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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2011.08.08 - 36555CHRISTINE LONG Chairperson KATHY CRAWFORD Vice Chairperson MARCIA GERSHENSON Minority Vice Chairperson August 8, 2011 Chairperson Long called the meeting of the General Government Committee to order at 9:34 a.m. in Committee Room A of the Commissioners’ Auditorium Wing, County Service Center in Pontiac, Michigan. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT : Christine Long, Marcia Gershenson, John Scott, Bob Gosselin, Jeff Matis , Bob Hoffman, Mattie Hatchett, Jim Nash, Nancy Quarles COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE: Kathy Crawford OTHERS PRESENT CLERK / REGISTER OF DEEDS Bill Bullard, Clerk/Register Chris Ward, Deputy Clerk/Register HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES George Miller, Director HOMELAND SECURITY Ted Quisenberry, Manager CHILDREN’S VILLAGE Jody Overall, Manager AREA AGENCY ON AGING 1-B Tina Abbatte Marzolf, CEO Andrea Lagman, Director OAKLAND LIVINGSTON HUMAN SERVICES Ron Borngesser, CEO BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS David Potts, District 20 Tom Middleton, District 4 Tim Greimel, District 11 Craig Covey, District 25 David Woodward, District 18 Jim VerPloeg, Administrative Director Sheryl Mitchell, Senior Analyst Harvey Wedell, Senior Analyst Helen Hanger, Sr. Committee Coordinator PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson Long led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES Gosselin moved approval of the minutes of July 11, 2011. Supported by Scott. 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 Bob Gosselin Jeff Matis Bob Hoffman Mattie Hatchett Jim Nash Nancy Quarles GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 2 August 8, 2011 Motion carried on a voice vote. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Gershenson moved the agenda as presented. Supported by Hoffman. Motion carried on a voice vote. PUBLIC COMMENT None. AGENDA ITEMS 1. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – AREA AGENCY ON AGING 1-B – FY 2012 ANNUAL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN The Area Agency on Aging 1 -B (AAA 1-B) is requesting approval of the AAA 1 -B Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Implementation Plan for the purpose of conveying such support to the AAA 1 -B and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (MOS). C ounty boards of commissioners are given the opportunity to review and approve the annual implementation plan. Ms. Marzolf explained that the AAA 1 -B provides home and community b ased services for senior citizens in the counties of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw . Oakland County has the largest number of seniors. The plan contains no additional cuts in state or federal funding. Personal care, respite care and home making are th e three most popular programs and there is a waiting list. These programs have been combined into one community living program that allows seniors flexibility in deciding what to use their weekly hours for without having to change paperwork. The AAA 1-B is the first agency in Michigan to make this change . The mobility dependent can now call in to a hub to find out what transportation services are available based on need and be routed to the correct provider number without having to make multiple calls. Oakland County pays $80,472 toward the drawdown of federal and state dollars and another $108,000 that directly supports the living program for its senior residents. Gershenson moved to recommend approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Gosselin. Motion carried on a roll call vote with Crawford and Hatchett absent. 2. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES – HOMELAND SECURITY DIVISION – OUTDOOR WARNING SYSTEM EXPANSION – THE CITY OF ROCHESTER Homeland Security is requesting authori zation to enter into an agreement with the City of Rochester to expand the County’s outdoor warning system to add one siren . The City will pay 75% of the total estimated cost of the sire n and the County will pay the remaining 25% and electrical costs and provide maintenance as per previous authorizing resolutions. Mr. Quisenberry reported that the new siren would be replacing three smaller older sirens and would provide a larger amount of coverage. GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 3 August 8, 2011 Matis moved to recommend approval of the attached sug gested resolution . Supported by Nash. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Crawford and Hatchett absent. 3. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES/CHILDREN’S VILLAGE DIVISION – FY 2011 MICHIGAN COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS REGI ONAL MINI- GRANT ACCEPTANCE Children’s Village is requesting authorization to accept a $4,000 State of Michigan, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Mini -Grant to continue to partner with the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center in providing hands -on art opportunities to children 12 -17 housed at the Village. The project aims to build self-confidence and self-esteem, and respect for their peers and community. Ms. Overall displayed some of the art projects completed by the children who also complete letters about the program. Scott moved to recommend approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Gershenson. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Crawford and Hatchett absent. 4. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES /HEALTH DIVISION – DIGITAL UPGRADE OF X-RAY EQUIPMENT The Health Division is requesting authorization to replace its existing analog x -ray technology for tuberculosis x-rays in its Pontiac location with digital technology in an amount not to exceed $40,000. Digital technology does not use chemicals or developing machines, reduces radiation exposure, eliminates the need for storage and provides immediate and remote access to the x -rays by caregivers. The Health Division also has had difficulty in securing contractors to read the analog produced x-rays. Bids are being solicited. It is anticipated that this digital technology will result in $5,500 annual savings in x -ray reading costs and over $3,800 annually in maintenance and re pair costs. Gershenson moved to recommend approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Scott. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Crawford and Hatchett absent. 5. MR #11174 – BOARD OF COMMSISIONERS – 2011-2012 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH POLING, MCGAW AND POLING PC The resolution was sponsored by Commissioners Runestad and Potts and would authorize a contract between Poling, McGaw and Poling and the Board of Commissioners for those instances when the Board may need to seek the advice of independent legal counsel. The contract will expire December 31, 2012 and provides for an hourly rate of $140.00 as established by MR #07160 for other outside legal counsel. Poling has been the Board’s outside counsel under several previously authorizing resolutions since 1998. Commissioner Scott asked that a copy of the contract be provided to commissioners and that the contract include the process for obtaining a legal opinion. Gershenson moved to recommend approval of the attached suggested resoluti on. GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 4 August 8, 2011 Supported by Scott. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Crawford and Hatchett absent. 6. MR #11156 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – SUPPORT FOR OAKLAND COUNTY CLERK/REGISTER OF DEEDS REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION OF FRAUDULENT MORTGAGE DOCUMENTS The resolution was sponsored by Commissioner Ma tis, et al. to recognize the efforts of the County Clerk/Register of Deeds in seeking a formal criminal investigation of alleged recorded document fraud and legal recourse on behalf of the people of Oakla nd County. The resolution further urges Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Cooper to use the powers of their offices in response to the request for an investigation of susp ected forgery of mortgage doc uments. Matis moved to report to recommend approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Hoffman. Matis moved to report to amend the resolution as follows. 1. 7th WHEREAS: WHEREAS Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr . has requested Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette , Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard and Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Cooper to investigate and address any proven fraudulent criminal activity; and 2. 1st BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED : BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners urges State of Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Cooper and Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard to use the powers of their offices in response to the request for an investigation of suspected forgery of mortgage documents. 3. 2nd BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED : BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Clerk is requested to forward copies of this adopted resolution to President Barack Obama, United States Attorney General Eric Holder, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Cooper, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County’s delegation to the Michigan legislature and the Michigan Association of Counties and the Michigan Association of Register of Deeds . Supported by Gosselin. Motion carried on a voice vote. Main motion, as amended carried unanimously on a roll call vo te with Crawford absent. GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 5 August 8, 2011 7. MR #11159 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – COMPLETE STREETS RESOLUTION: MODELED AFTER GRAND HAVEN CITY COUNCIL The resolution was sponsored by Commissioners Covey, Woodward, et al. in support of “Complete Streets”, a design framework that enables safe and convenient access for all users, including drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders and requests that the Road Commission for Oakland County plan for, design and construct all transportation improvement projects in accordance with an Oakland County Non -motorized Transportation Plan. The RCOC is also asked to report to the Board of Commissioners on progress in implementing such a plan and adoption of the “Complete Street” principles in its strategic planning within six mo nths after the resolution is adopted. Mr. Covey explained that the Village of Oxford, Oakland Township and the cities of Berkley, Novi, Clawson and Ferndale, as well as the State of Michigan, have adopted “Complete Streets.” Hatchett moved to report to recommend approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Gershenson. Gosselin moved to postpone the resolution to obtain further information. Supported by Matis. Roll call on the motion to postpone: Ayes: Scott, Gosselin, Matis, Long Nays: Hoffman, Hatchett, Nash, Quarles, Gershenson Absent: Crawford Motion failed. Hatchett moved to report to amend the resolution as follows. 1. 3rd BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED : BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners requests the RCOC report to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners progress in implementing an Oakland County Non -motorized plan and adoption of “Complete Streets” principles in overall strategic planning within six months after adoption of this resolution and that copies of the resolution be forwarded to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) and the Michigan Municipal League (MML) for discussion. Supported by Nash. Motion to amend carried on a voice vote. Roll call on the main motion as amended : Ayes: Quarles, Gershenson, Hoffman, Hatchett, Nash Nays: Scott, Gosselin, Matis, Long Absent: Crawford Motion carried. GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 6 August 8, 2011 8. MR #11161 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – SUPPORT FOR H.R. 1758 – LEGISLATION REGULATING FOR PROFIT UNIVERSITIES The resolution was introduced by Commissioner Quarles in support of Congressional H.R. 1758 and invites Oakland County’s U.S. Representatives to hold public hearings in Oakland County on the proposed legislation. H.R. 1758, the Diploma and Accreditation Integrit y Protection Act, was introduced to reduce and prevent the sale and use of fraudulent degrees in order to protect the integrity of valid higher education degrees that are used for Federal employment purposes. The number of for-profit colleges has increased significantly, relies heavily on federal aid and targets low income students and Pell grants. Many of these schools are not accredited and students are left with worthless degrees and more debt than they can repay. Nash moved to report to recommend app roval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Hatchett. Scott moved to report to amend the resolution as follows. 1. Amend the Title. MR #11161 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS ON H.R. 1758 – LEGISLATION REGULATING FOR PROFIT UNIVERSITIES 2. Strike the NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED and amend the following BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED paragraph to replace It. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners support H.R. 1758 and urge its passage by the House of Representatives. BE NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners invites Oakland County U.S. Representatives to hold public hearings on this legislation H.R. 1758 in the county. Supported by Hatchett. Motion to report to amend carried on a voice vote. Main motion, as amended, carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Crawford absent. 9. MR #11163 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 11 – 17, 2011 AS MICHIGAN PATRIOT WEEK IN OAKLAND COUNTY The resolution was introduced by Commissioner Hoffman, et al. to designate September 11 -17, 2011 as Michigan Patriot Week in Oakland County – symbolically beginning this celebration on September 11 and concluding on Constitution Day, urging partic ipation by all citizens, municipalities, businesses, schools, etc. to participate and celebrate the First Principles, key historical figures, founding documents and symbols of America so that they may offer the reverence due our free republic. Michigan Patriot Week was first observed in Oakland County in 2009. Hoffman moved to report to recommend approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Scott. GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 7 August 8, 2011 Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Crawford absent. 10. MR #11158 – RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF SB 569 TO MAINTAIN FILM TAX CREDITS The resolution was introduced by Commissioners Greimel, Hoffman, Gershenson, Potts, et al. in support of Senate Michigan 569 to extend Michigan’s tax credits for films, televisions shows, etc. for five years, creating a Film Prod uction Assistance Program for eligible production companies producing specific types of film and having direct production expenditures of $50,000 or more after September 30, 2011 , reducing the percentage of qualifying expendit ures over the five-year period and phasing out funding completely after September 30, 2016. Anyone receiving film credits must provide for a promotion piece on Michigan at the beginning of a production . Commissioners Potts and Greimel explained that as a result of the tax credits for film, television and media production enacted by the Michigan Legislature in April 2008 several film production studios located in Oakland County, investing significant amounts of capital and incurring major fixed costs. The phase out would require film studios to maintain a high volume of production work as they shift back to private enterprise to remain competitive. The County Executive has been supportive of the film industry in Oakland County and with adoption of MR #10024 the Board of Commissioners approved the Project Plan for Michigan Motion Picture Studios in Pontiac for the issuance of bonds through the County’s Economic Development Corporation . Gershenson moved to report to recommend approval of the attached sugg ested resolution. Supported by Nash. Hatchett moved to report to amend the resolution as follows. 1. 11th WHEREAS: WHEREAS Senate Bill 569 would extend Michigan's tax credits for films, television shows, television commercials, and other media prod uctions as designated by Senate Bill 569, section 13M for five (5) years; and 2. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners requests that the Oakland County Clerk send copies of this resolution to all members of the Michigan Legislature , and to Governor Rick Snyder and the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC). Supported by Hoffman. Motion to amend carried on a voice vote. Roll call on the main motion as amended. Ayes: Hoffman, Hatchett, Nash, Qu arles, Gershenson Nays: Gosselin, Matis, Scott, Long Absent: Crawford Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 8 August 8, 2011 A. Health and Human Services / Children’s Village OJJDP FY 2011 Demonstration Programs Division Grants Application B. Road Commission for Oakland County Minutes – 06/23/11 & 7/07/11 C. Women’s Advisory Commission Minutes – 5/19/11 & 6/16/11 D. Oakland County Library Board Minutes – 5/25/11 & 6/22/11 Hoffman moved to receive and file the communications. Supported by Scott. Motion carried on a voice vote. OTHER BUSINESS/ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 12:05 p.m. ______________________________ __________________________________ Helen A. Hanger Jim Ver Ploeg Sr. Committee Coordinator Administrative Director NOTE: The foregoing minutes are subject to Committee approval.