finance Director James Latham advised that within the General Fund the Drain Office, Sheriff Department and the Insurance Fund were over budget. Savings from various departments were used to cover the shortages. In addition, savings from reduced appropriations to the Child Care Fund and for Department of Human Services’ costs were used, plus additional revenue from Clerk and Prosecuting Attorney fees. Mr. Latham further advised that all adjustments required for the county’s various Special Revenue Funds, other than the Insurance Fund and for Homeland Security grants, did not require additional funding from the General Fund.
FY 2006 Budget Adjustment Mr. Purcell advised that the amendment transfers salaries and fringes of four referees to the Friend of the Court Fund to maximize federal and state reimbursement.
MCDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program Administration Services Agreement Mr. Purcell introduced C.A.A. Director of Housing Mary Frisbee, and advised that the county re-assumed the planning functions at the county level for 2006 and as a result the Road Commission could no longer perform the Housing Rehabilitation Program functions. An R.F.P. was submitted for a Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) grant administrator and no proposals were received. Mr. Purcell advised that the county negotiated with the C.A.A. as the Agency operates similar home improvement programs through the Community Development Block Grant and the county senior millage. Planning Consultant Jennifer Bomba stated that the MSHDA grant amount for 2006 is $121,900, and since the Planning Office does not have the staff to administer the Program, the county wishes to contract with the C.A.A. Eighteen percent of the grant is allocated for providing grant administration, which will go to the C.A.A. Ms. Frisbee advised that the C.A.A. administers a similar program; e.g., HUD, through the City of Battle Creek which allows the C.A.A. to look at all of the available dollars in Calhoun County. Ms. Frisbee further advised that the C.A.A. receives USDA rural development funding.
Chairman Miller disclosed that he is a member of the C.A.A. Board of Directors, and advised that he does not profit from serving on the C.A.A. Board and has signed a letter to that effect.
Animal Shelter Services Bid Award Mr. Wilcox advised that the revised Purchasing Policy resulted in some positive impacts in issuing the R.F.P.s; e.g., lower advertising costs through use of the internet, copier costs, less staff time; further, reduced the time required for bidding and improved access to the vendors. Mr. Wilcox stated that two responsive proposals were received and following review of the proposals and site visits, the evaluation committee recommends Calhoun County Animal Shelter, the most responsive and lowest bidder. Mr. Wilcox advised that the new agreement shall represent a savings of $53,454 over the five year period. Mr. Wilcox addressed redemption fees of both shelters. Mr. Wilcox advised that the current animal control vehicle has 140,000 miles and requires repair, and using a portion of the savings available from the recommended agreement a new animal control vehicle shall be leased. Mr. Wilcox stated that the county will receive a preferential rate and that the cost per year with a three year lease, with equipment, is estimated at $5,940; further, that the lease includes a non-appropriation clause whereby the Board can cancel the lease and return the equipment without penalty for any budget period which the Board elects not to fund the activity.
Chairman Miller stated that he shall not support or approve any animal shelter agreement that condones either directly or indirectly destruction of domestic animals, adoptable or otherwise. Chairman Miller advised that he had a dog from a humane society shelter and his sister has a dog from a private rescue shelter, and that he is advising this because he does not want any confusion over the question of private versus a non-profit entity. Chairman Miller stated that his reason for not approving the agreement is a philosophical position that he holds and is not reflective of the entity. Comr. Segal advised that she has heard a lot from her constituents in District 1 who believe the agreement should be awarded to the Humane Society, therefore, she shall not support bid award to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter. Comr. Strowbridge advised that he shall support the award to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter due to the quality of their program. Comr. Bolger advised that he also shall support the award.
February 2006 Financial Statements Mr. Latham stated that 2006 will be a different year in terms of the mix of revenues due to state legislation that changed the dates of the county’s tax levy. Mr. Latham reported that on the revenue side of the budget, the Finance Department shall continue to monitor other revenue items within the Sheriff Department and jail bed rental, and monitor expenditures whereby department budgets are not exceeded. CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, congratulated Ms. Mullett upon her appointment as Corporation Counsel. Mr. Berezonsky noted a $15,000 difference between the low and high salary scale presented for the Corporation Counsel position and inquired what the actual salary amount is; further, requested a copy of the job description. Mr. Berezonsky stated that Marengo Township approved a new ordinance that shall affect the Sheriff Department’s firearms training. Mr. Berezonsky advised that the ordinance now restricts shooting of firearms to only 2 hours within a 24 hour period. Mr. Berezonsky questioned whether it is the Board that establishes the county’s policies. Mr. Berezonsky advised that when he came into the County Building he observed signs on the doors that restrict smoking to a distance of 25 feet away from the Building. Mr. Berezonsky inquired under which statute the Board has the authority to prohibit him from smoking outside the Building. Mr. Berezonsky further advised that the signs state “all county employees,”yet there are no signs on the Road Patrol building or at the Road Commission. COMMISSIONERS’ TIME: Comr. Segal advised that she toured the offices at the Toeller Building and they are beautiful. Comr. Segal commended the Administrative Services Department for their wonderful work. Comr. Moore commended Mary Jo Crumpton for managing the Housing Rehabilitation Program for years. Comr. Moore advised that he noticed within the Shopper the engagement of Larry Utterback who is getting married on July 15, and congratulated Mr. Utterback upon his upcoming marriage. Chairman Miller congratulated the St. Phillip Tigers Women’s Volleyball Team who have made it to the Class D Finals and shall be playing Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Western Michigan University. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chairman Miller announced that the Board and the Economic Development Corporation have a joint meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 11 at 6:00 p.m. at Schuler’s Restaurant. RECESS: The Board recessed at 8:35 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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