Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnimal Services Advisory Board Meeting Minutes 10-26-2011 Animal Services Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Attendees: Advisory Board Members: Linda Finnegan, Julie Tillery, and B. B. Langham; Jerry Maccario; and AAS Staff: Sharon S. Broady, Priscilla Crisler, Edward Jefferson, John White, and Diane Downs The Advisory Board Meeting began at 5:30 on October 26, 2011. The minutes from the last meeting were read and approved with one minor change. Mrs. Broady stated that she had spoken with Commissioner Matt Aitken by telephone on last Saturday (10-22-11) concerning two issues. He first stated that he did not receive minutes from the last Advisory Board Meeting held in July. Mrs. Broady informed him that these minutes were emailed to Ms. Lena Bonner and should have been forwarded to him. She emailed Mr. Aitken these minutes and informed him that she would ensure that he would receive future minutes. They also discussed appointment of members from the commission districts to the advisory board. Mr. Aitken stated that he would talk to the other commissioners about appointments. B. B. Langham stated that we still do not have a quorum. Mrs. Tillery questioned the need for a quorum. Mr. Langham stated that if we do not have a quorum the commissioners will scratch/delete the board. Mrs. Tillery was given a copy of the Commission Appointees; she then stated that she would also talk to the Commissioners. Mrs. Broady also discussed the asbestos survey and demolition of the old shelter building. 3 quotes are needed, 2 had been given; however one company (Kendricks Wrecking) informed her that they would do a demolition but not an abatement. Therefore, she is still attempting to obtain the needed quotes for the job. Mrs. Tillery asked about the Columbia County Pet Overflow and dropping of their prices. She also asked why can we (Augusta Animal Services) drop our prices? Mr. Maccario stated that Columbia County does not give the services that Augusta/Richmond County gives (i.e spay/neutering of animals, micro chipping animals upon adoption); he also stated that they (Columbia County) gives spay/neuter certificates and that adoptive persons still have to pay to have their animals spayed or neutered after the adoption; which is paying more in the long run for the pet. Mrs. Tillery questioned the enforcement of the spay/neuter certificates; Ms. Crisler stated that although each shelter has a staff member assigned to keep track of these certificates the Department of Agriculture also handles this procedure and it is difficult to enforce. At this point discussion was held concerning the adoption prices. Mr. Jefferson stated that our (Animal Services) prices were raised to generate funds for the shelter. He further stated that the advisory board needs to make a recommendation, then present it to the commission. Mr. Maccario stated his objections to price lowering (i.e. we are the lowest priced facility). B. B. Langham stated again that a quorum would be beneficial. Mr. Jefferson stated that lowering our prices would move more dogs. Diane Downs agreed. Prices suggested were $50.00 for both dogs and cats; $45.00 for dogs, $40.00 for cats; $40.00 for dogs, $30.00 for cats, $40.00 for dogs, $30.00 for cats. A vote was taken, the majority of board members chose $50.00 for both dogs and cats, and to have occasional/seasonal specials (price lowering) on the animals. Another suggestion was for the shelter to remain open late one night per week (until 7:30). It was decided that consideration would be given to staying open 2 nights per week possibly in the spring. Board members also questioned adoption statistics per week. This information will be provided at the next meeting. The Disaster Preparedness Manual was distributed to the Advisory Board members and the handling of animals during disasters was discussed. Proposed Ordinance Change Packet was also distributed and discussed. It was suggested that the Barking Dogs portion be removed from the packet and continue to be handled by the Sheriff’s Department. All members of the board were asked to review the packet for discussion at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:45. The next meeting will be held on January 25, 2012.