2013 - Grand Traverse County

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY
2013 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
Web Committee Implemented a Web Site Content Review Committee late 2012 tasked
with reviewing the County's web site one department at a time each month to improve
content, consistency, updates, and overall access for the public to information. The
committee’s work has led to dramatic improvements. A web policy was also developed
to provide guidelines for consistency in formatting.
Web Training A series of seven web training sessions were held for departmental
editors of the County web site to train and educate employees on the content
management system (CMS) capabilities and to help departments make advanced
changes. The sessions were the first training offered to employees since 2006 when the
County switched to the current web site format and CMS.
Policy Manual Compiled County policies in one place on the intranet for ease of staff
use and location.
Purchasing Cooperatives Investigated County participation in and compared pricing
available in cooperative purchasing programs such as MAC CoPro+ (administered by
the Michigan Association of Counties) and National IPA to ensure Grand Traverse
County is receiving the best pricing available.
MITN Grand Traverse County joined the Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network, an
online purchasing site affiliated with BidNet and used by several government agencies www.mitn.info, giving our departments an online platform for purchasing and increased
visibility to vendors. Use of the site increases vendor participation and competition, and
streamlines the purchasing process.
COMMISSION ON AGING
The Commission on Aging (COA) Board worked with an ad-hoc committee of the county
Board of Commissioners to revise its bylaws and procedures. The COA Board also
went paperless for all of its meetings in late 2013.
Twenty-two (22) Presidential Awards were presented to Commission on Aging
Volunteers who contributed 100 hours, or more, of service.
A scholarship fund was created to assist those older adults having difficulty paying for
services. Revenue was generated from the Commission on Aging Endowment Fund.
Mittens, scarves, and gloves (114 items) were collected by the Senior Center Network
for residents at the Goodwill Inn.
COUNTY CLERK
Two new services were added for the public: Passport/Concealed Pistol License (CPL)
photos and notary services. CPL’s are now printed using a special printer which digitally
applies the photo and prints out a credit card-like license. This has increased the
security of the CPL from possible fraud.
In February our Family Court Records office started receiving electronic filings and in
August, we began electronic filings for all criminal cases. Civil cases have been filed
electronically since January 2012. This has created the possibility for us to merge our
Family Court Records office and our Circuit Court Records office together in 2014. This
will provide one convenient location for filing documents and making payments, which
will increase our staff efficiency and possibly allow for the reduction of one staff member.
We are now able to send court cases to the Court of Appeals electronically and we also
file all Friend of the Court and Court Administrator documents electronically, which has
saved money in copy fees and postage.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (DPW)
The year 2013 was a milestone in that the Board of Public Works put to rest the issue of
financing the Septage Treatment Plant (STP). New rates for all waste streams brought
into the plant for processing went into effect in February, 2013. The rates were set
based on the cost necessary to process both the quality and quantity of waste.
We installed dedicated decant lines to the digesters that process the waste last spring.
This installation allows us to let gravity do its job and eliminates the need to use pumps
(and electricity) to move the decant liquids from the digesters. The total cost of
Engineering and Construction came to $24,900. Of this amount an EPA grant covered
55% amounting to $13,700.
We also secured a contract with PCS to periodically clean the rocks and debris out of
the “rock traps” at the Septage Treatment Facilities (STF). This allows for faster,
smoother unload times for the haulers and keeps debris from ending up in pump
impellers.
The BPW also authorized a new carrier for our credit card services which lowered our
credit card fee for services from 4% to 1%. We implemented an incentive program for
the haulers by reimbursing 2% of a haulers invoice if paid with cash within 30 days. The
combination of a credit card fee reduction and 2% reimbursement still provides the STF
with a net return of roughly $10,500 per year.
Our radio frequency remote reading system for reading the monthly water bills is being
phased out and replaced with a new system that will be in compliance with the new FCC
regulations which went into effect on January 1, 2013. The old system had reached the
end of its useful lifespan and has been prone to failures and inability to perform as
designed. The new system, once installed and converted, is expected to get us through
the next 15 to 20 years. The way technology is changing with smart phones, and various
home security apps, it is hard to predict what direction meter reading will take in the next
few years.
The DPW Construction Standards and Specifications for Water Mains was rewritten as
were the Cross-Connection Program Procedures, and Consumer Confidence Program
reporting procedures. These changes bring the DPW up to date on the latest
construction standards and materials and in compliance with DEQ and EPA regulations.
The DPW field staff now have Samsung tablets that allow them to readily monitor the
various SCADA controls that run the utility infrastructure that we maintain.
Late this year, the DEQ performed their five-year evaluations of the Acme Hope Village,
Elmwood Timberlee, Elmwood/Greilickville, and Peninsula water systems. In these
reports the DEQ looks at every component of the water systems operations, records
their observations, and presents us with recommendations, any violations noted, and
timeline for completion. The DPW staff will be working with the townships, their
engineers, and DEQ in the coming months to address the recommended system
improvements.
Perhaps the most exciting improvement to report is the conversion from a 1997 DOSbased utility billing system to new BS&A software in November of 2013. The new
software allows the DPW staff to better serve the customers and makes information
readily available to the consumer. Most of the bugs have been worked out and the staff
is excited with the performance of this long-awaited software.
DISTRICT COURT
Successfully wrote a $100,000 grant for Mental Health Court for fiscal year 2013-2014.
Successfully wrote a $20,000 grant for mental health services for Sobriety Court
participants for fiscal year 2013-2014.
Michigan State Police traffic citations are now uploaded electronically. The court began
using IPads to assist with electronic processing of search warrants. Increased use of
video hearings including arraignments with defendants in the Michigan Prison system.
Judge Thomas Phillips was appointed to Editorial Advisory Committee for Michigan
Judicial Institute Criminal Procedures Monographs for Arrest and Warrants, Search
Warrants, and Preliminary Exams. He was also appointed to the Michigan Judicial
Institute Academic Advisory Board for District Courts. In addition, he has been
instrumental in founding a Michigan Domestic Violence Court Association.
Implemented a highly successful Eviction Diversion Program in collaboration with the
Department of Human Services, Northwest Community Action Agency, among other
community partners to help tenants who fall behind in rent to prevent eviction.
Instituted an administrative order to improve communication with limited Englishspeaking litigants and members of the public by ensuring that all staff are versed in how
to serve this population.
Displayed an array of photos taken by Alan Newton, Newton Photography, along with a
short story of several of our local homeless population to help educate patrons of the
court and bring awareness of the circumstances of these local people.
DRAIN COMMISSIONER
Authored and produced the first draft of the revised regional storm water management
ordinances for consideration.
Provided the municipalities (both developers and other citizens) with storm water
management plan reviews at no charge.
Invested more than 600 hours in preparation and participation on the County Parks
Commission and the County Board of Public Works as mandated by law to represent
and serve the needs of citizens.
Spent more than 30 hours reviewing over 550 approved soil erosion permits for
2013, the analysis of which will be important to taxpayers and developers.
Was able to successfully apply for a $100,000 Stormwater, Asset Management, and
Waste (SAW) Grant, without the use of an expensive grant writer, by using extensive
research and self-study. In addition, the Drain Commissioner will be donating $10,000
of his own time to comply with the 10% matching fund requirements. This project was
done in partnership with the Watershed Center to protect and improve our valuable
water resources.
EQUALIZATION
Differing software and databases have been converted into one equalization database
running BS&A software. This database does all state reporting functions, all valuation
study purposes, and is linked to the Treasurer for use in the BS&A Tax software.
The contract with to provide assessing has gone well. The two appraisers assigned to
the East Bay Township contract have completed a five-year revisit to every parcel
providing a comprehensive up-to-date database for their yearly assessing duties.
The Equalization Department website has undergone a complete update.
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Jail:
Lock replacements and retrofits continue throughout the building. An automated locking
system was installed on the lobby doors to establish business hours and improve the
safety of the employees and patrons involved with Jail operations.
Hall of Justice:
Modified the Family Court Records area to improve workflow and consolidate with
services previously offered at the Historical Courthouse.
Custodial services were adjusted to an evening schedule. Previously they were limited
to daytime access, cleaning around both the public and the staff during business hours.
This decision greatly improved the condition of the building.
Health Services Building:
Completion of our first full year of services, both through Grand Traverse County and
Dental Clinics North. This building has proven to be an asset to the taxpayers and the
multiple services provided by each division.
Civic Center / Howe Arena:
Installation of a new air make-up unit was completed in November. This unit provides
heating services within the main lobby, restrooms, and back area of the women’s locker
room.
Governmental Center:
DK Security now provides services for after-hour meetings or study sessions. This
includes limiting access into the building between normal business hours and the
scheduled start time for the scheduled event.
Installation of a new thermoplastic roofing membrane was completed in July. This
project also improved the energy efficiency of the building through installation of
additional roof-top insulation.
Twin Lakes:
Safety improvements to the Twin Lakes waterfront, including signage, swim markers,
and an emergency telephone, were completed this summer.
Public Service Building
Security enhancements were completed in the Veteran’s Affairs Office. This project
included installation of a glass partition between the patrons and employee work area,
along with secured entrance doors.
FAMILY COURT
Family Administration:
Judge Melanie Stanton replaced Judge Stowe as the Probate and Family Court Judge.
Diane Conklin was appointed Family Court Administrator.
The court collaborated with multiple agencies to improve communications and leverage
resources for children and families:

Held collaborative meetings with Department of Human Services, Children’s
Protective Services, private agencies, prosecutors and staff to streamline
emergency situations and to coordinate cases. Coordinated with Central
Dispatch regarding LEIN process and emergency removal hearings.
Coordinated with the County Jail regarding use of court officers and
transportation of inmates for trials and court hearings.

Participated in the Michigan “School – Justice Partnership Summit” with the
Grand Traverse County “Team” (DHS, TBAISD, Family Court Judge, Truancy
Coordinator and staff, Juvenile Probation Officer, Prosecutor’s Office) and
received “ School to Prison Pipeline” training. This was a special regional team
formed in September to address truancy and delinquency in response to a
tripling of truancy conferences since 2012. Also implemented procedures for
truant students diagnosed with mental health conditions to participate in
Behavioral Treatment Court versus standard probation.

Worked with the Literacy Council to develop procedures for literacy
referrals/screening of parents involved in abuse/neglect cases. Implementation
is scheduled for 2014.

Family Court personnel received LEIN operator training and LEIN Terminal
Agency Coordinator Training with successful certification, Security Awareness
training, background checks and fingerprinting per LEIN requirements.
The court changed procedures to create efficiencies:

Developed procedural protocol for Jury Trials and Legal Guardians Ad Litem.

Developed and/or revised protocol for Assessments and Preliminary Hearings for
juveniles, victims’ rights procedures, and Consent Calendar program

Updated and corrected outstanding juvenile Criminal History Records for
abstraction; achieved 100 percent for timeliness with the Secretary of State.

Implemented procedures to intercept State Income Taxes in delinquent cases,
and implemented procedures to track bench warrants more effectively.
The court experienced a 50% increase in Neglect/Abuse Petitions filed and authorized in
2013 compared to 2012. In response, the court is working with the Literacy Council to
develop procedures for literacy referrals/screening of parents involved in abuse/neglect
cases. Implementation is scheduled for 2014.
In response to the 30% increase in Juvenile Delinquency adjudicated compared to 2012,
the court took a number of actions:

Probation Officers were trained and certified in “best practice, evidence-based
programming” entitled “Thinking for a Change.” This is a cognitive, behavioral
restructuring intervention to help reduce recidivism and to improve overall
functioning for the youth. The Probation officers “lead/teach” this 16-week
program.

Implemented GPS tether monitoring for juveniles. This technical GPS system
for tracking youth can be used in lieu of detention at a significant cost savings.

Implemented monthly meetings with law enforcement (school liaison officer),
Prosecutor’s Office, and Juvenile Probation Officers to address delinquency
issues in our community.

All youth who enter the Juvenile Justice System in Family Court are given a
Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS). This assessment is
used to determine the risk factors for re-offending, whether the youth is
appropriate for the “Consent Calendar” and the most appropriate disposition/
services /programming for each youth. This is also used for specialty courts.
The Juvenile Sobriety Court had 26 participants in 2013; 17 were discharged – 11 were
successful, 4 were unsuccessful, 1 voluntarily withdrew and 1 was “other.” The court
implemented a number of changes to the program:

Participants and their parents are now ordered into the program – no longer
voluntary.

Phases (1 – 4, dependent on the youth’s success) have been restructured with
an after-care phase (for monitoring in the community).

The program length has been extended to one year.

Developed and implemented a mandatory parent group.

Incentive program changed to “Fish Bowl” drawings. The incentives include
praise and gift cards for restaurants and stores; youth who have complied with all
probation terms “select an item from the fish bowl.”

Implemented same day drug and alcohol testing; 1,347 drug tests were
administered to participants and/or parents.

Received $62,000 from the SCAO Drug Court grant; the parent support group is
funded with this money (in 2012 we were awarded $32,500).

Utilized Drug Court Case Management Information System to track drug tests,
status review hearings, sanctions, incentives, detention/jail, treatment hours and
other program components.

Using assessment tools – YLS, MAYSI and CAFAS - to determine/measure
progress.

Incorporated school attendance and school assignment completion as an
objective measure to document the progress of youths.
The Behavioral Treatment Court had 25 participants; 12 were discharged – 9 were
successful, 1 was unsuccessful and 2 were “other.” The court also implemented a
number of changes to this program:

Phases of the program were restructured to include specific assignment
completion in all phases.

Participants and their parents are now ordered into the program – no longer
voluntary.

Changed the day and the time of the court review hearings to accommodate
working parents.

Incentive program changed to “Fish Bowl” drawings. The incentives include
praise and gift cards for restaurants and stores; youth who have complied with all
probation terms “select an item from the fish bowl.”

Incorporated school attendance and assignment completion as an objective
measure to document the progress of youths.

Using assessment tools – YLS, MAYSI and CAFAS - to determine/measure
progress.
A Youth Support Group was established in conjunction with the new Parent Support
group for Behavioral Treatment Court.

Two facilitators meet with four to ten youth per week in activities designed to
identify and build on the youth’s strengths and interests, while introducing new
life tools.

Collaborative efforts were made with the Literacy Council, including the revision
of the Behavioral Treatment Court handbook (reader friendly). Effective in
January of 2014, all Neglect/Abuse parents will have a literacy skills assessment
conducted by the Grand Traverse Area Literacy Council: “To identify through
assessment the level of assistance needed by the parents, in order for the
workers to accommodate and identify resources to provide tools for a successful
family future.”

New volunteers were trained in the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
program; opportunities were available for over 30 hours of training. Training
opportunities included monthly CASA and Learning Partner volunteer meetings,
as well as meetings for transporters, guardians and other activities.

In conjunction with the Truancy Intervention Program of Family Court, a Parent
and Youth Information class was developed by volunteers in 2012 and continued
in 2013. The goal is to improve attendance at school by providing classes in
school attendance, healthy lifestyles, positive choices, goal setting, career
development and seeking help. Five classes were conducted by 15 volunteers
with 24 students and 25 parents participating. 75 percent of the students did not
receive a third truancy offense after taking these classes.

New Vision Academy provided juvenile offenders an opportunity for personal
growth and development during the summer; 11 youth participated in the
program and 35 volunteers facilitated the classes.

Learning Partners matched caring adults to tutor and mentor children typically
referred by their school as “at risk” of becoming involved in the Juvenile Justice
System. 32 students were matched with 23 volunteers during one-on-one
tutoring and in positive group learning experiences.

CASA – 30 CASA volunteers worked on 43 cases for 92 children in foster care
advocating for their best interests with parents and agency workers, including
writing Court reports and attending Court hearings on the children’s behalf.

Citizen’s Panel is a program to divert first-time offenders from the Court, offering
an opportunity for community members to be involved in the process and
allowing youth to make amends for their offense to the community. 7 panels
were held in 2013 with 3 volunteers on each panel. 11 youth successfully
completed their “promise” by making amends to the community.

S.H.O.C.K. – Shop Lifting Is a Crime Kids! – This collaborative program brings
together Macy’s, the Sheriff’s Department, TCAPS and Volunteer Services for a
video presentation to fourth graders. In 2013, there were 15 elementary school
sessions conducted by two volunteers.
FINANCE
Received the GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
for our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2011. This was the seventh consecutive year we have received this prestigious award.
The county moved to paperless employee pay statements in 2013 and eliminated data
entry of personal time and longevity information associated with these special pay runs
(HR and IT played key roles in these process improvements). In addition, the office
began imaging of accounting documentation to support all journal entries to eliminate the
paper source documents that need to be retained as permanent accounting records.
These documents are now retained as electronic images.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Deployed the ArcGIS “Local Government” data model: ArcGIS for Local Government is a
set of resources, including customizable applications and data models, designed to help
agencies maximize investments and deploy geospatial technology. Its out-of-the-box
maps and apps philosophy provides an economical method for delivering departmentlevel mapping solutions throughout the county. This allows for increased citizen
engagement, and reduces the need to personally address public inquiries. The adoption
of a consistent data model minimizes redundancy and makes it easy to provide spatial
information to more people. In addition, using a common data model fosters interagency
collaboration and efficiency.
Implemented ArcGIS “Parcel Fabric” data model: The ArcGIS
Parcel Fabric data model helps users manage land ownership
representation by accommodating a wide range of applications
and parcel definitions. Thematic layers in the land parcel data
model, such as parcel framework, ownership and taxation, and
administrative areas, are mapped in the spatial database
structure. The ArcGIS Land Parcel Data Model also implements
topology as a set of integrity rules that define the behavior of
spatially related geographic features. The Parcel Fabric’s built-in
functionality allows users to model spatial relationships, such as adjacency, and manage
the integrity of coincident geometry between related features such as coincident parcel
boundaries and subdivision boundaries.
Updated Grand Traverse County plat book: Presently in final proof, the 2014 GT County
plat book should be available from publisher for sale in January 2014.
Updated Grand Traverse County off road vehicle map: In order to ensure the highest
accuracy, cooperated with the Grand Traverse County Road Commission and several
local jurisdictions to update the 2013 ORV map. The county ordinance was also
updated with new reporting requirements intended to keep local and county ORV maps
synchronized.
Began evaluation of ArcGIS Server and ArcGIS online applications: ArcGIS for Server
provides a scalable GIS server platform for allowing web-based access to GIS data.
Server-based processing allows for the management and delivery of internet mapping
solutions, while providing security and the economy of utilizing pre-assembled
applications. Presently the GIS has three public facing pilot applications, and is planning
to deploy several additional applications soon.
Expanded GIS presence into additional GTC County Departments: Prosecuting
Attorney, Sheriff, and Environmental Health (initial discussions underway).
Accomplished timely completion of the GT County 2013 parcel feature class: Completed
the reconciliation of 2013 GT County parcel feature class earlier and with more accuracy
than in any of the previous 16 years in which this process has occurred.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE DIVISION
Health Department awarded Certificates for Accreditation with Commendation and
Quality Improvement: Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) underwent
an intense one-week review in August of 2012, during which 12 program areas were
reviewed with stellar results. Of the 153 applicable essential and important indicators
upon which GTCHD was reviewed and evaluated, the Health Department received an
outstanding initial compliance of over 99%, a really rare feat in the
accreditation program. Many of these standards are difficult to meet, but a very
committed and talented Health Department team was up to the task. This achievement
means GTCHD is a very progressive health department, constantly looking for areas to
improve, providing efficient and better service to the residents of Grand Traverse
County, and being a leader in demonstrating best practices for the rest of the state. This
is the fifth consecutive three-year accreditation for the health department and was
approved in September of 2013.
Response to Clinch Park Splash Pad Sewage Back-up Incident: As a result of exposure
to raw sewage in the Clinch Park splash pad to the public on June 29 and June 30,
2013, a public health response was coordinated by the Grand Traverse County Health
Department. The collaborative response included staff from multiple divisions including
Environmental Health, Communicable Disease and Administration. Public health’s
primary role in this event was to notify the public of the risk, investigate and interview
potential cases, assist MDEQ with on-site water and environmental inspections and take
necessary public health precautions to prevent future exposure or disease. The effort
that was put into responding to this incident resulted in approximately 100 hours of
public health staff time.
Annual Report: After a complete overhaul and redesign, the 2012 annual report was
published on our website. To save on printing costs, it is available in an electronic
format for viewing or printing.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION
Food Service Training & Inspections
GTCHD Staff taught Foodservice Managers Certification training to 122 Grand Traverse
area food managers with 105 out of 122 receiving a passing grade. GTCHD is one of
few local health departments in the state who have three (3) staff members who are
certified to teach this eight (8) hour class which is sanctioned by the National Restaurant
Association, Educational Foundation.
GTCHD staff was involved in the pre-planning, inspection, and licensing of 94
temporary food operations, including events such as the National Cherry Festival, Film
Festival, Horse Show By the Bay, NMC BBQ, Micro-brew and Music Festival, Wine and
Art Festival, Paella in the Park, Taste of Traverse City, Food Court Wars, etc.
Hosted four (4) Food Service Basics classes throughout the year (free of charge) to
Grand Traverse area foodservice workers. The students receive three (3) hours of
instruction in food safety and complete a quiz at the end of the class to receive a
certificate of completion.
Program Reviews
Received accreditation by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)
for our On-Site Sewage Disposal Program and the Michigan Department of Agriculture
and Rural Development (MDARD) for our Food Service program.
Beach Monitoring
Monitored six public beaches for e.coli on East and West Grand Traverse Bay and four
inland lake public beaches for 13 weeks from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The
four additional beaches included Twin Lakes Park (Twin Lake), Taylor Park (Long Lake),
Gilbert Park (Long Lake) and Interlochen State Park (Duck Lake). A total of 130 sample
events were conducted at the 10 beaches; 125 samples were at “Level 1”, (no swimming
restrictions), 4 samples were at “Level 2”, (contact above the waist not advised), and 1
sample was at “Level 3”, (Contact with the water not advised). All beaches which were
tested at “Level 2 or 3” returned to “Level 1” the following day.
Planned and hosted nine monthly Beach Monitoring Stakeholders meeting to discuss
ongoing monitoring of surface waters for e.coli on Grand Traverse Bays (East and
West). The stakeholders include individuals from the GTCHD, City of Traverse City,
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, National Parks Service, SOS Analytical
Lab, Benzie/Leelanau District Health Department, Acme Township, Long Lake
Township, Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State University, and the
United States Coast Guard.
ANIMAL CONTROL DIVISION
Horse Cruelty Investigation Workshop: GTCHD Animal Control Division in conjunction
with the Michigan Partnership for Animal Welfare (MPAW) coordinated a Horse Cruelty
Investigation Workshop in Traverse City for more than 30 law enforcement and animal
welfare professionals from 19 counties across Michigan in February of 2013. The
workshop brought experts in horse welfare to provide training in evaluating equine health
and behavior; as well as how to conduct investigations and working with prosecutors.
Representatives of the GTCHD, Animal Control, Sheriff’s Office and Prosecutor’s Office
were in attendance at the training.
Animal Shelter Agreement: Effective June 3, 2013, an agreement between Grand
Traverse County and the Cherryland Humane Society became a reality. After several
months of negotiations, the Cherryland Humane Society took over shelter services for
Grand Traverse County. The agreement gives dog owners a better opportunity to find
lost pets, as well as to facilitate the adoptions of unclaimed animals. Animal Control
Officers spend an additional 2-3 hours per day that had previously been spent in the
shelter. As a result of the sheltering agreement with Cherryland Humane Society, the
Animal Control Office was relocated to the Grand Traverse County Public Services
Building at 2650 LaFranier Road.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & PREPAREDNESS DIVISION
Storm Ready Certification: On September 13, 2013, Grand Traverse County became the
fourth County in Northern Michigan to be certified as a NOAA Storm Ready Community.
This designation means that our Severe Storm plans are in alignment with NOAA's and
that we are doing community outreach to prepare the community for severe weather of
all types. Additionally, Grand Traverse County residents are eligible for a discount on
flood insurance. The official designation will be held publicly in the upcoming months.
Readiness: Training Identification and Preparedness Planning Training and Certification:
Thirty (30) members of the Local Emergency Planning Committee Team/Emergency
Operations Center Staff members completed a two-day course identifying specific
improvements needed to assist our team in planning, preparation, and training for
specific hazards that can affect Grand Traverse County. There were ten defined goals
identified during the class and team members are eagerly beginning to work on
achieving them. Emergency Management and the Local Planning Team are working
toward a total re-write of the Emergency Operations Plan by transferring it over to a
more functional annex driven plan organized by the FEMA's Emergency Support
Functions. This will ensure seamless understanding of our capabilities and clearly
demonstrate each agency's responsibilities during a disaster event.
CodeRED Mass Notification System: Emergency Management purchased and is
implementing an emergency mass notification system to notify residents of the county
about imminent threats to health and safety and other emergency situations.
Notifications can be received in a variety of ways, including cell, home and work phones,
and by text messaging and/or email. CodeRED will also enable Central Dispatch
employees to make public safety staff notifications quickly and efficiently, enabling them
to handle more calls for service with existing staff and give the 9-1-1 dispatchers the
ability to use existing hazardous materials (HazMat) software to issue urgent shelter in
place/evacuation notices in the event of a HazMat incident
Pandemic Flu Exercise: April 25, 2013 saw the first exercise held in the new Emergency
Operations Center (EOC). The exercise was focused on a pandemic flu that rapidly
spread and led to civil unrest throughout the county. The county EOC (emergency
operations center) was activated in order to coordinate the response from 30 personnel
from multiple agencies and disciplines involved in a public health pandemic flu exercise.
County departments represented in the EOC included: Health Department Incident
Command staff, Emergency Management and Preparedness, Sheriff’s Department, 911
Dispatch, Administration and County Commissioners. The EOC staff from all agencies
worked seamlessly together in order to mitigate the incident.
COMMUNITY HEALTH DIVISION
Restructuring: Many changes occurred in the clinical program administration, operations
and staffing, including a restructuring of the division. After much planning and hard work
on scheduling, staffing, cross-training and monitoring of quality improvement
performance measures, more consistent, efficient and cost effective scheduling and
staffing began in May 2013. These structural and policy changes have already resulted
in cost savings for personnel and improved program efficiency.
Maternal and Child Health
Women, Infant and Children Program
Increased participation to nearly 99%, exceeding the State Target by 2%, while at the
same time increasing overall caseload (2,458 clients) by 6% compared to 2012 year
end.
First trimester entry in the WIC program 46.6%, more than 10% better than the state.
Breastfeeding initiation rate 76%, more than 10% better than the state.
Maternal and Infant Health Program
Increased maternal admissions to MIHP program by 40% compared to 2012.
Upgraded all MIHP field clinicians to smart phones for improving communication and
service to our clients, including use of Google calendar and Google mail.
Healthy Futures
GT county nurses conducted 311 home visits and 1,362 phone contacts to an average
monthly caseload of 982 clients through Munson collaborative partnership program.
Children’s Special Health Care Services
Assisted clients and families to navigate through confusing changes in both state and
federal insurance coverage programs, policies, and care guidelines.
Enhanced collaboration with Medicaid Health Plans, particularly Priority Health, to
provide for a smooth transition for many of our families.
Managed an 8% increased caseload (300 clients) compared to 2012.
Hearing & Vision Screening Program
Held a highly successful 2013 Otology Clinic providing students with questionable
hearing screenings the opportunity to receive professional audiology and ENT services
in a single appointment at no charge. The clinic was held at the Health Department with
Dr. Treadway of Cass Street Ear, Nose, and Throat providing specialist services, as well
as Dr. Wares and the Munson Mobile Ear Lab providing audiology evaluations. The half
day clinic provided care to 16 students who did not pass their school screenings and
who may otherwise not have received treatment.
Partnered with Head Start again in 2013 to complete hearing and vision enrollment
requirements. Head Start exceeded their goal of 90%, with 100% of students in
compliance within 45 days for both hearing and vision.
Immunizations
GTCHD nurses provided more than 5100 total immunizations from Youth Health and
Wellness, K-Town adolescent clinic, and clinic at the Health Department in 2013.
Included in this total, nurses provided over 1,600 flu vaccinations which seasonally
prevent illness, limit influenza breakout in our local community, and protect the public
health particularly for our most vulnerable populations of the very young and seniors.
Implemented plan for transition to a complete Electronic Health Record in the
Immunization Program, which included revamping the entire program work flow,
inclusion of scanners and signature pads. Finalizing forms and training staff will occur in
January for a go-live by January 31, 2014! This will be the first program to be
completely paperless!!
Invited to participate in a pilot project from CDC and MDCH involving scanning vaccines
into our EHR using a 2-D bar coding system. Scanning the vaccine allows efficient entry
not only into inventory but also into the client's record and out of inventory when the
vaccine is administered. This not only prevents potential data entry errors, it also saves
time.
Disease Control & Prevention
Award of Excellence: The Communicable Disease program staff received an “Excellence
in TB Case Management and Service Integration Award,” from the Michigan Department
of Community Health. The award was a result of working collaboratively with the
Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department on an active Tuberculosis case of a
gentleman who faced many challenges. He was homeless, had a criminal history, and
suffered from multiple, significant, chronic health issues. Between the two Health
Departments, public health nurses provided case management of his TB, and direct
observation therapy, three days per week for over six months. By law, the health
department must ensure than any citizen diagnosed with active Tuberculosis who is at
risk for being non-compliant with taking medicine, complete a six-to-nine month course
of treatment in which a nurse directly observes the patients taking the medicine. This
ensures that no one else in community is at risk for contracting this contagious disease
by helping individuals recover from and prevent further illness, and even death.
Adolescent Health: In 2013, our K-Town Youth Care and Youth Health and Wellness
Center clinical staff received spirometry training and were able to offer this pulmonary
function test for those patients reporting a history of asthma. This test assists the Nurse
Practitioner in evaluating the client's current respiratory status and developing the
most appropriate plan of care. Not every primary care office or adolescent health clinic is
trained and equipped to provide this specific test. We are pleased to offer our youth with
such an important service.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Recruitment: Recruited for and filled 113 positions in the County in 2013.
Labor Negotiations: Successfully negotiated labor contracts with three units throughout
the year.
Health Insurance Changes: Facilitated transition from Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Michigan (BCBSM) PPO plan to Priority Health HMO plan.
Health Insurance Plan Design Changes: Per the Board’s directive, a new health
insurance plan with a $250/$500 deductible and 20% co-insurance was implemented
and negotiated with various employee groups.
Benefits Agent RFP: Brown & Brown was selected as the new benefits agent and was
presented to the Board of Commissioners for approval of a three-year contract beginning
January 1, 2014.
Grievances: Total of 10 grievances filed in 2013, all but one resolved as of December
31, 2013. There were no Arbitrations held in 2013, and one grievance that was filed in
2013 is scheduled to go to Arbitration in 2014.
Investigation: Over 20 investigations were completed in 2013.
Workers Compensation: Executed a new two-year agreement with Citizens as the TPA
and Midwest Employers as the Excess Carrier.
Employee Training: MLK Training Day was held on Monday, January 21, 2013 from 8:00
a.m. to Noon at TC West High School. This was the second joint training day that was
held by the County, City and TCAPS.
Supervisory Training: A joint training session with the City of Traverse City and TCAPS
was held in November. The topics included managing conflict and generational
differences in the workplace.
Employee Recognition: In cooperation with the Employee Recognition team, a new
employee recognition program called “Making a Difference” was launched in March. This
program encourages employees to nominate their fellow co-workers for the great things
they do in the workplace every day. Over 50 employees have been nominated in this
program so far. Additionally, various recognition programs throughout the year were
offered including Volunteer of the Year, Suggestion Award, Milestone/Anniversary and
Devoted Service. These additional programs touched 66 employees throughout the
year.
Wellness: Wellness Committee held a “Lunch ‘n’ Learn” for all employees on March 13
to learn about the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. The Wellness
Committee also rolled out a Wellness Scorecard program in 2013 with over 50
employees participating. The goal of this program was to encourage wellness in all
areas of life, including diet, exercise, nutrition, and preventative care, such as flu shots
and regular dental and eye exams. The Committee also hosted the annual Wellness
BBQ on August 9 with over 200 employees participating.
Relay for Life: The 2013 Grand Traverse County Employee Relay for Life team raised
over $3,500 for the 2013 Relay for Life event to benefit the American Cancer Society. In
total over $95,000 was raised by the event from the community this year.
Safety: The site specific information for each County building was updated this year.
This information includes contacts for emergencies and details on each area of
emergency, including fire, weather and workplace threats.
Safety Training: To be compliant with MIOSHA, all employees were instructed to go
through GHS (Global Harmonized System) training by December 1, 2013 (GHS replaces
MSDS). This training instructed employees on the new GHS system on chemicals and
products in the workplace.
Policy Updates: Four policies were updated throughout the year including the Travel
Policy, HIPPA, Violence in the Workplace and Blood Borne Pathogens.
Blood Drives: The County hosted two blood drives for Michigan Blood at various County
facilities/parking lots throughout the year with a total of 40 people donating.
Payroll: In cooperation with the IT and Finance departments, implemented a paperless
pay statement process.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Coordinated the upgrade of the State of MI connection from a T1 copper line to a fiber
connection for improved speed and reliability. The cutover was completed in November.
The connection is used by law enforcement for LEIN lookups, fingerprint uploads, and
gun registrations. It is also used by the Friend of the Court, Prosecutor, and Department
of Corrections for access to State applications.
Installed 139 new computers as replacements for older computers. Ongoing support of
700+ personal computers, 1 iSeries (AS/400) server, 2 Linux servers, and 36+ Windows
servers.
Configured new servers: Symantec antivirus server, GIS/AS400 proxy server for
Internet access to GIS, court, building code, death, marriage applications, new virtual
server for City DPS, County DPW server for BS&A utility billing application, and a new
electronic medical records server for the Health Department.
Completed migration from old virtual server environment to a new virtual server
environment that was approved in November of 2012. The migration/upgrade involved
moving 30+ Windows servers and storage to the new environment.
Performed software upgrades to the firewall, intrusion prevention service, and wireless
controller. Ongoing support for 43 network switches and 42 wireless access points.
Assisted County DPW with conversion from an older AS/400 utility billing application to a
Windows based application from BS&A.
Provided County DPW with Android tablets for remote monitoring of the water/sewer
SCADA system. The tablets connect using MiFi cellular devices so staff can monitor
alerts from any location.
Provide support and expertise for County web site updates. I.T. participates in the
monthly department review of sites and provides technical support for updating pictures,
page design, digital assets, surveys, etc.
Assisted Dispatch with the setup and configuration of the Smart 911 application that
allows residents to provide supplemental information to Dispatch during a 911 call.
Coordinated installation of a gigabit wireless connection to connect Grand Traverse and
Leelanau County. The equipment was provided through a grant that 911 Dispatch was
able to obtain. The connection is utilized by the 911 centers to back each other up. The
connection is also utilized by the courts in Leelanau County to connect to Grand
Traverse County’s court and document imaging systems.
Moved City Fire stations 2 and 3 from T1s (1.5mb) to Charter Cable (up to 30mb).
Equipment was ordered and configured by I.T. to support encrypted connections
between all of the City Fire stations and the County/City network.
Assisted the City Fire Department with conversion from a local server based fire incident
application to a new cloud based fire incident application. The new application provides
improved access and speed for each of the City Fire locations.
Implemented iPads for County Commissioners and the Commission on Aging.
Worked with District Court on an electronic search warrant application that will allow for
electronic routing and signatures using iPads.
Upgraded the County/City fiber Internet service 15Mb to 30Mb. Negotiated and renewed
the TCLP fiber agreement for another 5 years. The TCLP fiber provides gigabit
connections to the County’s primary facilities.
Modified the payroll system for e-delivery of pay statements. The new system reduces
the time involved in the handling and delivering of paper while increasing the privacy of
information on the pay statement.
Worked closely with the vendor for City DPS to implement wireless access points, video
surveillance, IP phone system, truck GPS tracking, and fleet maintenance solutions.
The document imaging system was expanded to include e-filing and management of
Circuit Court criminal documents. I.T. worked closely with our system integrator
(Imagesoft) and the courts to provide integration with the existing court application and
the document imaging system.
The Document Imaging Administrator resigned in May and we were not able to find a
replacement until September (Greyson Chen-Landvoy). Greyson has attend two
document imaging classes since starting and is currently developing an application for
Environmental Health for public access to Well and Septic documents.
Document Imaging support. I.T. assisted District Court throughout the last year with
their new system in providing support and problem resolution. Several upgrades to
software were installed along with ongoing support of the 125 document imaging users
and 15+ departments.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The 911 phone operating system/features software was upgraded in October at three
sites – the Governmental Center, Health Services Building, and Law Enforcement
Center. This lower-cost, “software only” upgrade cost $20,000 and extends the use of
phone system hardware for another 3 years to allow for the use of newer technology
phone sets with added features. A complete upgrade of hardware and software for the
entire phone system costs nearly $90,000.
In May, the 911 system was enhanced to identify the location of a 911 caller inside a
county building to within a 7000 square foot area. We now can provide building name,
floor number, and quadrant (NW, NE, SW, SE) information to operators at the Dispatch
Center for every 911 call made within the main county buildings This will improve the
speed and accuracy for first responders trying to locate county staff and the public in an
emergency situation.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION (MSUE)
MSUE in Grand Traverse County continues to provide local educational programming
and impacts to meet Grand Traverse County and Michigan’s needs. Extension
educators and staff members work diligently and creatively to maintain effective
programming and reach as many residents as possible each year at reduced costs.
Grand Traverse MSUE transitioned to a newly developed website this year,
www.msue.msu.edu/grandtraverse, where our local contact information and events can
be found, along with the wealth of research-based educational resources MSU
Extension has to offer. Below are a few examples of Extension’s work in Grand
22Traverse County in 2013. For a full report on the scope and impact of our programs,
please review our 2012-2013 Annual Report for Grand Traverse County.
AGRICULTURE AND AGRIBUSINESS INSTITUTE
Growing season meetings were held and one-on-one assistance was provided to
commercial growers of small fruits. Latest IPM and control techniques were shared and
demonstrated at area farms and vineyards.
The Orchard and Vineyard Show, a local annual event, provided educational and handson learning opportunities to area commercial growers.
Michigan Grape and Wine Newsletter and Fruit Net reports provided up to date
information to growers. This data was provided by the Northwest Michigan Horticultural
Research Station and other research sources.
Research and field trials continued on an alternative cover crop material for growers in
Grand Traverse County. This cover crop trial at an Old Mission vineyard expanded to
include work in both wine grapes and tree fruit.
A pesticide recommendation fact sheet was created for growers of Saskatoon berries, a
new commercial fruit for the area.
Integrated Pest Management Academy was hosted at MSU, with a specific focus on
pest and disease management in hops production. As a result of MSUE efforts in this
arena since 2007 and the growth of the craft brew sector in the region, northwest
Michigan (Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties) has more acreage in hops acreage
in production than any other counties in Michigan.
Consumer horticulture assistance was provided by Master Gardener Volunteers who
have received extensive training by MSU educators. The 1-888-MSUE-4-MI ‘hotline’ can
be reached five days a week, between the hours of 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
Understanding and Investigating Horse Cruelty Workshop was held at Cherryland
Humane Society. A total of 33 participants representing 20 Michigan counties attended
the workshop including animal control officers, sheriff deputies, a prosecuting attorney,
and Humane Society employees.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH, 4-H INSTITUTE
Grand Traverse County 4-H reached 970 youth in 2013. This included 52 active 4-H
clubs with 770 individual youth members and 195 adult volunteers as well as additional
school outreach programming.
Exploration Days is a three-day, two night event that takes place on Michigan State
University’s campus each June. The youth and adults attending learn new life skills and
explore career opportunities during the hands-on sessions they attend, all while living on
campus during the event. In 2013, 56 youth and 8 adult volunteers attended this event.
Grand Traverse County 4-H assisted Glenn Loomis School with their garden day activity.
Through the 4-H program, we were able to host multiple activity stations where over 200
youth explored earth science activities such as seed germination, bee communication,
seed sorting, plant growth, and fruit and vegetable classification.
The Differently Abled program offers youth with special needs a way to feel empowered
to showcase what they have learned through their 4-H experience in a non-competitive
way that emphasizes their abilities rather than their disabilities. The program is run by
volunteer advocates who work with the families from start to finish. In 2013, over 25
youth participated in the program.
During the National Cherry Festival, the Differently Abled Program also coordinates a
“Fun and Games for Special Kids” morning where over 400 youth attend with their family
members each year, for a total of approximately 1000 visitors. Multiple community
organizations are invited to attend and host an activity table. In 2013, Grand Traverse
County 4-H hosted a “Living Necklace” science activity for youth and parent participants
where over 100 youth stopped to explore the seed germination experiment.
During the Northwestern Michigan Fair, approximately 100 youth and 50 adults
volunteered for a shift in the Grand Traverse County 4-H Food Booth. Each year
participants learn about customer service, entrepreneurship, money handling, food
service and food safety. This fundraiser helps the 4-H Leaders Association Advisory
Board pay for new curriculum, scholarships, volunteer recognition and more.
GREENING MICHIGAN INSTITUTE
Michigan Northern Counties Association’s monthly meetings are coordinated by MSU
Extension Government and Public Policy educator, John Amrhein. This year, these
meetings included updates on the Affordable Care Act, the importance of building trust in
county government, Great Lakes levels, state trails, Michigan’s new Prosperity Regions,
and tours of two county recycling efforts, including the American Waste facility in Grand
Traverse County and presentations by Kim Elliott, Charlie Renny, and Kelly Ignace.
The focus on “placemaking” and educational efforts to prepare Michigan counties and
municipalities for the new global economy were increased.
The Citizen Planner program continued to provide discussion, practical information and
tools related to models of public-policy decision-making.
Tribal Governance education programs grew to include leadership, community
engagement, and conflict resolution workshops for individual tribes and a collaborative
effort to obtain grant funds for family education programs which is being conducted
jointly by all 12 tribes in Michigan, in addition to the Building Strong Sovereign Nations
conference for newly elected tribal leaders.
Michigan Sea Grant hosted a forum on varying lake levels at the Grand Traverse County
Civic Center. Over 160 people in attendance heard updates from the Chief of Hydrology
of the US Army Corps of Engineers and speakers from Northwestern MI College and
Michigan Sea Grant. As well, key issues for permitting needs in 2013 were addressed
by permitting agencies from the MDEQ and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Michigan Sea Grant also co-hosted the Sixth Annual Freshwater Summit at the Hagerty
Center. Over 170 people attended and heard a panel presentation on lake levels as
well as a keynote on Asian carp from the Deputy Director for Carp from the White House
Council on Environmental Quality.
Michigan Sea Grant’s NOAA Coastal Management Fellow, Liz Durfee, completed The
Coastal Community Working Waterfront Report, including 11 case studies, detailing
national and state trends related to waterfront planning and use.
HEALTH AND NUTRITION INSTITUTE
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Education (SNAP-Ed) provides nutrition
education to Bridge card-eligible adults and children. This program focuses on
improving dietary quality and increasing physical activity while stretching food dollars.
During the past year in Grand Traverse County, 337 adults and 346 youth were reached
through nutrition education classes. Adults who participate in the class were more likely
to improve one or more nutrition practices like planning meals, making healthy food
choices or reading nutrition fact labels. Adults are also more likely to practice safe food
handling practices after class participation. Youth who participate in the classes are
more aware of the importance of healthy eating, more willing to try new foods and as
well as increased their knowledge about the different food groups.
Nutrition education was provided to eligible seniors and WIC families, where participants
increased the quality of their diet by purchasing locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables
from Grand Traverse County farmer’s markets through Project FRESH and Market
FRESH; 160 adults participated in Project Fresh this year. These coupons were
redeemed at local farm markets for over $6,000 in funds for produce grown by local
farmers. 94% of the adults that participated reported that they will eat more fresh
vegetables and fruit each day. In addition, 92% of the participants learned new ways to
incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their meals.
Food safety classes were held in Grand Traverse County to provide knowledge of how
to properly preserve foods at home as well as how to start a food-based business under
the Cottage Food Law. Participants who attended the food preservation workshops
were more likely to properly preserve food safely at home. They are also more likely to
use correct processing times as well as know where to locate research-based recipes for
safe home food preservation.
INJURY PREVENTION/SAFE KIDS NORTH SHORE
Injury prevention programming was provided to over 4,700 children and over 3,700
adults in Grand Traverse County in 2013.
More than 1,100 safety related devices such as car seats, helmets, life jackets and
reflective tags, all purchased with grant support, were distributed in the community.
Free car seat inspections are performed by our certified Child Passenger Safety
technicians every second and fourth Friday of every month. Nearly 300 car seats were
inspected this year for proper fit and installation.
A local, 32-hour Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification training was held.
A CEU update class was held for current local Child Passenger Safety Technicians to
maintain their certifications.
The In and Around Cars program was offered for local schools and scouting groups in
partnership with Williams Automotive Group. Topics in this vehicle safety education
program included seat belt fit test, trunk entrapment, hyperthermia, Spot the Tot and
OnStar.
Hundreds of high school students participated this year in the Diminish Distracted
Driving (3D) program, a partnership with the local Sheriff’s office and the Michigan State
Police. The 3D program heightens awareness about the outcomes of distracted driving.
Students experienced first-hand the dangers of distracted driving while using a driving
simulator, and the effects of driving while impaired by riding a tricycle through an
obstacle course while wearing “fatal-vision” goggles.
Concussion prevention and sports safety education was provided to over 200 local
coaches in preparation for the implementation of a new concussion law.
The Chill Out for Winter Safety program was presented at eight schools and two
community events, including Metro Fire’s Risk Watch schools, to highlight winter
dangers and educate children on how to stay safe while enjoying winter activities.
PARKS & RECREATION
The 2013-2018 Grand Traverse County Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and
Greenway Plan was approved. (February)
Jason Jones received the “Commitment to Excellence Award” from the President of the
Michigan Recreation and Parks Association. (March)
Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation submitted a grant application to the
Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund for Maple Bay improvements. (April)
Grand Traverse County hosted the inaugural Parks and Recreation Network Expo to
promote the services that our area’s recreational organizations provide to community
members and visitors. (April)
Grand Traverse County began competing with the cities of Marquette and Kalamazoo as
part of the MI Big Green Gym competition through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan.
(April)
The hub website for the Parks and Recreation Network, www.gtrec.org, went live. (April)
A “Skate Park Night” event brought two featured speakers and approximately 50 Civic
Center Skate Park users and parents to the Civic Center to celebrate, discuss, and
promote responsible usership at the Skate Park. (May)
Grand Traverse County hosted the International Society of Outdoor Professionals and
International Union of Forestry Research Organizations in our community. The
conference brought over 20 nationalities to the Traverse City Area for seminars,
experiential education, and networking. (May)
Rotary Charities granted a $5,000 planning grant to Grand Traverse County Parks and
Recreation to explore the programmatic and facilities needs of the community citizens.
(May)
Grand Traverse County tied with the City of Marquette to split $18,000 in prize money
from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s “MI Big Green Gym Challenge.” The $9,000
in funding will be used as seed money to redevelop Kids Cove Playground at the Civic
Center. Our team had nearly 250 participants that helped log over 38,000 miles! (June)
Implemented several additional safety improvements at Twin Lakes Park. Changes
include a defined swim area, an emergency telephone, life rings and throw ropes, and
development of a water safety curriculum for freshmen in the TCAPS School District.
(June)
Experience 231 mobile app went live in June. It has been downloaded by over 6,000
users. (June)
Grand Traverse County began a partnership with the Grand Traverse Health
Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, Safe Kids North Shore, and Munson Medical Center
to develop the Water Safety Task Force. (June)
The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce contacted our department about
potential development of an indoor turf dome at the Birmley Road Property. The County
explored the possibility and determined that the arrangement was not in the public
interest. (August)
Two employees received the training to become Water Safety Instructor Trainers and
Lifeguard Instructors, giving our department the opportunity to train new lifeguards and
water safety instructors in the community. (August)
Hosted the “Street-Art-in-the-Skate-Park” event at the Skate Park, featuring several local
artists who worked with skate park users of all ages to spray paint the park in an effort to
prevent inappropriate graffiti. (September)
Hosted the first Freshman Water Safety Program session with students from Traverse
City Central High School. To date, staff has trained over 250 TCAPS students.
(October)
Led by Fred Tank, the caretaker at Power Island, the department harvested 11 deer
from Power Island in an effort to manage the deer population. (November)
The Parks and Recreation Commission approved removal of the fence surrounding the
Skate Park. (November)
In response to the county’s invitation, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board
announced it will hold its July 2014 meeting in Grand Traverse County. (December)
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Adopted the new Master Plan for Grand Traverse County. By engaging all the planning
commissioners from around the County, the plan was a grassroots process building on
local land use plans and the Grand Vision. The plan focuses on new development and
protecting natural areas that improves the overall quality of life for the people of Grand
Traverse County. The plan is available at http://masterplan.grandtraverse.org/
The 2013 Grand Traverse County Housing Strategy was adopted by the Board of
Commissioners. The Strategy outlines a course of action, specific implementation steps
and potential partners for future policy initiatives to improve the housing stock and
provide greater housing choices.
The Depot Neighborhood project broke ground in Traverse City with a commitment from
the Grand Traverse County Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the form of a $295,000
grant and loan. Homestretch Nonprofit Housing Corp. and Habitat for Humanity Grand
Traverse Region will construct 21 affordable, energy efficient homes. The Affordable
Housing Trust Fund will use loan payments to build additional capacity to support future
housing developments.
There were two brownfield redevelopment groundbreakings in 2013 with the Hotel Indigo
on Grandview Parkway and the TBA Credit Union on East Front Street. Three additional
projects were approved: Two new projects on 8th Street and one new residential
development on State and Pine Streets. While these projects have just started, five
other brownfield redevelopment projects have been closed resulting in an increased tax
base for the County and other taxing jurisdictions.
PROBATE COURT
Court Appointed Volunteer Guardians and Conservators – Currently 22 volunteers are
assigned to 65 wards as guardians and conservators. Guardians and conservators
receive funds, pay bills, attend care conferences, make placement decisions; may
monitor employment and seek out resources to help wards in maintaining a good quality
of life.
Review of Guardianship for Minors and Adults – Michigan law states that Probate Court
may review a guardianship for a minor as it considers necessary and shall review a
guardianship annually if the minor is under six years of age. Eighteen reviews for minors
have been completed by nine volunteers in 2013. Adult reviews have been conducted
by volunteers since 1989. Sixty-nine adult reviews have been conducted by 20
volunteers in 2013.
The Court opened 493 new files and maintained all existing files, including
guardianships, conservatorships, trusts, and estates. In addition, since taking office in
January, 2013, Judge Stanton made a number of procedural changes to improve the
efficiency of the court.

The Court instituted scheduling conferences and a “Scheduling Order” to
ensure that cases proceed in a timely manner.

The Court began the process of updating all job manuals and office
procedures.

The court began making adaptations in the courtroom for individuals with
disabilities. The swinging doors have been removed to better
accommodate wheelchair access. New amplifiers have been installed to
assist those that are hearing impaired. Multi-conference phones with
amplifiers have also been added. Identification plates have been added for
the witness stand and the clerk.
RESOURCE RECOVERY
Increased Recycling Volumes: Residential, commercial and industrial customers
recycled 16,219 tons of material in 2013. The largest increase between 2012 and 2013
comes from recycling at the curb: residents are taking advantage of the greater range of
materials accepted for recycling, the ease of single stream (no sorting) recycling and
availability of large (96 gallon) curbside recycle carts resulting in a 129% curbside
recycling increase (4,731 additional tons recycled). Recycling drop-off stations also saw
increased volumes: 3,102 tons of paper, cardboard, plastic, metals, cartons and glass
were dropped off, an increase of 53% from 2012.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events: Four Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Events were held during 2013. More than 800 participants dropped off
114,411 pounds (over 57 tons) of material. Latex paint was collected for recycling for the
first time this year and residents and businesses in attendance brought in a total of
49,066 pounds of paint that would have otherwise been disposed of in our landfills.
Disposal costs for pesticides and mercury collected at these events are paid for by a
grant from the State of Michigan allowing residents to drop off these items at no charge.
Grand Traverse County Resource Recovery Department, funded by a landfill surcharge
for solid waste originating within the County, pays for the balance of the disposal costs.
Battery Recycling: Grand Traverse County residents continued to utilize the Grand
Traverse County’s five battery drop-off locations throughout 2013. Batteries are 100%
recycled in a specialized mechanical separation process where the battery components
are separated to recover metal content, paper and plastic. Recovered materials are put
back into the market place for reuse in new products. In 2013, the Resource Recovery
Department shipped 13,500 pounds of household batteries for recycling.
Outreach and Education: The monthly RecycleSmart e-Newsletter distribution expanded
to 2,614 subscribers in 2013.
Resource Recovery staff participated in and/or facilitated several community events,
including the Free Compost Event, Clean Out Your Files Week, the Cherry Festival
Green Day, Wellness Day, the Northwestern Michigan Fair, and the spring and fall Clean
Up Green Up Recycling Events.
The Resource Recovery Department updated, printed and distributed the 3rd Edition of
the RecycleSmart Information Guide and the 2nd Edition of the RecycleSmart Kids
Bingo Game.
TREASURER
New County Treasurer Heidi Scheppe took office in January, 2013 and made a number
of changes to improve services to residents.
Signed up and facilitated six successful pay offs through the state’s Hardest Hit
Program, with over $30,000 in funds from the State to help taxpayers keep their homes.
Began accepting credit card payments for delinquent property taxes.
Modified the online data lookup for the public to real time for more accurate data.
Linked the Primary Residence Exemption (PRE) database for greater communication
with public regarding PRE denial amounts due.
Took over current year PRE billings from the City and eight townships, and successfully
billed two state PRE Audit denial lists in 2013.
Forfeited 1,024 parcels and foreclosed on 23 parcels in 2013. Had successful property
auctions with all county parcels either sold or transferred to the Land Bank. Land Bank
successfully negotiated with three foreclosed homeowners to keep them in their homes.
Implemented imaging of journal entry documentation and state receipts, reducing the
need for future storage space.
Updated and reviewed the Treasurer’s website page to provide more information to the
public.
Staff has stepped up and taken the initiative to maintain optimal customer service and
internal controls with one of the four staff members on maternity leave.
VETERAN AFFAIRS
Entered into an inter-governmental agreement to provide veterans services to Benzie
County residents. GTC now provides a staff member in Beulah once a week, and
Benzie County residents are now cleared to report to the Traverse City office five days
per week.
Processed over 150 eligibility determinations for the new property tax exemption for
disabled veterans, including those that are considered unemployable. Most of the
determinations were for Grand Traverse County residents.