Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB mtg summary 04 18 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, April 18, 2018 Meeting Summary MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureane Hoffman (Chair), Edmund Tiryakian, Diane Obeid, Molly Mullin (Vice-Chair), Warren Porter, Susan Elmore, Beth Grooms, and Victoria Hudson MEMBERS ABSENT: Michelle Walker, Judy Miller, and Heather Payne STAFF PRESENT: Bob Marotto (Animal Services Director) and Andi Morgan (Asst. Animal Services Director) GUESTS PRESENT: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Call to order: 6:33pm Review and adoption of the Agenda: Susan Elmore made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Molly Mullin. The motion carried without dissent. Summary of March 21, 2018 meeting: Warren Porter made a motion to approve the Summary; seconded by Susan Elmore. The motion carried without dissent. Review of public participation guidelines: No guest present. Animal Services Advisory Board Updates (A) Recommendations for appointments to the Animal Services Advisory Board: There are five vacancies that will be open on July 1 in the following appointments: Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, At-Large (non- municipal), and Animal Welfare Advocate. Applications were reviewed. The ASAB directed Bob Marotto to send invitations to selected nominees for the May ASAB meeting. There were several suggestions for nominations and recruitment ideas for filling these appointments and positions also left vacant on the Hearing Panel Pool. The Town of Hillsborough and the Town of Carrboro will be contacted for appointments. Edmund Tiryakian made a motion for Bob Marotto to draft a memo to the Town of Chapel Hill regarding the nomination of a current Hearing Panel Pool member to the ASAB; seconded by Molly Mullin. The motion carried without dissent. (B) Upcoming discussion of ASAB work plan and progress report at Board of County Commissioner April 26, 2018 Work Session: Preparations were made for the presentation and possible commissioner questions, and the work plan is ready. Old Business: (A) ASAB Communication About Animal Services Property Easements: The easement by OWASA is nearly complete. Bob Marotto updated on meeting with Duke Power project coordinators regarding an impact of the installation by Duke for the distribution transmission lines. The poles will be wood and at variable height. Impact is planned to be minimal at ground/ grade where dog walking trails will be groomed. Future conversations could include (1) the responsibility of maintenance and limited herbicide treatment and (2) the extension of trails the length of the OWASA easement and onto adjacent county property. 2 (B) Guidelines for Surrendered Animals Suffering from Cruelty or Neglect: A third revision is pending contribution to the appeals language by Heather Payne. Diane Obeid made a motion to direct Bob Marotto to contact Michelle Walker and Heather Payne for the final draft, which must be circulated to the ASAB before the next meeting; seconded by Beth Grooms. The motioned carried without dissent. A vote has been tabled until May. New Business: (A) Animal Services Updates: Bob Marotto reported about the large number of dogs seized as a result of a criminal investigation. The owner has been charged with animal cruelty and has been given the choice to pay a bond on each animal or surrender animals. Forensic veterinarian work is upcoming. After all evidence has been collected, and pending the surrender of the animals, professional dog behaviorists will be requested to assess the dogs for adoption outcomes. The space limitations and staffing has been very accommodating while housing the dogs more than 6 weeks. No need for “space euthanasia” has occurred. Fee recommendations were forwarded into the proposed fee schedule for the 2018-2019 budget. An increase in the out-of-county surrender fee from $60 to $100 has been suggested additionally. Warren Porter made a motion to support the proposed increase; seconded by Molly Mullin. The motion carried without dissent. Andi Morgan reported on the Kitten Shower event and the positive response to recruiting foster homes. (B) Ordinance considerations: Tabled until May meeting. Information Items (made available): (A) Monthly Sheltering Statistical Reports, March 2018 (B) Monthly Field Service Statistical Report, March 2018 Adjournment and next meeting: Edmund Tiryakian made a motion to adjourn at 8:24pm; Diane Obeid seconded. Motion carried without dissent. The next meeting is May 16, 2018 at 6:30 pm, Orange County Animal Services Center. Minutes taken: Victoria Hudson