Health, Animal Control and Public Safety
Bernard Blackmore	Larry Bargy, Chairman	David Howelman

Minutes

March 30, 2005

Members present:	Larry Bargy, Dave Howelman and Bernie Blackmore
Members absent:	None.
Others present:	Pete Garwood and Jack White

1.        Meeting called to order at 9:02 a.m.

2.        Sheriff Department Update
	Sheriff Terry Johnson joined the meeting. The Sheriff updated the Committee on a personnel issue in the jail. The Sheriff and the Committee discussed the trip to the Leelanau County jail.  The department is in the process of hiring a new dispatcher.  The 911 center will need to replace the communication console soon.  It can be paid for with 911 funds. Mr. Blackmore inquired about marine patrol. Sheriff Johnson indicated he will be purchasing a new motor for one of the boats (budgeted).  Two individuals that will be hired as marine patrol officers are being sent to Marine Patrol School.  The Sheriff Department will be holding a class for citizens on marine education. The County experienced three deaths this winter related to snowmobiles, all related to speed and alcohol. Dave Howelman inquired about the possibility of changing what emergency service units are called out, by the 911 dispatchers for Echo Township, when a tree goes down over the road or on a power line.  Currently, it is a $400 minimum per call out.  Sheriff Johnson indicated it is standard procedure to send out the fire department.  He indicated it would not be possible to send out a deputy.  Mr. Howelman will relay the answer to the township supervisor.  Sheriff Johnson informed the Committee he has already met with the Echo Township Board on the issue, but would be willing to go again if necessary.
3.        Animal Control
	The Sheriff informed the Committee that two veterinarians in the County are not happy that the County is holding a spay and neuter program.  It was decided that Sheriff Johnson should invite all the veterinarians in the County to the next Health, Animal Control and Public Safety meeting.
	Mr. Garwood informed the Committee that he has sent a letter to Petrie Construction detailing what still needs to be done at the animal shelter.  Mr. Garwood also informed the Committee both the architect and the contractor will be at the next Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting, and we are trying to get a representative from the company that manufactures the product that was used on the walls in the kennels. Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Building and Grounds Committee seriously consider taking the dollars we have left from the contract with Petrie Construction and hire a different contractor to finish the problems left at the Animal Shelter.  Motion carried – unanimous.
4.        Emergency Services
	Carl Goeman, Emergency Services Director, updated the Committee on which companies were chosen to provide the generator and propane tank for the Emergency Operation Center (D and R Electric and Ellsworth Farmer’s Exchange, respectively).
Meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.