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VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> e. Human Relations Commission —One Appointment <br /> The Board considered one appointment to the Human Relations Commission. <br /> Chair Jacobs recommending deferring this appointment because there are numerous positions still <br /> vacant. <br /> 10. REPORTS <br /> a. Review Work in Progress and Authorize Negotiation of an Agreement to Secure an External <br /> Evaluation of the Orange County Animal Shelter <br /> The Board received information on actions underway to address operational concerns at the Orange <br /> County animal shelter, considered entering into an agreement with a national humane organization consultation <br /> firm to conduct a comprehensive assessment, and provided feedback and direction from the Board on issues they <br /> it may wish examined through the evaluation process. <br /> John Link said that on September 3rd, the Board asked, after hearing concerns articulated by citizens, <br /> that the staff come back with a proposal on a thorough assessment of the operation of the animal shelter. He <br /> pointed out three items in the packet—the bullets on page two with concerns and expectations of the Board for the <br /> animal shelter, the statutory requirements for County government as it relates to animal control (page 8), and the <br /> statement of financial expenses on page 80. <br /> Health Director Rosie Summers referred to the documents before the Board. Since September 3ra <br /> several actions have been taken in response to items of concern. The most immediate concern was disease <br /> management at the shelter. They consulted with some veterinarians to test for disease management. They tried to <br /> find veterinarians that have had no previous professional experience with the shelter. They found a veterinarian <br /> from NCCU and another one from UNC. They visited the shelter on September 171h. She made reference to a <br /> letter from the veterinarians to her, which is on page four. The new arrivals of animals procedure has changed so <br /> that all of the new arrivals are placed in a separate room and are not available for public view for seven days. <br /> Those that are reclaiming animals will be escorted back to look for them. Cats with kittens have already been <br /> moved out of the night drop box area. Also, the non-public areas will be locked. They are also examining the <br /> painting contract and it is worse in the yellow wing. They are looking to see if there is a guarantee clause in the <br /> painting contract to see if the areas that need paint can be repainted. They will also be looking at replacing the <br /> acoustical ceiling tiles. They may be using recycled tiles from the Whitted renovation that will not be used. The <br /> bleach solutions and the footbaths are now being changed daily. The shelter staff will also begin using disposable <br /> gloves in the isolation room at all times. Each person that comes to the shelter to view animals will receive an oral <br /> briefing on the procedures to be followed and in hand sanitizing and footbaths. <br /> Rosie Summers made reference to page 7 and reemphasized that the animal shelter is only one <br /> portion of what the Animal Protection Society does in Orange County and that there are no County funds that are <br /> going into the operation of the wildlife sanctuary. Also, pages 13-31 contain a proposal for a long-term assessment <br /> of the shelter. <br /> The Board of Health committee will also be meeting on October 101h to review the proposals and to <br /> develop additional questions that they would like to have answered in an external assessment. She entertained <br /> any questions from the County Commissioners. <br /> Commissioner Brown asked if the County would pay APS to hire a consultant. Rosie Summers said <br /> that the County would pay the consultants directly and APS would gather information for the assessment. <br /> Commissioner Carey verified that APS would make the request and that Orange County would be the <br /> co-requester. He said that he would support this. <br /> Chair Jacobs asked about the process and who would decide which consultant and the parameters. <br /> Rosie Summers said that she would like all of the items that the County Commissioners would like to see such an <br /> assessment address. Then they can see which of the two organizations fits the scope of what needs to be <br /> answered. <br /> John Link said that the time frame is self-driven by the Board and the other interested parties. This <br /> could be revisited at a later time. There are no external requirements. <br /> Chair Jacobs suggested getting recommendations from advisory boards and especially the Board of <br /> Health. Also, the public should make some additional comments to make sure that no issues are left out in the <br /> assessment. <br /> Commissioner Brown would like to understand why we are doing this. She feels like the County <br /> Commissioners need to set some kind of standards and goals before this is passed off. She would rather do this in <br /> a work session. <br /> Commissioner Halkiotis agreed with Commissioner Brown. He said that the shelter has been a <br /> significant investment on the part of Orange County for a number of years. This sends a message that this is a <br /> public agency, even though the County Attorney says that it is not. The perception that this is a public agency is <br />