MINUTES OF STANDING COMMITTEES

NAME BOC Agenda

DATE(S) March 14, 2007

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Ways and Means Meeting

March 21, 2007

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Working Session

March 22, 2007

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Prepared for BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS approval at the meeting on April 4, 2007. Printed on Recycled Paper

WASHTENAW COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AGENDA MEETING MINUTES March 14, 2007

The meeting began at 5:33 p.m. in the Administration Building, 220 N. Main Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Comms. Bergman, Grewal, Gunn, Irwin, Ping Mills, Ouimet, Peterson, Lovejoy Roe, Schwartz, Sizemore, and Smith

MEMBER ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT:

Bob Guenzel, County Administrator; Kerry Sheldon, Administration; Jason Brooks, Clerk’s Office

The agendas for the Ways & Means Committee and the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for March 21, 2007 were discussed. The meeting adjourned at 5:42 p.m.

_____________________________________ Lawrence Kestenbaum, Clerk/Register By: Jason Brooks, Deputy Clerk APPROVED:

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WASHTENAW COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE March 21, 2007

Chair Bergman called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room, Administration Building, 220 North Main Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan. MEMBERS PRESENT:

Comms. Bergman, Gunn, Irwin, Peterson, Ping Mills, Ouimet, Lovejoy Roe, Schwartz, Sizemore and Smith

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Comm. Grewal

OTHERS PRESENT:

County Administrator Robert Guenzel, Deputy County Administrators David Behen and Verna McDaniel, Corporation Counsel Curt Hedger; Peter Ballios, Finance; Diane Heidt, Human Resources; Dale Vanderford, James McFarlane, Ken Schrader, Andy Brush, Information Technology; Jennifer Watson, Budget; Patricia Denig, Planning and Environment; Judy Foy, Consultant; Kerry Sheldon, Administration; Jason Brooks, Clerk’s Office; various citizens; and members of the press.

Roll Call Citizen Participation None Commissioner Follow-Up to Citizens’ Participation None New Business: Land Use and Environment Community of Interest: Employment Training & Community Services (ETCS): 2007 Annual Emergency Food Assistance Grant Comm. Irwin seconded by Comm. Gunn moved to recommend that the Board of Commissioners approve the Resolution ratifying the Administrator’s signature on the application to the Michigan Department of Education, in the amount of $13,136, for the period of October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007; authorizing the Administrator to sign the Notice of Grant Award, amending the budget; and authorizing the Administrator to sign delegate contracts. Roll call vote: YEAS: 9. NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 2 (Comms. Grewal and Ping Mills). Motion carried. Children’s Well-Being Community of Interest: Children’s Services: Pfizer Grant for Washtenaw Area Teens for Tomorrow Comm. Irwin seconded by Comm. Gunn moved to recommend that the Board of Commissioners approve the Resolution ratifying the submission of the electronic grant application to Pfizer Global Research & Development Foundation, in the amount of $20,000, for the period of June 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007; authorizing the Administrator to sign the Notice of Grant Award, amending the budget; and authorizing the Administrator to sign delegate contracts. Roll call vote: YEAS: 9. NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 2 (Comms. Grewal and Ping Mills). Motion carried. Health Community of Interest: Community Support & Treatment Services: 2006-07 Budget Amendment

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Comm. Irwin seconded by Comm. Gunn moved to recommend that the Board of Commissioners approve the Resolution approving a budget amendment in the amount of $168,216 for CSTS, creating a 1.0 FTE Specialized Program Supervisor position: Grade 80, Group 10, salary range: $59,997-$80,196, creating a 1.0 FTE Mental Health Nurse position: Grade 23, Group 11, salary range: $40,743-$53,056, creating a 1.0 FTE Mental Health Professional position: Grade 21, Group 11, salary range: $37,861-$49,206, creating a 1.0 FTE Client Services Manager position: Grade 19, Group 11, salary range $35,279-$43,948; authorizing the Administrator to amend the 2006-07 CSTS-WCHO contract (no additional general fund support is needed) Roll call vote: YEAS: 9. NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 2 (Comms. Grewal and Ping Mills). Motion carried. Report of the Administrator: 2008/09 Planning Process – Presentation: Financial State of the County Jennifer Watson gave a presentation on the 2008/09 Planning Process. (On file in County Clerk's Office.) Guenzel stated that the BOC has worked hard on this issue. He added that the County has had substantial cuts in Human Services and Support Services. He stated that one of his goals is to continue to provide the services already provided. Guenzel reported that labor negotiations will be important going forward. He communicated that a second tremendous commitment has been undertaken in the general fund and in non-general fund deparrtments. He gave a third avenue which he stated is outside agencies. Guenzel added that this refers to the need for more intergovernmental cooperation. He stated that needs for non-profits will increase, and that a balance needs to be struck. He stated that County government is a service agency. He communicated that these things do not diminish the commitment to mandated services. Comm. Gunn stated that she is concerned with the statement that state revenues will be flat, and feels that the County will be lucky to avoid further declines. She stated that the County depends on this revenue, and it looks like things are collapsing. Watson stated that the general fund projections take a flat line for now, but further projections can be made in the future if needed. Comm. Ouimet stated that this situation leads us into difficult challenges. He stated that it would be interesting to look at trends as far as state revenue sharing. He added that it would be interesting to see where the commitment of the Board has been in past years. Comm. Ouimet commented that one of his personal goals is to do a better job with return in investment to employees to take some of the burden off of the general fund. Comm. Ouimet added that some of the school districts are already in serious financial trouble. He stated that there is no difference between what the County and Townships are going through. He added that this will not be pleasant, and it will be important to start looking at priorities down the line. Comm. Sizemore reported that Lincoln Schools has not agreed to participate in head start. He asked if this would effect the grant funding. Behen stated that there are 63 students in head start. He stated that Wayne County will absorb the 35 Wayne County students, but that options are being looked at. He added that he looks forward to bringing some kind of plan forward. Comm. Irwin stated that the budget cannot be passed because it is out of balance. He stated that there was serious tightening up in County government in the mid 1990's. Comm. Irwin added that it may be helpful to review strategies that worked, and ones that did not. He stated that County Principle #7 (Provide leadership on intragovernmental, intergovernmental and intersectoral cooperation and collaboration aimed at improving services to County citizens) should be utilized as much as possible. He also stated that the money to supplement pensions has been going up substantially, and he asked about how much was put in the previous year. He asked for explanation of the details about the GASB 45 standards. Guenzel stated that the County funded retirees on a yearly basis. He added that the principles have been updated to use a per capita funding estimate. Guenzel stated that this is a reporting requirement, not a funding requirement, but that it will get worse as years go on. He stated that steps need to be taken to reduce this liability. Comm. Irwin stated that he would hate to have the Board not to address these issues head on. He stated that the Engler policies of tax cuts was used and caused damage. He added that the County needs to be ready, because you can not depend on the state. Comm. Lovejoy Roe asked if the appropriations count non-general fund departments and all of the mandated services. Watson stated that in the past the County gave appropriations, but recently revenues have gone down on the state and federal level. Comm. Lovejoy Roe asked about a breakdown of public safety and justice trend and about the cost vs. expenditure side for building services. Watson stated that this is a non-general fund expenditure currently. Comm. Lovejoy Roe asked about other services and charges and what this is. Watson stated that the 06 is actuals partly due to

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boarding out and medical expenses in the jails. Comm. Lovejoy Roe asked for a break down of the trends in funding of public safety. Comm. Lovejoy Roe asked where the pension liability can be found. Watson stated that it is in professional services. Comm. Ping Mills stated that joint services is a big topic that needs consideration. She added that health care costs are rising, and that employee education on the topic may be able to save both the County and employees money. She stated that she feels many employees may not understand their options in this area. Comm. Schwartz thanked Watson and Behen for the presentation. He stated that the WCERS board is currnetly going through selecting new consultants, and that there needs to be a higher return on investments. Comm. Ouimet stated that based on age, GASB 45 plays a large role. He stated that he commends Administration for taking the issue on now. He added that the question is how fast the investment issue can be turned around. Comm. Sizemore asked how many automobiles are in the motor pool. He added that employees that live outside of the County should not take county vehicles home. He also asked for a breakdown of the costs of the Sheriff’s Deputies that are currently on leave. Comm. Lovejoy Roe stated that when faced with these deficits, she has noticed that traditionally the hit has been taken by the leadership of the organization first. Comm. Smith asked if Guenzel could bring a breakdown in personnel cost vs. program investment, and whether that could bring longer range returns. Comm. Bergman reiterated the concerns expressed by the Board following the presentation Report of the Chair of the Board Comm. Irwin stated that there would be a ten minute break between the Ways and Means Committee meeting and the Board of Commissioners meeting. Items for Current/Future Discussion None Citizen Participation Stumbo stated that she came because of the Exelon contract. She described the letter from DTE to the Board, and stated that people should pull together. She added that local businesses should be thought of first, and described the Ypsilanti Township purchasing policy. She added that the County should support the people that pay the taxes here. She added that a claim had to be reopened and that a plateau is possibly being reached. She added that the middle class is strapped as far as paying bills. She added that GASB 45 will show up as a liability if not addressed. Commissioners Follow-up to Citizen Participation None Pending None Adjournment Comm. Smith seconded by Comm. Peterson moved that the meeting be adjourned until April 4th, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

___________________________ Barbara Levin Bergman, Chair ________________________________ Lawrence Kestenbaum, Clerk/Register By: Jason Brooks, Deputy Clerk APPROVED:

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WASHTENAW COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORKING SESSION March 22, 2007 The meeting was called to order by Chair Sizemore at 6:31 p.m. in the Board Room, Administration Building, 220 North Main Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan. MEMBERS PRESENT:

Comms. Bergman, Gunn, Irwin, Ping Mills, Ouimet, Lovejoy Roe, and Sizemore.

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Comms. Grewal, Peterson, Schwartz, and Smith

OTHERS PRESENT:

David Behen, Verna McDaniel, Deputy County Administrators; Janis Bobrin, Drain Commissioner; Nancy Thelen, Bob Bricault, MSU Extension; Dick Fleece, Patricia Denig, Jeff Krcmarik, Michael Gebhard, Planning and Environment; Dale Vanderford, Ken Schrader, Andy Brush, Information Technology; Charley Wolfe, Support Services; Kerry Sheldon, Administration; Jason Brooks, Clerk’s Office; various citizens; and members of the press.

Roll Call Citizen Participation None Commissioner Follow-Up to Citizen Participation None Discussion Items Dick Fleece and Janis Bobrin gave a presentation on Environmental Programs Update. (On file in County Clerk’s Office.) Wolfe discussed usability tests, and how they pertain to the project being undertaken through County Environmental programs. He stated that these tests allow users to provide feedback before the new site goes live. He stated that he was happy to find that people did like this setup. Comm. Bergman asked if this is just near homes near rivers. Bobrin stated that storm drains are connected to rivers streams and creeks, and there is a connection there. Fleece stated that this was a collaborative effort with all. Comm. Gunn thanked all involved for their involvement in interdepartmental cooperation. She stated that the community waste water ordinance is coming to the Board soon, and that a model ordinance is available for Townships. She added that MDEQ has denied permits when requested by the County, and that it is because of hard work. Comm. Gunn asked for elaboration on the WC Road Commission Environmental Policy. Bobrin stated that a recent meeting was productive, even though they may have lagged behind in the past. She stated that they will remain cautiously optimistic. She stated that she and the Road Commission signed a memorandum of understanding. She stated that this memo involved an agreement on storm water management. Comm. Ouimet thanked participants in the presentation. He stated that the proposed website got strong reviews with an MSU group. Comm. Ouimet stated that over the last 2+ years the Road Commission has struggled with these issues. He stated that he was glad that a productive meeting took place between the groups. Comm. Ouimet commended the staff on the suburb job of Chelsea clean up day. He added that the program is wildly successful.

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Comm. Bergman thanked participants in the presentation. She also thanked all involved for working on the beauty of the County. She asked if there are federal regulations about to be passed on solid waste being brought into Michigan. Jeff Krcmarik stated that control is being asked for at the federal government level, and that he would keep the Board posted. Comm. Bergman asked what would happen with tipping fees. Krcmarik stated that he did not know, but added that there has been talk of raising the fee to $2.50/ton. Comm. Ping Mills thanked all participants, and stated she was very impressed. She asked about the pharmacies involved. Krcmarik stated that the best environmental policy is to have people return medical waste to pharmacies, and from there be taken to incinerators. He stated that there are some independent pharmacies, many of which are willing to participate in the take back program. Krcmarik added that phase one which is a collection program is taking place now. Comm. Ping Mills asked if the Chelsea cleanup is similar to those on the Washtenaw Fair Grounds. Krcmarik responded that it was. Comm. Irwin stated that there is a recurring theme is the pride in the work that is being done. He asked if the video's are up on the website. Krcmarik stated that they are on CTN. Comm. Irwin asked if there is anything more that can be done about illegal dumping. Krcmarik stated that the local ordinance officer is contact to determine their regulations. He added that it needs to be ensured that these sites are not crime scenes. Comm. Irwin stated that he would like to see ideas come to the Board. Krcmarik added that clean up dates are also used to pick up ditches often. Bobrin added that beyond solid waste, there is an environmental reporting line. Comm. Irwin stated that the Board wants to be very aggressive. Comm. Irwin asked if there is any way to be more aggressive on herbicides. Bobrin stated that Ann Arbor City limits application of phosphorus without a demonstrated need. She added that education of public before purchasing lawn services is taking place in areas of the County. She stated that there are more issues that need to be ironed out. Bobrin communicated that another option may be an approach that will allow communities to join. She stated that this is mainly about commercial and residential landscapes. Bob Bricault stated that he is excited about getting this message out. He stated that one thing done in this county is a yearly soil testing initiative. Comm. Irwin stated that he is cynical of what is likely to come out of Lansing, and taking control of these initiatives locally is the way to go. Comm. Irwin asked if Gelman will ever clean up their mess. Michael Gebhard stated that some recent developments are talks of expanding the prohibition area, because the plume is growing larger. He added that they are still trying to figure out where this material will end up. He added that they are still extracting water at the core area. He stated that they have implemented part of the corrective action as part of the court order. Comm. Irwin stated that it is a disgusting feeling. Comm. Lovejoy Roe thanked all for the presentation. She stated that she loved the website, and suggested thinking about this for the County website. She asked if the Ann Arbor treatment plant is still the largest contaminator. Bobrin stated that they are because of size. She added that they have excellent performance, and are still looking for ways to change operations. Bobrin stated that no matter what is done upstream enough is still produced to cause problems. Comm. Lovejoy Roe asked if the Road Commission is taking any action on the cross section of the roads. Bobrin stated that there was a minor reduction in road width standards. She stated that the battle has not been undertaken in a while. Bobrin stated that people tend to survive when parking is only on one side of the road. Comm. Lovejoy Roe asked if the pharmacy in the Ellsworth Road facility is participating in the program. Krcmarik responded that it would be great, and that his department would contact them. Comm. Sizemore stated that everything the group is going is great, and that County employees do a great job. Fleece distributed recycled bags to the Board of Commissioners.

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County Administrator Report McDaniel stated Joanna Bidlack will be joining the Administration staff on April 9, and that she was hired as an internal employee. Behen gave a space plan update. He stated that at the Public Safety and Justice Oversight Committee meeting last Friday, the Committee agreed to move forward with Clark construction for an Owners Representative contractor. This will be a not to exceed contract. He added that five architectural firms were selected to interview for the design of the jail expansion. Behen communicated that Jim Zwolensky will be meeting with Judge Simpson next week. Items for Current/Future Discussion Pending • April 5 • April 19 • May 3 • May 17 • June 21

Energy Update Planning Process: Health Community of Interest Planning Process: Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety & Justice Communities of Interest Planning Process: Support Services Community of Interest Planning Process: Global Summarization

Citizen Participation None Commissioners Follow-up to Citizen Participation None Adjournment Comm. Gunn seconded by Comm. Lovejoy Roe moved to adjourn until Wednesday April 5th, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room, Washtenaw County Administration Building. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. _______________________________ Rolland Sizemore, Chair _________________________________ Lawrence Kestenbaum, Clerk/Register By: Jason Brooks, Deputy Clerk APPROVED:

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