Health, Animal Control & Public Safety Committee

Bernard Blackmore

Larry Bargy, Chairman

David Howelman

June 25, 2003

Minutes

Members present:

Larry Bargy, Bernie Blackmore and David Howelman

Members absent:

None

Others present:

Pete Garwood and Jack White

1.        Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m.

2.        Emergency Service Director Introduction

Peter Garwood Coordinator/Planner introduced Carl Goeman the new Emergency Services Director to the Committee.

The Committee members introduced themselves to Mr. Goeman.  Mr. Goeman gave the committee an account of his background.

Mr. Goeman informed the Committee that a company contracting with the Road Commission had repeatedly driven over the Emergency Operations Center septic system with their front end loader.  The Committee directed Mr. Garwood to contact Burt Thompson, Manager of the Road Commission and advise him of the incident.

Mr. Goeman informed the Committee of his progress on the 2004 budget and the administration of the current grants.

Mr. Goeman asked the Committee if they would allow him to use the County issued car to drive to work and back.  The Committee felt that because he will have to respond to disasters and other incidents that it made sense to let Mr. Goeman use the car.

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners allow the Emergency Services Director to use the County issued car to work and back and to emergencies only.  Motion carried – unanimous.

3.        Animal Shelter Update

The foundation has been poured and the plumbers are working at this to install the plumbing prior to pouring the slab.

4.        Meeting Time Change

Chairman Larry Bargy informed all in attendance the new meeting time for the Health, Animal Control and Public Safety Committee is the last Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.

5.        Driving In Behalf of Antrim County

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman to recommend the Board of Commissioners adopt the following policy regarding individuals driving Antrim County vehicles:

Prior to driving an Antrim County vehicle, the potential driver must fill out a form that authorizes the County to check their driving record.

Each department head is responsible for making sure the forms are completed and signed by all individuals driving an Antrim County vehicle in behalf of their department.

Motion carried – unanimous.

The Committee directed Mr. Garwood to have both Legal Counsel and the Administration and County Services Committee review the motion.

6.        Pete Wilkes Memorial Forest - Target Practice Issues

Sheriff Johnson informed the Committee that in a conversation with Charlie Koop, he found out that if a shooting range is a designated range the County is covered for liability.  Conversely, if a range is not an approved range the County Board of Commissioners can be held liable.

Charles Koop, Legal Counsel joined the meeting at 2:30 p.m.

Mr. Koop informed the Committee that the County may not be able to have an approved shooting range on the Pete Wilkes Memorial Forest because the property is designated for forestry purposes only.

Mr. Koop recommended the Board of Commissioners pass an ordinance prohibiting target practice on any County property unless the property is designated for such use.

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners pass an ordinance to prohibit target practice on any County property except any property the County has approved for such use.  Additionally, that the County research the possibility of establishing a site in the County to designate as an approved target practice range as permitted by statute.  Motion carried – unanimous.

The Committee directed Legal Counsel to draft a short ordinance for the July 10, 2003 meeting.  Mr. Garwood will check with the insurance carrier on how they view the current situation.

7.        Citation/Compliance Bureau Ordinance

Mr. Koop indicated the Citation/Compliance Bureau Ordinance is written.  The amount of the fines needs to be established.  Mr. Koop and Sheriff Johnson will prepare a list of fines for the Animal Control Ordinance for the next Health, Animal Control and Public Safety Committee meeting.

Mr. Koop will get a copy of the draft ordinance to the Coordinator/Planner Office for next month's Committee packet.

Meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.