Chambana Sun

Vermilion County Health & Education Committee met Thursday, Jan. 19.

Here are the minutes as provided by Vermilion County:

Health & Education Committee Meeting

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Courthouse Annex, Room 319, 5:15 PM

M I N U T E S

Agenda Item 1 - Call to Order and Roll Call

County Board Chairman Mike Marron called the Health & Education meeting to order at 5:15PM. Upon the call of roll, the following members were present: Kevin Green, Chuck Nesbitt, Marla Mackiewicz, Chuck Mockbee, Cari West-Monson, Phearn Butler, and Chad Turner.

Also present were: Bill Donahue, Assistant State’s Attorney; Douglas Toole, Health Department; Paige Brown, Animal Regulation; Nancy O’Kane, County Board; and Amie Harvey, Administrative Assistant.

Agenda Item 2 - Adoption/Amendment to the Agenda

Turner moved, second by Nesbitt, to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion was carried by acclamation.

Agenda Item 3 - Approval of Minutes from November 17, 2016

Nesbitt moved, second by Green, to approve the minutes presented. Motion was carried by acclamation.

Agenda Item 4 - Audience Comments

Debra Zoerb spoke and expressed grievances she had with the adoption process with the Animal Shelter.

Agenda Item 5 – Election of a Committee Chairperson

Mackiewicz nominated Green, seconded by Turner. There were no other nominations, motion was carried by acclamation.

Agenda Item 6 – Election of a Committee Vice-Chairperson

Mackiewicz nominated Mockbee, seconded by Turner. There were no other nominations and motion was carried by acclamation.

Agenda Item 7 – Department Orientation – Health Department, Doug Toole

Doug Toole introduced himself as the Health Department Administrator. The Health Department has 4 main divisions: Environmental Health, Food Inspection, Sewage Systems, and Solid Waste. Other facets include:

West Nile tracking, lead testing, Flu and immunization shots, school vaccinations, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), tracking of communicable diseases in the county, and public health emergency preparedness.

There are 25 employees in the Health Department split between said programs.

There will be an Open House at the Health Department from 4-6 PM Tuesday, March 21.

Agenda Item 8 – Department Orientation – Animal Regulation, Paige Brown

Paige Brown is the Director of the Vermilion County Department of Animal Regulation (VCDAR). The facility is located on Catlin-Tilton Road. VCDAR has 18 employees, which span from clerical to control officers, kennel workers and one full-time veterinarian.

VCDAR animal control officers provide animal control for the entire county; however, certain towns have their own officers as well (Hoopeston, Tilton and Georgetown).

The adoption center is open from 8:30-4:30 Monday through Friday and 12-3 on Saturdays. On the 1st, 3rd and 5th weekends of the month, the Animal Shelter Foundation takes 9 dogs and 9 cats to the Village Mall to be displayed for potential adopters.

Nancy O’Kane asked what the city of Danville pays in order for the County shelter to serve the area. Paige explained they pay for two full-time employees and benefits packages as well as per animal – like every other village. Their animal control bill is typically $12-15,000 per month.

Phearn Butler asked if it was a new policy that the shelter staff must see a potential adopter interact with the animal before an adoption can be finalized. Paige said this began the first of the year in order to ensure that the right family is adopting an animal and it is less likely to be returned.

Agenda Item 9 – Revision of Animal Control Ordinance

The ordinance was written by Bill Donahue with the assistance of County vet, Susan Norris. He explained that the ordinance largely mirrors state statute. Last meeting, some things were updated due to outdatedness.

The committee revisited from the last meeting the necessary definition of the term “emotional support dog.”

Discussion ensued.

Mockbee moved, second by Butler, to make the noted changes to the ordinance and bring it back to the Committee for a finalizing vote. Motion was carried by acclamation.

Agenda Item 10 - Executive Session

Not necessary.

Agenda Item 11 - Items of Information of Committee Concerns

Chairman Marron noted:

 Building and Grounds is currently working on renovations in the Courthouse

 He has been meeting with Board Members individually and has received some great ideas from them – such as a standard meeting time for all committee meetings, courtesy of Cari West-Monson, and a Military Service Recognition wall for Elected County Officials, courtesy of John Criswell.

Chad Turner, representing Mental Health in the absence of Jim Russell, noted:

 Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings are going well and at full capacity.

 The Center for Children’s Services went through cuts in counseling staff 2 weeks prior, putting them down to only 3 mental health therapists.

 They are continuing to work on two possible grants for funding through the federal government, both of which look promising.

Agenda Item 12 - Adjournment

Committee Chairman Green declared the meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM.

Minutes by: Amie Harvey, Administrative Assistant