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23 <br /> 1 County Commissioners that preceded this one. He said he realizes that there are several large animals <br /> 2 that can cause harm, but this issue involved litigation and assessment of a policy issue. He said this history <br /> 3 is an important part of the process that needs to be recognized. <br /> 4 Annette Moore said that the board thought about not filling the gaps, such as the appeal process. <br /> 5 However, it was felt that this was one of several glaring missing pieces. She said the same is true of the <br /> 6 issue of trespass, and that is why these gaps were filled. <br /> 7 Commissioner McKee said he knows there will be gaps; however it should have been consolidated <br /> 8 and then each individual gap addressed after the consolidation, not before. This would have made it clear <br /> 9 to the public. He said the fact that this wasn't done makes it impossible for him to support this. This would <br /> 10 mean supporting not just the consolidation document, but also new recommendations and regulations. <br /> 11 Commissioner Price referenced the section regarding penalties and spay/neutering for animals <br /> 12 picked up by animal services. She said she understands the overpopulation issue, but she does not <br /> 13 understand the correlation between an animal that strays and the practice of spaying/neutering without <br /> 14 owner consent. <br /> 15 Bob Marotto said that the correlation is that reproduction can occur in the case of unattended <br /> 16 animals. He said it is not a requirement of the proposal that the animal be spayed or neutered, but it is a <br /> 17 requirement that the owner put down a deposit that is refundable if the procedure is done within a 60 day <br /> 18 period. He said this also allows for education to the owner regarding the available services and the <br /> 19 benefits. <br /> 20 Commissioner Rich asked about the criteria for classification of vicious and dangerous dogs. <br /> 21 Bob Marotto said the decision is made in accordance with the criteria set in law and the totality of <br /> 22 the circumstances and facts of the case. He said there is a review conducted when a report is made and <br /> 23 an investigation is done in accordance with a set of standards. <br /> 24 Commissioner Rich asked about the appeal process. <br /> 25 Bob Marotto said the NC General statute gives a general appeal to the owner of a dog declared <br /> 26 "potentially dangerous", but there is no appeal for a dog declared "dangerous." He said that the proposal <br /> 27 this evening is the first appeal process in an ordinance. This has been created in this ordinance out of <br /> 28 concern for the necessity of due process and checks and balances. <br /> 29 Commissioner Pelissier said she appreciates the work that has been done. She said the point <br /> 30 made about definitions being deleted is valid and definitions need to be made up front. <br /> 31 She said she does have a concern about the farm animals, as she does not want to send the wrong <br /> 32 message to farmers in rural Orange County. She said that escaped cows are not an uncommon <br /> 33 occurrence and this is not something farmers want. She is concerned and would like to see this issue <br /> 34 reexamined. <br /> 35 Chair Jacobs said the he has decided to defer the closed session to the June 11t" work <br /> 36 session. He also deferred the Work Group and Charge for an Assessment of Jail Alternative <br /> 37 Programs to the June 18t" BOCC Meeting. <br /> 38 Chair Jacobs suggested staff should highlight the gaps and to come back to the Board, addressing <br /> 39 the points the public made and why the board agrees or disagrees with these points. He said there were <br /> 40 valid arguments made, and he could not decide on a direction at this point. He said this should come back <br /> 41 on the 18th and he said the official schedule will be decided at agenda review. He said that this will not get <br /> 42 the go ahead until September. <br /> 43 Bob Marotto said the recommended amendment changes for animal recovery are part of the Animal <br /> 44 Services recommended budget and he asked if these can be considered separately. <br /> 45 Frank Clifton said there is a proposal in the budget where Carrboro has asked the County to absorb <br /> 46 its animal control operations. He said some of these changes may be a result of that and the town of <br /> 47 Carrboro will have to be dealt with in this process. <br /> 48 Bob Marotto said that services can begin to be delivered in Carrboro on July 1 without the changes, <br /> 49 but this will be done under 2 or 3 different ordinances until the single ordinance is established throughout <br /> 50 the County. <br /> 51 Commissioner Rich expressed concern about the number of items being deferred until the 1 gtn <br /> 52 She asked if the financial parts will be separated out or if it can be done as one item. <br /> 53 Frank Clifton said the financial aspects won't impact budget. <br /> 54 Commissioner Gordon suggested this be deferred until fall. <br />