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41 <br /> 1 Slide #24 <br /> Future Plans <br /> In 2026,we will work to develop a strategic plan to help guide us toward our goals,including: <br /> • Increasing availability and accessibility of resources <br /> o Both at our shelter and in diverting people to other county departments <br /> o In April,Animal Services will become a practicu m site for the UNC School of Social Work <br /> o Coordination with community partners to get resources to residents where needed <br /> Growing our presence in the community <br /> o Attending more events <br /> o Collaborating with community partners <br /> c Senior programming,both at the senior centers and retirement communities <br /> Providing more child education in schools and camps <br /> o Greater presence in schools <br /> o Working with DEAPR to fill educational blocks at camps <br /> Ensuring sustainability for the community animal clinic <br /> o The Clinic is a critical resource for our community's most vulnerable populations;we must ensure its success <br /> Elevating professionalism in Animal Services <br /> o Continued training and adherence to best practices <br /> 2 <br /> 3 Vice-Chair Fowler thanked staff for the presentation. She said she appreciates the <br /> 4 approach of having everyone, regardless of status, being able to own and care for pets. <br /> 5 Commissioner Bedford said that, at a future date, she would like to learn more about what <br /> 6 the towns are contributing to Animal Control. She noted the department's role in emergency <br /> 7 response by housing pets during natural disasters like Tropical Storm Chantal. She congratulated <br /> 8 the department on the realization of its goal to offer full veterinary services. <br /> 9 Commissioner McKee commended the staffs professional and effective response in a <br /> 10 situation he became involved with at a resident's request. <br /> 11 Chair Hamilton thanked the department for their community service while noting the <br /> 12 importance of achieving self-sustainability given budget constraints and competing county needs. <br /> 13 Commissioner Bedford said pets are a part of the family, and programs like these can't <br /> 14 always be self-sustaining. She said that pet care it is a social justice issue that is worth <br /> 15 subsidizing. <br /> 16 <br /> 17 8. Consent Agenda <br /> 18 <br /> 19 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda <br /> 20 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda <br /> 21 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda <br /> 22 <br /> 23 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to approve <br /> 24 the consent agenda. <br /> 25 <br /> 26 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 27 <br /> 28 a. Minutes for January 16, 2026 Retreat and January 20, 2026 Business Meeting <br /> 29 The Board approved the minutes for the January 16, 2026 Retreat and January 20, 2026 Business <br /> 30 Meeting. <br /> 31 <br /> 32 <br />