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3. Orange County Animal Shelter -Six Month Progress Report Assistant County Manager Gwen Harvey made this presentation. She introduced Shelter Director Joe Pulcinella, who introduced his staff. Gwen Harvey summarized the information in the notebook. The Board of County Commissioners determined that there would be a new governance, management, and leadership structure put in place for the animal shelter. This occurred on July 1, 2004. She pointed out the organizational chart and the Transitional Operations Procedure Manual. Section 3 addresses operating performance and Section 4 addresses the fiscal analysis. Section 5 is a summary of work in progress and includes some challenges such as staffing requirements, spaytneuter surgical services, medical carettreatment of the animals, placement rates, publicity and public image, volunteerism and private donations, and targeted spaytneuter outreach. She said that there was a seamless transition on July 1 St and there was no interruption of service. There is a good team in place. She believes that there are improved relations with a lot of the community stakeholders. Commissioner Halkiotis commended the staff on a fine job. He asked where APS operations are currently. Jae Pulcinella said that they are in a facility in Mebane. They have opened a restricted admission facility. Commissioner Halkiotis asked if there had been a significant change in activity since July 1St as far as animals being dropped off and adapted. Joe Pulcinella said that the statistics dropped across the board after July and they are trying to figure out why. The two theories are that it is a statistical phenomenon because of improved record keeping and that the public is confused about the change. Commissioner Halkiotis asked about the break point where it would be cost effective to have an in-house veterinarian as opposed to contract services. Gwen Harvey said that they are going to be investigating this. Commissioner Foushee said that it might be helpful for the County Commissioners to know what has been spent year to date for surgical expenses. She asked if any other services were contracted beyond spay/neuter and Joe Pulcinella said no. The ballpark figure far spay/neuter services will came out to approximately $100,000 for the year. Commissioner Jacobs suggested putting in the tax bill that the shelter is open and operating. He asked about the procedures for identifying lost animals. He asked if there was a capability to put pictures on the website for this purpose. Joe Pulcinella said that they have not been able to implement this yet. They do have adoptable animals on the pet finder website. Commissioner Gordon asked about the mast important thing that needs to be done in the next six months. Joe Pulcinella said that the outreach program is very important. He would like to go into the community and talk about the resources available far spay/neuter. The County Commissioners commended the staff for all the work on this transition. Commissioner Halkiotis said that as soon as the Animal Services Advisory Board is in place, there needs to be a design committee to work on the new facility. John Link agreed.