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15 <br /> 1 consulted throughout this process. She said she serves as Chair of the current appeals board, <br /> 2 and gave the example of an appeal of decisions regarding a dangerous dog citation from <br /> 3 Chapel Hill and Orange County. She said citizens do not understand why they have two <br /> 4 documents, and that is because the current system does not make sense. She said it is <br /> 5 extremely confusing, and the system is broken. She said it is unfair to citizens, and the ASAB <br /> 6 is looking forward to the new ordinance, noting it is not perfect but it is a living document. <br /> 7 She said the ASAB did have a concern about adding additional people from the townships, but <br /> 8 this is no longer a concern. <br /> 9 Maureane Hoffman is a new member of the ASAB, and she wanted to emphasize to the <br /> 10 Board how diligent the ASAB has been to meet its responsibilities. She said the ASAB is <br /> 11 advisor to the Board of County Commissioners as well as Animal Services. <br /> 12 Mike Stewart said five hearings were held in December, with another one expected this <br /> 13 week, and deep pools of volunteers will be needed to supply the appeals panel. <br /> 14 Commissioner Rich expressed thanks for all the work put into this project, but she still <br /> 15 has some concerns about page 28, which says attorneys can attend appeals but cannot be part <br /> 16 of the process. She said she is still not clear about this issue, asking if an attorney cannot be a <br /> 17 part of the process, why would one bring an attorney. <br /> 18 Annette Moore said a commissioner asked for the inclusion of this language, as it is <br /> 19 similar to the personnel ordinance requirements. She said an attorney can advise, but the <br /> 20 dynamics change when an attorney gets involved in the conversations. <br /> 21 Commissioner Pelissier said she is not clear about the description of the appeals panel, <br /> 22 asking if all members of the panel are residents of the County, why include the language that <br /> 23 says there will be a resident of the municipality or the County present. <br /> 24 Annette Moore said the goal is to have a panel member who is a citizen of the area <br /> 25 where the alleged incident occurred. She said this goal arose from the desire of the towns to <br /> 26 have representation of one who understands the town, and its values and culture. <br /> 27 Commissioner Pelissier asked what will happen if a person is not available from the <br /> 28 particular municipality. She asked if multiple people from each town would need to be available <br /> 29 to insure that one can serve in a timely fashion, or if using representatives from another town <br /> 30 may suffice. <br /> 31 Annette Moore said having a provision that allows for a resident of another town to serve <br /> 32 may be beneficial, allowing for an urban representation on the appeals board when the incident <br /> 33 has occurred in an urban setting. <br /> 34 Commissioner Pelissier asked if a member of Carrboro's panel could be available to <br /> 35 serve creating a greater pool of urban representation. <br /> 36 Annette Moore said it may not be wise to tell Carrboro from where they must pick a <br /> 37 person to serve. She said Carrboro wants to remain separate at this time, with the potential for <br /> 38 working together in the future. <br /> 39 Commissioner Pelissier said she would only propose adding in the last sentence of her <br /> 40 memo: "in the event that the representative of the Town in question is not available to serve <br /> 41 within the required period of time, a representative of one of the other towns will be selected." <br /> 42 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the intent is for the BOCC to adopt both the ordinance <br /> 43 and the panel policy this evening. <br /> 44 Annette Moore said yes. <br /> 45 Commissioner Dorosin referred to page 88 and suggested upping the numbers of the <br /> 46 pool. He said 12 members are currently listed, with the townships each appointing one <br /> 47 member, and three at-large members. He suggested that the townships each appoint three <br /> 48 people, and have six-at-large representatives. <br /> 49 Commissioner Dorosin said he is less persuaded about having an attorney attend an <br /> 50 appeals process, if the attorney cannot participate. He said as an attorney represents the <br />