My County Commission Farewell Speech

I promised to post my farewell speech to the Ingham County Commission, so here it is. Nothing earth-shattering, but what I was thinking in my head and feeling in my heard. When I give a speech, I make myself bullet points. So the below is a re-creation of my speech from the bullet points that I had. It wasn't exactly this, but this was the gist of it.



Thank you for the opportunity to speak, and for the wonderful plaque.

I have been a Commissioner for 10 years. That is a little more than a third of my life. In that time, so much has happened. Both my children have been born and you have watched with me as they have gotten older. I have made a lot of friends on this board and I am proud to call you, and all the other commissioners that have come and gone, friends.

I came in in 2003 in a 5-Commissioner class: Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Dianne Holman, Marc Thomas, John Nevin and myself. Dianne will be the last and will have to represent us all!

I remember Curtis Hertel, Jr and Lisa Dedden sitting with me when I first decided to run and all the wonderful advice they gave me. We have all been through the trenches of tough campaigns. That is what binds us together, regardless of party.

I have been part of a lot of big issues on this Commission:
- road patrol
- 911 center consolidation
- road commission
- Project Labor Agreements
- living wage

All these were tough and worth the time we put into them, but the one issue that I remember the most came in my term on the board. It was the animal control and shelter issue. Anytime someone has your picture on a sandwich board that says "Andy Schor will Kill Your Pet" you remember it well. I had several mailings to my neighborhood and had neighbors asking me "what the heck is this?" I was proud to author the resolution re-creating the Animal Control Shelter Advisory Board and am glad that process is going well.

I have served many years on the Tri-County Aging Board and am proud to have helped create the Quality Care Council and provide experienced care givers. I have served on the SmartZone board and am excited for all the small businesses and entrepreneurs that have been created as a result.

As I move on to my next great endeavor in the Michigan House of Representatives, I look back on my time here on this Board and with these fine Commissioners and hope that I have made the best mark that I could for my constituents and for Ingham county. I will not forget the impact of local government on people's lives. I thank you all for your service and wish you all the best of luck.

I also thank our wonderful staff who make us look so good. Mary Lannoye, our Controller, and John Neilsen, our Deputy Controller. Jared Cypher and Teri Morton. And, of course, Becky Bennett who runs our lives and manages this commission so well.

And I would be remiss to not wish Commissioner Mark Grebner thanks on behalf of all Ingham County residents for his service the last 35 years. It will be weird to see him not on this Board.

I welcome everyone here to call me any time, and I will come by from time to time to check in and update you about the craziness at the state.

Thank you for all your good wishes and support, and really for everything for the last 10 years!

Schor Blog: Detective Position and 2013 Budget, Land Bank Properties, Goodbye to 5 Commissioners

This is it. My final blog as an Ingham County Commissioner. It is a little weird. I am excited to go to the House of Representatives and fight for important issues on a statewide basis (which has taken on a whole new meaning this week!) but I will definitely miss the issues and people on the County Board of Commissioners!

But I will get to that in a minute. First, the final issues that we dealt with at the last meeting of 2012. We started off reconsidering a resolution from last meeting dealing with a detective position at the Sheriff's office. This was a position that didn't survive the budget for 2013, and one of the Commissioner's decided to move to retain the position and take the money out of contingency for 2013. As a reminder, contingency is our reserve for emergencies. The resolution had passed at the last meeting, but there was a lot of confusion about it. So it was reconsidered on a 13-3 vote. During debate, it was brought up that neither the Sheriff nor the Prosecutor asked for this position to be restored. Taking this money from contingency would start the commission off in a nice sized hole, along with the money that will have to be found to make up the jail medical (where we are not getting the savings we expected). Budgeting is about priorities, and this just didn't make the cut. Instead, we kept a jail post open. When the resolution was reconsidered, a compromise was offered by Commissioner Rebecca Bahar-Cook to take $20,000 from the Sheriff's Drug Forfeiture funds to pay for the first few months of 2013 for this position. At that time, a retirement will allow for the detective to be moved. The position would still be removed, but the person would not be laid off. The supporters said it would be a good compromise because it would not impact the budget before the year even starts and would prevent a layoff. The opponents said that the position is necessary for the sheriff and county, and this would further cut public safety. This amendment passed 13-3 on a bi-partisan vote, then the resolution passed 14-2.

The second resolution that was pulled for discussion was the resolution moving about 300 properties to the Land Bank. Commissioner Vickers asked what properties were being transferred, and Treasurer Schertzing said there were about 186 Lansing properties adn about 100 Leslie properties. Vickers then asked how many properties the Land Bank has and the answer was that it is about 1,000 and about 37 were sold and put back on the tax rolls this year. Finally, Vickers asked how much is left in the revolving loan fund for these properties, and the answer was about $1.5 million. The resolution then passed 13-3.

While not controversial, it is important to note that we did approve two resolutions that settled contacts with our employees. We settled with the Teamsters Local 580 for the 911 Supervisors and we settled with the FOP 911 non-supervisory. We went through the details of these contracts in the County Services committee, and it is exciting to know that these contracts are starting to be worked out with employees. While a year overdue, it is good to see settlement.

After these resolutions, we said goodbye to the commissioners that were leaving. I was one of them, and I will put up my speech in a separate blog. The other commissioners leaving were: Commissioner Dale Copedge, Commissioner Steve Dougan, Commissioner Vince Dragonette, and Commissioner Mark Grebner. Grebner had been on the Board for 35 years and has been an institution of knowledge. He received just the second ever resolution of honor passed by the County Board Commissioners (the other was Grady Porter). The rest of us received very cool plaques showing our service to the County. It was very light and there were lots of laughs and stories. It was nice, and a bit sad. But there was also a lot of optimism for the future and excitement to welcome Commissioners Sarah Anthony, Kara Hope, and Randy Maiville. They will do wonderful work for the County.

So, thanks for reading this blog for the last few years. And thanks for all your support over the last 10 years. I will continue to blog and update all my constituents as a State Representative starting in January. Swearing in is January 9th (according to the Constitution) but I will be in my office doing the work of the people on January 2nd. Please feel free to call or email any time. Thanks everyone for everything, and have a wonderful holiday season!

Back to Blogging

I’m back. I know it has been a few weeks since blogging. Sorry about that. It was a combination of a few things:

(1) Getting elected to the House and all the craziness that has accompanied that. Tuesday the 7th was election day, Wednesday was yard sign take down, Thursday and Friday were new legislator orientation. Also that Thursday I participated in my first House Democrat caucus, where we elected our leadership for the next two years. I was proud to support Rep. Tim Greimel for leader and Rep. Rudy Hobbs for Floor Leader. Since then, it has been a whirlwind. I was part of a press release calling on moving on the Health Exchange and have been working on a variety of other things. I am looking forward to serving my constituents for the next two years in the House of Representatives, being a leader in the Democratic Caucus, and working with both parties to create good public policy for Michigan.

(2) Holidays. Everyone has been telling me that my family should get away, and we did. We went to California for a week and spent Thanksgiving with family. It was fun and nice to get away for a few days.

(3) Wrapping up pre-existing county issues. While the county commission and committees met, the big issues that we considered were issues that I previously wrote about. We finalized and passed the budget, and we finalized and passed the PACE program. I previously wrote about both of these and you can go to past editions to see them. Additionally, I had to miss a few committees because I was sick (the campaign finally caught up to me!) and because of my family vacation.

(4) Continuing my work at the Michigan Municipal League through the end of the year. I have been assisting the transition of my issues and have been helping out where I can. The League is an absolutely fantastic organization and is one of the leaders in forward thinking in Michigan. Placemaking and retention of talent in our urban communities will strengthen Michigan's economy for the future, and I am excited that I was able to play a part in this effort at the League.

All this being said, I will continue to publish this blog through the end of the year and report on the important county commission issues. We only have two more full county commission meetings, and two one more round of committees until the end. And next year I am planning to continue this blog and do a legislative email as a member of the House of Representatives. So I will continue my communication and transparency. Thanks so much for reading!

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. December will go quick, and I am excited for January. Swearing in for the Legislature will be on Wednesday, January 8th but our office will be open on January 2nd. You will be able to reach my office on January 2nd at andyschor@house.mi.gov or at (517) 373-0826, and you can always stop by the House Office Building in downtown Lansing and come to my office on the 10th floor. Until then, you can continue to get me at andy.schor@gmail.com.

Thanks again, and I hope to chat with everyone soon!

Employee Health Care Benefits, Countywide Official Compensation, 2013 County Budget Passed

Go Tigers! It is 0-0 as I write this and I am hopeful for a game 2 win!

This week, we had a relatively short meeting. We considered the resolution I mentioned last week setting the health care provider for union employees. The Ingham County Health Care Coalition, who is a coalition of the various employee groups and unions, investigated various plan designs and options for the County’s health care plan for 2013. After finishing it’s review, the Health Care Coalition recommended a small change in the prescription benefit.

The Coalition also reviewed a proposal by the Controller and County Commission that would switch from PHP to Blue Cross Bliue Shield and eliminate the high cost plan, which would save the County $500,000 per year while not costing the employees any money. The proposal would establish a trust funded with $300,000 per year that would offset any employee’s potential increase in out of pocket costs for co-pays and deductibles. The employees that would switch from the high cost to the standard plan would experience substantial savings in premium costs. Additionally, the employee’s out of pocket costs would be capped at an amount equal to their premium savings and the difference between the total out of pocket costs would be paid for out of the trust. The benchmark used to determine the employee’s contribution rate is recommended to increase 2% from the amount used in 2012 in accordance with historical practice.

Unfortunately, the Health Care Coalition rejected this plan and did not authorize the
proposed changes in health care for 2013, so it seems that we will maintain the status quo. The Coalition met once and rejected the proposal, then met again at the request of the county and again rejected the proposal. As such, unless the Coalition position changes, we will authorize Letters of Understanding with all of the collective bargaining units to accept the proposal from Physicians Health Plan of Mid-Michigan. The County will provide the same health insurance benefits to the
Managerial and Confidential Employees effective January 1, 2013.

We next considered compensation for Countywide Elected Officials (excluding judges). I discussed this last week. The resolution proposed to keep the compensation for the countywide officials in 2013 and 2014 the same as it was in 2012. Commissioner Dougan asked to divide out the County Clerk from the rest of the countywide officials. We unanimously approved the compensation for the Sheriff, Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Drain Commissioner, and Prosecutor. In the vote on the Clerk, Dougan complimented current clerk Mike Bryanton, who has served for 18 years and has done an excellent job. Dougan argued that the successor Clerk should not have same salary. He moved to amend to reduce the Clerk's salary by $6,000 to be equal to the Drain Commissioner and Register of Deeds. Commissioner Holman objected saying that this is the compensation for the job regardless of the person there. Commissioner Nolan said that the countywides have are receiving no raises for the next two years and haven't had raises for a while. U argued that the person coming in will have the same duties and responsibilities, and will also need to learn the intricacies of the job so they deserve the same compensation as the existing compensation. The amendment failed 3-11 (the three GOP there voted for it). The final resolution for the Clerk passed 13-1 (dougan voted no).

Finally, we considered the 2013 General Appropriations Resolution (the Budget for the 2013 calendar year). Commissioner Grebner, the Finance Chair, mentioned that there is a good summary of the budget in the budget document (which can be found at www.ingham.org) and that people can review the summary for the details
of the budged. He said the Controller was able to preserve the county's cautious fiscal approach, maintains the reserves by not drawing down at an alarming rate, preserves almost all services expected by the county citizens, keeps long term commitments to employees, cuts costs, does things that cost less and bring in more money, and reforms the pension system. All this done with less money from state, less in interest earnings, reduced property tax values. There were no angry mobs or people asking us to reverse a decision. The budget maintains the progressive innovative workings of Ingham County. No one was treated unfairly, and the pain was equally shared. The resolution passed unanimously.

My campaign for State Representative is now in the home stretch. Twelve more days. I am excited and exhausted and ready for the campaign to be over. I will try to do a preview of the races and give my thoughts on each one, if I have time. If not, please feel free to email me for my thoughts on any of the races. 517-618-1666. Thanks again for everyone's support!

Property Assessed Clean Energy, Health Care for County Employees, County-Wide Official Pay

This week, we had a County Services committee meeting. We first considered a resolution that would create a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) district. There was a presentation by Andy Levin of Lean and Green Michigan. He talked about how creation of this program would be a tremendous economic development driver in the county. All funding would be from private sources. Commercial and industrial property owners would save energy and money by making buildings more energy efficient. Buildings more be comfortable and attractive to tenants. It would put county workers to work with the retrofits. It would raise the tax base over time. And there would b no risk to the county. This was created and allowed by PA 270 of 2010, which allows PACE for commercial, industrial, and multi-family property throughout the county (but not residential homes). It allows flexible financing arrangements, and up to 100% financing. No downpayment would be needed, and the whole energy project can be financed. This would be friendly to banks as well because if there was already a mortgage, the bank that holds the mortgage on the property has to give consent. Another benefit is that PACE would help property owners to pay the mortgage because they will have increased property values and taxes, so banks are likely to give consent. All traditional energy efficiency improvements can be financed - lights, windows, HVAC, thermostat, permeable parking lots, and everything that makes a building use less energy and use water more efficiently.

The PACE district can be financed through a special assessment mechanism. This would provide for secure, long-term financing. There are no taxpayer dollars, no Tax Increment Financing, nothing public. Business owner can voluntarily take on a special assessment if they choose. The special assessment would be first in line for payoff should a bankruptcy happen, so it is secure for whoever lends the money. The debt is on the land, not on the person. So if the property is sold, the new property owner has the debt. Typical bank loans are 3-5 years, and when the loan is paid off the company is still in the red. PACE, on the other hand, is a 7-20 years loan. It would be for the useful life of the restoration. Their is a lower, fixed interest rate due to stronger lien position and reduced risk for lender. The contractor that does the work must guarantee the savings, and the contractor must write a check for the difference if it doesn't happen (according to law). Lean and Green has private partners (banks and private funds) that can finance these projects, and there are private funders looking to finance deals. The county votes to get into the program, which is statewide, and can vote to get out at any time. There is no contact and no county dollars encumbered. Additionally, this can satisfy the state revenue sharing requirements in terms of the cooperation component (20% of the dollars that the county receives). On Tuesday, there be a public hearing on the PACE districts, then the resolution can be adopted. This has been used for office buildings, corporate headquarters, data centers, synagogue, funeral homes, etc.

Commissioner Grebner had several excellent questions. He asked if bonds are sheltered from federal taxes. The answer was that bonds are not federally tax advantaged but are state tax advantaged, which makes a difference with state banks. There is no liability for the the county. Questions were also asked about delinquent taxes and was told they are not part of this. The community has the option regarding whether or not to turn over taxes when they are delinquent. The County Treasurer gets to decide.
27 states and the District of Columbia have these. There were also questions about whether this applies to agricultural property, and the answer is that it does apply (except for incinerators and digesters). Additionally, water reclamation projects are included. Wells and reservoirs and other water conservation are going to request this. Farms are eligible. There were also questions about the special assessment. The answer is that it is guaranteed and is handled by the county, which would be a new thing for Ingham County and similar to the drain office. There were many follow up questions about what happens to the property if there are lot splits and the parcel is developed for another purpose. The administration burden can be worked in to the project costs and recaptured by fee on property owner. Also, we are not precluded from any other firm that wants to do this outside of Lean and Green. We can create another district or could replace the existing entities. Others can also work in the district if the county takes action to allow for this. Treasurer Schertzing was asked if this will be a big burden for him, and he responded that it won't be. He said that the county does economic development and this fits into that model.

Finally, questions were asked about how the length of the time frame is set. The answer is that Lean and Green requires an investment grade audit of the energy conservation measures, then approves that the financing is less than the useful life of the equipment. This is based on the weighted average of the equipment. It is up to the parties to decide on the time frame. Some want longer, some don't want long term debt. The County Treasurer gets the final determination, but this is usually driven by market conditions. Commissioner Grebner commented that this is a powerful tool because it is a burden on the land and not the owner, and because it has priority over a mortgage. People with money at stake could use this as a new tool. Commissioner Grebner commented that this can be used for mobile home parks and other water uses, and Lean and Green needs to be ready for all of the activity that would come as part of farmland and other water issues. The resolution now goes to a public hearing on Tuesday then will come back for consideration the week after in committee.

The second big issue that we looked at was the resolution regarding health care options for county employees. We have a health care coalition, which is a coalition of our employee unions that decides on health care options. There were three options on the table at the last health care coalition meeting:

option 1 - status quo
option 2 - move to Blue Cross Blue Shield but retain the high cost plan, which would not create much in savings and would create a new vendor and all the trouble that comes with a new vendor (new rules, new cards that may not be available in time for open enrollment). option 3 - move to BCBS without the high cost plan which would ***

Although the county staff highly recommended the third option, the coalition passed option 1 on an 11-10 vote. It was pointed out, though, that they were split on the provider but did not want to eliminate the high plan. The resolution before us recommended status quo. The Commissioners wanted to move to Blue Cross without the high plan but need the health care coalition to agree as part of collective bargaining in order to create the savings. We amended the resolution to authorize staff to go with the existing option or with the commissioner-preferred option and allow for staff to try to convince the Health Care coalition again that this is the best plan for the county employees and county with the appropriate information. The UAW indicated that they are supportive of the county position. This resolution passed unanimously.

Finally, we dealt with a resolution setting the salary compensation for county-wide elected officials. These are the elected officials that serve the entire county, excluding the judges which are set by the state. The resolution included the same salaries for 2013 and 2014 for the Sheriff, Prosecutor, Treasurer, Clerk, Register of Deeds and Drain Commissioner that they had in 2012. The resolution also requires current these county-wide elected officials to contribute an additional 1.8% of gross wages to employee retirement, increasing the total contribution to 10.26% (which does not apply to county-wides under the new hybrid plan). Commissioner Vickers praised the work that Register of Deeds Hertel has done and was concerned that Hertel will be making less than the new Clerk. All committee members agreed that we should eventually have the Clerk, Drain Commissioner, Register of Deeds, and Treasurer to be equal when there are new people in the offices. With the state of the budget and the cuts we have had to make, though, no one moved to increase the salaries to match. Vickers did move to reduce the county clerk by $6,000, though, but there was no support for the motion.

Sorry for the late posting, but I have been busy lately. But more on that later...17 days until the November 6, 2012 general election!

DC/DB Hybrid Tabled, Move to Amend, CATA

This week we had our Board Meeting. It was much quicker than I expected. The employee resolutions creating a hybrid defined benefit (pension)/defined contribution (401(k)) for commissioners and non-represented employees, which were controversial in committee, were tabled for one meeting on the Board floor. We had testimony from union leaders on these asking us to hold them because negotiations on the union employee contracts are still ongoing and are making progress. I expected this to take a lot of time and discussion, but it didn't.

Also, I may have mentioned that we would be doing the budget at this meeting. I apologize for any inconvenience that this created. We will be having a final vote on our 2013 budget in late October (the second Board meeting of that month).

We considered the resolution by Move to Amend. As I mentioned last week, this organization believes that campaign contributions are not speech and should be treated as property that can be regulated. They also believe that corporations are not people, and that they should not be able to contribute to campaigns in the same way that people are. Our resolution expressed support for Move to Amend's efforts to pass an amendment to the U.S. Constitution expressing these ideas. This passed 12-2 with 11 Democrats and one Republican supporting, and two Republicans (Dragonetti and Dougan) opposing it. They did not indicate in debate why they were voting against this resolution.

Finally, we considered amendments to the contract that we have with the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA). Commissioner Grebner once again (and for the final time) reminded us that the voters overwhelmingly passed additional taxes for CATA (roughly 73% in favor) and that the public supports CATA. He also reminded us that sometimes Commissioners don't like the things that CATA does, or want CATA to do something particular. This resolution is the place to attempt to rectify any concerns, as CATA has to do what we tell them in order to get the millage money. Commissioner Dragonetti asked if he could triple the service that CATA provides to to Delhi. Grebner said that Dragonetti could make a specific motion to this effect. He then reminded Dragonetti that Delhi Ready-Ride is a delhi-only service that CATA provides, and that Delhi is the only place in the service area that has such a service. This is done because CATA underserves Delhi and wants more people to ride the bus there. Dragonetti did not offer any amendment, and the resolution with the amendments to the contract passed unanimously.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Corporation Political Giving, Potter Park Zoo Director, DB/DC Hybrid, PLA for Family Center

Sorry for being late with the Blog this week. We had committee Thursday night, so I wasn't able to write this at that time. Luckily, I have a rainy morning to do it this morning!

This week, we had the County Services committee which was fairly busy. We first took up a resolution expressing the county's support for the group Move to Amend. This group is a national organization that wants to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Citizen's United case. This case said that corporations are people and contribute to political campaigns. Move to Amend wants to amend the U.S. Constitution to say (1) money is property and not speech, so it can be regulated and (2) corporations are not people. The Lansing Coordinator of Move to Amend testified in support of the resolution. He said that there is a resolution before the Lansing City Council as well. He also said that in addition to the Lansing group, there are groups in Traverse City, Glen Arbor, and Grand Rapids in Michigan. The resolution passed unanimously.

We then discussed the Potter Park Zoo. In good news, the Zoo was accredited by the AZA (which few zoo's are) when the accreditation folks were here last month. That is great news for Ingham County and the Potter Park Zoo. One criticism in the report, though, was that the executive director has too many levels of people to report to. There were about several levels of decision making after the executive director. The resolution that we had before us addressed that situation. It would make the executive director an employee of the county and directly supervise employees (which is necessary for the accreditation). The resolution gives the executive director $48,000 as a salary with no benefits in addition to compensation from Friends of the Zoo. This passed unanimously. We also considered a resolution that would move the executive director to be an employee of the Controller. She currently reports to the zoo board which reports to the parks board which reports to the parks director which reports to the County Services Committee which reports to the Board of Commissioners. This has too many advisory committees and is too much time in order to make decisions. There were also questions about if there is too much direct reporting to the controller. She currently has about 13 departments reporting to her now. Several member of the committee were hesitant to add another one. There were also questions about creating a new zoo department. I had suggested that we should have the zoo board report to the county services like the fair board does. We will continue the discussion at the next meeting and make a decision then.

We again considered a resolution authorizing the establishment of a MERS Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Hybrid plan for the Board of Commissioners and Elected Officials. This was referred to committee from the Board, a resolution approving modifications to the 2012 managerial and confidential personnel manual, and a resolution the Establishment of MERS a Hybrid Plans for managerial and confidential employees. We rehashed the same conversations regarding the fairness of each plan, the problems with defined benefit, the risks involved, the potential rate of return percentages, and other factors. The big hang-up on these resolutions is whether or not we should do these before we deal with the union employees in collective bargaining. Some (Grebner and Holman) argued that we should deal with the employees that we can control now and pass these resolutions. Others (DeLeon, Celentino, Schor) argued that we should wait until employee negotiations settle the DB versus DC issue before moving on to our non-represented employees. These resolutions were table in County Services, but passed Finance and will be considered on the Board floor on Tuesday. One issue that came up that was new was how to prevent people from getting a higher rate if they go to another county position? Currently, if a county commissioner receives a 1.5 DB multiplier for 15 years then takes a job somewhere else in the county and receives a 2.25 for a few months, the entire service become a 2.25 multiplier. We all agreed that is wrong. We were told that we could go to an alternative rate instead of standard rate with MERS, but were not sure if this can only be done for transfers or not. Staff is checking on this, and we will make that change if we can.

Finally, we considered a recommendation from our staff to not use a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) when the bid specs go out for the Ingham County Family Center. Our staff recommended against having a PLA because of a recent;y-passed law. Last year, the Legislature passed a law prohibiting PLA's. That law was struck down by the courts. The Legislature then came back this year and passed a law saying that PLA's cannot be used in bid specs. This law has not yet been challenged but many think that it illegal to craft a law that would re-create something already struck down by the courts (according to previous legal cases). Our staff recommended against a PLA in bid specs due to the passage of that law. They said that they would be able to encourage the winner of the project to use a PLA according to the law, but were not comfortable going against the law. Commissioners Grebner and Holman and Celentino agreed with this. They said that we should follow the law and push for a PLA after the bid packets go out. They said to continue to push for a PLA could delay the Ingham County Fammily Center project because of time delays and the need to re-write the bid documents. I made a motion to reject the staff recommendation. I believe that the move by the Legisalture would be struck down by the courts just like the previous law was. If we continue with the PLA and we are sued, I believe the judge would rule the new law unenforceable. Commissioner DeLeon agreed with me and voted with me to reject the staff recommendation and continue on with a PLA. Commissioners Holman, Grebner, and Celentino voted against my motion (again, bevause they were concerned about the delays for the project and they think that a PLA can still be done after the bid packets go out). The motion was rejected and we went along with the staff recommendation to not use a PLA in the bid packets for this project.

The other committee that I had was the Human Services committee. All of the action items were on the consent agenda (many of the changes were already made in Finance, which met the day before and was out of order because of the Jewish holiday). We did hear an excellent presentation on the county dental program. Really eye-opening regarding the need for dental services and the many needs. They are truly doing a great job!

Next week is the Board of Commissioners meeting. We are meeting on Monday night instead of Tuesday because Tuesday night is the beginning of Yom Kippur. Have a great weekend!

Ingham County 2013 Budget Hearings

Last week started the budget hearings for our annual budget. Last week, I provided the budget summary letter from the Controller. We have now had all of our budget committees meet and significant changes have been made to the controller-recommended budget.

The County Services committee had most of its departments indicate satisfaction with their budget recommendations. This includes our Advisory Boards, Board of Commissioners office, Controller, County Attorney, County Clerk, Drain Commissioner, Economic Development, Equalization, Facilities, Fair, Farmland and Open Space Preservation Millage, Financial Services, Hotel/Motel, Housing Commission, Human Resources, Information Services, Purchasing, Transportation and Roads, Treasurer, Tri-County Regional Planning, and the Zoo. Register of Deeds Curtis Hertel agreed with the budget request, but let us know that money was being moved from the Register's Automation Fund. This fund was created by the Legislature a few years ago to ensure that technology is updated in the Register of Deeds offices. It comes from the recording fees charged. Three years ago, Hertel indicated that there was a surplus in the Automation Fund and agreed to have some of the money go towards helping the county budget for two years. That agreement expired last year, but the Register of Deeds indicated he would agree to it for one more year. But there was a warning that the Attorney General is reviewing the legislation creating the Automation Fund and may rule that it cannot be used for staff and to help general funds. If that happens, the County will need to backfill that money. Additionally, the Automation Fund is running out of money and likely will not be able to be used next year to backfill the general fund. We appreciate his comments.

The only Department in the County Services budget to ask to discuss their budget recommendation was the Parks Department. The Controller recommended eliminating two unidentified positions for $115,000 in budget savings. One of the positions was placed on the so-called Z-list to be reinstated. The budget always includes $300,000 in strategic planning funds which we use to reinstate cuts that are particularly troublesome. We call this the Z-list (I don't know why...it is before my time!). So we agreed to place this position on the z-list.

In Human Services, all departments accepted the controller recommendations except the Health Department. As mentioned last week, there were over 40 positions targeted to be eliminated. Many of these were in the Health Department. Our Health Director, Renee Canady, made a good presentation about why many of these positions are needed. She said they are looking at current needs versus operating budget, and the need to maintain current needs. She said that can't be done with this budget. They made significant changes to their operations to meet the needs. Some changes are seen as budget enhancements, but they can’t maintain the current level of service without these requests. They were forced to consider personnel eliminations versus program eliminations. While they understand the desire to eliminate vacant positions, many of those are still vital. Ill-timed retirements in important positions have resulted in elimination of needed vacant positions. She requested reinstatement of the Health Communications Specialist, two food bank specialists, an Office of Young Children Training Coordinator, and two environmental health positions. She provided a series of ways to fund this, including the use of z-list dollars and the use of unrestricted reserves (which are the reserves that we use for bonding, cash payments before receiving taxes, etc.). Additionally, several members of the public and the Community Health Center Board and the Health Department staff asked for the reinstatement of the dental electronic health record position, the patient portal position, and the patient centered medical home funding. All told, these requests (with a few additional positions being deleted) came to $285,000. We had a long discussion of priorities and needs. Also, there was discussion about grants and other dollars that would come to Ingham as a result of these positions. We voted 4-1 (Vickers opposed) to include all positions on the z-list so we could send them to Finance and have them compared against all other needs of the county. The Health Department was also asked to rank these in terms of importance in the eventuality that we can't fund all of them.

I don't serve on the Law Enforcement and Judiciary Committees. Luckily, the chairs of each of those committees sent me updates from their budget action. Commissioner Penelope Tsernoglou, Chair of the Law Enforcement Committee, reported:

"The Animal Control, Community Corrections, 911 Dispatch Center, Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Prosecuting Attorney, and Tri-County Metro Squad Representatives indicated their satisfaction with their budgets early on so the committee promptly approved their budgets and sent them on their way. While there were noticeable cuts made to many of these departments, the directors were able to work with our controller to reach a budget we could all live with.

However, the Sheriff’s Office was unable to come to an agreement regarding their budget. The controller’s recommended budget included the closing of Post 7 (57 beds) and the elimination of six correctional officers, adding up to a savings of $583,424 in addition to eliminating a deputy and a detective position. The two positions, a deputy and a detective position, were placed on the z-list. Sheriff Wriggelsworth indicated that both positions were very much needed, but the deputy position would come first if he was forced to choose between them. An additional Pre-Trial Services Investigator position was included within the budget for Circuit Court to help manage the jail population in light of the reduced capacity. However, Sheriff Wriggelsworth and Undersheriff Alan Spyke presented a strong case for keeping the post open. Commissioner Celentino moved to take money out of the undesignated fund balance to pay for the jail post. The controller offered an alternate suggestion of placing part of the cost for the jail post on the z-list and allocating the remaining costs elsewhere. However, the motion passed 4-2 with Commissioners Schaefer, Celentino, Dragonetti, and Koenig supporting it and Commissioners DeLeon and Tsernoglou voting no. Commissioner Koenig unsuccessfully moved to reconsider. Commissioners felt strongly that we need to keep the jail post open. Unfortunately we may be setting a bad precedent by attempting to use undesignated fund balance to balance our budget. If we do end up using the full amount this will be the highest amount of undesignated fund balance the county has ever used. It is very likely that the Finance Committee will adjust our recommendations before sending the Sheriff’s budget on to the full board."

Commissioner Carol Koenig, Chair of the Judiciary Committee Committee reported:

"All divisions of the judiciary accepting the Controller's recommended budget. The one caveat given by the chair was that if the budget change proposed in Law Enforcement (namely leaving the jail post open) was adopted, the additional pre-trial investigator position for the courts would probably not be filled."

The Finance Committee's job is to put the budget back together. They had to look at all of the requests on the z-list to see what should receive the $300,000. They also had to review the $500,000 taken from the reserves. My understanding is that MOST OF the Health Department needs were taken care of by allowing grant dollars to be counted towards these positions in the budget. A Sheriff Deputy position was also restored thanks to an arrangement arrived at between the Sheriff and the collective bargaining units. The z-list money ($300,000) will all be used for the jail post. We will then look to rent out the 64 beds in the post of the jail that was closed a few years ago. If that is successful, that money ($150,000) will be used to make up the remainder of the cost of keeping the jail post open (with a little coming from the 2013 contingency fund). The other z-list requests, including a communications officer at the Health Department, a full time position in the parks, and a detective in the Sheriff's Department were not funded. It seems that the Health Department may be able to fund the communications position by moving other funding around, but that is still being worked out.

I am interested in hearing the final result presented to the entire Board of Commissioners. It seems that Finance and the Controller got creative, but I am glad that they were able to come up with plausible alternatives that did not take money from the county reserves.

Well, that's it. That's plenty. Sorry this is so long!

Parks Millage, Health Care Millage, Law Enforcement Millage

This week I had a County Commission meeting and my first budget hearing. Because the Commission meeting was very long, I will report on that and save the budget meeting stuff until next week and combine it with other budget committees. Sorry this is a little late in getting out.

For the Board, this is the last week that we can put issues on the November ballot. So, it was a busy night. We had two millage requests on the agenda - the Health Care millage passed by the Human Services committee and the Parks Millage defeated by the Finance Committee but brought as a personal agenda item. The third one was a Law Enforcement millage that Commissioner Schafer requested. The Board voted 10 - 4 to allow this to be added to the agenda (resolutions that are late and haven't gone through committee need 2/3 to get on the agenda). During public comment we heard from people both for and against the health care and parks millages. Mostly against the parks millage.

Commissioner Rebecca Bahar Cook lead off by offering a Parks Millage of .52 mills for four years to support regional parks that are county parks or municipal parks contracted to be operated by the county. After hearing in public comment that this millage would only go towards Lansing parks (which was incorrect), I offered an amendment to specify that it was for all regional county parks and local parks that can be considered regional. The language specified that the parks "may include, but not limited to Hawk Island, Lake Lansing North, Lake Lansing South Burchfield, River Trail, and others." I said that this would show some of the options that this money can be used for. Commissioner Vickers said that the language should say "shall" because he believed that this was just an effort to trick the voters then use the money for Lansing. I said that was not true and didn't get to the point of the amendment at all. Commissioner Gerbner said that this new language has no reason to be there because it doesn't say whether or not we are actually going to use the money to support these parks. The amendment failed on a failed 6-8 vote.

We then got into debate on the issue in general. Commissioner Bahar-Cook argued that when looking at mandated versus non-mandated services that the county has to pay for, parks come up first for cuts as non-mandated. She said that parks are important to residents. The River Trail is a good example of a regional park, and Ingham County citizens want expansion of the River Trail through Holt to Mason. Also, segments may go through Meridian and Haslett. The millage could be used for that. She also reminded Commissioners that our Board priorities have included the expansion of recreation for citizens in the past, before having to be scaled back to only maintenance. Finally, she mentioned that there are significant cuts in the proposed budget for this year. 57 beds cut if we close a jail post, sheriff's detective and deputies, Friend of the Court positions, district court positions, prosecutor office positions, county parks employees and others. Creating a parks millage could free up $1.3 million to reinstate these cuts, and the Parks Board could look at the other $1.9 million left in millage to enhance parks across the county. Lastly, she reminded Commissioners that asking for money first then coming up with a plan has precedent. We did this with the Juvenile Justice money.

Commissioner Dougan said that passing this millage would be a disservice to the months that went into creating the budget. He also said that there has been no discussion about the millage and that the Board meeting was the most comprehensive scope of a budget for this proposal. He also said that the budget shift proposed means that this would be a general fund tax increase. Commissioner Tennis said that the Governor has been asking for regionalism and has been basing revenue sharing on it. This millage would help to show regionalism. Locals are being cut, and more and more we need to backfill those cuts.

Commissioner Grebner argued that the language is not great. he refuted the argument that this would be a general tax increase because we have many other millages that take things out of the county general fund and instead are dedicated funds towards specific services - 911, buses, CADL, and a few others. Spinning off parks to a specific millage is not new and not a bad idea. It would create better service and unburden the county. But, he argued that this proposal does not have the details in place that we need in order to do do a millage for parks. He said that there was no written proposal offered and only a rumor that the City of Lansing has requested this. There has been no contact with other municipalities; no contact with the county parks board; no attempt to strategize this; no formal presentation of an idea. Other millages have been talked about and worked out in committee, and this is not properly vetted. Finally, he argued that if passed this would result in wild scramble to get a hold of the money and it is better to figure this out and have a scheme to offer a countywide trail system with attached parks operated by county. He said that this should be on the ballot a year from now.

Commissioner Vickers argued that the process is bad and there is no transparency. He said that it is true that people use the River Trail but don't pay taxes in Lansing, but that the 1/2% of non-resident income tax should cover this. He said that the average Lansing taxpayer pays six different taxes for parks - Zoo, local parks, city income tax, property tax, county tax, and being asked for county millage.

At this point, I weighed in. I reminded Commissioner Vickers that the voters of Lansing approved all of the taxes he mentioned and that the voters should be able to support the services that they want. It is for the voters to decide if they are over-taxed or not. One of the things that I want to see is a reduction or elimination of parks fees for county residents (which were implemented about 11 years ago). I am hopeful that a millage like this can result in an elimination of parks fees for residents. I also reminded commissioners that this is not just for Lansing and the river trail and that only one county park is in Lansing. Burchfield is out-county, Lake Lansing North and South are in Meridian. I agreed that this is rushed and I wish we had it earlier, but the election is November 7th and the need seems to be now. Had the millage been placed on the ballot, I would expect and hope that we would have a plan to provide to the voters in the next month or so that they could consider by November 6th.

Other Cmmissioners weighed in as well. Commissioner Grebner reminded us that the population base is in Lansing which is why we built a park there, and that services are provided where the population is. And said that a regional park system should be focused in the metropolitan area, where the people are. Commissioner Tsernoglou said she supports a parks millage but has tremendous concerns about proposal. What happens with other budget decisions if we don't have a plan for this. What do we do with other budget pieces? We can't assume it will pass in November so how do we create a budget with this hanging out there. She wants to see a plan worked on for next year. Commissioner DeLeon would vote for this if the County Commission commits to having a plan by December agreeing to not assess the millage. Commissioner McGrain said that we are at a crisis point. Parks are the easy thing to cut, yet they are highly valued. He also expressed concern, though, that without a plan now this could be a feeding frenzy. Commissioner Celentino said that he agrees with supporting regional parks, but said that we have a reputation for being thorough and that he is more comfortable for this to go through the committee process. He then moved to have it sent back to the County Services. His motion passed 11-3, with the Democrats all supporting it and the Republicans opposing it.

We next considered a resolution to put on the November ballot a request for .52 mills for health services for low income uninsured families and adults living in Ingham County not covered by the Affordable Care Act. Commissioner Tennis briefed other commissioners on the discussions that we had in committee. He specified that this will help reimbursement rates for doctors so the folks without insurance have a place to go. Very few doctors accept Medicaid because the reimbursement rates are too low. People are having a harder time getting health care from their employer or on their own. The federal government have been giving Disproportionate Share Hospital payments, and these payments are declining. The Ingham Health Plan (IHP) is a great program, and it is critical to maintain it. The Affordable Care Act doesn't cover everybody, and several thousand Ingham County residents still won't have health insurance. How can we pay for those people? We pay for them one way or another. Either we provide programs like the Ingham Health Plan and fund it so that there is prevention, or we pay for them in crisis response via emergency rooms with higher costs and worse health outcomes.

I raised the same concerns that I raised previously in committee. I said that there is massive confusion with health care in Michigan. I think that people believe that we have national health care coming, which is exactly what someone in public comment said. This is not true, but people think it is. I am concerned that this misinformation will result in the millage failing at the polls and I don't want this to negatively impact the IHP. I said that I have been presented focus group information which shows that this is, in fact, the best time to put this to the voters. If people can be given the factual information, a majority could support it. I don’t know that this will be able to be done, but I am ready to give the advocates a chance to convince the voters. We will have more voters at the polls this November than any other election because it is a presidential election. We should have the most people possible deciding on what is best for the working lower-income residents of this county and not wait until a lower turnout August election or a lower turnout gubernatorial election.

Commissioner DeLeon said that she is not on the Human Services committee and was originally inclined to vote against putting anything on the ballot. She previously did social work, though, and determined medicaid eligibility for the Deptartment of Social Services. Public comments convinced her that this is what a governmental body can do for the people when it sees the need. Commissioner McGrain commented that even after Health Care reform, 10,000 people are uninsured in Ingham County. There is definitely confusion out there about whether it is affordable health care or universal health care. People need the benefit and more will need it down the road. Commissioners Koenig and Celentino also indicated support for the Ingham Health Plan and that this is what sets Ingham County apart from others. The motion to put this resolution on the ballot passed 11-3, with the Democrats voting for it and the Republicans opposing it.

The Regional Licensed Law Enforcement millage was up next. Commissioner Schafer, who introduced this as a late agenda item that night, indicated that he asked for this to be put on the docket because he wanted to show the hypocrisy of commissioners if they allowed a parks millage to go to a vote of the people, but didn't allow a public service millage to go to a vote of the people. This was introduced a few years ago but it did not get enough votes to make it to the ballot. With the parks millage resolution being referred to committee, though, he no longer wanted the public safety millage to be before the Board and moved that it be referred to the Law Enforcement Committee. That motion passed unanimously.

That's it. It was a late night. Next up, I will discuss the budget. But that will wait until next week!

Health Care Millage, Otto Health Center, Parks Mowing Contract to Expire, Hawk Island Snow Park Hill, Lansing Township Request for County to Borrow Money

This week was a very busy week for the committees of the Ingham County Commission. This may be my longest blog yet (sorry about that). We spent many hours in committee this week!

In the Human Services committee, we once again considered the question of a millage for health care accessibility and services in Ingham County. The Ingham Health Plan (IHP) currently services those that make between $17,500 and $28,000. These people won't qualify for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (i.e. Obamacare), but also won't be able to afford what is on the exchange because of co-pays and deductibles. The millage would cover these people, and expands provider access to community health centers and to Ingham County health clinics. It would also repay doctors with a rate competitive to the state reimbursement and close to the medicare reimbursement rates. The IHP and Ingham Health Department staff argued that this is a good time to put this on the ballot. They said that even with the Affordable Care Act in place, and even if the state expands medicaid coverage to 138% of the poverty rate, there are still 8,000 uninsured people. If medicaid is not expanded, we will be in worse shape and there will be more uninsured people because only disabled or pregnant women or others in categoricals will be covered while the working poor would not be covered. IHP said that they will educate the community on what the Affordable Care Act covers and what it doesn't, so people will know what the millage will be used for. The said that wile there is still much unknown among the public about Affordable Care Act, they said that the November election is a time when more people come out and vote. They also said that that the ballot language explains exactly what is covered, and specifies that this millage does not cover things under the Affordable Care Act. They also updated us that they have lowered the rate they are requesting from .61 to .52 mills by decreasing slightly the increased rate to providers. They will look for a federal grant to cover the reduction. They said that those with $50,000 homes will pay $26 per year, and that they will pay this anyway in higher insurance premiums when those with uncompensated care go to emergency rooms. It will raise $3,349,779 in the first calendar year according to the current tax base, and will be a 3 year millage that likely couldn't be renewed because the percentages will change. They said that this millage develops the ability for people to have stronger and better health, and that there is a collective benefit to the community if we pass this. The Ingham Health Plan is the only place some people can go for health benefits. 40,000 people have benefited from this plan at one time or another. There is a benefit to society because people have medications through IHP and won't have to go to the ER. The IHP saves the lives of those that live and work in this county. Commissioner Vickers asked how much more the doctors will receive and who determines this. IHP staff responded that the State of MI has gone to the Medicare rate (which is 67% above IHP). The original millage request started there, but is now going back down to 60% in order to lower millage rate requested. Commissioner Vickers then said that the IHP is a great program, but that they don't need this increase.


I next commented that I believe that the Ingham Health Plan is a great program and Ingham County is a leader in providing a program for health care for its low-income working population. We have used federal funds for this which are now drying up. This program clearly needs the monetary infusion to remain viable and keep people out of ER’s and costing society more in higher insurance. That being said, I believe that there is considerable misinformation and confusion about the Affordable Care Act (also called Obamacare by some). I believe that people will not vote for this millage because they think that Obamacare will cover all people as a national health care. While we do not actually have universal health care – only those making up to 138% of the poverty level could be covered – people will not see it that way and will wonder why they should support a .52 millage for something that the federal government covers. I think that people are going to vote against funding for a necessary and great program, thus making it harder to go back to the voters in two years when we have a serious need because we can no longer fund the IHP. And it will be a negative commentary by the voters of a great program. Knowing that the Republicans would be voting against this, and the other two Democrats on the committee will be voting for it, my vote became deciding. I believe that the entire Board of Commissioners should be able to consider this question. All 16 Commissioners should be able to represent their constituents by having a say on whether this should be on the ballot or not. As such, I voted yes on this item to move it to the full Board of Commissioners for consideration. I also indicated a tremendous reluctance to have this go to the ballot now because I think it will fail and it would be better to do this in the future.

Commissioner McGrain commented that people are going to take risks by opting out of Affordable Health Care Act, and that the working poor are not being taken care of. He said that we need this and that he is supporting this in committee and on the Board floor. The vote in committee was 3-2 (yes: Tennis, McGrain, Schor no: Vickers, Dougan). I am not on the Finance Committee, so I don't know the discussion and vote in that committee on Wednesday. The language that will be on the November 6, 2012 ballot if passed by the full Board of Commissioners is as follows:

INGHAM COUNTY HEALTH SERVICES MILLAGE
Shall Ingham County be authorized to levy up to 0.52 additional mills for the purpose of providing basic health care services to Ingham County residents whose incomes are between $17,500 to $28,000, and who are NOT eligible for Medicaid under the Federal Affordable Care Act, and who do not have medical insurance? If this proposal is approved, Ingham County will use these funds to help pay for doctor visits, generic medications, and essential care such as preventative testing and treatment for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other serious illnesses for low-income residents whose employers do not offer health insurance or who cannot afford to purchase health insurance. This proposal would increase the Constitutional limitation of the amount of property taxes which may be assessed each year against all the taxable real and personal property in Ingham County by up to 0.52 mills ($0.52 per thousand dollars of state taxable valuation) as new additional millage for a period of three years (2012-2014 inclusive). If levied in full, this millage would raise an estimated $3,349,707 in the first calendar year.
YES [ ]
NO [ ]

A second resolution considered in the Human Services Committee (and considered in County Services the next night) which garnered significant discussion and comment was the resolution to convert the current student-based Otto Community Health Center to a general community health center and employ a full-time physician. The Ingham County Health Department, in partnership with community members and other organizations, established the Otto Community Health Center in 1996 to address the need for access to health care for students attending the C.W. Otto Middle School of the Lansing School District. In 2003, Otto was designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike site. The C.W. Otto Middle School was closed by the Lansing School District in June 2012. Because of the need for service of the population on the northside, the Human Services committee considered a recommendation to authorize the transition of Otto from a School-Based Health Center that serves the adolescent population to a Community Health Center, which will serve the general population.

In response to a 2011 study completed by Capital Link, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting community health centers in planning and financing capital projects, the Ingham Community Health Center Board of Directors recommended to us that the Otto Community Health Center remain open as a community health center that serves the primary health care needs of medically vulnerable residents on the North side of Lansing. The 2011 study revealed that one of the greatest needs for primary health care services is on North side of Lansing. The Lansing School District has agreed to allow the Ingham Community Health Centers to continue to run Otto as a primary health care service site for the general population surrounding the health center. Otto currently provides primary health care to approximately 300 adult patients each year. This resolution allows the Ingham Community Health Center to provide primary health services to approximately 800 new patients through much needed increased capacity. This is essential as all of our current Community Health Centers are challenged to accept new patients. Current staff of the Otto School-Based Health Center Network will be realigned to a new school-based health
center, which will be located within the Lansing School District’s Eastern High School as required by the Michigan Department of Community Health. To effectively provide primary health care services for the general population at the Otto Community Health Center, existing positions will need to be realigned within the Community Health Centers, including an existing clinic assistant and a nurse. A vacant Program Specialist position will also be reassigned to Otto. A Primary
Care Physician position will also be established.

Significant public comment was heard on this issue. Several people spoke about the need because the health centers are full. This will allow for 300 additional adults that don’t have service without Otto. They need to be able to serve more clients and need more resources for the northside populations. Many people walk to the clinic, and will not be able to get to Eastern. Also, Eastern is not accepting adults, so there will be a loss of service. Ingham has a commitment of equitable access to health care that other counties don't have. Ingham Health Plan representatives also told us that they rely on Otto to meet capacity needs. Commissioner Vickers asked several questions, including if we will be the only entity in the school. The answer is that we will, and that the area is separated and has its own gates and heating. Having someone in the building will be helpful to the community so that the building doesn't become blighted. Commissioner Dougan asked about the effective date of the switch. The answer is that it just stays open, as long as this resolution is passed. The School Based health center moves over to Eastern at beginning of school year, and the transition of Otto is the same date. The resolution passed Human Services and County Services unanimously.

In County Services, one item which was significant by our non-action was an issue that you may remember from a few months ago - the agreement between Ingham County and the City of Lansing for the Maintenance of Certain City Parks. The contract, which had significant controversy because of the Lansing parks employees that were laid off, was not acted on and not renewed. It will expire on September 30, 2012. The City indicated that they did not want to renew the agreement with us, and they will instead include these parks in the vendor contract for the other City parks. The County would likely have not renewed the contract as well, so this worked well for both parties.

We passed two resolutions dealing with the Hawk Island Snow Park. It has been determined the Hawk Island Snow Park would benefit significantly from the expertise and involvement of Ryan Neptune, an internationally known figure in the winter sports community, and his company, Superparks LCC (Planet). His company manages and oversees many ski resorts and events around the United States including one in Gaylord, Michigan. The County Services Committee passed a resolution entering into a contract with Superparks LCC (Planet). Planet would be responsible for working with and managing partners for the Hawk Island Snow Park in the seasonal preparation for all outside operations with respect to the venue and would look to hire as many local seasonal workers as possible. Planet would report directly to the Parks Director and areas of management and oversight duties would include, but would not be limited to: vehicle and slope maintenance, lift operations, grooming, snowmaking, terrain and tubing park crew, risk management, ski school, rental, food and beverage and retail. Planet would also help design, consult, and explore the development of alternative action sports related venues to be added on the hill such as mountain bike trails, skateboards, BMX, and Zip Line type venues with the prior approval of the Parks & Recreation Commission. In addition, Planet will make recommendations regarding marketing materials and the cost of all marketing will be paid by Planet. The gross receipts collected at the Hawk Island Snow Park, with the exception of vehicle entrance fees, would be split in the amount of 25 percent to Ingham County and 75 percent to Superparks LCC (Planet). The term of the contract would be for 3 years terminating on August 31, 2015 with a two year option to renew. Commissioner Vickers was concerned that events and tournaments at the Snow Park will be done at the expense of our residents being able to use the hill. Our parks staff, though, said that any competitions and tournaments would draw people to the Snow Park to learn about the event and to see the snow boarders and competitors. Commissioner DeLeon asked about the problems with the construction of the hill and wanted to know if this is a response to these problems. Our staff indicated that there were safety issues because of the evolution from the tubing hill to something greater. We identified all the things needed to be done and things that we will want to do down the road, and this will ensure that it is safe. The vote on this resolution was 5-1 with Commissioner Vickers indicating concerns.

It was also determined the snow park hill at Hawk Island has significant soil erosion issues. We passed a resolution approving a contract with Anderson-Fisher for the grading, scarification, polymer, drill seed, mulch, and mulch anchor necessary to correct the soil erosion and safety issues. The contract with Anderson-Fisher & Associates, Inc. of Mason, Michigan for the grading and landscaping of the Hawk Island Snow Park will be in the amount of $42,712, with an additional contingency amount of $6,500. Total project cost will not exceed $49,212.

Finally, we considered a request from Lansing Township for Ingham County to loan the Township the money to cover environmental clean up costs so that the Former Anchor Motor Freight/Lease way Properties can be redeveloped. The request made was for Ingham County to borrow $400,000 to $500,000 from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Revolving Loan Fund. The fund offers low interest rates to local units of government (i.e. no payment for 5 years and an interest rate of 1.6%). The township does not wish to borrow the funds themselves because they are too close to their debt limit due to previous borrowing for projects like the expansion of the Eastwood Towne Center. The Township Planning Director said that they have identified a developer and want to get this going quickly. $500,000 is what they are estimating for contamination issues, and DEQ is supportive of using the Revolving Loan Fund for this site. The Township said that the funds would be paid back over ten years with tax capture from their Brownfield TIF (tax increment financing) District.

Several questions were asked about this proposal. I asked them how they would pay back the money when the Township doesn’t actually have a Brownfield district set up. They said that they are planning to create one and will capture the taxes using what they will set up. I also asked how they know that it will be $500,000 in costs, and if they have done a baseline environmental assessment. They said that it is an estimate, and that they had not done a baseline assessment. The costs could actually be much more than that, and that will be known after the baseline assessment is done. The Township representative estimated that would take two months, although that may be very optimistic. Finally, I asked why the Township took the property from foreclosure when they could have left it to the County Land Bank. They took the property knowing that they would have to ask to borrow money to clean it up. It could have been cleaned up by the Land Bank, which has resources at its disposal. The Township representative expressed concern that the property would be purchased at auction by a speculator and sit vacant before the Land Bank could get it. I indicated that the Land Bank could have bundled the property with others, which would likely keep it with the Land Bank.

Commissioner Vickers asked how close the Township is to its lending cap. The Township representative said that they were about $6 million from their cap. Vickers then suggested that $500,000 will not put the Township close enough to the lending cap to worry. And indicated a concern with the County lending money to municipalities. There were also significant concerns that approval of this could set a troubling precedent. Commissioner Grebner indicated he assumed we were providing full faith and credit for a better rate. He expressed concern with lending money to municipalities, as this is a dangerous precedent and other municipalities in Ingham County would come to us next for similar loans. He also pointed out that the County may need to borrow money for cash flow, and can't afford to lend money. He preferred a plan where the Township spends the money but the County pledges full faith and credit for a better rate to the Township. Staff agreed, and indicated in a memo that while the County has pledged our full faith and credit in the past to townships, this has primarily involved water system upgrades that are paid back with assessments to their local users. Commissioner Celentino indicated the necessity of the Township to have this property redeveloped and back on the books. He indicated support of the Township in the request, but asked them to go back and come up with a more solid plan and the county could decide to accept or reject it at that time. There were also suggestions that the Township could partner with the Land Bank if necessary. This item was for discussion purposes only and was not voted on.

We also had a quick discussion during the “announcements” period about a request made from the City of Lansing to put a countywide parks millage on the ballot for November. Because the request was made this week, it is going directly to Finance for consideration tonight. The request seems to have a .50 millage to fund regional parks such as the River Trail, Ranney Skate Park, existing county parks (Hawk Island, Burchfield), and others. There was speculation over what this could cover and whether or not the Finance committee will pass this to the Board on Tuesday. The Finance Committee is meeting tonight and I have no information on the discussion, but I expect to report on this next week if the proposal makes it to the full Board floor.

As you can see, it was a long week. I am tired. More to come next week when we take all this up on the Board floor!

No Commission Meetings This Week...So A Big Post-Primary Thank You!

First, let me apologize for missing the blog last week. I try not to skip weeks, but there were no county meetings last week and it was the last 5 days before the election. So, I was busy and forgot.

This week, we also did not have an Ingham County Commission meeting. As I have mentioned before, July and August we meet half time. So only one round of committee meetings and one county commission meeting. That means each Commissioner will have three meetings (2 committees and 1 Board meeting). August is the same thing, except that we add budget meetings for each committee.

This week was first big step towards the culmination of the last year and a half of my life. As you know, last year I declared my intention to seek the open seat for Lansing and Lansing Township in the House of Representatives (68th District). Representative Joan Bauer is term-limited out of office after six years. And, as it turns out after redistricting, the new 68th seat also encompasses a portion of Rep. Barb Byrum's seat.

Last Tuesday was the Democratic Primary where seven candidates ran for the 68th district House seat. I have been knocking doors for several months (since March, I think), but we really ramped up the campaign after Memorial Day. My campaign manager came on full time and we solidified our campaign staff. For three months, we canvassed the entire district. Personally, I knocked about 8,000 doors. My campaign knocked about 28,000 doors. Voters received several mail pieces. 750 yard signs were put up. Calls were made. We ran a full and aggressive campaign that i am very proud of. After all of this effort to get our message out to the voters, we received 43% of the vote in the seven-way primary. This was enough to be victorious.

I have so many people to thank. First, I thank the voters of Lansing and Lansing Township. I heard at so many doors that people had read the materials we sent them, and enjoyed discussing the issues at their doors. The voters were informed and really responded to our message of focusing on education, jobs, and revitalization by being able to get immediate results because of my extensive experience in the Legislature and as an elected official. I would also like to thank my campaign team. Joe, Sean, Denzel, Kira, Nathan, Brendan, Karissa, Tom, Mitchell, Nyla, and all the many people who knocked doors and made calls and entered data and put out yard signs and did the things that the campaign needed. You all are amazing people. I will never forget your extremely hard work and your belief in me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thanks to all those that stuck their necks out to endorse me. The many elected officials, associations, neighborhood presidents, community leaders, and others. You took a risk by believing in me and making that public before the election. I always remember those who were with me in the hard times, and I greatly appreciate it. There are too many to list here, but my endorsements are still up on my webpage at www.andyschor.com.

Then there is my family. My wife, Erin Schor, and my children Ryan and Hannah. They were so supportive through the whole campaign. They understood when I had to go out and knock doors and attend events and take calls. A campaign like this simply can't be successful without the support of your family, and mine is awesome!

I look forward to the general election campaign, and the opportunity to put my vision up against the Republican nominee. I am excited to engage the entire electorate at their doors, events, on the phones, and anywhere else.

Thanks again to everyone!

My next Ingham County meeting is the Human Services Committee, which is on Monday the 20th. Either I will have a guest blog next week, or may skip posting. I am not sure yet. But the week of the 20th, we will get back to county business for the rest of the year.

Zoo Accreditation and Curator, DB/DC Hybrid for County Officials, 12 Days to Election!

This week we had a full Board of Commissioners meeting.

We lead off with the Potter Park Zoo Curator resolution. Last week, the Zoo Association (AZA) accreditation folks were here and evaluated our zoo. I was one of the 3 or so Commissioners to meet with them to discuss the workings of the zoo. They had a lot of praise for the improvements that we made over the last five years, since the millage was implemented. They did have some concerns, though, over the governance structure. The CEO of the Zoo reports to the Parks Director and the Zoo Board, which reports to the Parks Board, which reports to the County Services Committee, which passes resolutions to the full Board of Commissioners. She really doesn’t have the authority to do much, and the timing of all of these steps can lead to delays of necessary projects. She also can’t hire or fire and doesn’t have discipline authority. The AZA accreditation folks said that this is a concern, and I agreed that the process is not ideal. The County Commission needs to re-evaluate this, and will do that over the next month. As such, the resolution for the Curator position was tabled so that language can be cleared up before the next full Board meeting.

We next discussed creation of a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Hybrid for future county commissioners and elected officials of Ingham County. Commissioner Grebner argued that these resolutions are the tip of the iceberg and that we have to look at this for employees, but that this is something we can and should do for our elected officials. He said that this resolution doesn’t have any direct connection to any union contract. It is only following the Board direction to move employees to a Hybrid system. He said specifically that moving county commissioners to this system does not bind us with other contracts. Next we will look at managerial and confidential employees, and we will continue to negotiate with employees. But, ultimately, he said that it is necessary to reform our pension so it is sustainable for the future.

Commissioner Tennis argued that the recommended multiplier in the resolution for the Defined Benefit component, which is 1.0, needs to be increased to 1.5 in order for him to support the resolution. He said that if an employer offers pension for anyone, there needs to be a level of security for the employee (person receiving pension). The 1.0 doesn’t meet the necessary security level. He said that he is okay with the hybrid plan, but it must be balanced so that pensioner actually has the ability to retire. To do this, there needs to be balance on the DB side (traditional pension) for this to happen because there are no guarantees for security in the DC plan (401(k)). If the economy is doing well, the employee has more money in DC. But things don’t always go well, as has been shown by the current recession. He said he is concerned that going down this road with a 1.0 multiplier puts more pressure on the DC portion to have higher earnings to allow someone to retire. Tennis argued that the only way to have a more \balanced plan is with a 1.5 multiplier. Or a reduction on the DC side if necessary. He then moved an amendment to increase the 1.0 multiplier for the defined benefit to a 1.5.

Commissioner Nolan agreed with Tennis. She said that she received a pension with a 1.5 multiplier as a teacher. She said her not that much, and she has a masters and 36 years of teaching experience. And, she reminded Commissioners that this is now being taxed due to the pension tax. She said that a 1.5 multiplier is not extravagant. Commissioner DeLeon said that the 1% multiplier puts people in poverty and that is not our intent. She also said that she is against the resolution in its entirety because it is being done before the employees. She said that although there is no direct link, perceptions become reality and this could be a tactic to influence the negotiation process. She said that there is no reason to do this now, as we can do it any time this year.

Commissioner Grebner opposed the Tennis amendment, and said that the amendment assumes that the DC is 0 and disappears. He said that won’t be the case, and the compensation factor needs to include the DC component which is substantial. The DB only concerns half of the pension, and the Hybrid has two components – one with risk for the employees (DC) and one that is risk free (DB). He said that the DC is far from an illusion and can be quite generous (and will be), and that it is a mistake to make a hybrid plan that looks like the current DB but adds more to it. This saddles successors with a big problem. He said that the multiplier needs to take account both sides, and shouldn’t be too generous.

Commissioner Tennis rebutted that current school employees have the hybrid with a 1.5 DB and up to 2% DC. He said that ours would be similar to school employees and not unique. He said that he won’t assume that DC is at 0, but also can’t assume that it will be there at all. There is an uncertainty and a risk, and the employees hold the risk in a DC while the employer holds the risk in the DB. Employers are feeling it now because of bad economy because the employer has to pay the pension of the retirees. He said that the Hybrid is a good idea in terms of spreading risk, and needs to be spread fair. Commissioner Dougan the reminded commissioners that this only applies to our County Commission successors and that we are part time. He said that there won’t be long-timer Commissioner again, as evidenced by the turnover that we have had recently (which averages about 4 Commissioners per term). This Hybrid would be unique to part time employees. Currently, the DB for Commissioners is 2.0 until old enough for social security, then becomes 1.7 at social security age. He said he is not in favor of the amendment because it doesn’t make a big impact on part time employees. Commissioner Nolan then made the point that a 1.5 would attract more employees and a stronger applicant pool.

The amendment passed on an 8-7 vote. A majority of Commissioners attending are all that is needed to pass an amendment, and Commissioner Vickers was absent.

Commissioner Celentino then offered an amendment adding language saying that this resolution will not set a precedent for other collective bargaining negotiations currently ongoing. Commissioner Holman argued that the amendment didn’t do anything. The amendment passed 14-1, with Commissioner Holman opposing it.

Grebner then moved to change it to 1.25% instead of 1.5%. He argued that setting an absolute floor that we couldn’t possibly negotiate in a contact and would be creating a problem. Before really getting into the discussion and debate on that point, Commissioner Bahar-Cook moved to table the resolution. The motion passed on an 8-7 vote. So, I expect that we will pick up where we left off at the next full County Commission meeting in August!

On the campaign front, we continue to receive incredible response at doors. Election day is 12 days away. My team and I will continue to push full forward until all votes are cast on August 7th. If you would like to volunteer – knock doors, data entry, phone calls, etc – or if you want to make a last-minute contribution to help the effort, you can go to www.andyschor.com or www.facebook.com/andyschor. And if you live in Lansing or Lansing Township, please remember to vote Andy Schor for State Representative a week from Tuesday on August 7th! Thanks everyone for all your support and encouragement!

Co-Location of Health Department and CMH, Health Care Millage, Campaign Update

We had another busy week this week on the County Commission.

Both the County Services and Human Services committees took up the resolution to allow for co-location of the Community Mental Health and Ingham County Health Department. Co-locating a Health Department clinic at the CMH facility will allow mentally ill patients to get the care that they need. These folks do not come to the Health Department for treatment, but are are at CMH. This effort can make a real difference in the lives of these patients. This is a complicated effort because it is moving people around from one clinic to another. CMH will be providing the office space at $45,000 per year. The UAW testified that the contract was violated because this would create a new job without informing the UAW (as specified in the contract) but that this is overall a good idea and that they support it. They requested that this effort be reviewed by the Human Services committee in 6 months. The Michigan Nurses Association president testified that collaboration with positions makes them comfortable. Nurse Practitioners were concerned about having to deal with situations that are out of their expertise, but the collaboration involved makes them more comfortable. I asked a variety of questions. In Human Services, I asked where the money is coming from - if it was coming from the Health Department Health Department budget or from our contingency fund. I was told that the money will be generated immediately by the federal draw down of dollars from the CMH population, and that the revenue will be generated as the expenses incur. The budget is actually conservative. This information was added to the resolution in County Services. The resolution adds two new positions (doctor and nurse practitioner), and moves one position from another clinic to this one. I asked where the employee is coming from. The answer is that they place people according to their skill set and where the greatest need is. And they look at the impact on the clinic where the change is made. They said that they will move employees to minimize the impact, and agreed to a six month review. We passed the resolution unanimously in both committees.

In the Human Services Committee, we again discussed the Ingham Health Plan (IHP) proposal to place a millage on the ballot. The IHP and the Health Department told us that there are 8,000 – 10,000 people without insurance (even presuming Medicaid is expanded as allowed by the Affordable Care Act). Those under 138% of the poverty level will be covered by the Act. Those that that are between 138% - 250% of the poverty level will be able to purchase insurance from the Health Exchange (which is a menu of insurance options) and will be subsidized based on their income. We were told that many will not have enough money to pay for the premiums on the exchange and if they are paying a certain amount out of pocket then they will be able to opt-out according to the law. 51% of the people that are expected to opt-out and are single, and 49% of the opt-outs have families. $31,000 is the median income (250% of poverty median). Additionally, undocumented and legal immigrants living here are ineligble and go to emergency room. All of these populations will increase taxpayer costs for uncompensated care. For those up to 150% of poverty, 84% of the insurance is covered as subsidies on the exchange (for premiums only, not out of pocket expenses). For those between 200% – 250%, the exchange subsidizes 73% of the cost. This would mean an average out of pocket expense of $328. The Governor and Legislature may expand Medicaid, but also may refuse the federal dollars as other states have done. With Disproportionate Care Funding (DSH) dropping from the federal government, the Ingham Health Plan will not have the funding to provide care to these individuals that make too much for the Affordable Care Act but don't have insurance and don't make enough to be able to pay for the insurance on the Exchange. The IHP is requesting a millage of .61 mills to be placed on the November ballot. This would mean taxes of $30.50 for a house with value of $100,000 (taxable value of $50,000). Commissioner Tennis pointed out that this will keep people out of the Emergency Room and save taxpayers money and will lower health care costs across the board.

August 28th is deadline for a November millage to be placed on the ballot and the Human Services Committee (then the County Commission) will make the decision at the end of August.

I am undecided on whether to vote for this or not. I asked that this not be voted on at the meeting because whether or not the state takes the expanded Medicaid is important, and that decision is not yet made. I don't want to put this on the ballot now and make it okay for the Governor to refuse this federal money. Back-filling this with a local tax before the Governor decides sends a signal that we will pay for it and he can reject the federal money. Commissioner Vickers said that he understands the need, but doesn't think the people can afford this millage. Commissioner McGrain said that health care will be more affordable for everyone, and we don’t want people to opt-out which will result in us paying for their health care.

Campaign Update: We are now 17 days away from the Democratic Primary. I hope all Lansing and Lansing Township residents will go vote on August 7th. I am getting tremendous response at the doors and in various forums with voters. We have plenty of opportunities to volunteer if you are still interested. We are knocking doors every day, making calls, doing data entry, putting up yard signs, and other important things for the campaign. If you want to volunteer, or want a yard sign, or want to contribute to help pay for the costs associated with the campaign, you can email me at andy.schor@gmail.com or you can go to www.andyschor.com. Thanks to everyone for the tremendous support, and I look forward to election day!

Guest Blog: LEAP, and a Schor for State Rep Campaign Update

Now that it is July, the Ingham County Board of Commissioners has gone to its summer schedule. For three months - July, August, September - the Commission meets the last two weeks of the month. As such, we did not meet this last week. I asked the folks over at LEAP to provide a guest blog, and they graciously accepted. I have had the privilege to work with Bob Trezise, Jeff Smith, and Ken Szymusiak. LEAP has done amazing things, and I am excited for all their work on behalf of Lansing and the region.

First, before the guest blog, a Schor for State Representative campaign update...we have about 30 days left until the election. Voting has already begun (absentee ballots) and things are going great! We have been able to talk to voters in a variety of settings, and I am confident that we will be able to accomplish all of our goals in the campaign plan. Then, it's up to the voters. There are still opportunities every day to knock doors, make phone calls, help in the campaign office, contribute, and volunteer in any other way. Go to www.andyschor.com to sign up, or email me at andy.schor@gmail.com I appreciate everyone's support. We are in the home stretch!

Now, for the LEAP guest blog...
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LEAP – New Economy Division

2012 is off to an incredibly busy start for the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). The organization has undertaken a complete restructuring over the last 6 months and an incredible amount has been accomplished. One of the major points of development has revolved around the development of LEAP’s two core missions: business development and new economy development (entrepreneurship, placemaking, and talent).

As Co-Directors of LEAP’s New Economy Division, we want to highlight the current status of LEAP’s activities with regard to creating and expanding the culture of entrepreneurship and set the stage for what is still to come.
Our goal is to build a platform for the growth of new startup businesses within Greater Lansing, and provide an environment and culture that encourages more of our citizens to become their own CEO, and leverage the existing talents in the region. Since the start of 2012 we have been positioning a number of great things under LEAP for us to provide specific services these include:

• Management of the Lansing Regional SmartZone (including management of the Technology Innovation Center and the Hatch student incubator in conjunction with the City of East Lansing and MSU eNet),
• Development of a rapid prototyping program utilizing our 3D printer,
• Management of the State of Michigan Business Accelerator Fund, and
• Continued growth of the incredible events such the Next Bright Idea Business Plan Competition and Lansing Startup Weekend.

Even with all of these actives, it is a tall order to provide “hands on” assistance to all of the different entrepreneurs in our community. However, what many don’t realize is that our region is home to scores of service providers and resources that can be absolutely critical to the success of a would be entrepreneur. Often times, whether it is from an incorrect referral, or another anomaly, our startup companies are not always finding access to the help they need. Clearly this is a critical component to our region becoming a hotbed of entrepreneurial growth.

This is where LEAP will be playing a critical role in helping to unify our entrepreneurial service providers and create a means of communication so that our companies can traverse the galaxy of funding opportunities, programs, and available spaces to ultimately create a lasting and sustainable business in our community that will create jobs and wealth for our citizens.

To accomplish this task we hosted, for the first time this month, our Regional Innovation Network, where representatives from all of our local service agencies met to discuss how we can work together to ensure proper referrals and support one another with the business clients we are working with. These providers included business support service, private and public business incubator programs, our local higher educational institutions, and micro finance providers. At this meeting we unveiled one of our key components to our plan which is a software system that will allow our participating service providers and business incubators to upload information about their clients. This will provide a more cohesive network of services and will allow LEAP and other participants to view and collect the necessary info about these businesses so that we can ensure that no business is ever left behind, and that our referrals and requests for assistance never go unanswered. This is going to be a tremendous step forward in the creation of Greater Lansing’s base for startup activity. Needless to say everyone is excited about this program and we are looking forward to rolling out the program over the course of the summer. There are many ways that entrepreneurs find their way to a particular support provider in our region and certainly LEAP will not always be the first contact, but our goal is to provide a “front door “ to all of the other providers so that we can ensure that every client has 100% of the relevant resource available to them.

This is just one of many exciting developments we are undertaking and we look forward to a Summer and Fall filled with exciting announcements as we build our programming to support our incredible business community.

We want to thank Andy for letting us participate in his blog and we appreciate the support that he and the rest of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners have provided to LEAP this year and in the past.

2012 is a LEAP year and we are looking forward to many accomplishments!
Please contact us if we can ever be of assistance at ken@purelansing.com or jeff@purelansing.com .

Also make sure to visit www.purelansing.com to learn about the New Economy Division as well as all of the other activities LEAP is undertaking.

Thanks,

Ken Szymusiak & Jeff Smith
Co-Directors, New Economy Division