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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB minutes 032112 1 Animal Services Advisory Board Monthly Meeting Summary Wednesday, March 21, 2012 PRESENT: Kris Bergstrand, Chair; Susan Elmore, Bob Marotto, Mike Stewart, Aviva Scully, Sue Millager, Donna Bravo, Suzanne Roy, Lynn White, Judy Miller, Drew Brinkley Absent: Lori Lumpkin Others present: Jenn Merritt, Julie Tucker, David Sykes, Jean Austin Agenda and minutes unanimously adopted as presented. Public Comments Jean Austin noted her favorable impressions of the facility after touring the “access- limited-to-the–public” areas. She cited the good ventilation and low disease transmission, the visual cleanliness, lack of animal odor and thoughtfully-organized holding areas. She emphasized the high quality of care the staff provides and the need for the community to work together as support for staff Partner Profile Orange County Chapter of Coalition to Unchain Dogs presentation by Mindy Reese, Orange County Director. Also present was Lori Hensley, Durham County Director, Coalition to Unchain Dogs. Their presentation showed there is now a strong and very productive chapter in Orange County. The organization built fences for ~115 dogs in Orange County up to July 2011 (when the Orange County chapter was formed) and for an additional 60 dogs since then. ASAB New Members, Vacancies, etc • Hillsborough Appointment: Katherine Doom (serving a three year term expiring June 30, 2015) • Jen Merritt was introduced and introduced herself to fill the Handler, Trainer, Technician ASAB vacancy. She is a certified dog trainer and owner of Blue Dog Creature Coaching who is also running a non-profit, Canine Kindness, to promote humane animal training. The board voted and recommended Jen to fill this vacancy. • Lori Lumpkin, Sue Milager and Aviva Scully were asked to indicate whether they would be available to have their appointments renewed and indicated they would let staff know in the near future. BOCC Communication: Kris summarized the letter from BOCC Chair B. Pelissier Communication dated February 13, 2012, to Kristine Bergstrand, DVM, Chair, ASAB thanking the ASAB and staff for the annual summary report and work plan. Standing Committees • Dangerous Dog Appeals – Committee report to be included as part of these minutes. • Adoption Appeals • None 2 Old Business • Nuisance Noise Animal Task Force Update o Suzanne, Judy, Michael and Bob met to make recommendations to address animal noise nuisances and will gather information on agricultural zoning, quantity and type of nuisance situations, and protecting agricultural interests including small-scale farming situations. They are also reviewing remedies currently used in other counties such as a judicial remedy in Wake county. o Residents Julie Tucker and David Sykes described the problems they face with roosters crowing and are hoping that the ordinance can be changed. • Cat Sheltering, Progress Report II o Drew Brinkley, Assistant Shelter Manager, presented information on cat sheltering enhancements including a summary of a 3-month trial of a Feline Evaluation for Adoptability (FEFA) which staff will continue to collect data on, placing the largest cat enclosures in the most frequently used spaces, conversion of cat enclosures to larger but adaptable units and donated “Kuranda Beds” for elevated cat rest areas. o ASAB members are supportive and pleased with the progress made on cat sheltering enhancements and look forward to future updates. New Business • 2011 Performance Measures in Review o Drew Brinkley, Assistant Shelter Manager, presented 2011 summary data on adoptions, average litter numbers, animal control activities by township and type, average length of stay and a comparison of 2010 vs 2011 populations. The presentation showed an overall reduction in 2011 in total populations compared to 2010 and highlighted June and August 2011 as very high cat adoption months with ~150 cat adoptions each month. The data also showed high (>11) litter months were May, June, July, August and October. • Kris noted and ASAB members briefly discussed the Orange County Board of County Commissioner Advisory Board Policy. Due to time constraints, further discussion and questions were tabled until the next meeting. • Animal Services Update The shelter is fully staffed as of April 2, 2012. • Animal Services Center o Re-painting Adoptable Dog Area will be done with a new epoxy paint to be troweled on in order to prevent paint peeling and water pooling behind the paint. The work, including cage removal and re-building of cages, is to be completed within two weeks. Staff has accommodations and processes in place to house the dogs with their comfort and welfare paramount. o Compost and mulch have been delivered and work is on-going with volunteers to improve areas of erosion. • Budget • Late Licensing Fee Motion was made, seconded and approved for a $5 late fee for Licensing. • Outside Agency Grant Applications 3 Aviva, Kris, Bob and Donna reviewed applications by Triangle Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic and Piedmont Wildlife and made recommendations for $7500 and $1000 grants respectively. Triangle Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic fills a service gap for wildlife referrals in the county and Piedmont Wildlife provides wildlife education for Orange County school-age children. • Bob provided ASAB members with a copy of a memo to Frank Clifton, County Manager, on the Volunteer Program Assessment. MOTION to adjourn at 9:10. Motion seconded and approved. Minutes respectfully prepared and submitted by Donna Bravo.