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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB minutes 042011 Orange County Animal Services 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 919-942-PETS (7387) ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2011 Animal Services Center 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill Approved Meeting Summary Members Present: Kristine Bergstrand, Chair; Susan Elmore; Suzanne Roy, Vice-Chair; Aviva Scully; Daniel Textoris; Members Absent: Jean Austen; Lori Lumpkin; Sue Millager; Andy Uhl Staff Present: Bob Marotto, Director, Animal Services Commissioners Present: Bernadette Pelissier, Chair, Board of County Commissioners Visitors: Bernadette Pelissier, Chair, Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) attended this meeting as part of her effort to visit the different advisory boards and commissions. Commissioner Pelissier informed us that advisory boards are a priority with the BOCC, which is currently looking into ways to improve and maintain communications between the BOCC and the various advisory boards. She felt that the Animal Services Advisory Board’s vetting and recommendations to the BOCC regarding applicants for open ASAB seats was very helpful. Announcements: Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) Director Bob Marotto announced that OCAS and the County’s Social Services Department had received an Outstanding County Program Award from the NC Association of County Commissioners for the County’s Community Spay Neuter Program. New Business: This was a specially scheduled meeting to discuss recommendations for applicants to fill vacancies on the ASAB. Over the past six months, the ASAB has invited applicants to attend our meetings, introduce themselves to current ASAB members, answer questions and learn about the workings of this Board. Based on these presentations and a review of the applications, the ASAB voted to recommend the following applicants to the BOCC: • At large position: The ASAB recommends Donna Bravo. The ASAB was impressed with Ms. Bravo’s commitment to working in the area of animal welfare by becoming an ASAB member. The ASAB was also impressed by Ms. Bravo’s prior advisory board and volunteer experience and her professional experience as a research and development manager. • Animal welfare/rescue group representative: The ASAB recommends Lisa Woolman, DVM. The ASAB was impressed by Dr. Woolman’s interest in “provid[ing] solutions to the region’s pet overpopulation challenges,” and to her volunteer experience with Independent Animal Rescue (an area organization with which Animal Services regularly works). Finally, the ASAB notes the benefits of having another veterinarian as an ASAB member, not only generally but with respect to the need to have a veterinarian participate in standing committees such as the Potentially Dangerous Dog Appeal Committee. • Hillsborough position: The ASAB is making no recommendations at this time. However, it wishes to note that there is an applicant that qualifies for this position (Katherine Doom). Public Affairs: Mr. Marotto presented “Shelter Oasis” by Kathleen O’Reilly, an article forthcoming in Healthy Pets that is very positive about the county’s new animal shelter. There was also discussion of a very important article published on the front page of the News & Observer regarding the euthanasia of homeless pets in NC. Mr. Marotto reported that the article was a direct outgrowth of the presentation staff made earlier this year to the BOCC on the county’s targeted spay/neuter program. Other Items: During the informal discussion, Mr. Marotto and ASAB vice Chair Suzanne Roy recounted highlights from their meeting with members of the County Agriculture Department and Agricultural Preservation Board. The major takeaway from the meeting included a commitment for future meetings to promote education and collaboration between the county’s animal control department and representatives of the agricultural community. Summary prepared and respectfully submitted by Suzanne Roy.