Health, Animal Control and Public Safety

Bernard Blackmore

Larry Bargy, Chairman

David Howelman

 

Minutes

June 29, 2005

 

Members present:

 

Larry Bargy, Bernie Blackmore and Dave Howelman

Members absent:

 

None

Others present:

 

Pete Garwood, Jack White, Carl Goeman

 

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

2.        Senior Center Emergency Use

Ray Mills, representing Area Seniors, Inc., joined the meeting. The Committee and Mr. Mills discussed the arrangement of the County's use of the Senior Center.  The Senior Center was paid for and is owned by Kearney Township and Forest Home Township.  The Area Senior, Inc. has a 99 year lease with the two townships.  The Commission on Aging (COA) has a twenty (20) year sub-lease with the Area Seniors, Inc. for one dollar ($1.00).  Mr. Mills expressed concern about the Area Seniors, Inc. not being notified when the building is being designated in policy for some type of emergency use.

 

Sheriff Johnson will discuss the jail evacuation policy with the COA Board and the Area Senior, Inc. Board.

 

3.        Sheriff Department

Snowmobile Budget Request

Laura Sexton, County Clerk, joined the meeting to discuss the snowmobile budget for the Sheriff Department.

 

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the snowmobile budget be sent to the Finance Committee as amended.  Motion carried – unanimous.

 

4.        Capital Outlay Request

Emergency Operation Center (EOC) - Air Conditioner

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to approve an expenditure of up to $500 for an air conditioner for the EOC to be paid out of the EOC operating budget.  Motion carried – unanimous.

 

5.        Sheriff Department Update

Sheriff Johnson updated the Committee on personnel issues in the jail.

 

6.        Spay, Neuter and Rabies Program

The Committee indicated that they are supportive of the Spay and Neuter Program. The Committee indicated they would support doing the program twice a year.

 

Motion by Dave Howelman, supported by Laura Stanek, to support conducting the Spay and Neuter Program twice a year.  Motion carried – unanimous.

 

Sheriff Johnson indicated the dog census will need to be conducted again in 2007.

 

7.        Animal Shelter Update

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend to Buildings and Grounds Committee that Petrie Construction has until July 15 to get the concrete work and asphalt work done at the jail.  Motion carried – unanimous.

 

Mr. Garwood informed the Committee and the Sheriff of a complaint of dogs barking at the Animal Shelter.  Sheriff Johnson informed the Committee he had conversations with the complainant and believes he has addressed the problem.

 

Steve Bratschi, 911 Supervisor joined the meeting. Mr. Bratschi informed the Committee the State has indicated that our 911 plan must be amended to include a fire department representative.  Currently the plan calls for one of the 911 board to be a member of Antrim County Emergency Services (ACES).  The individual who currently holds this position on the 911 board is also a fire fighter.  Although the County is compliant with the current board membership, the language in the 911 plan must be amended to reflect the required board composition. 

 

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners amend the 911 Plan to include that the Antrim County Emergency Services (ACES) position also serves as the required firefighter position.  Motion carried – unanimous.

 

Mr. Bratschi will make sure the proper procedure is followed for the plan amendment.

 

Sheriff Johnson discussed the concern of Echo Township Board regarding the cost of the fire department being dispatched for a downed tree. At their next meeting, the Road Commission Board will be discussing whether or not they would be in favor of Road Commission employees cutting up a downed tree from a storm.

 

8.        Emergency Services Update

National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliancy

Carl Goeman indicated that the Department of Homeland Security is requiring that in order for any governmental unit to receive a Homeland Security Grant funding they must be National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant.

 

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the attached draft resolution, which indicates the County intends to take the appropriate steps necessary to be National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant.  Motion carried – unanimous.

 

Annual Employment Grant for Emergency Management Coordinator

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the chairman signing the Emergency Management Coordinator employment grant for the fiscal year 2005.  Motion carried – unanimous.

 

9.        Communications

An email was reviewed from a resident who was informing the County of a neighbor who had 25 or more dogs, no kennel license and the animals are not being treated appropriately.  The email has already been forwarded to the Sheriff.

 

Meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.