Minutes - 20021028 - Laserfiche WebLink

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John Link asked Dr. Schopler if there was only one other wildlife non-profit in the Triangle, the one in Raleigh. Rosemary Summers said yes. Jahn Link asked if this is intended to be a triangle or regional refuge, then could other local governments be asked for challenge grants. Dr. Schopler said that he would be receptive to this idea. Commissioner Carey asked if anyone from Dr. Schopler's organization discussed with the existing organization in Wake County the possibility of expanding their activities to include their vision. When resources are scarce, infrastructure does not need to be duplicated. He asked if anyone from the organization approached other counties for support. Dr. Schopler said that his understanding of the Wake County group is that its vision is not the same. Their centerpiece is a step eagle from Russia, and it does not address the ecological issues of the Research Triangle. He believes that this group is not set up for the volume that they need. As far as getting broader support, he agrees. Another issue is where to locate it. He thinks that it will be a nationally respected wildlife center. He thinks that it will be good far Orange County to have the center in Orange County. Commissioner Halkiotis asked for clarification an whether the APS Wildlife Center would be reopened. Pamela Bay said that the Wildlife Committee's opinion is that the APS Wildlife Center will not open again. Commissioner Gordon asked what would happen if the APS does not reopen the center. Pamela Bay said that she knows that APS is looking to support rehabilitatars in the area. Commissioner Gordon said that it does say in the packet that there would be a center. She asked what would happen to the facilities if the center were not reopened. Pamela Bay said that the wildlife building is being renovated for the spaylneuter program. She said that there is not a building that is just wildlife now. The aviaries and raptor cages are out there. She said that she hoped there would be same way the wildlife center could use the cages. Commissioner Gordon asked about the number of acres and it was answered 47 acres. Commissioner Brown said that she is concerned and needs clarification an the answer to Commissioner Halkiotis' question. Commissioner Halkiotis said that maybe later on a board member on the APS could answer this. 2. Proposed External Evaluation of Orange County Animal Shelter Operation Rosemary Summers said that the purpose of this item is to consider entering into a contract for an external evaluation of the Orange County Animal shelter and to provide staff more direction on the scope of the work for this evaluation, to receive public comment on the scope of the work of the external evaluation, and to get some emphasis on areas and suggestions for meaningful public involvement in the external evaluation. During the meeting of October 1St, the County Commissioners discussed the possibility of contracting with an external organization for an evaluation of the animal shelter and staff is looking at two external agencies -American Humane Association and the Humane Society of the U.S. The Board of Health committee discussed at length haw to get diverse public input. They are recommending that a public process focus on a future orientation, include input from the entire County, and include different methods of serving the public for opinions. The content of the input should be focused on services that are expected from the shelter, top goals far the shelter to operate with, and what good customer service involves. The Board of Health committee suggests that an