- Home
- Government
- Departments A - F
- Animal Services
- How Do I...
- Get Involved
- Advisory Board
- Recent Agendas and Meeting Minutes
Recent Agendas and Meeting Minutes
ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB)
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Community Room at Animal Services
PROPOSED AGENDA
- Welcome
- Monthly Meeting Attendance Record (confirm completion)
- Review and adoption of meeting agenda
- Review and approval of JUNE 18, 2025 ASAB meeting summary
- Public Participation Guidelines
- General public comments on items not on the agenda (3-minute limit)
New Business
- Pet Sanford Grant Discussion
- ASAB Orientation for New Members Discussion
- Youth Enrichment Program Introduction
- Dog Training Program Update
Animal Services Advisory Board
- Report on current vacancies as of August 2025
Old Business
Information Items
- OCAS developments from Director, Elizabeth Overcash
Informal discussion
ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB)
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Community Room at OCAS
1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
MEMBERS PRESENT: Allan Polak (Chair), Debby Hill (Vice Chair), Dr. Lee Picket, Judy Miller, Annie Goldberg, Mary Lucas (Secretary), Mike Dempsey, Cathy Munnier, Dawn Roberts
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mike Delafield, Kim Rider
STAFF PRESENT: Elizabeth Overcash (Director), Krista Watkins (Business Officer)
PUBLIC PRESENT: Ellen Pearsall, Rhonda Patterson (pending ASAB At-Large member)
Call to order: 6:31 PM
Review and adoption of the meeting agenda:
- Allan Polak proposed addition of items to the agenda under Old Business: I Care license
plate discussion, Wild and Dangerous Legislation, Employee Appreciation Day briefing.
Vote and Motion/2nd:
- Allan Polack: Motion
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Cathy Munnier: Aye
- Dawn Roberts: Aye
- Debby Hill: 2nd
- July Miller: Aye
- Kim Rider: Absent
- Lee Pickett: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Aye
- Mike Delafield: Absent
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
Review and approval of 6/18 ASAB meeting summary:
- Judy Miller noted that Annie Goldberg was incorrectly listed as present in the notes. Approval noting that edit.
Vote and Motion/2nd:
- Allan Polack: Motion
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Cathy Munnier: 2nd
- Dawn Roberts: Aye
- Debby Hill: Aye
- July Miller: Aye
- Kim Rider: Absent
- Lee Pickett: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Aye
- Mike Delafield: Absent
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
Public participation guidelines:
- Two members of public present - Ellen Pearsall and Rhonda Patterson (pending ASAB At-Large member). Allan shared they are free to participate, and comments are limited to 3 minutes.
New Business:
- Pat Sanford Grant - Elizabeth Overcash shared that this is the last year of the grant, but Elliott Cramer would like to continue to fund it if Chatham and Durham are able to participate. Discussion was had about who is the administrator of the grant, number of applicants and the time spent for the board. Dr. Lee Picket noted that as a part of the ASAB policies and procedures it specifically states that our charge is for Orange County. Allan made the motion to kindly respond to Elliott Cramer and share that due to county policies and charge as a board as defined by the County Commissioners, we cannot open it up to additional counties. Motion passed.
Vote and Motion/2nd about Pat Sanford Grant:
- Allan Polack: Motion
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Cathy Munnier: 2nd
- Dawn Roberts: No
- Debby Hill: Aye
- July Miller: No
- Kim Rider: Absent
- Lee Pickett: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Aye
- Mike Delafield: Absent
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
- ASAB Orientation - No update at this time. Will provide update during September meeting.
- Youth Enrichment Program Introduction:Program inspired after “Eyes, Ears, Nose and Paws.” Elizabeth and Rhonda have been talking to a juvenile center (Durham County Youth Home) about allowing programming for kids (ages 10-18) that incorporates shelter animals. Unsure of frequency and further details. Both teams need to look at liability and legal guidelines. Next meeting between the groups is September 15.
- Allan applauds the initiative and asks what we can do to support. Elizabeth shared not much help needed for now - working through details.
- Dr. Pickett offered advice - she worked on a similar program where she placed fosters in a youth home. She can share the details she has from that program.
- Dog Training Program Update: Cathy shared that the program is on pause due to staffing challenges and timing. Will check back in the spring on this topic.
- Elizabeth stated that the Shelter is offering dog and cat basic ownership classes - how to prepare your home, what to expect, etc. Dog Class starts in September, first Cat Class went very well.
- The shelter is surveying volunteers to see what needs are in terms of training. The goal is to extend this program out long-term. Cathy offered her 1-1 assistance for anyone considering surrender due to behavior issues.
Animal Services Advisory Board: Vacancies as of August 2025: Veterinarian and At-Large
- Rhonda Patterson is still pending.
- Allan asked if there is a time limit before a vacancy becomes an issue. Krista will follow up.
Old Business:
- Employee Appreciation Day - Allan said it went well - good turnout. $100 spent. Will do donut and coffees in winter. Extra money donated to the shelter.
- I Care License Plate update- Dr. Pickett met with OCAS staff 6/24 to follow up on license plate process to see if there are ways to make it easier for all shelters to access the funds for low cost spay/neuter programs, especially those with less staff. Elizabeth is the legislative liaison for NC Animal Federation - she was going to propose to increase funds in the program at the legislature in the long session but shared it could be difficult.
- Dr. Pickett suggests ASAB members acquire I Care license plates and post on social media your support - tagging the shelter.
- ASAB attorney- Dr. Pickett shared that Wild and Dangerous ordinance updates (listed below) that the ASAB suggested in the past have been sitting with the attorney for some time. Dr. Pickett wants to ask the attorney if we could move forward at a county level update instead of statewide. Elizabeth shared she has to work with the attorney on ordinance updates later this year and it could be a good time to regroup on this topic then.
- Division 4: Display of Wild, Wild and Dangerous, and Exotic Animals
- Division 5: keeping of Wild and Dangerous Animals
Information Items (Director Overcash’s Report):
- 30 dogs in the shelter, 31 cats. 1/3 of the cats are adopted and awaiting spay/neuter
- 35 dogs and 68 cats in foster.
- Saturday 8/23 is open house - clear the shelters event with community partners.
- Clinic is now open for owned animals in Orange County. Had license since March, but planning has taken time. Not advertising further due to funding.
- Dawn offered her help, resources and time in setting up system for bloodwork in the shelter.
- Recruiting for new program called “Safe Foster.” Helps find long term fosters for owners in crisis - not adoptable animals.
- New play yard is up and running!
- New Program Manager starts Monday 8/26.
Informal Discussion:
- Allan donated ice cream truck money to the shelter. His daughter is doing a project to raise awareness of the shelter and hopes to bring in more donations.
- Dangerous dog hearing occurred in Chapel Hill. Finding was upheld.
Adjournment: Allan motioned to adjourn, Cathy 2nd, all in favor. Meeting adjourned 8:05 p.m.
ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB)
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Community Room at Animal Services
Proposed Agenda
- Welcome
- Monthly Meeting Attendance Record (confirm completion)
- Review and adoption of meeting agenda
- Review and approval of AUGUST 20, 2025 ASAB meeting summary
- Public Participation Guidelines
- General public comments on items not on the agenda (3-minute limit)
- New Business
- Enrichment Program
- Fundraising by Mira Polak
- Pat Sanford Grant Discussion
- Learning Opportunities with Shelter Staff
- Animal Services Advisory Board
- Report on current vacancies as of August 2025
- Appointment of Rhonda Patterson by BOCC at September 16, 2025 Meeting
- Appointment of Dr. Ashley Robertson by BOCC at September 16, 2025 Meeting
- Review of Ellen Pearsall’s Application
- Old Business
- ASAB Orientation for New Members Update
- Wild & Dangerous Legislation Update
- Information Items
- OCAS developments from Director, Elizabeth Overcash
- Informal discussion
- Accompanying Documents
- Proposed Summary of August 2025 Meeting
- Dr. Ashley Robertson Database Application
- Ellen Pearsall Database Application
ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB)
6:30pm to 8:00pm
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Community Room at OCAS
1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516
MEMBERS PRESENT: Allan Polak (Chair), Dr. Lee Pickett, Judy Miller, Annie Goldberg, Mike Dempsey, Dawn Roberts, Kim Rider, Mike Delafield, Rhonda Patterson and Dr. Ashley Robertson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Debby Hill (Vice Chair), Mary Lucas (Secretary), Cathy Munnier
STAFF PRESENT: Elizabeth Overcash (Director), Krista Watkins (Business Officer)
PUBLIC PRESENT: Ellen Pearsall
Call to Order: 6:31pm
Review and adoption of the meeting agenda
- Allan Polak proposed 3 new agenda items under new business: his daughter’s fundraising outcome, the Pat Sanford Award, and Learning Opportunities for the board
- Rhonda Patterson proposed a new agenda item under New Business: Enrichment Program update
- Dr. Pickett proposed a new agenda item: following up on her homework assignment researching legislation about the Wild and Dangerous ordinance
ASAB Member votes on adoption of the meeting agenda
- Allan Polak: Motion
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Cathy Munnier: Absent
- Dawn Roberts: Absent for Vote
- Debby Hill: Absent
- Judy Miller: 2nd
- Kim Rider: Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett: Aye
- Dr. Ashley Robertson: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Absent
- Mike Delafield: Aye
- Rhonda Patterson: Aye
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
Caption: ASAB Member votes on adoption of the meeting agenda
Review and approval of 8/20 ASAB Meeting Summary
- Rhonda Patterson asked for 2 adjustments on the previous month’s minutes
- Change “modeled” to “inspired by”
- Add “Durham” to name of youth home
Review and approval of 8/20 ASAB Meeting Summary – Votes
- Allan Polak: Motion
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Cathy Munnier: Absent
- Dawn Roberts: Absent for Vote
- Debby Hill: Absent
- Judy Miller: Aye
- Kim Rider: 2nd
- Dr. Lee Pickett: Aye
- Dr. Ashley Robertson: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Absent
- Mike Delafield: Aye
- Ronda Patterson: Aye
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
Caption: Review and approval of 8/20 ASAB Meeting Summary
Public Participation Guidelines
- One member of the public present- Ellen Pearsall. Limit of 3 minutes at today’s meeting. Can submit more information by email for inclusion as an agenda item for discussion at a future meeting.
General Public Comments (not on agenda): None
Monthly Meeting Attendance Record: Confirmed through approval of meeting minutes
New Business
- Review of Ellen Pearsall’s Application
- Allan shared that because there is some turnover in board seats, the board should go ahead and review Ellen Pearsall’s application and submit her for recommendation to the county commissioners, so she is already in the system if a spot becomes available. Dr. Pickett agreed that this would be a good idea, and it would expedite the process. She suggested the board vote to make a recommendation to the county commissioners. Allan made the motion to make a recommendation to the county commissioners for Ellen Pearsall’s application. Motion passed.
Vote on Ellen Pearsall’s Application
- Allan Polak: Motion
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Cathy Munnier: Absent
- Dawn Roberts: Aye
- Debby Hill: Absent
- Judy Miller: Aye
- Kim Rider: 2nd
- Dr. Lee Pickett: Aye
- Dr. Ashley Robertson: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Absent
- Mike Delafield: Aye
- Rhonda Patterson: Aye
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
Caption: Vote on Ellen Pearsall’s Application
Enrichment Program Update
Elizabeth is working on creating protocols and procedures for the legal department to review for the enrichment program partnership with Durham County Youth Home. She reported that the lawyers came back with questions, which she took as a promising sign. Elizabeth thinks it will still be another 2-3 months before this program is fully up and running. She would love to see an assembly at the youth home to kick off the program and get the kids excited about this new opportunity. Rhonda added that she is happy to help Elizabeth write these protocols to help support the implementation of this program.
Fundraising
Allan’s daughter completed a service project for her bat mitzvah to benefit Orange County Animal Shelter. While the total amount raised is not known yet, Krista reported that there has been an uptick in donations recently.
Pat Sanford Grant
Allan suggested we have the county commissioners issue a proclamation thanking Elliott Cramer for his dedication to the shelter and funding this grant for the community. Lee said that the board could actually issue our own and ask the county commissioners to endorse it. Lee is going to draft the proclamation wording, and it will be resolved via email in the next few weeks.
Allan made a motion to create a proclamation thanking Elliott Cramer for the great work he’s done for OCAS and Lee will work on the proclamation wording. Motion passed.
Vote on motion to create a proclamation thanking Elliott Cramer
- Allan Polak: Motion
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Cathy Munnier: Absent
- Dawn Roberts: Aye
- Debby Hill: Absent
- Judy Miller: Aye
- Kim Rider: Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett: Aye
- Dr. Ashley Robertson: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Absent
- Mike Delafield: 2nd
- Rhonda Patterson: Aye
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
Caption: Vote on motion to create a proclamation thanking Elliott Cramer
Learning Opportunities
Allan shared that in the past, different employees from the shelter have attended board meetings to share about their responsibilities. He would like to bring this back; however, he does not want to extend anyone’s day far past their end time. Elizabeth shared that most employees work 8-5 or 9-6 and can be flexible with their days. She is confident that employees would enjoy taking part in this opportunity and she can have a volunteer attend the next board meeting.
Animal Services Advisory Board
Vacancies as of September 2025: We currently have no vacant seats on the board
Old Business
- ASAB Orientation Video: No update at this time
- Wild and Dangerous Legislation
- Lee researched legislation about wild and dangerous animals and it turns out a law was adopted, but she believes it needs 2 small fixes. Elizabeth says she is working on these fixes.
Information Items (Director Overcash’s Report)
- 30 dogs in shelter and 31 cats
- Orange County Animal Services seems to be one of the only shelters in the area that is not full
- 37 adoptions took place at the open house event
- Caswell County reached out about helping to house some of their animals while they get their floors redone and Orange County was able to take 6 dogs, Elizabeth reported it was really nice to have the flexibility in space to help out a shelter in need
- Rabies clinic on 10/25
- Shelter received a grant for free vaccines for dogs and cats to assist community in November
- Elizabeth is planning a silent auction fundraiser in the spring to raise money for the shelter, and asked board members to think of any connections they have for either donations or a venue
- Allan mentioned that it might be nice to hold it at the shelter so people can see the organization they are supporting, venue rentals can also be very expensive
- Rhonda mentioned Extraordinary Ventures, but wants to check if they are still operating
- Lee mentioned the Sports Plex
- Judy mentioned one of the public libraries
Informal Discussion
- The board is going to check previous board meeting minutes to see if a review committee was established for the Pat Sanford Grant
Adjournment
Adjournment: Allan motioned to adjourn, Mike 2nd, all in favor, meeting adjourned 7:34pm
ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB)
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Community Room at Animal Services
Proposed Agenda
- Welcome
- Monthly Meeting Attendance Record (confirm completion)
- Review and adoption of meeting agenda
- Review and approval of SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 ASAB meeting summary
- Public Participation Guidelines
- General public comments on items not on the agenda (3-minute limit)
- New Business
- Boards and Commissions 2026 Annual Report and Work Plan
- Animal Services Advisory Board
- Report on current vacancies as of October 2025
- Old Business
- Pat Sanford Grant
- Dr. Elliot Cramer Pat Sanford Proclamation
- Information Items
- Information Session from Marcus Gamez, Senior Animal Control Officer
- OCAS developments from Director, Elizabeth Overcash
- Informal discussion
Accompanying Documents
- Proposed Summary of September Meeting
- Pat Sanford Grant Description
- Pat Sanford Concept Plan
- Pat Sandford Grant Applications
- Alpha Services Nonprofit Organization OCNC
- Carolina Boxer Rescue
- Crisis Dogs NC
- Independent Animal Rescue
- Longleaf Animal Rescue
- Pet Pals NC
- Rehome OC
- Feline Good Team
- Pat Sanford Grant Previous Winners
- Dr. Elliot Cramer Pat Sanford Proclamation
- Boards and Commissions 2026 Annual Report and Work Plan Template
- Information for Completion of the Annual Report and Work Plan
Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB)
6:30-8pm
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 Community Room at OCAS
1601 Eubanks Rd. Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Members Present: Allan Polak (Chair), Debby Hill (Vice Chair), Dr. Lee Pickett, Dr. Ashley Robertson, Judy Miller, Annie Goldberg, Mike Dempsey, Kim Rider, Mike Delafield, Rhonda Patterson (Virtual), Cathy Munnier
Members Absent: Dawn Roberts, Mary Lucas
Staff Present: Elizabeth Overcash (Director), Krista Watkins (Business Officer), Senior Animal Control Officer Marcus Gamez (ACO)
Public Present: Ellen Pearsall
Call to Order: 6:32pm
Review and adoption of Meeting Agenda:
- Allan Polak – Motion
- Debby Hill – Aye
- Annie Goldberg – Second
- Cathy Munnier – Aye
- Dawn Roberts – Absent
- Judy Miller – Aye
- Kim Rider – Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett – Aye
- Dr. Ashley Robertson – Aye
- Mary Lucas – Absent
- Mike Delafield – Aye
- Rhonda Patterson – Aye
- Mike Dempsey – Aye
Review and Adoption of September 2025 Meeting Summary:
Members mentioned a typo on page 5; Rhonda’s name was spelled incorrectly. Allan motioned to approve agenda with the correction of the typo.
- Allan Polak – Motion
- Debby Hill – Aye
- Annie Goldberg – Aye
- Cathy Munnier – Second
- Dawn Roberts – Absent
- Judy Miller – Aye
- Kim Rider – Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett – Aye
- Dr. Ashley Robertson – Aye
- Mary Lucas – Absent
- Mike Delafield – Aye
- Rhonda Patterson – Aye
- Mike Dempsey – Aye
Public Participation Guidelines:
One member of the public present-Ellen Pearsall. Limit of 3 minutes at today's meeting.
General Public Comments (not on agenda): None
Monthly Meeting Attendance Record: no vacancies. Typo for Allan his expiration of term is 6/2028.
Everyone can serve 2 terms, and the Veterinarian can serve 3 if from Board of Health.
New Business:
Create subcommittee for Pat Sanford Grant award presentation and present winner at next meeting.
Motion to form subcommittee:
- Allan Polak – Motion
- Debby Hill – Aye
- Annie Goldberg – Aye
- Cathy Munnier – Aye
- Dawn Roberts – Absent
- Judy Miller – Second
- Kim Rider – Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett – Aye
- Dr. Ashley Robertson – Aye
- Mary Lucas – Absent
- Mike Delafield – Aye
- Rhonda Patterson – Aye
- Mike Dempsey – Aye
Senior Animal Control Officer Marcus Gamez Presentation:
Key takeaways:
- Animal Control Officer at OCAS since 2015
- Primary responsibilities include enforcing laws, statues, providing rabies vaccines in the field, educating citizens on resources available.
- Very happy with positive changes at OCAS
- 5-7 animal control officers available for calls Monday – Friday from 8am-5pm
- Enjoys community outreach and going to schools and interacting with students
- Priority is to reunite pet with owner rather than bring to OCAS
- Gets about 10 calls per week
- Clinic at OCAS is very valuable to people who cannot take pets to vet or for pets who need emergency care in house
- Animal hoarding is still an issue but not as much as previously
- Enjoys his job and providing resources to pet owners
- His most unique situation was a call from the sheriff's department about a Ball Python loose in a house and had to tear house apart to find. Thankfully he had a snake handling class that taught him how to handle the snakes and overcome his fear.
- The funniest call was for a chimpanzee in Durham, when he got to the home it was actually a rottweiler puppy in a costume.
Director Overcash’s Report:
- 25 dogs, 66 cats in shelter
- 30 dogs in foster and 102 cats
- Foster program has grown. Clinic in November for no cost vaccines
- Partnering with Paws4ever for fence program build for people in need. Paws4ever will provide fencing, and we supply the people in need. Goal is to keep animals in homes. The clinic is still growing, and the website is in development.
Old Business:
Pat Sanford Grant Subcommittee will be Judy, Cathy, Mike Dempsey, Director Overcash and Business Officer Krista. This is the first year the application was online, and we had many more applicants. The beneficiary must be in Orange County.
Motion to appoint committee made by Debby:
- Allan Polak – Aye
- Debby Hill – Motion
- Annie Goldberg – Aye
- Cathy Munnier – Aye
- Dawn Roberts – Absent
- Judy Miller – Aye
- Kim Rider – Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett – Aye
- Dr. Ashley Robertson – Second
- Mary Lucas – Absent
- Mike Delafield – Aye
- Rhonda Patterson – Aye
- Mike Dempsey – Aye
Dr. Elliot Cramer Proclamation written by Dr. Pickett is approved by board with addition of recognition of Friends of the Orange County Animal Shelter within proclamation.
Board votes to approve addition::
- Allan Polak – Aye
- Debby Hill – Motion
- Annie Goldberg – Aye
- Cathy Munnier – Second
- Dawn Roberts – Absent
- Judy Miller – Aye
- Kim Rider – Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett – Aye
- Dr. Ashley Robertson – Aye
- Mary Lucas – Absent
- Mike Delafield – Aye
- Rhonda Patterson – Aye
- Mike Dempsey – Aye
Informal Discussion:
Attendance is important and we have the option to join online or phone. Thank you to Krista for the great print out about our terms
Meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm by Debby with a 2nd from Cathy. All members approved adjournment.
ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB)
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Community Room at Animal Services
Proposed Agenda:
- Welcome
- Monthly Meeting Attendance Record (confirm completion)
- Review and adoption of meeting agenda
- Review and approval of OCTOBER 15, 2025 ASAB meeting summary
- Public Participation Guidelines
- General public comments on items not on the agenda (3-minute limit)
- New Business
- Pat Sanford Grant Recipient Announcement
- Staff Winter Appreciation Discussion
- Dog Training Update
- Animal Services Advisory Board
- Report on current vacancies as of November 2025
- Old Business
- Boards and Commissions 2026 Annual Report Progress Update: Due no later than Friday, January 16, 2026
- Information Items
- OCAS developments from Director, Elizabath Overcash
- Information Session from Sydney Herron, Program Manager
- Informal discussion
- Accompanying Documents
- Proposed Summary of October 2025 Meeting
- Boards and Commissions 2026 Annual Report and Work Plan Draft
- Information for Completion of the Annual Report and Work Plan
- ASAB 2026 Meeting Schedule
Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB)
Meeting Summary
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Community Room at OCAS, 1601 Eubanks Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Attendance
Members Present
- Allan Polak (Chair)
- Debby Hill (Vice Chair)
- Cathy Munnier
- Annie Goldberg
- Dawn Roberts
- Mike Dempsey
- Dr. Lee Pickett
- Kim Rider
- Judy Miller
- Mike Delafield
- Dr. Ashley Robertson
- Mary Lucas
Members Absent
Rhonda Patterson
Staff Present
- Elizabeth Overcash (Director)
- Krista Watkins (Business Officer)
- Sydney Herron (Program Manager)
Public Present
- Ellen Pearsal
- Dr. Ann Brady
Call to Order
Call to order at 6:31 p.m.
Review and Adoption of the Meeting Agenda
Review and adoption of the meeting agenda: Adding to new business - Staff Appreciation and under old business - Training and Group lasses.
Vote Record
- Cathy Munnier — Aye
- Annie Goldberg — Aye
- Dawn Roberts — Aye
- Mike Dempsey — Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett — Aye
- Kim Rider — Aye
- Judy Miller — Second
- Mike Delafield — Aye
- Allan Polak — Motion
- Debby Hill — Aye
- Dr. Ashley Robertson — Aye
- Mary Lucas — Aye
Review and Approval of October 15, 2025 Meeting Summary
Correction to name of the organization - Friends of the Orange County Animal Shelter.
Vote Record
- Cathy Munnier — Aye
- Annie Goldberg — Aye
- Dawn Roberts — Aye
- Mike Dempsey — Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett — Aye
- Kim Rider — Aye
- Judy Miller — Aye
- Mike Delafield — Aye
- Allan Polak — Motion
- Debby Hill — Second
- Dr. Ashley Robertson — Aye
- Mary Lucas — Aye
Public Participation Guidelines
Three-minute time limit per speaker. Additional information may be submitted by email for future agenda consideration.
General Public Comments (Not on Agenda)
None
New Business
Pat Sanford Grant
Committee formed with Judy, Cathy, Mike, Director Overcash and Krista at the last meeting. They met and made recommendations and recommended Longleaf Animal Rescue for the grant.
Vote on recommendation of Longleaf Animal Rescue for the Pat Sanford Grant.
- Cathy Munnier — Aye
- Annie Goldberg — Aye
- Dawn Roberts — Aye
- Mike Dempsey — Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett — Second
- Kim Rider — Aye
- Judy Miller — Aye
- Mike Delafield — Aye
- Allan Polak — Motion
- Debby Hill — Aye
- Dr. Ashley Robertson — Aye
- Mary Lucas — Abstained
Staff Appreciation
- coffee and donut holes. February for Valentine’s Day. Cathy will organize the event. Allan recommends reaching out to friends/family/public to recognize them further.
Training and Group Classes
- mentorship program underway. Three new trainers coming. Revisiting group classes - Elizabeth and Brian meeting to talk about a January start date.
Animal Services Advisory Board
No current vacancies.
Old Business
Boards and Commissions 2026 Annual Report
- Presenting in February or March. Form must be done no later than January 16.
- No formal committee in place, but Dr. Robertson, Allan and Debby are all going to work on this. Dr. Pickett shared that via email we could approve as a board.
Debby motioned for committee formation.
Vote Record (Committee Formation)
- Cathy Munnier — Second
- Annie Goldberg — Aye
- Dawn Roberts — Aye
- Mike Dempsey — Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett — Aye
- Kim Rider — Aye
- Judy Miller — Aye
- Mike Delafield — Aye
- Allan Polak — Aye
- Debby Hill — Motion
- Dr. Ashley Robertson — Aye
- Mary Lucas — Aye
Information Items
Presented by Director Elizabeth Overcash
- Tons of animals in foster great news - talking about the positive shift where most animals are in foster care.
- Rabies clinic this Saturday - free vaccines. $10 rabies shots 9-1pm Saturday.
- Silent auction coming in May - board could be very helpful in finding local businesses and vendors to contribute. Dr. Pickett suggested personal artwork. Allan will donate IT services.
- Sydney Herron - new Program Manager. She worked at Burlington.
- Dogs Playing for Life - seminar for playgroups. Level of enrichment that is a higher level - been very well received. Playgroups every weekday.
- Blood drive next week on November 26 - for humans
- Pet yoga classes with kittens. 6 participants raised $120 the first month - covers medical treatments. 16 participants in the second month and raised $425
- Healing Hearts Giving Tree - angel tree but with tags featuring heartworm positive dogs. Each tag inspires people to donate $25. Tree went up on Saturday - 3 people have already donated.
- Growing foster programs is a long-term plan. Benefits of fostering pets.
- Merchandise - selling shirts.
- Expanding dog adventures program - partnering with local organizations for running program.
Informal Discussion
- Allan asked if Dr. Pickett needs any help preparing Elliot’s proclamation for January. Dr. Pickett will invite him.
- Early 2025 we challenged everyone to bring big ideas - Allan asked everyone to come back in January to talk about what we can do to move the mission forward.
- A youth delegate on the board was brought up. Will reconsider. Allan asked for it to be on agenda for the next meeting.
- Elizabeth shared youth program is still coming along - hung up with legal on both sides.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Adjournment Vote Record
- Cathy Munnier — Aye
- Annie Goldberg — Aye
- Dawn Roberts — Aye
- Mike Dempsey — Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett — Aye
- Kim Rider — Aye
- Judy Miller — Aye
- Mike Delafield — Aye
- Allan Polak — Motion
- Debby Hill — Second
- Dr. Ashley Robertson — Aye
- Mary Lucas — Aye
ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB)
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Community Room at Animal Services
Proposed Agenda
- Monthly Meeting Attendance Record (confirm completion)
- Review and adoption of meeting agenda
- Review and approval of NOVEMBER 19, 2025 ASAB meeting summary
- Public Participation Guidelines
- General public comments on items not on the agenda (3-minute limit)
- New Business
- Youth Delegate Committee Discussion
- Presentation of the Pat Sanford Award – Longleaf Animal Rescue
- Proclamation Honoring Elliot Cramer, Friends of the Orange County Animal Shelter
- Discussion of Complaint Received Regarding Shelter Operations
- Spay Neuter Day Proclamation
- Animal Services Advisory Board
- Report on current vacancies as of January 2026
- Old Business
- Follow-up Discussion on the ASAB’s Goals for 2026
- Information Items
- OCAS Developments from Director Elizabath Overcash
- Information Session from Adriana Phimasone, Animal Care Supervisor
- ASAB 2025 Annual Report and Work Plan Submitted to the BOCC
- Informal discussion
Accompanying Documents
- Proposed Summary of November 2025 Meeting
- Shelter Operations Complaint
- ASAB 2025 Annual Report and Work Plan
- Spay Neuter Day Proclamation
ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB)
January, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Community Room at OCAS
1601 Eubanks Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
- MEMBERS PRESENT: Allan Polak (Chair), Debby Hill (Vice Chair), Cathy Munnier, Annie Goldberg, Dawn Roberts, Mike Dempsey, Dr. Lee Pickett, Judy Miller, Mike Delafield, Mary Lucas
- Members ABSENT: Kim Rider, Dr. Ashley Robertson and Rhonda Patterson
- STAFF PRESENT: Elizabeth Overcash (Director) and Adriana Phimasone (Animal Care Supervisor)
- PUBLIC PRESENT: Ellen Pearsall, Dr. Ann Brady, Dr. Elliot Cramer, Keith Sipe and Bob Moratto
- Call to order: 6:34 PM
- Everyone in the room did introductions and shared why they are on the Animal Services Advisory Board.
Review and adoption of the meeting agenda: Moving Dr. Elliot Cramer’s Proclamation to the first item for New Business on the agenda:
- Allan Polak: Motion
- Dr. Lee Pickett: Second
- Cathy Munnier: Aye
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Dawn Roberts: Aye
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
- Judy Miller: Aye
- Mike Delafield: Aye
- Debby Hill: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Aye
Review and approval of 11/25 ASAB meeting summary:
- Allan Polak: Motion
- Cathy Munnier: Second
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Dawn Roberts: Aye
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett: Aye
- Judy Miller: Aye
- Mike Delafield: Aye
- Debby Hill: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Aye
Public participation guidelines: Limit of 3 minutes at today’s meeting. Can submit more information by email for inclusion as an agenda item for discussion at a future meeting.
General Public Comments (not on agenda): None
New Business:
- Proclamation Honoring Elliot Cramer, Friends of Orange County Animal Shelter - Dr. Pickett presented Dr. Cramer with a proclamation. Dr. Cramer shared he is going to be continuing the award and also creating a new award for volunteer of the year.
- Presentation of Pat Sanford Award - Longleaf Animal Rescue - Mary Lucas accepted the award on behalf of the rescue
- Discussion of Complaint Received - Allan shared that the person who complained has not responded to further outreach. Elizabeth shared there is no one on file with that name. Elizabeth addressed the letter’s concerns with the board at length.
- Dog Day Out program was discussed - Elizabeth shared most shelters have this program and any dogs on the floor are safe to leave the shelter in this program. They would never put a dog on the floor that wasn’t safe to leave the shelter. They try to match volunteers with correct dogs for this program. Question came up about the legal challenges - everyone signs a waiver.
- Euthanasia discussion and protocol was discussed. Cathy asked if a behaviorist was involved in decisions, and Elizabeth shared it was a leadership team from the shelter involved.
- The board will report back to the commissions that:
- We investigated the issues that were brought - we have no further concerns after discussion with Elizabeth.
- Animal Services advised us that there is no one by the name that was provided as a volunteer in the system.
- This person also never responded to multiple attempts to invite them to the meeting.
Motion to send email with the points above:
- Allan Polak: Motion
- Cathy Munnier: Second
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Dawn Roberts: Aye
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett: Aye
- Judy Miller: Aye
- Mike Delafield: Aye
- Debby Hill: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Aye
4. Spay Neuter Day Proclamation - Last Tuesday in February is World Spay Day and the Board moves to support Animal Services in making that Spay and Neuter Day for Orange Co. Elizabeth will present 2/17 to the Board of Commissioners and present this proclamation. Vote on this:
- Allan Polak: Motion
- Debby Hill: Second
- Cathy Munnier: Aye
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Dawn Roberts: Aye
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett: Aye
- Judy Miller: Aye
- Mike Delafield: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Aye
5. Youth Delegate Committee Discussion - this has been presented and sitting since 2024 due to being caught in legal review. Elizabeth said going without changing bylaws always moves quicker. Dr. Pickett shared that youth really like these opportunities. Allan shared that two other advisory boards have these positions. Debby will reach out to their chairs to see how they were able to have this position.
Animal Services Advisory Board:
No current vacancies, but there are two people in the wing to join. Dr. Pickett shared her position ends in June and Dr. Brady (in attendance) is willing to apply for her position as vet on the board. Dr. Brady shared her schedule is flexible and would allow joining. She would like to join the board to become more active in the community and advocate on the government side.
Motion to approve the nomination for Dr. Brady to the Animal Services Advisory Board, for June, in the position of veterinarian representative to the Board of Health:
- Dr. Lee Pickett: Motion
- Judy Miller: Second
- Cathy Munnier: Aye
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Dawn Roberts: Aye
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
- Mike Delafield: Aye
- Allan Polak: Aye
- Debby Hill: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Aye
Old Business:
- Follow-up discussion on 2026 goals
- Allan suggested that if there are no burning goals, to push to the next meeting.
- Dr. Brady shared that radiology is something that interests her in helping the shelter. Asked if there are ways shelters can share. Elizabeth shared that Burlington charges more than the local vet.
Informational Items:
- Information session from Adriana Phimasone, Animal Care Supervisor:
- Her staff helps with all animal care items.
- Oversees some volunteers as well.
- Hosts Dog 102 classes.
- Point of contact/onboarding for vet interns from NC State
- Helps wherever they are short at the shelter.
- “Nucleus of the shelter”
- Elizabeth shared that Adriana knows the animals in the shelter better than anyone. Ellen also shared that she is so valuable to volunteers.
- Dawn asked what we could do to help her and her team. She said she is down two staff members. Communicating resources is very helpful - asked for us to share any classes.
Informal Discussion:
- Cathy asked to add to the next agenda - dog training classes.
Meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM. Adjournment vote:
- Allan Polak: Motion
- Debby Hill: Second
- Cathy Munnier: Aye
- Annie Goldberg: Aye
- Dawn Roberts: Aye
- Mike Dempsey: Aye
- Dr. Lee Pickett: Aye
- Judy Miller: Aye
- Mike Delafield: Aye
- Mary Lucas: Aye
ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (ASAB)
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Community Room at Animal Services
Proposed Agenda
Welcome
- Monthly meeting attendance record (confirm completion)
- Review and adoption of meeting agenda
- Review and approval of January 21, 2026, ASAB meeting summary
- Public participation guidelines
- General public comments on items not on the agenda (3-minute limit)
- Information items
- Information session from Andrea Wade, Medical Program Supervisor
- New business
- Discussion on dog training classes (Cathy Munnier)
- Update on BOCC ASAB annual report (Allan Polak/Debby Hill)
- Update on Dr. Ann Brady recommendation (Allan Polak/Debby Hill)
- Animal Services Advisory Board
- Report on current vacancies as of February 2026 (Allan Polak/Debby Hill)
- Old business
- Follow-up discussion on 2026 goals (Allan Polak)
- Staff appreciation day, around Valentine’s Day (Cathy Munnier)
- Information items
- OCAS developments from Director, Elizabeth Overcash
- Informal discussion
Accompanying Documents
- N/A