Health, Animal Control & Public Safety Committee

Bernard Blackmore

Larry Bargy, Chairman

David Howelman

February 26, 2003

Minutes

Members present:

Larry Bargy, Bernie Blackmore and David Howelman

Members absent:

None

Others present:

Pete Garwood

1.        Meeting called to order at 1:03 p.m.

2.        Sheriff Department Update

Sheriff Johnson came in to update the Committee on his department.

Committee discussed the issue of whether or not to give the Airport the retired Sheriff Department four-wheel drive Ford Expedition.  The Committee reviewed a list of the other vehicles that will be available in the near future and the Sheriff discussed the condition of those vehicles.  The Sheriff also confirmed that the current vehicle at the Airport is in very bad shape.

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners give the Airport the Ford Expedition retired by the Sheriff Department.  Motion carried – unanimous.

The Committee discussed with the Sheriff the number of cars the Department will be allowed to have on a continuing basis.

3.        Sheriff Department Generator

The Sheriff informed the Committee the current generator that runs the jail when the power goes down has been determined to be inadequate by the Bellaire Fire Chief.   The Committee agreed the issue should be addressed by the Building and Grounds Committee.

The Sheriff informed the Committee that the Sheriff Department Computer system must be replaced by June 2003.  FSG the company that currently provides the software has informed the Sheriff they will no longer support the software after June.

The Sheriff indicated he is working with the Bellaire Computer Center as he researches new software options.

Sheriff Johnson informed the Committee the new satellite Sheriff Department in Milton Township has recently opened.  The office space is provided by the township and can be used by Sheriff Department personnel to carry on the duties of the department.

4.        Emergency Services Update

§         Bomb Threat Plan Amendment

Mr. Bill Murphy, Emergency Services Coordinator distributed a proposed amendment to the Bomb Threat Plan.  Discussion took place on the merits of this proposed amendment compared to the previously proposed amendment.

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the previously submitted, proposed amendment to the Bomb Threat Plan (see attachment).  Motion carried – unanimous.

§         Fire Alarm Policy

Mr. Murphy indicated the intention is to have the Fire Alarm Policy mirror the Bomb Threat Plan on this issue.  Mr. Murphy indicated we have the same situation, of a previously submitted amendment versus a currently submitted amendment.

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the previously submitted, proposed amendment to the Fire Alarm Policy (see attachment).  Motion carried – unanimous.

§         Hazardous Materials Incident Cost Recovery Ordinance

Mr. Murphy presented two (2) versions of a Hazardous Materials Cost Recovery Ordinance to the Committee for review and comment.

The Committee directed Mr. Murphy to present the two draft ordinances to Charles Koop, Legal Counsel for recommendation.

§         Defibrillators

Mr. Murphy distributed a letter to all Department Heads indicating that Sharon Schultz of the Treasurer Department has agreed to assist in the event of an emergency in the County Building (see attachment).

Mr. Murphy demonstrated how the defibrillator works.

Mr. Murphy will get together with Ms. Schultz and recommend a location for the defibrillator unit in the building.

§         Terrorist Threat Conditions

Mr. Murphy distributed a document that outlined the proper response by citizens regarding the levels of terrorist threat warnings posted by the Federal Government (ie., green, yellow, orange and red).

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners authorize Mr. Murphy to post the document that indicates the different levels of terrorist threat conditions throughout the County facilities.  Motion carried – unanimous.

The Committee discussed the location of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  The discussion was sparked by a letter from Captain John Ort, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management (see attachment).  The communication was to inform the counties that an evaluation process is available to assess our local EOC's.

The Committee directed Mr. Murphy to accept Captain Ort’s offer of the evaluation of the Antrim County EOC.

Mr. Murphy distributed a copy of a grant agreement (see attachment) to add an amendment to the Emergency Operations Plan that emphasizes what to do in the case of a threat from weapons of mass destruction

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by David Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the grant agreement to update the Emergency Operations Plan for all hazards with special emphasis on Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) upon review and approval by Legal Counsel.  The grant requires the County to pay the expenses and then process the paperwork for reimbursement.  Motion carried – unanimous.

Mr. Murphy informed the Committee that a mock emergency exercise will be held at the EOC on March 11, 2003.

5.        Septic Systems

Mr. Bargy presented literature he obtained at the last health department meeting regarding septic systems.

Meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.