HomeMy WebLinkAboutASAB Meeting Summary 04.19.23 Meeting Minutes Approved ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD(ASAB)
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Community Room at OCAS
1601 Eubanks Rd, Chapel Hill,NC 27516
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lee Pickett(Chair), Allan Polak(Vice Chair), Sunita Driehuys
(Secretary), Judy Miller, Dawn Roberts, Michael Delafield, Lucia Welbome,Debby Hill, Cathy
Munnier
Members ABSENT: Kimberly Rider
STAFF PRESENT: Holly Pittman(Administrative Support), Dr. Jo Jarred,Ashley Miller,
Irene Phipps
PUBLIC PRESENT:None
Call to order: 6:30 PM
Review and adoption of the meeting agenda:
Mike Delafield Aye
Sunita Driehuys Aye
Debby Hill Aye
Judy Miller Aye
Cathy Munnier Motion
Lee Pickett Aye
Allan Polak Aye
Dawn Roberts Aye
Lucia Welborne 2nd
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Review and approval of March, 2023 ASAB meeting summary:
Mike Delafield Aye
Sunita Driehuys Aye
Debby Hill Motion
Judy Miller Aye
Cathy Munnier 2nd
Lee Picket Aye
Allan Polak Aye
Dawn Roberts Aye
Lucia Welborne Aye
New Business
Orange County Animal Control/Field Service presentation by Irene Phipps, Animal Control
Manager, with Ashley Miller,who is Training and Lead Animal Control Officer. OCAS
provides contracted services to the Town of Chapel Hill and Town of Carrboro. Currently
working on a contract with Town of Hillsborough to provide a dedicated ACO there. Also serve
the rest of the county at large.
Respond to calls for animals in need and people with animal issues. Using online training
resources these days, which Ashley finds. ACO available 24/7 through 911 emergency dispatch
if necessary. Provide protective custody of animals when humans have an emergency(eg -
arrested, hospitalized, displaced)
Officers acknowledge stress of job but feel that they have adequate support through OCAS.
Better retention of ACOs here than nationally. Are supported by law enforcement when on call
and heading into potentially dangerous situations.
Mentioned large groups of feral cats in Hillsborough currently—unsure which TNR group is
caring for them. Also manage large animals—work with rescue groups if placement needed and
have master list of resources for entire county that law enforcement and animal control can
access. Discussion about frustration by citizens because loose dogs in Hillsborough are a
nuisance. OCAS can only enforce the ordinance if they know who owns the dog and have a
signed complaint by a resident. ACOs will speak with complainant and explain and help as
much as they are able.
Public participation guidelines: Not necessary
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General public comments on items not on agenda (3-minute limit): None
Monthly Meeting Attendance Record (confirm completion): Confirmed through approval of
meeting minutes
Animal Services Advisory Board
o Currently 3 vacancies on board: Town of Hillsborough,Non-Municipality, At-Large
o Tracy Little application currently pending and she is invited to attend our next
meeting
Update by Dr. Jo Jarred—Medical Director—gave update on current OCAS news:
Three main issues they're currently working on are:
1. Intake process
2. Setting animals up for success with enrichment and procedures
3. Community Cats—educating public about the need to care for these animals
Currently short-staffed due to employees shifting around, medical leaves. New Senior ACO
position being created, Tiani Schifano is leaving to a different county so Program Coordinator
position is open internally and her duties are currently being shared by many staff members.
Greg Ceseretti and Dr. Sandra Strong on medical leave currently. Shelter currently low on
animals in need of placement—adoptions are up since spring reduced fee promotion in effect.
Received$25,000 Petco grant recently for veterinary care at OCAS and in the community. No
current update on the Buckhorn Flea Market.
Informal Discussion: Durham APS currently having"kennel cough" issues, but that has not been a problem
at OCAS. Per Dr. Jarred this is primarily due to their physical layout and operations, not a regional outbreak.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
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