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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2017.08.17 - 37090 August 17, 2017 Chairperson Middleton called the meeting of the Finance Committee to order at 9:03 a.m. in Committee Room A of the Commissioners' Auditorium Wing, County Service Center in Pontiac, Michigan. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Thomas Middleton, Eileen Kowall, Helaine Zack, Christine Long, Shelley Goodman Taub, Wade Fleming, Hugh Crawford, David Woodward, David Bowman COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT WITH NOTICE None OTHERS PRESENT ANIMAL SHELTER Bob Gatt, Manager CLERK/REGISTER OF DEEDS Lisa Brown, Clerk/Register ELECTIONS Joe Rozell, Director COMMUNITY AND HOME IMPROVEMENT Karry Rieth, Manager Kathy Williams, Supervisor, Housing Counseling CORPORATION COUNSEL Keith Lerminiaux, Corporation Counsel Joellen Shortley, Deputy Corporation Counsel COUNTY EXECUTIVE Jerry Poisson, Deputy County Executive Bob Daddow, Deputy County Executive Matthew Gibb, Deputy County Executive Malcolm Brown, Deputy County Executive COMPLIANCE OFFICE Pam Weipert, Compliance Officer Scott Guzzy, Purchasing Admin. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/COMM. AFFAIRS Irene Spanos, Director FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Art Holdsworth, Director Paul Zachos, Property Manager HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Kathy Forzley, Director Jody Overall, Manager, Children’s Village Leigh-Anne Stafford, Health Officer HUMAN RESOURCES Jordie Kramer, Director Lori Taylor, Deputy Director INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Mike Timm, Director Tammi Shepherd, Chief, Application Services MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET Laurie Van Pelt, Director EQUALIZATION Dave Hieber, Equalization Officer FISCAL SERVICES Lynn Sonkiss, Manager Gaia Piir, Chief Holly Conforti, Chief Ebru Adoglu-Jones, Supervisor II OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1200 N. TELEGRAPH ROAD, PONTIAC, MI 48341-0475 Telephone (248) 858-0100 FAX (248) 858-1572 FINANCE COMMITTEE Christine Long Shelley Goodman Taub Wade Fleming Hugh D. Crawford David Woodward David Bowman TOM MIDDLETON Chairperson EILEEN KOWALL Vice Chairperson HELAINE ZACK Minority Vice Chairperson FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Page 2 August 17, 2017 OTHERS PRESENT , cont’d. FISCAL SERVICES Jeff Phelps, Parks Fiscal Coordinator Leo Lease, Analyst Kim Elgrably, Analyst Terri Brockmiller, Analyst LaQuita Lowery, Analyst Stacey Smith, Analyst PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Dan Stencil, Executive Officer Mike Donnellon, Chief, Parks Facilities PROBATE COURT Honorable Linda Hallmark Rebecca Schnelz, Court Administrator Jill Daly, Probate Register PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE Jessica Cooper, Prosecuting Attorney Paul Walton, Chief Assistant Prosecutor PURCHASING Andy Krumwiede, Buyer II SHERIFF’S OFFICE Mike Bouchard, Sheriff Mike McCabe, Undersheriff Doug Molinar, Captain Chris Wundrach , Captain Dale Cunningham, Fiscal Officer Lori, Seaman, Contract Coordinator Jerry Derosia, Detective Sergeant Specialist TREASURER’S OFFICE Andy Meisner, Treasurer Ross Gavin, Deputy Treasurer Jody DeFoe, Chief Deputy Treasurer WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER Jim Nash, Water Resources Commissioner Steven Korth, Manager Sid Lockhart, Special Projects Manager MICHIGAN DHHS (OAKLAND CTY. BRANCH) Tom Scheuer, CSA Director THE OAKLAND PRESS Mark Cavitt, Reporter BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Chris Ward, Administrative Director Michael Andrews, Senior Analyst Connie Srogi, Analyst Pamela Worthington, Committee Coordinator PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson Middleton led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING Crawford moved approval of the minutes from August 3, 2017, as printed. Supported by Kowall. Motion carried on a voice vote. PRESENTATION OF THE AGENDA Fleming moved approval of the agenda, as presented. Supported by Crawford . Motion carried on a voice vote. FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Page 3 August 17, 2017 PUBLIC COMMENT None. FY 2017/FY 2018/FY 2019 CONTINGENCY REPORT There are no items on today’s agenda that will affect the FY 2017 – FY 2019 Contingency balance of $130,922 . The General Fund Equity balance will be reduced by $265,337 with the adoption of Item 1 on today’s agenda. The Contingency Report includes the West Nile Virus Distribution Balances for FY 2017. Taub moved to receive and file the Contingency Report. Supported by Long. Motion carried on a voice vote. COMMUNICATIONS A. County Executive Compliance Office/Purchasing – Contract Exception Report for the August 17, 2017 Finance Committee Meeting B. Economic Development & Community Affairs Department – Community & Home Improvement Division – 2017 Annual Action Plan and Consolidated Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership Grant (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) C. Library Board – 2017 Remote Access Legal Database Grant Application – Oakland County Bar Foundation D. Notice of Hearing: City of Southfield – August 28, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. RE: (1) Establishment of a Commercial Rehabilitation District for the following properties: 27600 Northwestern Highway, 27566 Northwestern Highway, 27522 Northwestern Highway, 27500 Northwestern Highway and 27400 Northwestern Highway (2) Application for Commercial Rehabilitati on Exemption Certificate for a property located at 27566 Northwestern Highway, Southfield MI 48304 Taub moved to receive and file the Communications . Supported by Bowman. Motion carried on a voice vote. CONSENT AGENDA 1. MR #17232 – BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – TRI-PARTY ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2017 APPROPRIATION – CITY OF SOUTHFIELD – RECONSTRUCTION OF LAHSER ROAD FROM CIVIC CENTER DRIVE TO NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY – PROJECT NO. 53371 The resolution, which was introduced by Commissioner Janet Jackson, authorizes the release of $265,337 (Oakland County’s 1/3 share) in Tri -Party Road Improvement Program funds from the Oakland County Designated Fund Balance for a project that consists of the reconstruction of Lahser Road from Civic Center Drive to Northwestern Highway. A Cost Participation Agreement is included, and a budget amendment of $265,337 is recommended. Any additional project costs less than 15% of the original agreement will be honored under this agreement. Project c osts exceeding 15% will require an additional resolution and approval. The work is expected to begin this summer. FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Page 4 August 17, 2017 Zack moved approval of the attached suggested Fiscal Note on the Consent Agenda. Supported by Fleming. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. REGULAR AGENDA 2. MR #17230 – DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE OAKLAND COUNTY BUILDING AUTHORITY TO FINANCE THE NEW OAKLAND COUNTY RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM The resolution authorizes the Oakland County Building Authority to issue Building Authority Bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $25,000,000 for the purpose of constructing, furnishing and equipping a new radio communications system in the County of Oakland. The public needs to be notified when a governmental entity intends to issue debt to give them an opportunity to object if they so desire. Therefore, upon approval of the resolution, a Notice of Intention will be published in the Oakland Press. This is the first step in the process of issuing debt at a later date. Mr. Daddow indicated that debt would not be issued until sometime next spring. Fleming moved approval of the attached suggested Fiscal Note. Supported by Zack. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote . 3. MR #17229 – PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION – GIFFELS-WEBSTER ENGINEERING, INC. – LUMBER MATERIAL DONATION The resolution authorizes the Parks and Recreation Commission to accept lumber from Giffels- Webster. The donation is valued at about $32,000. Parks and Recreation was contacted by Giffels-Webster and indicated that lumber they had purchased did not meet Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) specifications for a project in the City of Inkster. They contacted Mr. Donnellon to offer the lumber to Parks and Recreation. They are #1 grade beams that Parks and Recreation can use on their boardwalks. Taub moved approval of the attached suggested Fiscal Note. Supported by Crawford. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. 4. WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER – RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE EVERGREEN AND FARMINGTON SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS MIDDLEBELT TRANSPORT AND STORAGE TUNNEL BONDS, SERIES 2017 The resolution approves the Evergreen and Farmington Sew age Disposal Systems Middlebelt Transport and Storage Tunnel Bonds, Series 2017, in the amount of not to exceed $995,000 to be issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of Act 342 to defray part of the cost of the Evergreen and Farmington Sewage Disposal Systems project. The Series 2017 Bonds will be paid for by the Cities of Farmington Hills, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village and the Charter Township of West Bloomfield. The principal and interest will be covered by user sewer rates from the respective municipal systems. FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Page 5 August 17, 2017 Taub moved approval of the attached suggested Fiscal Note. Supported by Fleming . Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. 5. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES/HEALTH DIVISION – 2017/2018 COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING, BUDGETING AND CONTRACTING (CPBC) AGREEMENT ACCEPTANCE The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the Oakland County Health Division funding in the amount of $10,342,094 for the period of October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. The grant provides funding for more than 20 programs and services from the Health Department and partial payment for mandated services. Long moved approval of the attached suggested Fiscal Note. Supported by Zack. Motion carried unanimously on a rol l call vote. 6. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES/HEALTH DIVISION – 2017 INLAND BEACH GRANT CONTRACT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) – DEQ PROJECT NUMBER 2017 -7212 The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has awarded the Oakland County Health Division continued grant funding in the amount of $123,210, which includes $114,700 in grant funding with a required County match of $8,510. The $8,510 grant match from the Health Division is comprised of in-kind support, which includes salaries, fringes, along with indirect costs associated with the grant. The grant provides funding for inland beach monitoring. The Health Division inspects and monitors water quality at public beaches and semi-public beaches in Oakland County. There are 45 public and 30 semi -public beaches in Oakland County. They are rotated on a 3 -5 year schedule. This year there is additional funding because the DEQ is asking the Health Division to do some simultaneous studies where they do additional sampling on the beaches utilizing a qPCR methodology for a testing process to provide real -time test results rather than a delay of 18 hours. Ms. Forzley indicated that the methodology that is used for E. coli testing provides the ability to do source tracking so that they can tell the source of the E. coli. Ms. Forzley indicated that the Health Division is happy to teach homeowners how to do the testing to determine the status of their local beach. Long moved approval of the attached suggested Fiscal Note. Supported by Taub. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. 7. DEPARTMENTS OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES – APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF SUBLEASE AGREEMENT WITH EASTER SEALS MICHIGAN, INC. AND OAKLAND COUNTY The Departments of Facilities Management and Health and Human Services are seeking approval of a resolution to approve and authorize a sublease agreement and business associate agreement between the County of Oakland and Easter Seals Michigan. Mr. Zachos explained that the Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) program was in the old Health Department building that was sold, and so WIC moved to a Walled Lake school, but Walled Lake decided to close that building, and WIC needed a new home. It was decided to move it back to the former Health Department building, which is now owned by a private party. WIC is going to co -locate with Easter Seals in that space. FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Page 6 August 17, 2017 There are four offices, and they are sharing the nutrition room, lab and counseling room with Easter Seals. The terms of the sublease shall commence on the date it is fully executed and terminate on July 15, 2020. WIC has several locations throughout the County. There is an average monthly caseload of 1,720 women and children (ages 0-5) that are serviced in the Walled Lake area . Taub moved approval of the attached suggested Fiscal Note. Supported by Bowman. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. 8. DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS – COMMUNITY AND HOME IMPROVEMENT DIVISION – FY 2017 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) HOUSING COUNSELING PROGRAM GRANT ACCEPTANCE The Department of Economic Development and Community Affairs is seeking approval of a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $31,771 for the period of October 1, 2016 through March 31, 2018. The grant partia lly funds one (1) Special Revenue Full-Time Eligible Housing Counseling and Homeless Services Supervisor position. No County match is required. Taub moved approval of the attached suggested Fiscal Note. Supported by Fleming . Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. 9. FACILITIES MANAGEMENT/FACILITIES PLANNING & ENGINEERING – CHILDREN’S VILLAGE – A AND J FENCING PROJECT Mr. Holdsworth explained that there is a security issue at Children’s Village in which members of the public often cross the Children’s Village campus to reach Scott Lake Road or Waterford Oaks. In addition, inmates from the Jail and residents from the Community Mental Health Authority (CMHA) cross the Children’s Village Campus frequently after being released. Facilities Management is seeking approval of the Children’s Village A and J Fencing Project, which consists of the installation of a 1350 lineal, six -foot decorative fence along Telegraph Road adjacent to Children’s Village Buildings A and J. This fence would improve sec urity of the Children’s Village campus. The estimated cost of the project is $75,800, which includes $5,000 for landscaping and $6,000 contingency. Taub moved approval of the attached suggested Resolution . Supported by Zack. Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote. 10. DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT FY 2018 – FY 2027 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Every year Facilities Management creates a new 10 -year Capital Improvement P rogram (CIP) for FY 2018 through FY 2027. All projects that are included in the CIP involve assets that are installed in a building or on campus. Mr. Holdsworth gave a brief explanation of the details in the spreadsheet that lists the categories of buildings and civil projects within the CIP. The CIP report includes 11 Building Projects and 6 Civil Projects with a grand total of $56,556,703, which is split up FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Page 7 August 17, 2017 over the next 10 years with the highest priority items sche duled first. For FY 2018, the estimated cost of the CIP Buildings and Civil Projects is $15,467,810. Chairperson Middleton inquired about the potential new judgeship and whether there are provisions in the CIP for that position. Mr. Holdsworth explained that the visiting courtroom would be used for the new judge. There is a line item listed for “Renovations for Additional Circuit Court Judge” under Future Projects Identified by Departmental Requests for Consideration. Commissioner Woodward expressed concerns that there are no current provisions in the CIP to support the potential indigent defense mandate that is currently pending in litigation. Ms. VanPelt explained that by statute the State is supposed to cover costs for renovations. Mr. Brown indicated that currently they are not looking at renovations , and he explained that on No vember 20, 2017, the County will request a grant from the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) to cover renovations that would need to be done in three County facilities. Fleming moved approval of the 2018 -2027 Capital Improvement Program. Suppo rted by Taub. Motion carried on a roll call vote with Woodward voting no. BUDGET AMENDMENT LIST AS OF AUGUST 10, 2017 Crawford moved to receive and file the Budget Amendment List, as presented. Supported by Long. Motion carried on a voice vote. THE COMMITTEE RECESSED FROM 9:59 A.M. UNTIL 10:05 A.M. BUDGET HEARINGS TREASURER’S OFFICE Mr. Meisner stated that the Treasurer’s Office is in agreement with the County Executive’s proposed FY 2018 – FY 2020 Budget. Mr. Meisner indicated that there are no requests by the Treasurer’s Office for substantial changes. This is a continuation budget to maintain the Treasurer’s Office operations to administer the collection of delinquent taxes, the administration of the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund, annual land sales and the banking function in the local government investment pool, many of which County communit ies participate. Mr. Meisner indicated that real property delinquencies continue to decline. The amount of County taxpayers who pay their taxes on time is currently at 97%. There was a high of $155 million turned over from local communities back in 2010, and this past year it is down to $66.5 million. The number of properties brought to land sale peaked in 2012 with 1,650, and in the past year that number decreased to 478 properties. The land sale has generated $38 billion in net proceeds to the County since 2010 . Mr. Meisner congratulated the winners of the awards that the County received at a NACo conference by the County for programs such as an Autism Program that was listed as best in category and the County’s partnership in the Realtor to the Res cue program that won a distinction in the economic development category. The Treasurer’s Office manages the investments for the County, and Mr. Meisner indicated that the portfolio continues to perform well. Mr. Meisner indicated that as investment rates go up, the County will be able to experience the increase as well FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Page 8 August 17, 2017 as local County government participants. There has been an increase in community participation from 13 communities to about 47, which also includes some library and fire boards. The D elinquent Tax Revolving Fund (DTRF) continues to be robust and able to fulfill its statutory requirements. Mr. Meisner addressed questions posed by the Commissioners. WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER Mr. Nash stated that the Water Resources Commissioner ’s Office (WRC) has won a national award from the American Council of Engineering Companies. The WRC was the grand award winner for the infrastructure renewal category for the Macomb-Oakland Interceptor, which is a $170 million project that was started in 2 009, and it is almost finished. This project started as a result of a catastrophic failure that occurred in Macomb County. During investigation it was realized that there were miles of underground tunnels that were in bad shape. The Counties of Oakland and Macomb have worked together on this project. There is about 100 feet of underground pipes that are lined with HOBAS pipe, which should last 75 -100 years without any major problems. Mr. Nash indicated that since he has taken office, Oakland County WRC has taken over the Pontiac water system, which was in bad shape. There was an article this month that reflected that over 50% of the water system and over 40% of the sewer system in Pontiac is over 80 years old, which means it has exceeded its life expectancy. The WRC is fixing the infrastructure of the water distribution system and the wastewater treatment plant. There will be a groundbreaking of the wastewater plant for a major $40 million project that will be shared by 13 communities in the area to help save money for the communities and increase flow . The County received a $2 million state grant to investigate all of the systems. The WRC has already investigated 20% of the Pontiac system. The water and sewer rate increases are a little under 4%. The goal of the WRC is to make repairs with the least amount of impact on the rate payers. The WRC is also repairing and replacing about 20,000 meters in the City of Pontiac that will help identify leaks in homes and notify homeowners. It will take the full 20 years to have a more efficient operating system. Mr. Nash talked about a recent sewage backup that impacted about 14 homes in Farmington Hills , which was as a result of fats, oils and grease . The WRC had an education piece on Channel 4 about fats, oils and grease and the problems they can cause when homeowners pour them down their drains. Mr. Nash indicated that it can cost millions of dollars for the system over the years to clean it up. WRC staff is going out to communities to inform the public about this issue. Mr. Nash stated that they are trying to do as much work as they can through water rates, as opposed to borrowing. One-time projects for major facilities are supported through bo nding. For the wastewater treatment plant, they provided a $2 million principal forgiveness for the loan because the WRC is using high green infrastructure facilities now, which means they can produce three or four times as much methane to sell on the market instead of paying for dumping charges. Mr. Nash indicated that they are looking for ways to improve the outreach to residents with regard to the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) that was developed for people who are having difficulty paying their water bills. They are including information about the WRAP program with the bills, and Mr. Nash indicated that the WRC is conducting district meetings in Pontiac for outreach. The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) contributes money to the WRAP program, CLERK/REGISTER OF DEEDS Ms. Brown indicated that they just had an election with the brand new equipment, and it went really well. The polls closed at 8:00 p.m., and all th e results were in by 8:27 p.m. They have already used the high speed tabulator , and Ms. Brown thanked the Commissioners for their support to purchase it. The high speed tabulator took about two minutes to process 286 ballots. There is an FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Page 9 August 17, 2017 upcoming recount from the recent election, so that tabulator will be used again. The Clerk’s Office staff does machine recounts except in statewide elections. The Clerk’s Office pays people a per diem to do recounts, so this equipment will allow Clerk’s Office staff to do recounts in a shorter period of time. The Clerk/Register of Deeds has been working with the State Court Administrator’s Office (SCAO) on e-filing, and the Circuit Court will be the first court to implement it. Regarding vital records, Ms. Brown indica ted that the Clerk/Register of Deeds has been working with the State Registrar to have Oakland County up and running with the Electronic Death Registry System (EDRS). Ms. Brown indicated that there was a change in fees for deeds , which will affect the line item budget, and she requested that the Commissioners follow the County Executive’s Recommended Budget for FY 2018 – FY 2020 on deeds and mortgages . Ms. Brown indicated that the number of admissions to the bar has decreased; therefore, that budget line item has decreased. The relocation line item of $111,469 was from the last Presidential election recount in April that had begun, but it was stopped by the Court. Ms. Brown indicated that the revenue for Election Fees, Filing Late has increased. Overall expenditures were less this year than the budgeted amount. Ms. Brown indicated that there are several vacancies in her department, but she doesn’t see that as a permanent situation. Library continuations consist of copies of the Court Rules. The prices of the court rules did increase. Ms. Brown and Mr. Rozell addressed questions posed by the Commissioners on the line item budget. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Mr. Stencil gave some history and statistics regarding Oakland County Parks. The parks system was created in 1966, and has grown to over 7,000 acres. There are 13 parks, 74 full -time staff, and 600 part-time, non-eligible (PTNE) employees. They have about 1.8 million visitors per year, 68 miles of trails, 5 golf courses, 2 dog parks, 2 campgrounds, 2 water parks, some banquet and meeting facilities, 2 nature centers and a year -round selection of special events and programs that enhance the programs of the Oakland County parks system and facilities. The volunteer force has increased from 400 individuals three years ago to 1,600 presently. The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is funded by a quarter of a mil, which is currently .2368, which will generate more than $13 million per year. Revenue comes from fees and charges which come to about $10 million - $11 million per year. Staff has been asked to maintain the current parks system and assets at a high level of quality with a limited emphasis on new facilities that require additional expenditures for operations. Mr. Stencil gave a few highlights from the proposed budget such as a new perimeter trail around Catalpa Oaks for hiking. There is a large project which consists of replacing the wave pool at Red Oaks. The Parks and Recreation Commission will be increasing their recreational programs through local collaborations for events in southeast Oakland County. Ms. Wells indicated that they are promoting women’s golf, and there are more leagues this year. Mr. Stencil indicated that Parks and Recreation staff has done a great job of maintaining the golf courses with regard to the condition of facilities and customer service. Now that Parks and Recreation staff has assumed responsibility of the two grill rooms, it is much more seamles s for golfers from the time they arrive to the time they leave. Mr. Phelps indicated that in 2016 the conference center brought in $815,000, and the overall expenses were $1.3 million. The Parks and Recreation Commission is budgeting $1.8 million in conference center expenses for 2018, and $1.1 million in revenues. Ms. Wells indicated that the conference center budget includes the grill room, so it has increased due to the upgrades to facilities and a change to how they handle the banquet operations at W hite Lake Oaks and Lyon Oaks. The new model includes the use of a banquet contractor who is a caterer. The requests to rent the banquet facilities is beginning to increase. Ms. Wells indicated that the Recreational Assistance Partnership Program (RAPP) program is FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Page 10 August 17, 2017 currently at a $200,0 00 value. Parks and Recreation has expended approximately $170,000 toward the program. Historically the program has run from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and this year it will be extended into the fall. This program provides Parks and Recreation mobile units as well as other programs to communities at no charge. SHERIFF’S OFFICE Sheriff Bouchard expressed his appreciation for the Board of Commissioners’ and County Executive’s support. He spoke about the different threat matrixes occurring around the world and in America. As a result, the Sheriff’s Office is responding by providing training to prepare for those potential threats. Sheriff Bouchard indicated that it is a challenge to kee p the Corrections area staffed. There is a high vacancy rate in this area, and it is a constant challenge to fill those vacancies. Overtime is reflective of that challenge. Undersheriff McCabe ind icated that they just hired 25 in Corrections, and one has already quit, bringing the number of vacancies back up to ten. With regard to the law enforcement side, the requests for services from other agencies continue to increase. Currently, there are requests from Auburn Hills and Bloomfield Townsh ip for law enforcement services . Commissioner Fleming thanked the Sheriff and his entire department for doing an excellent job and expressed his support to the Sheriff and his department. Sheriff Bouchard spoke briefly about good things that are occurring in Pontiac , such as the first grass tennis courts that have been built in America in 100 years, Flagstar Theatre, and there are more businesses coming to the downtown area. The Sheriff’s Office oversees programs like Pizza on Patrol; Recycle for Kids in which they hand out bicycles ; Coats for Cold; and a host of other programs like the Police Athletic League (PAL) that has allowed the Sheriff’s department to integrate with the faith community, the school community and the residents on an athletic level for mentorship and friendship. There were restrictions this year on vehicles during the Woodward Dream Cruise event. No commercial vehicles, no vehicles in excess of 10,000 lbs. or vehicles with trailers are allowed on Woodward from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Every poli ce agency was in agreement that this was a good idea. The DNA lab is open for small amounts of business, but they are still waiting on the CODIS system connection with the FBI. Sheriff Bouchard, Undersheriff McCabe and Dale Cunningham addressed questions p osed by the Commissioners on the line item budget. COUNTY EXECUTIVE Mr. Poisson indicated that there has been an extensive overview of the budget at this point, beginning in July with the budget overview and then on the first day of the Finan ce Committee hearings, when Ms. Sonkiss and her team provided a comprehensive overview. In terms of the departments under the County Executive, the Directors, Managers and support s taff were present to address questions posed by the Commissioners. a. ANIMAL CONTROL/PET ADOPTION CENTER Commissioner Crawford inquired about staffing at the new Animal Control/Pet Adoption Center. Mr. Poisson indicated that there is a proposal from Mr. Gatt as it relates to veterinarian, vet tech and support staff. Mr. Gatt’s proposal includes a request for Administrative Assistant staff, which would be covered by an increase in fees. The fees have not been raised in about 25 years. Mr. Poisson indicated that they will wait to see how distribution in current staff works in the new facility before requesting additional staff. FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Page 11 August 17, 2017 b. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Mr. Gibb and Ms. Spanos addressed questions posed by the Commissioners on behalf of the Department of Economic Development and Community Affairs. Since Oakland County reached full employment at 5%, Economic Development has been concentrating a lot of resources and time into Workforce Development issues and programs. For instan ce, they are launching four information sessions for the Governor’s $15 million Skilled Trades Training Fund to educate employers in areas of healthcare and information technology. There will be a Tec h 248 meetup on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, that is focused on how an Information Technology company can create apprenticeships within their own companies. In the last few years Oakland County Economic Development has worked closer with universities, Oakland County Community College and K-12 schools to be a conduit between education and industry . Mr. Gibb indicated that the Department of Economic Development and Community Affairs is requesting a new position in the Small Business Center of the department to focus specifically on commercia lization to take businesses from startup to the basis of the commercialization process. This individual would work with the business development team in the department both locally and internationally. Commissioner Woodward expressed co ncerns about une mployment. Mr. Gibb indicated that the Workforce Development Team has convened a task force that will do a 90 -day process of analysis about how workforce development is delivered. W ithin the next 3 months the task force will report with substantive recom mendations as to how to streamline the service model for workforce development coming forward. Mr. Gibb and Ms. Spanos address ed questions posed by Commissioners on the line item budget. c. HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT Ms. Kramer addressed questions posed b y the Commissioners on behalf of the Human Resources Department on the line item budget. d. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Ms. Forzley addressed questions posed by the Commissioners on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services. Commissioner Woodward inquired about family planning services are provided by the County. Ms. Forzley explained that the County does not receive Title X funding, and family planning services are covered by outside agencies. As part of the accreditation, the Oakland County Health Division has to show evidence that those services are covered, and Oakland County Health and Human Services staf f is in constant communication with the agencies to be sure that services are covered. Commissioner Woodward asked for a list of the agencies, as well as the map that shows where they are located. Commissioner Woodward asked if there is a strategy for Oa kland County Health and Human Services in the area of food and security issues. The Food Policy Council looks at the full stream of food in the County, including access to food and alignment of resources. The Food Policy Council is doing assessments in t he community and determining what partners are doing in the community. The Food Policy Council is starting, with the help of the Oakland County Health Division, for various grants and funding opportunities that will help increase access to food. Oakland County Health and Human Services has had a number of initiatives over the years that are increasing access, such as Healthy Pontiac We Can. With regard to public health nurses, services are FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Page 12 August 17, 2017 focused on high -risk families. OTHER BUSINESS/ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 12:38 p.m. ______________________________________ _________________________________ Pamela L. Worthington, Committee Coordinator Chris Ward, Administrative Director NOTE: The foregoing minutes are subject to Committee approval.