Welfare of Animals resolution

This resolution was drafted by Commissioner Carey Torrice in an effort to save the animals and educate the public! Carey Torrice had asked for it to be placed on the Health Services agenda on May 8, 2008 for consideration! This Resolution was not added to the Health Services agenda by the Committee Chairperson and then turned down by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners at full board on May 15th, 2008. After speaking to George Brumbaugh, Corporation Council for Macomb County, she was advised that the resolution for The Welfare Of Animals”” belonged on The Health Services Committee. Therefore, Carey Torrice has once again asked The Health Services Chairperson to place it on her agenda for the June meeting. Due to the recommendation by Corporation Council, this resolution legally belongs on this agenda…stay tuned!

DRAFT

A Resolution to Establish a

Commission on the Welfare of Animals in Macomb County

Commissioner Carey Torrice,

On Behalf of the Board of Commissioners,

Offer the Following Resolution:

Whereas, the Welfare of Animals in Macomb County is a concern to all citizens and there is a need to make sure that animals are properly cared for that all appropriate information is provided to the public; and

Whereas, the Welfare of Animals in Macomb County should have a Commission on animals for information, advocacy and action; and

Whereas, improving animal’s health, safety and public education on pet over population are important to the continued growth of Macomb County.

Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Macomb County Board of Commissioners establishes a Macomb County Commission on the Welfare of Animals.

Be It Further Resolved that the Commission on the Welfare of Animals shall conduct an ongoing study (forum) of matters concerning animals in Macomb County, and that it shall report their findings annually to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners through the Health Services Committee on or before August 1, and recommend solutions to problems facing the animals of Macomb County.

Be It Further Resolved that the Commission on the Welfare of Animals shall meet six times a year with additional meetings as necessary to conduct the business of the commission.

Be It Further Resolved that membership of the Commission on the welfare of animals shall consist of 26 representatives (Macomb County residents) appointed by their Macomb County Commissioner, for a two-year term that coincides with the Board of Commissioners’ term of office

Be It Further Resolved that application for an appointment on the Commission shall be delivered to the Board of Commissioners for review by the commissioners.

Be It Further Resolved that members of the Commission on the Welfare of Animals serve as volunteers and shall not be compensated.

Be It Further Resolved that until the Commission on the Welfare of Animals elects a chairperson, the chairperson of the Health Services Committee shall appoint an interim chairperson.

Be It Further Resolved that one Republican and one Democrat from the Board of Commissioners will be assigned as liaisons on the Commission on Animals and will be appointed by the Board of Commissioners.

Be It Further Resolved that the powers of the Commission on The Welfare of Animals include, but are not limited to:

1.Making recommendations for information, advocacy and action to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners through the Health Services Committee.

2.Enacting bylaws for its own governance. Said bylaws shall be reviewed by Corporation Counsel.

3.Holding regular public meetings, fact-finding hearings and other public forums it deems necessary.

Be It Further Resolved that the Commission on the welfare of animals shall not be provided County support staff except, however, that one member of Board of Commissioner staff shall be responsible for posting notice of the meeting in conformity with the Open Meeting Act.