Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2013.03.12 - 36702BILL DWYER Chairperson MIKE BOSNIC Vice Chairperson HELAINE ZACK Minority Vice Chairperson March 12, 2013 Chairperson Dwyer called the meeting of the Public Services Committee to order at 11:3 0 a.m., in Committee Room A, Commissioners’ Wing, County Service Center, Pontiac, Michigan. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT : Bill Dwyer, Mike Bosnic, Helaine Zack, Shelley Taub, Michael Spisz, Gary McGillivray COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: None. OTHERS PRESENT: SHERIFF’S OFFICE Michael McCabe, Undersheriff Dale Cunningham, Business Manager LAKE ORION COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Marion Ginopolis, Superintendent SOUTH LYON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Bill Pearson, Superintendent WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS Ken Gutman, Superintendent BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS Daniel Nerad, Superintendent PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Emily McIntyre, Victim Rights Supervisor COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY Chad Witcher, Manager Mary Griffiths, Director ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL Hope Cummins Cheryl Patel THE DETROIT NEWS Lauren Razzaq THE OAKLAND PRESS John Turk BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Marcia Gershenson, Commissioner Jim VerPloeg, Administrative Director Sheryl Mitchell, Senior Analyst Tracy Stolzenfeld, Committee Coordinator Helen Hanger, Sr. Committee Coordinator PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES Taub moved approval of the minutes of February 26, 2013, as printed. Supported by McGillivray. Motion carried on a voice vote. OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1200 N. TELEGRAPH ROAD, PONTIAC, MI 48341-0470 Telephone (248) 858-0100 FAX (248) 858 -1572 PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE Shelley Taub Michael Spisz Gary McGillivray PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE Page 2 March 12, 2013 PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. VerPloeg provided the Commissioners with a copy of the Oakfit Health Screening schedule and encouraged all to participate. A block of time is set aside for Comm issioners. The screening is free with a $100 incentive after filling out the survey form. Commissioner Zack commented that a personal physician may screen as well. Roy Salisbury, citizen and resident of Rochester, made a brief statement regarding Second Amendment rights. Jim Ellis, citizen and resident of Royal Oak, commented regarding jail diversion treatment programs. Treatment rather than incarceration could be prescribed. A one -day seminar co- sponsored with Sheriff Bouchard for Oa kland County police chiefs is planned to explain the jail diversion treatment program. AGENDA ITEMS 1. SHERIFF’S OFFICE – CONTRACT AMENDMENT #1 FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES IN THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF INDEPENDENCE 2013 -2015 The Sheriff is requesting authori zation to amend the contract with the Charter Township of Independence to allow the Township to add one deputy and one vehicle. Undersheriff McCabe stated that two deputies were laid off a couple of years ago and that the recently passed millage in Independence Township allows one deputy to be added. McGillivray moved approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Bosnic. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. 2. SHERIFF’S OFFICE – CONTRACT FOR AUXILIARY DEPUTY SERVICES IN THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE 2013 The Sheriff is requesting authorization to enter into a contract for law enforcement services with the City of Orchard Lake during St. Mary’s fair and special events. Taub moved approval of the attached suggeste d resolution. Supported by Zack. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. THE COMMITTEE RECESSED FROM 11:43 -11:45 a.m. 3. COMMITTEE CHARGE PURSUANT TO MR #13017 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – EXAMINATION OF HOW OAKLAND COUNTY CITIZENS ARE PROTECTED FROM GUN VIOLENCE – INPUT FROM SCHOOL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES Chairperson Dwyer welcomed all to the second meeting on the gun violence issue and made a short opening statement. The first panel of law enforcement representatives proved insightful. The second panel of school superintendents was introduced by Commissioner Gershenson as follows: Marion Ginopolis of Lake Orion Community Schools, Bill Pearson of South Lyon Community Schools, Ken Gutman of Walled Lake Consolidated Schools an d Daniel Nerad of Birmingham Public Schools, and each provided a brief statement. The focus of this discussion is to gain PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE Page 3 March 12, 2013 information on what safety measures are in place in the representatives’ school districts and also their recommendations to keep children safe in school. The school superintendents thanked Chairperson Dwyer for the invitation to participate. In response to committee members’ questions, the following information and suggestions were discussed. • Identifying students with mental illness – then combining identification with e arly intervention and referral for treatment may be helpful for students with mental illness. The school is not responsible for treatment. S ufficient access to mental health services and financial resources must exist in order to assist these students . Awareness may be an important factor for student/peer support and also family support. The panel relayed that although some have had formal training regarding identifying mental health problems in students, additional training would be required to adequately address these types of issues. Many school social workers are tied to serving special education interests and may not be able to identify or address early mental health issues in other students. • Daily safety plans and procedures – are being increased and carried out daily. Some districts have a special committee to address safety issues. L ocked doors throughout the day are common among schools now . General awareness is heightened more today than it was ten years ago. A goal towards balance tend s to determine what, if any, drastic safety measures are utilized . When funds are available video monitoring, swipe cards, cameras, numbered doors, virtual school building maps and most recently active shooter training a re examples of what school districts can add to increase safety. Several school districts have sought out safety assessments by law enforcement and emergency preparedness consultants. A current is sue being looked at relates to students at bus stops and the waiting periods of time to get on and off the buses. A discussion regarding metal detectors revealed that they may not be on the side of balance needed at this point. Background checks and fingerprints are required and done on school employees. Several school districts allow carrying of a concealed weapon by officers as protection inside the schools. Cell phone use by students could be a safety factor in getting help from law e nforcement. • Emergency plans – should be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Emergency plan notebooks are placed in schools. Mandatory training standards for Michigan schools are six fire drills and two lockdown drills. Future plans are being considered to increase lockdown drills in some school districts. • Outreach and collaboration with community – specifically with first-responders and working with the law enforcement authorities, including the Sheriff’s Department, ensure proper safety measures are in place. The gun violence issue could be viewed as a societal problem. Community mental health is another area where collaboration may assist in addressing these issues. Engaging with the faith-based community can provide good role models and promote development. • Video games and television – with negative models and violence can instill some desensitization to violent acts. Parental control and supervision of violent video game participation and monitoring television viewing may result in reducing future problems. (See previous discussion on February 26, 2013 meeting minutes.) • Legislation – is presently being introduced in Michigan to further protect our students. Legislation may lead to a reduction in the amount of fire drills. PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE Page 4 March 12, 2013 • Reduction of Funding – has curtailed school resources. Budgets have been cut due to the economy, which may play a role in reduced safety measures. Much is expected of schools and teachers. The panel agreed that financial and human resources are limited. The panel commented regarding teachers’ and parents’ role in decreasing violence in schools. Closing comments were about finding balance. Ms. Ginopolis added that sensitivity and ca re should be exercised to not frighten the children. Chairperson Dwyer announced that at the upcoming Public Services Committee meeting on April 9 representatives from the U.S. Attorney, the State Police and the FBI will speak, at the April 23 meeting a panel made up of mental health experts will participate and at the May 14 meeting individuals will present on Second Amendment rights. At the June 13 meeting the Committee will consider a final report with recommendations to be given to the entire Board o f Commissioners. COMMUNICATIONS A. Prosecuting Attorney – FY 2014 Prosecutor’s Victim of Crime Act Victim Assistance Grant Program (VOCA) – Grant by Fiscal Services Spisz moved to receive and file the communications. Supported by Taub. Motion carried on a voice vote. OTHER BUSINESS/ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m. _____________________________________ ___________________________________ Tracy Stolzenfeld Jim VerPloeg Committee Coordinator Administrative Director NOTE: The foregoing minutes are subject to Committee approval.