HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0798.034 2004-2006
BOB JACOBSON Phone: (808) 961-8263
Fax: (808) 961-8912
Councilmember E-Mail: jacobs@co.hawaii.hi.us
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawai 'i
Hawaii Cowin) Building
25.4upuni Street, Snite 209
Hilo. Hmrai'i 96720 rn
are a
November 24, 2006
TO: Stacy K. Higa, Council Chair
and Council Members 1
pp N
FROM: Bob Jacobson, Council Member
co
RE: Proposed amendments to Bill 258 Draft 4
In regards to the proposed amendment to Bill 258 Draft 2 to include in Article 8, Section 4-49, a provision that
would allow the County Council to review and approve a contract between the County and the "Animal Control
Contractor", it was never my intent to undermine or circumvent the Mayor's powers in any way. I appreciate that it
is the Mayor's authority alone to sign and enter into contractual agreements on behalf of the County, however as
clearly provided in the County Charter, Chapter 2, Article 13, Section 13-13, sub section (b); All written contracts
to which the County is a party shall; (b) Be authorized by the council by resolution if legislative action is necessary
to implement the contract., and, in Article III, Section 3-I6, "At least once every four years, the council shall
critically review every program supported wholly or partially by county funds...., the council must "authorize"
contracts. It is my belief that we are not fulfilling this responsibility as effectively or efficiently as we could be.
My intent is for the Council or one of the Council Committees, to review the contract and the operating budget of
the animal contractor to ensure appropriate budgetary needs are met. Under our current system of procedures the
Council only reviews the contract when enabling or enacting legislation is necessary or as part of the 4 year
mandatory program review. This does not suffice as budget amendments and appropriations are sometimes
necessary in the interim. We need to be aware of and assist in any budget revisions, as they occur and should be
reflected in a new contract for services.
Our responsibility to the residents and visitors in Hawaii County is to ensure their safety and quality of life are
protected from the dangers and nuisances posed by our pets, livestock, strays, unwanted and feral animals. To that
end we contract with an animal control contractor to provide the services and methods we deem necessary. We
must be fiscally responsible and responsive in meeting their needs in fulfilling their contractual obligations. For this
reason I respectfully request that this proposed amendment be reconsidered and included in Draft 4 of Bill 258.
1 would also like to amend Bill 258 Draft 4 by deleting Article 6 in its entirety as I feel we need to continue to have
discussions about the feasibility of enforcing this part of the ordinance.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me anytime.
Mahalo 4 i
Comm. No.
BJ/bl Ref. To: 01
Ref. Date Nt111 2 9 200ff_
District 6 - Upper Puna, Ka'u, and South Kona
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