South Central Reporter

Macoupin County Board Public Safety Committee met June 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

I. CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT: Kiel, Dragovich, Barr, Adden, Ibberson, Starr, Schmidt, Duncan, Boehler

ABSENT: Payne

II. AGENDA ITEMS

1. Building or Tenting for Feral Cat Holding at Animal Control Shelter

Boehler said they had changed their 20 x 20 dog pen in the back to an area to keep a feral cat outside of the building until they can be fixed and sent back out where they came from. This would help keep disease outside of the shelter. They had looked for pricing for different types of shelters to use to hold these cats. She was interested in a 12 x 20 shed from Carlinville Glass Cutters which cost $8525 delivered and installed. It would be available in 6 to 8 weeks. There would be air conditioning for the summer months. The cats are kept in cat carriers while in there. The cities pay a fee for these feral cats to be picked up

Motion by Starr, seconded by Ibberson to recommend to the full Board purchasing the shed pending the ARPA consultant reviewing.

RESULT: MOTION TO RECOMMEND [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Harry Starr, Member SECONDER: Jim Ibberson, Member AYES: Kiel, Dragovich, Barr, Ibberson, Starr ABSENT: Adden, Payne

2. Municipal Contracts for Animal Control Standards in Their Area

Kiel asked for an update on the contracts. Boehler said that the contracts for the services in the municipalities which would get everyone to same page for services. She was hoping to send the contracts out in the next two weeks for them to sign and get back to the Animal Control department. Hettick would be the only town she is aware of that would not be interested.

3. Motion

Motion by Ibberson, seconded by Barr to seat Adden at 5:20 pm.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jim Ibberson, Member SECONDER: Leann Barr, Member AYES: Kiel, Dragovich, Barr, Ibberson, Starr ABSENT: Adden, Payne

4. Animal Control Budget Request and Fund Balance

Boehler discussed her budget request. She discussed the change in the Animal Control Fund which was an increase of about 5.8%. Most was due to contractual increases or inflationary increases. She discussed some of the ways she had worked to cut costs either through community donations as well as finding cheaper options for some of the supplies they use. She said she felt she was trying her best to balance things out and keep costs down. The General Fund and Pet Population Fund stayed even. There was a discussion about the need to supplement the Animal Control Fund from the General Fund as based on the average revenue and average expenses, the Animal Control fund will be about $118,000 short over the course of the fiscal year.

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