HomeMy WebLinkAboutUnapproved February meeting summary1
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, February 15, 2017
Meeting Summary
MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureane Hoffman (Chair), Molly Mullin (Vice-Chair), Edmund Tiryakian, Judy Miller, Michelle
Walker, Warren Porter, Michael Stewart, Victoria Hudson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Susan Elmore, Beth Grooms, Aviva Scully, DeWana Anderson
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Marotto (Animal Services Director), Andi Morgan (Asst Animal Services Director)
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Call to order: 6:35pm
Review and adoption of the Agenda: Agenda item for discussion with County Manager and agenda item was
added. Edmund Tiryakian made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Judy Miller. The motion carried
without dissent.
Summary of January 18, 2017 meeting: Michael Stewart made a motion to approve the Summary as edited;
seconded by Judy Miller. The motion carried without dissent.
General Public Comments on items not on the agenda: None.
Animal Services Advisory Board:
Policies and Procedures: Edmund Tiryakian has completed the next draft of the policies and procedures. Bob
Marotto will review it, and it will be disseminated to members of the Board. There was discussion about the
penalty language to communicate that penalties may be a provision of the Statute or a provision of the
Ordinance.
Old Business:
(A) Art Project: Molly Mullin and Bob Marotto will be reviewing applications submitted by artists. Project is on
schedule for selection and installation.
(B) Update of the Pets of the Homeless Task Force: The January meeting was rescheduled for Friday, February
17th, from 1-3 pm. A good crowd is expected.
New Business:
(A) Spay and Neuter Day: A resolution for the 2017 Spay and Neuter Day was placed on the agenda for February
BOCC meeting review by Maureane Hoffman and Molly Mullin (statistics and presentation provided).
Michelle Walker made a motion for the Advisory Board to support the resolution for Spay and Neuter Day;
Warren Porter seconded. Motion carried.
(B) Animal Services Updates:
1. Bob Marotto reported on a recent court-ordered multiple horse seizure. The horses were seized for
their safety and the safety of the public. This was a complicated operation that required
transporting the horses to a veterinary medicine equine practitioner who accepted them after the
seizure. The horses were screened and tested for Coggins prior to transport to Moore County.
OCAS staff had several dates in court which resulted in the order to sell the horses and a standing
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order against the owner regarding future horse ownership. Seven of eight have sold for a total
$1100. The eighth horse was transferred to a horse rescue group. One horse did not survive. There
were substantial expenditures for this seizure and care. The owner is responsible for restitution,
which will be pursued.
2. Heartworm treatment dogs: Andi Morgan reported that the heartworm treatment program is
currently suspended until the procedure can be revised. She has developed the first forms for
“Foster with first right to adopt” to possibly be used for treating, fostering, and adopting. Until that
time, the heartworm positive dogs are being transferred to appropriate shelters.
3. Staffing: Bob Marotto reported that OCAS is working on filling current vacancies: lead veterinary
health care position to be filled soon, permanent and seasonal animal care technicians,
communication specialist, and a veterinary health intern.
4. Events: Andi Morgan reported another vaccination/microchip clinic at Phydeaux on March 4th. There
will be one-year and three-year vaccinations and microchips available at all regular clinics. Spay and
Neuter Day is scheduled for Feb 28th. There are thirty animals registered. There will be another
“Clear the Shelters” event on August 19th because of the 2016 event success.
5. Fee schedule proposed (attached): Michael Stewart made a motion to support the proposed fee
schedule changes for the 2018 budget; seconded by Michelle Walker. Motion carried without
dissent.
6. OWASA Water crisis: Bob Marotto and Andi Morgan gave summaries of how the OCAS coped with
the OWASA water crisis. No problems were reported. Excellent response was noted due to good
communication with OWASA and OCEM; the reclaim water system onsite; and access to bottled
water through AMS and donations.
7. Free-Roaming Cat Timetable (attached): Andi Morgan distributed a revised timetable. There was
discussion about the feral cat problem; current methods and assessment; the known criticisms of
the trapping and release method of managing feral cat populations; the perception that cats taken
to the shelter get euthanized; and the search for multi-focal solutions through the partnerships
described in the timetable. A free-roaming cat program update is planned.
Information Items (made available):
(A) Monthly Sheltering Statistical Reports, January 2017
(B) Monthly Field Service Statistical Report, January 2017
Adjournment and next meeting:
Michael Stewart made a motion to adjourn at 8:17; Michelle Walker seconded. Motion carried without
dissent. The next meeting is March 15, 2017, at 6:30 pm, Orange County Animal Services Center.
Minutes taken:
Victoria Hudson