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,~ 1. Accept the final report of the CTVAC; 2. Formally sunset the existing CTVAC (Current and Former Members of the CTVAC were recognized and honored by the Board at its meeting on March 27th with the debut of live casting from Southern Human Services Center); and 3. Defer consideration of a new charge and/or committee to address Countywide electronic information technology efforts. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 5. Public Hearings a. Animal Ordinance Civil Penalty and Fee Increases The Board conducted a public hearing regarding the proposed amendments to the County's Animal Ordinance and considered approving the proposed amendments. Animal Services Director Bob Marotto said that this item came up as part of the last budget process, and at that time, there was a request to return to the Board for a public relations plan, which would ensure that members of the public were fully aware of the changes as well as the rationale. He said that he is returning with the public relations plan and the recommendations themselves. The recommendations for increases were based on a staff study by the Budget Department and Animal Services, which compared the fees of other counties. The historical perspective showed that the civil penalties for the Orange County Animal Control Ordinances had not been adjusted since the 1994-1995 budget cycle. The specific recommendations were to increase the Failure to Vaccinate Against Rabies Fine from $100 to $200; the Failure to License from $50 to $200; Mistreatment of Animals Penalty from $50 to $200; and to double the graduated amounts for the Public Nuisance Violations, which would range from $50 to $400. The effective date of the changes in the proposal is February 4, 2008. He said that there is a very positive public relations plan that emphasizes responsible pet ownership and the benefits of complying with the animal ordinance for the community as a whole. There is a flyer and a media release, as well as a media schedule. He said that the fines would be levied if someone failed to commit to compliance after the Animal Control agents work with them through a process of contact, warning, and education. There would be no change for people that are in compliance with the ordinance. PUBLIC COMMENT: Ross Oglesbee is Vice-Chair of the Animal Services Advisory Board. She said that the ASAB has reviewed these requests for fee increases and the public relations plan, and there was a unanimous decision. Commissioner Foushee said that she is supportive of the proposal. However, on page two it indicates that the rationale for the changes is about recovering additional costs incurred by pet owners who do not comply with the ordinance. She said that it might be helpful to the public for the staff to explain the additional costs. Bob Marotto said that the costs vary. For example, the failure to vaccinate a dog or cat against rabies does impose greater costs on the County and Animal Services if there is a rabies exposure. The requirements are very different from an unvaccinated animal when the animal must be quarantined for asix-month period or euthanized to ensure the health of the public. A vaccinated animal simply needs to have a booster shot within a 72-hour period. The quarantine requires additional human resources.