ESCANABA - The Delta County Board of Commissioners heard concerns from representatives from the Delta Animal Shelter regarding a mold issue in their building. The issue was brought up during public comment at Tuesday's county board meeting.
The shelter's operations were taken over by the Delta Animal Society back in August. At that time, the society entered a lease agreement with the county to operate the animal shelter building.
"Soon after taking possession, we became aware of a structural issue in the building that could not be ignored," explained Don St. Germaine, secretary and board member of the shelter. "The most serious of these was a mold problem in the attic caused by poor venting."
Germaine urged the board to act on the issue soon in order to protect employees, volunteers, and the animals.
Ken Gartland, another shelter representative, brought forth his concerns as well, saying he felt the board was not fulfilling its lease agreement obligations. According to Gartland, the society had sent a letter to the board in October regarding issues with the building, but since then, no board action has been taken.
Commissioner David Moyle said he feels the board also needs to move forward on the issue.
"I view it as a serious problem and I think it's a liability to the county," said Moyle, who had some concerns after recently visiting the shelter to see the building's issues firsthand. Commissioners Mary Harrington, Ryan Holm, and Dave Rivard agreed the issue needed to be resolved.
Members of the board of commissioners agreed to meet with shelter representatives for further discussion.
In other business, the board:
*received and placed on file the results of the county's annual audit.
*was updated by County Treasurer Tom Sabor on the county's foreclosed property. According to Sabor, the county will take possession of 28 properties in the county as a result of unpaid taxes from 2009. An auction has been set for Aug. 31 on the properties, which will be done in conjunction with three other counties through Title Check, LLC, which does not charge the county for the auction. For information on bidding on these properties, interested bidders may visit www.tax-sale.info.