HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2005.11.28 - 36047WILLIAM R. PATTERSON
Chairperson
CHRISTINE LONG
Vice Chairperson
MATTIE MCKINNEY HATCHETT
Minority Vice Chairperson
November 28, 2005
Chairperson Patterson called the meeting of the General Government Committee to order at
2:04 p.m. in Committee Room A, Commissioners’ Wing, County Service Center, Pontiac,
Michigan.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
William R. Patterson, Christine Long, Mattie McKinney Hatchett, Hugh D. Crawford, Eric
Wilson, Eileen Kowall, Will Molnar, Vincent Gregory and David Coulter
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE:
Tim Melton
OTHERS PRESENT
CLERK/REGISTER OF DEEDS Jim VanLeuven, Deputy Clerk
Connie Spak, Deputy Clerk
COMM. & ECONOMIC DEVELOP. Dennis Toffolo, Deputy Director
CORPORATION COUNSEL Judy Cunningham, Corporation Counsel
EXECUTIVE OFFICES Phil Bertolini, Deputy County Executive
Jerry Poisson, Deputy County Executive
Carmen Talbot, State Gov. Liaison
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Thomas J. Gordon, Ph.D., Director
HUMAN RESOURCES Nancy Scarlet, Director
Heather Mason, Analyst
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Ed Poisson, Director
Anita Campbell, Supervisor, Data Services
Tammi Shepherd, User Support
PARKS & RECREATION Dan Stencil, Administrator
Jon Noyes, Landscape Designer
PLANNING & ECON. DEVELOP. Dan Hunter, Manager
PUBLIC SERVICES Mike Zehnder, Director
VETERANS’ SERVICES Diana Calvin, Manager
OLHSA Ron Borngesser, CEO
ROAD COMMISSION Brian Blaesing, Director of Planning
STRATEGIC PUBLIC AFFAIRS Kim Haefner, Lobbyist
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Bill Bullard, Jr., Chairman, District #2
Chuck Palmer, Commissioner, District #19
OTHERS PRESENT, CONTINUED
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, cont’d. Rich Poling, Counsel
OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
1200 N. TELEGRAPH ROAD, PONTIAC, MI 48341-0470
Telephone (248) 858-0100 FAX (248) 858 -1572
GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
Hugh D. Crawford
Eric Wilson
Eileen Kowall
Will Molnar
Vincent Gregory
David Coulter
Tim Melton
GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 2
November 28, 2005
Lawrence Doyle, Administrative Director
Harvey Wedell, Senior Analyst
Sheryl Mitchell, Senior Analyst
Pamela Worthington, Committee Coordinator
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENT
Judy Cunningham wanted to inform the General Government Committee that a couple of years
ago they had a case where a fellow who was a prisoner at the jail had diabetes, and he had an
issue that he sued Oakland County over. The County had to pay about $250,000. Oakland
County then had an indemnification case in which the County prevailed on the indemnification
case and received a check in the amount of $446,672 to make up for what was paid out.
Scott Oppmann gave a status report on Wireless Oakland. Information Technology began
soliciting responses from communities in 2005 for pilots. They had received about 30 responses.
The pilot projects have now been scaled down to 7 communities (Troy, Birmingham, Pontiac,
Royal Oak, Madison Heights, Oak Park and Wixom. The seven pilot proje ct areas include 18.5
square miles, which would cover 78,172 people; 35,277 household; 16,573 children; 43
educational facilities; 29 government facilities; 45% residential land use and 16% commercial land
use. The goal is to have all seven of the pilot project areas implemented with wireless services by
the end of 2006.
Commissioner Kowall congratulated Ron Borngesser on his success at obtaining a $66,000 grant
to cover the cost of working with former prisoners and mentoring prisoners, a step towards
reducing recidivism and jail overcrowding.
APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES
Crawford moved approval of the minutes of October 31, 2005, as printed. Supported by
Long.
Motion carried on a voice vote.
Crawford moved to amend the minutes of November 7, 2005, page 2, Item 2, under
ENVIRONMENTAL INTEREST GROUPS, as follows:
ENVIRONMENTAL INTEREST GROUPS (2 seats)
Jean Gramlich, Easter Seals Sierra Club, Incumbent
Supported by Long.
Motion carried on a voice vote.
Crawford moved approval of the minutes of November 7, 2005, as amended. Supported by
Long.
Motion carried on a voice vote.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 3
November 28, 2005
AGENDA ITEMS
1. ROAD COMMISSION FOR OAKLAND COUNTY/DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES 0
VETERAN’S SERVICES DIVISION – PAVING OF GREAT LAKES NATIONAL CEMETERY
ROAD AND DONATION ACCEPTANCE
The Federal Government is in the process of constructing a national veteran’s cemetery in Holly
Township, which will hold 127,000 graves, when completed. Belford Road, the road leading to the
cemetery, is currently a gravel road. The Road Commission for Oakland County has agreed to
make safety improvements on North Holly Road and include paving Belford Road in one project.
The Road Commission for Oakland County has acquired federal funding of $884,990 (80% of the
project) through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). In order to obtain this grant,
there is a local match required of $270,320. The Road Commission for Oakland County will pay
$110,320, which is 20% of the local match, towards this project. The Department of Pu blic
Services found a donor who agrees to donate the remaining portion of the local match, which is
$160,000, through payments to the Oakland County General Fund in five equal installments. The
resolution approves the project in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Transportation and
the Road Commission for Oakland County to pave Belford Road from North Holly Road to the at -
grade crossing of the CSX Railroad leading to the Great Lakes National Cemetery for United
States Veterans, located in the Township of Holly. The resolution authorizes the Chairperson of
the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to enter into the Cost Participation Agreement with
the Road Commission for Oakland County to advance funds up to $160,000 of the local match
from the General Fund. The resolution authorizes the acceptance of the donation from Frank
Torre for $160,000 to be used towards paving the road to the Great Lakes National Cemetery and
agrees to the receipt of the donation in five installments. The resolution auth orizes the Oakland
County Board of Commissioners Chairperson to enter in the Great Lakes National Cemetery Road
Paving Agreement between Frank Torre and Oakland County. As outlined in the agreement,
Oakland County agrees to install a marker or sign at or near the entrance of the Great Lakes
National Cemetery acknowledging Mr. Torre’s contribution to this project.
Wilson moved approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Gregory.
Motion carried on a roll call vote with Hatchett and Melton absent.
2. CLERK/REGISTER OF DEEDS – ELECTIONS
As part of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds is
facilitating the purchase of new election equipment and software for all precincts in Oakland
County. The cost will be covered with a grant from the State of Michigan that was authorized by
Miscellaneous Resolution #05036, which was adopted February 17, 2005. The new election
equipment and software utilized in each precinct requires dedicated workstations, al so called an
“Elections Room”. The office space has been identified in the Courthouse that meets the
specifications of the manufacturer of the election equipment. The resolution authorizes amending
the FY 2006 Clerk/Register of Deeds budget to allow for the expenditure of $52,500 for remodeling
office space in the Courthouse for an Elections Room, as detailed in the Project Work Order.
Coulter moved approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Long.
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November 28, 2005
Motion carried on a roll call vote with Hatchett and Melton absent.
3. COUNTY EXECUTIVE – DELETE TWO COUNTY EXECUTIVE APPOINTEE POSITIONS
AND CREATE TWO SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT POSITIONS FOR THE EMERGING
SECTORS INITIATIVE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Mr. Hunter handed out some materials on the Emerging Sectors Program. It is anticipated that the
addition of two full-time eligible staff members will increase the business retention and attraction
services provided by the economic development programs. They currently have ten sectors within
the programs that are spread out between five people. The resolution authorizes the deletion of
the Senior Citizen’s Coordinator and the Coordinator of Arts, Culture & Film effective February 11,
2006. The duties of the Senior Citizens’ Coordinator will continue to be performed through existing
staff and contracted professional services, when prudent. The resolution authorizes the creation
of two full-time Senior Business Development Representative positions in the Economic
Development & Community Affairs Department, Planning & Economic Development Services
Division, Business Development Unit. The professional services dollars would be utilized to
partner with a global Oakland County private sector company to generate business prosp ects
worldwide and to encourage emerging sector companies to expand and/or relocate their
operations in Oakland County. Questions and concerns were addressed regarding the people
who held the positions that are being deleted, as well as the duties. Mr. T offolo stated that they
have a position in marketing communication, and they are looking to advance this position
because of all the communications that they are doing publicly. So Christie Zamora, currently the
Coordinator of Arts, Culture & Film, is going to fill that opening. Arts, Culture & Film would be
transferred to the Community & Economic Development Department. Ms. Alexander, who is
currently the Senior Citizens’ Coordinator, is leaving, and some of her duties would be going to the
State Government Liaison, Carmen Talbot, and some of the duties would be going to the
Department of Health & Human Services. Commissioner Long suggested that a letter be sent to all
Oakland County Commissioners to inform them of a contact name and phone number that th eir
senior constituents could call if they need information or guidance.
Kowall moved approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Crawford.
Crawford moved to amend the resolution by adding a BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
paragraph, as follows:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that to support this proposal, funding from the Information
Technology Development Fund will be made available to help offset the cost of
professional services.
Supported by Wilson.
Motion to amend carried on a roll call vote with Hatchett voting no and Melton absent.
Main motion, as amended, carried on a roll call vote with Hatchett and Molnar voting no
and Melton absent.
4. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION – SUPPORT FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE
GROVELAND OAKS EMERALD ASH BORER TREE PLANTING GRANT
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban & Community Forestry Program awarded
GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 5
November 28, 2005
Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission grant funding in the amount of $8,500 for the
period of October 1, 2005 through July 31, 2006. The amount includes a required County match
of $4,250 (50%), which is available in the Parks and Recreation fund. The money would be used
to plant trees at the Groveland Oaks County Park, replacing the ones destroy by the Emerald Ash
Borer. Trustees and park staff would plant the trees, and 50 trees would be involved in the
program.
Crawford moved approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Wilson.
Motion carried on a roll call vote with Melton absent.
5. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – DIGITAL ORTHOIMAGERY DATA OWNERSHIP AND
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT FOR 2005 REGIONAL ORTHOIMAGERY PROJECT
In November 2004, MR #04334 was adopted, which authorized a new contract with SEMCOG for
the 2005 Regional Digital Orthoimagery Project to provide consistent, high quality, updated
imagery to Project participants. The current resolution approves the Digital Orthoimagery Data
Ownership and Distribution Agreement between all parties to the 2005 Regional Orthoimagery
Project, which outlines the scope, extent and limitations of use and/or distribution of this project.
The parties to this project are Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and
Wayne Counties, the State of Michigan, the Detroit Water and Sewage Department, the United
States Geological Survey and SEMCOG.
Wilson moved approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Hatchett.
Motion carried on a roll call vote with Melton absent.
6. MR #05278 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – WEST NILE VIRUS FUND DISBURSEMENT
POLICY EXTENSION
White Lake Township had submitted all their receipts and documentation to be reimbursed
under the West Nile Virus Fund Disbursement; however, they did not submit the required
resolution. This resolution amends Miscellaneous Resoluti on #05091 – West Nile Virus Fund
Disbursement Policy to extend the application deadline for reimbursements from August 1,
2005 to December 31, 2005 to allow White Lake Township to get reimbursed.
Kowall moved to report to the full Board with the recommen dation that the resolution be
adopted. Supported by Molnar.
Motion carried on a roll call vote with Melton absent.
7. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP FOR 2006
Gregory moved approval of the attached suggested report recommending the following
2006 Standing Committee appointments:
FINANCE COMMITTEE:
Moss (Chair), Rogers (Vice Chair), Melton (Minority Vice Chair), Palmer, Crawford,
Wilson, Jamian, Long, Coulter, Zack, Woodward
GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 6
November 28, 2005
GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE: Patterson (Chair), Long (Vice Chair),
Hatchett (Minority Vice Chair), Crawford, Wilson, Kowall, Molnar, Gregory, Coulter,
Melton
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: Jamian (Chair), Middleton (Vice Chair), Coleman
(Minority Vice Chair), Moss, Patterson, Rogers, Scott, Suarez, Hatchett, Nash
PLANNING AND BUILDING COMMITTEE: Palmer (Chair), Douglas (Vice Chair),
Nash (Minority Vice Chair), Middleton, Potter, Molnar, Hatchett, Gershenson,
Woodward
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE: Potter (Chair), Molnar (Vice Chair), Zack
(Minority Vice Chair), Douglas, Middleton, Kowall, Scott, Gregory, Suarez,
Gershenson
Supported by Molnar.
Motion carried on a roll call vote with Melton absent.
8. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS,
COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS
Coulter moved approval of the attached suggested report recommending the following
appointments:
AIRPORT COMMITTEE (One-Year Term ending 12/31/06)
William Patterson, Tom Middleton, Hugh Crawford, Vincent Gregory, David VanderVeen
(Executive Designee)
AREA AGENCY ON AGING (Two-Year Term ending 12/31/07)
Jan Dolan, Eric Wilson (alternate)
BUILDING AUTHORITY (Three-Year Term ending 12/31/08)
Joel A. Garrett
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION (Three-Year Term ending 01/01/09)
Pecky Lewis, Vincent Gregory, Suzette Vogt
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (SEMCOG)(One -Year Term
ending 12/31/06)
Delegates Alternates
L. Brooks Patterson David VanderVeen
Mike Rogers Dennis Toffolo
Christine Long Greg Jamian
Chuck Moss John Scott
GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 7
November 28, 2005
Eric Coleman Mattie Hatchett
Jim Nash David Coulter
Supported by Hatchett.
Motion carried on a roll call vote with Melton absent.
9. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – APPOINTMENT TO THE RETIREMENT COMMISSION
Three applications were received for the Retirement Commission, and one seat needs to be filled .
Kowall made a motion to interview the individuals who had applied for the Retirement
Commission next week. Supported by Long.
Motion carried on a roll call vote with Melton absent.
10. ADOPTION OF 2006 RULES FOR THE OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
10a. Proposed Amendments to Board Rules
Crawford moved approval of the attached suggested report recommending approval of the
current 2005 Rules for the Oakland County Board of Commissioners as the Proposed 2006
Rules for the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Supported by Wilson.
Crawford moved to amend the Proposed 2006 Rules for the Oakland County Board of
Commissioners, as follows:
1. Page 8 – IX.E.
E. Referrals Between Committees
Any standing committee, after receiving or initiating a resolution pursuant to Rule XII,
Sections A and B, may refer that resolution directly to any other committee or
committees except the Finance Committee for its formal recommendation and
concurrence, unless the referral to the Finance Committee is to determine the
preliminary financial feasibility of an appropriation of uncommitted funds .
2. Page 10 – XI.A. – Add the following paragraph as (3):
(3) To receive and review recommendations from the Personnel Committee on
Commissioners’ compensation.
3. Page 12 – XI.B.2 – Amend, as follows:
(2) To receive, review and recommend to the Board of Commissioners all matters
referred to it by the Chairperson, and to provide liaison to the Board with:
(a) Aviation & Transportation
(b) Airport Committee
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November 28, 2005
(c) Board of Commissioners (Includes Libraries)
(d) Clerk/Register of Deeds
(e) County Executive Administration (excludes: Internal Auditing Division -
see FINANCE COMMITTEE; Emergency Response & Preparedness
Unit – see PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE)
(f) Corporation Counsel
(g) Department of Health & Human Services
1. Administration
2. Health Division
3. Children's Village
4. Medical Care Facility
(h) Information Technology
(i) Office of Arts, Culture & Film
(j) Parks and Recreation
(k) County Departments and Offices to which no Committee has been
named
(l) Area Agency on Aging
(m) Community Mental Health Authority
(n) Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency
(o) Family Independence Agency Michigan Department of Human
Services-Oakland
(p) Historical Commission
(q) Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
4. Page 15 – XI.C.(3) – Amend paragraph (3), as follows:
(3) To review and make recommendation(s) to the Board of Commissioners on
personnel matters, including wages, fringe benefits, changes in position
classifications and salary adjustments. To review and refer to the Finance
Committee recommendations for Commissioner compensation. To receive
and review the annual affirmative action reports for all departments.
5. Page 16 – XI.D.(1).(e) – (I) – Amend as follows:
(e) Department of Central Services (excludes: the Aviation Division see
GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
1. Administration
2. Support Services
3. Aviation and Transportation
(f) Airport Committee
(g) Oakland County Drain Commissioner
(h) Building Authority
(i) Parks and Recreation Commission
6. Page 18 – XI.E.(1) – Amend as follows:
GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 9
November 28, 2005
To receive, review and recommend to the Board of Commissioners all matters
referred to it by the Chairperson, and to provide liaison to the Board with:
(a) Department of Public Services
1. Administration
2. Animal Control
3. Community Corrections
4. MSU Cooperative Extension
5. Veterans’ Services
6. Circuit Court Probation
7. Medical Examiner
(b) Prosecuting Attorney
(c) Sheriff Department
(d) Local Law Enforcement Agencies
(e) Emergency Response & Preparedness
(f) All Courts (including Circuit, Probate, District and all divisions thereof)
(g) Information Technology
Supported by Wilson.
Motion to amend carried on a roll call vote with Melton absent.
Main motion, as amended, carried on a roll call vote with Melton absent.
10b. Proposed Amendments to Board Rules – “Fill in the Blanks”
A proposed Appendix “H” was submitted to the General Government Committee, as well as
a proposed change to the Board Rules on Page 7 – IX.D.2, as follows:
(2) The Committee Chairperson, with consideration of procedural rules as
identified in Appendix H, shall determine which items will be placed on the
Committee’s printed agenda. This rule may be waived or modified by a
majority vote of Committee members present and voting.
After much discussion, the General Government Committee referred the Proposed
Appendix “H” back to Rich Poling, Board of Commissioners’ Counsel, for further review.
COMMUNICATIONS
A. September 22, 2005 – Oakland County Airport Committee Minutes
B. September 28, 2005 – Oakland County Library Board Minutes
C. Resolutions Opposing House Bill 5124 from Gratiot, Antrim, Osceola and Leelanau
Counties
D. Thank-You Letter from Elmeka Allen to the General Government Committee
E. Memo from Bob Daddow – Radio Project – Financial Status/Issues Based on September
30, 2005 Balances
F. October 26, 2005 – Oakland County Library Board Minutes
G. Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners – Resolution Opposing House Bill 5124
H. Thank-You Letter from Elmeka Allen to the Board of Commissioners for her Appointment
GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 10
November 28, 2005
Crawford moved to receive and file the Communications. Supported b y Molnar.
Motion carried on a voice vote.
OTHER BUSINESS/ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 4:28
p.m.
________________________ _______________________________
Pamela Worthington Lawrence Doyle
Committee Coordinator Administrative Director
NOTE: The foregoing minutes are subject to Committee approval.