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HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB minutes 111809 Approved Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB) Minutes for November 18, 2009 Meeting Present ASAB Members: Daniel Textoris, Jean Austin, Suzanne Roy, Tracy Carroll, Susan Elmore, Katie Brooks, Kris Bergstrand and Dewana Anderson. Absent ASAB Members: Bonnie Norwood and Mike Nelson Others in Attendance: Animal Services Director Bob Marotto, Shelter Manager Jess Allison, Office Supervisor Paula Ragan and Animal Control Manager, Irene Phipps. Public Members Present: Al Greene Welcome and Opening Comments—ASAB Chair, Susan Elmore, called the meeting to order. Ms. Elmore introduced and welcomed newly appointed board member Katie Brooks who is filling the number 3 position, which is the Town of Carrboro Representative on the Animal Services Advisory Board. Motion was made by Daniel Textoris and seconded by Jean Austin to approve the Agenda dated November 18, 2009. VOTE: Unanimous Motion was made by Daniel Textoris and seconded by Kris Bergstrand to approve the minutes dated October 21, 2009. VOTE: Unanimous Public Comment—Orange County resident Al Greene spoke with board members regarding his concerns and views regarding farm livestock and County’s public nuisance regulations. Mr. Greene was cited on March 3, 2009 for his cow getting out due to a snowstorm that shorted out his electrical fence, since this was his second offense he was fined $50. Mr. Greene feels that it was a misapplication of enforcement or Animal Control Policy. He provided the board members with a handout to request the review of Animal Control Policy relating to Orange County Farms harboring domesticated livestock. Some of the issues/concerns that Mr. Greene has is that the policy itself does not reflect the intent of the Orange County Animal Control Ordinance, inconsistent with surrounding counties and the Orange County Farmland preservation initiatives supported by the BOCC, that it does not reflect intent of NC Right-to-Farm protection (GS 106- 700), the interpretation is inappropriate for Orange County farmers raising livestock and the policy is inconsistently applied. Ms. Elmore and members thanked Mr. Greene for coming to the board meeting to express his concerns and that they will review the ordinance and citations and bring back to the January 2010 meeting. ASAB Membership—Ms. Elmore reported that Rob Gray had sent her an email earlier in the month announcing his resignation. There are now 3 vacancies on the board, positions number 4 (Town of Chapel Hill), number 6 (Non-Municipality) and number 12 (Certified Animal Trainer). The intent is to invite qualified applicants that fit the requirements and that the clerk’s office November 18, 2009 ASAB Meeting— Approved Minutes Page 2 confirms such to ASAB meetings to have the opportunity to meet with them and allow an opportunity for a Q&A session if so desired. This board would not make recommendations for township positions. Potentially Dangerous Dog Appeal—Jean Austin reported that there were no hearings since last month. Dangerous Task Force—Jean Austin reported that the committee would have something for review and discussion at the January meeting. Placement Partner Committee—Nothing to report since the last months meeting. Monthly Statistical Summaries—Irene Phipps reported there were a total of 110 stray animals and 29 surrenders brought in by Animal Control. There were a total of 3 rabies exposures and all three were negative. Ms. Phipps also reported that a 1-year rabies clinic was held last Friday with a total of 63 vaccines administered. Ms. Allison reported that for the month of October there was 383 animals admitted to the shelter, 596 total were sheltered for the month, 195 animals were placed; these numbers are low which is typical for this time of the year. Adoptions were strong for the month. 2010 Schedule— Motion was made by Kris Bergstrand and seconded by Dewana Anderson to accept the proposed schedule for calendar year 2010 with no meetings held in the month of June and December. VOTE: Unanimous Motion was made by Kris Bergstrand and seconded by Tracy Carroll to not mail out hard copies of Animal Services Advisory Board packets, to only send them electronically. VOTE: Unanimous Home For the Holidays—Bob Marotto reported that we are starting this event earlier this year in an effort to help increase adoptions. Animal Services Advisory Board November 18th, 2009 Meeting Approved Minutes Page 3 FY 1011 Budget Process— Mr. Marotto reported that generally the budget process is no better than last year and may be worse. Presently the Manger’s Office is expecting to offset 3.5 million dollars because of new buildings, more debt, projected sales tax lower, etc. The Board of County Commissioners message at this point is that they will hold fast to revenue neutral (not raise taxes) to make up for the short falls. The Manager’s Office has requested that we start thinking about smart ways to respond in order to sustain quality services. We have initiated conversations in our department with key staff to come up with some ideas and ways to accomplish these requests, a handout was provided to board members listing revenue stream enhancements. Motion was made by Kris Bergstrand and seconded by Jean Austin to support as the advisory board the revenue items identified in the Working Document dated November 17, 2009. VOTE: Unanimous 2009 Officer Nominations— Chair Susan Elmore reported that she would be coming off the ASAB board as Chair and Jean Austin will be coming off as Vice-Chair. The nominations committee has recommended Jean Austin as Chair and Suzanne Roy as Vice-Chair effective January 2010. Ms. Elmore asked members if there were any other recommendations and there were none. The vote passed as recommended by the Nomination Committee. Standing Committees—Bob Marotto reported that the request at last month’s meeting to determine whether or not the by-laws will allow for a single appeals board and the rules and procedures prohibit this from happening. Chair, Susan Elmore made the following appointments to committees: Potentially Dangerous Dog Appeals Committee- Susan Elmore, Jean Austin and Suzanne Roy. Adoption Appeals Committee- Dewana Anderson, Daniel Textoris and Kris Bergstrand. Bonnie Norwood will be removed form the Adoption Appeals Committee. It was decided that when Pat Sanford’s position is filled that person would replace one of the three people on the Potentially Dangerous Dog Appeals committee. Motion was made by Kris Bergstrand and seconded by Jean Austin to accept the appointments made by Chair, Susan Elmore VOTE: Unanimous Motion was made by Kris Bergstand and seconded by Suzanne Roy to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. VOTE: Unanimous. Next ASAB Meeting: Wednesday, January 20, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Animal Services Center, 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill.