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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-15-2000 Agenda (2) I PUBLIC SAFETY AGENDA COMMITTEE ROOM - March 15,2000 3:30 P. M. PRESENT: L. Beard, Chairman, J. Brigham, S. Shepard, M. Williams members, R. Oliver, Administrator, J. Wall, Attorney, ChiefR. Few, Fire Dept., D. Dlugolenski, EMA, P. Wasson, 911 Director, T. Allen, IT, J. Lanner, Animal Control, S. Hatfield, Sheriff's Dept., L. Bonner, Clerk of Commission. ALSO PRESENT: W. Mays, Mayor Pro Tern, A. Cheek, R. Colclough, B. Kuhlke, Commissioners. ABSENT: B. Young, Mayor. MEDIA: S. Cooper, Augusta Chronicle, S. Eidson, Metro Spirit, G. Eskola, Channel 6, Channel 12. Appoint Mr. Don Dudley to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) to fulfill the unexpired term of Mr. Art Rider. Mr. Shepard: So move. I Mr. Brigham: Second. Motion carried unanimously. Appoint Mr. David D1ugolenski to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) to fulfill the unexpired term of Mrs. Pam Tucker. Mr. Shepard: So move. Mr. Brigham: Second. Motion carried unanimously. Appoint Mr. Art Rider as a Citizen Member to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) to fulfill the added position of Citizen Member voted on by the LEPC. Mr. Shepard: So move. Mr. Brigham: Second. Motion carried unanimously. I Appoint Andy Cheek to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) to fulfill the unexpired term of Freddie Handy. I Mr. Shepard: So move. Mr. Brigham: Second. Motion carried unanimously. Presentation by Ms. Sallie Taylor Manning regarding Animal Control. Ms. Manning: We would like to request that you redefine our responsibilities to include the authorization to propose policy or enforcement of laws that cover animal control. That would generate revenue or encourage pet owners to take care of their animals, to spay and neuter their animals and not to abandon them. Mr. Shepard: We have heard your concerns and we have asked the city attorney to draft an .ordinance that would make this advisory board a truly advisory board capable of making policy recommendations. We can't enact an ordinance in the committee today but we can do so in the full Commission. I would move that we receive this presentation as information. Mr. Brigham: Second. I At this time the Clerk reads a letter from Mayor Bob Young expressing his thoughts regarding the present animal control situation. Dr. Lee Myers State Veterinary and Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture: The animal shelter has been licensed with us since 1987 so we have a long relationship with the director and the facility. We do understand that there has been a commitment for a new building and we certainly commend the Commission and the community for making that commitment. I think we all recognize that some of the problems could indeed be remedied with a new facility. Regarding some of the most recent issues that have surfaced. From the department standpoint as far as being in compliance with the state laws and regulations that we enforce, we have found no major violations at the facility here. Although, I do commend the advisory board and Ms. Mannings comments I think some of what she indicated is very commendable. However, we would be interested if there are any discrepancies in records, in inventory any disease control issues or any inhumane issues we'd certainly like them to be brought to our attention. Regarding the recent out break of distemper, that's a tragic situation to have that acute, infectious and contagious disease at any facility. We all recognize that euthanize is not a popular option, no one likes the job of having to destroy animals. However, with limited resources, with the economies the way they are, with a certain budget we understand that is a viable and is a legal option. We believe the choices that were made regarding the distemper outbreak was certainly one of the best options that could be used. So we do commend them for trying to make that responsible decision. I've discussed this with one of the veterinarians on the advisory board and she is in agreement and I believe there are I I other veterinarians in this area that would substantiate that decision. I do encourage you to try to get a diverse group. I was glad to hear the Mayor's recommendation of trying to get some scientific over site and objectivity into the process and trying to develop some policies that would.address the emotional concerns and maybe some of the resource issues that you're struggling with, with some valid knowledge of disease control and animal control management. However the Department of Agriculture can assist you in that vain we'll be glad to. We're here to help with your animal control facility and help improve the shelter. Mr. Shepard: Mr. Chairman in order to expedite this process I would like to see the attorney have a draft ofthis ordinance ready for our next Commission meeting, so I amend my motion to that effect. Mr. Brigham: Second. Mr. Chairman: Are there any further comments? Mr. Brigham: I would like us to include the MayopS comments and Dr. Meters comments in our minutes Motion carried unanimously. .1 Award contract for design of new Animal Control Facility to TSDG Architects, LLC in the amount of $43,000. Mr. Brigham: So move. Mr. Shepard: Second. Motion carried unanimously. The Clerk: Mr. Chairman, we would like to consider for addition to the Public Safety Committee item 10 from the Finance Committee; to approve and sign maintenance renewal agreement with Bi- Tech Software, Inc. for a period covering January 1, 2000-December 31, 2000 at an annual cost of $35,274.49. Mr. Brigham: So move to add and approve. Mr. Shepard: Second. Motion carried unanimously. Consider approval of the 911 Policies and Procedures Manual. I Mr. Brigham: So move to approve items 7 and 10. Mr. Shepard: Second. Motion carries 3-1 with Mr. Williams voting no. Approve job descriptions for 911 Director, Assistant Director and Training Coordinator with waiver for initial appointment. Mr. Brigham: I want to make a motion that we approve the recommendation with the exception that we allow a person to fill this position with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. Also, I don't think while approving this that we ought to approve the Assistant Director and the Training Coordinator positions with higher educational requirements than the Director therefore, I want to apply it to those positions as well. Mr. Shepard: Second. Mr. Brigham: Mr. Chairman, I believe that we are the ones that appointed Mr. Wasson as the Director over there. I don't know whether or not you have a degree and I have never asked you that question. I don't think it would be any fairer situation not to let the current director be among the candidates for qualifications, therefore, I think we ought to amend the qualifications to include that, therefore I would like to amend my motion. Mr. Shepard: I will accept that amendment. After further discussion, Mr. Brigham: I would like to amend my motion to include Fire Science. Mr. Shepard: I will accept that amendment. Motion carries unanimously. Consider approval of payment to 911 employees for accumulated compensatory time. Mr. Brigham: So move. Mr. Shepard: Second. Motion carries unanimously. Motion to approve E-911 Advisory Board to consist of the following (or their designee: Sheriff County Administrator Assistant County Administrator I I I I Representative from Risk Management Department. Review ordinance establishing the Animal Control Board. (Requested by Commissioner J. Brigham) Mr. Shepard: I would like to make a motion that the attorney prepare an ordinance to be presented at our next Commission meeting. Mr. Brigham: Second. Motion carried unanimously. Motion to approve Ordinance amending Augusta Richmond County Code to provide for disposal of personal property following service of eviction orders. Mr. Bill Dozier, Ms. Jackie Poteet and Mr. Channel appear before the Committee in opposition to the ordinance. Mr. Brigham: I would like to make a motion that we hold this in Committee for two weeks. Mr. Shepard:~econd. '~.' ,. .1 '-,' "r. .. ..... Motion. car.riiili unanimously. ... Discuss E 9-1-1 Center. (Requested by Commissioner Beard) Mr. Beard: (have requested that Mr. Oliver set up orientation sessions for all employees at the 911 Center. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. Lena J. Bonner Clerk of Commission Ibb I ,.