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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-11-2025; 3 - Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool – Appointments Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: March 11, 2025 Action Agenda Item No. 3 SUBJECT: Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool — Appointments Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Member and Applicant Summary Sheet Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125 Applications of Members for Reappointment Application of Applicant Membership Roster Applicant Interest List PURPOSE: To discuss appointments to the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. BACKGROUND: The charge of the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool is to hear appeals concerning violations of the Orange County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 ("Animal Control Ordinance"), as provided in the Orange County Code of Ordinances, Section 4-53 Appeals, and also potentially dangerous dog appeals as prescribed by North Carolina General Statute §67- 4.1(c). It is the responsibility of pool members to conduct fair and impartial hearings for these appeals, and members receive training in both law and proper procedure prior to participating in a hearing. The Board of County Commissioners appoints twelve (12) members, with representation from various fields. There are also two (2) members representing the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough. Since the work of this body is dependent on hearings, it has not historically submitted an Annual Work Plan. The Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool does not make recommendations for appointments. The following individuals and positions are presented for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Michael Town of Chapel Hill First Full Term 03/31/2028 Delafield (reappointment) Lynne DuBose At-Large First Full term 03/31/2028 Unincorporated (reappointment) 2 Allan Polak Animal Services Second Full Term 03/31/2028 Advisory Board Member Deborah Hill Animal Services First Full Term 03/31/2028 Advisory Board (reappointment) Member BOCC At-Large First Full Term 03/31/2028 Appointee If the positions listed above are filled, the following vacancies remain: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE Town of 03/31/2026 Vacant since 03/31/2023 Carrboro Town of Chapel 03/31/2026 Vacant since 03/31/2023 Hill Town of 03/31/2028 Vacant since 03/31/2022 Hillsborough At-Large 03/31/2026 Vacant since 03/31/2023 FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: There are no Orange County Strategic Plan Goals applicable to this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. 3 Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on Benjamin King Member Male White 18-34 Chapel Hill Michael Delafield Member Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill Animal Services Advisory Board Mark J.Solomon Member Male White 35-59 Hillsborough James Wheeler Member Male White 35-59 Little River Thomas Gambill Member Male White 60+ Bingham Meggie Remick Member Female White 18-34 Chapel Hill Lynne DuBose Member Female White 60+ Eno Animal Services Advisory Board Michael Dempsey Member Male White 60+ Eno Pam C.Schwenter Member Female White 35-59 Cedar Grove Cynthia J.Stubbs Member Female White 35-59 Little River Dawn Roberts Member Female White 35-59 Cedar Grove Animal Services Advisory Board Allan Polak Member Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill Animal Services Advisory Board Deborah Hill Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Animal Services Advisory Board VACANT VACANT VACANT VACANT VACANT Cathy Munnier lApplicant Female White 60+ Eno 4 Page 1 of 2 Michael Delafield Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Michael Delafield Name Called: Home Address: 102 Saddle Ridge Rd Chapel Hill NC 27514 Phone: 919-616-3471 Email: mikedelafield@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2022 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board Boards/Commissions applied for: Orange County Parks and Recreation Council Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I'm an attorney with 20+ years experience in public education, including the past 10 as an attorney with the UNC System. I've represented public boards and participated on numerous committees working on public policy and administrative projects. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I think that preserving and improving our parks and public spaces is critical work that benefits all citizens. Making sure that such work is properly resourced, and that those resources are equitably distributed across Orange County, is important for the health and welfare of the people who live here, and is necessary to ensure that Orange County will continue to be an attractive location for families and businesses. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I'm relatively new to Orange County, having moved to Chapel Hill from Durham in April 2022, so I may have a bit of an outsiders perspective. Also, as an attorney, I may bring some expertise that may not currently exist on the board. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Human Relations Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board 5 Page 2 of 2 Michael Delafield See above. I have also been involved in equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, including drafting and implementing policies designed to increase diversity and cross-cultural understanding. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Increasing cross-cultural awareness, equity, and diversity is perhaps the most important responsibility of public bodies in today s world. Fostering collaborative and constructive dialogue between diverse groups with differing agendas is difficult but crucial. I'd like the opportunity to help do this work across Orange County. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Diversity of viewpoints is critical in any public endeavor, and especially this one. While I identify as a straight white male, I am constantly striving to better my understanding of the stories and life experiences of those different from myself. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Animal Services Advisory Board Application Date: 8/29/2022 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: See above. Also a pet owner and animal lover for many years. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I'd like to do something in public service in Orange County. The issues surrounding the county s animal populations are important not only for the health and welfare of the animals, but also for making Orange County a safe place to live and work. Conflict of Interest: Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Application Date: 3/7/2023 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I am an attorney and I have exerience with administrative hearings in a number of settings. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: As a member of the Animal Advisory Board, I think it is important to be involved in this process. Conflict of Interest: Other Comments: This application was current on: 3/7/2023 11:46:33 AM Date Printed: 11/20/2024 6 Page 1 of 2 Lynne DuBose Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mrs. Lynne DuBose Name Called: Home Address: 1020 Lawrence Road Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-632-4859 Email: enorun@nc.rr.com Year of OC Residence: 1993 Township of Residence: Eno Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Member of Orange County Library. Member of Orange County Sportsplex. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Animal Services Advisory Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board 50 years as a Labrador Retriever breeder, trainer, and competitor. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I have a lifelong interest in animal welfare and feel that my age and experience is ideally suited to be a knowledgeable contributor to the boards issues. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I think my years of experience working with animals allows me to draw on those experiences to the betterment of whatever animal welfare issues arise. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board 50 years as a Labrador Retriever breeder, trainer, and competitor. My age gives me a broader base to evaluate important issues that would come before this pool. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I have a lifelong interest in animal welfare and feel that my age and experience is ideally suited to be a knowledgeable contributor to the boards issues. 7 Page 2 of 2 Lynne DuBose How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I think my years of experience working with animals allows me to draw on those experiences to the betterment of whatever animal welfare issues arise. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 4/27/2023 12:22:38 PM Date Printed: 4/28/2023 8 Page 1 of 2 Allan Polak Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Allan Polak Name Called: Home Address: 8201 S. Hound Ct. Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 919-593-2202 Email: allan.polak@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2015 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Vice-chair Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board, Chair Orange County Animal Services Hearing Panel Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Animal Services Advisory Board, Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Boards/Commissions applied for: Board of Health Background, education and experience relevant to this board: My undergraduate studies focused on cultural anthropology and sociology-during these studies I took particular interest in the relation between various cultures and public health. While professionally I have focused on business and technology, I have retained an interest in public health and continue to educate myself through various reading on the subject. Additionally) serve on the Animal Services Advisory Board which is related to the public health in its focus on the health of the domestic animal population and its impact on the citizens of Orange County. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I have a strong interest in public health going back to my undergraduate studies and I wish to serve my community in a volunteer capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us all of the importance of public health to the community. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: I am an Orange County citizen, a former business owner with a background in cultural anthropology,Middle East studies, a technology expert, and a father of three young children. I believe that I would bring unique viewpoints to the board based on my experiences and education. Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: 9 Page 2 of 2 Allan Polak Animal Services Advisory Board Application Date: 7/28/2020 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I am a trained and certified search and rescue dog handler with extensive experience with dogs, and a genuine caring for all animals. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I wish to serve my community and this is a subject of particular interest to me. Conflict of Interest: Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Application Date: 2/13/2019 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I have extensive experience with dogs being a certified search and rescue dog handler. I have also completed NC State s comprehensive k9 emergency medicine program K9 Down. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I wish to serve my community and have a particular interest in this board s subject matter. Conflict of Interest: Other Comments: This application was current on: 10/22/2022 Date Printed: 10/27/2022 10 Page 1 of 2 Deborah Hill Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Deborah Hill Name Called: Home Address: 116 Jewell Dr. Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 919-614-4824 Email: debbyhi1129@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 1989 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Animal Services Advisory Board (current) Boards/Commissions applied for: Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I'm a scientist and an attorney, and have had a number of pets over the years. I've lived in rural Orange County as well as in Chapel Hill/Carrboro city limits. My analytical skills, familiarity with the area, and desire to maintain Orange County as a great place to live for all (human and animal) make me a good candidate for this board. I've also been serving on the OC Animal Services Advisory Board since March 2023 and find it both worthwhile and interesting. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Please see answer to question above. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Due to my background, my analysis of any situation could bring unique insights for the panel to consider. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: 11 Page 2 of 2 Deborah Hill Animal Services Advisory Board Application Date: 1/23/2023 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I was a dog owner in Orange county for well over 10 years and am a NC attorney. I'd like to learn more about animal welfare policy and animal services by serving on this board, and help make our county a better place for all human and other residents. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: My legal training and love of animals make me a good candidate for this position. Conflict of Interest: Other Comments: Applied for ASAB 1/23/2023 5:43:08 PM Applied for HPP 5/29/2023 11:48:28 AM This application was current on: 5/29/2023 11:48:28 AM Date Printed: 5/30/2023 12 Page 1 of 2 Cathy Munnier Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Cathy Munnier Name Called: Home Address: 134 Kirkland Dr. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 917-841-7387 Email: harleyscat55@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2015 Township of Residence: Eno Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: I am a member of the OC ASAB and did serve on the AS Hearing panel for 2 consecutive terms and then had one year off. I am re-applying to be on the hearing panel again. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: OCAS Hearing Panel in the past and am currently serving on the OCASAB now Boards/Commissions applied for: Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have a degree in Animal Science, multiple Certifications as a Dog Trainer. In addition, I am a former Vet Tech and Veterinary Practice Manager both in NY. I have worked with thousands of dogs over a 40+ year period of my life and continue to do so. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I have served on this board in the past and truly feel that given my background and experience that I would be an asset to this panel and the community at large. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? With all the animal (dog) handling experience that I have and a deep understanding of dog behavior along with the human emotions involved with regard to animal companions I feel my insights would be invaluable to this panel. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: 13 Page 2 of 2 Cathy Munnier Animal Services Advisory Board Application Date: 11/18/2022 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I have a degree in Animal Science, have worked for Veterinarians both in the capacity of Vet Tech and Practice Manager. I have been training dogs ALL my life and became a fully certified Trainer in 2003 and opened my Dog Training business in NY in 2009. 1 Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I am an animal advocate, with a strong understanding of animal behavior as my training business fully relies on my ability to understand and read both the animal and human sides of the equation and I feel that I could help with decisions and regulations w Conflict of Interest: Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Application Date: 2/17/2016 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: With my Degree in Animal Science, experience as a Vet Tech and Practice manager I have a significant knowledge of the medical end of animal care. As a Dog Trainer I have trained thousands of dogs from (8 weeks of age) Puppy, Basic Obedience up to Canine Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: As a Dog (animal)Advocate with the level of training and experience I have I am able to evaluate and observe situations the average person may not be equipped or trained to see. I also have the expertise to help determine a course of action that will be Conflict of Interest: Other Comments: Originally applied for ASAB and HPP 11/18/2022 11:15:53 AM. Served max terms on HPP and reapplied after one year off 2/12/2025 4:29:16 PM. This application was current on: 2/12/2025 4:29:16 PM Date Printed: 2/20/2025 14 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Meeting Times: As Needed As Needed Contact Person:Dr.Sandra Strong Meeting Place: TBD Contact Phone: 919-942-7387 Positions: 18 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: To hear appeals from violations of the Orange County Code of Ordinances,Chapter 4("Animal Control Ordinance"),as provided in the Orange County Code of Ordinances,Section 4-53 Appeals. To hear appeals as prescribed by N.C.Gen.Stat. §67-4.1(c). To protect the health,safety and welfare of Orange County residents and the animals residing in Orange County. Conduct fair and impartial hearings of appeals of potentially dangerous dog declaration and any other appeals as may be required by the Animal Control Ordinance. VACANT 1 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Carrboro Expiration: 03/31/2026 Age Range: Special Repr: Town of Carrboro Number of Terms: Mr. Benjamin King 2 First Appointed: 11/19/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 11/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Carrboro Expiration: 03/31/2027 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Town of Carrboro Number of Terms: 1 Mr. Michael Delafield 3 First Appointed: 06/20/2023 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/20/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Chapel Hill Expiration: 03/31/2025 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Town of Chapel Hill Number of Terms: VACANT 4 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Chapel Hill Expiration: 03/31/2026 Age Range: Special Repr: Town of Chapel Hill Number of Terms: Dr. Mark J. Solomon 5 First Appointed: 03/16/2021 Gender Identity: Male Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Hillsborough Expiration: 03/31/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Town of Hillsborough Number of Terms: 2 VACANT 6 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Hillsborough Expiration: 03/31/2028 Age Range: Special Repr: Town of Hillsborough Number of Terms: Friday,February 21,2025 Page 1 15 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Meeting Times: As Needed As Needed Contact Person:Dr.Sandra Strong Meeting Place: TBD Contact Phone: 919-942-7387 Positions: 18 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Mr. James Wheeler 7 First Appointed: 09/17/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Little River Current Appointment: 09/17/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Orange County Expiration: 03/31/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Public Health Field Number of Terms: Mr. Thomas Gambill 8 First Appointed: 03/19/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 03/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Orange County Expiration: 03/31/2027 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Public Safety Field Number of Terms: 1 VACANT 9 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Orange County Expiration: 03/31/2028 Age Range: Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms: VACANT 10 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Orange County Expiration: 03/31/2026 Age Range: Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms: Meggie Romick 11 First Appointed: 03/19/2019 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Orange County Expiration: 03/31/2027 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms: 2 Mrs. Lynne DuBose 12 First Appointed: 06/20/2023 Gender Identity: Female Township: Eno Current Appointment: 06/20/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Orange County Expiration: 03/31/2025 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: At-Large Unincorporated County Number of Terms: Friday,February 21,2025 Page 2 16 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Meeting Times: As Needed As Needed Contact Person:Dr.Sandra Strong Meeting Place: TBD Contact Phone: 919-942-7387 Positions: 18 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Michael Dempsey 13 First Appointed: 11/19/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Eno Current Appointment: 11/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Orange County Expiration: 03/31/2026 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: At-Large Unincorporated County Number of Terms: Pam C. Schwentner 14 First Appointed: 10/05/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 09/17/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Orange County Expiration: 09/30/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: At-Large Unincorporated County Number of Terms: 2 Cynthia J Stubbs 15 First Appointed: 10/05/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Little River Current Appointment: 09/17/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Orange County Expiration: 09/30/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Veterinarian Number of Terms: 2 Dawn Roberts 16 First Appointed: 06/20/2023 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 06/20/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Orange County Expiration: 03/31/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Animal Services Advisory Board Member Number of Terms: 1 Allan Polak 17 First Appointed: 05/18/2021 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/20/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Orange County Expiration: 03/31/2025 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Animal Services Advisory Board Member Number of Terms: 1 Deborah Hill 18 First Appointed: 03/19/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Orange County Expiration: 03/31/2025 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Animal Services Advisory Board Member Number of Terms: Friday,February 21,2025 Page 3 17 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Dr. Sandra Strong Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Contact Phone: 919-942-7387 Cathy Munnier Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 02/12/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Eno Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Animal Services Advisory Board Friday,February 21,2025 Page 1 of 1