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input on this. At this time, Animal Control, the shelter, and administration are separated, <br />and the plan is to integrate all of these functions with this facility. This is a huge step <br />and will be more effective and efficient. The terms that have been discussed are the <br />Animal Services Facility or the Animal Resource Center. They want this to be a <br />community destination where people can have a positive experience at the shelter. <br />She then spoke about the housing choices for dogs and cats. For dog housing, <br />the goal is to reduce stress in the shelter so that the animals do not come back to the <br />shelter once they are adopted and that they do not have additional behavioral problems. <br />Some ideas are to have natural light, fresh air, and animals not right across from each <br />other and barking at each other. The other concept is a "real life room", which is also <br />referred to as a suite. This is a good way to display animals and encourage better <br />behavior. <br />Regarding cats, they are very stressed in the sheltering environment. They are <br />learning that cats are more social than they are given credit for, and colonies within the <br />shelter can be appropriate if done correctly. Another possibility is a cat condo, to allow <br />for higher and lower places to be. <br />Regarding the Animal Resource Center, they would like to see the shelter <br />promoting education. They want the public to be able to look into spaces, if appropriate, <br />and break down the barrier between the front and back of the facility. <br />She said that the successful shelter programs that they have heard input from so <br />far start with creating an integrated services facility, creating a destination, increasing <br />adoptions, fostering healthy environments, incorporating sustainable design, promoting <br />human education, being efficient and easy to maintain, and being flexible and <br />expandable. She said that they welcome additional input. <br />Public Input <br />Daniel Textoris said that the building will be approximately 20,000 square feet <br />and he cannot believe that. He said that within a year, the building would be too small. <br />He said that funding may be constraining them, but he would stress that it is important to <br />work on getting a larger building. <br />Pat Sanford said that she shares Dan Textoris' concerns. She asked about the <br />runs and if they were going to be all-indoor. If so, then the new shelter will be even <br />smaller than the existing one. Heather Louis said that they put together comparisons of <br />square footage with the current shelter versus what they are considering. The existing <br />shelter is 14,000 square feet. She said that the 20,000 square feet will be mare effective <br />because the three functions will be integrated. She said that the extra 6,000 square feet <br />is animal space. She clarified that the outside area would be more of a community area <br />where animals would go when cages were being cleaned, etc., but there would not be <br />dedicated outdoor runs. <br />Pat Sanford asked if there was going to be a grooming area or a kitchen for the <br />volunteers and the staff. It was answered that space has been allotted for this. <br />Daniel Textoris said that there is no place for weekend and evening drop-offs. It <br />was answered that this is included in the conceptual plan and it has not been fleshed out <br />yet. <br />Daniel Textoris said that it is important to have meeting space for the different <br />groups -staff, board, and volunteers. Heather Louis went through the bubble map. The <br />night drop would occur between the public area and adjacent to the administrative area. <br />The spaylneuter clinic is directly adjacent to the isolation area. <br />Pat Sanford said that she is concerned about the spaylneuter room and she <br />thinks there should be a separate area that is not close to the isolation area. Heather <br />