St. Mary's County, MD Animal Control Advisory Board for St. Mary's County, 7 Jul 2021

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From YouTube: 07/07/21 Animal Control Advisory Board

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A

Good evening, I'm pat richardson chairing the animal control advisory board.

A

Welcome to our meeting july 7 2021, this meeting is now called to order and we'll begin with roll call.

A

I'd like to ask joy to start us off and we'll just go down the line, if everyone would introduce.

A

Themselves, wilson, animal control, supervisor dave, lankford, retired, veterinarian, rita weaver.

B

Representing farm bureau, how cesaro fanadore citizens member susan morris, st mary's,.

B

County health department, melinda brown, citizen member diane harris feral cat rescue. Thank you.

A

The first order of business, but before we get to that, I want to officially welcome. We do have.

A

Two new members joining our board. uh One diane harris welcome. She is here this evening and the.

A

Other new member, steve tuttle will not be able to be here this evening due to a prior commitment.

A

I also since this is our first full face-to-face meeting since pre-covid.

A

Would like to welcome a member who's been on the board already for a year, we're now seeing him in.

A

Person cesar afanador, welcome and with that our first order of business is to approve minutes.

A

Do we have a motion to approve the minutes.

B

I may have approved the minutes of may 5th 2021 meeting as presented. Is there a second.

C

I second it it's been approved and seconded all in favor, all right all right. Any opposed.

A

Okay, our next order of business is a shelter update, so we'd like to ask.

A

Director of emergency operations, steve walker, to come forward good evening good evening.

D

So for our new members, so I'm the director of emergency services and basically my department, is.

D

Responsible to provide the support for this board, so that's pretty much the way it works. Of course,.

D

She's, my animal control supervisor joy and she is a member of the board and, as you see, I'm not but.

D

I'm here every every meeting to provide updates and information as I'm able to all right so we're.

D

Going to go through a slide that drew kelly had provided to us on an update of the shelter to.

D

Show some of the progress we do have a couple of drone videos, they're hard to transfer, and I.

D

Wanted to show them and you will be seeing more of those, but if we'll start to go through these. So if.

D

You can see you know, building foot footers are poured masonry, insulation underway, slab utility.

D

Installations ongoing go on and there's quite a bit more there's walls up, I'm very, very happy.

D

About that so hit the next one, as you can see, when you see from the from the sky with a drone, it.

D

Really is very dramatic: you get to see the outline building site, elevations, adjusted subdivision plot.

D

Signed by the commissioners, final building permit issued by the land, use and growth management.

D

Again, it's very dramatic as you take a look at it. Let's go to the next slide and, as you see, there's.

D

Walls and those are the beginning of the runs- and it's very nice to see that so we're getting there.

D

Building construction complete july 2022, open to the public fall of 2022 and I'll talk a little.

D

Bit about the plans for opening okay next one, as you can see, they've gotten they're.

D

Starting to lay the pipes again, there's a better picture of the the openings for the runs uh that.

D

Bottom area that you see that foundation is for our for our barn. So that's the separate.

D

Building off to the right, when you see from the sky, you can see that let's do the next one.

D

Is that it that's all so so he gave us a little taste, so that was from drew so they're moving very.

D

Very well on it. There were some difficulties, they had some soil issues and they've ratified all that.

D

We do go to the construction meetings every week and joy does most of those and again we.

D

Do some drones and and when we do, the grand opening you'll get to see all of those drone.

D

Pictures little pieces and we're going to get amy to do some of that. So it's going to be very nice.

D

To watch the progression, so so that's the update on that. If there's any any questions I'll be glad.

D

To answer that, do we I'm sorry what were the soil issues? I'm sorry! What were the soil issues so.

D

They had used that area because it's right off of the landfill to uh to put mulch and.

D

We think that the soil got a little bit too wet and they had to move some around and put some in.

D

And replace it, then they had to grate a little bit and take it down to flatten it.

D

Didn't really take very long, I thought it would be quite a bit longer to do it.

D

But they responded very quickly, so it really wasn't very difficult. Had me a little worried.

D

When they brought it up, but it went pretty quick, so you know we're past that and we're moving on.

D

And, as you see, they've got the foundation for the barn, so next will be. You know the.

D

Pasture that they're going to to flatten out and clear that so but anyway, not too bad.

A

Are there any other questions.

A

Thank you so much for those pictures, you're bringing us to the site, even though we're not.

A

Physically there, although some of us have been over there,.

A

Just checking things out, but thank you so much do you have other information. I do so.

D

So we were going to discuss a bit about uh you know the shelter manage manager position so.

D

Where we are at this moment, is that because of the budget and the way it unfolded, the funding is not.

D

There at this moment for the shelter manager, so that means that it won't be until next year now.

D

One message from the commissioners that they did give is, I can go back to them. I do intend to do.

D

That by january, if not sooner and ask them to fund that so that we can begin to put the person on.

D

If we're going to hire this person, they need to be on march april so that we get a good six months.

D

Before the shelter opens, we think that the time frame for opening is going to be october or.

D

November, in the meantime, you know you have all provided some outstanding input on the.

D

Selection process and again without getting into too many details to protect the integrity of it.

D

It's going to be a pretty rigid process for the people to go through. We need to get the right.

D

People, if somebody said they need to have some hair on them, because they need to be animal lovers.

D

Absolutely but you know for me, I really want to see some ex excellent leadership.

D

Skills management, skills and again I've done some selection processes in the past.

D

They're going to have to work for it and I think they should, I think, there's some people.

D

On this board that have excellent human resource skills, that will help us in selecting it so.

D

Ultimately, the the final part of this will be approved by human resources. No choice in the.

D

Matter, that's the way it's going to have to be, but all of you are going to have a piece of that and.

D

We'll see where it goes, you know who will sit on the board, we'll see we'll get there, but we're not.

D

Prepared to to get into that deep level yet. But if you got questions I'll, be glad to answer that. But.

D

Trust me when I tell you it's going to be a rigid process and we're going to find the right person.

D

Absolutely so questions were we all going to discuss like um characteristics or things that we.

B

Wanted on the agreed that agreed? Okay, because then I'll just hold it until we discuss that.

E

Is now the time to do that? I'm sure. Do you have any other information that you wanted to share.

A

Before we start the discussion, um I don't think so. What else did we have on the only other thing.

D

We already talked about was the name of the animal shelter and I think we had floated the idea of st.

D

Mary's county animal care and adoption facility- I don't know if anybody had any other ideas on that.

A

We would like to we'd like to have two discussions: the first on the characteristics that members of.

A

This board would like to see in the animal shelter manager, and I think, if we do that first and then.

A

We would like to come back and talk a little bit about the naming of the shelter and some thoughts.

A

There so on the first one, uh just to keep in mind that hr will have to sign off on what we decide.

D

And then on the second one, that's the commission decision that we will make the recommendations.

D

And then the commission decides to vote on that and they will adopt that name.

D

Again, I think I mentioned this last time if you were to try to name it after a person. That's.

D

Very very difficult and there's some other situations. Something along these lines is.

D

Probably fairly easy to pass, but there are some very specific guidelines on naming a facility so.

D

But I'm open for discussion, so let's let's go well. I I think first of all thank you for giving us.

A

As a advisory board, the opportunity to have input into some of the characteristics abilities.

A

Motivations that we would like to see in the person who is selected to really oversee this.

A

New shelter and we, I think we all understand that our role is to provide you with thoughts, ideas.

A

Things that we feel strongly about, maybe some things that we don't feel that strongly about.

A

And then you'll take it under consideration, and I know that the county has.

A

Clearly spelled out procedure and policy for how hr operates, how hiring goes and all of that.

A

So I again, I want to thank you for giving us this opportunity and I'm not sure of the best way to do.

A

This discussion, I thought- maybe I would begin by just asking if we have someone who wants to start.

A

Us off and others can join in or we can go one by one. Whatever the board feels is most appropriate.

E

I'm happy to start okay, let me offer one thing before you start so uh normally: um advisory boards.

D

Don't have executive sessions but keep in mind that perhaps this is a perfect.

D

Time to con to consider that so we should have our discussions, but maybe some of this should be.

D

Done in an executive session uh because again to protect the integrity of it, I will pursue.

D

That with the county attorney to see how we go about that, but just keep that in mind that.

D

Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity for us to be able to do that if, if we could just give you.

A

Some generic thoughts of skills and qualities- um I think that would be appropriate agree. Yes, and if.

A

You see us veering off into territory that you think is outside of that. If you just signal us.

A

Okay, melinda, you would like to start. um I will, and I've submitted my.

E

Suggestions in writing. I know that'll become part of our administrative documents for this meeting.

E

I guess one of the things that I would like to ensure that we do is define because the current.

E

uh Draft requisition that we're working from is a little incongruent as to what this position.

E

Really is, is it animal services overarching? Is it shelter? Is it animal control? Is it a combination.

E

So I think some clarity in that is important and then ensuring that the requisition speaks.

E

To that throughout would be important. That was one of the things I saw. um I think I didn't see.

E

Flavor that I would like to see tied to positive outcomes for animals.

E

I saw a lot of from intake to euthanasia, but not a positive outcome and I know the intent globally.

E

Is for those positive outcomes? I'm not saying that's, not the intent, but it's not articulated.

E

So I think if we can get that into the documentation, it will be very important. Okay,.

E

And then a couple of broad stroke areas that I think are missing from.

E

What we have in a draft are things tied to marketing and promotion, social media.

E

Development of community-based programs- obviously you know animal care. Leadership of people are both.

E

The linchpins of this position, however, those are things that I think are going they're. The only.

E

Things that are going to lead to those positive outcomes, as we start having community-based.

E

Programs and we're getting the the marketing the promotion. I know it sounds a little strange to say.

E

You're marketing animals for adoption, but that's what you're doing? No. It doesn't sound strange at.

D

All sounds very nice, we you know when, and I say we you know me and joy. You know when she takes over.

D

Supervisor I took over as director, we didn't have a facebook page and we do quite a bit of what you.

D

Say, but to expand a bit that a bit more and and require that in the in the position, description.

D

Maybe that's pretty good thought so, not bad yeah. So that's really all. I feel the need.

E

To share at this level, if we're trying to keep the details to a minimum, okay.

A

Who else would like to chime in? I had a few things and I'll.

B

The ones that are more specific I'll keep for later, but um I see on the education you.

B

Have degree in animal sciences you don't state whether that's an associate bachelor's master's.

B

And honestly, my thought would be to have a bachelor's.

B

With in a relevant field, so whether they have let's say a bachelor's in.

B

Leadership and management, because that's not it's just public administration but.

B

I'm kind of thinking generally, you know something like that and then they have.

B

Experience at another shelter, but they have the leadership and management degree, so I I think it.

B

Needs to be more clear what type, as far as like the degree is it associates, is it a bachelor's.

D

I I think a bachelor's is is appropriate, um but I think that you will have some more discussion.

D

On that, so uh my thoughts are very much in line with yours, so I think that we'll, when we get to.

D

There I think that again, I think you guys will be happy with what we do so and certainly we're going.

D

To come back and and have some more discussion on this, but I would agree, I think leadership.

D

And management is critical and again, you've got to have it's a excellent point. You've got to have the.

D

You know the the love of animals to be honest with you, you know you've got to have that, but but.

D

Again, I think that I think college is important. I mean it, it gives you the ability to have critical.

D

Thinking you know planning all of the skills that you're going to gain from that so and then you've.

D

Got to have life experiences, so I think that's, I think that's pretty fair right, so I think maybe.

B

When you're writing up the job description- or you know, when you're you're, putting a bid out for.

B

For people to clarify that, instead of just saying a degree, the other thing that I think that is is.

B

Really important is a basic understanding of the budget, the budget process. They don't have to be.

B

Having a degree in accounting or something like that, it just that they need to have the.

B

Basic understanding and how to manage the money that is coming in, I agree so.

B

Okay, that's those are my general things. I have some more specific with y'all.

A

I I just would add that attached to understanding of budgeting, I think probably also uh knowledge of.

A

Fundraising- um and I think all of us will end up talking about grant seeking grants.

A

That that will all become a part of the budget. Okay, yes, fundraising, is very critical in this.

D

As we've discussed before and when dream was on, she talked extensively about that and they need.

D

To know how to do fundraising so, okay, I uh kind of share all these thoughts that have been expressed.

C

And we've discussed that before I. My question is, I wonder if the commissioners.

C

Realize how pivotal this position is, because so I will make or it'll make or break.

C

The thing, if you don't have a dynamic, I think you understand it because your role, I imagine.

C

That you have to deal with the public a lot and all this other thing stuff, and so this position.

C

Is so critical that they get the right person, and so I that's my question: do the commissioners.

C

Get that, I think, is my question. I would say they're going to rely on on my department.

D

To provide that information and make sure that you know that's done in the right way with all.

D

Of your help, we'll do that, so uh I don't. I don't have any great concern that that won't happen. I.

D

Think that we're going to get there. I think that there's too many good people on this on this board.

D

For us to to fail so so, but I think that's I mean that's kind of my job, that's kind of our job to.

D

Make sure you know that we do the right thing for the commencers. I think that's what's important. So.

D

You know they'll make the right decision with the right information.

A

Do we have other comments.

A

I think I would like to maybe capture some of the broader, more generic qualities and I think.

A

The one that I really always focus on is at a minimum. You have to have managerial skills. You.

A

Have to be able to control the environment and get the tasks done and follow the work. uh That's.

A

Required, but I would hope that we see someone who can go above and beyond managerial skills and have.

A

Leadership and I would start with vision- this is brand new. This is the golden opportunity.

A

For a passionate lover of animals in in a beautiful county, it will be a beautiful facility.

A

So I really would hope that we see someone who has a vision and the ability to inspire others.

A

To kind of follow that vision and take it all the way through, I think things like the ability.

A

To build relationships, this st mary's county is known for the community working together.

A

I mean I came here in 1972, and that was one of the hallmarks and it has continued to be.

A

Just a very important descriptor of st mary's county, so I think there will be plenty of people.

A

Who want to be a part of this, and it almost gets back to the social media and the marketing to make.

A

Sure that people know that there's an opportunity, and so I would hope that we find a person who can.

A

Capture that and help motivate not only staff members but volunteers to participate in that way.

A

I came up with a list and then I had to remind myself that I wasn't thinking about.

A

Selecting a principal for an elementary school, but but there are certainly some.

A

Similarities in terms of what I was hoping, we might see the leadership being at the top.

A

Of course, the hr skills, the ability to work with people, and today it's really about networking.

A

And working together with groups listening to input from all sources that have a stake.

A

And the ability to resolve disputes, because inevitably there will be things that people.

A

Disagree about so my hope is that we find someone who has that level of hr skills.

A

I think all the communication skills are going to be extremely important. The written communication.

A

Grant writing is one, but this person will be doing. Marketing will be doing public announcements.

A

Will be the go-to person that the reporters will be seeking out and really will have to.

A

Know how to think on their feet and have the background knowledge to be able to respond.

A

The knowledge of county government, county policies and procedures- um and I I always.

A

In the past, when I've been responsible for hiring, I always was interested in the question.

A

Of did this person actually do homework on saint mary's county before they came to the interview.

A

So I would be looking for not just a great person, but someone who specifically knows about.

A

St mary's county and um some of the standard operating procedures and melissa uh melinda, I.

A

Think you have that on your list, that they have knowledge of the ordinances and the procedures.

A

For shelters in maryland and in st mary's county and that they are able to talk about.

A

Some of the needs of saint mary's in particular, this is really the first time we would have our.

A

Own shelter- and so I think, that's important. um The oral communication just as important.

A

They need to be able to do formal presentations. They may be asked by county commissioners to do.

A

Formal presentations or community groups as part of the marketing initiative, and um I think in the.

A

Area of technology facility, with not only basic software programs, but also budgeting.

A

The more creative programs that are available because I think we've had when dave and I visited.

A

Calvert county's, linda kelly, shelter. One of the thoughts we talked about was when your.

A

Goal is successful adoptions. You not only have to prepare the animals to be adopted, but you have to.

A

Offer some support to the potential adoptees, because the dog that you see in the shelter.

A

Is not necessarily the same one that when you get it, get him or her home that you see there.

A

Their their behavior may be different, and you need someone to call. You need some resources, whether.

A

They're through technology or whether there are people that are prepared to help with that.

A

I happened to visit the worcester county, animal shelter and one of the strongest points of their.

A

Shelter was they have resources that if someone does get that animal home and the animal is not.

A

Behaving the way they saw it when they agreed on the adoption that they have a person who will.

A

Talk with them on the phone provide resources even make a home visit if that's necessary, to help make.

A

Sure that the animal gets adjusted properly and the adoptee, the adoptive parents um feel.

A

That they have someone to turn to, because what we don't want to see are returns. We don't want.

A

People getting frustrated the first day or two and then feeling like this was a mistake and I need to.

A

End it so I think I know this is asking a lot of an individual, but I think we should go for.

A

The most that we can find- and I know you agree absolutely- we've got to get the best that we can.

A

And so you know again, I thank you for giving us a chance to weigh in as board members and.

A

I'm sure that as time goes on, you'll be hearing more from each of us, probably as.

A

Far as the kinds of things that we really are hoping to see in the hiring of a an individual.

D

Yes, does anyone else want to add anything or have questions on this topic? I have one more.

B

Thing I would like to add: um the person needs to be able to see the big overall picture where.

B

Are we heading with this and what is the mission but at the same time be able to pay attention to.

B

Detail and to get the small things done because the small things add up in a positive way.

D

Vision with focus right, any surprises, yet no, no, they really aren't, and it's it's very nice.

D

To hear it's, it's I think that you know you're pretty much where I am and where I want to go.

D

You know this, this position is, you know you got to think about that. All of my personnel are in.

D

My building, with the exception of a few of the radio guys, and uh in this scenario you know, while.

D

It's going to be answering to me it's going to be their own independent building and they're going.

D

To be out functioning very independently, they'll be making reports to me and and there's a lot of.

D

Things they'll have to run, but it's got to be an independent place. This person has to be able to.

D

To to do that, you know everything all of you have described. They've got to be able to do that.

D

You know and then coming in they're going to have to demonstrate they can do that.

D

Before they can, you know get that position so but more work to come. So we have a little bit of time.

D

We can't wait too long, but we have a little bit of time. So yeah, that's good news. When do.

B

You anticipate advertising for the position, so I have to go back to the commissioners.

D

And ask them to to provide the funding. uh I think I'm going to try to do that in october. If.

D

That occurs, I can see as maybe advertising in november soon as they can approve the funding.

D

Or do approve the funding, then we can advertise um I'd like to have you know everything prepared.

D

Before then, so that we're pretty much ready to go so we'll be doing some work.

D

I am a bit busy with ems because that's.

D

Grown exponentially in the county, but this is important and it's going to come before. We know.

D

It so it's got to get done so will this board have any additional input or see revisions to.

E

The requisition at all, so I think, once we do the the actual job write-up the description, I think.

D

You guys should take a look at that. Okay, I think that's that's obviously fair, but also important.

D

That you do that when we do the announcement, we could show you that, but it really won't have.

D

That's taken right off of the personnel description so, but I think once we we get there. I.

D

Think you guys should take a look at that. I think that's that's fair again. My only only caution is.

D

Not trying to be secretive, but you don't want to give one person an unfair advantage. This really.

D

Needs to be an unbiased approach. Personally, I like to have a board that, when people walk in.

D

They don't know anybody on the board and we'll see how that goes. Sometimes that's inevitable that you.

D

Know somebody in the community that's trying for it. But again I just I want a very unbiased.

D

Approach, I want it very objective and- and I think that's important and of course we know that hr.

D

Certainly wants that above all else, but I do think that once we get it written.

D

I could tell you that I have it written in a week, except I've got a lot on my plate, so we'll we'll.

D

Get it done as quick as I can do it, and and uh and I'll probably be doing most of the writing, because.

D

That's you know what the department head does, but again you guys have given me a lot of information.

D

That's going to help so the only reason I bring that up is tied to your timeline. Our next meeting.

E

Is september, so if I have it before you, then then we're ready. Aren't we absolutely after that? It.

E

Would be november, so that was that was my point yeah well, so if we get it done in september, what.

D

We agree on it and then I take it to hr and then agree on it. Then in november it's just.

D

Telling you we're doing it, you know, because we've already gotten there so but, like I said, we'll see.

D

How this all works out, so I think that we can get there, but very good information and again, I think.

D

We're all pretty pretty much in line with what we need to do. So it's got to be a really good person.

D

Has to be somebody that really can do all of these things may seem impossible, but it's not so we can.

D

Get there so did anyone else have a comment or I couldn't recall if there was discussion of.

C

An assistant manager- I know that person is the one we interfaced with in caliber.

C

And that person helps the manager a great deal so the next in line currently in the structure.

D

Is a shelter supervisor, so that would be an assistant, but but it's not that title.

D

Qualifications are going to be stringent, but not quite as much so certainly going to be they're.

D

Going to need supervisory skills leadership to some degree, not quite as much but that's not.

D

Even going to occur until next year's budget, so they got a bit more time and it would be nice to.

D

Have the shelter manager helping to devise the job description for that sure would be important to do.

D

But that's that's the next will will we have an assistant eventually, I don't know when that will.

D

Title will occur, it's tied to dollars and that's the commissioners that have to approve that. So.

D

But yeah that's next in line, but again that comes in with the rest of the employees. So that's the.

D

Plan shelter manager comes in and says they need them sooner. Okay, we go back to commissioners.

D

This is all building out. You know that this is a new thing for all of us, so.

D

It's going to be interesting, the way it plays out so- and I think we've said before we won't actually.

A

Know until we're open true what the client load is going to be, and it will take some time I think.

A

For word, to get out that we have this shelter, it will, but it's in a really good location right in.

D

The middle of that community, so I think it's going to get out a lot quicker than you think.

D

People see it, they know it's being built. So yes we'll see, but I think it's going to be successful.

D

A lot quicker than we think I think you need to be prepared for an uh rapid influx.

A

And that data would support yes, an additional person or persons. Yes,.

A

Okay. The second discussion item was the possible name of the shelter. Did you.

A

Want to tell us again what you had proposed or suggested I know you're. I think it was.

D

It was fairly generic, but I think it's I'm hoping it's representative of what we hope to do.

D

St mary's county animal care and adoption facility yeah that's a shelter per se, but.

D

We think it's much more than that so and joy. You want to talk about that.

F

um I was leaning a lot towards having that animal services end of it in it to know that.

F

We're a resource to the community, not just the animal control or the adoption side, we're gonna.

F

We're gonna be a resource so having the animal services side of it. um We spoke with some of the.

F

Acos we tried to get some of their opinions, so we could start throwing names out. So everybody had.

F

Key words to work off of, um and the big ones that kept coming up was.

F

You know adoption center. We wanted to make sure that that was part of it, because we do not want.

F

The word shelter in our title, um so I mean for me: it's animal services, animal care, one of the other.

F

And adoption center so picking some keywords where people feel welcome is more important to me.

F

And more important to all of us that are trying to make this decision and them saying shelter, pound.

F

These are, these are words that in my profession, are cringing, so yeah, and I think we've talked.

A

A lot about the paradigm shift that we are really looking at a very different purpose.

A

And so the title should reflect that yeah and the and that's the image that we want to portray.

F

We we want to portray this positive image that that draws more people in so and if we don't.

F

Have shelter in our name? We think that the chances are a lot better, that they're going.

F

To perceive it in a much better fashion so, and I'm not set on this name. This is a suggestion.

D

So if we come up with a better one, we come up with a better one, so we do have some time.

D

To work on this there's another thing we could do along the lines of the name, but also have.

C

A very strong mission statement, and perhaps with the mission statement, would be something.

C

Along the lines of the importance of the human animal bond or the fact that without the people.

C

The animals need the people to really thrive and that melinda touched on that.

C

Something along those lines that can be make the name even more. You know effective.

C

And can kind of go along with it? I think that'd be a great committee to work on a mission statement.

C

Something simple but strong, simple and short short, simple. You know.

D

Mission statements you tend to get lost in them when they've been too long too long.

D

But if you form a committee, I want to work with you on that, because I have some strong feelings.

D

About the way mission statements, some of them just go on and they get really deep.

D

People don't read them so, but I think that's an important part of it, but that can certainly.

D

Help with a name suggestion, I'm sorry, no you're fine. So I just following on you.

E

Alluded to what I had suggested so in my write-up that I had submitted, I had suggested adopt saint.

E

Mary's and using that as the term and the reason I was suggesting, that kind of as an acronym.

E

Is because I think if we name this anything like care and control or anything like that facility.

E

Yep nobody's going to say that that's a very administrative description of a facility and so.

E

It's going to become the shelter or it's going to become the pound. Tcas has had a name for a.

E

Long time and it's the pound, so I think if we go with any type of generic administrative style name.

E

That's where we're going to end up, so I think if we can come up with something whether it's.

E

My suggestion or not that speaks to our mission, but it's catchy so I had suggested adopt st.

E

Mary's with having adopt stand for something- and I gave a couple of suggestions- there's one- I prefer.

E

That leads towards that kind of mission. Driven organization which is animals depend on people to.

E

Thrive so adopt, and I think, whether it's that or something else, I think we need something. Those are.

E

The shelters that I think people start referring to them in that way, instead of saying shelter,.

A

I also want to share melissa. Carnes was not able to be with us tonight, but she did send.

A

Me some thoughts that she had when we talked at the last meeting about the possible name. She did.

A

Raise a concern about the word care in the name, and she feels that, with the absence of a clinic.

A

And a full-time veterinarian that is going to misconvey what the shelter really is offering.

A

And she spoke a little bit about her and her rescue work that she sees the impact of the.

A

Lack of care and the absence of vet care being the most significant consequence to the animals.

A

We save so she feels that the adoption center that part of it is reflective of the anticipated.

A

Services at this time I wanted to share that, and I told her I would I have permission to do that.

A

But I also am picking up on what joy said about services and remembering that we.

A

Have animal control in that building, so you know, I think that may figure into it as well.

A

But the primary focus is adoption, so that has to be what you see first and foremost,.

A

And I I also like the idea of having an acronym, because that those tend to stick.

A

More than a generic name, so I think that's something uh to be considered.

A

Are there other comments or questions? I really do like the. I guess you would.

B

Say like a slogan that melinda came up with, because it's something that is easy to remember.

B

You know and then we can maybe like the other.

B

Parts with the service adoption you know or the care could be part of the mission.

B

Statement but we need something that is going to be catchy and that people will remember it.

F

And may I say something on the care part of it. I don't want the public to think that that.

F

Would just be veterinary care they've got to know that the staff that's going to be in that shelter.

F

They're devoted and dedicated to the care of those animals, that's why they come in there. Every single.

F

Day, that's why they miss lunches. That's why they work late is because they're caring for.

F

Animals, so it's not just from a veterinary point of view, so a mission statement. I agree: yeah yeah.

F

You know from a mission statement point of view, and I mean I do like the acronyms also. I do think.

F

They do catch on if you look at something nationwide from an acronym point of view,.

D

So melissa makes a fair argument and it really is about to care.

D

But what joy and we haven't discussed this, but that really is my thought. Care is not just medical.

D

Care it is the care of the animals as they come in, I'm not set on a name if yours is great, but I.

D

I would suggest, and- and you certainly as a board can do what you want, but I would suggest you know.

D

Yeah, we know the open meetings act, so you have some one-on-one discussions and kind of come.

D

Up with an idea, maybe come back in september with some suggestions and then make a motion.

D

And take it to the commissioners. So if you come up with a good name, I'm not going to oppose you.

A

Well, I I think it's a matter of you know what you're providing and it is care.

A

But what does the, how does the community interpret it and the only way to know that is to test it out.

A

On some of the people, so asking people, if you hear this, what what do you think.

A

Happens there or what do you think you could you could also do a survey in the community see what.

D

People want to come up with, but but again I just and that could take a long time, but but again.

D

The point is, let's do something: that's really going to convey a good message to the public.

D

Whatever that is I'm okay with it, and I I agree with dave that a strong mission statement.

A

Pretty much present the name to us because it should tie.

A

Completely together, so we we have our summer reading assignments.

E

So in following that up because sometimes from meeting to meeting, I don't feel like we're clear.

E

On what we're doing so in following that up, is our goal to present verbally to the board.

E

At the next meeting and then vote on a name or are we putting something into the agenda.

E

With a list of names, are we submitting in advance just a plan for how we're going to get there so.

E

We can actually make some decisions at the next meeting. What would be your timeline for the name.

D

I would think we would need something by january or february as we're starting to go. You know over.

D

The hump, you know the first of the year starting heading down because we're going to start to make.

D

Plans for the grand opening sometime in the spring, and we would need to have it by that.

D

Time so you've got some time who's going to actually pick the name. The commissioners.

D

That is, that is their decision. They're going to go on our recommendations.

D

um We could certainly give them a couple of options, but the more difficult you make it. The.

D

More difficult, it will be for them to do it, so I suggest you know collectively you come in with and.

D

I can include myself in this weekend collectively, come in with a very good name and explain why.

D

They're going to love it, you know, because it's not saint mary's animal house.

D

No, no, let's just do something that really is, is conveying a very good message to the community.

D

Short, I that's fine again, I I really. I don't have a. I don't, have a preference.

D

Other than you know, you talk about animal control. Well, we may get around to taking that name away.

D

Too, from our animal control officers, but that's something that's not a high priority. We know this.

D

Building has a defined date when it's going to be finished. So now we need to start planning on.

D

When we're going to do that defined opening date and then we need to be ready for it, so.

D

But yeah I would just work on a little bit and come up with something good.

A

So if we say in november we'll be ready to vote on a name to recommend that gives you enough time.

D

So if you do in november, and then I get it to the commissioners, it'll be probably in december.

D

Early january for naming, I still think we're in good shape if, by february we had a name. I.

D

Think we would be in good shape, so, okay, even later, would be fine, but I it'd be nice to have it done.

D

By that time, so, okay, so should we present them to each other at the next board meeting or send them.

E

In advance, in some way, I'm concerned about the open meetings law and how much or how little we.

A

Are able to do outside of the meeting, so you talk to you, you talk to you and then you talk to you.

D

Individually, that's not open mean exact violations. That's one way to do that. You.

D

Can form a committee, but then you've got to follow the open meetings act.

D

Maybe that's a good idea to do it that way, but you still have to make sure you're following that.

D

Open meetings act in your committees, but I think there's ways to do it. If you send out.

D

An email and it's not for discussion, but then somebody responds then you've violated it. So.

D

I think there's ways to get it done so if we verbally present them during our topic, discussion.

E

At the next meeting and then collectively take that away and come back and vote in november.

A

That we could do yes, that we could do so. It's almost like the discussion part two right. Yes,.

D

So we can't communicate by a mass email with each other, no no to brainstorm. Unfortunately,.

D

That's the open meetings act. We spent four months working on this together, so you're, not the only.

D

One that has voiced that concern, but it is, it is maryland law. It is saint mary's, county law.

D

So that's the concern. Only three of us can talk at any given time outside of this meeting. Okay,.

D

But there's ways to make it work. Okay, there is so don't be overly concerned. You can get it done.

G

Okay and besides the human resource department who who will be at the interview to interview.

G

The person who's can't tell you that yeah, okay- I I don't. I don't release it because.

D

We don't want anybody trying to influence it, so that'll be at the last minute. Okay, because if.

D

If they know that you're on there and you're on air and then people that are watching tonight,.

D

Go to you and try to influence it, so we we don't try to release that until like right before it. So.

D

It's too it's to protect the integrity of the system, how many people from the human resource.

G

Department will be there, I mean we'll see, so it's normally an odd number, either three or five.

D

Five is a bit cumbersome. Three is a good number, so you know traditionally it might be one from hr.

G

And then one person from this board and then I would will a county commissioner, be there no, no.

E

Okay, someone from your organization most likely it will be me, okay yeah, so it absolutely will be me.

D

So it's they're going to work for me, so you and someone from here and someone from human resources.

D

That's likely could be a couple more depending on where this goes. Okay, there's some excellent.

D

Experience out there in shelters, but let's just see how how it goes. I can't give you a definitive.

D

Answer on how that will be we'll we'll develop that as we get further along. So but that's a.

D

Traditional that's a normal process. You know very similar to what I described so what we'll say.

D

And I don't mean to be cagey, I just really want to protect it and be very objective and.

D

Make sure that we do this? Whoever gets this needs to work for it and get it honestly.

D

Let's make sure that that happens, so I don't feel like you're being cagey. I just.

G

Don't know the process we're an animal advisory board.

G

Are there times when we can bring up issues that we see in the community that we want to.

G

Who goes to the county commissioners and says we're hoping these things will be changed or.

D

Do you want me to respond yeah I'll, do the first part you do. The second part, typically before and.

A

When an agenda goes out, it's a draft and I ask if there are other items that anyone would like to.

A

See on the agenda for next time into the next meeting, I see okay and if you know we have.

A

Those if those items are doable for the next meeting, then we would put them on.

A

We do we, I think, what's difficult for all of us is we can't have discussions.

A

As a group or even half the people outside of a formal meeting under open meetings law, but we can.

A

Talk with each other and sometimes you know, we are able to do that and it clarifies something.

A

So I I would suggest- and I don't know if you know you are willing to do this, but I think if there.

A

Are some items or issues that you have concerns about? If you let me know or you let steve know and.

A

There there would be cases where I would need to defer, of course, to steve because he's the official.

A

Staff person- I'm not okay, so what you would do is, if you have an issue that you want on the agenda.

D

You get to know this lady right here. Okay, she will be putting it on the agenda. She'll be sending you.

D

Messages saying: do you have anything that wants to be on there? um That's the other one angel.

D

What are your names? This is. This is marianne gardner, okay right and this is angel clem.

D

And they are my staff members right and I say that, but they keep me straight so but anyway, so she's.

D

The one that does it she does it. We have another that is on vacation darlene, all three of them work.

D

On this, and we call it board docs because that's the system we put it in, so you would notify them.

D

You should probably go through the chair person and then that she would send it to us.

D

But I imagine if you sent it to both, then you could do it that way. So then it would.

D

Come before here, traditionally, it would come up before the board and then, if a motion's made and.

D

It's approved, then, usually the motion is to send a letter to the commissioners to consider something.

D

And then it goes back to her and then we get it to the commissioners by usually the next morning.

D

And then it will come up for the next meeting and then they decide. Okay, sometimes they agree.

D

Sometimes they don't right, sometimes they'll respond quickly. Sometimes they don't, but.

D

But they're the elected officials- and it is this board- is a you know, an extension of them. It truly.

D

Is you know, as I am right it we all work for them, so they make that decision representing the public.

D

um But I don't think it's unusual to bring up issues if you want to, and I understand we.

A

Technically started with four subcommittees: bylaws and ordinances. We decided we were small enough.

A

That we could handle that as a full board and with ordinances in particular. We feel that we need to.

A

Wait for the new shelter manager to come on board in order to do a review of the current ordinances.

A

And see what needs to be changed if anything, what needs to be added eliminated.

A

Because that's the person who's going to have to oversee.

A

And enforce in that role I would think joy would be that person and she's here now.

F

We're talking about hiring will be my boss right right, so there's so so the structure.

D

The director of the shelter will be your boss, yes eyeballs, okay, so so currently, joy responds.

D

To the emergency manager gerald gardner, that's going to change when we hire a shelter manager.

D

So the structure is, and perhaps next time I should bring a flow chart for the new members and show.

D

That but shelter manager, so you have me at the top and I have a number of division managers.

D

And one of them is a shelter manager below that is a flow chart with all the different positions.

D

Again, she's an offshoot, animal control comes under that and then the supervisor shelter supervisor.

D

And then I don't remember all the titles but there's a bunch of different titles. There's.

D

About 12, which is not enough, but we'll we'll get to that later- on uh we're hoping that there are.

D

A number of volunteers that will help to help you know fill some of the the needs of the shelter.

D

But we're starting from the ground up the shelter manager's got the right policy.

D

For the shelter so and we've got policies from other shelters, but that person really needs to.

D

Be the leader in that in that facility, so we have complicated so we'll be waiting until march until.

G

That person's hired to work on any kind of animal ordinance changes or whatever pretty much yeah.

D

Okay, even if they're not shelter-related, we need to wait if there, no, no, you can certainly suggest.

D

Something to the commissioners at any time and they can and what they will do. They'll send it to.

D

After you guys recommendation they'll send to the county attorney and then it will look.

D

Down and considered and then they'll either decide to pass it or not. So we have two other.

A

Subcommittees one has been the shelter, the new shelter and most of the work that was chaired.

A

And continues to be chaired by rita that a lot of the work on that most of it really was.

A

Going through from the very beginning, with the schematics and meeting with public works and.

A

Making some decisions about you know what things need to be changed or moved or.

A

Or so forth, uh even location came up in the very beginning, so that has really consumed an enormous.

A

Amount of time was the main focus. We have a fourth committee, which is public education and outreach.

A

And dave is chairing that and that committee will now come into play because that has to do with.

A

Helping us get the word out that this is coming.

A

Make some connections with the rescue groups in in the tri-county area, especially in the county.

A

And try to even private partnerships with um because of where it's going to be located.

A

It is fairly close to some of the businesses that may want to participate.

A

So that committee now will really have more work. To do. There'll be more focus on that, so there was.

G

A shelter committee there's a public education and outreach committee and and then there was bylaws.

G

That you're putting aside until if something were to come up with bylaws that needed to be changed.

A

We would bring it to the board as a whole. Okay, so we have bylaws and we need to make sure.

D

Marian, maybe you could make a note to send her so we'll send it to the by the house.

D

Yeah and bylaws are approved also by the commissioners. Okay, um for any changes, no.

G

H

I I have a quick go back, surely and it's my understanding that if the advisory has.

H

An issue it comes to the floor via the agenda and that's where we record that that item is.

H

Going to be discussed, it's something that some of the board members are having issues with.

H

So, as as advisory board, we can provide the information out for resolution if it has to go.

H

Yes, so I just want to make sure, as I was a little concerned, that we're going out directly to the.

H

Other organizations without having any consensus that that's the protocol, so the first step is.

A

When I send the draft agenda out, then I ask if there are items that people would like.

A

To see included and that that would be the first time I would be notified that there.

A

Are other items that people are interested in and then typically they would go on the agenda.

A

The person who want is requesting that item would be asked to do a couple of pages of background.

A

Exhibits and because, as you can see, on board docs every item has either a memo or support material.

A

If you have, if you need background reading or something like that,.

A

And then we would go through that in our normal board meeting we meet every other month. We do have.

A

An option to call a special meeting if we have an urgent need to do that. We have exercise that be.

G

So we tell you not marianne and angel or I'm. If you start with me, then I'm going to go. I'm going.

A

To go to them, okay and ultimately, marianne and I work closely together to get the agenda. Okay,.

A

Set and ready and ready for board docs so that that can then open up, and it opens up first.

A

To you all, and then it becomes public and public and the public can access it as well.

H

Well, thank you for the clarification. Okay. The other question I have.

H

Well, it's more statement. I believe there is a staffing.

H

Plan from the commissioner side or from from the county side of the house.

H

Is there is a visual, an organization chart or something that tells us what the composition.

H

Is and the nature of their uh so it's it's. uh Have you been at the board docs.

D

It is so it is in there, it was in january of last year, but if you can't find it, you can call me I'll.

D

Help you find it, I can send it to you, but that was a staffing study. Remember that we we had presented.

D

We made a couple of minor changes, nothing substantial, I think one was we cut down. One.

D

Position that was like a transport a couple others, but either way we could talk about it. If you want.

D

And I can show it to you, but yes, it prompted the question, something that you said that there.

H

Was an assistant- and I don't recall seeing no there wasn't, though it's so so my my point is.

H

Is it possible to have that version updated and provided to the board.

D

So so I can provide it again, but nothing's changed so the assistant was never in the plan. The.

D

Next, in line was a shelter supervisor in essence serves as an assistant, but that's not the title so.

D

There really was not one, um I'm trying to remember the gentleman's name that presented, but we can.

D

You can take a look at that. It was frank and associates the county commissioners commissioned.

A

A company, frank and associates incorporated to do a staffing study on the animal shelter.

A

And that actually was done before this board even became came into being, and so that will not change.

A

It's already now, several years old, and so now it's up to mr walker and his staff to continue.

A

To review and determine if other positions are needed, or there are positions that are not needed.

H

In that that was my point. Okay, my point was, if anything has changed from their standpoint, I saw.

H

The study and I read it uh so I'm just trying to see because any position that uh I'll send you all.

H

The any position has to be funded and that there is there is a fund that has to be allocated for it.

H

And that has to be budget ahead of time, and he knows that so thank you. So it was the budget.

D

Process we just went through, and that was why so there was some money that was going to be approved.

D

In this budget it was a very difficult budget, but because we know there's amount of time before the.

D

Shelter actually opens so the funding was pushed off to next year with the message to me from the.

D

Commissioners, that, if I want to go back and ask for the shelter manager mid-year, I can do that.

D

There are my new changes. That study was really a great base of information for us to start from so.

D

It was, it was very, very helpful again been some slight changes. There will be more one thing. You.

D

Said is, we won't know until we really open for six months or a year we will be making more changes.

D

When we start collecting data and as we see the growth that undoubtedly is going to occur, but that.

D

Was important as the base that started us that gave us the general this guy was a consultant that.

D

Is uh very good skills in human resources, but that was a great great start for us. But that's where we.

D

Started so you gotta, okay, I have a comment. Did I don't know if this board was ever provided.

E

This study just happened last year, so this was after we were formed as a board, but there.

E

Was a study done prior to this board forming that was more all-encompassing? It wasn't just.

E

A staffing study, which was kind of the baseline of where we started for the shelter planning it.

E

I think it's what it predated this this advisory board, but it kind of led to the development of.

E

This advisory board- and I don't know if that study- has ever been shared with this board. But it's.

E

Valuable information from like starting at point a and then it was very high in the sky. I mean mind.

E

You there was no budget tied to it; it probably would have cost us 150 million dollars to build.

E

That shelter and staff- and I'm just being very you know, exaggerating here, but um I think it it may.

E

Help you understand what that company kind of said. This would be everything you would ever possibly.

E

Need for a shelter of any size, and then this study narrowed that down to say for a shelter your size.

E

Of what you're now saying you plan to do, this is our recommendation. So there was a difference there.

E

Right so that may help you. The shelter study was the start of this whole project and it was.

D

Before I started work, so it's been about five years and and I had a copy, I still have a copy.

D

Of it- and I can share that so you're correct the staffing portion of that was minuscule.

D

So so I actually went to the commissioners and asked them to commission this study right because.

D

I wanted a more drill down scope and look at what we really needed for staffing and that's what this.

D

Is so first the shelter study which is very high, reaching high overarching, and we did some of the.

D

The programming remember and and based on that and then the staffing study and then we've made.

D

Some very minor modifications since then and, as you said, it's got to be funded and that was the.

D

Process we just went through in the budget which we will again every year and again, as we start.

D

To develop more data about how it really works, we'll make more changes as as it grows, because.

D

I think it will so I think that the study said we needed about 20 people to run it which about 16, to.

D

18 of those were volunteer. I think that was part of that discussion and, of course, we were worried.

D

About what we're going to go going to have to fund the dollar? So that was how we ended up with the.

D

12 positions for that are that are funded at this time, but again I don't think that that's going to.

D

Hold once we really get up and running and and be effective, but it'll get us going and we'll.

D

Run it with 12 people and whatever volunteers we can garner. So thank you, yeah good question.

A

Are there any other questions for mr walker? um You said that they were doing drone footage, but.

B

We didn't have anything for tonight. Is there somewhere that we can go on the website to see.

B

Updates on I'm trying to think about a way that I can easily distribute that to you. So.

D

Give me give me a little bit of time, I'm trying to work on. We have three uh three videos now.

D

They're, each about three or four minutes great footage, but let me think of a way to get that done.

B

Okay- and we worked hard every time we had you know it would be nice to be able to.

B

See the progress uh that they've made so the intent is to get it to you, and I.

D

Haven't figured out an easy way to do that without incurring additional costs so put it on facebook.

D

It's pretty neat stuff, it really is incredible. We have a young man that really enjoys doing.

D

You know drone work and it's his own drone and he's volunteered to allow us to do it so.

D

But I will get there so we'll try to get it in the next week or two. So pat, can you explain for diane.

E

And cesar about board member time so outside of actual agenda items, you must have read my mind so.

D

Am I done? Thank you, mr walker. Before you leave, can I I just I just heard melinda say said saying this.

G

Is a really good idea? What about putting something, creating some sort of facebook page now, for that.

G

The shelter and and showing interest for the community to see it progressing.

G

I I don't know if you can do that, if you don't have a name for it,.

G

Maybe we need to do the naming sooner, but well so so we can just say: mary's county.

D

Animal shelter- maybe that's not the best, but that's what the public knows it by it. Right now,.

D

And I think that me and joy will work on developing a page off of our facebook page yeah.

G

In your spare time at three o'clock in the morning, exactly yes, so we will both do together because.

D

The the facebook page for emergency services- I actually worked on and got that up and running.

D

That we will collectively work on this together, so we've also got some very good young talent in.

D

Her office animal control officers that will help and uh but that's a great idea and then.

G

If there's things that you can email too, um so I can share it on feral cat rescues, facebook page.

G

Too, look we're getting a new shelter. Isn't this exciting that kind of stuff I mean you.

G

Want interest in so the email capacity for the county is limited? Okay, because I've tried to to.

D

Because I was going to email all them to you and like I can't get it through difficult to.

F

Email they are, but the facebook is a great idea, so we'll we're going to work on that.

D

So I will talk to the pio and make sure we're good with it and we'll start. That's a great.

D

Idea that was melinda's really we have to give. I love it credit where credit is due. Thank you.

A

Thank you. We had added at the very beginning board member time, and that is just an opportunity at the.

A

End of our meetings, close to the end of our meetings uh and right before public comment.

A

That any of the board members who have any information that they want to share uh can feel.

A

Free to do that, sometimes everyone has something. Sometimes no one has anything you're not under any.

A

Obligation to to use that, but the option is there: if you have something that you want to share, so I.

A

Just typically ask does any do any of the board. Members have any information they want to share.

E

I have a very brief comment and I don't know the people's names off the top of my head, but.

E

Joy's aware that I found myself in a situation a couple weeks ago um with what I believe is a.

E

Kitten in the dumpster down at the valley transfer station, so I took up um quite a bit of time of the.

E

Public works and the sheriff's department and animal control because I got into the dumpster.

E

Looking for the kitten, so I want to thank everybody involved with trying to assist me in.

E

My moment of crazy and sadly, we did not find the kitten, but we tried our best. So thank you. I found.

G

An opossum in the saint inigo's dumpster and they wouldn't I and john, came down and the person in.

G

Charge of the dumpster wouldn't let us get in, he didn't. Let me get in, I jumped in so well. Somebody.

G

Else jumped in and it made him get out. Well he wasn't going to touch me, so everybody was very.

E

um Very accommodating, but understanding that it was against advice to be in the dumpster yeah.

A

And if we need to, we can call on members of joyce staff to come and do.

A

And in service for us or a presentation, yes, ma'am and help us understand because sometimes.

A

Members of the board are getting calls from people, and I I think some of us are easy to reach and so.

A

You know just something to think about: okay, yep, every one of us will come out loyal. Linda knows.

A

This we all know people and okay. We do have one person here to speak to public comment.

A

Nope, okay, that's been canceled, um so at this time we need a motion to adjourn the meeting.

A

I thought you were going to tell cesar and I something before you adjourn the meeting about.

G

Public comment that was about the board member time: okay, all right, okay got it.

B

I moved to during the meeting. Okay, we need a second, I second, it all in favor all right.

A

Okay motion carries, and thank you all for your time this evening and for the work that you do.

A