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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Genesee County moves quickly toward hiring firm to look at goverment dysfunction
Print Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com By Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com
on March 12, 2014 at 6:00 PM, updated March 12, 2014 at 6:10 PM
GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Flint businessman Phil Shaltz says he can save taxpayers money with recommendations for fixing a dysfunctional county government purchasing system and he's close to getting that chance.
The county Board of Commissioners gave initial approval today to paying Shaltz's HSS LLC $100,000 to evaluate the county's procurement process over a six-month period and make recommendations for fixing it, potentially starting a shared purchasing service that could also be used by other municipalities.
Commissioners split over the proposal, which was added to a committee agenda just before the initial vote today, March 12, after some board members said they hadn't had the chance to review the project proposal or consider any alternatives.
"I feel like this was crammed down my throat," said Commissioner Pegge Adams, D-Richfield Twp., one of three votes against the proposal, which could get final approval next week. Commissioners Ted Henry, D-Clayton Twp., and Archie Bailey, D-Flushing, also voted against the plan.
Six remaining commissioners approved the contract with HSS, and Controller Keith Francis said the current purchasing system is unstable and being circumvented by some departments in county government, which are making purchases independently and with no accountability.
"We have an opportunity for a company -- a very successful company to come in and do an analysis of our purchasing procedures compared to best practices," Francis said. "I'm in favor of going forward with this proposal."
Shaltz, a well known civic and business leader in the county, is the president and chief executive officer of Shaltz Automation, a managing partner for a number of downtown Flint restaurants, founder of the nonprofit Flint Diaper Bank, and a member of the Hurley Board of Managers.
Shaltz formed HSS in 1998 and the company's clients include General Motors while services include inventory management.
County board Chairman Jamie Curtis said the proposal from HSS came after hours of meetings and discussions about potential shared services for local communities -- talks that began in 2011 when former Lt. Gov. John Cherry and former Flint emergency manager Michael Brown led a study called "Future Genesee" that identified potential areas of cooperation and consolidation.
A directive issued by]Gov. Rick Snyder three years ago said Michigan communities must show they're willing to share services and be more efficient in order to get a piece of future state revenue-sharing.
George Wilkinson, director of shared services for the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, said proposals for developing several shared services came from the Cherry-Brown "Future Genesee" study.
Wilkinson said the county has the potential for "significant cost savings" if it pursues a joint purchasing program with other agencies such as the city of Flint, Genesee Intermediate School District and county Road Commission.
"If we collaborate, we can drive down costs," said Wilkinson, who said discussions have also focused on the potential for a shared human resource service, tax services, countywide fire department and shared police detective services.
Curtis said the county has no choice but to look for cost savings in its purchasing because its property tax revenues may never rebound to peak levels and about two-thirds of county general fund expenses are fixed -- the cost of employees and retirees.
Francis said there is the potential for the county to save $2.5 million in general fund money if the county can trim 10 percent of its purchasing costs.
But Henry, who exchanged terse words with Shaltz at one point in today's meeting, said the $100,000 contract is problematic because HSS could end up bidding on providing the very service it ends up recommending the county use and because there was no effort to look at alternatives to today's proposal.
"I don't know how you do that and sleep tonight," Henry said.
Shaltz said he's offering his company's services only because he cares about the area and knows "we can save you money."
The HSS proposal says the company will "deep dive all departments" in the county, review purchasing requirements, identify areas where there are insufficient controls, evaluate vendor relationshjps, evaluate the current system, review current reporting and structure, and make recommendations.
"You guys are behind -- way, way behind. That's the cruel truth," he said.
Bailey said he might support the contract with Shaltz but asked for more time to consider the four-page document -- something Shaltz and other commissioners were opposed to.
"In government, when they say you have to do something right now, it's time to take a look (at it) from top to bottom," Bailey said.
Last edited by untanglingwebs on Wed Mar 12, 2014 7:18 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Wed Mar 12, 2014 7:06 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Vendor Application
A SUPPLIER'S GUIDE TO GENESEE COUNTY
Genesee County wants to ensure that all interested suppliers are given a fair and equal opportunity to bid on County business. Our goal is to obtain the best value and service possible for public monies spent, at all times maintaining the highest standards of business ethics in our dealings with suppliers.
Contact the Purchasing Department
Supplying all departments, designated boards, and commissions of the County is the responsibility of the Genesee County Purchasing Department, located on the third floor of the Genesee County Administration Building, 1101 Beach Street, Room 343, Flint, Michigan,
(810) 257-3030, FAX (810) 257-3380.
The Purchasing Department is composed of two divisions:
Purchasing Motor Pool
The procurement function is accomplished by competitive bidding based on pre-determined specifications. This Department also handles the sale of obsolete or salvageable material, and numerous other administrative functions.
Supplier's Application Form
If you are interested in bidding with the County, you should submit a Supplier's Application Form. This may be picked up at the Department, or from the County's Website. After we receive your application, you can look forward to receiving notices for various formal solicitations.
Follow the Bidding Procedures
County Purchasing Regulations require sealed bids or proposals for contracts exceeding $30,000. Smaller purchases may be by written quote or telephone quote.
The solicitation method selected is based on the nature and importance of the contemplated purchase or service, the urgency of the requirement, general trade practices and market conditions, and the amount of the expenditure.
When submitting a sealed bid or proposal to Genesee County, be certain to follow all instructions and submit all documentation indicated in the bid documents.
Return proposals prior to closing date
Proposals must be returned to the Purchasing Department prior to the closing date and time specified on the solicitation. They are time-stamped on receipt and placed in a file, pending the prescribed closing time. Bids are opened in public normally at the time specified for closing. Representatives of firms who have submitted bids are welcome to attend. Bids and proposals received late will not be opened.
It is solely the supplier’s responsibility to see that bids/proposals are received at the Purchasing Department. Bids/Proposals reaching other County offices are considered late unless timely received in the Purchasing Department.
Check newspapers for advertised formal solicitations
Formal solicitations covering County contracts are advertised in the Legal Notices section of The Flint Journal at least fourteen (14) days prior to the closing date, usually on Sunday. Construction contracts are also advertised in the Dodge Reports.
Be prepared to adhere to Prevailing Wage Policy
Genesee County maintains a prevailing wage policy on all construction and improvements of County owned property. Suppliers bidding on County business must comply with this requirement.
Genesee County Purchasing Regulations
All procurement activities are conducted according to the Genesee County Purchasing Regulations, a copy of which is on file and available for inspection at the Genesee County Purchasing Department.
Environmentally Sound Purchasing
In order to increase the development and awareness of environmentally sound products, Genesee County Purchasing Department staff ensures that wherever possible and economical, specifications are amended to provide for expanded use of products and services that contain the maximum level of post-consumer recyclable waste and/or recyclable content, without significantly affecting the intended use of the product or service. It is recognized that cost analysis is required in order to ensure that the products are made available at competitive prices.
Professional Affiliations
In order to maintain and promote professionalism in all aspects of its mission, the Genesee County Purchasing Department maintains membership in the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, the Michigan Public Purchasing Officers Association, and the National Association of Purchasing Management.
The Department subscribes to and supports the professional standards and ethical principles of these organizations.
Purchasing Home Page
© Copyright 2011 Genesee County. All Rights |
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Wed Mar 12, 2014 7:13 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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The county violates their own procurement policy to improve their procurement procedures. Perhaps the allegations of extreme corruption in county government is not far off base.
"County Purchasing Regulations require sealed bids or proposals for contracts exceeding $30,000. Smaller purchases may be by written quote or telephone quote." |
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Wed Mar 12, 2014 7:17 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Searched for: HSS, L.L.C.
ID Num: B30854
Assumed Names
Name:HSS, L.L.C.
Type: Domestic Limited Liability Company
Resident Agent: PHILIP W SHALTZ
Registered Office Address: 5446 DIXIE HWY SAGINAW MI 48601
Mailing/Office Address:
Formation/Qualification Date:1-22-1999
Jurisdiction of Origin:MICHIGAN
Managed by: Members
Status: ACTIVE Date: Present |
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Wed Mar 12, 2014 7:25 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Businessman Phil Shaltz brokered Michael Brown's appointment as Flint city administrator
Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com By Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com
on February 11, 2009 at 10:00 AM, updated February 11, 2009 at 10:07 AM
FLINT, Michigan -- Businessman Phil Shaltz sat away from the fray Monday, saying nothing to draw attention to himself but possibly knowing everything about the behind-the-scenes events that led Mayor Don Williamson to announce his resignation.
Although details remain sketchy about private meetings leading up to Michael Brown's appointment as city administrator last week and Williamson's subsequent farewell, Shaltz was apparently right in the middle of it.
Flint Journal extras Man on a mission
• Name: Phil Shaltz
• Background: President of Shaltz Automation; a managing partner for Uptown Six investors.
• What he did: Brokered an agreement for Michael Brown to become city administrator for Don Williamson, setting the stage for Williamson to resign as mayor.
Brown and Shaltz acknowledged Tuesday that it was Shaltz, an influential investor and downtown booster, who approached Brown about three weeks ago with the idea of becoming city administrator.
After Brown said yes, Shaltz spoke to Williamson, who offered the top job in his administration to Brown just days before announcing his own plans to leave City Hall.
After his appointment, Brown initially declined to say who acted as a go-between him and the mayor, saying only that business people in the community acted in that capacity.
Sources say Shaltz, president of Shaltz Automation and a key downtown investor as a managing partner of the Uptown Six, had been increasingly seen with Williamson as he prepared to leave office.
Williamson announced his resignation Monday, saying his health prompted his decision to leave office. He also faced a Feb. 24 recall election.
Shaltz was there with Williamson on Monday morning before the mayor announced his retirement, according to one source who asked not to be named, and Shaltz sat in the audience during the mayor's news conference.
Shaltz initially would not comment on his motivation in advising Williamson about the hiring of Brown, but he said Tuesday that he was involved in talks between the two men and said the mayor "gave off a vibe" that he would leave office.
Williamson has not detailed why he chose to replace former Administrator Darryl Buchanan with Brown, turning over the reins of authority in City Hall to the former United Way official, but he has said Brown came highly recommended.
Shaltz apparently played a key role in that line of communication.
He said business people and others gave Brown "glowing remarks" as he advised Williamson.
"I had a request from the mayor, and I was fulfilling that request," Shaltz said of his role. "The mayor heard Mike Brown's name someplace and wanted to know what (I knew) about him. I went to Mike and said the mayor would like to know if you're interested in doing something for the betterment of the city."
Shaltz's behind-the-scenes work and Brown's sudden emergence as the new power inside City Hall raised eyebrows almost immediately.
The businessman has been active for years in community-boosting efforts such as the Crim Festival of Races, and he was among investors who tried to bring minor league baseball to Flint nearly a decade ago. But has not been seen as a key adviser to the mayor until just recently.
As a managing partner in the Uptown Six, he's invested in downtown's building boom. The partnership also has close ties to the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, which has spent millions funding some of the redevelopment efforts downtown.
A Mott Foundation spokeswoman said in an e-mail Tuesday that the organization, an anchor for decades in downtown Flint, was not a part of discussions between Shaltz and the mayor concerning Brown.
The foundation had increased funding to an arm of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce when Brown was hired in November, helping finance his former position at the chamber.
State Rep. Woodrow Stanley, D-Flint, suggested Monday that the appointment -- coming just before Williamson's resignation -- raised questions about "who is calling the shots for the people of the city of Flint?"
The president of the Flint branch of the NAACP has suggested that racism could have played a role in Buchanan's last-minute removal as city administrator.
Brown is white. Buchanan, who was named to a new administrative post by Williamson, is black.
Shaltz said his discussions centered on Brown -- not Buchanan -- and said his goal in advising Williamson was simply to help.
"I've known the mayor three years or more," he said. "We both had to work together. We both want what's best for the community." |
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Wed Mar 12, 2014 7:37 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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• Name: Phil Shaltz
• Background: President of Shaltz Automation; a managing partner for Uptown Six investors.
• What he did: Brokered an agreement for Michael Brown to become city administrator for Don Williamson, setting the stage for Williamson to resign as mayor.
Brown and Shaltz acknowledged Tuesday that it was Shaltz, an influential investor and downtown booster, who approached Brown about three weeks ago with the idea of becoming city administrator.
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Shaltz as a managing partner of Uptown Six has had a great deal of influence with the City of Flint and now the influence seems to be moving across the street.
Word around town is at least two downtown businesses (one the Blackstones) are experiencing financial difficulty. Perhaps this great downtown renaissance isn't all it is being touted to be.
What partnerships will be proposed and will any conflicts of interest be created? Why would so many county commissioners rush to allow themselves to be influenced? |
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Wed Mar 12, 2014 7:49 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Entity Name ID Number
Type
SHALTZ & ASSOCIATES, INC.
437887 Corporation
SHALTZ ACQUISITIONS, L.L.C.
B2177C Limited Liability Company
SHALTZ AUTOMATION, INC.
124430 Assumed Name
SHALTZ DOWNTOWN, L.L.C.
B0620P Limited Liability Company
SHALTZ FLINT, L.L.C.
B5523F Limited Liability Company
SHALTZ FLUID POWER, INC.
124430 Corporation
SHALTZ NEW YORK, L.L.C.
D6327U Limited Liability Company |
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Wed Mar 12, 2014 7:52 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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From Page 5 of the Genesee County State of the County Address given by Chairman Jamie Curtis of Burton:
The Great Recession has motivated public entities to consider providing common
public services in partnership with their neighbors, in other words, Shared Services. The case for shared services is clear. Shared services provide economies of scale, cost sharing for expensive technology, and greater opportunities for worker specialization and innovation. The ultimate goal is to increase the quality of public services in the most cost effective way.
This year, Genesee County is pursuing shared services in a big way. We have
submitted a number of competitive grants to the State of Michigan in this regard.
An optic fiber initiative with the GISD and City of Flint is currently pending.
A Purchasing initiative with The Regional Chamber of Commerce and other local
governments is also pending. |
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Thu Mar 13, 2014 6:55 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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"A Purchasing initiative with The Regional Chamber of Commerce and other local
governments is also pending."
Just how long has Curtis and other rogue Commissioners been planning this "back room" deal? The entire speech could have been written by the Chamber of Commerce because whole portions of it sound like a "love fest between Curtis and the Chamber.
Page 3 of the address:
Curtis says the County "saw an opportunity to strengthen our local tourism effort". that the county "acted decisively. We signed an innovative arrangement with the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau to merge tourist promotion under the Chamber's umbrella."
Curtis goes on to credit the Convention and Visitors Bureau for significant increases in tourism surrounding the four largest events;
Back to the Bricks
Bikes on the Bricks
Crim Festival of Races
Genesee County Parks sponsored Warrior Dash
What Curtis ails to acknowledge is that the first two have been enjoying increased attention and promotion long before the merger. The Cri race is nationally renown and the Warrior Dash appeals to the needs of the thrill seeking. |
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Thu Mar 13, 2014 7:08 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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2013-2014 Genesee County Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners is the governing board and policy-making body of County government. While many of its powers, duties and responsibilities are ...
www.gc4me.com/departments/board_of_commissioners_1/
The link to the report is shown. |
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Thu Mar 13, 2014 7:13 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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"Genesee County is committed to State guidelines for county revenue sharing that involve public transparency, shared service initiatives, and employee compensation. We urge Governor Snyder and our Legislators to keep their promise on revenue sharing, to pay for burdens put on Counties by State laws, and to give Counties the flexibility to adjust services and fees related to this activity." Page 8
If they want transparency then why not have a bid process as required by their own policy and then hold a special hearing to discuss how this proposed plan came to be. |
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Thu Mar 13, 2014 7:24 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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John Gleason, Genesee County Clerk and Register of Deeds, was on the Mike Killbreath radio show this morning (1470 am WFNT) .
His first comment was "You know we (Genesee County) are broke!" Gleason stated that the public had a right to know where the $100,000 is coming from as various departments have had their funding cut to shore up the finances of the county. There are two lawsuits pending as a result of these cuts.
Are threats being made by Chairman Curtis and is he acting like a dictator.? Gleason discussed the removal of Ted Henry as Finance chair after less than two months. And during this time an unsubstantiated rumor circulated about Henry. I could not find any truth to the allegation after searching the appropriate documents.
Curtis then gave the chair designation to a new commissioner without the experience that Henry had. Are the chair seats being used as "carrots" to keep commissioners beholden to Curtis. |
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Thu Mar 13, 2014 7:56 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Killbreath reminded the audience that the merger between the Flint-Genesee Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Citizens Visitors Bureau came about by a no-bid 7 year contract.
When Killbreath argued these actions were illegal under state law, Gleason reminded him they needed to start under the county purchasing policy. They should have bid out anything over $30,000.
Gleason discussed a $75,000 software purchase for his office that happened before he took over. No contract can be found and no bid process. He theorized that other examples exist. |
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Thu Mar 13, 2014 8:03 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com19 minutes ago
HSS is offering to start its work right away and to defer billing until Genesee County's next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1, company and county officials said.
Ron Fonger | rfonger1@mlive.com53 minutes ago
This story includes background on Future Genesee.
Flint, Genesee County aim to cooperate under state directive for shared services
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2013/02/...
GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The city of Flint and Genesee County are doing more to partner on government services, paving the way for even more cooperation in the future, officials said.
Paul Jordan1 hour ago
There is a wealth of issues here:
--Phil Shaltz lives in Fenton (not Flint) and is headquartered in Flint Twp.
--The Journal is displaying its traditional lack of curiosity regarding anything connected to the business dealings of Genesee county's interconnected economic elite ('Nothing to see here, folks, move along') And why the to sign a contract before there is time for public discussion?
--Why can't the county commission and department heads do this themselves--particularly in a period when they perennially face budget cuts that reduce services? (Is Shaltz behind on his boat payments?)
--If it does lack expertise, why does the county propose to contract with him rather than a more expert consulting firm? (Again, is Shaltz behind on his boat payments?)
etruscan19 minutes ago
Summed it up perfectly, thank you!
Terry2 hours ago
So ummmm . . . .we aren't going to mention Mr. Shaltz's involvement with Uptown Development? How does anyone involved in Uptown suggest they'll "evaluate vendor relationships". Uptown is known for dumping cash to their friends on project after project.
rtp2 hours ago
you can see where this is going .... privatization of a government obligation is a recipe for something worse down the road ... if other municipalities have figured out how to do this, use their program and keep government non profit
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Sparty774 hours ago
Two thoughts..
What does the county's procurement policy state regarding such a contract? Has the county posted specs And solicited bids?
Secondly, is the county participating in a joint purchasing program overseen by the state's department of management and budget? Many municipalities and schools take advantage of lower prices provided by this group effort?
ic23b4 hours ago
Why and I mean WHY do we elect officials to do a job that hire others to tell them how to do their jobs? Seems Gemesee County and Flint are hiring persons and or firms to do their jobs for them or tell them how to do their jobs. Why not skip the elected nincompoops and hire the knowledgeable people to start with. This isn't about consolidation, not about compromise, not about whats best for the city or county, it's about incompetent people being voted into office without the basic skills to perform their jobs and hiring others to do it for them. Sorry state of affairs for Flint and Genesee County/
jacksondm9 hours ago
I would think that the Board members themselves might be able to do this on their own -- or have a small contingent of local citizens advise them on their own to assist. OR - Maybe the Board should take a REAL 10 or 20 % pay cut for the next five or so years to cover the cost of the consultant services..
shanedr13 hours ago
In other words we have been electing politicians who are incompetent. We don't need people in office who are popular, we need people in office who can do the work.
buick7213 hours ago
I think that consolidation of services is a no brainer and should have been done twenty years ago. If managers are finding ways around the current budget process they need to be replaced immediately. Shaltz is right on the money when he said the county was way, way behind and I have no problem hiring someone to do a study however I think that $100K is a bit overboard. Most of these studies are simply gathering data, entering it into a matrix and then conforming to a model based on that information. Not rocket science and a number of different companies could do the work. You could also look for a city or county government that is already working this way and copy their plan. That would cost the tax payers almost nothing.
The greatest challenge will be implementing the change and holding people to it. If you can't do that then you might as well not waste money studying the problem. The fact that managers are currently bypassing the system with no accountability does not bode well for success.
LuvinFlint14 hours ago
Its going to be awfully difficult for the County to claim poor in their next round of contract negotiations, when they do things like this.
$100k for someone to evaluate how they are/have been wasting money....Really?!? Not to mention borrowing hundreds of millions of dollars for a water pipeline that promises to save money someday.
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offdahook14 hours ago
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it the responsibility of the county department heads to manage their departments within the budget they argued for and had approved by the county board? If they continually fail at this basic management responsibility, then why are they not held accountable or at least called out...instead we spend more money to hire someone to do what we already have hired or elected someone to do!!!
hec12314 hours ago
Maybe State Treasury ought to look. |
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Thu Mar 13, 2014 8:26 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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I kept looking for the Fonger story and wondered why it took so long. I am told that Flint Journal Editor Marjory Rhymer at first refused to do this story and stated it was not news. Once again we see the Journal protecting the downtown groups.
I tried to find this item on the County agendas and could not. I guess they did not want to tip off the public. So much for Curtis and his transparency!
Isn't Shaltz one of the investors in 501 bar & grill.
Last edited by untanglingwebs on Wed Mar 19, 2014 10:36 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Thu Mar 13, 2014 8:36 am |
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