Health, Animal Control & Public Safety Committee

Bernard Blackmore

Larry Bargy, Chairman

David Howelman

October 29, 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 9:05 a.m.

2.        Sheriff Department Update

Sheriff Terry Johnson updated the Committee on the revisions to the radio system.   Permission has been granted to mount an antenna on the Shanty Creek water tower.  The 911 antenna in Mancelona will be moved from halfway up the tower to the top of the tower.  Antenna work will also be completed in Central Lake and Kewadin.

·         Wireless Funds

Sheriff Johnson informed the Committee that the surcharge on the wireless phones was subject to a sunset provision in the statute, this coming year.  Sheriff Johnson informed the Committee that he went to Lansing to testify at the House of Representatives in favor of extending the sunset.  Mr. Garwood indicated he had called Representative Bradstreet's office, in behalf of the Board of Commissioners, to express the County’s support for the extension of the sunset.

·         Snowmobile Academy

Sheriff Johnson informed the Committee that the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Association (MMRMA) is willing to give a grant to hold a snowmobile academy (statewide) if the Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA) is willing to organize it.  However, there needs to be a sponsor for the grant.  Sheriff Johnson has tentatively agreed to sponsor the grant pending agreement by the Board of Commissioners.  Sheriff Johnson emphasized the sponsorship would be in name only and that no money will pass through the Antrim County budget.

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve Antrim County being the sponsor of the grant from the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Association (MMRMA) for the snowmobile academy.  Motion carried – unanimous.

·         Sheriff Department Budget

Sheriff Johnson informed the Committee, the 2004 budget has a short fall.  He will be going to the Finance Committee to get it straightened out next week.

3.        Animal Shelter Update

The contractor has indicated he is waiting for the excavator to grade the parking area and do the landscaping.  Work inside of the Animal Shelter is taking place at a good pace.

4.        Homeland Security Grant

Mr. Garwood presented a grant opportunity (in behalf of Carl Goeman, Emergency Services Director) called a Homeland Assessment and Strategy Grant for training sessions, completing assessments, and collecting and compiling data.  The grant is through the State of Michigan and is for $5,000.00.

Motion by Bernie Blackmore, supported by Dave Howelman, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the Homeland Security Assessment and Strategy Grant Agreement.  Motion carried – unanimous.

5.        Driving In Behalf of the County

Committee directed Mr. Garwood and Sheriff Johnson to get together, review the material and come up with recommended policy.

6.        Various Matters

·         Court Appointed Attorneys

Mr. Garwood was directed to put the issue on the agenda for the Administration Committee.

Meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.