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

Minutes

April 29, 2005

Members present:	Larry Bargy and Dave Howelman
Members absent:	Bernie Blackmore
Others present:	Pete Garwood, Jack White, Carl Goeman and Terry Johnson

1.        Meeting called to order at 9:02 a.m.
2.        Spay, Neuter and Rabies Program
	Sheriff Terry Johnson explained that the County, working with area Veterinarians, held a Spay and Neuter Program at the Animal Shelter.  However, some Veterinarians were concerned about competing with the program. Dr. Dale Ackler, Veterinarian from Mancelona, spoke about his concerns in trying to compete with the spay and neuter program. Dr. Clark, Veterinarian from Mancelona, expressed his concerns with the spay and neuter program. Concerns expressed by Dr. Ackler and Dr. Clark: * The clinic competes with the private veterinarian business. * Veterinarians that do the clinic are from out of the County. The dollars don't stay  in Antrim County. * The Veterinarians that participate in the program vaccinate and run, they don't do a complete physical of the animals, and the area veterinarians are left to clean up any problems that may arise from the program. * They feel, it is not just low income people that are using the clinic, but sometimes those who can afford a regular Veterinarian visit. * Concern was expressed that the Animal Control Officers were used as staff for the veterinarians during the program. Dr. Bolderdick, a retired Veterinarian that helped out with the spay and neuter program, expressed his view on why he doesn't think the program cuts into the area Veterinarians bottom line.  It was his opinion that the people that bring their animals in for spay, neutering and vaccination typically wouldn’t utilize a veterinarian due to the cost. He also said he gives each animal owner his phone number so they can call him if something goes wrong. Maurice McGleesh, from Mancelona, expressed his concerns, in particular, the number of animals without rabies shots if not for the clinic. Dr. Donna Simons, Veterinarian from Alba, expressed her support for the clinic.  She indicated she provided services for the spay, neuter and vaccination program, and said she has actually experienced additional business from the program. She hands her card out to the participants and some actually call her or make appointments at a later date for additional services.  Dr. Simons also indicated her own staff volunteered to assist with the program and the animal control officers did not act as staff.  However, she did praise the animal control officers for all the dedication and extra effort they put into the animal control program and the Animal Shelter. The Committee will take all the input into consideration and will address the matter at the next Health, Animal Control and Public Safety meeting in May.
3.        Antrim County Safe Driver Program Policy (attachments)
	Peter Garwood, Coordinator/Planner, explained that the Safe Driver Policy had been sent to Legal Counsel for review and changes, and that Mr. Koop was here to present those changes.  Mr. Koop reviewed the changes he made to the draft policy with the Committee. Mr. Garwood informed the Committee of additional documents from the Michigan Secretary of State Office that must be completed and authorized for signature in order to access the Motor Vehicle Record Flag Program. Motion by Dave Howelman, supported by Larry Bargy, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the Antrim County Safe Driver Program Policy with the discussed amendments and the Chairman be authorized to sign the appropriate papers to participate in the Michigan Secretary of State Motor Vehicle Record Flag Program.  Motion carried – unanimous.
4.        Sheriff Department Update
	Sheriff Johnson informed the Committee that he just hired a new dispatcher in the 911 Center.  He also informed the Committee he will go to Administration and County Services Committee to replace a dispatcher that didn't make it through probation period. Officer John Fant will be retiring at the end of May. Sheriff Johnson is also checking into leasing a vehicle instead of buying. Sheriff Johnson explained that the Board of Commissioners approved the scheduling of Carl Goeman at the Sheriff Department one (1) day a month in order that he be allowed to keep his police officer certification.  He recently found out that Mr. Goeman must actually work for the department one day a month as opposed to simply being scheduled. Motion by Dave Howelman, supported by Larry Bargy, to recommend the Finance Committee and the Board of Commissioners approve the Sheriff be allowed to put Carl Goeman on the Sheriff's payroll for one day a month in order to keep his police officer certification current.  Motion carried – unanimous.
5.        Emergency Services
	Mr. Carl Goeman, Emergency Services Director, distributed information about becoming NIMS (National Incident Management System) compliant.  NIMS compliancy is required to remain eligible for the Homeland Security Grant.  This issue will be added to next month’s agenda for action.
Meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m.