12-18-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-December 18,2006 3157 8. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, Retirement of county narcotics K-9 Captain Rick Majerus was present to discuss the retirement of the county narcotics K-Q Bailey. Detective Mitch Burris and K-9 Bailey were also present. Captain Majerus said the dog has worked for the sheriff's department five years and has been responsible for $30,000 in asset seizures. Bailey has severe environmental allergies and has developed a thyroid problem. She is still willing to work, but as she ages the recovery time after a search has increased. Mr. Majerus said if Bailey is to have a quality life after law enforcement, she needs to retire. Commissioners asked about the future of the narcotics program. Mr. Majerus said the department is unsure if they will replace Bailey with another K-9. The department has access to other search and rescue animals, if needed. Mr. Burris said he is the only trainer Bailey has known and he is willing to provide a home for her. MOTION, passed Mr. Bennett moved and Mr. Pawluk seconded to approve the retirement of the county narcotics K-9 Bailey; allow Detective Mitch Burris to purchase the dog for $1.00; and have Bailey officially removed as property of Cass County, including care and medical responsibilities of the animal. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. 9. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS, Authorize chairman to sign Resolution #2006-16. Metro Transit Plan for 2007-2011 Wade Kline, Community Development Planner for Metropolitan Council of Governments (Metro COG), was present to discuss the 2007-2011 Metro Transit Plan. He said the county focus is on the human and social service transportation system. A new federal law requires non-department of transportation funded programs to be included in the plan and a large portion of the programs involve county and state government which directly impacts the operation of municipal and urban transit systems. Mr. Kline said using the Metro Area Transit (MAT) Para-transit system as the primary transportation provider for human service programs and medical assistance rides without full cost allocation is financially straining the Metro Area Transit. He discussed two options to help provide a more efficient transportation program. The first option involves expansion of the para-transit system through full cost allocation from contracted human service providers and to pursue federal funding through matching revenues of service contracts. The second option involves use of current human service funds and to pursue federal funding to create a streamlined system. Mr. Kline also discussed joint maintenance and storage of vehicles owned by county providers and how this would benefit the multiple service agencies that transport specialized groups. Mr. Kline said in order to change the way funds are used for client transportation, local and state human service agency representatives as well as elected officials need to become involved in the process and he said the Metropolitan Transportation Initiative, a subcommittee of the Metro COG board, will continue to meet and assist in securing funds for transportation resources. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to authorize the chairman to sign Resolution #2006-16, Metro Transit Plan for 2007-2011 as presented by the Metropolitan Council of Governments. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously.