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2 <br /> members in order to have an authentic analysis of what is going on and what will best help the <br /> community. <br /> Commissioner Greene asked if this delay would affect schedule with the tax office. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said it would only affect the timeline by 5 days. She said if staff is <br /> able to bring a comprehensive presentation, from which the Board can make a decision, the <br /> program can start being advertised and put into place on October 6. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to <br /> postpone Item 6-a until the October 5, 2021 Business Meeting. <br /> Roll call ensued <br /> VOTE: Unanimous <br /> Chair Price invited the County Manager to introduce a new department director. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley introduced Dr. Sandra Strong, the new Animal Services Director. <br /> She said she is a certified animal welfare scientist and veterinarian, and is well-qualified for the <br /> position. She said Dr. Strong came on board on June 21, and has already been working for <br /> quite some time and things are going well. She invited Dr. Strong to speak to the Board. <br /> Dr. Sandra Strong, Animal Services Director, said she is a North Carolina native and <br /> went to veterinary school at NC State, but did a public health certificate in leadership at UNC, <br /> and so appreciates the Orange County community. She said she has done a lot of clinical <br /> veterinary work for many years, but started working with animal services with the city of San <br /> Antonio. She said she did contract consulting work looking at shelter operations at UC Davis. <br /> She said she served as chief veterinarian in Wake County for 8 years, and worked with Bob <br /> Morotto, the previous Orange County Animal Services Director. She said she is excited and <br /> grateful for the opportunity to work for Orange County and serve the citizens. She said her <br /> philosophy is if we can support people, both employees and the community, then the animals <br /> will have good welfare because humans and animals are closely tied, and have been for <br /> thousands of years. She said she is excited about science coming out about the human-animal <br /> bond, noting that oxytocin is released in humans when animals are around and health is <br /> improved by these interactions. She said more science is showing that pets can combat <br /> depression and loneliness. She said animal services has an opportunity to lead with some of <br /> that knowledge. She said there are also some challenges due to local ordinances, and there is <br /> always controversy. She said her job is to continue on right path, continue to be innovative and <br /> determine how to support people and animals. She said she is willing to meet with all, and <br /> welcomed the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to visit the shelter any time. <br /> Chair Price welcomed Dr. Strong and welcomed comments from Commissioners. <br /> Commissioner Bedford welcomed Dr. Strong and said she especially enjoys the <br /> Facebook posts that the Animal Services Department does. She noted for the public that there <br /> are no adoption fees right now. <br /> Commissioner Fowler welcomed Dr. Strong and said she looks forward to working with <br /> her. <br /> Chair Price dispensed with reading the public charge. <br /> Public Charge: <br /> The Board of Commissioners pledges its respect to all present. The Board asks those attending <br /> this meeting to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner toward each other, <br /> county staff and the commissioners. At any time should a member of the Board or the public fail <br />