Macomb Matters June 2021 Issue 76

• Message from Mark
• Employee Focus
• Employee Accolades
• New Hires/Retirees
• Sprint and Splash returns with employee discount
• ‘Tell Me Something Good’ section to share good news, employee stories
• For Your Benefit: A Message from Andy McKinnon
• Let’s get social!
• What is the 401(a) Retirement Plan?
• Providing support by keeping it casual
• Macomb County Animal Control Adoption of the Month
• MMYH Ambassadors
• Paw Print
• Recipe Corner
• Blog Log
• News Nook

Click for a pdf of Macomb Matters

 

 

Message from Mark

Hello and welcome to Macomb Matters. Two months ago, when we last sent out this newsletter, my message noted that we had just experienced a spring snow storm. Now we are days away from the Fourth of July holiday, and while the forecast is a little questionable, it’s still the season for taking advantage of our great community assets. You can kayak the Clinton River, dine on the water and walk, run or bike our nature trails. There are also fireworks and parades lined up, and a variety of other fun events too. So grab your sunscreen and sunglasses (and an umbrella just in case), get your friends and family together and get going! Summer only lasts a few months, so we have to enjoy it while we can!

 

Thank you. Here’s to a great holiday weekend. Take care and stay safe,

Mark

 

 

Employee Focus

John Nizol

Meet John Nizol, the deputy court administrator for the 16^th Judicial Circuit Court. John joined the county as a summer law clerk/intern in 2004, and has been with the county full time since March of 2006.

When asked what he found most rewarding about his career with Macomb County, John said: “Can I give two answers?” He added: “First, I’m thankful for all of the opportunities I’ve had to work on projects to increase access to justice during my career. Working on projects like setting up our Macomb County Legal Self-Help Center; serving as ADA Coordinator and Language Access Coordinator for the Court; pursuing funding grants to improve indigent defense; and helping to start a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the Courts. These have been tremendous opportunities to try to ensure fairness and justice for everyone interacting with our Court system. I find this work so rewarding. Second, I’m grateful beyond belief for all of the wonderful people – Judges, coworkers, and others – who I work with. Despite the serious matters the Courts deal with, there is almost always someone I can share a laugh with, which really makes coming to work so nice.”

John went to Western Michigan (go Broncos!) for his undergrad studies in philosophy and comparative religion. After a couple of years working at jobs which had very little to do with philosophy or comparative religion, he went to Michigan State University College of Law and got a Juris Doctor in 2005.

Outside of work, John said he might have more hobbies than time. He loves traveling, hiking, birding, kayaking, cooking, gardening, reading and painting – “Very badly, but getting better!” he joked. He also enjoys watching live theatre, opera, and jazz; and spending time with friends and family. Whether he’s talking about his many hobbies or his work, John had this to share: “I don’t always succeed, but I try to approach each day as an opportunity to do some good, somehow. And I try to remember that even the worst days provide an opportunity to practice kindness and patience.”

John and his husband Eric will celebrate their five year anniversary this fall. They share a home with their dog Scooter, a greyhound they rescued. He is also the proud uncle of Dylan, Zachary, Tony, Salvatore, Bella and Tony Jr.

 

 

Employee Accolades

 

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Is there someone in your office who deserves a “pat on the back” for an outstanding achievement? If so, please let the Macomb Matters committee know about it! Email Maria.zardis@macombgov.org with the details.

 

 

New Hires/Retirees

The Macomb Matters Committee would like to congratulate Michele – Mickey – Sobieski  on her retirement, after many years of service!

Tell us about the different positions you have held during your time with the county?

I started with the county in October of 1997 as a temp in the Register of Deeds Office. I joined Friend of the Court (FOC) on February 2, 1998, as a dictation clerk (they call them office assistants now).  I held that position until I was promoted to dictation clerk supervisor in July of 2018. All in all, I spent over 23 years at FOC.

What will you miss most about working for Macomb County?

I miss my friends, old and new, especially my staff.  It’s funny, but I don't miss being on the phone seven hours a day.

What are you most proud of during your career with Macomb County?

I’m proud, but not too proud (Lutheran joke), of being able to help so many people with child support and parenting time issues over the years. I’ve always thought God put me in FOC for a reason, and that my life up until then was practice (long story).

What are your post retirement plans?

Spending extra time with my hubby, Richard, is at the top of my list. We have a new bundle of joy in our house - Peggy Christine. That's her in the picture with me. We had to pick her up in Minnesota (retirement, road trip and a new puppy - life is good!). She was so little when we got her, but she grew quickly, both in size and in our hearts. She was my retirement present from Rich, but she's a daddy's girl. I've also gotten a couple of my gardens under control, but there are many more to tame. We'll be taking some little trips now and again (hotels are less expensive during the week!). I’m hoping to spend more time with the grandkids, but they're mostly grown (the youngest is going to be 16 in June!) and are busy with their own lives, but if I cook, they will come!

Any other words of wisdom to share?

A few things come to mind. Let a smile be your umbrella on a rainy day. Remember that relationships are a 60/40 proposition - give 60% and only expect 40% in return. Don’t treat life too seriously. Always treat others with respect, because you don’t know what their life journey has been. Be excellent to each other (for you Bill & Ted lovers out there). And the ever popular golden rule - do unto others as you would have done to you.

On behalf of the Macomb Matters team, congratulations on your well-deserved retirement Mickey!

Click here for a list of New Hires/Retirees

 

 

Sprint and Splash returns with employee discount

Ready to run, walk, kayak and/or SUP? Well here's some good news: You can take part in all of these activities at Sprint and Splash!

Organizers officially announced the return of the Festival of Races for Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Lake St. Clair Metropark. The event, which promotes and celebrates Lake St. Clair, will mark its 10th anniversary this year.

“Last year we canceled Sprint and Splash due to COVID-19, so we are thrilled to bring it back this year for its 10th anniversary,” said Amanda Minaudo, program director for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development. “We’ve heard from many of our past participants who are excited to run, walk, kayak and paddleboard. I think we’re all ready to return to the park and get back to the races.”

Individuals interested in participating in Sprint and Splash are encouraged to sign up online here - and for employees, there’s a 20% discount with code “Macomb21.” All participants will receive a finisher medal, picnic blanket and swag bag.

Organizers are planning to have music, food and craft beer at the event, however, those offerings are subject to current and/or future public health guidelines.

“We have plans in place to ensure the health and well being of every attendee,” said Minaudo. “Our goal, as always, is to have a safe event where people can have fun and enjoy the beautiful setting at Lake St. Clair Metropark.”

Sponsorship opportunities for Sprint and Splash are available. Funds raised will go towards the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, whose mission is to provide critical support to sustain all 13 metroparks and to enrich the lives of the citizens and environment of southeast Michigan. Sponsor details can be found here. For any questions, please contact Amanda Minaudo at Amanda.minaudo@macombgov.org.

 

 

‘Tell Me Something Good’ section to share good news, employee stories

Over the last 15 months, we’ve all missed out on those spontaneous conversations where we learn something new or exciting about a coworker. Perhaps someone had an anniversary, or they welcomed a new grandchild or maybe they bought a house. All of these special ‘water cooler’ moments where we share updates and congratulations were missing from the last year. So in this edition of Macomb Matters, the team is launching a new feature - ‘Tell Me Something Good.’ This section of the newsletter aims to tell those stories so we can celebrate good news together.

Here’s how it works:

1. Submit your good news here. Tell us what happened or is happening and if you have one, submit a picture to support your story.
2. The Macomb Matters team will review all entries.
3. Your good news MAY appear in an upcoming edition of the Macomb Matters newsletter.

It’s really that simple! So submit your good news through the above link and let’s celebrate together!

Questions or looking for additional information? Email the Macomb Matters editorial team at Maria.zardis@macombgov.org.

 

 

For Your Benefit: A Message from Andy McKinnon

Remote work or not even remotely working? Sort of two ways to look at the same issue. Over the course of the last year we navigated through this maze and as a county workforce, we believe we've made the best of a very difficult situation. Now, as state and local conditions change, staff and visitors are allowed back in our facilities and we are trying to figure out what the next step is in this universe where we know many of our tasks can be done remotely. But is that the best way to accomplish them? 

One thing that keeps coming up over and over is that we have never allowed remote work as a county. Here in HRLR we see that a little differently, people have been working remotely in our organization for years. Equalization, Public Works, Roads, Environmental Health and many other departments have staff that work in the field. That's a form of remote work that we don't often think about. 

What I believe we are really discussing now is a "flexible working" environment that allows staff to better balance what might work for them with what works for their departments. Of course, the foundation of this is that we are still here to do work on behalf of the public. So our elected officials and/or department heads will make the final decision on remote/flexible work. 

In this new environment, however, potential and current employees have a lot more say over where and who they are going to work for. Gone are the days where we were glad to have a job - thankfully - we have now entered into a world where there are far more jobs than staff to fill them. This creates a competition to attract and retain the best talent, so we must work with our staff to build the right type of environment. And in HRLR, we believe that the right environment, and the future of work, is hybrid. Achieving this type of balance requires tremendous managerial acumen and an understanding from staff that not all positions, nor all departments, have the ability to offer remote options. It will also require a framework, to which we have already begun with our Remote Work Policy and guidance which will be continually updated here in the HRLR Newsroom. 

We ask all of you for your patience, understanding and suggestions, as this ongoing work will be challenging. But yesterday I was reminded why it is so important. I came into the office right at 8 a.m. and noticed a nearly full parking structure and a lot of people in the lobby. Everyone seemed happy to once again be with each other, and it was nice to see. It almost felt like the first day back to school after summer break. And in that moment it was clear to me that finding a balance where people can interact face-to-face while still having flexibility to work at home is something that our organization can do and something we can accomplish together.

Have a great 4th of July.

P.S. - We've recently partnered with the Macomb Athletic Club to give employees a special discount and access to services. Learn more here.

Andy

 

 

 

Let’s get social!

Looking to stay connected to Macomb County departments and initiatives? Follow it all on social media!

Get news, find events and join the conversation by visiting www.MacombGov.org and by clicking the social icon located at the top right corner of the homepage. Here you’ll find every social account managed by county departments, programs and initiatives, including (but not limited to):

 

Facebook

16th Judicial Circuit Court

Animal Control

Board of Commissioners

Health Department

 

Instagram

Macomb County Animal Control

Make Macomb Your Home

Sheriff's Office

 

Twitter

Macomb Community Action

Macomb News Now

Mark Hackel

 

YouTube

Office of Public Works

Planning and Economic Development

Sheriff's Office

 

LinkedIn

Human Resources and Labor Relations

Macomb Business

Macomb County Government

 

Join us in getting social today by liking, following, subscribing to and connecting with all of these accounts. It’s an easy way to stay up-to-date on everything Macomb County!

AND - for all those Instagram users - if you’re out and about in Macomb County and spot something fun or beautiful, snap a pic, upload it to your Instagram and tag it #MakeMacombYourHome. The Make Macomb Your Home Instagram account is looking to share great, local photos. So start sharing your images with that hashtag today!

 

 

What is the 401(a) Retirement Plan?

What is the 401(a) Retirement Plan?

Five years ago, the county implemented a defined contribution plan for all employees hired on or after January 1, 2016. 2021 marks an important milestone for employees enrolled in the defined contribution plan, and can have significant financial impact on those employees. The Macomb Matters team asked Human Resources and Labor Relations to explain why.

1. For those who may not be aware of the 401(a) Retirement Plan, can you please explain what this benefit is? 

The 401(a) retirement plan is what is known as a Defined Contribution plan. This means that, instead of having a fixed monthly pension upon retirement (which is known as a Defined Benefit plan), employees are required to contribute 3% of their base wages into the plan to save for their retirement. Employees direct the investment of their contributions, so the benefit upon retirement is not defined. It is linked to the contributions the employee and employer made and the fund performance of the investments the employee chose.

2. What makes a 401(a) plan different from a 401(k) plan? What do all those numbers mean anyway?

A 401(a) is a retirement plan offered by government and nonprofit employers. 401(k) retirement plans are more commonly offered by companies in the private sector. 401(k) plans are not mandatory, but participation in 401(a) plans often is. Contributions to 401(a) plans are determined by the employer and the employer is required to contribute as well.  In 401(k) plans, the employee determines the contribution amount, if any, and the employer is not required to contribute anything.

These programs are governed by IRS regulations, so the numbers and letters refer to IRS tax code sections and subsections.

3. Is the 401(a) a good benefit?

The 401(a) retirement program is great for employees of Macomb County, because the county matches employee contributions two to one. Currently, the minimum required contribution is 3% of an employee’s base wages every pay period. The county contributes the equivalent of 6% of the employee’s base wages every pay period. This means that employees are getting a 9% contribution that only “costs” them 3% of their base wages! In addition, since the county no longer offers retiree health care benefits for employees hired on or after January 1, 2016, the county deposits an additional $100 per pay period, up to $2600 per year, in the plan as well.

One of the best features of the 401(a) plan is that participants have direct control over the nature of their investments and can be as conservative or aggressive as he or she is comfortable. In a Defined Benefit plan, the employee has no control over the type of investments their employer makes and governmental organizations are generally required to be more conservative in their strategies.

4. Do I need to opt into this? Can I opt out?

No and No. Full time employees hired on or after January 1, 2016, are required to participate in the 401(a) defined contribution plan, and are automatically enrolled into the plan.

5. What is “vesting?” And what is the vesting schedule for the county’s 401(a) plan?

Vesting implies “ownership.” It means that the employer cannot take back any funds you are vested in, for any reason. The vesting schedule for Macomb County’s 401(a) plan is two tracked. The first track applies to the contributions paid into the plan by the employee. An employee is 100% vested in 100% of his or her own contributions from day one. The second track applies to the contributions paid into the plan by the county. The vesting period on the county’s contributions is on a pro-rated, five year schedule. Participants are vested in 20% of the county’s contributions after their first year, 40% after the second year and so on, until, at five years, the employee is 100% vested in his or her own contributions and the county’s contributions. 

6. So after 5 years, when I am 100% vested on both tracks, what happens then?

That really depends on the participating employee. After five years, employees can contact Retirement Services and request to increase their contribution from 3% to 4%. This request is irrevocable but it comes with a significant upside – the county will increase its contribution, from 6% to 8%. That means that an employee will effectively have a 12% contribution that only “costs” them 4%. The employee can also choose to do nothing, and the 3%/6% contribution rates will remain in place.

7. Can I view my account balance and/or account activity online?

Yes! The 401(a) retirement plan is administered by Vanguard. Participants can view their account balance and activity by visiting Vanguard’s website. There’s even an app! For more information and to find out how to register, visit the Vanguard website or Retirement Services’ website. 

8. Can I get access to the money in my 401(a) for a life event (death, new home, illness, etc.)?

An employee can only access the funds after they have left employment with Macomb County.  If an employee dies while employed, Vanguard will complete a distribution to the beneficiary on record. Therefore, it is vital to maintain beneficiary records with Vanguard at all times. Regretfully, there are no loans or hardship withdrawals from funds in the 401(a) plan.

9. If I ever leave the county and/or retire, what happens to this money?

An employee account under $1,000 will automatically be cashed out to the employee. Taxes will be deducted, but no additional penalty. Accounts over $1,001 will be placed in a personal IRA with Vanguard or an employee can request a cash out.  Employees could also request to have a direct rollover of those funds into another Traditional IRA or leave it with Vanguard.

10. Does the county offer any other retirement plans to county employees?

Yes. The county offers part time and full time employees the option to enroll in a 457(b) plan (another section of IRS tax code!), regardless of their date of hire. It is entirely optional. Employees determine the amount they want to contribute, subject to IRS guidelines. There is no employer match for this plan. For information on enrolling in the 457(b) plan, please click here.

11. What if I have more questions about the retirement plans the county offers?

Retirement Services maintains a robust website. You can also call any member of the Retirement Services Team at (586) 469-5113.

 

 

Providing support by keeping it casual

The Board of Commissioners Casual Day Program continues in 2021, but with an additional emphasis on charitable organizations.

The BOC recognizes each organization fills a specific need in the community and that certain organizations hold a special place with county employees. To recognize this and to further encourage donations, the Board has asked each county department to choose one of the 12 selected Casual Day organizations and to serve as an ambassador for it. The organization which a department chooses will receive all the donations earned on the four Special Casual Days in 2021.

It is within the discretion of each department to select which charity they choose to champion. Each department is encouraged to disseminate information on the charity throughout their office and in the community, allowing awareness and donations for the charity to be raised. Our communications team will provide each department with information on the monthly charities to be shared via social media, newsletters and other forms of communications each department utilizes, further encouraging others to embrace the charity as well.

The Casual Day Program recipients for the rest of 2021 are:

• September: The Rainbow Connection
• October: Samaritan House
• Special Casual Day: October 29
• November: Sandcastles (Henry Ford)
• December: Turning Point
• Special Casual Day: December 29

July - I Heart Dogs -  I Heart Dogs is a no-kill rescue in Warren that also places dogs with medical issues or senior dogs in foster homes, when applicable. The organization leads the no-kill movement by rescuing, rehabilitating, re-homing and providing a place of refuge for homeless dogs, while also providing a haven for the pets belonging to domestic violence survivors. For more info: https://www.iheartdogs.org/

August - Marty’s Place - Marty’s Place is a non-profit animal preserve/ sanctuary in Bruce Township. The organization provides fun and educational interactions between humans and animals, great volunteer opportunities for the community and a tranquil place for visitors to enjoy. Learn more:  https://www.martysplaceforanimals.org/

 

 

Macomb County Animal Control Adoption of the Month

Say hello to Tom Giachino, an IT professional with Metro Technology Services, IT, Inc., and his dog Cleo. Tom is the Macomb County IT Liaison for Animal Control. On March 13, 2020, he happened to be speaking on the phone with Chief Randazzo of Macomb County Animal Control (MCAC). Tom was inquiring about what potential IT needs MCAC might have related to the impending lockdown, which was to begin in a few days. Tom casually asked Chief what he was going to do with the animals currently in the facility, and Chief mentioned finding foster homes. Tom and his partner Charlie had recently lost their dog Tasha, and were feeling a big gap in their lives. Tom had previously shared with Chief that he and Charlie were interested in a larger dog, if he should ever have any available. As it so happens, Chief had taken in a four-year-old 100 pound Old English Mastiff named Nala, and he proposed that Tom and Charlie take her in for what was supposed to be a two week “lock-down.”  On the first day of the lock-down, they picked Nala up at 9 a.m.

Before they picked her up, Tom had done some research on the Old English Mastiff breed. He discovered they were an ancient breed, and were around in the time of the Pharaohs in Egypt – “Why they are called Old English Mastiffs, not sure,” Tom quipped. When they loaded her in the car, she immediately put her head on the arm rest between the two of them from the back seat. They were struck by her beautiful eyes, and decided to name her Cleopatra, who was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt – Cleo for short. 

Says Tom: “She was quite skittish when we arrived home, however, after an hour or so, and a couple treats and new toys, she calmed down. We kind of knew we were in trouble. Those darn puppy dog eyes!”

They officially adopted her two weeks after the lockdown began. Since that day, Cleo has not missed one morning walk, and has made many friends, of the two and four legged variety. Tom and Charlie take her to an open field near their house, and Cleo tramps around, all 110 pounds of her, and tries to keep up with the dogs in the neighborhood. “We love Cleo and we consider her part of our family. I truly believe that rescue dogs have an intuition and appreciation when they find forever homes. Cleo is a perfect example. Although she can be frightening to meet initially, people quickly find out that she’s as gentle as a lamb! Chief and his staff are wonderful at pairing people with animals. I’ve learned from experience.”

Is your companion waiting for you? Pay a visit to Macomb County Animal Control and find out! Visit the website for more information about pets available for adoption, information about the adoption process, and hours of operation.

 

 

MMYH Ambassadors

COVID Emergency Rental Assistance

Welcome back to the MMYH Ambassadors column! This edition will feature an important initiative led by Macomb Community Action: The COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program.

The CERA program is focused on providing support for tenants and landlords who have experienced housing-related hardships due to the pandemic. Applications are now open and being accepted for both tenants and landlords.

To be eligible for the CERA program, a household must have: a cumulative income of less than 80 percent of the Area Median Income; qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability evidenced by a past due utility or rent notice.

Eligible renters and landlords may receive (per household/unit):

• Up to 10-12 months of past-due rental assistance
• Up to three months of future rental assistance
• Up to $2,500 past-due or future utility assistance
• A $300 flat fee home internet stipend

The CERA program replaces the popular Eviction Diversion Program previously offered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and is the result of federal funding. For more information about CERA and to learn how to apply for the program, please click here.

Now - think you’re ready to complete the ambassador quiz? Click here to get started and stay tuned for the next issue, where we’ll cover a new topic.

 

 

Paw Print

A message from Chief Randazzo

Saturday, June 26, we hosted our Low Cost Vaccine Clinic at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights. Despite the threat of storms and bad weather, there was record turnout – in fact, it was the largest turnout we’ve ever had.

Historically, between pre-registration and walk-ins, we’ve averaged about 300 people. This year, over 600 people pre-registered. We administered over 1,200 vaccines, implanted 142 micro-chips, conducted 255 heartworm tests and issued 165 dog licenses. The success of the event, the positive attitudes and the willingness of the pet parents to brave potentially bad weather demonstrates the dedication of our organization and of animal owners to their pets.

Another driver of the demand is related to the backlog many veterinarians and veterinary clinics are experiencing due to the pandemic. Some of our clients who came in this weekend told us their regular vets did not have appointments available until this fall. Clearly, there is a great need for this service, so we are already planning another clinic for September. At Macomb County Animal Control (MCAC), our mission is to protect the health and safety of our residents, and to protect animals and promote their humane treatment. These low cost vaccine clinics are a big part of our strategy. It’s very rewarding to be able to assist the public in this practical way.

Another one of the rewarding aspects of our work is finding loving homes for animals. Sometimes people come into our facilities with the intention of finding a companion. At other times, however, people step up in the face of unexpected situations, and agree to foster animals for us on a temporary basis. Foster families were really needed during the early days of the pandemic. Occasionally, our foster helpers discover that they’ve found the companion they never knew they needed. We call these situations “Foster Failures.” But it’s a happy failure, and we are always excited when an animal finds a loving home. While there are many such stories to share, this month, one of our Foster Failures is being featured in this newsletter. Please read and if it inspires you, consider fostering an animal. f that is not possible, but you’d like to assist us in our mission, you can donate through our website. You can also shop our Amazon Wish List.

 

 

Recipe Corner

Cherry Puff Pancake

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup nonfat or 1% milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 1 dash cinnamon
• 2 Tablespoons margarine or butter
• 2 cups halved, pitted sweet cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)

Directions

Wash hands and all food preparation surfaces.

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2. In a medium bowl or blender, beat the eggs, milk and vanilla together until well blended.

3. Mix the flour, sugar and cinnamon together. Add to the liquid ingredients and mix until there are no lumps.

4. Put margarine or butter in a 10– or 11– inch oven proof skillet or 2 1/2 to 3 quart baking dish. Place the skillet or dish in the hot oven until the margarine or butter is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven. Quickly spread the cherries across the bottom of the hot skillet or dish.

5. Pour the batter over the cherries and sprinkle with almond slices, if using.

6. Return to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges are browned and the puffs in the middle are golden. Cool slightly before cutting into 4 pieces. The center puffs will flatten during cooling or if oven is opened during cooking.

7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Source: Recipe provided by: Food Hero, Oregon State University Extension, foodhero.org

For nutrition facts click here.

 

 

 

Blog Log

 

A helpful guide to u-pick strawberry season

Ring in the new season: Macomb County’s summertime events

National Safe Boating Week: What to know while boating this season

 

 

 

 

News Nook

 

Macomb County Health Department announces reactivation of immunizations and family planning services

Macomb County Health Department continues bathing beach water quality monitoring

Macomb County receives four Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties

 

 

Do you have comments or suggestions for Macomb Matters? Please send them to maria.zardis@macombgov.org