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ix. Encourage shelter adoptions through PR campaign <br />x. Advocate spay and neutering to low income families <br />xi. Utilize ASAB and volunteers to expand community outreach <br />xii. Create partnership program to provide fences to dog owners for compliance <br />with tethering laws <br />xiii. Expand spay and neuter programs <br />xiv. Increase volunteers <br />d. Staff (Bob Marotto and Jess Allison) provided update on changes made for cat sheltering <br />(listed below) to comply with new standards. Motion to request Chair of ASAB seek <br />input from Board of Commissioners as to their intent for ASAB involvement in the cat <br />sheltering issue. Motion seconded and approved. Chair to report at November 16 <br />meeting. Laura Easthom, member of the public, spoke about the cat sheltering issue. <br />Ms. Easthom’s written comments were circulated to the ASAB. It was suggested, and <br />agreed, that ASAB should adopt a public testimony policy whereby staff reports, then <br />the public presents, and then discussion ensues. <br />i. Cat enrichment programs were created and implemented successfully <br />ii. Volunteers were recruited specifically for the purpose of increasing socialization <br />of cats <br />iii. Cat capacity management reviewed and improved <br />iv. Implementation of cat evaluation instrument underway <br />v. Review underway of back stage holding area for cats <br />vi. Considering options for retrofitting current cages to make larger enclosures <br />e. Other Department Updates <br />i. October is Dog Adoption Month and adoption fees are reduced to $60 for dogs <br />and puppies. <br />ii. Featured Adoptable Pet Cam is now live on the website and Facebook. <br />iii. Colleen Bridger has been hired as the new Health Director. <br />iv. The Deer Hunting with Dogs public outreach effort includes an educational <br />brochure, 911 coordination, and participation with Orange County Sheriff’s <br />Department. <br />v. The Director of Government Relations from the NC Association of County <br />commissioners visited Animal Services for a day of continuing education <br />vi. Shelter statistics show improved placement ratings and a reduction in intakes. <br />In September two-thirds of shelter animals were adopted, recovered or <br />transferred to partners for final placement. <br />vii. Animal Services has hired a new ACO (Julian Burton). <br />viii. Spay and neuter day was successful. Redefining the litter patrol standards of <br />practice and staff processes are attributed to the success. <br />6. Motion to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Motion seconded and approved. <br />7. Next meeting is scheduled for November 16.