HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-09 Health and Public Safety Committee & Personnel and Finance Committee. ~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.
On a motion by Council Member Puzzello, a second by Karen White and support by all, the
request went to full Council favorably.
There being no further business to come before the joint committees at this time, Chairperson's
White and LaFountain adjourned the meeting at 5:08 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Karen L. White, Chairperson
Health aFrd i~lic Safetv.CommitSeer
Tom LaFountain, Chairperson
Personnel and Finance Committee