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Board of Commissioners MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS July 6, 2006 The Regular Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 7:03 p.m., Thursday, July 6, 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. Solis. APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ADDENDUM:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
CITIZENS’ TIME: Central Diagnostic Referral Service Director Bruce Hindenach addressed transfer of the substance abuse coordinating agency designation from the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission to Summit Pointe, stating that one concern he raised at the time the Board was considering the transfer was a loss of funding for Calhoun County. Mr. Hindenach stated that in his opinion no really good resolution has been determined. Mr. Hindenach pointed out that Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission has been the coordinating agency for Calhoun County for over 20 years, and that it seems to him because of a problem created at the state level, that people did not sit down and work through a resolution. Mr. Hindenach stated that he is not sure regarding the status of the Community Mental Health Board receiving approval from the other counties. Mr. Hindenach again addressed the $400,000 funding loss for Calhoun County and inquired whether the designation can be revisited whereby there is no loss of funding for Calhoun County. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Juvenile Home Golf Outing Committee and Employees Commendation Comr. Segal read the following commendation and thanked the supporters, contributors and sponsors for making the golf outing a huge success.
Comr. Segal presented the commendation to Golf Outing Leader Tim Hauxwell and Juvenile Home Director Reggie LaGrand. Mr. LaGrand accepted the commendation and thanked the Commission on behalf of the Home’s staff. Mr. Hauxwell also thanked the Commission for the commendation and the Commission’s support over the past seven years. Chairman Miller advised that he attended this year’s outing and that it had been very impressive with a large turn out. Medical Care Facility Millage Renewal Presentation Medical Care Facility Controller Jill Robins introduced Bill Sheldon, advising that he handles marketing for the Facility and is replacing Kris Jenkins tonight. Ms. Robins advised that the Facility is a 120 bed skilled nursing home located in the Kimball Pines Park which is owned and operated by the county and governed by the Human Services Board that is appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Ms. Robins addressed services provided by the Facility; i.e., Adult Day Care, transportation, a 24-hour Respite Program, long-term care, skilled nursing, occupational therapies, meals, and outings. Ms. Robins also pointed out that the Facility is a large employer with170 full time employees, with two unions, one for the services unit and one for the nurses. Ms. Robins advised that residents at the Facility are primarily from Calhoun County, four percent from other counties and a few from out of the state. Ms. Robins continued that the Facility is examined each year by the Michigan Department of Community Health and that the Facility has passed each examination and has received many honors. Ms. Robins advised that the Facility’s millage renewal proposition is on the August 8 ballot as Proposal 2 and that the Facility has received the millage for 15 years at the same rate of one-quarter mil which has allowed the Facility to provide quality care for the residents, assists in keeping the buildings in good repair, allows the Facility to hire the best employees, and provide continuing education on-site. Ms. Robins addressed expenditures and sources of revenue. Mr. Sheldon advised that the Adult Day Care Center serves 45 to 55 clients per day, and addressed services provided; e.g., personal care, bathing, hair care, music therapy, podiatry services, activities, a hot meal and snacks; and services to the care givers; e.g., overnight respite care. Mr. Sheldon stated that three quarters of the clients served come from Battle Creek. Mr. Sheldon addressed the Center’s ten funding sources, advising that private pay provides most of the funding. Mr. Sheldon stated that the cost of the millage to the taxpayers equates to $12.41 a year on a $100,000 home and that the Facility receives no direct funding from the county’s General Fund. Mr. Sheldon encouraged everyone to vote yes on August 8. Department of Human Services 2005 Annual Report Department of Human Services Director Gwain McCree advised that in 2005 the Family Independence Program increased 9 percent, the State Disability Assistance Program increased 2 percent, the Food Assistance Program increased 24 percent, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program increased 9 percent, Child Day Care Services increased 1 percent, the Home Help Services for adults increased 1 percent, and the Out-of-Home Placement Foster and Delinquency Program increased 11 percent, while the State Disability Assistance Program decreased 2 percent, Purchase of Service Contracts decreased 8 percent; and rent, utilities, travel and fringes decreased 7 percent. Mr. McCree continued that the Department administers the Food Assistance Program which has increased 49 percent from 2002 to 2005, pointing out that Michigan is one of the highest in the nation for providing food assistance, and that he expects a moderate increase in the Program this year. Mr. McCree reported that the Medical Assistance Program provides necessary health care services for FIP and SSI recipients and other low-income individuals who are under 21, pregnant, disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Medicaid funds are administered by the Michigan Department of Community Health with eligibility determined by the Department of Human Services staff. Twenty-six different medical programs service over 25,000 recipients per year. Mr. McCree advised that the Child Day Care Program provides services for eligible families when the parent, legal guardian or other caretaker is unavailable to provide the care because of employment, education or because of health or social conditions. Mr. McCree stated that the Department is anticipating a slight increase in those in need of the Program this year. Mr. McCree further reported that within the Adult Services Program there has been a 33 percent increase in cases and that the Department anticipates an 8 to 10 percent increase; further, advised that child protective care cases have increased. Mr. McCree advised that last year the Department was the lead agency in transitioning Hurricane Katrina evacuees from Fort Custer. Evacuees were moved into transitional housing or returned out of the state to family and friends. Three hundred twenty-seven evacuees were brought to Michigan. Twenty-nine evacuees were placed in Calhoun County and fifteen are still residing here. Mr. McCree advised that the Department also provided dental and health services to the evacuees. FY 2005 Calhoun County Audit Presentation Rehmann Robson Engagement Principal David Fisher advised that the report reflects a clean opinion of the county’s FY 2005 financial statements without exception or qualifications. Mr. Fisher stated that the audit includes the Road Commission and the Board of Public Works in the new GASB No. 34 format. Mr. Fisher addressed General Fund revenues and expenditures pointing out that there had been an excess of $343,680 in revenues over expenditures, which after transfers, the net change in the fund balance is a reduction of $328,968. Mr. Fisher advised that the fund balance amounts to approximately 6.3 percent of total operations, and is under the county’s goal of keeping 8 percent. Mr. Fisher pointed out that the Revenue Sharing Reserve Fund listed on the same page is new and reflects a fund balance of $6,858,341, reserved for future payments to the General Fund. Mr. Fisher advised that gradually that fund shall exhaust and at that time state revenue sharing payments should “kick back in.” Mr. Fisher addressed the enterprise funds that comprise the Medical Care Facility, Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund and other enterprise funds totaling $9,844,957 of which some is tied up in capital assets netting $2,347,488. Mr. Fisher stated that the working capital is very sound for those funds. Mr. Fisher reported that within the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund there are total earnings of $16,922,552. Mr. Fisher advised that page 31 indicates what occurred during the year; e.g., the Medical Care Facility Fund had an excess of $1,052,830; the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund, after transfer out of $1,600,000, reflects a change in fund net assets of $81,118; and Other Enterprise Funds had a slight loss of $181,523 for the year. Mr. Fisher reported that the internal service funds all have a positive fund balance; and advised that the Workers’ Compensation Fund had a change in assets of $149,528, and recommended that the Fund be monitored in 2006. Mr. Fisher also addressed the Single Audit advising that there were no questioned costs or any expenditures recommended for disallowance. Mr. Fisher advised that total federal awards amounted to $7,240,573. Mr. Fisher advised that on the last page of the Firm’s management letter is a comment regarding the special Parks Revenue Fund which has had a deficit for several years. Mr. Fisher stated that the comment indicates that the deficit was reduced down to $46,991. Mr. Fisher urged the county to continue to work with the Board of Park Trustees to eliminate that deficit. Mr. Fisher advised that since the management letter was written the Firm learned there is a legal issue regarding a sale of land from the Board of Park Trustees to the Road Commission, as the sale was supposed to be approved by the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Fisher advised that if that $46,991 sale is illegal, there will be another $46,991 added to the total deficit. Comr. Bolger inquired regarding the total amount of deficit prior to the sale. County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell responded that in 2004 the deficit was $65,479. Mr. Purcell advised that Administration has consulted with Corporation Counsel who raised questions regarding the proper sale of county property. Mr. Purcell advised that the issue has not been resolved at this time and Administration is in communication with the Parks Trustees Board and Mr. Randolph of the Road Commission. Mr. Purcell stated that the park property is owned by the Board of Commissioners and any sale has to be approved by the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Purcell stated that it may be his recommendation that the Parks Trustees Board hold a public hearing regarding the sale and provide a recommendation to the Board for the Board’s consideration and action. Comr. Bolger inquired whether the Parks Trustees Board has a deficit reduction plan on record. Mr. Fisher responded that the plan is on file, however, needs to be updated. Chairman Miller questioned whether the sale to the Road Commission was a “shell game” to give the appearance that the deficit was reduced. Brief discussion regarding the Parks Trustees Board members being the same members of the Road Commission Board. Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission Presentation Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission Executive Director Robin Reynolds addressed transfer of the substance abuse coordinating agency designation from Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission to Summit Pointe, advising that Mid-South has been the regional coordinating agency since 1997, and the agency for Calhoun County since the 1980's. Ms. Reynolds pointed out that Calhoun County shall lose $400,000 of funding with transfer of the designation as the county will not be sharing the pool of funding provided for the ten county region. Ms. Reynolds advised that the Department of Community Health has not approved Calhoun County’s resolution because three Board of Commissions have not approved it, and one county is not interested in the transfer. Ms. Reynolds stated that Mid-South has worked very diligently to increase services in Calhoun County. Ms. Reynolds stated that she understands the difficulties of Calhoun County and Summit Pointe in meeting all of the Medicaid requirements; further, advised that she did not and has not received any word from Venture or Summit Pointe that Mid-South was not providing them with that information. Ms. Reynolds continued that everyone is aware that this problem is a result of the state who has provided little guidance in how this all should work; however, it is Mid-South’s goal to establish a county-wide coalition and to not duplicate services. Ms. Reynolds stated that she believes in Mid-South’s vision of a county-wide coalition to address substance abuse services. Comr. Solis advised that when the transfer of designation initially came before the Board he had concerns regarding prevention services being divided between two groups. Comr. Solis thanked Ms. Reynolds for the presentation; and stated that he still believes the outlying areas have not been appropriately served and is not satisfied with the substances abuse prevention results Calhoun County has been getting, pointing out that the statistics are poor at best. CONSENT AGENDA:
Chairman Miller advised that he shall be requesting that Corporation Counsel review Item A.(3) as he has questions regarding the third paragraph. SPECIAL COMMITTEE/WORKSHOP/BOARD REPORTS: Legislative Liaisons Legislative Liaison Segal stated that House Bills 5885 and 5886 were brought to the Legislative Liaisons by the Planning Commission. Comr. Segal advised that the Bills are in the House for action and would if passed, amend Public Act 285 of 1931 and Public Act 168 of 1959 and have a direct impact on the duties of the county Planning Commission by making it voluntary rather than mandatory for county planning commissions to review and provide recommendations regarding new or amended local master plans. Comr. Segal stated that the Legislative Liaisons believe the county Planning Commission needs to continue to have a voice in local master planning and support the Planning Commission’s recommendation.
PETITIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: County Administrator/Controller’s Report Early Check Release Listing Additions Mr. Purcell advised that the request presented is to add a number of entities to the list of early check release to pay those entities in a more timely fashion by issuing payment within ten days.
Health Department FY 2005-2006 Budget Adjustments Mr. Purcell advised that the budget adjustments were approved by the Board of Health at their June 19 meeting. Health Officer Dottie-Kay Bowersox stated that the budget adjustments reflect some basic housekeeping and reflect a decrease of $287,287 mainly due to a variety of state and local grants not awarded. Ms. Bowersox further advised that the budget information shall be provided on a quarterly basis.
Comr. Segal stated that in the future it would be helpful to receive the information in a narrative form explaining the impact on services rather than just statistics. Mr. Purcell requested Ms. Bowersox explain the adjustments within the Environmental Health area. Ms. Bowersox advised that the $84,000 reduction is monies from the fund balance that the Department projects will not be required; and that the $35,493 reduction under charges for services had been for a number of various fee increases proposed that were reviewed, however, determined not to be increased. Chairman Miller stated that the Board of Health, regardless of the wishes of this body, continued to keep the charges for services in the budget to spite the fact that the proposed fee increases would not be well received at this level.
COPS In Schools Grant Application Mr. Purcell advised that the request to submit the grant application arrived late and that he emailed Commissioners to advise. Mr. Purcell stated that the grant application is for $125,359.10 with a 50 percent match requirement which Pennfield Schools shall be responsible for providing.
CITIZENS’ TIME: Mr. Gardy Berezonsky, Marengo Township resident, pointed out that the Board has less than six months before the end of the year, and advised that he has seen no budget meeting notices. CLAIMS PAYABLE LISTINGS:
RECESS: The Board recessed at 8:50 p.m. at the call of the Chair.
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