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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB minutes 101911Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB) MEETING SUMMARY The ASAB met Wednesday, October 19, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. Members Present: Kristine Bergstrand, DVM, Donna Bravo, Susan Elmore, DVM, Sue Millager, Suzanne Roy, Mike Steward, and Aviva Scully Members Absent: Lori Lumpkin and Andi Uhl Staff Present: Jess Allison and Bob Marotto 1. Motion to adopt agenda as presented. Motion seconded, motion approved. 2. Motion to approve August 17, 2011, ASAB meeting summary with typographic corrections. Motion seconded, motion approved. 3. No public comments regarding items not on the agenda were presented. 4. ASAB Members a. Vacant positions i. There are currently no eligible candidates for the Town of Hillsborough open position. Candidates will continue to be recruited. ii. Three candidates presented themselves for consideration for the Animal Welfare and Rescue seat: Judy Miller, Arthur Sprinczeles, Lynn White. Two seats are available. ASAB will select members at the November 16 meeting. 5. New Business a. Kristine Bergstrand and Suzanne Roy were nominated as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively for the ASAB. No nominations were provided from the floor. The slate was approved and will be voted on at the November 19 meeting. b. ASAB reviewed current committee structure to include the Dangerous Dog Appeal and Adoption Appeal Committees. Motion to continue with current committee structure for 2012. Motion seconded, motion approved. c. ASAB members made suggestions (listed below) for 2012 work plan. Task Force created to summarize suggestions, review resources currently in place, and what has been done in the past to help ASAB prioritize top 3 or 4 strategies at the November 19 meeting. Task force members include Kris Bergstrand, Donna Bravo, Aviva Scully, Suzanne Roy, and Bob Marotto. i. Improve website utilizing volunteer services ii. Strengthen volunteer sign-in program utilizing kiosk software iii. Provide suggestions box for volunteers for staff review iv. Create Volunteer of the Month program v. Create additional marketing programs to increase adoptions vi. Utilize services of a professional photographer to increase adoptability of animals vii. Form a committee to explore cat enrichment and sheltering viii. Create partnership with local artists to display art in exchange for profit sales ix. Encourage shelter adoptions through PR campaign x. Advocate spay and neutering to low income families xi. Utilize ASAB and volunteers to expand community outreach xii. Create partnership program to provide fences to dog owners for compliance with tethering laws xiii. Expand spay and neuter programs xiv. Increase volunteers d. Staff (Bob Marotto and Jess Allison) provided update on changes made for cat sheltering (listed below) to comply with new standards. Motion to request Chair of ASAB seek input from Board of Commissioners as to their intent for ASAB involvement in the cat sheltering issue. Motion seconded and approved. Chair to report at November 16 meeting. Laura Easthom, member of the public, spoke about the cat sheltering issue. Ms. Easthom’s written comments were circulated to the ASAB. It was suggested, and agreed, that ASAB should adopt a public testimony policy whereby staff reports, then the public presents, and then discussion ensues. i. Cat enrichment programs were created and implemented successfully ii. Volunteers were recruited specifically for the purpose of increasing socialization of cats iii. Cat capacity management reviewed and improved iv. Implementation of cat evaluation instrument underway v. Review underway of back stage holding area for cats vi. Considering options for retrofitting current cages to make larger enclosures e. Other Department Updates i. October is Dog Adoption Month and adoption fees are reduced to $60 for dogs and puppies. ii. Featured Adoptable Pet Cam is now live on the website and Facebook. iii. Colleen Bridger has been hired as the new Health Director. iv. The Deer Hunting with Dogs public outreach effort includes an educational brochure, 911 coordination, and participation with Orange County Sheriff’s Department. v. The Director of Government Relations from the NC Association of County commissioners visited Animal Services for a day of continuing education vi. Shelter statistics show improved placement ratings and a reduction in intakes. In September two-thirds of shelter animals were adopted, recovered or transferred to partners for final placement. vii. Animal Services has hired a new ACO (Julian Burton). viii. Spay and neuter day was successful. Redefining the litter patrol standards of practice and staff processes are attributed to the success. 6. Motion to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Motion seconded and approved. 7. Next meeting is scheduled for November 16.