Approved 7/15/04
Members Present: Andy Schor, Mary Stid, Dianne Holman, Chris Swope, Randy Schafer and Board Chairperson Celentino
Members Absent: Tom Minter
Others Present: John Neilsen, Roger Fleming, Eric Schertzing, Karen Chadwick, Dr. Mari Nichol, Nancy Parsons, Marji Seemon, Debbie DeLeon, Lisa Dedden, Mark Grebner, Cindy Erickson, Nancy VanLue, Holly Strobel, Penelope Tsernoglou, Lorna Elliott and Christine Timmon
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schor at 6:06 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the May 27, 2004 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. STID, TO APPROVE THE MAY 27 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Minter
Additions to the Agenda
3a. Completed Resolution
Limited Public Comment: None
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Minter
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SWOPE, TO APPROVED THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. Minter
3b. 911 Advisory Committee/Controller's Office - Update on the Public Safety Radio Communications System
Mr. Neilsen stated his office received a copy of the tower engineering report. It appears it is in the County's and the Board of Water & Light's best interests to replace the existing tower. A meeting has been scheduled for next week with the Board of Water & Light to discuss a possible cost-sharing agreement for the removal of the old tower and for the cost of the new tower. If an agreement is reached, he will schedule this matter for discussion at this Committee's next meeting.
The Committee discussed items a-d as one discussion item.
Chairperson Schor stated he placed this item on the agenda to deal with concerns regarding dog licensing, dog bite procedures and other issues related to Animal Control.
Comm. Dedden distributed copies of a June 10, 2004 memorandum from the Animal Control Advisory Board. The memorandum reported on the progress of the Animal Control Office. Comm. Dedden reviewed the information contained in this communication. The initial workgroups of the Advisory Board are 1) improving adoptions/decreasing unwanted animals; 2) pursuing grant funding; and 3) community outreach. In response to concerns raised by Commissioners, the Advisory Board has discussed ways in which the County may increase compliance with the dog licensing policy. Mr. Fleming, Mr. Schertzing and Mr. Haven of the Capital Area Humane Society have attended the meetings on this issue.
Mr. Schertzing, Treasurer, distributed copies of his November 1, 2004 memorandum to Corporate Counsel which identified new contracts with veterinarians to address dog licensing within their practices. The length of the contracts are 2005 through 2008. The list consisted of 10 vet offices within this County. Mr. Schertzing explained that the County's dog licensing contract with vets is very lengthy. This may present a hurdle for some vets to contract with the County.
Dr. Nichol, veterinarian, inquired as to the potential of providing internet access to residents for the purpose of applying for a dog license. The internet access would be available through the vet offices which contract with the County. She further stated the contract should be easily understandable by high school students who would be handling this process.
In response to Comm. Schafer, Mr. Schertzing stated 30% to 40% of dogs within Ingham County are licensed. Dr. Nichol also stated approximately 30% of dog owners do not take their dogs to veterinarians.
Ms. Seeman, County resident, spoke regarding her recent experience with a loose dog in her neighborhood. She stated the dog intended to harm her. The incident was reported to the Animal Control Office.
Comm. Schafer stated data is starting to support his proposal that the County Animal Control Office should focus more on control issues than shelter concerns.
Comm. Holman asked for further information regarding Dr. Nichol's internet proposal. Comm. Grebner explained this issue would require a formal computerized process for licensing dogs over the internet. Mr. Schertzing stated his office is working on this matter.
Dr. Nichol addressed Comm. Swope's questions regarding rabies and licensing forms. The Committee discussed this issue. Comm. Grebner stated the County could consider an ordinance which would require vets to send a copy of completed rabies and licensing forms to the County. Proof of vaccination is required before a dog can be licensed.
Comm. Dedden stated the Advisory Board has requested an opinion from the County Attorney's office regarding Comm. Grebner's suggestion. Mr. Neilsen asked if there are any initiatives to amend the State dog license to allow for veterinarians to be required to handle the licensing process for vets in their care. Mr. Schertzing stated there is no such initiative at this time. However, he would be happy to bring this matter up at an appropriate time. Chairperson Schor stated the Board could speak with the legislators regarding this matter.
Comm. Schafer commended Comm. Grebner for his efforts on the log licensing issue. He further stated the County needs to be more aggressive in the area of license enforcement. Comm. Stid asked Dr. Nichol if she thought area vets would provide copies of their completed rabies forms to the County if the County provided an appropriate form for this process. Dr. Nichol stated the vets would probably be willing to undertake this issue. Comm. Grebner suggested the County draw up an ordinance which would require vets to submit rabies forms to the County.
Ms. Erickson, Post Office/Delta Township, asked if all dog owners know they are required by law to license their dogs. Chairperson Schor stated this is a question this Board and the Advisory Board has been discussing.
In response to Chairperson Schor, the Committee agreed that Comm. Grebner's suggestion regarding an ordinance should be pursued. Mr. Schertzing suggested the proposed ordinance lean on the side of public health.
Chairperson Schor stated that when Animal Control receives a report of a dog bite, it should probably check the dog's licensing status. Ms. Chadwick distributed copies of an event log which includes calls from people complaining about an animal concern. In response to Chairperson Schor, Ms. Chadwick stated the log could be changed to list animal complaints by the type of animal. She then expressed her concerns regarding stray dogs.
Chairperson Schor stated Animal Control should receive a copy of the revised event log from law enforcement on a regular basis. The lines of communication between the Animal Control Office, law enforcement and the Board of Commissioners should be an open line.
Comm. Schafer suggested that the local law enforcement entities should also provide the County with copies of their dog complaint information. In response to Comm. Grebner, Mr. Fleming stated the Animal Control Office does handle the dog license issue when it receives a complaint.
Chairperson Schor addressed Comm. DeLeon's dog bite concerns from the City's perspective. He asked the Committee for ideas as to how the County and the City can work together regarding the dog bite concerns. The Committee discussed the dog bite issue as it relates to postal workers.
Comm. Schafer commended Mr. Fleming and Mr. Schertzing for their efforts regarding the dog license issue.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff