Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 04-14-2026; 6 - Animal Services Advisory Board – Appointment Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: April 14, 2026 Action Agenda Item No. 6 SUBJECT: Animal Services Advisory Board —Appointment Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Recommendations Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125 Members and Applicants Summary Sheet Applications for Person Recommended Applications of Eligible Applicants Membership Roster Applicant Interest List Annual Work Plan PURPOSE: To discuss an appointment to the Animal Services Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The Animal Services Advisory Board advises the Board of County Commissioners on matters of concern regarding animal issues and animal services in Orange County and works 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 individual is recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Dr. Ann Brady Veterinarian from First Full Term 06/30/2029 the Board of Health If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancy remains: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE Town of Chapel 06/30/2027 Vacant since 03/11/2026 Hill FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. 2 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 an appointment to the Animal Services Advisory Board. ORANGE COUNTY NC 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel HiB,NC 27516 ANIMAL 919-942-7387 (PETS) I OCAS&oran_eg countync.gov SERVICESwww.oran eg countync.gov/animalservices February 4, 2026 To: Tara May, Assistant Deputy Clerk, Board of County Commissioners From: Elizabeth Overcash, Director, 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 Dr. Ann Brady to the Animal Services Advisory Board. Dr. Ann Brady is recommended for appointment to POSITION#1, Veterinarian from Health Board,pending her appointment to the Board of Health. Please let me know if you need additional information. C-06-'e� Respectfully, Elizabeth Elizabeth Overcash, CAWA Animal Services Director Orange County Animal Services 828-734-3851 (cell) eovercash(&,oran eg countync.gov cc: Laura Jensen, Clerk, Board of County Commissioners Allan Polak, Chair, Animal Services Advisory Board Debby Hill, Vice Chair, Animal Services Advisory Board 4 Animal Services Advisory Board Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on Dr.Lee Pickett Member Female White Eno Board of Health Dr.Ashley Robertson Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Deborah Hill Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Mary Lucas Member Female White 35-59 Hillsborough Advisory Board on Aging Annie Goldberg Member Female White 18-34 Chapel Hill Rhonda Patterson Member Female Other 60+ 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 Angel Barnes Applicant Female White 35-59 Cedar Grove Dr.Ann Brady Applicant Female White 60+ Bingham Michelle Handy Applicant Female White 35-59 Little River Dr.Timothy Ives Applicant Male White 60+ Bingham Carla Julian Applicant Female White 60+ Cheeks Patrick Mann jApplicant Male White 60+ Cedar Grove Ellen Pearsall jApplicant IFemale White 35-59 lChapel Hill lAnimal Services Hearing Panel Pool Don Stephenson jApplicant Imale White 35-59 IChapel Hill 5 Page 1 of 2 Ann Brady Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Dr. Ann Brady Name Called: Home Address: 1477 Radnor Farm Rd. Mebane NC 27302 Phone: 336-260-7454 Email: annbrady933@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2015 Township of Residence: Bingham Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: foster for Crisis Dogs NC NC Veterinary Medical Assoc., Humane Veterinary Medical Alliance Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: N/A Boards/Commissions applied for: Board of Health Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board 10 years of research experience at EPA; 32 years of veterinary practice; frequent attendance at One Health conferences Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I want to be involved in local government. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I have worked closely with the public for 32 years in veterinary practice. I understand the role of animals in community physical and mental health. 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? retired 8/29/2026 and sold my practice; currently organizing a Mobile small animal veterinary practice Animal Services Advisory Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board 10 years of research experience at EPA; 32 years of veterinary practice; frequent attendance at One Health conferences Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board 6 Page 2 of 2 Ann Brady I want to be involved in local government. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I have worked closely with the public for 32 years in veterinary practice. I understand the role of animals in community physical and mental health. 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? retired 8/29/2026 and sold my practice; currently organizing a Mobile small animal veterinary practice Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 1/21/2026 10:18:00 AM Date Printed: 4/2/2026 7 Page 1 of 2 Ellen Pearsall Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Ellen Pearsall Name Called: Home Address: 118 Priestly Creek Dr. Chapel Hill NC 27514 Phone: 919-904-0011 Email: ellen.pearsall@yahoo.com Year of OC Residence: 2011 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Volunteering at OCAS since 2013 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 I've volunteered at OCAS for 12 years, mentored new volunteers in dog walking, and completed over 40 hours of formal training in dog behavior. I've also fostered mama cats and their litters, which has given me hands-on experience with both cats and dogs. These experiences reflect both my long-term commitment and the skills I can bring to the board. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I have a passion for animal welfare and want to help with the long-term goals of OCAS. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I bring the perspective of a Chapel Hill pet owner as well as a long-time OCAS volunteer, giving me a strong understanding of what is most beneficial to the shelter. 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 I have volunteered as a dog walker at OCAS for 12 years and have also mentored new volunteers in dog handling. In addition, I have completed more than 40 hours of dog behavior training, including specialized instruction on understanding aggressive dogs. Through this work, la€TMve also gained firsthand experience managing the challenges of FAS-related behaviors, including instances of mouthiness and even two separate bite incidents. 8 Page 2 of 2 Ellen Pearsall Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I am deeply passionate about animal welfare, while also being committed to ensuring that dogs in our community are safe and well-integrated. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I bring the balance of being a pet owner, but also the experience of working with highly aggressive dogs. 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: 8/22/2025 3:45:40 PM Date Printed: 8/26/2025 9 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Animal Services Advisory Board Meeting Times: 6:30 pm Third Wednesday of every month Contact Person:Elizabeth Overeash&Krista Watkins Meeting Place: 1601 Eubanks Rd.,Chapel Hill Contact Phone: 919-932-4954 Positions: 13 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: <div>The Animal Services Advisory Board is charged to advise the Board of County Commissioners on matters of concern regarding animal issues and services within the county,and to work with Animal Services on various policy concerns and issues.Position#1 Veterianarian from Health Board may serve 3 terms to coincide with the Board of Health terms.</div> 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. Ashley Robertson 2 First Appointed: 09/16/2025 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 09/16/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2028 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Veterinarian Number of Terms: 1 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 VACANT 4 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: Special Repr: Town of Chapel Hill Number of Terms: Ms. Mary Lucas 5 First Appointed: 05/20/2025 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 05/20/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Town of Hillsborough Number of Terms: 1 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 Thursday,April 2,2026 Page 1 10 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Animal Services Advisory Board Meeting Times: 6:30 pm Third Wednesday of every month Contact Person:Elizabeth Overeash&Krista Watkins Meeting Place: 1601 Eubanks Rd.,Chapel Hill Contact Phone: 919-932-4954 Positions: 13 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Ms. Rhonda Patterson 7 First Appointed: 09/16/2025 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 09/16/2025 Ethnic Background: Other Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2028 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms: 1 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: 05/20/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2028 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Certified Animal Handler/Trainer/Technic Number of Terms: 2 Thursday,April 2,2026 Page 2 11 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Animal Services Advisory Board Meeting Times: 6:30 pm Third Wednesday of every month Contact Person:Elizabeth Overeash&Krista Watkins Meeting Place: 1601 Eubanks Rd.,Chapel Hill Contact Phone: 919-932-4954 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 Thursday,April 2,2026 Page 3 12 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Elizabeth Overcash&Krista Wa Animal Services Advisory Board Contact Phone: 919-932-4954 Ms. Angel Barnes Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 11/04/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Cedar Grove Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Dr. Ann Brady Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 01/21/2026 Ethnic Background: White Township: Bingham Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Mrs. Michelle Handy Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 12/12/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Little River Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: 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. Carla Julian Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 11/10/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Cheeks Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: Mebane City Limits Also Serves On: Patrick Mann Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 03/27/2026 Ethnic Background: White Township: Cedar Grove Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Thursday,April 2,2026 Page 1 of 2 13 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Elizabeth Overcash&Krista Wa Animal Services Advisory Board Contact Phone: 919-932-4954 Ellen Pearsall Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 08/22/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits Also Serves On: Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool 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: Thursday,April 2,2026 Page 2 of 2 14 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN Name of Board/Commission:Animal Services Advisory Board Report Period:January 2025-December 2025 The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appreciates the dedication of all volunteers on Orange County boards and commissions and asks each body to complete an Annual Report and Work Plan. This document will inform the BOCC of the activities each board/commission has conducted over the past year and detail a plan for future activities. These activities should be consistent with the board/commission's assigned charge and the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Person to address the BOCC,title, and contact information:Allan Polak, ASAB Chair; and Debbie Hill, Vice-Chair Primary staff contact: Elizabeth Overcash, Animal Services Director How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and subcommittee meetings? The Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB) meets monthly on the third Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., except during the months of July and December. Meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to share their concerns or challenges related to animals in the community. Six ASAB members also serve on the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool, which reviews appeals of dangerous dog declarations and other ordinance violations enforced by Orange County Animal Services (OCAS). One ASAB member chairs each appeal hearing, which consists of three members from the Panel Pool, convened under the Unified Animal Ordinance. In addition, three ASAB members serve on the review committee for the Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Award. Each fall, the committee evaluates applications and selects a recipient based on established award criteria. 15 Finally, as needed, the ASAB forms task forces to study specific issues that require more detailed research, discussion, or analysis. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and responsibilities. Board-specific Policies and Procedures documents,which detail the charge and responsibilities for each board/commission, are available here. The Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB) serves as a sounding board for policy issues raised by residents or identified by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Residents are referred to the ASAB as an important first step in addressing stakeholder concerns before an item is proposed to the BOCC. As part of this role, the ASAB also receives feedback from members who serve on the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. The hearing panel oversees citizen interactions with Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) in matters such as declaring a dog dangerous in response to aggressive behavior or reviewing appeals related to denied kennel permits. The ASAB also focuses on the human side of animal welfare. A core value of the Board is the concept of One Health—the connection between animals, public health, safety, the environment, and community well-being. One ASAB member also serves as the veterinarian representative on the Orange County Health Board, bridging human and animal health issues in a region where zoonotic diseases remain a significant concern. What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the report period? • Employee Appreciation Day for OCAS • Pat Sanford Grant awarded and renewed • Dog training program initiative launched in conjunction with OCAS • Public education/Talking points campaign initiated • Held three Dangerous Dog hearings • ASAB positions are 100%filled-No Vacancies • Ongoing assistance w/fundraising efforts, including donations directly from ASAB members to OCAS 16 Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually. • Support the annual Clear-the-Shelters adoption event • Pat Sanford Grant • ASAB members attend and participate in OCAS Holiday Potluck • Support and volunteer at scheduled rabies vaccination and microchip clinics • Employee Appreciation Day-Summer-ASAB sponsored a local ice cream truck to provide free ice cream to all OCAS staff • Host members of the public at monthly Board meeting and act as a sounding board for their concerns and feedback. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. 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. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and commissions. Dr. Lee Pickett serves on the Orange County Board of Health as the Veterinarian Representative from the Animal Services Advisory Board. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are related to the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact(i.e.,funding, staff time, other resources)associated with these proposed activities. 17 • Update ASAB Orientation video and FAQs • ASAB Youth Delegate Program • Veterinary support for animals of unhoused residents • Employee Appreciation Day—Summer and Winter events • Pat Sanford Grant • OCAS Volunteer of the Year award (E. Cramer) • Support the OCAS Silent auction fundraiser • Continue to build dog training program • Support the OCAS Dog Adventures Program What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention? • The ASAB does not anticipate any concerns or emerging issues that it wishes to bring to the attention of the BOCC.