Agenda - 10-21-2003-9a - Laserfiche WebLink

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~"~'GC~ Witt-~~' .N IMAL PROTECTION SOCIETY OF ORANGE COUNTY AN ` ~' 1 081 AIRPORT ROAD CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA 2751 4 ~,. ;: TELEPHONE 91 9-967-7363 FAX 91 9-967-7517 September 13, 2003 Orange County Board of Commissioners 200 South Cameron Street Post Office Box 8181 Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 Dear Commissioners: The current extension of the contract between Orange County and the Animal Protection Society of Orange County (APS) for operation of the Orange County Animal Shelter (OCAS) is for a term that ends September 30, 2003, after which amonth-to-month contract extension could become effective if desired by both parties. The current contract extension requires each party to provide the other with a written notice of intent to renew by no later than fifteen days prior to September 30, 2003. This letter provides the required written notice by the APS regarding our. intentions and conditional willingness to renew the current contract extension for. operation. of the OCAS. This letter also.. provides an explanation of the APS Board's decision in this matter. We would be pleased to meet with you or your staffto further clarify the bases for our decision. Perspective of the APS Board ,~ First and foremost, the APS intends to continue providing programs and services that promote animal welfare and protection within the community whether or not we have a future role in the management and operation ofthe OCAS. Decisions regarding the future role of the APS in managing and operating the OCAS are clearly not in our hands alone. However, we want to advise you that the APS Board has formally decided that it wishes o continue to operate the OCAS over the long term. We believe that the APS is in the best position to work in strategic partnership with the County to address and implement the recommendations made by the HSUS and to successfully and effectively operate the OCAS. In this regard, regardless of whether APS continues to operate the OCAS, the APS Board: • Believes that the establishment of a true strategic partnership between Orange County, the APS and other community stakeholders is essential. • Supports the Task Force approach recommended by the HSUS and wants to be a participant in any Task Force (or any other equivalent body or committee) established by Orange County to address the recommendations of the HSUS. • Recognizes that implementation of the HSUS recommendations will take time, effort and financial resources.