MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. — The Public Safety Committee this week approved a grant match of $344,209 for the continuation of the Macomb Auto Theft Squad (MATS) program in Macomb County. The grant will assist with numerous types of auto theft, fraud, and vehicle recovery efforts.

In 2009, MATS recovered 190 vehicles value of $1.8 million and made 324 arrests. In 2010, the program recovered 174 vehicles with a recovery value of $1.9 million and made 255 arrests. Year-to-date, MATS has recovered 238 vehicles with $933,000 in recovery value, and 133 arrests have been made.

“Clearly, this program works, and is a benefit to our residents,” said Public Safety Committee Chair Phil DiMaria. “Any opportunity we have to help eradicate crime or fraudulent behavior, I think we should take, and I fully support ongoing funding of this program.”

MATS is a cooperative task force comprised of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, and police departments from Clinton Township, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights and Warren. It is funded in part by The Automobile Theft Prevention Authority of the State of Michigan (ATPA), Macomb County, and law enforcement agencies with officers assigned to the squad.

The grant renewal covers October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012. The funding match will be forwarded to the May 24 Finance meeting for further consideration by the Board of Commissioners.

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For more news from the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, check www.MacombBOC.com or visit us on Facebook.

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During a special Finance Committee meeting held Monday, commissioners learned that funds for the state-of-the-art, real-time network — which provides early detection of source water contamination from chemical spills and other pollutants for nearly three million people — could be depleted as early as December 2011.

“We’ve developed a world class system to protect the public from potentially deadly sources of contamination, and we need to do all we can to make sure we keep providing this crucial service,” said Finance Committee Chair Don Brown. “It’s up to the communities who use the system to come together and figure out how to keep it going, and we need to act soon.”

The system, which developed in 2006, has been funded through a combination of sources at the federal, state, local and private levels with a $3.4 million investment to date. It is currently operating at “bare minimum” at a cost of $210,000 per year, with no funds for equipment replacement, data analysis, or technical consultants, officials said. It is estimated that a fully operating system would cost between $500,000 and $1 million per-year to run. The drinking water from the St. Clair/Detroit corridor is distributed to most of Wayne County (including the City of Detroit), the City of Flint, portions of Washtenaw and Lapeer counties, and Oakland and Macomb counties.

Brown said he will work in conjunction with the Office of the County Executive to call a meeting with leaders from communities served by the network in order to explore a feasible source for future funding.

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Some on the Macomb County Board Commissioners have been calling for pension reforms for years, only to have them largely ignored by the labor backed majority.  The last serious effort was in 2006 when as Budget Committee Chairman I initiated a study to find a cost effective way to provide a reliable pension benefit for our employees.  Unfortunitally that effort was also not supported.  Today the economic situation has grown worse than it was in 2006 and the predication of unsustainable costs has come true.  As our county balances its budget with limited revenue, a larger percentage of tax dollars are being directed to cover pension costs, at the expense services and staff which will have to be cut.  As the Finance Chairman of the current Board of Commissioners I will resume efforts to work with our employee unions and colleagues to bring meaningful pension reform.  Below is an article covering my first Finance Committee and that effort will continue at my next  committee meeting on 22^nd of this month.     

Macomb County commissioner says it’s time to pursue pension fund cuts

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

By Chad Selweski
Macomb Daily Staff Writer

Tax revenues will continue to dive, board warned

Macomb County’s pension fund remains financially strong, despite three years of pounding economic hits, but property tax revenues will continue to fall until 2013, requiring even more county budget cuts.

That was the mixed message presented to the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, a warning which also sounds the alarm for all Macomb cities, townships and school districts that are looking for relief from falling property values.

The two reports presented to the board prompted one key county commissioner to declare that cuts in the pension fund should be pursued to avoid future budget deficits.

A long-range report from the county’s property equalization department projects that the drop in property tax revenues this year will be 10 percent, matching last year’s fall. Because of a lag time between market prices and the establishment of the tax rolls, Equalization Director Steve Mellen is predicting a 7.5 percent drop in tax revenues in 2012 before a modest increase of 1.4 percent in 2013.

“What’s interesting to me,” said county board Chairwoman Kathy Vosburg, “is that when you look all the way out to 2020, with state equalized value at $31 billion, we’re still nowhere near the all-time high of $38 billion in 2007.”

The SEV Vosburg referred to represents 50 percent of the market value of all properties in the county. Commissioner Don Brown, chair of the board’s Finance Committee, suggested that the sluggish gains in property values over the next two decades may reflect a “new normal” for Macomb County.

The previous 2009-10 county board approved a balanced budget for 2011 after making several cutbacks, but county Executive Mark Hackel has disputed those figures, saying that his advisers have warned of millions of dollars in red ink over the next several months.

At the same time, an actuarial consultant told the board that the county pension fund is in excellent shape, particularly after the housing and credit crises of 2008-09 that led to a plummet in the stock market.

Cathy Nagy of Gabriel Roeder Smith and Company told the commissioners that, as of Dec. 31, 2009, the most recent figures available, the overall pension system was funded at 106 percent of the necessary projected payouts for current and future retirees.

Only the Department of Roads’ portion of the $800 million pension system is less than fully funded — at 98 percent — which reflects a solid system compared to many of Gabriel Roeder Smith’s 800 clients.

“This reflects the market meltdown of 2008,” Nagy said, “so … this is a very well-funded plan and it’s probably one of the best-funded plans that we work with.”

Nonetheless, Brown said that “everything’s on the table” as the county begins new contract talks with all of its labor unions. With $16 million of the overall budget going toward pension costs, substantial reductions could preserve services for the public, said the Washington Township Republican.

“We need significant pension reform going forward,” he said after Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting.

The actuarial report presented by Nagy showed that Macomb spends 9 percent of its payroll costs on general county employees’ pension fund; 15.7 percent at the Sheriff’s Office; 15.1 percent at the Roads Department; and 8.2 percent at the Martha T. Berry Medical Center.

The employee contributions to the retirement system are: 3.5 percent of pay for general county employees; 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent at Martha T. Berry, depending on a worker’s hiring date; 3.5 percent for road workers; and 4 percent at the Sheriff’s Office.

In other action, the Finance Committee set Hackel’s salary at $139,772, the minimum allowed under the voter-approved county charter. That pay figure is eight times the annual salary earned by the lowest-paid, full-time county employee.

As required by the charter, the commissioners set Hackel’s pay for the length of his 4-year term, choosing to keep it at the current rate through 2014.

URL: http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2011/02/16/news/doc4d5b58ee58d9a359224471.prt

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A Resolution in Support of the Formation of an Interim Regional Management Committee Of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department

Commissioner Don Brown, On Behalf of the Entire Board of Commissioners, Offers the Following Resolution:

WHEREAS the governance of pUblic institutions should be based on the guiding principles of integrity, legitimacy, fiduciary responsibility, accountability, as well as fair and equitable representation; and

WHEREAS currently the Detroit Water Board is composed of seven members, appointed by the Mayor of the City of Detroit, that includes four Detroit representatives and one member (appointed by the Mayor of Detroit) each from Oakland, Wayne and Macomb Counties; and,

WHEREAS the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (“DWSD”) serves 126 suburban communities in eight counties, with more than 75 percent of its 4.3 million water and sewer customers residing outside of Detroit; and,

WHEREAS, despite aver 30 years of “receivership” over Detroit Wastewater Treatment Ptant (‘WWTP”) and DWSD system by the federal District Court, there have been countless violations of state and federal law, breaches of the orders of the court, breaches of contract, and abuses by the existing governing structure; and,

WHEREAS, in 2010 the State of Michigan again issued a notice of violation of the federal Clean Water Act to the City of Detroit that will result in repairs to the DWSD WWTP estimated to cast the rate payers in (he City of Detroit and Suburbs between $100 Mitlion and $200 Million; and,

WHEREAS, recent indictments of the former Detroit City Mayor Kilpatrick, former DWSD Director Mercado and failed DWSD leadership requires action to protect the city and suburban rate payers; and,

WHEREAS, from time-to-time. legislation has been introduced with the intent to try to address the concerns of the region; and,

WHEREAS, although legislation may be a long-term remedy for addressing a more permanent governing structure for the DWSD system, short-term measures are necessary in order to protect the immediate interests of [he region; and,

WHEREAS, in the short-term the proposal recommending the formation of an Interim Regional Management Committee (“IRMC”) comprised of the Mayor of the City of Detroit (or his designee), the Public Works Commissioner of Macomb County, the Water Resources Commissioner of Oakland County, the Wayne County Director of Department of Environment and a person designated by the federal court, with broad powers to control, manage, and operate the WWTP and DWSD, should be created by the federal District Court 10 ensure sustained compliance with the federal Clean Water Act and other orders of federal court; and,

WHEREAS that the IRMC will provide a short-term governing structure that will restore confidence to the region, providing appropriate oversight, greater accountability. cost savings, transparency and efficiencies for all of the rate payers within the region.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Macomb County Board of Commissioners support the request to the federal court in the formation of an Interim Regional Management Committee (“IRMC”) comprised of the Mayor of the City of Detroit (or his designee), the Public Works Commissioner of Macomb County, the Water Resources Commissioner of Oakland County, the Wayne County Director of Department of Environment and a person designated by the federal court, with powers to control, manage, and operate the WWTP and DWSD, to ensure compliance with the federal Clean Water Act and other orders of federal court.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT copies of this adopted resolution be forwarded to the Governor of the State of Michigan, federal Districl Court JUdge Sean Cox, the Mayor of the City of Detroit, the County Executives for Wayne and Macomb Counties, Oakland County Water Resource Commissioner, Wayne County Director of Environment, Macomb County Public Works Commissioner, the Macomb County delegation to the state legislature, the Michigan Association of Counties, the Michigan Municipal League and Macomb County’s legislative lobbyists.

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 MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. — Macomb County Board of Commissioners Chair Kathy Vosburg today announced seven newly formed committees to be approved at the January Full Board meeting.

 Six of the committees will meet prior to each month’s Full Board. They are: Finance (Committee of the Whole), Board Operations (Committee of the Whole), Economic Development, Public Safety, Courts, Health and Human Services, and an Audit committee, which will meet as needed. The committees act as specialized work groups for the Board, enabling it to function more efficiently.  “We have a very knowledgeable and motivated group of commissioners on each of these committees,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Kathy Vosburg. “Each Chair was carefully chosen because he/she brings a key element that can build on everyone’s strengths to successfully move the group forward as a whole.”

Committee leadership and meeting schedules are as follows:

 · Finance — Chair: Don Brown, Vice Chair: Fred Miller. Committee Chair Brown was chosen for his past experience as a Budget chair, and his professional experience with a cross-section of government. Commissioner Miller brings his expertise in government funding and the legislative process as a result of a successful career in Lansing as a State Representative.

 · Board Operations — Chair: Kathy Tocco, Vice Chair: Jim Carabelli. Committee Chair Tocco brings her past experience as the Board’s Vice Chair and perspective gained as a practicing attorney. Commissioner Carabelli offers his experience as a former township official and know-how as a successful business owner.

· Economic Development — Co-chairs: Jim Carabelli and David Flynn. Cocommittee Chair Carabelli served as a co-chair of the former planning and Economic Development Committee and brings institutional knowledge of the groundwork laid in this vital area. Co-committee Chair Flynn served as Vice Chair of the former Planning and Economic Development Committee, and as a result, also contributes relevant experience to this committee.

· Public Safety — Chair: Phil DiMaria, Vice Chair: Joe Sabatini. Committee Chair DiMaria brings a long career in law enforcement and experience chairing a similar committee to his new role.

· Courts — Chair: Ray Gralewski, Vice Chair: Marv Sauger. Committee Chair Grawleski offers to this committee a fresh perspective as a new commissioner,  as well as an eagerness to be involved in county operations.

· Health and Human Services — Chair: Toni Moceri, Vice Chair: David Flynn.  Committee Chair Moceri offers experience as Vice Chair of the former Senior Services Committee, and has a history of extensive community involvement to add to her leadership role.

 · Audit — Chair: Roland Fraschetti, Vice Chair: Toni Moceri. Committee Chair Fraschetti brings knowledge as a past commissioner and investment experience to his new role on this committee.

The list of committees will go before the Full Board for its approval at its next meeting at 7 p.m. January 20, on the 9th Floor of the Administration Building, 1 S. Main, Mount Clemens. Once a schedule is approved, meeting dates will be available online at www.macombcountymi.gov.

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 MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Kathy D. Vosburg was elected by her peers today to a two-year term as Chair of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. She is the first-ever Republican Chair, and third woman to lead the Board.Vosburg was elected in a 7-6 vote during the Board’s yearly organizational meeting. Marvin E. Sauger, D-Center Line & Warren, was elected Vice Chair, and Fred Miller, D-Mount Clemens, and Harrison and Clinton townships, was chosen as Sergeant-at-Arms.

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WHAT: The newly-elected, 13-member Macomb County Board of Commissioners meets for the first time in 2011 to select a Chair, Vice Chair, and Sergeant-at-Arms. The Board will also determine a revised committee structure.

WHEN: 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011

WHERE: 9th Floor, Administration Building, 1 S. Main, Mt. Clemens, 48043

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Upcoming Events from the Clinton River Watershed Council *FREE PRESENTATION*   The Watershed Story  and  How You can Help Keep Our Streams Clean   On Tuesday Jan. 11, 2011  from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) will hold a free Watershed Story presentation at the Washington Municiapl Offices at 57900 Vandyke Rd. Attendees will learn about the history of the Clinton River Watershed, current issues and future projects.  Participants will discover how each of us can make a big difference in the health of our creeks, lakes, drains & rivers by making small changes in our landscaping and home practices.    To register and for more information on how to protect our water resources call (248) 601-0606 or email contact@crwc.org.  Registration is required.      *FREE PRESENTATION*   Winter Watershed Care   On Tuesday Jan. 13, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) will hold a free Winter Watershed Care Water Quality Presentation at the Rochester Hills Whole Foods, 2918 Walton Blvd Rochester Hills, MI 48309 from 7:00-8:00 pm. Winter brings with it lots of fun outdoor activities, like sledding, ice skating and skiing. But winter also means mounds of snow to shovel and layers of slippery ice to remove from our sidewalks and driveways. We often attempt to make the job easier by using various products to melt the snow and ice. However, many people do not realize that many of these products have hidden impacts. Join the Clinton River Watershed Council and learn how to protect water quality during times of cold weather. We will discuss how our actions – how we care for our yards, our pets and our cars – affect the quality of our lakes, rivers and streams and what we can do to be good watershed stewards.    This presentation is part of the monthly Green Lecture Series organized by the local Sierra Club Rochester ECOS group. Please register by calling Whole Foods (248) 371- 1400, or visit https://www.acteva.com/go/RochesterHills       The Clinton River watershed covers 760 square miles through four counties (Macomb, Oakland, Lapeer, and St. Clair).  From its headwaters in Springfield Township, the Clinton River travels 80 miles and eventually empties into Lake St. Clair in Harrison Township.  Over 1.4 million people live in the watershed’s 60 communities.  The CRWC is a non-profit environmental organization that protects, enhances, and celebrates the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair.

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The latest corruption allegations coming out of the City of Detroit, this time involving the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, add yet another reason to regionalize the system.  The suburban rate payers who are forced to pay whatever random rates DWSD wishes to charge now discover another reason for rate increases, a “corruption tax”.   Given suburban rate payers pay for 3/4 of the system the time is past due for a regional authority, accountable to those who pay the bills. One of the first actions of the regional authority would be audit all of the funds and contracts to determine how deep the problem goes? I suspect the recent allegations of corruption are only the tip of the iceberg within in the DWSD.  The newly elected Board of Commissioners will address questions regarding the contracts awarded for work done in Macomb County as well.
 
Once a regional authority is established, maybe DWSD will cooperate with those of us who have worked to create a regional drinking water monitoring system.  That regional drinking water monitoring system is needed to protect the 4.5 million people in SE Michigan whose drinking water is drawn from the Great Lakes from chemical spills or terrorist attack. The refusal by the the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to support a regional framework to maintain it now threatens the systems continued operation.

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