Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-19-2002-9aORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: November 19, 2002 Action Agenda Item No. ~ - c~ SUBJECT: Contract for External Evaluation of Orange County Animal Shelter DEPARTMENT: Health PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No County Manager ATTACHMENT(S): Cost Estimate of ASC Consultation Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal BOCC 10/28/02 Work Session Agenda Abstract INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosemary Summers, ext. 2411 Gwen Harvey, ext. 2300 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To consider authorizing a contract with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for an evaluation of the operation of the Orange County Animal Shelter. BACKGROUND: In the past two months, the BOCC has heard both positive and critical comments about the operation of the Orange County Animal Shelter by the Animal Protection Society of Orange County (APSOC). In order to gain a more complete and objective view of shelter operations, the Board directed staff to secure an estimate for a contract with the HSUS to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of shelter operations. The attached proposal and cost estimate has been submitted by HSUS for the Board's consideration. Page 6 of the detailed proposal (page 9 of this agenda abstract) outlines all areas that the HSUS will examine in its evaluation. The evaluation will not include the Wildlife Sanctuary nor will it include the contract for animal control services with the Town of Chapel Hill. The attached proposal addresses the key issues and critical elements identified by the BOCC from earlier meetings and those emphasized by community comments during the work session held on October 28. A copy of the agenda abstract from that meeting is attached for background. This abstract also referenced the use of an expert facilitator to conduct focus groups in advance of on-site work by HSUS. The total cost of the HSUS proposal is $18,500. In addition, discussions have started with the Dispute Settlement Center regarding facilitation of public focus groups prior to the HSUS site visit. Suggested groups at this point may include one group selected from residents who have adopted from the shelter and those who have been rejected for adoption; one group selected from the entire pool of volunteers at the shelter; and two "general" groups of residents. These focus groups are intended to secure in-depth public comments regarding the operation of the animal shelter that can be utilized in the overall evaluation. The input received from the focus groups will be forwarded by the Dispute Settlement Center to the HSUS evaluation team to be included in the final analysis and recommendations. Andy Sachs from the Center would work with the County Manager's office and other key stakeholders to better define the make-up of each focus group. Based on an hourly rate presented by the Center, staff estimates that the cost for the focus groups may range from $2,000 to 2,500. The Board of Commissioners may wish to consider scheduling a work session with the APSOC Board of Directors and the Board of Health at the conclusion of the evaluation to hear the recommendations of the HSUS evaluation. A preliminary timeline using the guidelines on page 11 of the proposal (page 14 of this agenda abstract) could be as follows: December and January Preparation of data for submission to HSUS (APSOC) January Planning and conducting focus groups (Dispute Settlement) March Site visit by HSUS Consultant Team March/April Follow-up Information sent to HSUS as requested (APSOC) July Report prepared by HSUS August/Early September Presentation of Recommendations to work session FINANCIAL IMPACT: The total cost of the HSUS proposal is $18,500. The estimated cost of the focus groups by Dispute Settlement Center would be $2,500. The total cost of the project would be $21,000. Funding would come from an appropriation of fund balance to be replenished in spring 2003 when additional half-cent sales tax proceeds are received. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board authorize the Chair to sign the contract with HSUS for the external evaluation of the Orange County Animal Shelter and authorize the staff to proceed with a contract with the Dispute Settlement Center for the facilitation and summary of results from focus groups. 3 Breakdown of Cost Estimate of ASC Consultation for Animal Protection Society of Orange County Chapel Hill, NC November 7, 2002 TAL EXPENSE COST TO Consultants $750 x 3 ersons x 2 da s $4500.00 Airfare $500 x 4 ersons $2000.00 Hotel er ni ht $125 x 4 ersons x 3 ni hts $1500.00 Rental Car er da Meals er da Printin Editin $50 x 2 da s $36 x 4 ersons x 3 da s $500 $300 $100.00 $432.00 $500.00 $300.00 SUBTOTAL: $9332.00 Staff Time inc. 1 on-site 10% of annual salaries $7,300.00 Staff Benefits 32% $2,336.00 SUBTOTAL: $1 Administration 15% of ro'ect cost $2845.20 TOTAL: $21,813.20 YOUR COST: * $18,500.00 HSUS Animal Services Consultation Program 2100 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20037 202-452-1100 asc@hsus.org HE HUMANE SOCIET i * Fee quote is good for six months from date of issuance. 'ATE~TM THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL ANIMAL SERVICES CONSULTATION PROGRAM PROPOSAL Animal Protection Society of Orange Co. Chapel Hill, NC The Humane Society of the United States 2100 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20037 November 7, 2002 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. TOPIC PAGE NUMBER BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS 3 THE HSUS CONSULTATION TEAM APPROACH 5 THE PREPARATION 6 COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS AND PERCEPTIONS ~ THE SITE VISIT PROCESS 8 THE TIMELINE 10 THE PRODUCT 11 THE COST 11 CLIENT LIST 12 HSUS Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the nations largest animal protection organization, with more than seven million constituents. The HSUS was founded in 1954 to promote the humane treatment of animals and to foster respect, understanding, and compassion for all creatures. Today, our message of care and protection embraces not only the animal kingdom, but also the Earth, its environment, and human inhabitants. To achieve our goals, The HSUS works through legal, educational, legislative, and investigative means. The HSUS's efforts in the United States are facilitated by our regional offices, and globally through our international arm, Humane Society International (HSI). Our programs include those in humane education, animal control and sheltering, wildlife and habitat protection, farm animals and bioethics, and animal research issues. The HSUS believes that the objective examination of shelter procedures and operations is best accomplished through independent consultations. Recognizing the need for such a service, The HSUS developed the professional Animal Services Consultation (ASC) program, designed to provide animal care and control agencies with a standardized analyses of their programs, recommendations for improvement, and assistance with implementation. The HSUS has extensive experience in the performance of evaluations of both private and public animal care and control agencies. For example, in late 1998, The HSUS performed a comprehensive evaluation of the Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC) in New York, NY. The CACC is one of the nation's largest sheltering agencies in the United States, serving a human population of 7.3 million through the operation of five animal shelters in New York City's boroughs. Numerous agencies have recently sought the help of, and have been greatly improved by, The HSUS ASC program. Since June 1999, our expertise in animal services management has helped the following animal care and control organizations in their desire to provide the most humane, responsive, and cost-effective services possible: • The City of Toronto's Animal Services Division and contractual relationships (Canada) • City of Richmond (Virginia) Animal Control Division • Placer County (California) Division of Animal Control Services • City of Oklahoma City (Oklahoma) Animal Welfare Division • Stillwater Humane Society (Oklahoma) and Stillwater Animal Control (Oklahoma) • Baltimore City (Maryland) Bureau of Animal Control • Albuquerque (New Mexico) Animal Services Division • The Humane League of Lancaster County (Pennsylvania) • City of Sacramento (California) Animal Care and Control Division • Lycoming County (Pennsylvania) SPCA • Ottawa Humane Society (Canada) City of Austin (Texas) Animal Services Unit HSZIS Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal P The HSUS believes the success of our professional ASC program is based on the nature of its foundation: objective, comprehensive assessments of animal care and control services by teams of experts, specifically tailored to meet the requesting agency's needs. Too often, animal-related issues, programs, policies and problems are addressed individually, without consideration for how each affects the others. The success of any animal care and control program hinges directly on many, if not all, aspects of sheltering services. Further, no agency can be studied in a vacuum without regard to other areas; an understanding of the history, mission, and goals is essential. There are no broad, sweeping solutions to success that can be applied to all agencies and service areas. Each is dramatically unique in its needs, resources, public perceptions and expectations. Animal care and control programs that have proven extremely successful in one community sometimes fail miserably in another. Agencies therefore must not only be creative in assessing their own communities but also be willing to evolve in order to continue to best meet both the ever- changing animal and human needs. HSUS Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal page 5 THE CONSULTATION TEAM APPROACH The HSUS Animal Services Consultation (ASC) program is a unique blend of the expertise of knowledgeable HSUS national staff and practicing local animal services professionals. When you invite The HSUS ASC experts into your community, the team will be tailored to meet your particular needs; team members are animal care and control specialists with very detailed areas of expertise. Aiumal care and control agencies must struggle to find the necessary balance between community expectations and available resources, and we have the ability to help you acquire the long-term stability necessary for success. The HSUS takes pride in our ability to conduct a comprehensive assessment of not only animal care and control services, but also the changing community needs, before providing feasible recommendations to a wide breadth of problems. HSUS Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal page 6 THE PREPARATION To make The HSUS Animal Services Consultation team's work as efficient and effective as possible, The HSUS must review written materials and documents relating to current animal care and control services prior to an on-site visit. This data is extremely important to the review and evaluation of an agency, and as such is required four weeks in advance of the site visit, and is considered a condition of the evaluation by The HSUS. The materials we review are: 1. Demographics/Geography 2. Shelter Operations - Policies and Procedures - Organizational Statistics (current and past) 3. Adoption Information 4. Spay/Neuter Information and Forms 5. Field Services/Animal Control Information - Laws and Regulations - Forms - Licensing/Registration Enforcement - Services/Contracts 6. Community Outreach - Volunteers - Humane Education - Public Relations/Media - Web Site 7. Governance, Management, and Leadership - Bylaws - Organizational Vision/Mission Long Range Plans/Goals - Misc. Contracts/ Agreements 8. Human Resources - Organizational Chart - Job Descriptions - Employee Manual - Staff Training 9. Financial Information - Financial Statements/Audits - Current Budget Information - Fundraising 10. General Information (newsletters, brochures, etc.) 11. Miscellaneous (past reports, manuals, evaluations, surveys, etc.) 12. Any additional information you feel would be useful to the evaluation process ~~ HS`tIS Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal P COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS AND PERCEPTIONS Demographic research is a valuable tool for assisting with both short- and long-range planning. Information about human and animal populations helps determine current and future needs of agencies and communities. Public perceptions (and expectations) of the level and scope of animal care and control services are unfortunately too often based on misconceptions. Crucial to effecting long-term change, however, is widespread community awareness and public support. With that in mind, The HSUS will assist Animal Protection Society of Orange County (AI'SOC) in improving public perceptions through the enhancement of animal care and control services. The HSUS professional Animal Services Consultation (ASC) program uses a variety of approaches to gain an understanding of community needs and perceptions. For example, an effective medium has been the solicitation of public comment on current animal care and control services. As part of our evaluation, The HSUS will accept written comments from interested individuals (including those representing local animal care, protection, and sheltering organizations) regarding the level of services provided, experiences with the agency, and community expectations. With your assistance, this effort to solicit public opinion will occur for a minimum two-week period prior to the on-site visit, and The HSUS encourages you to communicate this opportunity to all members of the community you serve, not just to those interested in animal welfare. A variety of forums - including letters to active community members and coverage by the media -may be used to assure the success of this effort. Often, media outlets are eager to provide these notifications in the form of free public service announcements. In addition, The HSUS requests an opportunity to meet with members of any citizens advisory committee (if applicable) as part of the evaluation process. Other active community members with a vested interest in animal care, control, protection, and sheltering may also be considered for a brief, on-site discussion. The HSUS believes there is much to be learned from widespread input from the public (and the identification of needs) that can guide the development of programs. However, a true assessment of the community's perspectives regarding any animal care and control agency, while extremely valuable, is beyond the scope of any animal services consultation program. The HSUS believes that in order to adequately assess and evaluate commumity perspectives, a public opinion survey by a professional research firm, conducted immediately following our consultation could: a) identify key target areas; b) evaluate community awareness levels; c) test advocacy messages; and d) measure effectiveness. This type of study can be extremely beneficial to both the animals and humans uz need of services. HSZIS Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal Page 8 In addition, to do so puts APSOC on the cutting edge in the field of animal care and control, and serves to ensure long-term success for its animal care and control programs. I~ HSUS Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal page 9 THE SITE VISIT PROCESS The site visit process both begins and ends with the HSUS Animal Services Consultation (ASC) team members meeting with agency officials overseeing operations. It is important for all levels of staff to understand that'The HSUS ASC program involves looking at the present and into the future, and we do not (and will not) investigate allegations into past incidents as part of our visit. To best assist you with a comprehensive assessment, all parties must be aware that The HSUS ASC team members are consultants for, and not investigators into, animal care and control practices. When The HSUS is called in to perform an evaluation of AI'SOC, our ASC team members spend an extensive amount of time researching and studying your agency prior to the on-site visit. This allows them to then largely entrench themselves in normal daily operations during their visit, by not only meeting with current staff and administrators, but also shadowing employees, listening to and observing standard practices, studying workloads, understanding roles, evaluating community interactions, and therefore best assessing the APSOC's ability to provide needed services. In addition, our ASC team members work closely to evaluate overlaps or gaps in agency services. While our ASC team members' individual on-site areas of observation will overlap to some degree, they each will be responsible for duties that fall within their specific areas of expertise in the field of animal care and control. Therefore, to accomplish our goals, the joint development of itineraries for individual team members is necessary prior to the on-site visit. Itineraries primarily serve to give us access to the necessary resources, while providing you ample opportunity to make staff available (as needed) during specified time periods-without disrupting the important work that needs to be accomplished within the shelter and in the field. The HSUS strongly believes that the success or failure of animal care and control programs are intertwined, and each hinge closely on many, if not all, aspects of sheltering services. As an example, to responsibly evaluate current adoption procedures, one must look at many related areas including (but certainly not limited to) facility accessibility, traffic flow (both animal and human), animal care and handling, veterinary care procedures, facility structure, employee morale, and public perceptions. The HSUS ASC team therefore will conduct a comprehensive and thorough review into all areas of animal care, control, and sheltering provided. Keeping in mind community needs, perceptions, and expectations, The HSUS ASC program encompasses (but is not limited to) the following three key components of animal services delivery: • Shelter Operations/Facilities: The team will conduct a thorough, on-site review of all current facilities and daily activities within the APSOC. This will include, but not be limited to, accessibility to the public (such as facility location and hours of operation), staff training, customer service, policies and procedures involving incoming animals, animal care and 1.3 HSIIS Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal Paee 10 handling, health care and veterinary services, redemption, adoptions, and euthanasia. Volunteer programs and fostering relationships will be reviewed. In addition, a review of all animal-related recordkeeping forms, including statistics and any routine or required documentation or reports (weekly/monthly/annually) will be performed. • Management/Administrative: Overall agency management and governance will be studied, including the roles, duties, and responsibilities of those agents, and the dynamics of both internal and external relationships. Specific attention will also be paid to human resources- related issues, staffing infrastructures, contractual relationships and obligations, and community outreach efforts (including those with area animal interest groups). General budgeting and strategic and long-range planning will be evaluated. Animal Control/Field Services: In the case of AI'SOC, field services for the town of Chapel Hill will not be evaluated. Only Orange County animal care and control field services, and AI'SOC's 24-hour rescue program and cruelty investigations will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on a review of existing and pending legislation relating to animal care and control (and related services), current enforcement programs and procedures, field officer staffing and training, rabies and quarantine policies, normal and emergency procedures and protocols, and the demographics of the area served. I'~ HSUS Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal THE TIMELINE Page 11 A potential timeline* for completion of a comprehensive assessment would be as follows: Contract awarded to The HSUS Animal Services Consultation Program Solicitation of Public Comment Begins Background Documentation Due to The HSUS Solicitation of Public Comment Ends HSUS Animal Services Consultation Team Itinerary Development HSUS Animal Services Consultation Team Site Visit HSUS Animal Services Consultation Report Presented To Be Debeirnined Two weeks following Four weeks following Four weeks following Four weeks following Four weeks following 90 days following (approximate) * Please note that The HSUS Animal Services Consultation program is in high demand, and final confirmation of any specific evaluation timeline is not possible until a contract is awarded to The HSUS. 1.5 HSZ~S Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal Page 12 THE PRODUCT Based on our comprehensive assessment, The HSUS will conduct a formal oral presentation at the end of the site visit, followed by a final, comprehensive written report that includes The HSUS's findings, supportive data, and recommendations for improvements. Reports include any immediate concerns and areas of focus, which APSOC should address within six to eight weeks, as well as suggested short-range goals and long-term strategic planning, recommendations, and proposed methods of implementation. Once the ASC team has presented a final report to APSOC, a working task force (identified and implemented by your agency) reviews the document and develops plans for implementation. This group's advice and recommendations are then provided to appropriate officials, and the group's progress and resulting actions are closely monitored. After the issuance of the report, The HSUS is available for follow-up and remains your partner, providing ongoing support to ensure that you meet your goals and become a force for change. THE COST The HSUS ASC Team is prepared to perform a comprehensive review and analysis of current service delivery methods, and to make recommendations regarding strategies that will provide the most streamlined, cost-effective, and innovative animal care and control programs and services for the citizens of your community. Fees are based on a multitude of factors, including the scope of services requested and the agency's available resources. The total cost of this service will be $18,500 for the study and on-site visit using a team on a minimum of three HSUS Animal Services Consultants. This fee quote is good through May 2003. i~ HSUS Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal Page 13 CLIENT LIST The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc. Fallston, MD 410.836.1090 Lycoming County SPCA Williamsport, PA 570.322.4646 Ottawa Humane Society Ottawa, Ontario 613.725.3166 City of Dallas Dallas, TX 214.670.8248 San Diego Department of Animal Control San Diego County, CA 619.236.4250 B. Martin Peck Animal Shelter, Inc. Ottawa, Kansas 785.242.2967 Humane League of Lancaster County Millersville, PA 717.393.6551 Albuquerque Animal Services Division Albuquerque, NM 505.768.1975 Baltimore City Bureau of Animal Control Baltimore, MD 410.396.4694 City of Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Division Oklahoma City, OK 405.297.3104 Stillwater Animal Control ~~ HStIS Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal Pale 1-~ Stillwater, OK 405.372.0334 City of Richmond Animal Control Division Richmond, VA 804.646.8648 Placer County Animal Control Services Auburn, CA 530.889.5500 Toronto Animal Services Division Etobicoke, Ontario 416.338.7297 Center for Animal Care and Control New York, NY 212.442.2076 i~ HSUS Professional Animal Services Consultation Program Proposal The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the nation's largest animal-protection organization, with more than seven million constituents. The HSUS was founded in 1954 to promote the humane treatment of animals and to foster respect, understanding, and compassion for all creatures. Today our message of care and protection embraces not only the animal kingdom but also the Earth and its environment. To achieve our goals, The HSUS works through legal, educational, legislative, and investigative means. The HSUS's 'efforts in the United States are facilitated by our regional offices; we are not, however, affiliated with any local animal shelters or humane organizations. Our programs include those in humane education, wildlife and habitat protection, farm animals and bioethics, companion animals, and animal research issues. The HSUS's worldwide outreach is supported by our global family of affiliated organizations. Page 1~ Revised 11/02 19 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: October 28, 2002 Action Agenda Item No. 2 SUBJECT: Proposed External Evaluation of the Orange County Animal Shelter and Public Comment Period DEPARTMENT: Manager's Office PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No Health ATTACHMENT(S): American Humane Association (AHA) Description Humane Society of America (HSUS) Description HSUS Materials Reference Check Report Correspondence from APS Board to Board of Commissioners 10/17/2002 INFORMATION CONTACT: Gwen Harvey, ext 2307 Rosemary Summers, ext 2411 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill Durham Mebane 968-4501 688-7331 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To consider entering into a contract for an external evaluation of the Orange County Animal Shelter, to provide staff direction on the scope of work for the proposed external evaluation, and to receive public comment on the scope of work, especially emphasis areas and suggestions for meaningful public involvement. BACKGROUND: Several residents raised concerns at the BOCC meeting on September 3 regarding the operation of the Orange County Animal Shelter and the contract that the County has with the Animal Protection Society of Orange County (APS) to provide those shelter services. A follow- up report was provided to the Board of Commissioners at their regular meeting on October 1. During the meeting on October 1, Commissioners discussed the possibility of contracting with an external organization for an evaluation of the Animal Shelter and directed staff to gather more information about each respective national agency that has conducted similar studies. An external assessment would provide an unbiased view of shelter operations and offer benchmarks with other organizations providing shelter services nationwide. The following issues have been identified either through public comment, Commissioner comment or Board of Health Committee as appropriate for inclusion in the external assessment:. • Program and management improvements • Public interaction and customer service/satisfaction • Considerations for the design, maintenance, and programming of any new facility • Continued review and consideration of best disease management practices • Adoption policies (ensuring that healthy animals are adopted) • Provisions for effective, low-cost spay/neuter operations • Operational policies, procedures, protocols ~o • Records-keeping • Rules codification and review • Governing structure • Methods for assuring continuous public feedback into the process • Structure of the APS Board to include BOCC representative • BOCC definition of values/goals/objectives necessary to animal sheltering services The Board of Health Animal Control and Environmental Health Committee discussed at length how to encourage diverse members of the public in providing input so that it will be useful in moving forward with future changes in animal sheltering operations. The descriptions of the external assessments from both organizations seemed to consider public input but not to the extent that seems to be of interest here. The Board of Health Committee is recommending that a public process focus on • A future orientation • Input from the entire county • Include both interpersonal and written input methods (focus groups, key informant interviews, and/or surveys) And that the content be focused on • Services expected from the shelter • Top three goals for the shelter • Description of good customer service The Committee would encourage hiring a paid facilitator (perhaps through Dispute Settlement Center) to identify and group major areas of concern by staffing two focus groups, one in northern Orange and one in southern Orange. The Committee felt that having this done prior to the external consultant starting their analysis might provide additional public input and focus to the consultant's assessment. In examining the descriptions of the services offered by the HSUS or the AHA, the Committee did not feel there was adequate information to make a recommendation of one organization over another. Staff was directed to solicit comments by some of the references listed in the HSUS consultation description and to contact AHA for similar references. The Reference Check Report (attached) provides details on the conversations with four HSUS clients. HSUS's evaluation for the city of Sacramento California is also available online at the following website: www.pw.sacto.org/animalcare/. It is clear from all the references that specific recommendations for improvement are included in each HSUS report as well as an extensive analysis. Key stakeholder interviews are a part of their process. AHA has been slower to respond to our request for references. AHA's Program Director noted to Mr. Sauls in a telephone conversation that AHA's consultation program was best used if an agency could specifically identify an area needing improvement. AHA is not accustomed to comprehensive organizational assessments and suggested that HSUS is more accustomed to the comprehensive approach. The APS Board of Directors at their October meeting expressed their willingness to request an external assessment of the shelter operations and also has no problem with either organization proposed. They have expressed a willingness to make changes in the shelter operations; some ~i of which are detailed in the memorandum to the Board of Commissioners dated October 17 (attached). If the Board of County Commissioners chooses to contract with either HSUS or AHA for evaluation, a potential time frame could be: Define elements of contract with external evaluator & solicit prices November Make decision on contract and engage evaluator November/December External evaluation data gathering December -January Site visits by evaluators February Preliminary report by evaluators May Final report by evaluators June After reviewing the materials from both HSUS and AHA, receiving feedback from both the Board of Health committee and the APS Board, evaluating the reference reports for HSUS, and considering responsiveness to the prospective client and the overall capabilities of either external evaluator to perform a full and comprehensive assessment, staff is recommending that should the Board of Commissioners wish to move forward, that the staff enter into negotiations with HSUS. To do so, staff will need Board of Commissioner's confirmation of a proposed scope of work and direction on any other concerns necessary for a successful engagement. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The cost of the contract will depend on the actual scope of work identified and endorsed by the Board of Commissioners. HSUS takes into account the size of the county involved as well as the scope of the study. The price may range from $15,000 to $20,000, however this is only an estimate; more specific cost figures can be derived through actual contract negotiation. Funds for the contract could be appropriated from the Board's contingency account. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board of Commissioners authorize staff to enter into negotiations with the Humane Society of the United States for the conduct of an external evaluation of the Orange County Animal Shelter Operation, with a scope of work and projected timeline as confirmed by the Board as the result of discussion with staff and consideration of input during the public comment period of this work session.