DASAB Minutes 05/21/2025 (Draft)
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF COLLIER COUNTY DOMESTIC ANIMAL
SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD
Naples, Florida
May 21st, 2025
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 at Growth Management
Community Development Department Room 609/610 2800 N. Horse shore DR.
Naples, Florida, with the following members present:
CHAIRMAN: Allen Schantzen
Michele Antonia
Kelly Hyland
Susan Mehas
Jonathan Foerster
Meredith McLean
Alexandra Casanova (absent)
Sherry Reno (absent)
Any persons in need of the verbatim record of the meeting may request a copy of the audio
recording from Domestic Animal Services.
Recording was muted until 27:09.
Board is still muted.
27:09 Board unmutes their microphone.
I. Call to order- Meeting was mute
II. Roll Call- Establish a Quorum- Meeting was muted
III. Pledge of Allegiance- Meeting was muted.
IV. Approval of agenda- meeting was muted.
V. Public comments- Items not addressed on this agenda
DAS Volunteer- Pattie Touleigh- “ There aren’t enough staff, there aren’t enough volunteers” I
would like to know what the county is doing for advertising, searching, looking for employees
and volunteers” “would like to see a campaign to get people in and see people stay” “people
want to come in and volunteer and there is no orientation until June or July”
Mr. Schantzen- “Not going to discuss it, it’s not an agenda item” will be asking Patty for her
notes to follow up because it’s a non-agenda item. Made notes, in the minutes will address at a
later date.”
VI
No additional public comments.
VI-Approval of minutes
A. April 16th, 2025
Minutes approved- Johnathan Foerster approved. There was also a second.
VII-Staff Report
A. Leadership Report- Meredith McClean
Ms. McClean- “The new program manager started this week. They are moving forward with
interviewing candidates that report to her. That includes the Foster care coordinator.” We are in
the final stages of the hiring process. We closed on the Volunteer coordinator position on Friday,
so we are reviewing candidates. New customer service specialist started, the Animal Care
Supervisor converted from a temporary position to full-time. The Veterinarian that started last
month has increased her hours. We have key staff positions we are working to fill.”
Current Shelter numbers:
310 animals. Intake for April 661 animals. 504 cats, 142 dogs, 15 other animals. 628 live
outcomes. 184 adoptions. 96 cats and 82 dogs. We transferred out 234 animals out. 215 Cats and
15 dogs. 213 went to HSN. We currently have 203 animals in Foster.
Code enforcement- 308 cases opened, 204 closed and 43 citations issued.
We have a Public/private partnership with the Jacksonville Human Society and HSN- we are a
chosen shelter. They have stated we are the best partnership in the State of Florida.
April 2025 numbers- YOY 4/2024
Dogs-
• Save rate 95.52% up 7% YOY from 88.98%
• Dog intake is down, but partly due to closed building.
• 54% increase in adoptions from 4/2024.
• We had a decrease in non-live outcomes. Decreased by 48% YOY.
• From January -April the save rate for dogs is 95.1%.
Cats:
• Save rate 98.55% which is up 3.55% YOY from 95%.
• We did take in 42% more cats.
• Live outcomes have increased 86%.
• 135% increase YOY in cat adoption. Transfers to other shelters were up 42%.
• 1/2025-4/2025 Save rate is 96% which is up from 91%.
Overall lifesaving rate is 96%.
B. Facilities Update
Facilities:
• Building 4 is on schedule to be completed by 6/30/2025.
• Building 3 anticipated for demolition 7/15/2025.
• Campus utility identification-Utility shut offs-Has been completed.
• Remaining buildings- Discussion on and with Director’s input will come up at a later
date.
VIII. Old Business
A. HSN and DAS Comprehensive Shelter Study
Ms. Hyland- “I understand what you are saying about working on programs. The comprehensive
shelter study was done to identify and develop strategies for managing animal populations and
increasing the quality of services provided by DAS. There was supposed to be reviews and a
summary given on what the result of that study was. What was the result of that?”
Ms. Patterson- “Are you talking about Maddie’s report or the HSN collaboration?”
Ms. Hyland- “From last June. Partnership with HSN to complete a comprehensive shelter
management study. Not to exceed $200k in fees.”
Ms. Patterson- “There was money allocated to the management study that included a staffing
element that included up to 75K, the remaining money is in the partnership with HSN for animal
care including Medical and surgeries. The largest component of our partnership with HSN was
an embedded staff member to mentor the then director. When the director was removed HSN
stepped in to help provide that guidance and assistance to the staff to keep the shelter open and
animals cared for. There is a draft study that we are working through that will be published,
similar to Maddie’s report, talking about best practices to the housing, cleaning and veterinary
care for the animals.”
Ms. Antonia- “Per this executive summary, were there any strategies or development for
managing animal populations?”
Ms. Patterson- “Yes, they are all of the ones that are being implemented now. Having veterinary
services that provide high volume spay/neuter, good disease prevention policies. Having
isolation space for sick animals.”
Discussion continued on the option of expanding the board or staying within the limits of the
ordinance.
Mr. Schantzen- “On the HSN Comprehensive study- Do you have anything else you want to
add?”
Ms. Hyland- “No”
Mr. Schantzen – “We are going to move on to the county managers presentation, thank you for
your time.”
X. New business
A. County Attorney and County Manager Presentation.
Jeff Glasgow- County Attorney- “Here to talk about what you are supposed to do vs what you
actually”
Mr. Glasgow- read through 3 slides provided to board ASAB Meeting 3/19/25
Mr. Glascow- “I had staff go back 20 years of minutes and records, not a single time, single
instance where this board made a recommendation to board of county commissioners. “
Mr. Schantzen – “Do you want questions on this or get to the finish?”
Mr. Glascow- “Let me finish and then I’ll take any questions.” “We took a look at minutes from
March, February and December. Two things going on, discussion members and public. You got
the ability to bring the public in if you like, recommends letting people have their say. My
recommendation is always let people have their say, board would give people 3 minutes, let them
talk and remind them after if they like, we don’t have those powers and duties. Most of your
discussions are policy and procedure. “
Slide presented- ASAB meeting 12-18-24
Read through slide from 12/18/24 meeting.
Mr. Glascow- “None of this are within your powers and duties, next slide.”
Slide presented- ASAB meeting 2-26-25
Read through slide from 2-26-25 meeting.
Mr. Glascow- “None of this is within your purview”
Slide presented ASAB meeting notes 3-19-25
Read through slide from 3-19-25 Meeting.
Mr. Glascow- “none of this is within your purview. I have been to these meetings off and on for
17 years. A lot of the stuff I have heard, what do we do about feral cats, that’s a staff issue not
your issue. “
Slide presented- Options going forward. Read through 3 options on slide.
Mr. Glascow - “If you want to talk about this stuff I am ok with it, commissioners are ok with it,
but give yourself that ability to discuss different issues, that you don’t have right now. It’s the
honest approach. The dishonest approach is talking about it outside the purview of the ordinance.
That’s my brief presentation. Happy to take any questions. “
B. Discussion of efficacy of DAS Board and discussion of dissolving board.
Ms. Mehas- “I have also been attending these meetings for many years, and I think what this
board has done, the reason I got involved, we aren’t just rubber stamping something and sitting
here doing nothing, I got on this board to make a difference. We try to make things happen, we
have an exemplary executive director, so let’s widen what we have to do, I never felt that I
personally should be the one to go to the commissioners. That would be something either the
chair would or”
Mr. Glascow - “That needs a board recommendation, if you want to discuss that as an item, make
a recommendation to the board, board will say yes or no, that’s the proper approach to take.”
Ms. Mehas – “Well then that’s what I’m saying, because that is what we’re doing, and we need
to keep doing what we’re doing were making a difference.”
Mr. Schantzen- “If I may move on to more comments, other members.”
Ms. Antonia- “what’s confusing about all of that is everything that we were doing and supposed
to be doing we’ve had direction from the commissioners to work on certain things like
enforcement and ordinances, help with all that since I can remember. No one ever said we had to
come to the commissioners for approval to broaden that. It’s what we have always been doing. If
you’re saying none of that is within the purview then what really is. We are not involved with the
construction, no one comes here to ask for suggestions or recommendations. We hear from
volunteers, the things that are not working, asking for specific things. They keep asking because
it doesn’t happen.”
Mr. Glascow -“ First, If the board gives this board directive to do something , of course you do
it, then you make a recommendation to the board which you don’t do. If the board says they want
you to look into amending the ordinance, talk about it and then give a recommendation to the
board. 2nd- Your ordinance is very narrow in its scope. To make recommendations to the board
and to look at construction.” Right now you are not in compliance with the ordinance.”
Ms. Antonia- “If we want to do that can we do it tonight? Make a recommendation that we
broaden the scope of what the board does to include everything?”
Mr. Schantzen - “It’s not an agenda item”
Mr. Glascow - “It has to be an agenda item that is publicly noticed”
Mr. Schantzen - “Publicly noticed agenda item”
Mr. Glascow - “So people can come here and comment”
Ms. Antonia- “Ok so do we make a recommendation to add it to the agenda”
Mr. Schantzen - “We can ask the board if that’s an item they want to add. To future agenda”
Ms. Antonia- “Can we vote to add it to the next agenda?”
Mr. Schantzen – “We are moving on following the agenda. We have other people waiting to
speak.”
Ms. Antonia- “When in the meeting can we do that?
Mr. Schantzen -“Not at this point in time”
Mr. Glascow – “You can do it under new business.”
Discussion continued about expanding the responsibilities of the board. Making it publicly
noticed to allow people to participate as an action item to the agenda.
Mr. Schantzen- “For the record, before I joined the board I read the ordinance and understood it
100%. This discussion about getting into regulations on subcommittees is not a board function
it’s a private citizen function. What you see in the historical research he (Jeff) has done is that we
have not been, what is, in the ordinance. I agree if we want to expand it we do to the board of
county commissioners through a motion with an executive summary, then they would
approve/deny. If you look at the scope of the ordinance dictates what we are supposed to be
doing it has to do with on campus situations. Facilities, policies, procedures, personnel
recommendations.”
Mr. Schantzen -Requested copies of the power point presentations.
Mr. Glascow – “As far as going to the board, your staff Leason can help you, my office will help,
if you ask us, we will assist.”
Mr. Schantzen - “We did push those buttons this past week. We have had dialogue about it, but it
hasn’t reached the powers that are. “
Mr. Glascow -“I am the attorney for all the boards, part of my functions and duties is to support
you, if you want to take an executive summary to the board, I would be happy to help.”
Discussion continued about expanding the responsibility of the board.
Mr. Schantzen - “We thank you for the input and if we can have backup copies of the
presentation that would help.”
Mr. Glascow- “The Staff person will get them for you.”
City Manager- Amy Patterson
Ms. Patterson- “If you are looking to expand the powers and duties of this committee, we need
to be able to explain what we are doing with the ones that are already assigned to you. Will be
difficult to expand the powers and duties if you do not want to address the ones that we currently
have. We need help with those” Amy asked to review the slides again Section 2-1121 for
Functions, powers and duties. If the idea is that we want crossover between this board, code
enforcement and the special magistrate, it’s not something as a staff we want to do. It would
duplicate effort and creates confusion. Having an animal representative on the code enforcement
board is an excellent idea.”
Ms. Patterson - clarified what DAS needs assistance with that the board is allowed to work on
per their ordinance.
• Make recommendations on things for the public. Providing classes and special events, put
the positive forward face on DAS and to bring people to DAS. They still think we are the
kill shelter of the 90’s.
• Public outreach, campaigns for topics on microchips, spay/neuter, vaccines, first time pet
owner.
• Facility- We can use input on improving the facility. When we kick off into the next
phase of what to do with the remaining buildings, your input will be super valuable.
Mr. Foerster- “Can we just clarify, when you are talking about programs services and special
events that the board should be focused on helping create strategies for micro chipping,
spay/neuter events, talking to the community about what DAS does specifically, and not for
talking about ordinances or things like that?
Ms. Patterson – “Yes, that regulatory piece, we have a regulatory arm now that will be prepared.
Those are public meetings as well.”
Ms. Mehas - Thanked Amy. “I have done fundraising, event planning, marketing. I have asked if
I can do marketing, I have mentioned we need to be everywhere that the sheriff’s department is. I
have requested a county calendar. This is why I am on the board. “
Mr. Schantzen – “With that we agree, you agree, we should stay within our venue. The things
the ordinances says, not to go off in these other environments.”
Ms. Mehas – “I agree with expanding. People still think we are the old DAS. I fight that every
day on social media.”
Mr. Schantzen – “That point is taken. We understand where that passion is. It does fit within the
preview. Let’s move on.”
A. Frequent return-to-Owner Protocol
Mr. Foerster – “Mr. Chair may I ask, how we see this particular item fitting into the
purview of the ordinance as written.”
Mr. Schantzen – “The frequent return to owner protocol. It has to do with the front
counter.”
Mr. Foerster – “As I read the ordinance that does not fit the purview of the board.” Mr.
Glascow – “It’s an in house operational thing.”
Mr. Foerster- “I don’t want us to say we are going to do this thing and then immediately
go off the rails.”
Mr. Schantzen – “I honor your point Sir.”
Mr. Foerster – “It’s your discretion. I’m just asking that question”
Mr. Schantzen - “We put together the agenda and this is an item that was in the agenda.
But I agree it is not a discussion item.”
Ms. Antonia – “I just want to remind you for the public speakers on any items pertaining
to new business. Reminded anyone on Zoom if they would like to speak please comment
they would like to speak.”
Public speaker- Heidi Leroy
Ms. Leroy- “You agreed that under new business you would request additional powers
and duties so that you can get into the ordinances.”
Mr. Schantzen – “that was a discussion about where we might put it.”
Ms. Antonia – “He said to put it under new business”
Ms. Leroy- “So we are in new business I want to make sure if we can address it before
we get off new business.”
Mr. Schantzen – “It’s an agenda item.”
Ms. Antonia – “It’s an agenda item when? He said we can talk about it in new business”
Mr. Schantzen- “We are not moved out of new business yet. I am going for public
comments on the agenda items.”
No further public comments.
Ms. Antonia – “Why isn’t this in the purview- This is when animals come to the shelter,
their return to owner correct? This is part of the shelter procedures, why isn’t this under
our purview.”
Mr. Foerster - “Mr. Glasgow explained that is an operational decision and this board is
not organized to make operational decisions.”
Mr. Schantzen – “It’s been on an approved agenda. I will honor it.”
Ms. Mehas- “This is under a bigger umbrella. For frequent return to owners- Repeat
offenders should have fines that increase. If they want to surrender the animal we should
allow them and we will find them new homes.”
Ms. McClean - “The fines do rise with the number of impounds we have. You have 1st,
2nd and 3rd offense. There is an increased fine based on how many times they have been
in the shelter.
Ms. Mehas – “Do you have what the dollar amounts are?”
Ms. McClean – “I don’t but I can send them to you”
Ms. Mehas – “Ok. We still bring them in and fix them if they are not fixed?”
Ms. McClean – “They would have been fixed on their first out, unless they have an
exemption.”
Mr. Schantzen – “If I may, that protocol of fine escalation, is that pre-determined by the
BOCC or is that”
Ms. McClean – “That is the fee schedule that was approved by the BOCC, when I don’t
know, but Fee schedules can be looked at.”
Mr. Schantzen- “That’s in the near future to review those?”
Ms. McClean – “It’s something we could talk about, yes.”
Discussion about repeat, returned pets
Ms. McClean – “Currently, we cannot run a report that shows repeat offenders currently,
but I have someone working on a project to see what percentage of animals that come
into the shelter are repeat offenders.”
Mr. Foerster – “The way that we can address this under our purview, to talk about a
marketing campaign about fencing, microchipping about spay/neutering that all fall under
the scope of what we are allowed to discuss currently. Then we can make a
recommendation to the board.”
Mr. Schantzen- “For future when we get to these issues that hit the agenda. We should
look at avenues or work arounds. To come up with creative ideas before we discuss. Next
meeting is 6/18/2025. Dates for Code enforcement hearing dates are listed.”
Discussion took place on local meetings that are available.
XI. Advisory Board Member Comments
Ms. Mehas – ”Getting volunteers- making up an information flyer to distribute to the
high schools and colleges to see if they want to get their community service credits to
volunteer. Would you mind having a seasonal volunteer?”
Ms. McClean – “Volunteer age is 18”
Ms. Mehas – “So that would be Senior or College kids?”
Ms. McClean – “Basically. They do have the opportunity to come to orientation and get
hours at any time. We have a community service program and are working on additional
opportunities with kids that are not old enough to help as well.”
Ms. Mehas – “Can we get it out to the local colleges then?”
Ms. McClean- “We can share our next volunteer orientation date with all the schools”
Ms. Mehas – “You are getting the job done at the shelter and they are getting their
community service hours, they will tell their friends and it could have a domino effect.”
Ms. McClean – “They can also foster.”
Ms. Hyland – “Did we get an update on the billboard idea?”
Mr. Schantzen- “Nothing on the billboard from the Sheriff.”
Ms. Hyland- “Someone was supposed to ask for us”
Ms. McClean – “We have started conversations about additional marketing pieces, but
nothing on billboards yet.”
Ms. Hyland – “Update on communication help for volunteers with walkie talkies?”
Mr. Schantzen- “yes, we have radios in all shelters”
Ms. Hyland – “The flooring issue they had concerns with?”
Mr. Schantzen- “I spoke with the facilities, they are modifying the application and
additives.”
Ms. Hyland – “Is the policies and procedures manual completed yet?”
Mr. Schantzen- “We are into an inquisition now, we didn’t put these particular questions
on the agenda because we still have to research and evaluate to give accurate information.
It is in progress.”
XII Next Meeting
A. Wednesday June 18th, 2025
XIII. Additional Resource Materials
A. Code Enforcement hearing dates
Ms. Hyland- “Who is the contact person if we want to know who is doing inspections for
Breeders and pet stores?”
Mr. Schantzen- “Let me explain, this heading is board members comments, not
inquisitions.”
Ms. Hyland – “So how do we get this information then?”
Mr. Schantzen- “You petition to get it on the agenda”
Ms. Hyland – “I cant put this on the agenda because it was on there and it was taken off.
Who do I contact to ask who that person is?”
Mr. Schantzen- “I have no idea, because it’s not in our purview, it’s a code enforcement
issue.”
Ms. Hyland – “So who in code enforcement do I call?”
Mr. Schantzen- “I would say call code enforcement for those questions. Because this
DAS board has nothing to do with the inspections.”
B. Community Task for Meeting Dates
Alan referenced material in their packets that had information on the dates. Did not
discuss in meeting.
C. Executive Summary Hobby Breeder Ordinance
Ms. Hyland- “I was just asking for a contact person. At the commissioner meeting you
said something was passed, what was passed?”
Mr. Schantzen- “That was the Hobby breeder ordinance, the executive summary passed,
not the ordinance.”
Discussion took place on recent board member leaving.
Mr. Foerster -” I will unfortunately be submitting my resignation from the board for
professional reasons. I have been appointed to another board that is part of the
industry I work in. I appreciate the passion of everyone who has been in this room.”
Discussion took place on a small fundraiser for shelter that happened in the past
Mr. Foerster- moved to end the meeting.
XIV. Adjourn
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was
concluded at 8:04pm