02-23-09 Health and Public Safety Committee & Personnel and Finance Committee

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. ~i~ HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE 8~ PERSONNEL AND FINANCE COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 23, 2009 HPS Committee Members Present: Karen White, Chairperson; Ann Puzzello, Vice- Chairperson; Timothy Rouse; Henry Davis P&F Committee Members Present: Tom LaFountain, Chairperson; Karen White, Vice- Chairperson; Oliver Davis, David Varner Other Council Members Present: Derek Dieter; AI "Buddy" Kirsits Others Present: Rita Kopala, Jeremy Toschlog, Martha Lewis, Jamie Loo, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Mayor Stephen Luecke, Catherine Fanello, Gary Gilot, Valerie Schey, Michael Dvorak Agenda: Valerie Schey, President Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) Bill No. 05-09 - Appropriationof COIT Funds from Fund #404 to Provide Rent Supplement to Family Violence/Special Victims Unit VALERIE SCHEY, PRESIDENT COMMUNITY ANIMAL RESCUE EFFORT (C.A.R.E.) Upon Chairperson White and LaFountain's introduction, Valerie Schey, proceeded to explain the purpose of and the need for C.A.R. E. With a handout (see attachment) she stressed the inadequacy of the current shelter on Olive Street. Lack of space resulted in a 64% kill rate of animals at the shelter. She wondered about the funding status of the proposed new shelter unveiled by the city last fall. The Mayor was unable to discuss specifics at this time saying the realities of limited funding would necessitate a reassessment of priorities. Councilmember Tim Rouse explained only the Mayor could propose expenditures. The Council can only dispose of funding requests. Valerie promised to return on April 13, 2009 to further advocate for adequate funding for animal care. BILL NO. 05-09 APPROPRIATION OF COIT FUNDS FROM FUND #404 TO PROVIDE RENT SUPPLEMENT TO FAMILY VIOLENCE/SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT Having been introduced by Chairpersons White and LaFountain, the County Prosecutor Mike Dvorak, stressing the effectiveness of the program run in conjunction with the County, underlined the need to investigate, and prosecute family violence crimes in the area. Area women and youth in particular needed support, counseling, and protection. Even in light of limited finances the County contributed one half of the dollars needed. ($43,500) He was asking the city for the same. Dvorak though not able to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the program in light of diminishing dollars, stressed the need was apparent. He added, unfortunately Mishawka had declined financial support. Council Member's Puzzello, Varner and Henry Davis all asked pertinent questions about the cooperation among government units to assure successful sustainability. Councilmember Rouse commended Dvorak for his good work.