Meeting Notes 3-14-23
Meeting Notes from the March 14, 2023 Meeting of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners.
Meeting Packet: https://www.miottawa.org/CalendarDocs/2023/1678742728643-packet.PDF
Meeting Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_bBncKVhz4
Sentinel Roundup: https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/politics/county/2023/03/15/ottawa-county-approves-mental-health-positions-after-month-long-delay/70011042007/
https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/politics/elections/county/2023/03/14/ottawa-impact-boots-lone-democrat-commissioner-from-housing-panel-he-helped-revive/70008393007/
https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/politics/county/2023/03/15/ottawa-impact-commissioners-approve-new-senior-aide-position-to-assist-john-gibbs/70006728007/
Ottawa County Housing Commission composition: The Board voted 8-3 to update the composition of the Ottawa County Housing Commission by removing myself, Tom Reinsma and Virginia Beard.
I am disappointed to no longer be able to serve Ottawa County residents and advocate for housing opportunity throughout the County as Housing Commissioner going forward, but I am grateful for the opportunity I have had these last three years to help reestablish the Commission and work to set it on a strong path for success going forward.
CIT Vehicle Addition: The Board approved the request to purchase a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica minivan (or equivalent) at an estimated cost of $28,000 for the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) vehicle.
Summary:
The Community Mental Health Crisis Intervention Team is requesting approval to purchase a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica minivan (or equivalent) at an estimated cost of $28,000 with sufficent tow capacity to pull a trailer (eligible to purchase with grant funds). The Team is regularly traveling throughout the county to provide trainings to large and small groups, public/private safety organizations, and individuals/families needing guidance and support in dealing with crisis situations. The vehicle will pull a trailer holding eleven industrial sized totes of training supplies.
Additionally, this vehicle will be used during a response when a person requires transportation for treatment. Right now, the only vehicles on scene are patrol cars. No other vehicle in the Community Mental Health fleet has sufficient towing capacity to pull the trailer.
The team activity is funded from a COVID block grant, but the vehicle would be purchased from CMH millage funds through a reallocation from contractual services. No additional appropriation is required.
Support Services for Avigilon Systems: The Board approved the 3-year support agreement with Knight Watch in support of for Ottawa County's Avigilon Systems – Surveillance Video and Door Access.
Summary:
Innovation and Technology (IT) Department working with Purchasing, Facilities, and the Sheriff's Office, received proposals from 2 vendors to provide countywide technology-support services in support of the County's Avigilon Surveillance and Door Access Systems. This includes technical/professional support services, continued enhancement, and server capital replacement. After evaluating these proposals, the TI Department is recommending that the County enter into a Master ServicesAgreement with Knight Watch, low bid and best value, for these services for a period of one year with two, one-year renewal options. The annual not-to-exceed cost would be $296,250 - budgeted and approved by OCIA and CPTED. Initial engagement would include review and refresh of the servers supporting surveillance operations estimated at $269,450.
Michigan Medical Marihuana Operation and Oversight Grant: The Board approved the Michigan Medical Marihuana Operation and Oversight Grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Summary:
Grant funds will be used to educate health care providers, students, school staff, parents, school resource officers, those in recovery from substance use disorder, and the public on issues related to medical cannabis. Healthcare providers will receive information regarding the risks of using cannabis when pregnant and/or breastfeeding and the impact that cannabis use can have on youth/adolescent brain development as well as common signs of cannabis abuse.
We will provide community members with access to lock bags through retailers and health care providers and awareness through advertisements and prevention campaigns. New lock bags will be purchased and funded through this grant as well as a Covid Block Grant, and funding through Veterans Affairs. Additionally, advertisement for the lock it up/safe homes campaign, and youth cannabis use prevention will be promoted with these funds. OCDPH will continue to collaborate with regional partners to develop common messaging about cannabis that will be distributed through various mechanisms. OCDPH is working specifically with the Ottawa County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention (OSAP) coalitions including CRAVE (Cannabis Reduction and prevention Education) and the OSAP Steering Committee (social media, billboards, ads, etc). OCDPH is also working cross-jurisdictionally with Muskegon, Kent, and Allegan County to spread the messages regarding Safe Homes and locking up cannabis in the home.
Parks & Recreation Personnel Requests: The Board approved the request from the Ottawa County Parks Department to reclassify the Head Naturalist, Park Naturalist, and Nature Center Secretary positions and add one 1.0 FTE Communications Specialist position at a cost of $95,180.34 funded by the Parks fund balance for fiscal year 2023.
Summary:
To meet goals set by the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission, it is requested to:
1. Reclassify the Head Naturalist position from a Group T, pay grade 9, to a Program Supervisor, Unclassified, pay grade 9.
2. Reclassify the Park Naturalist position from a Group T, pay grade 8, to a Program Supervisor, Unclassified, pay grade 9.
3. Reclassify the Nature Education Center Secretary from a Group T, pay grade 2, to a Secretary, Group T, pay grade 3
4. To add a 1.0 FTE Communications Specialist, Group T, pay grade 8.
Housekeeping Services Contract: The Board approved the Enviro-Clean Services, Inc. contract for housekeeping services at the James St. Complex (A-D Buildings), Grand Haven Courthouse, Holland District Courthouse, and Fulton St (CMH) Building.
Strategic Impact Personnel Requests: The Board approved a proposal from Strategic Impact to change one, 1.0 FTE full-time, benefited Senior Secretary (Group T) position at universal paygrade 4 to an Administrative Assistant (Unclassified) at universal paygrade 7 for a total cost of $6,225.
Summary:
The Senior Secretary position has taken on many responsibilities with the newly established county boards (i.e. County Housing Commission, County Groundwater Board, JH Campbell Plant Closure Planning Committee). This position is now serving as financial administrative support for already established county boards (i.e. Agricultural Preservation Board and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority) and also assuming the responsibility for the administration of the specialized services grant pass-through program for the County which helps to support public transportation needs for seniors and persons with disabilities. With the additions of the new boards and the higher level of responsiblity needed to perform these roles, we are requesting to upgrade the current positon to an Administrative Assistant to provide these services.
Resolution to Authorize "Qualifying Statements" for Bonding Purposes: The Board approved the Resolution to authorize certification of a "Qualifying Statement" for bonding purposes.
Summary:
Pursuant to the requirements of the Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act, the Chief Administrative Officer of the County must certify and file a "qualifying statement" with the Michigan Department of Treasury. This qualifies the County to issue securities.
10. FY2023 Budget Adjustments: The Board approved the 2023 budget adjustments per the below schedule.