HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB mtg summary 02 21 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, February 21, 2018
Meeting Summary
MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureane Hoffman (Chair), Molly Mullin (Vice-Chair), Judy Miller, Warren Porter, Michelle
Walker, Beth Grooms, and Victoria Hudson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Susan Elmore, Edmund Tiryakian, Diane Obeid, and Heather Payne
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Marotto (Animal Services Director), Andi Morgan (Assistant Animal Services Director), and
Irene Phipps (Animal Control Manager)
GUESTS PRESENT: Jack Donovan
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Call to order: 6:33pm
Review and adoption of the Agenda: Michelle Walker made a motion to approve the agenda tabling the discussion
for Abuse/Neglect Charges for Surrendered Animals; seconded by Judy Miller. The motion carried without dissent.
Summary of January 28, 2017 meeting: Molly Mullin made a motion to approve the Summary; seconded by Warren
Porter. The motion carried without dissent.
Review of public participation guidelines: Molly Mullin described the guidelines to the guest.
General Public Comments on items not on the agenda: Mr. Jack Donovan made a presentation: a matter of policy
clarification. He would like clarification of various definitions of Unified Animal Ordinance Section 4-37, including
vagaries and omissions. He also provided suggested edits to Section 4-37 and 4-42.
Animal Services Advisory Board Updates: Beth Grooms position on the Hearing Panel Pool expires March 31, 2018.
Beth Grooms accepted a nomination to continue for another term. Michelle Walker made a motion to appoint Beth
to the Hearing Panel Pool; seconded by Judy Miller. Motion carried without dissent.
Bob Marotto reported on some outside agency funding application requirements. An outside funding review is
required for a particular funding opportunity. The ASAB needs to appoint three members of the board to conduct
the review. Judy Miller, Victoria Hudson, and Beth Grooms volunteered.
Old Business:
(A) ASAB Communication About Animal Services Property Easements: Maureane Hoffman reported on the
letter of comment that was sent to the OCC. She received a timely response from Commissioner
Jacobs. The communication demonstrated a mutual frustration that Duke Power has not shared their
plans yet. The impact to the operations of the OCAS It is not known until the easement construction is
known. Bob Marotto reported that OC Asset Management Services is in contact with Duke Power. He
will gather more information for the next meeting.
(B) Abuse/Neglect Charges for Surrendered Animals: Tabled until March meeting.
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New Business:
(A) Nuisance Provisions for Cats in Unified Animal Ordinance: Bob Marotto gave a brief history, prior to the
Ordinance, of the definition of a nuisance cat and the regulation of cats who were observed “off-property.”
He also explained the rationale for developing current code that distinguished cats from dogs and used
language from Carrboro’s code. Irene Phipps described the nature of complaint calls about nuisance cats
and her communications with various complainants about violations of the Ordinance. There is already
language in the Ordinance that refers to habitual behaviors of the cat that are in violation. Complainants
do question what are the measure and proof for “habitual.” The current enforcement includes
administrative penalties in incrementally increasing amounts from$100-$300; impoundment; and the
implied authority of the Ordinance to remove the animal from Orange County. There is a perceived need to
address nuisance cats causing displaced aggression of another cat toward a human or other animal while
also better defining “habitual” and “at large.” A working definition of “nuisance” could be explored in
terms of interfering in the reasonable use and enjoyment of one’s property. This needs to be accomplished
under the guidance of the Co. Attorney. Additional discussion will be brought to future meetings.
(B) 2017 Statistical Highlights: Andi Morgan gave a report of animal control statistics for 2017. Majority of
calls are for bites and stray animals. This is consistent with most years. There is slight increase in bite/
exposure or neglect. Statistics by township and shelter statistics were presented, including increases in live
releases (90% adjusted) and historical decreases in intake (4486 to 2740) in spite of a growing population
during same time period (2005-2017). Adoptions are up with 1707 for the year. Euthanasia outcomes are
reduced to 379 (highest was 2008 at 2089).
(C) Animal Services Updates: Valentine’s Day Special was ongoing for February. Spay and Neuter Day is the
27th. Work on the continuation budget means no increases in requests for expenditures and that any
increases in costs for staffing have to be absorbed. Some monies have been shifted to offset costs.
Outside agency funding is possible. Bob Marotto met with Adult Care Home Advisory Committee
representative regarding pet placement in adult care homes. Coyote information has been offered. WHUP
interviews are planned on different subjects. There has been a cat café inquiry. Proposed fee schedule
increases were presented. Warren Porter made a motion to support the fee increases as presented;
seconded by Beth Grooms. The motion carried without dissent.
Information Items (made available):
(A) Monthly Sheltering Statistical Reports, Jan 2018
(B) Monthly Field Service Statistical Report, Jan 2018
Adjournment and next meeting:
Michelle Walker made a motion to adjourn at 8:15pm; Judy Miller seconded. Motion carried without dissent.
The next meeting is March 21, 2018 at 6:30 pm, Orange County Animal Services Center.
Minutes taken:
Victoria Hudson