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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2014.09.29 - 36841CHRISTINE LONG Chairperson KATHY CRAWFORD Vice Chairperson MARCIA GERSHENSON Minority Vice Chairperson September 29, 2014 Chairperson Long called the meeting of the General Government Committee to order at 9:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Committee Room A, County Service Center in Pontiac, Michigan. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Christine Long, Kathy Crawford, Marcia Gershenson, Bob Gosselin, Jeff Matis, Bob Hoffman, Michael Spisz, Mattie Hatchett, Nancy Quarles COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE: None OTHERS PRESENT: EXECUTIVE OFFICE Jerry Poisson, CDCE - GLWA Bob Daddow, Chief DWSD Negotiator Bill Mullan, Media and Communications 52-1 DISTRICT COURT Alexandra Black, Court Administrator Victor Zanolli, Attorney/Magistrate HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES George Miller, Director Elaine Houser, Public Health Nurse SENIOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE Cameron McClure, Recording Secretary Sylvia Whitmer Barbara Garbutt WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER Jim Nash, Commissioner Craig Covey, Community Liaison JAY SHAH ASSOC. Jay Shah, President OTHERS Joseph Hunt, Citizen Karen Springer, Citizen BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Dave Woodward, District 19 Helaine Zack, District 18 Jim VerPloeg, Administrative Director Chris Ward, Sr. Analyst Tracy Stolzenfeld, Committee Coordinator PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson Long led the Pledge of Allegiance. OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1200 N. TELEGRAPH ROAD, BLDG 12E, PONTIAC, MI 48341-0475 Telephone (248) 858-0100 FAX (248) 858-1572 GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Bob Gosselin Jeff Matis Bob Hoffman Michael Spisz Mattie Hatchett Nancy Quarles GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 2 September 29, 2014 Minutes APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES Crawford moved approval of the minutes of September 8, 2014, as printed. Supported by Spisz. Motion carried on a voice vote. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Agenda Item 8, Board of Commissioners – Support of Rerouting the Proposed ET Rover Pipeline, was added to the agenda. Spisz moved approval of the agenda , as amended. Supported by Hoffman. Motion carried on a voice vote. PUBLIC COMMENT Karen Springer of Warren voiced her opinion regarding the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and the voting representation of the counties and the City of Detroit. Members from the Senior Advisory Council reported on their work to reach SAC’s goals. An announcement was made that a free conference, Wisdom for New Journeys, will take place on October 8 at Walsh College in Troy, which has a 160 seating capacity limit. Joseph Hunt of Warren stated his reasons for oppos ing the GLWA and voting representation. REGULAR AGENDA 1. MR #14229 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – ADOPTION OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION ESTABLISHING THE GREAT LAKES WATER AUTHORITY The resolution will allow the adoption of the proposed Articles of Incorporation establishing the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA.) Under the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Articles of Incorporati on, the GLWA will be designed to provide protection for County residents. A brief history of the GLWA was given. The 15 months of negotiations were confidential; a gag order was placed by Judge Cox. The choice was made to create a plan rather than abide by a plan set by the City of Detroit following their ba nkruptcy. Currently the Detroit Water and Sewer Department (DWSD) water system serves approximately 837,000 residents from 340,000 households and 849,000 residents from 345,000 households are on DWSD sewer assets. Some are on water and some on sewer, but not all populations are on both. The City is responsible for billing and collecting fees from their residents. The GLWA will not be responsible for Detroit’s debts. The GLWA will be operated by a regional six-member board made up of three appointed members representing each county, a state governor appointee and two City of Detroit representatives appointed by the Mayor of Detroit . Major issues require five out of six votes for GLWA approval. The agreement terms are to lease the City assets for 40 years for a total cost of $50 million per year that is spread out among the counties. Oakland County’s share is $12 million and Macomb County ’s share is $9 million. Detroit is experiencing an increasing number of water main breaks. The 80 -year-old pipes are well beyond the average life expectancy. The existing system requires 63 million gallons per day and an additional 100,000 gallons are pumped out to meet that value. GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 3 September 29, 2014 Minutes Under the Articles of Incorporation, all lease payments must stay within the system to fix the failing infrastructure. The law requires that in order for the articles to be amended, it takes an affirmative vote of each incorporating municipality. The proposed deal contains an afford ability based assistance program. Individuals having trouble paying their bills will be able to apply for help through the Water Residential Affordability Program. The first year’s program funding is approximate ly $4.5 million and is expected to grow by a half percent of total revenues annually . Existing water relationships wi th communities will be honored, such as the contract that Rochester has. Once the articles are approved, a 200-day due diligence period for legal approvals will be set and the GLWA will formally become operational after that time period. Public meetings have been held and are scheduled regarding the GLWA. Last Thursday a presentation was held at the Board of Commissioners’ meeting. Meetings were located in Waterford, Rochester an d Troy last week. This week’s meetings are tonight in Novi . Later in the week are Southfield, Farmington Hills and Bloomfield Township. Then the following week a presentation will be held in Lathrup Village. The Bankruptcy Court has placed an action date of October 10 to approve the Articles of Incorporation . After that time entities that choose not to join the GLWA may be ch arged a higher rate for the same services delivered to GLWA participants. The articles require that GLWA board representatives live in the community served by the GLWA. Mr. Poisson answered questions posed by the Committee members. Hoffman moved to report to recommend approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Matis. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. Chairperson Long requested that this item be put on the Regular Agenda for the October 8 Board of Commissioners’ meeting. There were no objections. 2. 52ND – 1ST DIVISION DISTRICT COURT – APPROVAL OF FIFTY-SECOND DISTRICT COURT MAGISTRATE – VICTOR J. ZANOLLI III The 52-1 District Court requests approval of the appointment of Victor Zanolli as Court Magistrate for the 52nd District. Three magistrates were splitting a full-time position. Magistrate Cooper is currently out ill. The court is short-handed until his return. The part-time position is one and a half days a week. This appointment will be effective immediately. Victor Zanolli was present to answer questions from the Committee members. Spisz moved to recommend approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Crawford. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Hatchett absent. 3. MR #14428 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 1023 TO RETURN CONTROL FOR THE REGULATION OF F IREWORKS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS The resolution, which was introduced by Commissioner Woodward, states support for Senate Bill 1023. Adoption of the bill would return control to local governments regarding fireworks regulations. Changes to the resolution amendment were suggested. Gershenson moved to report to recommend approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Spisz. GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 4 September 29, 2014 Minutes Hoffman moved to amend the resolution as follows: “Miscellaneous Resolution #14228 BY: Commissioner Dave Woodward, District #19; Commissioner Mike B osnic, District #16 RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 1023 TO RETURN CONTROL FOR THE REGULATION OF FIREWORKS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO: Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen: WHEREAS prior to the enactment of PA 256 of 2011, Michigan granted broad powers to local governments to regulate the ignition and discharge of fireworks; and WHEREAS the preemption clause of PA 256 of 2011 prohibits local governments from providing effective appropriate regulations that citizens are requesting; and WHEREAS lack of respect of local control has created a situation where the lack of appropriate regulation has caused serious problems, especially in urbanized areas; and WHEREAS noise related complaints from fireworks are c reating serious problems for citizens, such as sleep deprivation and decreased productivity, and local governments are unable to provide adequate remedies; and WHEREAS the City of Auburn Hills experienced an 88% increase in fireworks related complaints sin ce the adoption of PA 256; and WHEREAS municipalities throughout Oakland County are reporting significant numbers of fireworks related complaints; and WHEREAS a “one size fits all” approach to fireworks regulation is clearly not working and a return to loc al control would allow appropriate conduct for varying environments to be taken into account. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners expresses its support for Senate Bill 1023 to return control of fireworks regulation to local governments. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds is requested to forward copies of this adopted resolution to Governor Rick Snyder. the Oakland County delegation to the Michigan Legislature, the Michigan Associ ation of Counties; the Michigan Press Association and the Oakland County legislative lobbyists.” Supported by Gershenson. Motion to amend carried on a roll call vote with Crawford an d Gosselin voting no. Main motion, as amended, carried on a roll call vote with Crawford and Gosselin voting no. 4. MR #14170 - BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 2432 – BANK ON STUDENTS EMERGENCY LOAN REFINANCING ACT The resolution, which was introduced by Commissioner Woodward, states support for Senate B ill 2432. Adoption of the bill would allow students to refinance student loans at interest rates as low as 3.86 percent. This item was postponed from a prior meeting and an amendment was drafted. Revisions to the resolution amendment were discussed. Matis moved to report to recommend approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Hatchett. Matis moved to amend the resolution as follows: “MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION # 14170 BY: Commissioner David Woodward, District #19 ; Michael Spisz, District #3; IN RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 2432 – BANK ON STUDENTS EMERGENCY LOAN REFINANCING ACTSupport for Reduction of Student Loan Debt To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen: GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 5 September 29, 2014 Minutes WHEREAS Student loan debt is exploding, creating a crisis that threatens our economy, with outstanding student loans now totaling more than $1.2 trillion, and surpassing total credit card debt – and every year.. WHEREAS an astonishing 71% of college seniors had debt in 2012, with an average outstanding balance of $29,400 for those who borrowed to get a bachelor’s degree; and WHEREAS student debt is crushing the middle classmany US citizens. Key federal economic agencies like the Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have weighed in on the dangers of exploding student loan debt. This debt is stoppinglimiting a growing proportion of families from buying homes, saving for retirement, and making purchases that will keep our economy on the road to recovery; and WHEREAS Youngyoung borrowers are failing to keep up with payments. One and one in seven borrowers defaults on federal student loans within three years of beginning repayment. Other borrowers are just barely keeping their heads above water – in total, 30% of Federal Direct student loan dollars are in default, forbearance, or deferment; and WHEREAS Senate Bill 2432, introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren, will allow students to refinance their loans at interest rates as low as 3.86 percent and save thousands of dollars in the process; and WHEREAS the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that slightly more than half of the outstanding loan volume for federal student loans and loan guarantees (about $500 billion) wouldcould be refinanced under the bill; and WHEREAS one in ten borrowers defaulted on their student loans within two years and rates of default for federal student loans in some categories can be as high as 21.8%, placing a significant burden on taxpayers; and WHEREAS last year, large bipartisan majorities agreed that federal loan rates were far too high and voted to lower them this year for new borrowers – but did nothing for existing borrowers. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) hailed last year’s agreement as a “market-based solution” that was “consistent” with Republican policy proposals. Senator Richard Burr (R- NC) said the new rate legislation “ensures access and affordability for students”;” ; and WHEREAS with interest rates near historic lows, homeowners, businesses, and even local governments with good credit regularly refinance their debts – but students have few options. Even though the federal government is by far the biggest student lender, it offers no refinancing option. Private refinancing options are extremely limited, and federal borrowers cannot participate without sacrificing key consumer protections on federal student loans; and WHEREAS this legislation would give student loan borrowers a fair shot at managing their debt by offering them the opportunity to refinance their federal loans. All eligible federal FFELP and Direct student loan borrowers could refinance their high-interest loans down to the rates offered to new federal borrowers in the 2013-2014 school year under the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners , hereby supports the Senate Bill 2432 – Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act and urges its adoption. encourages Members of Congress and the President to adopt a comprehensive bi-partisan plan that addresses the existing student loan debt problem; giving debtors options to refinance their student loans at market rates, provides incentives for early repayment of loans, gives student the informati on they need to make an informed choice before entering into debt and reduces the overall cost to the taxpayers. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds is requested to forward a copy of this legislation to the Michigan Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Oakland County’s legislative lobbyists. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the Michigan Association of Counties and the National Association of County Officials, with strong encouragement that their respective member counties also adopt similar resolutions.” Supported by Spisz. 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MR #14226 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – MEDICARE REBASING AND GENERAL FUND REDUCTIONS THAT ARE BEING IMPOSED UPON OAKLAND COU NTY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (OCCMHA) BY THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH (MDCH) The resolution, which was introduced by Commissioner Zack, addresses the reduced funding issue. Mr. Francisco Gamboa was present as OCCMHA’s representativ e. Additional information was requested by the Committee. An invitation will be extended to Michigan Department of Community Health for a representative to attend the next meeting. Gershenson moved to report to recommend approval of the attached suggest ed resolution. Supported by Hatchett. Matis moved to postpone action on the resolution until the n ext meeting to allow time to obtain additional information. Supported by Gosselin. Motion to postpone carried on a voice vote. 6. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES – OAKLAND COUNTY DHS AGENCY BOARD - APPOINTMENT Sherrie Ross is a member on the Oakland County DHS Agency Board, whose term expires October 31, 2014. Ms. Ross has re-applied for a three-year term. Committee members checked her meeting attendance from DHS meeting minutes. Gershenson moved to report to recommend that Sherrie Ross be appointed to the Michigan Department of Human Services – Oakland County DHS Agency Board to serve a three-year term beginning November 1, 2014 and ending October 31, 2017. Supported by Spisz. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Quarles absent . 7. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – UPDATE ON APPOINTMENTS FOR REMAINDER OF 2014 MEMO The expiring board seats and appointments for next year were briefly discussed. The appointments will be confirmed by the entire board at the beginning of next year. Further discussion will be held at the next meeting. Gershenson moved to receive and file the Update on Appointments for Remainder of 20 14 Memo. Supported by Hatchett. Motion carried on a voice vote. 8. MR #14202 - BOARD OF CO MMISSIONERS – SUPPORT OF REROUT ING THE PROPOSED ET ROVER PIPELINE The resolution introduced by Commissioner Spisz supports the rerouting of the proposed ET Rover GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 7 September 29, 2014 Minutes Pipeline. The current plan for the pipeline affects the top left -hand corner of the county. Hearings regarding the pipeline close at the end of October. Construction is planned at the same area in which the natural gas pipeline was recently installed. Commissioner Spisz will provide additional information prior to next week’s Board of Commissioners‘ meeting. Spisz moved to report to recommend approval of the attached suggested resolution. Supported by Hoffman. Spisz moved to amend the resolution as follows: “WHEREAS the pipeline is merely a “pass through” and will provide not supply energy to Oakland County residents and does not supply natural gas to Michigan citizens beyond the MichCon delivery point in Livingston County” Supported by Hoffman. Motion to amend carried on a voice vote. Long moved to further amend the resolution as follows: WHEREAS communities with less population and fewer sensitive resources are within a reasonable distance to the north; and Supported by Spisz. Motion to amend carried on a voice vote. Main motion, as amended, carried on a roll call vote with Quarles absent and Gosselin voting no . COMMUNICATIONS A. Oakland County Bar Association Letter to Michael Gingell dated September 9, 2014, regarding Oakland County Law Library B. Michigan Department of Human Services Board – Oakland County Minutes July 22, 2014 C. Senior Advisory Council Minutes for April 21, 2014 Crawford moved to receive and file the communications. Supported by Spisz. Motion carried on a voice vote. OTHER BUSINESS/ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 11:53 a.m. ______________________________ ________________________________ Tracy Stolzenfeld Jim VerPloeg Committee Coordinator Administrative Director GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Page 8 September 29, 2014 Minutes NOTE: The foregoing minutes are subject to Committee approval.