2018-11-07 MinutesDENTON ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
Minutes from November 7, 2018
I. Present: Paul O’Neill, Lt. Hildebrand, Anne Sullivan, Charles Hunter, Tara Frank,
Dr. Angie Paben, Diana Leggett
Guests: Tiffany Thomson, Randi Weinberg, Antonio Fuente, Bryan Langley
Absent: None
II. Called to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 11:37 a.m. by Paul O’Neill
III. Approval of June 12, 2018 minutes: A motion was made by Anne Sullivan,
seconded by Charles Hunter to approve the minutes as reviewed.
IV. Introduction of new members, current members and guests from the City of
Denton
New members – Diana Leggett and Tara Frank
City of Denton: Bryan Langley, Deputy City Manager; Antonio Fuentes, Chief
Financial Officer; Tiffany Thomson, Director of Customer Service; Randi Weinberg,
Customer Service Representative.
V. Denton Animal Shelter Reports – Paul O’Neill
A. Adoptions FY17/18 – 67.1% as of October 2018 56.4% with EU of 25.4% due to
outbreak of mycoplasma that affected the dog population. The shelter was closed
for several days to be disinfected. In addition, 48 cats out of 57 from a one
bedroom apartment owner release needed to be put down.
Included in the statistics was the passing of one dog due to excessive heat and
lack of shade or water. Shades have since been purchased, procedures changed.
Diana Leggett suggested a review of other shelters for trends compared to our
goals. Paul O’Neill will follow-up on.
Anne Sullivan asked why the advisory committee was not notified.
Diana Leggett wanted to know about the ventilation system and if the vents are
being cleaned regularly.
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B. FIV/FeLV Testing for cats started November 1. They are working on
protocols, and will be talking to adopters about it until other options are
available.. It was suggested they put that information on the DAS web site.
C.Staffing- three ACO positions were filled last week. They still have one more
position to fill.
D.Organizational Issues: The Animal Shelter will now be under the direction of
Customer Service. Antonio Fuentes has done a comprehensive financial study on
ACO positions and staff levels in order to be more competitive in salaries and
operate more professionally.
Tiffany Thomson has conducted weekly staff meeting on retraining with a more
customer service approach, monitoring Pet Finder and having pictures and correct
information posted. To that extent she has several of her employees working part-
time at the shelter. Randi is monitoring voice mail.
This transition will be a learning curve for everyone, a divide and conquer
approach, to ensure operational needs are met and information is provided in a
timely manner. Meetings will be held weekly.
Bryan Langley stated a review of exit interviews and discussions with individuals
showed a lack of procedures, and communications. They have a proactive plan of
action with meetings to discuss where they are going and how to get there. An
outside consultant will come in to do an objective assessment of the animal
shelter. Diana Leggett asked to be included.
A question was asked about the gates in the exercise yard, how the dogs got out
and what has been done to repair or replace the locks. One dog was killed after
being hit by a car, two dogs are still missing. Facilities Department has already
been out to see what can be done and several suggestions were made at the
meeting.
Diana Leggett asked if the Animal Control trucks cargo areas for the animals had
air conditioning, they don’t.
VI. Old Business
A. Term Limits for Committee members
Kathleen Duffy reported that her term will end August 2019.
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VII. New Business
A. None requested.
VIII. Adjourned
The meeting was adjourned at 12:58 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathleen Duffy
The next Denton Animal Shelter Advisory Committee meeting has not been
scheduled; it will include agenda items: updates, posting agendas, voting on a new
chair and volunteer appreciation.
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