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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-13-25; 7 - Animal Services Advisory Board – Appointments Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 13, 2025 Action Agenda Item No. 7 SUBJECT: Animal Services Advisory Board — Appointments Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Recommendations Clerk's Office, 919-245-2130 Member and Applicant Summary Sheet Applications of Persons Recommended Applications of Other Applicants Membership Roster Applicant Interest List Annual Work Plan PURPOSE: To discuss appointments to the Animal Services Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The charge of the Animal Services Advisory Board is to advise the Board of County Commissioners on matters of concern regarding animal issues and animal services in Orange County, and to work with the Animal Services Director on various policy concerns and issues regarding County animal services. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all thirteen (13) members with representation from various related fields and municipalities. The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Mary Lucas Town of First Full Term 06/30/2027 Hillsborough Allan Polak Certified Animal Second Full Term 06/30/2028 Handler/Trainer/ Technician If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancy remains: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE At-Large 06/30/2028 Vacant since 04/24/2025 2 FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — INCLUSIVITY AND ENGAGEMENT We foster an environment in which all are welcomed, represented, and empowered to participate in and feel connected to their community. • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — DEDICATION AND RESPECT We commit to our roles in public service and organizational excellence by fostering the skills, talents, and innovation of our residents, employees, volunteers, and boards needed to carry out this work. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to the Animal Services Advisory Board. 3 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA ANIMAL SERVICES 1601 Eubanks Road www.orangecountync.gov/animalservices phone: (919)942-7387 Chapel Hill, NC 27516 fax: (919)918-2393 April 23, 2025 To: Tara May, Assistant Deputy Clerk, Board of County Commissioners From: Krista Watkins, Business Officer, Animal Services Re: Animal Services Advisory Board Recommendation for New Board Member The Animal Services Advisory Board recommends that the Board of County Commissioners appoint Mary Lucas and reappoint Allan Polak to the Animal Services Advisory Board. • Mary Lucas is recommended for appointment to POSITION #5,Town of Hillsborough • Allan Polak is recommended for reappointment to POSITION #12, Certified Animal Handler/Trainer/Technician Please don't hesitate to let me know if there is a need for additional information. cc: Laura Jensen, Clerk, Board of County Commissioners Allan Polak, Chair,Animal Services Advisory Board Debby Hill, Vice Chair, Animal Services Advisory Board Elizabeth Overcash, Animal Services Director Tiani Stamey, Animal Services Assistant Director 4 Animal Services Advisory Board Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on Lee Pickett Member Female White Eno Board of Health Sunita Driehuys Member Female Asian American 35-59 Chapel Hill Deborah Hill Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Michael Delafield Member Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Annie Goldberg Member Female White 18-34 Chapel Hill Dawn Roberts Member Female White 35-59 Cedar Grove Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Michael Dempsey Member Male White 60+ Eno Judy Miller Member Female White 60+ Cedar Grove Cathy Munnier Member Female White 60+ Eno Allan Polak Member Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Kimberly Rider Member Female White 18-34 Hillsborough VACANT VACANT Timothy Ives jApplicant Male White 60+ Bingham Mary Lucas Applicant Female White 35-59 Hillsborough Rhonda Patterson Applicant Female 10ther 60+ IChapel Hill Don Stephenson Applicant Male lWhite 35-59 IChapel Hill 5 Page 1 of 3 Mary Lucas Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Ms. Mary Lucas Name Called: Home Address: 404 Lakeshore Drive hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-720-0361 Email: maryelizalucas@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2024 Township of Residence: Hillsborough Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: I previously served on both the Humans Relations Commission and Community Engagement Boards for the City of Raleigh. I recently moved to Hillsborough and would like to be more involved. My family is from the area, generations back, and I am very invested in community engagement as a resident. Currently I serve on the Board for Neshama Animal Rescue; volunteer at UNC Hillsborough Hospital as a pet therapy team; host a weekly radio show and podcast to provide resources and information for the aging community (WPTF FM/AM); am a member of Triangle Healthcare Executives Forum; and previously volunteered on board committee at Habitat for Humanity. My professional work is Vice President at a nonprofit hospice and palliative care organization that serves our community, and it s my passion to ensure that all who need our services are able to access them. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: N/A but would be interested in this board, Advisory Board on Aging, or Animal Services Advisory - all of which apply to my volunteer work and professional background. Boards/Commissions applied for: Advisory Board on Aging Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board With a strong background in healthcare leadership for the aging population (hospice, palliative care, caregiver support), strategic planning, and a proven track record of developing impactful solutions for diverse populations through grants in our community, I believe my experiences will provide a valuable asset to the Aging Advisory Board. I also currently host a weekly radio show/podcast called Aging Matters that helps our aging population find information and resources in the community. I interview organizations such as Snow Approach, our local health systems, researchers and more! Additionally, I have my Masters from Johns Hopkins in Healthcare Management and have focused my research and career in health care equity with specific focus on caregiver support and health advocacy for the aging. 6 Page 2 of 3 Mary Lucas Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board The aging population has been my focus in my professional and personal life for years. I am very involved in many different segments of the industry and work tirelessly to support organizations across our community that advocate for the aging. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Working in healthcare offers a unique and valuable perspective to the Advisory Board on Aging by providing firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities within the aging population. Healthcare professionals interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to understand the varied needs and preferences of older adults, including those related to access to care, chronic disease management, mental health, and social determinants of health. This experience fosters an understanding of the intersection between health, socioeconomic factors, and aging, ensuring that policies and solutions are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the diverse needs of older adults. 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? I'm not sure if conflict- but I do work at a nonprofit hospice/palliative care organization. I also host a rad ioshow/pod cast for the aging population (Aging Matters-W PTF) Human Relations Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have served on the City of Raleigh Human Relations Commission (two terms and once as co- chair), and Community Engagement Board. I was very involved when living there and would welcome the opportunity to serve in Orange County as well. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Working directly with individuals from varied backgrounds has given me valuable insight into how social determinants of health, access to services, and cultural differences shape people s experiences. I believe this perspective would contribute meaningfully to the Human Relations Commission, helping to promote equity, inclusion, and positive relationships within the community by advocating for policies that address the varied needs of all residents, particularly underserved and vulnerable populations. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I think I would continue to focus on reaching populations who are less involved -or not at all involved - and meeting people where they are to engage them in the county conversations. This was a huge focus for me in Raleigh. 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 Advisory Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I currently serve on the Board for a nonprofit dog/cat rescue, foster hospice/aging dogs, and am a volunteer at UNC Hillsborough Hospital with my therapy dog -Waylon. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Animal rights and advocacy is a huge passion of mine! I work regularly with county shelters across our state and am very familiar with the system. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? The rescue perspective on how we can work closer together to save more lives, relieve shelter burdens as much as possible, and efficiently provide care to the county. 7 Page 3 of 3 Mary Lucas 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: 3/5/2025 12:33:05 PM Date Printed: 3/7/2025 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 3 Timothy Ives Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Dr. Timothy Ives Name Called: Home Address: 5502 Bradshaw Quarry Rd. Efland NC 27243-9615 Phone: 919-563-2246 Email: timothy_ives@med.unc.edu Year of OC Residence: 1981 Township of Residence: Bingham Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Recently, I have moved into full time teaching and research in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, but for the last 23 years, I directed the Chronic Pain Program in the Department of Medicine, School of Medicine. Our focus was on migitating opioid risk by concentrating on non-opioid or non-drug therapies. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Board of Health, Orange County Health Department (1991-2000); Chair (1995-2000) Orange County Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee (1992- 1997) Health Department Representative, UNC Hospitals Managed Care Committee (1997-1998) Boards/Commissions applied for: Opioid Advisory Committee Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board In speaking with Dr. Evan Ashkin, I heard about the vacancies on the Opioid Advisory Committee, and wish to be considered for it. In terms of experience, for the last 22 years, I directed the Chronic Pain Program in the Division of General Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, at UNC. In that program, we have worked to manage various chronic pain conditions with a minimum of use of opioids. In the past, I saw on the Advisory Board of the NC Governor s Academy for Prevention Professionals, and the Governor s Institute on Alcohol and Substance Abuse, and from the outset, the NC Controlled Substances Reporting System Advisory Committee in the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Years ago, I was on the Orange County Board of Health, serving as its Chair for four of those years. This is say that I am well aware of the issues associated with the opioid epidemic, and that there are a number of solutions to be considered. It would be an honor to be considered for one of the vacancies as there is a lot to be done, and i would like to contribute here in Orange County. As noted previously, I have directed the Chronic Pain Program in the Department of Medicine at UNC. In it, the emphasis is on minimizing opioid use to manage pain while guarding against or managing opioid use disorder(OUD). My residency(in pharmacy)was in family medicine with a 11 Page 2 of 3 Timothy Ives focus on addictions and mental health. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board In addition to wanting to contribute to the welfare of the county, I believe that we have an excellent opportunity to model some of the policies and ideas that have demonstrated benefit for those in the community who need the services the most but may not adequately have the personal resources to stay in control and contribute to society themselves. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I've seen the pain and suffering that many patients have and continue to have, and compassion and caring for them is always the best place to start, especially for health care practitioners. Also, as someone who lives and interacts out in the rural part of the county, the perspectives that I can provide may give a balance to our efforts to provide care. 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? Board of Health Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board MPH from UNC Gillings School of Public Health, and prior service on the Board of Health (Chair for 4 years) about 20 years ago are two of the main experiences. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board The sentinel effect of a board of health has an impact on numerous parts of the community simultaneously. We did a lot of good in the past(e.g., tobacco use bans county-wide), but there always more to do. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I was the Pharmacist member of the Board and could always cover medication issues, but living and acting within the county can always provide a different perspective, independent of the designation that you may have. 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 Advisory Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board My wife and I have participated in numerous shelters, and we have 3 dogs (all from shelters in the region) and 2 cats. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board There are far too many feral/homeless animals in our community that need support and fostering and forever homes, and it is a shame that this condition still persists. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I'm not sure, other than we live out in the country west of Carrboro, and we see too many animals being dumped out here and we may be able to educate more people across the country about this issue and offer positive solutions. It's a teachable moment. 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: 12 Page 3 of 3 Timothy Ives Other Comments: This application was current on: 11/20/2024 11:30:40 AM Date Printed: 3/21/2025 13 Page 1 of 2 Rhonda Patterson Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Ms. Rhonda Patterson Name Called: Home Address: 1000 Novus Ln. #335 Chapel Hill NC 27514 Phone: 646-467-1073 Email: Rhondear@yahoo.com Year of OC Residence: 2016 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: Other Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Eyes Ears Nose & Paws - young puppy trainer - litter care assistant - care giver Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None at this time Boards/Commissions applied for: Animal Services Advisory Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board Passionate about animal safety and care. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Would be honored to become more involved in servicing Orange County and making a valuable meaningful contribution. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I am confident my background in healthcare finances, administration, operations and my deep passion to make a difference in my community along in the lives of animals could add value in making a positive difference. 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: 14 Page 2 of 2 Rhonda Patterson Other Comments: This application was current on: 1/4/2025 8:49:30 AM Date Printed: 1/13/2025 15 Page 1 of 2 Don Stephenson Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Don Stephenson Name Called: Home Address: 112 NC 54 Bypass Apt 12 Carrboro NC 27510 Phone: 919-591-1348 Email: toanstephen88@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2020 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Mentorship, working with church youth, bringing together my community in solidarity. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Public housing Boards/Commissions applied for: Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board Worked with alcohol addicts with their recovery process for a number of years Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board The love I have to servicing the public, making a good difference in the lives of my fellow Americans How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? To learn where I could best assist people in their journey. 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? N/A Animal Services Advisory Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board Public Servant for years Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Have a passion for serving the public How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? 16 Page 2 of 2 Don Stephenson Studying for years the interest of the people 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? Board of Social Services Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board Been serving the public for many years now Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Public Servant How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Broad minded considering all pertinent information 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: Applied for ABC Board 10/4/2024 12:25:39 AM Applied for Animal Services Advisory Board and Board of Social Services 10/28/2024 9:49:11 AM This application was current on: 10/4/2024 12:25:39 AM Date Printed: 10/31/2024 17 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Animal Services Advisory Board Meeting Times: 6:30 pm Third Wednesday of every month Contact Person:Elizabeth Overcash Meeting Place: Community Room of the Animal Services Facility Contact Phone: 919-942-7387 Positions: 13 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: The charge of the Animal Services Advisory Board is to advise the Board of County Commissioners on matters of concern regarding animal issues and animals services in Orange County.To work with the Animal Services Director(or designee)on various policy concerns and issues regarding County animal services.To carry out duty to hear Potentially Dangerous Dog Declaration appeals as prescribed by N.C.Gen.Stat. §67-4.1(c).Position#1 Veterianarian from Health Board may serve 3 terms to coincide with the Board of Health terms. Dr. Lee Pickett 1 First Appointed: 09/17/2019 Gender Identity: Female Township: Eno Current Appointment: 06/20/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: Special Repr: Veterinarian from Health Board(3 terms) Number of Terms: 2 Dr Sunita Driehuys 2 First Appointed: 03/10/2020 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2023 Ethnic Background: Asian American Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Veterinarian Number of Terms: 2 Deborah Hill 3 Vice-Chair First Appointed: 03/07/2023 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/18/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Town of Carrboro Number of Terms: 1 Mr. Michael Delafield 4 First Appointed: 11/01/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/18/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Town of Chapel Hill Number of Terms: 1 VACANT 5 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: Special Repr: Town of Hillsborough Number of Terms: Ms. Annie Goldberg 6 First Appointed: 06/18/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/18/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Non-Municipality Number of Terms: 1 Friday,May 2,2025 Page 1 18 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Animal Services Advisory Board Meeting Times: 6:30 pm Third Wednesday of every month Contact Person:Elizabeth Overcash Meeting Place: Community Room of the Animal Services Facility Contact Phone: 919-942-7387 Positions: 13 Length:3 years Terms: 2 VACANT 7 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2028 Age Range: Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms: Dawn Roberts 8 First Appointed: 10/06/2020 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 06/20/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Non-Municipality Number of Terms: 2 Michael Dempsey 9 First Appointed: 10/15/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Eno Current Appointment: 10/15/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Animal Welfare/Animal Advocacy Number of Terms: 1 Judy Miller 10 First Appointed: 09/20/2022 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 06/20/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Animal Welfare/Animal Advocacy Number of Terms: 1 Cathy Munnier 11 First Appointed: 03/07/2023 Gender Identity: Female Township: Eno Current Appointment: 10/17/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Animal Welfare/Animal Advocacy Number of Terms: 1 Allan Polak 12 Chair First Appointed: 10/06/2020 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Certified Animal Handler/Trainer/Technic Number of Terms: 1 Friday,May 2,2025 Page 2 19 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Animal Services Advisory Board Meeting Times: 6:30 pm Third Wednesday of every month Contact Person:Elizabeth Overcash Meeting Place: Community Room of the Animal Services Facility Contact Phone: 919-942-7387 Positions: 13 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Kimberly Rider 13 First Appointed: 09/20/2022 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 06/20/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Owner/Manager Retail Pet Services Number of Terms: 1 Friday,May 2,2025 Page 3 20 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Elizabeth Overcash Animal Services Advisory Board Contact Phone: 919-942-7387 Dr. Timothy Ives Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 11/20/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Bingham Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Ms. Mary Lucas Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 03/05/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Hillsborough Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits Also Serves On: Ms. Rhonda Patterson Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 01/04/2025 Ethnic Background: Other Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits Also Serves On: Mr. Don Stephenson Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 10/28/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits Also Serves On: Friday,May 2,2025 Page 1 of 1 21 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT/WORK PLAN Board/Commission Name:Animal Services Advisory Board Report Period:January 2024-December 2024 The Board of County Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for,this form. Person to address the BOCC and contact information:Allan Polak,ASAB Chair and/or Debby Hill,ASAB Vice Chair Primary County Staff Contact Person:Tiani Stamey,Animal Services Assistant Director/Interim Director How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and sub-committee meetings? The ASAB meets monthly on the third Wednesday from 18:30 to 20:00 except for the months of July and December.These meetings are open to the public who are invited to present their concerns or challenges with animals in the community. Three(3)ASAB members serve on the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool,which hears appeals of dangerous dog declarations or other ordinance laws enforced by OCAS. One ASAB member chairs the appeal hearings, comprised of three members of the Panel Pool, convened under the Unified Animal Ordinance. Three(3) members of the ASAB serve on the review sub-committee for the Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Award. Every fall,the sub-committee reviews applications and makes a selection based upon award criteria. In 2024,the$500 award was given to Independent Animal Rescue in order to assist with the spay and neuter of community cats. As needed,the ASAB creates task forces to examine specific issues which have been brought to its attention and require in-depth fact-gathering or analysis. In 2024,a task force was created to review the discrepancies between the Orange County Board of County Commissioners Advisory Board Policy and the Animal Services Advisory Board Policies and Procedures.The ASAB agreed on specific changes to the ASAB Policies and Procedures and forwarded them to the county attorney for consideration. In addition, a task force prepared a Hearing Panel procedural summary to ensure that all appeals are heard in a consistent way. It was submitted to the county attorney to confirm that it adheres to 22 Orange County and North Carolina ordinances. Finally, a task force was created to determine if Youth Delegates would be a beneficial addition to the Advisory Board.This task force will present its report to the ASAB for discussion and vote early in 2025. Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities. The ASAB is a sounding board for policy issues raised by residents or identified by the BOCC.These residents are referred to the ASAB through multiple communication strategies as the critical first step in any consideration of stakeholder concerns, before proposing an item to the BOCC. (For example in 2024, a resident communicated her concern about a dog attack by speaking at two of our meetings as an agenda item and during the three-minute open forum.) Also integral to this responsibility is receiving feedback from the board members who serve on the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool.The hearing panel is responsible for overseeing citizen interactions with OCAS in declaring a pet dog as dangerous in response to aggressive behavior, or other appeal processes such as denial of a kennel permit or chronic public nuisance. Finally,the ASAB is concerned with the human side of animal welfare issues.A fundamental value for the ASAB is the concept of One Health,the relationship of animals to public health, safety,the environment, and community welfare. One ASAB member must also serve as veterinarian for the Orange County Board of Health, spanning a critical bridge between human and animal health challenges in an area marked by enhanced concerns of zoonotic diseases. What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments? Throughout the year, the Animal Services Advisory Board collaborated with the Animal Services Director to provide feedback on the state of the Advisory Board.This effort aimed to ensure the board's activities aligned with organizational goals while addressing the evolving needs of the community. A key initiative was enhancing the consistency and fairness of dangerous dog appeal hearings.The ASAB developed a standardized document and script to guide hearing panels, ensuring clear processes and uniformity across all proceedings. The ASAB played a vital role in addressing a significant public health and safety issue by supporting the closure of the Buckhorn Flea Market. Known for selling unhealthy animals,the market posed substantial risks to the community.This achievement highlighted the board's commitment to protecting both public health and animal welfare. 23 Community engagement remained a priority throughout 2024.The ASAB welcomed input from numerous residents who attended meetings to share their concerns and priorities.These interactions helped inform board decisions and reinforced its role as a conduit for public feedback on critical animal welfare issues. Finally,the ASAB partnered with staff to review applications for the annual Pat Sanford Award.This process honored organizations making exceptional contributions to animal welfare, showcasing the board's dedication to recognizing excellence in the field. List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. • Support the annual Clear-the Shelters adoption event in person and collectively in the community. • ASAB members attend and provide dessert for the Animal Services Holiday Potluck Party. • Support and volunteer(ASAB member)at scheduled rabies vaccination clinics. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable. Support and encourage animal adoption initiatives • Provide professional photography of shelter animals to promote adoptions • Personally promote animals via word of mouth, social media, and other methods of information relay Support and encourage community focused initiatives • Low cost rabies vaccine and microchip clinics for community • Provide volunteer services toward disaster co-location sheltering Promote an Interactive and Engaging System of Governance that Reflects Community Values • Serve as a sounding board for stakeholder concerns about animal issues and animal related policies. • Support the Clear-the-Shelter Adoption Event in September 2024. • Support the Veterinary Assistance and Community Spay/Neuter Programs to provide equitable services and keep pets with families. Advisory Board Roles and Responsibilities • Provide a setting for stakeholder communication about various animal-related concerns. • Sustain the ASAB by meeting and answering questions from candidates for board vacancies, making recommendations to the BOCC,and conducting orientations for new members. • Worked toward an effective succession of ASAB members on the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. • Support the Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant and participated in the application review panel. 24 Describe the collaboration relationship(s)this particular board has with other advisory boards and commissions? Dr. Lee Pickett, an ASAB member, serves on the Orange County Board of Health as the veterinarian representative from the ASAB. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact(i.e.,funding, staff time,other resources)associated with these proposed activities(please list). Youth delegates. Continue to support ocas in efforts and continue as sounding board What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcomingyear that it plans to address,or wishes to bring to the Commissioners'attention? Managing Pet Overpopulation:The ASAB supports Animal Services in providing free spay and neuter services to the community, a critical initiative for managing pet overpopulation. Following the loss of the primaryvendor, SNAP-NC,Animal Services has faced challenges in identifying alternative low-cost sterilization options, including partnerships with veterinary clinics. ASAB Vacancies and Other Deliverables:The ASAB reviews applications for the annual Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Award, reviews outside agency funding applications, and provides other deliverables as needed.The board assists the BOCC in ensuring that ASAB vacancies are filled in an effective manner and new members are oriented in a timely manner. In this pursuit, care and effort will be given to diversity and making the ASAB a more representative body.