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!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
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!
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!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
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.
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.
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