HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB mtg summary 01 31 2018 proposed1
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, January 31, 2018
Meeting Summary
MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureane Hoffman (Chair), Molly Mullin (Vice-Chair), Judy Miller, Warren Porter, Edmund
Tiryakian, Diane Obeid, Michelle Walker, Susan Elmore, and Victoria Hudson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Beth Grooms and Heather Payne
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Marotto (Animal Services Director) and Andi Morgan (Assistant Animal Services Director)
GUESTS PRESENT: Libby Habeck; Carol McCanna; Dr. Elliot Cramer with Friends of Orange County Animal Services;
Lara Katz and Isabella DeSantis with North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center; and Alan Dow with Independent
Animal Rescue.
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Call to order: 6:34pm
Review and adoption of the Agenda: Susan Elmore made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Judy
Miller. The motion carried without dissent.
Summary of November 15, 2017 meeting: Molly Mullin made a motion to approve the Summary; seconded by
Maureane Hoffman. The motion carried without dissent.
Review of public participation guidelines: Molly Mullin described the guidelines to the guests.
General Public Comments on items not on the agenda: Libby Habeck, of Hillsborough, wanted policy clarification
and increased enforcement on cats that roam at large. Her complaint included a description of the neighbor’s cat’s
activities that are a nuisance and ordinance provisions for microchipped cats. Carol McCanna spoke regarding same
pet owner that does not control her animals. She distributed a timeline of the nuisance observations. She requests
a stricter policy in the ordinance that restricts cats, including those that are microchipped. Susan Elmore made a
motion to put a review of this policy on a future meeting; seconded by Molly Mullin. The motion carried without
dissent.
Award the 2017 Pat Sanford Welfare Grant: Dr. Cramer addressed the ASAB about Pat Sanford and her legacy.
Awards were presented to the North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center and Independent Animal Rescue.
Old Business:
(A) Free Roaming Cat Spay & Neuter Initiative: Bob Marotto and Maureane Hoffman visited again with the
Agricultural Preservation Board to update the progress of the barn cat project: 48 cats at three farms. Each
cat is spayed or neutered, tagged, microchipped, and licensed as part of the package. Animal Services staff
along with the ASAB Chair are meeting regularly with representatives of Independent Animal Resuce and
these meetings have been very productive and beneficial.
(B) Pets of the Homeless Task Force: Bob Marotto reported that efforts have resumed to put together
resources, services, and mapping with the various community partners. Meetings are tentative over the
next two months.
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(C) Abuse/Neglect Charges for Surrendered Animals: Bob Marotto, Diane Obeid, Beth Grooms and Edmund
Tiryakian met as a work group. Edmund Tiryakian reported on the draft policy which better defines
conditions that are suspect as neglected or where animals are suspected to have suffered intentional harm.
The policy includes disposition guidelines, that individuals may be temporarily prohibited from adopting, and
possible prosecution. Disposition will still be case-by-case. Existing appeals procedures will apply.
Implementation could be added into the strategic plan. There was discussion about the simplifying the
draft that supports due process/ investigation and that does not discourage people to surrender animals for
which they can no longer care. Revision suggestions should be sent to Edmund Tiryakian prior to February
14.
New Business:
(A) Update on Animal Services Center Property Easements: Bob Marotto reviewed the easement that is being
constructed on the property west of the OCAS building. Plans show that that the existing dog walkway will
be affected. OWASA has been positive about partnering with OCAS on the future use of the easement.
However, Duke Energy has not formalized their plans about towers/ poles. It is still very speculative.
Maureane Hoffman made a motion that she will draft a letter of comment which will be addressed to the
Orange County Commissioners on stakeholder issues; Molly Mullin seconded. The motion carried without
dissent.
(B) Animal Services Updates: The County’s budget is forecasting a large short-fall. The OCAS is working on
budget items for 2018-2019, priorities and a flat budget. There are some fee increases that will be
considered. Bob Marotto and Maureane Hoffman will attend the next Commissioners meeting for the Spay
and Neuter Resolution and the presentation of the annual report.
Information Items (made available):
(A) Monthly Sheltering Statistical Reports, Dec 2017
(B) Monthly Field Service Statistical Report, Dec 2017
Adjournment and next meeting:
Michelle Walker made a motion to adjourn at 8:22pm; Susan Elmore seconded. Motion carried without
dissent. The next meeting is February 21, 2018 at 6:30 pm, Orange County Animal Services Center.
Minutes taken:
Victoria Hudson