HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/13/2012 ACAB
Animal Control
Advisory Board Meeting
November 13, 2012
Called to order: 6:00 p.m.
Members in attendance: Wendy Gunderson, Patricia Barrington, David Terre, Greg Darbro, Chris Plemons
Members absent: None
Citizen input
None.
Discuss video system for shelter
Chief Plemons advised that IT has been involved and needs are being analyzed. Once needs are identified, quotes for
installation will be gathered. Dr. Darbro asked how long footage would be stored. Chief Plemons stated that with the
recent upgrade in storage capacity at city hall the storage should be ample for a couple of weeks
Discuss use of budgeted funds for shelter upgrades/renovations
Councilman Terre stated the shelter had been allotted, approximately $152,000 and asked Manager Barrington to
elaborate on the intended use of these funds. Manager Barrington stated the primary function of these funds is
intended to be used toward building a new quarantine room for the shelter. She added that per state
recommendations, aspects of the current quarantine room are in need of remedy, citing dogs and cats being housed in
the same room as the primary issue noted by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Barrington went on to
explain that she, Chief Plemons, Director Gillman and facility maintenance supervisor Brian Blythe visited Carrollton and
Lewisville animal shelters on November 6, which yielded a variety of ideas for improving The Colony's shelter,
specifically the quarantine area. Chief Plemons added he felt visiting additional shelter would also be beneficial in the
planning phase of our upgrades. Dr. Darbro stated he would like to attend shelter visits in the future. Councilman Terre
asked if the quarantine project would consume the budgeted funds, entirely. Chief Plemons stated that, at this time, the
cost to build the discussed quarantine room have not been finalized and added the shelter project may be combined
with the city hall annex project to procure cost savings and added that the desire is to situate the new structure in such
a way as to tie into a more thorough renovation/rebuild down the road. Dr. Darbro asked Manager Barrington if the
proposed quarantine building would be separate of the rest of the animal shelter. Manager Barrington stated that the
proposed building would be a standalone structure connected to the current building by a covered breezeway. Chief
Plemons added the proposed building would have its own a/c and heat system. Dr. Darbro and Ms. Gunderson
expressed they felt like the stand alone structure is the best option for a quarantine facility. Dr. Darbro additionally
stated that he feels like there are three key areas that need attention at the shelter: quarantine, isolation and
waiting/reception. Manager Barrington advised that the stand alone quarantine structure would permit the current
quarantine area to serve as a small isolation area. Councilman Terre asked Manager Barrington what she would
recommend any left-over funds be used to improve. She stated she felt gutting the current dog holding area and putting
in new kenneling made of a different material and situated differently could make better use of that space and provide
for additional animal housing. Councilman Terre asked that updates related to this project be conveyed to the board.
Review first half activity reports
Manager Barrington presented January - October shelter statistics for review, in a new format, created by Chief
Plemons. All board members agreed the new format was easier to view and laid out more sensibly. Councilman Terre
asked that these reports be distributed for review prior to meetings. Manager Barrington said she will send them out
with the meeting agenda in the future.
Receive report of expenditures from donation account
Donation report was distributed. Councilman Terre and Dr. Darbro inquired if funds from this account could be used to
purchase caging/kenneling. Manager Barrington stated that some of the funds were earmarked specifically for animal
health care. Councilman Terre asked if providing animal housing that was easier to sanitize might be a benefit to the
health of shelter pets. Ms. Gunderson stated that in her experience with donated funds and her affiliated rescue
organization, those funds had to be used specifically for the donated purpose. Chief Plemons directed Manager
Barrington to have earmarked funds noted on the next report presented to the board.
Discuss recent events
Manager Barrington spoke about October's Save-a-Life Express Adoption Program and combined Low Cost Vaccination
Clinic. She stated that 8 animals were available for reduced cost adoption at this event and only 3 of those were
adopted. She added that 74 animals were vaccinated against rabies during this event. Ms. Gunderson advised that
October was a very busy month for rescue organizations and shelters as related to special events and that the
competition to market and move animals during that month was tremendous, which may have led to the lower
adoption rate for this particular event.
Ms. Barrington added the next installment of the Save-a-Life Express Adoption Program is scheduled for December 15.
Discuss shelter goals/future agenda items
Manager Barrington asked all members if they would like to see anything specific on the next agenda. No suggestions
were made, outside of updates on renovations/upgrades.
Adjourned: 7:22 p.m.
Prepared by: Patricia Barrington; Animal Services Division Manager
All members in attendance have reviewed the November 13, 2012 minutes and approve the content. Electronic mail
approval acknowledgement from each member attached.
Patricia Barrington
The Colony Police Department
Animal Control Division Manager