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County approves three‑year lease to move animal control to Metals Drive; board raises insurance and security conditions
Summary
Stephenson County approved a commercial lease to relocate animal control to Metals Drive, adding an amendment to increase the required liability coverage from $500,000 to $1,000,000 and directing a build‑out that will include fencing and cameras for staff and animal security.
The Stephenson County Board authorized a commercial lease to relocate the county's animal control operations to a property on Metals Drive and unanimously approved an amendment to raise the required combined single limit of liability insurance from $500,000 to $1,000,000.
Public Works introduced the lease and said the county has been working on the move for some time as a step forward for operational efficiency and liability management. Mr. Hadley questioned the decision to lease rather than build on county property and pressed for assurances about employee safety, lighting and cameras. The board discussed a three‑year lease term and the need to plan a longer‑term solution over that period.
Kristen, a representative for the property, told the board the county would be the only tenant at present in the leased area and that the pool area and greenhouse would be secured: "Currently we're the only ones leasing anything in the building... The pool's empty... It will be fenced off, door locked," she said. She added that leased areas would be locked and the build‑out plan includes fencing around the rear kennels.
Liability staff recommended increasing the insurance requirement from $500,000 to $1,000,000; Kristen said the landlord agreed to the higher limit. Mr. Hadley moved to amend section 9 of the lease to require $1,000,000 in combined single limits; Mrs. Hayes seconded the amendment and the board approved it unanimously. The board then approved the amended lease unanimously.
The board asked staff to follow up on specifics of camera placement, fencing and possible coordination with the Sheriff's Department on security checks during the build‑out.
