SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS

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1 SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS KERN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION Kern County Public Services Building Public Meeting Room 1 st Floor 2700 M Street, Bakersfield, California 6:00 p.m. A. ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order at 6:04 p.m. Commissioners Present: Commissioners Absent: Staff Present: Mr. Yraceburn, Chairman; Ms. Anderson, Vice Chairman; Ms. Weir, Sup. Maben Ms. Watchus, Ms. Elliott Mr. Price, Resource Management Agency Director Ms. Haynes, Animal Services Division Chief Mr. James, Planning Department Director Ms. Fungo, Senior Office Services Specialist [When names appear in parenthesis, the motion initiating action on the agenda item was made by the first Commissioner named and seconded by the second Commissioner named.] B. APPROVAL OF SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS: November 21, 2007 Regular Meeting Approved (Weir/Anderson). C. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. CORRESPONDENCE FILED WITH THE COMMISSION Received and filed (Anderson/Weir) D. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS: This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons to address the Commission on any matter not on this agenda but under the jurisdiction of the Commission. Commissioners may respond briefly to statements made or questions posed. They may ask a question for clarification, make a referral to staff for factual information or request staff to report back to the Commission at a later meeting. Also, the Commission may act to direct the staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda. Please state your name and address for the record before making your presentation. SPEAKERS ARE LIMITED TO TWO MINUTES. Chairman Yraceburn reminded attendees to observe smoking regulations of 20 feet away from the building so that there will be no smoke transmitted inside the building. The following public comments were received: 1. Terri Kahn- asked if there is conflict of interest with the chairman holding the positions of ACC Chairman and Deputy District Attorney. Chairman Yraceburn stated that there is no conflict on his holding these positions. 2. Judyth Coffman Recognized the huge improvement made at Animal Control. However, KERN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION- SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS Page 1 of 5

2 there remains an ongoing unresolved complaint regarding a pack of dogs indicating there have been at least 7 complaints in the past year. Most recently her granddaughter was bitten and AC did arrive within 15 minutes. Chairman Yraceburn requested staff to review the matter and possibly put the responsible dogs on Dangerous Order. 3. Stacy Auguson - commented that she was not treated well when she dropped her donation at the shelter. Ms. Haynes responded that she will look into the matter. 4. Doris Matthew stated that she got a very good treatment when she dropped her donation and she even got a thank you letter from Animal Control. 5. Ms. Levine, a member of the Friends, stated she has received many comments from members of the public regarding the very poor treatment by County staff at the shelter. She went in to adopt and herself was rudely treated. 6. Commissioner Weir- stated public s concern that AC staff have poor customer service. 7. Mr. Price responded that efforts are continuous in the emphasis of standards of customer service and he expects that staff will treat public with respect and dignity. 8. Ms. Haynes explained there are 3 methods to submit complaints: customer comment cards, in person with her or the new Personnel Complaint form. 9. Christy Means- stated she had both good and bad experiences with AC shelters at Mojave and Bakersfield. 10. Bob Rutledge stated his praises that he got nice, courteous treatment from shelter staff and that they do a wonderful job. 11. Cindy Holloway offered to provide customer service, team building and Compassion Fatigue training to staff. Ms. Haynes thanked her for the offer. E. COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS OR REPORTS: On their own initiative, Commissioners may make an announcement or a report on their own activities. They may ask a question for clarification, make a referral to staff, or take action to have staff place a matter of business on a future agenda (Government Code Section (a)). 1. Commissioner Weir thanked the public for their attendance. After reviewing the pets for sale ads in the newspaper for 2 days, she was again reminded of the importance to get the backyard breeders under control. She spoke about the Hope Animal Foundation which offers assistance. Business cards were made available for the public. The Kern Humane provides A/N vouchers which HOPE accepts. 2. Commissioner Anderson wished everyone a Happy New Year. She mentioned that Anderson Acres is again gearing up to assist with the Charity Event season during which her business offers obedience training as an auction item along with the auction of an adoption of a shelter dog. 3. Supervisor Maben wished everyone a Happy New Year. He is looking forward to the Ordinance making it to the Board. 4. Chairman Yraceburn encouraged everyone to look forward to a better year. F. OLD BUSINESS: 1. STATUS REPORT ON PUBLIC WORKSHOPS REGARDING COMBINED BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REFERRALS REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS AFFECTING FACILITIES WITH LARGE NUMBER OF ANIMALS, AND MANDATORY LOW COST SPAY/NEUTER ORDINANCE PROPOSAL Directed staff to conduct a line by line review of the draft ordinance at the February 20, 2008 Commission meeting (Anderson/Weir) KERN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION- SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS Page 2 of 5

3 Chairman Yraceburn reminded everyone that they are in this meeting because they care for animals and so as comments or ideas are expressed, courtesy should be observed and accorded the speaker. The Commission will not hear from those who will be disruptive. The following public comments and questions were received: 1. Susan Madigan Provided a list of her questions, comments and her proposed recommendations for the proposed ordinance. She expressed her disappointment in the community s response to the proposed ordinance. 2. Doris Mac Lois Henry s Sept. article prompted her to compile statistics on # s of animals for sale in the newspaper. There were 418 ads in Sept., 300 in Oct., 1124 in Nov. and 1245 in Dec. 3. Marilyn Stewart stated that there should be fair and reasonable permit regulations. 4. Cheyenne Requested clarification on the cost for a permit for facilities with non-altered animals. Clarification provided: pg. 12 of draft ordinance. She asked if one neighbor constituted a considerable number of people in regards to a nuisance call. Commissioner Yraceburn told her, No. 5. Jane Adler needed clarification on grandfather rules. Mr. James explained the two grandfather clauses. Chairman Yraceburn stated the Commission has not yet decided which of the two will be used. 6. Martha Antongiovani- Does not feel any laws regulating breeders or mandatory spay/neuter will solve the problems. She feels there should be public education and PSA s encouraging people to buy from reputable breeders. Chairman Yraceburn clarified that this draft ordinance has no provisions for mandatory S/N. 7. Vicki Hill Stressed the importance of education. She pointed out that Turlock Animal Control has excellent education and outreach in the local schools. Their euthanasia rate is at 17%. She pointed out that legitimate breeders aren t the dumpers and dumpers don t license. She wants to see a local S/N program. 8. Bob Rutledge expressed concern that the voluntary spay/neuter has not worked. Kern County has to have rules for all animals because some breeders have vested interest and treat animals as commodities. 9. Michelle Thurman Timmerman Read from prepared notes she put together based on the Dec. stats which show the numbers are not better. Education is the key She believes that more education is not the only answer and that more effective action needs to be taken. 10. Cindy Holloway stated that the commission address the issue of PPPPs (People Producing Puppies for Profit) and create an ordinance for the welfare of the animals. 11. Joan Payton reacted on Item G of The chairman told her that the item was moved over from Penny Melco Suggested AC contact Mary from the Ridgecrest shelter for input on how we could improve. Expressed frustration with Commission and AC and feels maybe they don t actually care about animals. Stated that more money be put into the program. Responsible pet owner education should be mandatory and a part of the ordinance. 13. Shelley Mollholand Encouraged breeders to step in and help rescue from the shelter. She needs help to place the dogs she has rescued. Complimented Chevie Johnston, Animal Care Worker, on the wonderful job she does with Rescue groups. 14. Sue Bennett Thought that cats would be eliminated from the permit numbers. She wonders how S/N on cats would be enforced. She knows cats are an issue but feels a separate discussion is necessary. 15. Barbara Allen commented on the emphasis for training of pet owners and breeders as dogs need to be safe and loved. She also asked on the fees for conditional use permit, and Mr. James responded that CUP costs close to $1, Christy Means Wondered as to the worth of the public workshops as the public spoke out against limits and it seems the Commission is still pursuing limits. Chairman Yraceburn clarified that nothing in the Ordinance seeks limits. Secondly, she rents a property and asked is she can apply for non-commercial animal establishment. Mr. James informed her that an E zone with KERN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION- SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS Page 3 of 5

4 RS designated is OK by rights to have a non-commercial animal establishment and she wouldn t have to apply for a CUP. 17. Dianne Ferguson commented on the TV brief interview with Marilyn Stewart and Judyth Coffman. She added that education only works when people want to be educated and that compassion and common sense can t be taught. 18. Katelan Anderson Clarified that breeders do not breed for profit but for the betterment of the breed. She asked how Rescues could be considered a commercial establishment (ord. 7.04) Mr. Price clarified that they are commercial entities for the purpose of permitting. She also suggested that the definition for Rescue be cleaned up as rescues exist to rehabilitate and rehome. 19. Steven Braden The focus of the animal ordinance should be on animal welfare. He asked if prosecution focuses on # s or actual abuse with his point being the ordinance should focus on abuse no matter the numbers. He said Lerimore, CO has a good example of an ordinance that is strong on # s w/o mentioning # s. 20. Terry Khun She has animals and if she has conditional use permit, asked if CUP stays with her if she moves. Mr. James replied that CUP does not stay with her if she moves. 21. Judith Connelly She does TNR (trap, neuter, release) of abandoned cats and wonders if these cats would be considered hers. Mr. Price answered that only the cats she states she owns would be considered hers. 22. Lara Silvas Brought up the issue of goats and sheep, these animals should also be included in the ordinance as a lot of people butcher and eat them. Chairman Yraceburn clarified that the ordinance does not deal with livestock. 23. Rob Jones (not present) - Denise Haynes read from notes she took while talking to him. He was unable to attend tonight but did attend the Tehachapi meeting. He feels the ordinance is setting up a bureaucracy financed by animal owners. Does not understand how the ordinance will address the issue of hoarders. He is absolutely opposed to the revisions; he doesn t want to pay $50 for a person to inspect his property. He said AC should enforce existing laws, not create more. He will send a letter to the Commission. Commissioner s Comments: 1. Commissioner Elliot (absent) sent in language revisions. 2. Commissioner Weir no comments. 3. Comissioner Anderson There were a lot of good ideas expressed tonight and these will be taken into consideration on the proposed ordinance. 4. Chairman Yraceburn The draft will be reviewed and the public s concerns and ideas will be addressed. A line by line review of the draft ordinance will occur at the meeting in February. 5. Motion to hold over matter until February (Anderson/Weir) G: NEW BUSINESS: 1. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MONTHLY DIVISION REPORTS #27 & #28 Received and filed (Anderson/Weir) Staff Comments: Ms. Haynes expressed her appreciation to the public and to media for the overwhelming support and response to donations for the shelter. The success of the HOPE program thus far was mentioned. Staffing is nearly full for ACW s and interviewing for ACO. Mr. Price mentioned on the success of the Spay/Neuter program held in November and announced the open recruitment for Director of the Animal Control Department. KERN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION- SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS Page 4 of 5

5 2. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN FOR 2008 tabled until February and full compliment of commission members. H: ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m. (Weir/Anderson) The next Animal Control Commission meeting is scheduled for: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 I:\ADMIN\DP\Animal Control\Animal Control Commission\Summaries of Proceedings\SoP Final ACC Packet.doc KERN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION- SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS Page 5 of 5

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS* KERN COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS* KERN COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANIMAL CONTROL COMMISSION Kern County Administrative Building 1115 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 3 rd Floor, Multipurpose Room 6:00p.m.