Sheriff Terry Johnson, Carl Goeman, Emergency Services Coordinator, and Russ Blasdell joined the meeting.

Sheriff Johnson explained to the Committee that Dr. David Wilcox has been providing physician services in the jail, under contract and it is time to renew the contract.

²      Physician Contract

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the contract with David Wilcox, DO, CCHP, for physician services in the jail.  Motion carried – unanimous.

Sheriff Johnson will provide a copy of the contract for signature, by the Chair of the Board of Commissioners, upon Board approval.

Sheriff Johnson updated the Committee on the boat motor situation.

The Committee discussed the sand bar on Torch Lake, and marine patrol in general.

Peter Garwood, Coordinator/Planner, informed the Committee that he and Bob Yvon, Architect, had made a site visit to the Animal Shelter two weeks ago, to inspect the landscaping and excavation work as well as the progress by Petrie Construction on fixing the problems in and around the building.  The landscaping and excavation work was complete and approved by Mr. Yvon.  Mr. Yvon is in the process of completing a list of things that remain undone.  Additionally, the final paving is on hold until Michigan Department of Transportation establishes the elevations for the new pavement on M-88 in front of the Animal Shelter.

²      Animal Control Fees

Sherry Comben, County Treasurer, joined the meeting and distributed the current fee schedule for services by the Animal Control Department.  Ms. Comben indicated the fee schedule should be reviewed and changes should be made if necessary.  A final draft should be presented to the Board of Commissioners for approval for the 2005 year.

Motion by Dave Howelman, supported by Bernie Blackmore, to recommend the adoption of the attached fee schedule for the 2005 year (attached), but that the deposit for the animal be refundable if the animal is spayed or neutered.  Motion carried – unanimous.

Mr. Goeman informed the Committee that the Antrim County Sheriff Dive Team had found 55 gallon barrels down at the bottom of the north end of Intermediate Lake. The issue has been turned over to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has plans to remove the barrels.

Mr. Goeman informed the Committee the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) voted to recommend the purchase of a TV, VCR and mounting brackets for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), to be paid out of the LEPC fund.  Mr. Goeman presented a quote for the equipment.

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the purchase of a TV, VCR and brackets for the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) with LEPC funds, total price $ 462.97.  Motion carried – unanimous.

Mr. Goeman informed the Committee they will be conducting a tabletop exercise on October 21, 2004.

Grant dollars scheduled to be spent for HazMat equipment and training, related to weapons of mass destruction, will not be spent for the planned purpose if the fire fighters are not interested. If this ends up being the case, the funds will have to be reallocated.

Russ Blasdell addressed the Committee on a Shooting Range and a Shooting Ordinance. Mr. Blasdell distributed a map (attached) which showed a parcel of property that the Bellaire Conservation Club has targeted for a shooting range. Mr. Blasdell also inquired whether or not the County ordinance, prohibiting shooting ranges on County property, could be amended.  Mr. Garwood will set up a meeting between Mr. Blasdell, Charles Koop, Legal Counsel, and himself to explore the request.