08-18-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--August 18, 2005 2963 ~ Animal Control Sheriff Don Rudnick said he serves on a committee with other area entities working with the Humane Society on animal control. Mr. Vanyo suggested that the sheriff review a copy of a letter he received from John E. Thompson about the possible acquisition of 10 acres of land they own on 76th Avenue South, which could be used to shelter homeless animals. A copy of Mr. Thompson's letter will be provided to Mr. Rudnick. Support and Operations Jim Thoreson highlighted changes in the Sheriff's 2006 budget request, including deletion of the budget for microfilming because they are now imaging records, new office equipment, purchase of ammunition that has little lead residue per OSHA regulations, ballistic vest replacements, vehicle replacements, and employee promotions. Mr. Thoreson requested an increase of $15,000 over the original budget request for gasoline due to the rising costs at local gas pumps. Vehicles A copy of the Sheriff's Department vehicle listing and maintenance schedule was provided to commissioners today. Mr. Thoreson said the 2006 request includes replacement of six marked vehicles and four unmarked. Mr. Vanyo asked about new vehicles running on E-85, which is a cheaper fuel; and Mr. Thoreson said he can investigate that for the unmarked vehicles they are requesting. ~ Employee Promotions Mr. Thoreson said the new budget includes the following employee promotions within the department: B32 to C43 for civil process sergeant; B32 to C43 for drug task force; and two C51 lieutenants to D61 captains. He suggested the promotion to captains for Mike Argall and Rick Majerus, who each oversee two of the department's four divisions. After a question by Mr. Wagner about future backfilling for the lieutenant positions, the sheriff and his staff said they would not utilize lieutenants, similar to the state highway patrol. Emerqency Services Unit Mr. Thoreson said the monthly stipend was increased from $30 to $50. Mr. Vanyo asked if there is some room for reduction in the reserve units, and Mr. Ellingsberg said the budget request is for 30 reservists. He said the commission could reduce the maximum to 25; and Mr. Thoreson said 25 is realistic because the department has been operating with that number most of the time, and the number of reservists varies throughout any given year. MOTION, passed Mr. Wagner moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to reduce the emergency services unit by $2,500 in the Sheriff's Department budget. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Rudnick talked about the line item for ballistic vest replacements and said the material used to make them is changing. Also, he said the Post Board is considering changing the licensing of part-time peace officers; and he may need a letter from the county commission, which he will draft and bring to a future board meeting, regarding training hours. MOTION, passed \.,. Mr. Wagner moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve the 2006 preliminary budget for the Sheriff's Department support, operations and emergency services unit as amended. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.