As promised earlier today, here are some more detailed notes from today’s Board of Commissioner meeting. Attendees estimated that there were about 80 animal advocates in attendance, which is fantastic! About 20 people spoke during public comment, and they did a great job. Everyone was calm, cool and collected and made excellent points. Some of the items mentioned during this period were: the complete lack of communication between Director Lazar, Commissioner Adams and the volunteer team; the fact that the most recent Animal Control Sub Committee Meeting was in May and there is no indication that any future meeting will be scheduled; great concern over Pegge Adams decision to stop the volunteer program; concern over the care and condition of the animals and the incredibly high kill rate. Several people expressed concern and dismay over the use of the locked wards to hide dogs away from any chance at survival. The value that the volunteers bring was described over and over. After public comment Commissioner Jamie Curtis, the Chairman of the Board, stated that no single Commissioner should be unilaterally changing these policies and talked about the value that the volunteers bring especially given the limited budget and staff. Commissioner Tony Brown made a motion to reinstate the volunteer program. It was immediately supported by Commissioner Mark Young. The Board discussed the “threats” that Pegge Adams claimed led to her decision to ban the volunteers. Jamie Curtis expressed that the proper way to respond to something like this is to involve law enforcement with the specific offender rather than punish the innocent. At Commissioner John Northrup’s urging, the Board was considering reinstating a 2 volunteer maximum until Commissioner Mark Young brought to the attention to the Board the requirements of the Pedigree grant and reminded them that we could not satisfy those requirements with only two volunteers at a time. Several of the Commissioners expressed support for the volunteers and recognized the value that they bring the County. After a lengthy discussion and expressed support by 7 of the 8 Commissioners present (Pegge Adams did not support during the discussion), the Board voted to immediately reinstate the volunteer program effective Friday, August 8th as the program stood prior to being suspended. The Commissioners vote one at a time, and each Commissioner supported the reinstatement one after the other until it came to Pegge Adams’ vote, she was the last. She attempted to explain why she was grudgingly agreeing and voting yes, but she was reminded by the Chairman that time for commentary was over. Following this discussion Pegge Adams introduced a motion to place a millage proposal on the ballot for the November election that would raise taxes in the County to bring more funding to Animal Control. Today’s meeting was wildly successful, and we are thrilled with the continued support we received from Mark Young, Tony Brown and Jamie Curtis today. Further we are excited to see that Commissioners Brenda Clack and Ted Henry for the first time ever, voted in favor of the animals. We hope that today’s meeting signifies the turning of a corner and a greater collaboration between our elected officials and the public they represent. However, only time will tell. And we need to remember today’s victory only brought us back to where we were on August 4th. And where we were on August 4th is not a place we ultimately want to be. We have many miles to go before we have an animal shelter that is a safe haven for the animals and a source of pride for the community. With the support of all of you behind us, we at GRACE will continue to push and work until this goal is reached.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 03:42:07 +0000
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