COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES

March 7, 2005

A work session of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners was held on Monday, March 7, 2005 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Chairman Kay called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Earl Kay, Bernie LaJoie, Don Cooper, Dick Timmer, Jim Moore, Scott Shackleton, and Ted Postula (5:30pm)

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Lou Murray, Spencer Nebel; City of SSM, Ginny Cygan, Candy Holberton, Jessica Stanaway; FOCAS members; Dan Wehr, Guardian Angels for Animals; Kelly Beaune, Recorder

Agenda Item: Animal Control

The committee met to discuss the Animal Control Officer options for Chippewa County. Chairman Kay opened the meeting asking for ideas from the Committee members and officials from the City of Sault Ste. Marie. Commissioner Cooper suggested getting at least the basic service is needed for the tax payers. The committee members all feel the need is there for the position; that it is the resources that are lacking. Commissioner LaJoie stated he has spoken with four townships regarding funding for Animal Control, and that they were willing to help fund the position. He also thought a millage for Animal Control Shelter would be an option available to the County. The previous agreement with the City of Sault Ste. Marie was discussed at length, noting possible changes and new options. Commissioner Shackleton offered that the option of the 40 hours per pay period officer would pay for itself. Commissioner Timmer agreed offering that by providing the service it would erase the revenue shortfall in the current budget. Discussion continued, with the consensus of the committee being to get the basic service operable and then add to it, to work with the City and townships for a comprehensive solution.

Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

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Kelly J. Beaune, Recorder Earl Kay, Chairman