HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-16-2021; 4-a - Proclamation Recognizing Robert A. Marotto 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 16, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Proclamation Recognizing Robert A. Marotto
DEPARTMENT: Animal Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Irene Phipps, 919-932-4949
PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation recognizing and expressing gratitude to Robert A. (Bob)
Marotto for his devotion and service to Orange County.
BACKGROUND: After 16 years of dedicated service to the Orange County community and
animals, Bob Marotto is retiring on March 3, 2021.
Bob Marotto began his career of service with Orange County in 2005 in the newly created job as
the director of Orange County Animal Services (OCAS). However, his career did not begin as an
animal welfare professional and advocate. Prior to that, Bob had completed his education at the
University of California, Santa Cruz, earning a Ph.D in Sociology. He taught at the University of
Dayton for a while but missed working in the world outside of academia, and subsequently moved
to Minnesota, acquired two dogs and began training them. Bob's interest in animals grew,
facilitated by CENSHARE (Center to Study Human-Animal Relationships and Environments), and
he began building his animal-related skills. This included working at Petco stocking shelves. Mr.
Marotto became an accomplished dog trainer teaching "reactive dog" classes and working with
aggressive dogs.
In 1994, Mr. Marotto joined the City of Minneapolis Animal Care and Control Program as an
Animal Control Officer, then moving to Supervisor, leading him to serve as the program manager.
In his 11 years there, he worked successfully with many different people and organizations as
well as oversaw the multiple program developments, new shelter construction and handling and
policy practices for the care, dispositioning and placement of animals. Bob served as a board
member for the National Animal Control Association and worked occasionally for The Humane
Society of the United States conducting animal shelter and program evaluations. After discussing
with his wife the need to relocate to a warmer climate, Bob transformed from a Gopher to a Tar
Heel.
With OCAS, Bob has been involved in the creation and management of numerous programs and
progressive initiatives. He helped lead the major building project for the new Animal Services
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Center, procured multiple grants to offset cost for spay and neuter programs for Orange County
residents' pets, increased donations to aid in the care and comfort of Orange County animals and
worked diligently with Orange County attorneys and District Courts to assure the protection of
animals and that those responsible for the neglect and ill treatment were held accountable.
Mr. Marotto took a struggling animal shelter and animal control program and brought his
knowledge, tenacity and creativity to provide the residents and animals of Orange County a state
of the art facility and improve both shelter and animal control operations. This resulted in more
animal rehabilitations, adoptions, public awareness and education and less animal euthanasia.
Also during his time here, Bob has spent many hours resolving community concerns and restoring
the community's confidence with OCAS.
Mr. Marotto currently serves as an officer of the North Carolina Animal Federation and is involved
in a community index project for animal welfare supported by PetSmart Charities in partnership
with The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement. Additionally, Bob has written essays and
editorials that have appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, News & Observer and The Herald
Sun.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with consideration of the proclamation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with consideration of the proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the attached proclamation recognizing and expressing appreciation to Bob Marotto
for his service to the people of Orange County and wishing him well in his retirement.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING
ROBERT A. MAROTTO,
RETIRING DIRECTOR, ORANGE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES
WHEREAS, in 2005, Robert A. (Bob) Marotto continued his career of public service and
animal welfare by joining the Animal Services Department as the director; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Marotto's first task as director was overseeing the startup of the County's
first free-standing and full service Animal Services Department; and
WHEREAS, during Mr. Marotto's years with the County, he has implemented multiple
programs and policies that set the tone and direction for a progressive and top notch
operations which have benefitted both the residents and animals of Orange County; and
WHEREAS, Bob's understanding of the human/animal bond has impacted many positive
outcomes for animals and their owners; and
WHEREAS, while Mr. Marotto has always practiced education over enforcement, that
has not deterred him from pursuing and advocating for the protection of animals and
assuring they have a voice in seeking justice for the neglect and cruelty inflicted upon
them; and
WHEREAS, as Director, Bob has established cohesive working relationships with other
County departments, local law enforcement, district courts, animal rescue groups and
other animal welfare agencies; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Marotto's commitment to community and outreach has been evident in
his participation in multiple speaking engagements, special events and published essays
and editorials; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Marotto has never put a dog and cat in the same cage and is known for
grabbing a control pole and jumping in to help capture the most aggressive and elusive
Chihuahua; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Marotto is retiring from Orange County on March 3, 2021 after 16 years
of service and devotion for both people and animals, and will be missed;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
recognize and express deep appreciation and respect for the services rendered by Robert
Marotto to the Orange County community, and wish him well in his retirement.
This the 16t" day of February, 2021 .
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners