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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB minutes 102010Approved Summary of Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB) Meeting October 20, 2010 Prepared by: Suzanne Roy, ASAB Vice Chair Present: Sue Millager, Aviva Scully, Jean Austin, Kris Bergstrand, Susan Elmore, Dan Textoris, Suzanne Roy Absent: Tracy Carroll Staff: Paula Ragan and Bob Moratto Agenda adopted and summary of September meeting approved with minor correction to spelling of Kristine Bergstrand’s name. There were no public comments and or old business items. NEW BUSINESS: NEW MEMBER WELCOME The Board Chair Jean Austen introduced and welcomed two new members: Aviva Scully, a representative for the town of Chapel Hill and Sue Millager, the representative for the town of Carrboro. CANDIDATES FOR ASAB VACANCIES The Board next heard from candidates for appointment to fill Board vacancies. Bob explained to the candidates the recent history of board appointments and Board of County Commissioners reassessment and discussion of advisory boards. Appointments to fill vacancies had been frozen, but the freeze has now been lifted. Bob gave a general overview of the ASAB’s work as a policy board dealing with issues ranging from pet overpopulation to tethering to budget cuts. Jean added that the ASAB also serves as an information gathering arm for the BOCC. The applicants asked a few questions: How receptive is the BOCC to the ASAB? Members responded that the Board is very responsive and respectful. This is in part because we have carefully chosen issues to bring before the BOCC, and we have been prepared when presenting these issues to the BOCC. We operate as a partner to the BOCC in the policy process. What is mechanism for getting your recommendations to the board? Bob explained that all BOCC members now receive ASAB communications. Formal presentation of recommendations go through a policy process and an agenda review process that involves support from the county manager’s office and the Chair/Vice Chair of the board. We also get directives from the BOCC in terms of issues they would like us to look at for them. The Board then heard brief presentations and asked questions of the following applicants: Mr. Andy Uhl –Applicant for animal handler position. Laurie Lumpkin – Applicant for At Large Position Melissa Marsh – At Large Position. Lori Shapiro – At Large Position. Lisa Woolman – Veterinary Radiologist. Could be appointed to At Large or Animal Advocacy position. Pam Wilson – At Large Position. Board expressed appreciation for applicants and remarked that each one is well-qualified. Dan urged to keep eyes open for future vacancies if not appointed to current ones. 2011 OFFICERS The Board then turned its attention to new business and nominating the officer slate for 2011. Nominating committee of Dan Textoris and Suzanne Roy nominated Kris Bergstrand for Chair and Suzanne Roy for Vice Chair. Voting will take place at the next meeting, which has been rescheduled for Thursday November 18th due to the inability of 2 board members to attend the regularly scheduled meeting. ANNUAL REVIEW OF STANDING COMMITTEES The Board conducted its annual review of the standing committees. Dangerous Dog Appeal Committee - members are Susan Elmore, Jean Austin and Suzanne Roy Adoption Appeals Committee – Dan Textoris, Kris Bergstrand and one vacancy. Motion was made, seconded and approved to continue these two committees, recognizing their impact, role and importance for due process. The Board appointed Sue Millager to fill the vacancy on the Adoption Appeals Committee. NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION The Board voted to conduct a new member orientation and approved Jean Austin and Kris Bergstrand to meet with new members and Bob Moratto for this purpose at a time to be scheduled. ANNUAL WORK PLAN REVIEW The Board agreed to evaluate the work plan for 2010 and develop a work plan for 2011 at its November meeting. ANIMAL SERVICES UPDATE Bob presented information on: • Shelter Appreciation Week (Nov. 7-13) • Home for the Holidays Campaign – Early November through the New Year. • Targeted Spay Neuter program: o Targeted Spay Neuter Day – Sarah Falin organizing on October 27. A total of 32 animals scheduled for surgery. o 3rd quarter of 2010 numbers were the same as last year for the total number of animals spayed even though more vouchers were issued. o Bob and Sarah Falin will attend the SNIP (Spay Neuter Industry Professionals) conference in Asheville in March. Attendance will be funded through the dedicated spay neuter fund. • One Dangerous dog hearing this month. Committee upheld the potentially dangerous dog designation. • Statistical reports: 2010 intake numbers down 8 or 9 percent compared to last year. Suzanne remarked that this decrease is even more significant since experience of other communities has been that intake numbers increase when new facility opens but ours have decreased. Bob remarked that this may be due to our targeted spay neuter efforts. When we get the numbers on litters as total percentage of intake we will be able to get more insights into this. Dan noted that the cat numbers are driving up the euthanasia rates. Dog euthanasia rate is just 35 percent. Cat is 68 percent. Bob noted that feral cats are part of the problem, but also litters are the problem. Kitten spike in March and we’re having another spike now. 6 or 7 litters of kittens in shelter now. Litter patrol is in the Spay Neuter plan and scheduled for 2011. This will be targeted spay neuter outreach to people who surrender litters of kittens and puppies. RECOMMENDATIONS ON ASAB APPLICANTS The Board voted to recommend Andy Uhl and Lori Lumpkin for the positions of animal handler and at large member. Motion made, seconded and approved to recommend the appointments of: Andy Uhl given his certification as a trainer, experience and involvement with rescue and foster programs. Laurie Lumpkin on the basis of her commitment to the welfare of the community and the welfare of the animals, her position as a member of the Human Rights and Relations Board, her professional experience as an executive, and her love of animals. The Board recommended that Bob outreach to Independent Animal Rescue regarding vacancy for animal advocate representing a locally-based rescue group.