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Kane County animal-control staff outline generator, dog fountain and online payment rollout; committee approves ePay resolution
Summary
Animal-control staff updated the Kane County Public Health Committee on a new backup generator install, a dog water fountain paid by donations, remaining low-cost clinics, a new veterinarian hire and a proposal to accept online payments; the committee approved a resolution to use Illinois ePay with fees reduced to 2.25% after a minimum charge.
Brett, an animal-control staff member, told the Kane County Public Health Committee on a routine operations update that crews expect installation of a backup generator’s upgraded gas line “from a 1 inch to a 2 inch” to increase pressure and allow the new generator to operate. The committee approved a separate resolution that authorizes an ePay vendor for online payments.
The animal-control presenter described several near-term items. On the generator, staff said Nitecore was scheduled to install a new gas line and that contractors were on site and “ready to finish the install.” On a separate capital project, staff showed an aerial sketch for a 10-by-10 pad with a dog water fountain in the center, two benches and a plaque acknowledging donors. “This is just another feature we’re so glad to do, and this was that $10,000 donation that was approved in that resolution back in January,” the presenter said.
Staff emphasized maintenance controls for the fountain: a locked spigot so a hose can be attached for cleaning, seasonal shutoff to avoid freezing and internal building controls so the fixture can be drained during winter months. Committee members suggested planting shade trees at the bench locations and asked whether a human drinking fountain would be included; staff replied that connecting a human fountain would require different plumbing and filtration and that a human-approved water fountain is available inside the building.
The presenter also summarized ongoing outreach clinics: three low-cost clinics remain this year, with totals to date listed as 280 dogs, 77 cats and 57 microchips, and noted the clinics target senior citizens for discounted rabies vaccinations. Staff introduced a new veterinarian, Allen Hertz of Bethany Animal Hospital, who started Jan. 1 and will be brought to a future board meeting.
On payments, staff described a proposed contract with Illinois ePay to accept credit and ACH payments online. The presenter said the vendor’s rate was negotiated down to 2.25% after a dollar minimum fee and that ACH/“check payment” fees would be lower. The committee moved and seconded the resolution to adopt Illinois ePay (TMP-25-872). In roll call, Juvy abstained; Hennessy, Tarver, Young and Sanchez voted yes. The chair announced, “Motion passes.”
No further formal directions or additional binding commitments were made beyond the resolution vote and staff’s plan to proceed with installation and procurement steps.
The committee also heard brief operational comments about water conservation and maintenance plans and fundraising acknowledgement for the fountain donors; staff emphasized an intent to select durable equipment and to install controls to avoid vandalism or waste.
Committee members had follow-up questions about bench placement, shade trees and whether the fixture would accommodate people; staff reiterated the fountain is for animals and described building plumbing constraints for a human drinking fountain.
The minutes and staff reports for animal control were placed on file earlier in the meeting, and staff will return with any final installation schedules or donor plaque language as details are finalized.
