Human Services Committee
Laura Stanek			David Howelman, Chairman	Bernie Blackmore
Minutes May 4, 2004
Members present:		Dave Howelman, Laura Stanek and Bernie Blackmore
Members absent:		None
Others present:		Howard Yamaguchi and Jack White
1.        Meeting called to order at 9:04 a.m.
2.        Probate Court Update
	Family Support Program: Judge Hayes; Bill Hefferan, Probate Court Administrator; Jessica Toker, Paula Schuler and Kim Martin, Family Support Program joined the meeting.
	The main objective of the Family Support Program is to prevent removal from the homes of juveniles as well as lessening the number of people that come through to see the judge.  To date Ms. Toker has worked with 25 families.  Ms. Schuler distributed handouts and explained some of the categories.
	Mr. Hefferan explained to the committee what each person’s role is in the program.   Chronic neglect cases are the main focus; if they are not followed through then they will be subject to court jurisdiction.  Evaluation is completed at end of the project, to see if the juveniles return to the system.  Ms. Martin stated that Charlevoix and Emmet Counties are both interested in our help to start a program in their areas. The program is voluntary and is a last chance for these juveniles before they fall under court jurisdiction.  Bernie Blackmore indicated that this committee is interested in gauging the success of the program, as it sounds like a good program that could possibly grow.
	Judge Hayes explained the financial issue related to the program; the Family Support Program vs. foster care.
	Chairman Howelman thanked the participants and indicated that the Human Services Committee will be watching with great interest.
	Probate Court Update:  Mr. Hefferan distributed expenditures sheet as well as the judicial network project handout.
	Mr. Hefferan explained the push from the State to have all counties reporting electronically; the State is distributing computers to this end and will reimburse the County for wiring.  Estimates for the wiring have already been received from Sky Telecom (Lisa Leedy) coming in as low bidder at $2,450.  Mr. Hefferan asked that the County front the money for the wiring and the State will reimburse.  Laura Sexton suggested he go to the Finance Committee for approval.
	Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Laura Stanek to recommend the Finance Committee front the $2,450 for wiring the 1905 Courthouse with the understanding that the State will reimburse the County.  Motion carried – unanimous.
	Mr. Hefferan also explained that a memorandum of understanding for the personal computers given by the State will need to be signed by the Board of Commissioners.
	Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Laura Stanek to authorize the Board of Commissioner Chair sign the memorandum of understanding from the State.  Motion   carried – unanimous.
3.        Commission on Aging (COA)
	Carol Mitchell, COA Director joined the meeting.  Ms. Mitchell requested that the millage, 0.4 mils, for COA be renewed for five years.  This is a renewal, not an increase.
	Motion by Laura Stanek, supported by Bernie Blackmore to recommend the Board of Commissioners authorize the COA millage be put on the August ballot (see attachment).  Motion carried – unanimous.
	The COA budget is $945,000, with the millage bringing in $480,000.  The rest of their budget comes from donations and other agency contributions.  Antrim is the largest operating COA in the ten-county region.  Ms. Mitchell reported that the COA is swamped with work and that the staff is not sufficient in numbers to keep up.
4.        Meadowview Apartments Update
	George Perkins joined the meeting and distributed handouts regarding the Meadowview Apartments.  Mr. Perkins updated the Committee regarding the death of one of the tenants.  He indicated that a new tenant is moving in immediately so the roster is still full.
	Mr. Perkins indicated that replacing the carpeting at Meadowview is of a higher priority than the purchase of electric stoves.
	Mr. Perkins also indicated he received a response from Charlie Koop, Prosecuting Attorney, regarding one of the tenants.  He also indicated that he has not made any comments to other tenants or to the particular tenant in question.
	Regarding carpeting and linoleum, Mr. Perkins showed samples of proposed colors, texture, etc.  He understands he needs to bid out the linoleum and carpet separately. They have not been bid out yet because he needed clarification on the County bid procedure.  He will get bids in ASAP.  Pete Garwood explained that sealed bids go to the Clerk's Office then opened at the next committee meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.