HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2011.11.30 - 18809November 30, 2011
REPORT (misc. #11260)
BY: Public Services Committee, Jim Runestad, Chairperson
RE: Public Services/Animal Control Division — Dog Tags
TO: Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
The Public Services Committee having reviewed MR #11260 on November 8,
2011 Reports with the recommendation the resolution be adopted.
Chairperson, on behalf of the Public Services Committee, I move the acceptance
of the foregoing Report.
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE VOTE:
Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Runestad absent
'r (.1)
Commissioner Shelley Taub, District #16
"191,17.il?
rnmissionef_Wke Bosnic, District #19
Commissioner Willian wyer, District #14
Commissioner John Scott, District #5
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October 20, 2011
Miscellaneous Resolution #11260
BY: Commissioners Shelley Taub, District # 16; William Dwyer, District 14; Mike Bosnic, District #19;
John Scott, District #5 filyrcifE - • , (-4
IN RE: PUBLIC SERVICES/ANIMAL CONTROL DIVISION — DOG TAGS
TO THE OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen .
WHEREAS the Oakland County Animal Shelter sponsors a dog training program to assist at risk youth;
and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Animal Shelter has been presented with an opportunity to sponsor a dog
training program to assist returning veterans with physical and psychological problems in need of helping
re-entering society; and
WHEREAS Ms. Amy Johnson along with Mr. Mark Carpenter, both Licensed Professional Counselors
have developed a program which combines treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and dog
training; and
WHEREAS Amy Johnson is certified in Trauma and Loss as well as a Nationally Certified Dog Trainer
and founded the non-profit Teacher's Pet: Dogs and Kids Learning Together; and
WHEREAS Mark Carpenter is a former Marine Infantryman who served multiple times in Iraq and
Afghanistan working security operations for various agencies and private military firms; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Animal Shelter has been asked to provide dogs that the veterans would
train, foster and possibly adopt; and
WHEREAS if the veterans do not choose to adopt the dog at the end of the program, the Oakland County
Animal Shelter will be able to adopt a trained dog to the general public; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Veterans Division and the 52 nd District Court 1 st Division have agreed to
participate through referrals supporting the program; and
WHEREAS funding is critical until grants can be attained; and
WHEREAS THE Oakland County Animal Shelter would greatly benefit from this program and have
available funds to seed the program for one year; and
WHEREAS this is a pilot program with a sole source vendor that will provide a year-end report; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Animal Control Division is requesting no taxpayer funds for this program.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners authorizes the Oakland County
Animal Shelter, using funds from their Legacy Fund account to fund the "Dog Tags" Program for one year
at a cost not to exceed $20,000.
Chairperson, we move the adoption of the foregoing resolution.
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Group Proposal for
"Dog Tags" Reintegration Group for
War Veterans... with a Purpose
By
Amy. Johnson and Mark Carpenter
Presented:
June 30,2011
Dog Tass Proposal; Modified J-unc 20, 2012 ./
Group b • • osal For
"Dog Tags" Reintegration er9u.p for War Veterans... with a Purpose
War veterans often struggle assimilating back into the mainstream due to their training
and experiences. Aside from the environmental changes and stress / anxiety felt,
relationships with friends and family often feel strained, creating more stress and
feelings of isolation, loneliness arid resentment.
is o only seen corning from the VA where one can expect to be diagnosed
FTSb an. given a prescription for any number of pills to reduce azudety, lift
pression get a good nights sleep. We believe the experience of war and time in the
(se 7 ould be seen as a great achievement for any person. The problems are real,
'but the solution may not be found in a pill bottle, We think the ideas and concepts we
present to you. here are grounded rot only in scientific data, but also in shared
hardships brought on by Iraq and Afghanistan.
Working through these problems with a clear mind is key. Tackling the thoughts,
actions, and personal problems is the start to using your titne 'over there' to spring
board you into a better future Mentally and emotionally. We believe we can help start
you back on the road to a more peaceful and happy life.
everyone experiences some anxiety in life and not all anxiety is bad. When anxiety
becomes overwhelming or has dire consequences (destructive behaviors, isolating
behaviors, fractured relationships, panic attacks / agoraphobia, etc.) it interferes with
healthy living. Anxiety and depression are frequently found in soldiers returning home.
The purpose of this group is not to eliminate the symptoms, but rather decrease them to
a level that does not impair daily functioning as well as establishing a strong support
network or to repair flailing relationships. Through self-disclosure, members identify
with each other and begin to trust the group environment which can be generalized to
friends, family and the community.
GROUP OVERVIEW
This 2-hour per week group will run for seven (7) weeks that focuses on addressing the
concerns of those servicemen returning stateside. For those who have experienced
trauma, research has found significant evidence that cultivating the right brain through
sensory based interventions to be most effective. Using dogs as a part of that sensory
integrative process will allow the facilitators to also create a safe environment to
address goals, needs, wants and perceptions while benefiting shelter dogs in need of a
second chance.
CO-FACILITATORS
This group will be led by Mark Carpenter and Amy Johnson. This combination of
leadership includes Mark who himself is a former Marine and has operated multiple
times in Afghanistan and Iraq for firms (private) and agencies (governmental) that
conduct convoy security missions and FSD. Mark created a form of therapy more
Dog Tags Proposal; modified June 20, 2011 2
applicable to the combat veteran after his first trip to Iraq in 2006. The thoughts and
ideas were refined over the last 5 years. Mark has spent the majority of his time in
theater outside the wire. As anyone who has been a part of these wars knows, being
outside the safety of a FOB can cause anxiety and stress. Mark has spent his time and
effort trying to figure out a way to help others deal with some of the very problems ho
has faced. Anxiety, Depression, and substance abuse are all par for the course. We
believe the answer lies not with pharmacology or pills, but by putting in the time to
reflect upon the war experience. The strategies used are not typical and may run
contrary to what the VA system may use. This program is about letting you use the war
as a stepping stone to a greater future. Here you will never be treated as a victim, but as
a person who has stood up to the challenge and did the job few would
Amy Johnson has a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Arts in Counseling who
is also certified in Trauma and Loss through the Trauma and Loss Institute in Michigan.
She was also nationally certified as a. dog training instructor. She has run dog related
Animal Assisted Therapy training groups with court adjudicated youth for over six
years in three different facilities. Goals established for the groups have been to alleviate
anxiety levels, increase patience, increase impulse control and improve peer relations,
These goals, through the training and attachment to shelter dogs can be beneficial to
returning veterans re -integrating back into society.
GROUP MEMBERSHIP
Group membership is open to War veterans of the current conflicts to include OW and
OEF interested in improving relationships and benefitting shelters dogs. The group will
consist of 6-8 members and an equal number of dogs. The group is closed to
membership once that 6-8 number has been reached and will be held at the Oakland
Animal Adoption Center (animal shelter) in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Promotion will be coordinated through local press releases, community centers,
churches, VA centers, military branch newsletters and list sem and other venues in
which veterans congregate. The dogs will be available for adoption (and encouraged)
by the selected members. Prior to the first day of the program, group members will be
ins.iied information about the program, what to expect, a liability waiver and consent
form including any possible risks associated with participation.
Objectives of the group include but are not limited to:
* Addressing any communication difficulties
* Identifying and establishing boundaries
* Identifying and addressing harmful or potentially destructive behaviors
* Developing a sense of connectedness with others in the group
• Establishing meaningful relationships with other group members
* Discovering resources within extended family
* Choosing to express emotions in a healthy, constructive way
Dog Tags Proposal; Modifieci j.urie 20, 2011
* Increasing self-direction, interdependence and responsibility towards self
* Creating specific plans to change one's behavior
* Becoming more sensitive to needs of others
At Practicing moderating body language, tone and actions
Dogs have been shown to love and express true unconditional positive regard. This
often makes being around dogs calming. Sometimes, telling personal accounts to a dog
feels like the safest place to share as the dogs cannot re tell the secrets. It's a healthy
outlet to release the toxic memories or thoughts, without repercussion or perceived
repercussion. Countless studies have been conducted to determine the physiological
and emotional impact dogs can make in humans. Repeated evidence has found that the
mere act of petting a dog for approximately five minutes lowers heart rate, blood
pressure and levels of anxiety. Stressed brains have increased Cortisol levels (the stress
hormone) contributing to sudden explosive or angry outbursts, high irritability,
difficulty communicating and learning. The attachment hormone Oxytocin is released
with skin on skin contact and does not differentiate whether that is human to human or
human to dog. The increased Oxytocin acts as an antidote to Cortisol, calming the
central nervous system. The benefit of this is that with calmer individuals, the
hypervisilance, discomfort and limited access to the prefrontal cortex (where language,
reasoning, problem solving lives) is alleviated, leaving optimal room for healing.
GROUP FORMAT
The group format includes seven-weekly two-hour meetings. Members are encouraged
to attend all sessions and complete any required reading or assig7tments prior to each
session. Dailyjournaling (even minimally) is required, though the sharing of personal
details is option.
The first week will contain the opportunity for introductions, identifying goals and
expectations of the group and the information related to the canines that will be in the
training sessions. Formula for content includes shaving anecdotes that impact their
lives, identifying concerns and goals they'd like to achieve as well as discuss with other
members how they might achieve those goals.
Each weekly session will include:
* A review of what will be occurring during that session
* A "check in" activity
* A review of the homework or journal writings (members have the option to pass)
* Discussions pertaining to canine communication, training, commands etc,
* Discussions will ensue that may utilize the dog's situation or experiences as a
catalyst to discuss each member's own situation or experiences as well as their
thoughts, accomplishments, concerns, etc.
Training / walking dogs for 50 minutes (same dog each week)
40 Discussion
Dog Tags Proposal; Modi ficci June 20, 2011 4
Co. facilitator will provide details about the dogs, any known history, communication of
tho dog and training goals. Homework may include assignments such as reading a
topic-appropriate article and writing a journal response, or journaling about a major
issue in their lives along with a reasonable 5o1ution for it, etc. Each subsequent session
will build upon the last session and run in a similar and consistent manner.
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS ANSWERED
* Dog adoption is possible (through the county for an adoption fee)
* The co-facilitator has liability insurance through the Hartford Group
* Members do not need to have prior dog experience
* What other questions will people have?
nuts NEEDED
* Dogs
* Location (shelter)
* Transport if necessary ?
* Treats
* Leashes / harnesses
* Books / articles related to themes
COSTS
* $35 per session for seven weeks
Dos Tags Proposal; Modificr.i. June 20, 2011 5
Resolution #11260 October 20, 2011
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the Public Services Committee. There were no objections.
FISCAL NOTE i(MISC. #11260) November 30, 2011
BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE, TOM MIDDLETON, CHAIRPERSON
IN RE: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES/ANIMAL CONTROL DIVISION — DOG TAGS
TO THE OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pursuant to Rule XII-C of this Board, the Finance Committee has reviewed the above
referenced resolution and finds:
1. This resolution approves a dog-training program to assist returning veterans with
physical and psychological problems in need of help re-entering society.
2. The Animal Control Division will use donations from their Legacy Fund (GL
370200) #21310 to fund the "Dog Tags" Program.
3. The Program beings October 1,2011 thru September 30, 2012, at a cost not to
exceed $20,000.
4. If the program does not utilize the full $20,000, any remaining balance will be
transferred from the General Fund #10100 back to the Legacy Fund #21310 by
September 30, 2012.
5. Funding will be transferred from the Animal Control Legacy Fund to General
Fund at the end of each fiscal quarter. The transfer amount will equal the
amount spent in the General Fund on the above referenced program.
6. The FY 2012 Animal Control Budget is amended as follows:
General Fund (#10100)
Revenue
1070801-114000-788001-21310
Expenditures
1070801-114000-731458
FY 2012
Transfers In $20,000
Total Revenue $20,000
Professional Services $20,000
Total Expenditures $20,000
FINANCE COWITTEE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Long and Runestad absent.
Resolution #11260 November 30, 2011
Moved by Weipert supported by Quarles the resolutions (with fiscal notes attached) on the Consent
Agenda be adopted (with accompanying reports being accepted).
AYES: Covey, Crawford, Dwyer, Gershenson, Gingell, Gosselin, Greimel, Hoffman, Jackson,
Long, Matis, McGillivray, Middleton, Nash, Nuccio, Potts, Quarles, Runestad, Scott, Taub,
Weipert, Zack, Bosnic. (23)
NAYS: None. (0)
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the resolutions (with fiscal notes attached) on the Consent
Agenda were adopted (with accompanying reports being accepted).
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
I, Bill Bullard Jr., Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true
and accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on November
30, 2011, with the original record thereof now remaining in my office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County of Oakland at
Pontiac, Michigan this 30th day of November, 2011.
Bill Bullard Jr., Oakland County