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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2010.11.29 - 36490CHRISTINE LONG Chairperson SHELLEY TAUB Vice Chairperson MARCIA GERSHENSON Minority Vice Chairperson November 29, 2010 Chairperson Long called the meeting of the General Government Committee to order at 9:32 a.m. in Committee Room A of the Commissioners’ Auditorium Wing, County Service Center in Pontiac, Michigan. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT : Christine Long, Shelley Taub, Marcia Gershenson, John Scott , David Potts, Jim Runestad , Jim Nash, Gary McGillivray, Steve Schwartz COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE: None. COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT WITHOUT NOTICE: Kim Capello, Mattie Hatchett OTHERS PRESENT CORPORATION COUNSEL Judy Cunningham, Corporation Counsel EXECUTIVE OFFICE Gerald Poisson, Deputy Executive HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES George Miller, Director HOMELAND SECURITY Ted Quisenberry, Manager HUMAN RESOURCES Nancy Scarlet, Director OLHSA Ron Borngesser, Chi ef Executive Officer ROAD COMMISSION FOR OAKLAND COUNTY Eric Wilson, Road Commissioner Greg Jamian, Road Commissioner Craig Bryson WOMEN’S COMMISSION Cheryl Fried Wanda Lohmeier Brenda Savage Dr. Doris Taylor BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Sue Ann Douglas, District 12 Tim Greimel, District 11 Larry Doyle, Administrative Director Sheryl Mitchell, Senior Analyst Harvey Wedell, Senior Analyst Helen Hanger, Sr. Committee Coordinator OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1200 N. TELEGRAPH ROAD, PONTIAC, MI 48341-0475 Telephone (248) 858 -0100 FAX (248) 858 -1572 GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE John Scott Bradford Jacobsen David Potts Kim Capello Jim Runestad Mattie Hatchett Jim Nash Gary McGillivray Steve Schwartz GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 2 November 29, 2010 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PUBLIC COMMENT None. APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES Scott moved approval of the minutes of November 8, 2010 as printed. Supported by McGillivray. Motion carried on a voice vote. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Gershenson moved approval of the printed agenda with the addition of MR #10309 – Board of Commissioners – Adjustment to Salary for Oakland County Road Commissioners as Item 2 on the agenda. Supported by Jacobsen. Motion carried on a voice vote. 1. WOMEN’S COMMISSION –FINAL REPORT FOR 2009-2010 On behalf of the Women’s Commission , a brief synopsis of the activities and findings contained in the written reports to be submitted to the Board of Commissioners were given as follows: Cheryl Fried – Economic Autonomy Committee; Dr. Doris Taylor - Health and Wellness Committee; Brenda Savage – Leadership Committee; Wanda Lohmeier - Women Against Violence Committee. Commissioner Taub asked to be supplied with the number of women who were assisted by the tax service. Ms. Fried indicated that this service was provided by a non -profit agency and that the WC webpage contains includes a link to a Resource Guide. Commissioner Potts suggested that the Health and Wellness Committee contact Care House as part of their mission. Ms. Savage gave a brief overview of the additional handout regarding the October Leadership Seminar held at the Executive Office. Ms. Lohmeier reported that as part of its efforts, the WAV Committee had put together a document titled “identifying and Addressing the Patterns and Cycles of Domestic Violence .” Copies will be provided to any interested commissioner. Gershenson moved to report to recommend acceptance of the 2009 -2010 Final Report of the Women’s Commission. Supported by Scott. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Capello and Hatchett absent . 2. MR #10309 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – ADJUSTMENT TO SALARY FOR OAKLAND COUNTY The resolution was introduced by Commissioner Douglas and proposes to reduce the salary of the GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 3 November 29, 2010 three Board of Oakland County Road Commission members from $10,000 to $5,000 effective January 1, 2010. Schwartz moved to report to recommend approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Scott. Schwartz moved to report to amend the resolution a s follows: MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #10309 BY: Sue Ann Douglas, District 12; John Scott , District 5; Robert Gosselin, District 13 IN RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – ADJUSTMENT TO SALARY FOR OAKLAND COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen: WHEREAS the Oakland County Board of Commissioners appoints the three (3) members to the Road Commission for Oakland County to staggered six (6) year terms and sets their salary; and WHEREAS MCL 224.9 (2) states that “salaries of the members of the board of county road commissioners shall be paid by the board of county road commissioners from county road funds”; and WHEREAS MCL 224.9(3) states that “The county board of commissioners may authorize the participation of county road commissioners in an insurance or retirement program established under section 10a. Any such authorization granted by a county board of commissioners before this subsection was added is valid. The cost of participation in the insurance or retirement program shall be paid by the county road commission from county road funds.” WHEREAS the Oakland County Board of Commissioners has approved an annual $10,000 salary to members serving on the Road Commission and that salary is paid out of Road Commission for Oakland County funds; and WHEREAS Road Commissioners for the Road Commission for Oakland County also receive health care insurance, dental insurance, optical insurance, access to a defined benefit retirement plan and other benefits; and WHEREAS the Oakland County Board of Commissioners minutes to not show where the board of commissioners has discussed or adopted a complete salary and benefit package for road commissioners in recent history; and WHEREAS with road funding decreasing, it is time to adjust this salary to be more in line with other boards and commissions and address the full benefits package currently in place. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners hereby reduces the salary for Road Commission ers from $10,000 a year to $5,000 effective January 1, 20101. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all Oakland County Road Commissioner benefits funded by the Road Commission for Oakland County shall be terminated for each road commissioner position as that positio n is replaced by a NEW commissioner. Current road commissioners and retired road commissioners shall retain current employee and retirement benefits. As provided by law, the salary shall be set by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and no additional benefits shall be provided to road commissioners without the approval of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Terminated benefits shall include but not be limited to: life insurance, health care, dental care, optical care, cars and retirement be nefits funded by the Road Commission for Oakland County. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it be noted that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 4 November 29, 2010 appreciates the work done by the Road Commissioners for Oakland County. Chairperson we move the adoption of th e foregoing resolution. SUE ANN DOUGLAS Motion to amend supported by Scott. Commissioner Douglas reminded the Commi ttee that during this past year the Board of Commissioners had reduced the salaries for both the Jury Board and the Department of Human Services-Oakland County Board to a $75 per diem in line with compensation provided to other appointed boards, commissions, etc. Copies of Oakland County Treasurer invoices to the Road Commission for active and retired members of the Road Commission Board (RCB) for dental, vision and health care (life insurance also for active members) were distributed. In response to Commissioner Scott’s inquiry, County Executive staff advised that a resolution passed in 1996 terminating RCB members’ participation in the DB plan effective January 1, 1997. They are now in the Defined Contribution Plan. A list of privatization initiatives and a description of the roles and duties of the RCB were distributed. Road Commissioner Eric Wilson reviewed this information and also explained that it was necessary for each road commissioner to meet individually with the auditors and be ques tioned regarding the activities and operations of the Road Commission. This is the reason for posting the required statutory bond, which is $5,000. RCB members do not receive mile age but put a large number of miles on their vehicles and are not the highest paid -- road commissioners for Macomb, Bay and Washtenaw counties are paid more. He also indicated that the RCOC is about 85% unionized and contracts are currently being negotiated, including retirement benefits. At Commissioner Runestad’s inquiry, Mr. Bryson indicated he would find out if the RCOC complies with the federal E -Verify program. Roll Call on amendment: Ayes: Gershenson, Scott, Nash, Schwartz Nays: Taub, Jacobsen, Potts, Runestad, McGillivray, Long Absent: Capello, Hatchett Motion failed. Roll Call on the main motion: Ayes: Gershenson, Nash, Schwartz Nays: Scott, Jacobsen, Potts, Runestad, McGillivray, Taub , Long Absent: Capello, Hatchett Motion failed. 3. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES/HOMELAND SECURITY DIVISION – OUTDOOR WARNING SYSTEM EXPANSION – SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP Homeland Security is requesting authorization to enter into an intergovernmenta l agreement with Springfield Township for the purchase of four sirens as part of the County’s Outdoor Warning System. Of the total cost of $75,000 or $25,00 0 for each siren, the Township will pay 75% of the total cost and the County will pay the remaining 25% of cost, will retain ownership and will be responsible for maintenance and electrical costs of the sirens. GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 5 November 29, 2010 Taub moved approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Jacobsen. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Capello and Hatchett absent. Scott moved to directly refer the resolution to the Finance Committee pursuant to Board Rule IX.E. Supported by Runestad. Motion carried on a voice vote. 4. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES/HOMELAND SECURITY DIVISION – ACCEPTANCE FOR 2010 INTEROPERABLE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS GRANT PROGRAM Homeland Security is requesting authorization to accept funding of $318.965 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency management Agency (FEMA) and the DHS Office of Emergency Communications to the State of Michigan for the 2010 Interoperable Emergency Communications Program on behalf of the Regional Homeland Security Planning Board for Regional 2, which is not a legal entity and therefore can not accept the grant. The Board consists of political subdivisions including the City of Detroit, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties. Funds will be used for projects to strengthen interoperable communications capabilities in the areas of Leaders hip and governance, Common Planning and Operational Protocols and Emergency Responder skills and Capabilities. If these activities have been deemed adequately addressed as defined in the grant, the funds may be used to purchase equipment. The grant period is June 1, 2010 through February 28, 2013. The required 25% cash or in-king match for equipment purchases will be provided by the political subdivisions involved. Mr. Quisenberry explained that if Oakland County wished to purchase any equipment, his di vision would need to come back before the committee to request the matching funds. Runestad moved approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by McGillivray. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Capello and Hatchett absent. 5. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES/HEALTH DIVISION – 2010/2011 COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING, BUDGETING AND CONTRACTING (CPBC) AGREEMENT ACCEPTANCE The Health Division is requesting authorization to accept a Michigan Department of Community Health Comprehensive Planning, Budgeting and Contracting Agreement of 9,339,870 for Fiscal Year 2011. The award is a $3,931,801 reduction from the previous year. Acceptance of the grant by the County is contingent upon approval of the Agreement with Addendum A as att ached to the resolution. Funding will be used to support services in accordance with the Public Health Code as detailed within the contract document. Funding includes $113,169 to equip and staff a Level B status laboratory to examine potential bioterror ism-related materials and for the Cities Readiness Initiative to dispense medications to large populations in very short time frames in the event of an emergency. Funding for Expanded HIV Testing, Generations with Promise and H1N1 programs has been discontinued. Scott moved approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Schwartz. GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 6 November 29, 2010 Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Capello and Hatchett absent. 6. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES/HEALTH DIVISION – 2010 - 2011 SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER GRANT ACCEPTANCE The Health Division is requesting authorization to accept a Michigan Department of Community Health Substance Use Disorder Grant of $4,135,676 for Fiscal Year 2011. These funds will be used to subcontract with agencies to prevent and reduce the incident of drug and alcohol abuse and dependency. Contracts are awarded through the County’s competitive bidding process. Mr. Miller reported that assessments for services are being done quicker with new assessment tools so there is currently no waiting list for these services. Contracted programs are reviewed on a quarterly basis by the Substance Abuse Unit staff and the Audit Division reviews these programs to make sure that funding is appropriately used. When the Request f or Proposal Committee begins their review for the next available service needed, they are made aware of any problematic subcontractors. Taub moved approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Jacobsen. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Capello and Hatchett absent. 7. MR #10175 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – ENACTMENT OF OAKLAND COUNTY ETHICS ORDINANCE The resolution was introduced by Commissioner Greimel, et al. and proposes to enact an Ethics Ordinance for the County’s ele cted officials and employees to require the prudent ethical expenditure of residents’ tax dollars, for the efficient, judicious and ethical administration of county functions, including but not limited to law enforcement, economic development, health, etc. The proposed ordinance is based on one drafted by Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox. On September 13, 2010, the General Government Committee moved to postpone action on the resolution and to create a study group consisting of Jacobsen, Schwartz and R unestad to review the current policy and proposed MR #10175 and to report back to the Committee with suggested proposed changes to the current policy. Schwartz moved the proposed substitute resolution and policy (less the bracketed notes/comments), including attachment of Merit Rule 18. Supported by Runestad. Commissioner Schwartz reviewed the proposal as developed by the Study Committee. He explained that this proposal would cover officers and employees of Oakland County Government relative to violation of Chapter Two of the policy regarding standards of conduct as relates to gifting. The policy will not contravene any state laws that interfere with the affairs of the County’s local units or other laws governing the actions of elected officials. It w ill not interfere with the function of the Personnel Appeals Board (PAB), under the Merit System Rules adopted by a vote of the County electorate. It will provide for establishment of an Ethics Committee consisting of three commissioners who will have the power to investigate, censure and fine , but not discharge . Their decisions can be appealed to the entire Board of Commissioners. Mr. Poisson explained that under the law the County can create a civil infraction and impose a fine as long as it pertains only to County operations. It would apply to elected officials but not judges who are recognized as state employees. Unionized employees have bargained contracts in place GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 7 November 29, 2010 with grievance procedures , some being through the PAB. Roll Call: Ayes: McGillivray, Schwartz, Gershenson, Potts, Runestad, Nash Nays: Taub, Scott, Jacobsen, Long Absent: Hatchett, Capello MOTION CARRIED 8. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – IN SUPPORT OF IMMEDIATE CONGRESSIONAL ACTION TO AUTHORIZE LEGISLATION ALLOWING PROPERTY ASSESSED CL EAN ENERGY PROGRAMS Commissioners Nash requested that the item be pulled. There were no objections. COMMUNICATIONS A. Tamara Tazzia – Letter of Resignation from the Building Authority – 11/04/10 B. Women’s Commission for Oakland County Minutes – 10/28/10 C. Women’s Commission for Oakland County Executive Committee Minutes – 11/10/10 D. Road Commission for Oakland County Board Minutes – 9/16/10 E. Road Commission for Oakland County Board Minutes – 10/28/10 F. Oakland County Senior Citizens Advisory Coun cil 2010 Minutes and Attendance Record G. Oakland County Library Board Minutes – 10/27/10 Nash moved to receive and file the communications. Supported by McGillivray. Motion carried on a voice vote. OTHER BUSINESS/ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m. ______________________________ _______________________________ Helen A. Hanger Lawrence Doyle Sr. Committee Coordinator Administrative Director NOTE: The foregoing minutes are subject to Committee approval.