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DASAB Minutes 07/16/2024 DraftJuly 16, 2024 1 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF COLLIER COUNTY DOMESTIC ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD Naples, Florida July 16, 2024 LET IT BE REMEMBERED that the Collier County Domestic Animal Services Advisory Board, in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 6 p.m. for a MEETING in Administrative Building F, 3rd Floor, Collier County Government Center, Naples, Florida, with the following members present: CHAIRMAN: VACANT VICE CHAIR: Meredith McLean SECRETARY: VACANT Michele Antonia Kelly Hyland Cpl. Sherry Rego Laurie Harris ALSO PRESENT: Marcy Perry, Director, Domestic Animal Services Cindy Delgado, Administrative Assistant, DAS Dan Rodriguez, Deputy County Manager Jamie French, Department Head, Growth Management Jeff Weir, Director, Operations Support, Public Services Tom Iandimarino, Director, Code Enforcement Division Eileen Padron & Kevin Summers Tony Barone, Facilities Management July 16, 2024 2 Any persons in need of the verbatim record of the meeting may request a copy of the audio recording from Domestic Animal Services. I. Call to Order Vice Chair McLean called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. II. Roll Call – Establish a Quorum A quorum of five was established. III. Pledge of Allegiance [The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.] IV. Approval of July 16, 2024, Agenda Ms. McLean made a motion to approve the agenda. Ms. Antonia seconded it. V. Approval of Minutes A. DAS Advisory Committee Workshop May 20, 2024 No changes to the meeting. Ms. Antonia made a motion. Ms. Harris seconded it. B. DAS Advisory Committee Workshop June 14, 2024 No changes to the workshop Ms. Antonia made a motion. Ms. Harris seconded it. VI. Opening Statement by Chairman Ms. McLean thanked everyone for coming tonight and spending the night with us. We have good presentations to go through and some vacancies to vote on as well. Mr. French introduced himself he is the department head for growth management and was filling in for Mr. Stark. He also introduced Eileen Padron and Kevin Summers who oversee the zoom meeting and are collection public speaker slips. Mr. French introduced Tony Barone, facilities management who will be talking about updates. VII. Public Comment Speakers: Suzie Mehas  When DAS would pick up a stray it will be fixed before given back to the owner  A dog had serious injuries and suggested to not take the dog back to the owner until you find out why this dog looks like this  Please get out of your truck and pick up the cat and her kittens seen by a ditch due to not having a home  I’m glad were hearing a lot of information because I had heard the fines given out were being dismissed on those who do things wrong  People in golden gate estates are sick of driving past dead dogs  I see beautiful videos at DAS for the dogs but haven’t heard anything about some nice outdoor space for the cats like a catio type area  Back in the day one of the most important thing was to tap veterinarians’ brain for what was needed due to sickness and diseases being airborne Ms. Mehas’ time was up. July 16, 2024 3 VIII. Advisory Committee Vacancies Ms. McLean noted there are two people who have applied for the Animal Activist spot and will be giving each three minutes to speak. A. Election of new Animal Activist member Susie Mehas began her three minutes  Has ben an animal activist since she was born and continuing the 30 plus years  Has a lot of community involvement as well as contacts  Can bring knowledge and expertise to this board and willing to be helpful not someone who just fills a seat  Would like to focus on community involvement and awareness for DAS  Very hands on person who will keep animals first in my mind  Believes she is a very valuable member for this board and bring 50 plus years of being in the trenches  Has crawled under mobile homes, crawled over fences just to rescue and will do until I can’t  Very happy to be here and wouldn’t step forward if I didn’t have the time or commitment  I have the expertise and the time involved in my life to be a good board member Susie Mehas ends her speech and continues to take a seat. Ms. McLean brings on Ale to the podium to give his speech Ale Shanson thanked Ms. McLean for the opportunity.  Has been with the county since the 70’s  Has been on the board for six years, currently vice chair  Background is with the passion of the animals and activism  A volunteer and proud to be part of this change  Basis of why I wanted to be involved is to make sure were building a foundation that’s indestructible to not have problems in the future  Things are changing so fast through the different county departments and the need to stitch them together through with legal and everything else to update the ordinance  Analytical, technical, engineering background, veteran, tenacity is one of my traits as well as passion. Mr. Shanson appreciated the opportunity to speak and wished both the best of luck. Ms. McLean asked Ms. Mehas to come up if anyone had any questions. It will be a tough choice. Ms. Hyland noted that it will be a tough decision due to only being one open position. It is very hard to narrow it down since Ale has his experience inside shelter, shelter experience and Suzie has her experience out in the field as well as some shelter experience and both would be an asset on this board. I recommended to try and open those spots not just two specific titles for people. I think on top of trying to make this decision we should also explore the option of not having titles but having people that want to be up here and can contribute. Ms. Harris agreed with Ms. Hyland, I would rather have the most qualified person versus titles. There are two vets on staff at DAS if there are ever any questions, we can certainly call a vet on staff. July 16, 2024 4 Ms. McLean agreed to a certain extent, is a bit on defense because when the positions were put in it was to have representation from different areas of the community. I don’t necessarily think the vet or tech need to be present to answer any questions. I think its that we have diverse representation on the board. If we wanted to do that, we would be able to do it during this meeting. We would still need to vote for one person tonight and if we can change it if we all agree you all can come back and apply. We need to make the recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. French noted you can come back with your recommendation that the board considered putting both these candidates and waiving the vet tech position, they set policy. Ultimately you may want to choose one of the two, seems like you want both which need to be dealt with by the board. Ms. McLean asked if we had to vote on one tonight and then make the recommendation to change the title on the second one and then vote them in next time Mr. French replied that if that’s your recommendation to have both considered and eliminate the need for the vet due to both having activist or animal welfare type of positions that would be the representation and at that point the board can decide or give staff direction since they set policy. Commissioner Saunders apologizes for being late and for just jumping on the podium. He spoke with the county about the positions. The county attorney indicated that the board has from time to time made appointments contrary to designations in ordinance and no one applies. He suggested appointing one and suggested the second to be appointed to replace the vet tech position, I will bring to board on Tuesday for ratification to have both appointees. I can get that accomplished if not at the next meeting certainly at the subsequent meeting. Ms. Harris noted that they’re both great candidates, have shown their love for animals for years. Their knowledge with the community is tremendous and both are constantly out at events. I think they would both be wonderful on board and bring a lot of insight, I wouldn’t be opposed to doing it. Ms. Antonia agreed with both being great candidates. Since there are two vets at DAS, we can always bring one to be present. We should proceed to vote on one tonight with the request the Board of County Commissioners appoint the other person for the open position. Ms. McLean suggested voting on the existing seat and then make a motion to make a recommendation to change the title and appoint the next seat. Mr. Shanson stated he applied for a position on the board that has a discussion. It was indicated there’s a possibility to get on the board as a non-voting member. Ms. McLean stated most people on board are okay with potentially changing that seat to an at large position. If that doesn’t work, we come back with a non-voting member option unless otherwise. Mr. French stated there are typically non-voting members to fill in when needed to fill a quorum. We can address in the ordinance revisions, like Commissioner Saunders stated to pick one with also a second motion to have the second vacant seat filled by second applicant. Ms. Hyland asked, to be able to put one in and vote for the other would each need a vote? Ms. McLean replied with we need to vote on who the animal activist is first and second person we will make a motion to appoint and will be taken to BCC. Ms. Antonia asked if each person will vote individually. Ms. McLean replied with sure you can start Ms. Antonia voted for Suzie Mehas Ms. Harris voted for Ale Shanson Ms. McLean voted for Ale Shanson also mentioned if you can abstain. Cpl. Rego will abstain from voting she would like more time since she got the minutes last night and didn’t know there was going to be any voting July 16, 2024 5 Ms. Hyland stated that it is really tough but if we can get them both on board her vote will go for Ale Shanson knowing the recommendation is to get Suzie Mehas on board. Ms. McLean mentioned there is three for Ale Shanson and one for Suzie Mehas. She continued making a motion to make a recommendation for Suzie to be assigned for the open chair. Ms. Antonia made a motion to make a recommendation to assign Suzie to the open chair. Ms. Harris seconded it. Ms. McLean moved on to Staff Report. IX. Staff Report Mr. French, Department head with Growth Management and Community Development, introduced himself and explained it is more of an opportunity to share what is going on in the DAS Campus. A. Staffing a. DAS Campus Mr. French Department head with Growth Management and Community Development noted:  These are 25-year-old buildings that were never built nor intended to maintain A/C, many years ago it the board elected to bring in A/C into this facility  Half wall and metal building around it with some form of insulation to hold out heat but the air naturally exhaust out  It does not meet what the Florida building code would consider under the Mechanical code  Looking at how to navigate through building code to make those improvements all while navigating the state law  Calculating out the type of insulation we would need and type of building improvements that would happen  It is under a demolition permit it will not be torn down it is just under an interior demo  I must look at the product approvals that are issued by engineering to contemplate fire prevention  It was built under an old code and if we don’t exceed 50% of its improved value it can stay under that code otherwise by state law it has to be brought up to the most current codes  We do have a preserve area that’s owned by the county which is designated as red carpeted woodpecker Mr. Barone Principal project manager with facilities management division noted:  There are currently contractors in building 5 under a demolition permit removing interior insulation and wall paneling. We have another contractor that will complete an interior structure painting to add a protection coat to prohibit rust.  Maintenance is going in to repair kennel walls, LED lighting  We received last shipment for HVAC and currently bidding out for installation  Deciding to put insulation boards or foam to make sure there’s good insulation  Looking at pricing for window replacements July 16, 2024 6 Mr. Barone stated that their intention is to repeat into the other buildings and determine any other improvements that need to be made. There is a generator in case of a power outage. Ms. McLean asked what the timeline was on the building. Mr. French replied the schedule is fluid but approximately 3-4 months it all depends on contractors and the county. Ms. Harris has a couple questions:  In building 5 did they have guillotine and did they come out entirely  Will the kennels just be revamped  When 5 is done will dogs from 4 go to 5, Mr. Barone replied with not at this time, now they’re getting repaired but there is no wholesale change out. He also stated it is not something they cannot commit to but will be working on it and if it is something they cannot do the building will be turned to DAS leadership. Mr. French stated the nature of a 25-year-old building that wasn’t designed for this use they aren’t identical. The code now requires filling the gap up at ceiling, two air conditioners to allow for upper respiratory dogs to recover after surgery. b. Animal Control Officers Mr. French updated us on the current ordinance which talks about services and programs currently under DAS which moved to code enforcement. Joe Mucia has been with the county for nearly 20 years, has been in North Naples, Immokalee and has been in Bay Shore the last 7/8 years. Joe has stepped up as an interim assignment to run the DAS or animal control officers, he has also done everything from community cleanups, numerous homeowners associations as well as civic so he is no stranger to the community. We are currently looking to migrate some jobs to reduce the turnover and compassion stress they go through. Joe has worked with the sheriff's office on numerous cases such as animals, property maintenance, homelessness, you name it. Ms. Harris asked how many open ACOs position were there Mr. French replied with two ACO positions are open B. Programs a. Campus Mr. French explained one of the programs is the campus, if someone can no longer take care of an animal they will sit down and start a case and figure out if the issue is housing, pet food, food for your family or vet care. However, if it is someone coming from Miami Dade, Broward or lee county we can not take their animal we give them resources in their community, but it is predominantly for collier county residents. We chip scan the animal to make sure all information is up to date. All information about the owner is on camera in case they dump the animal. Some folks take a surrender and when we follow up if they are untruthful, they will go on the you can’t adopt list for 7 years. We also got an agreement with the big cypress animal clinic with Dr, Randall as he agreed to take up to 19 dogs. The board of county commissioners has adopted to waive the pet adoption fees which has really worked. We have redone an office for a meet and greet with the animal to determine if you’d like to take it home. We currently have to train the staff how it should be done. b. Website Mr. French explained the website has been updated, it is more user friendly, showcases the animal much differently. July 16, 2024 7 c. Medical Currently in the talks to build out a vacated veterinarian space, we need to put a lease together, find the budget get the approval of the manager and then approval. It is a 7 to 10- year lease but gives enough time to eventually look at a future spay and neutering for the community. d. Breeder and Pet Store Licensing and Inspections Looking to have a more confident and dependable inspection program to possibly have a Saturday inspection. Looking at it from a case management perspective gives us the opportunity to review the vet records to make sure animals are being cared for, to make sure it meets the safety of the animals. Ms. Antonia asked what is going to be done to those people that do not have a breeder’s license? Mr. French replied with we are currently looking into what must be done. If we can determine that it’s a life safety, we can interact but otherwise we can’t trespass the property. If you breed a dog or cat and give them to your family, you do not need a license but if you are selling them, it does. We are currently looking at what we can do lawfully with code enforcement staff and county attorney’s office. Ms. Antonia asked if at some point we are looking to control those who refuse to spay or neuter their animal after having litter after litter? Mr. French replied with our first approach is to educate, in the event we find theyre dumping, abandoning or selling them without a permit we will write them on a violate and take them through prosecution process. Ms. Hyland asked if you see a dog with puppies and don’t know if they have a breeder’s permit are you able to do an inspection with our ordinance Mr. French replied with if I own a dog and want to breed them, I’m not required to have a breeder’s license Ms. Hyland mentioned it says in the ordinance you must Mr. French replied with only if I sell them Ms. Hyland stated in the last ordinance it mentions if they trade or give away Mr. Iandimarino noted that is in the draft revision not in the ordinance. Mr. French mentioned whatever we do it needs to be consistent with chapter 162 of the Florida Statue. Ms. Hyland asked about the people selling puppies in the Walmart parking lot or side of the street Mr. Iandimarino replied that’s us that Mr. French stated if we have guidance and support of our board of county commissioners and county manager, we will be acting within the current ordinance Ms. Hyland replied with we were told it wasn’t happening and they weren’t going to do anything to change it Mr. Iandimarino replied with things are changing and we are going to continue prosecuting the cases. Mr. French stated we will find ways to navigate through the law to be as ethical and prosecute those that need to be. We will be following the ordinance as is, our OSM has been phenomenal since. Ms. Antonia stated she would like to take Mr. French offer to have a subcommittee from the advisory board to work with code enforcement and to be on that committee Mr. French replied with we are not quite there yet, next meeting we will ask for a subcommittee to be formed July 16, 2024 8 Ms. Antonia mentioned she would like to be on the committee Ms. McLean has noted it C. Policy Update a. Ordinance Revision Mr. French noted Mr. Stark will be brining that back on the next meeting. b. Community Cat Guidelines we have been working under the direction of the county manager to determine friendly cats. We are improving our case management and working with many cat organizations to ensure we find a safe place for these animals after being medically treated. We will continue to look at national standard in addition to what our community desires to report that fairly to the board. Mr. French asked if anyone had any question Ms. Antonia just wanted to point out when saying TNR, it is trap, neuter, return not release. Ms. McLean stated we could add the V for vaccine and make it TNVR. c. Public Education 1. Community Outreach 2. Spay / Neuter 3. Foster Mr. French stated the fosters have been amazing. There are animals that might call for an end of life or hospice that just needs a comfortable bed to sleep in. 4. Adoption Mr. French noted there have been a lot of cats that have been sent up north due to a shortage up there. 5. Inspection Mr. French noted we are inspecting our own facility, we want them to come back and be taken through the inspection process to make sure the kennels are clean, dogs are getting out, clean environment, have enough room, enough time outside. We have created a routine for the morning and at time of closing. 6. Volunteer Opportunities Mr. French noted we need to do a better job volunteer training and getting points of contact. 7. Return to Owner Mr. French noted the educational process is so important because they’ve built a relationship with the AC, code enforcement officer. d. Owner Surrender 1. Scheduling Mr. French noted we are scheduling based off our restraints. We will not forget about the animals, but it is just based on availability. 2. Case Management 3. Public Assistance Mr. French noted we will continue that looking for grant opportunities. 4. DAS Fees Mr. French noted fees have been waived through the end of September. We are hoping to re address the fees to not be too high that people will end up dumping the animals. We have until October 1st to reinitiate the fees. July 16, 2024 9 D. Software Mr. French stated Jason runs our DAS and database management for growth management. Jason stated they evaluated shelter love and chameleon which turns out to be a better product. It leverages us to do reporting, access to mapping and it allows for notifications to be automatically sent out not only to DAS staff but other organizations. Mr. French stated they are trying to make chameleon more front end user friendly, theres information that the staff was never trained on, they have paid for software that they never utilized, there are permissions that were granted to employees that we question for someone to have advanced permission as a front end person. It is in real time so you can look at a code enforcement investigation, building permit, land use, land development petition and so on. E. Budget Mr. French stated we asked for four additional staff members for DAS and 10 additional staff for code enforcement. Ms. Harris asked how the interviews are going for the director position. Last time you mentioned you were interviewing 12 people. Mr. French replied with a selection and offer have been made and were hopeful to get an acceptance and get the person started as soon as possible. X. Old Business No update XI. Public Comment Suzie Mehas noted:  One thing that was great about DAS was when they fixed any stray dog or cat before given back to owner  A dog came in with bruises and all types of wounds head and ears were hanging do not take the dog back until you find out what happened  If you happen to see a cat in a ditch with kittens get out your vehivle and pick her and her kittens up and take her in  I had heard all fines given were dismissed on people that were doing things wrong  There was supposed to be one animal control officer for just Golden Gate Estates and one for just Immokalee  The improvement is wonderful, but I haven’t heard anything nice for cats, I’ve seen beautiful videos for dogs but nothing for cats  The most important thing we did back then was tap the veterinarian’s brain as far as air flow, particularly in the cat area due to their sicknesses and disease are airborne Ms. McLean asked Mr. French if he had anything to address Mr. French has addressed all of those and has provided all the information Ms. McLean asked to take a quick bathroom break at 8:04pm and resumed the meeting at 8:06pm Ms. McLean asked if anyone online wanted to speak to raise their hands and no one wanted to speak so she thanked everyone for joining us. July 16, 2024 10 XII. Staff and Advisory Committee Communication Ms. McLean asked Mr. French if he would like to speak or move on. Mr. French replied with he has communicated way too much and moved on. XIII. Adjourn Ms. McLean thanked everyone who attended tonight’s meeting. The updates are great especially because we wanted to see all the improvements for a long time. The updates can be given in an email or discussion. Next Meeting: TBD There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was concluded at 8:12 p.m. Collier County Domestic Animal Services ___________________________________ James Rich, Chairman These minutes were approved by the Committee/Chairman on ________________, (check one) as presented _______, or as amended ________.