Human Services Committee

 

Laura Stanek      

David Howelman, Chairman

Joseph Allen

Minutes

September 2, 2003

 

Members present:

 

Dave Howelman and Laura Stanek

Members absent:

 

Joe Allen

Others present:

 

Pete Garwood

 

1.        Meeting called to order at 9:04 a.m.

2.        Family and Probate Court Update

 

Judge Norman Hayes and Bill Hefferan, Court Administrator, presented the financial report for the Child Care Fund as well as other funds for the Family and Probate Courts.

 

Mr. Hefferan presented contracts for in home care service providers.  The judge and Mr. Hefferan also presented information about a new contract between the Family Independence Agency (FIA) and the Lutheran Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan to provide and coordinate prevention services for in home care (the idea is to keep the child in the home as opposed to sending a child to foster care).  The position will be paid through the Child Care Fund.  Financially, the goal is to reduce the dollar amount spent on foster care.

 

Because the contract involves spending dollars from the County Child Care Fund, the Committee directed Mr. Hefferan to have the contract reviewed by County Legal Counsel.

3.        Meadowview Apartments Update

 

George Perkins, representing Meadowview Apartments management, gave an update on activities at the Meadowview Apartments.  In the last week of August and September, the apartments will be 100% rented.

 

The water leak in the maintenance room has been found and repaired.  The facility has experienced water damage in the wall and the linoleum floor.  Mr. Perkins proposes to replace the linoleum floor.

 

The Committee instructed Mr. Perkins to get three bids for the floor work.  Mr. Perkins will get the three bids as soon as he can.  If he is unable to get the quotes before the Board of Commissioners meeting the Committee will seek authority for the Chairman of the Committee to make the decision with the Meadowview management.

 

Mr. Perkins reported the septic has been pumped after three years at a cost of $900.  The septic service recommended the tank be pumped every year.  The Committee thought every two years would be more reasonable if it is not needed sooner.  Mr. Perkins will keep a close eye on it.

 

Mr. Perkins and the Committee discussed, once again, the possibility of breaking away from the maintenance and cleaning contract between Meadowview and Meadow Brook.

 

The Committee directed Mr. Perkins to get estimates on cleaning the apartments if he were to use an outside firm.

 

Mr. Perkins informed the Committee of a resident at Meadowview that he has had a negative experience with.

4.        Legal Counsel Correspondence

 

The Committee reviewed a communication from Charlie Koop, Legal Counsel, regarding the need for the Meadowview Apartments Manager to have a real estate license.  The essence of Mr. Koop’s opinion is that if the County contracted with a company that managed apartments as a business, a real estate license would be necessary.  Since Ms. Perkins (and Mr. Perkins) is an employee, a real estate license is not required.

Meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.