Health, Animal Control & Public Safety Committee
Bernard Blackmore			Larry Bargy, Chairman	David Howelman
October 27, 2004
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.
	Sheriff Terry Johnson and Carl Goeman, Emergency Services Coordinator joined the meeting.
2.        Animal Shelter
	The Committee discussed the paving of the Animal Shelter parking lot and driveway with Mike Elwinga, from H&D Road Building, on speakerphone.   Mr. Elwinga stated the paving should be complete in two weeks.  He also informed the Committee the Michigan Department of Transportation will be picking up the cost of the curbs and entry way to the Animal Shelter, which will result in a savings for the County. Peter Garwood, Coordinator/Planner, updated the Committee on his conversation with Jim Petrie, of Petrie Construction, regarding the things that remain unfinished at the Animal Shelter.  A list of the unfinished items has been faxed to Mr. Petrie.
3.        Sheriff Department Update
	Sheriff Johnson informed the Committee that the Department of Corrections is in the process of inspecting the jail as we speak. The Sheriff also informed the Committee we should start thinking about meeting the future space needs at the jail. Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to request the Building and Grounds Committee begin researching how best to meet the future additional space needs of the jail and Sheriff Department.  Motion carried – unanimous. The Committee discussed the public safety communication system used by the County.  Sheriff Johnson expressed his opinion that it would be advantageous for the County to become a user of the state-wide 800 megahertz communication system.  The cost of subscribing to the system has decreased in recent years but would still cost around $250,000 initially to become a user.
4.        Emergency Services Update
	² Grant Update The Emergency Services Department has spent the 2002 and 2003 grants and all reports and reimbursement requests have been submitted.  The department is currently administering the 2004 grant. ² Tabletop Exercise Mr. Goeman reported the excursive went well.  Sheriff Johnson commended Mr. Goeman for a job well done. ² Fire Drill Mr. Goeman updated the Committee on how the fire drill on September 28 proceeded.
5.        Various Matters
	² Complaint from County Resident Charles Koop, Prosecutor joined the meeting to discuss a letter forwarded to the County by Congressman Bart Stupak from a County resident. ² TCE Plume Dave made comments regarding ACUTE and updated the Committee on the most recent activity regarding the clean-up of the TCE plume present in Mancelona Village; Custer and Mancelona Townships. ² Sheriff Department Issue Regarding the Terry Skurnit arbitration, Sheriff Johnson informed the Committee it will be mid-December when we will know the results of the arbitration (after briefs from attorneys are filed with the arbitrator).
Bernie left meeting at 10:20. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.