Health, Animal Control and Public Safety

Bernard Blackmore

Larry Bargy, Chairman

David Howelman

Minutes

March 29, 2006

Members present:

Bernie Blackmore, Larry Bargy and Dave Howelman

Members absent:

None

Others present:

Pete Garwood, Jack White, Terry Johnson, Burt Thompson and Carl Goeman

1.        Meeting called to order at 9:05 a.m.

2.        Public Comment

None.

3.        Sheriff Department

911 Radio System

Sheriff Terry Johnson informed the Committee that Tel Rad will be looking at the 911 console equipment and will present a quote as to what it will cost to upgrade the equipment.  There is $150,000 budgeted.  The upgrade will take care of current problems and will be the first step to making the County system compatible with the States 800 Megahertz system.

Department Update

The reporting error rate for the information sent from the County to the State has been dramatically reduced and the County reporting system has received a very good rating from the State.

Marine Patrol

The counties will get an additional $15,800 for marine patrol equipment.  The money is passed through the State from the Federal government.  The department is looking at using a portion of the additional funds to purchase a jet ski to patrol Grass River.

Regarding the 2005/2006 snowmobile season, the Sheriff reported there were no deaths connected with snowmobiling reported in Antrim County.

The three newly purchased patrol cars should be here in May.

4.        Animal Shelter

Incinerators

The least expensive incinerator Sheriff Johnson could find was $12,000.  Sheriff Johnson thought this was high.

Sheriff Johnson presented a quote from a company called Partridge Enterprises that will pick up the euthanized animals and dispose of them.  The cost will run approximately $2,500 per year.

Animal Control Officer

A new part-time employee has been hired for the Animal Shelter.

5.        Jail Space Update

Sheriff Johnson updated the Committee on the Jail Ad-hoc Committee meeting yesterday.

6.        Medical Examiner

Peter Garwood, Coordinator/Planner, presented the preliminary findings from the survey of other counties in Region 10 regarding how they handle the Medical Examiner position.  The Committee decided to wait until the other counties responded to the survey.  The issue will be on the next month’s agenda.

7.        Homeland Security Grant

Carl Goeman, Emergency Service Coordinator, informed the Committee that the County can apply for a $22,000 Homeland Security Grant that can be used for communications equipment.  The grant application must be in by April 14.  Because the Board of Commissioners does not meet until April 13 and the grant requires no matching funds, the Committee decided to approve signature by the Board chairman, and request concurrence by the full Board on April 13.

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to allow Mr. Goeman to apply for the Homeland Security Grant for $22,000 and authorize the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners to sign the application.  Additionally, the Committee recommends after the fact concurrence by the Board of Commissioners.  Motion carried – unanimous.

8.        911 Generator

Carl Goeman and Burt Thompson, Manager of the Road Commission, distributed information regarding the cost of moving the old 911 generator from the 911 Center and wiring the Road Commission building to work off the generator in emergency situations. The current cost estimate would be a total of $10,581.  The Committee asked Mr. Thompson and Mr. Goeman to obtain two more quotes for the wiring portion of the project (to be compliant with the County bid policy).

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Finance Committee revisit the bid policy and determine what would be an appropriate project cost threshold to initiate the requirement of bids.  Motion carried – unanimous.

9.        Dog Census

Sheriff Johnson informed the Committee that the last dog census was completed 5 years ago.

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to direct the sheriff to budget for a dog census in 2007.  Motion carried – unanimous.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.