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Orange County Animal Services 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 919 - 942 -PETS (7387) ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Meeting Summary MEMBERS PRESENT: Warren Porter (Chair), Maureane Hoffman (Vice- Chair), Michael Stewart, Michelle Walker, Molly Mullin, Beth Grooms, Victoria Hudson, DeWana Anderson, Aviva Scully MEMBERS ABSENT: Edmund Tiryakian, Susan Elmore, Judy Miller STAFF PRESENT: Bob Marotto (Animal Services Director) GUEST PRESENT: Bonnie Hammersley (Orange County Manager); Jean Austin, Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool; Cathy Munnier; Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. Meeting called to order buy Chair Porter at 6:35 p.m. Review and adoption of the Agenda: Agenda item #8 was tabled and agenda order changed to accommodate attendees' schedule. Michael Stewart made a motion to approve the agenda; seconded by Beth Grooms. The motion carried without dissent. Summary of August 18, 2016 meeting: Michael Stewart made a motion to approve the Summary as edited; seconded by Beth Grooms. The motion carried without dissent. General Public Comments on items not on the agenda: None. Discussion with Bonnie Hammersley, Orange County Manager: After attending five appeal hearings, there were suggestions to make the hearing more formal: name cards, the arrangement of the room, sound system, etc. The appeal committees are doing well with the open meetings. She hopes that her attendance is perceived as the County Manager's office's support for the process. There is only one committee vacancy at this time. There is proposed, coordinated training coming up. In support of tonight's decision - making on appeals board policy/ procedure, she is sensitive to the perception of the word, "vicious." Animal Services Advisory Board: (A) "Vicious animal" wording: Jean Austin, a current member of the Dangerous Dog Appeal Committee, requested changing the wording of policy, procedure, and notification that replaces the word, "vicious," to a descriptor that is less emotionally charged. Victoria Hudson made motion to ask staff to research how a change to the verbiage is possible, to research the wording in other NC jurisdictions, and to develop a rationale to be presented to the BOCC for changing "vicious" in a way that preserves the intent of public safety; seconded Maureane. In discussion, Michelle Walker wants a label that communicates the "risk." Motion carried without dissent. (B) Update on Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool: The Orange County Attorney has developed a procedure for committee members. A new FAQ document has been drafted to assist appellants prepare for an effective appeal hearing.