Caldwell Humane Society, Inc.
Regular Meeting Minutes
January 25, 2011
7:00 pm – Lenoir Public Library
CHS, Inc. President Joy Sharpe opened the meeting and welcomed attendees and guest speakers.
Minutes
The minutes from the October 26, 2010 meeting had been emailed previously and were unanimously approved after a motion from Phyllis Braswell and a second by Penny Nix.
Presentation of Certificate to Emily Warren
Joy presented a certificate of appreciation to resigning board member Emily Warren who is moving to Raleigh. Emily has made many valuable contributions during the past three years – logo designer, reservation session leader and Bark in the Park Coordinator, to name a few.
Clinic Report
Ruby Boldin presented the clinic report. Since the last meeting in October, 75 surgeries were performed in November and 45 in December; for a total of 776 in 2010, versus 697 in 2009. The January 2011 clinic was cancelled due to snow.
City/County Initiative – Resolution of Support
Ron Stilwell reported on the efforts under way to get municipalities involved with county animal programs. To date, the cities of Lenoir, Hudson, Granite Falls, and Sawmills have adopted resolutions of support for adoption and/or spay/neuter in support of the county program. The cities recognize their responsibility in working together with the counties and all cities have assigned an official to serve on the Caldwell Municipal Advisory Committee. This can lead to more funding, legislation and get people responsible for their animals. All animal groups can work closer together with greater communication toward a common goal.
Guest Speaker – Denise Michaud, Caldwell County Health Department Director
In Caldwell County, Animal Control is under the Health Department. Denise has arranged for Kimberly Alboum, NC president of Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), to hold a grass roots meeting to speak about issues that face animal lovers, such as coyote penning, puppy mills, and what volunteers can do to help the Animal Control Department. The session will be February 10th at Human Services building on the third floor, 6:30 – 8:30pm. Kimberly has good ideas about shelter improvement. Attendees must RSVP on a link that will be forwarded to the CHS email group. The conference room holds 100. It should be interesting and help kick off and reinforce what we are doing together. Commissioners will add to the February 7th agenda to issue a proclamation of spay/neuter month for Caldwell County to help communicate to the public about this important effort. HSUS has been a huge help to the county when Caldwell Animal Control (CAC) was dealing with dog fighting event in 2008 with over 80 pit bulls discovered on a property. They also sent help during a cock fighting investigation. A good turnout will show Kimberly how much Caldwell County cares about its animals and its community by being supportive of one another, and by being there to hear what Kimberly has to say.
Guest Speaker – Greg Greene, Caldwell County Animal Control Director
Euthanasia is the biggest topic in Animal Control. Call volume from January 2010 to January 2011 was 3500. With four (4) officers besides Greg, there is not a lot of time for adoptions. Two ladies work front office. Dispatching protocols take a lot of time. Three officers are licensed to euthanize animals. One to 14 animals per day average have to be euthanized due to limited kennel space. This is per state mandates. Most of the animals are adoptable but due to space have to be euthanized. Pet Partners and Pet Pals have taken some of the animals for adoption. A school program was started in 2010 with CAC and Dr. Beth Jones targeting 6th grade students to promote responsible ownership. Adoptions are not going to solve the problem. No way to find 5,000 people a year to take the animals. Adoptions are declining instead of rising. Education in spay and neutering is where we’re going to see the numbers start changing. Any ideas to help educate, contact Greg at any time. [Denise mentioned the flyer going into the February water bill promoting spay/neuter month.] Greg answered a question concerning policy on releasing adoptable dogs or cats to animal groups. A 501(c) (3) registered rescue group, can come in at any time and if an animal is available for adoption, can take the animal at no charge, but must transfer ownership. It’s difficult to manage legally having animals out of shelter w/o transferring ownership. This makes the animal the property of rescue group, not Caldwell County. Economical, sensible thing to do. These animals are eligible for the $8 rabies as CAC doesn’t want any animal going out over 4 months without a rabies vaccine. Can’t do $65/spay neuter for animals going out to Rescue groups. If animals are not available for adoption yet, because of the period mandated by law for strays, CAC will hold and put name on that and contact at end of hold period. The more space CAC has, the more animals they can hold and not have to euthanize as many. A visitor may see two or three empty kennels and wonder what is going on. Eight kennels are to strays for the 72 hour period. Six to eight more kennels are for quarantines, cruelty, dangerous dogs. CAC has to keep those kennels open in case. It doesn’t mean they’re not full. CAC does contact specific breed rescue groups – lately most have been full, unfortunately. CAC is open the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for adoptions and rabies vaccines only. CAC charges $2 to replace a lost rabies tag when the rabies was given at Animal Control.
Debra Venti, Pet Pals
Debra moved to Caldwell County nine years ago and was appalled to hear about the local animal problems. She started researching, investigating, helping and came to believe lack of information is the biggest problem in the County. There will be an infomercial beginning in February about spay/neutering and adoption. She spoke about what she would like to do at Animal Control to help with adoptions, i.e. rotating and marketing animals, and help make improvements on site.
Greg said that due to budget constraints no new building is in the foreseeable future. Fencing is needed. Recently two horses were held in the front yard of Animal Control. Denise said CAC is doing the best it can with the available tax money. Some counties don’t have an Animal Control Department. Ron spoke of the possibility of the municipalities having an animal control officer/ representative for feasible cooperation. Police control leash law in the city. If in a city limit, contact local PD. The police department can commission CAC to remove the animal. If a dog is loose in the county, CAC can remove animal from your property or set live traps. CAC cannot go out in the neighborhood and take animals off another person’s property without having a signed release form. CAC has no control over wildlife unless it’s possibly rabid. A wildlife depredation officer must be called in to remove animal if it isn’t sick; just being a nuisance.
Debra continued identifying things that are needed at Animal Control; i.e. cutting trails for walking and socialization. Pet Pals wants to help CAC with adoptions, socialization, and raising money for needed items. Debra showed the Pet Pals t-shirts that are sold for a $15 donation. They are printed with “Rescue Me” Adopt, Adjust, and Adapt. Pet Pals encourages people to adopt, adjust their way of thinking and adapt to a new way of living so Caldwell County can move forward with solutions for the animal problems. CCAC is on the sleeve with a memorial stripe for animals put down in the past. Pet Pals wants to help CHS with spay and neuters, and help Pet Partners promote adoptions at Tractor Supply. They are getting the word out about February being spay/neuter month. Suggestions were made from the floor about asking businesses and municipalities to put up signs promoting spay/neuter month.
Joy said all the animal groups want to reduce the euthanasia rate. She wanted to let Greg and his people know how much we appreciate the job they are doing. Greg said 2,500 surgeries is a tremendous accomplishment for our County and he commended CHS for its role in helping reduce the number of animals CAC has to euthanize.
Ron opened the floor for any concerns or questions about communications or any contact with CAC. We are all here for the same purpose. Greg wants any problems brought to his attention. If he doesn’t know what’s broken, he can’t fix it. Ron just wants to be sure we have open communication. A question was asked about the shelter not being open every Saturday, and more information not being available about the day it is open. There have not been many people coming in for adoption. Banners are put out during the week CAC is open on Saturday. Some months it may be same day as Pet Partners adopt-a-thon. CAC has staffing issues with non-exempt not being able to work more than 40 hours week. If more individuals showed an interest in coming that one Saturday, it would make it easier to justify a recommendation to increase the Saturdays to increase adoptions. People are struggling to pay the $65 adoption fee. So if they can’t afford that, then they can’t afford to feed or provide veterinary care. Then they end up surrendering the animal because they can no longer afford to pay to keep the animal. There is a rise in owner animals being turned in. It’s bad enough for CAC to deal with strays, but owner-surrendered animals are making CAC go over the top. Owner animals may be the best animals to put up for adoption as they are already socialized, but strays have to be held for 72 hours mandated by law. Unfortunately the most adoptable animals get euthanized due to the space constraints. [Animals turned in by their owners may be euthanized immediately.] Just the facts of the way things go. CAC does use microchip scanners.
Denise said if anyone has any concerns or misunderstandings or needs further explanation about shelter policies or procedures, please feel free to call. Being familiar with what Animal Control has to do, rather than what people think they can do, will eliminate a lot of misunderstanding and negativity. Greg said anyone should feel free to call him with any questions or concerns; or for a tour of the facility.
Joy thanked the speakers and adjourned the meeting at 8:13 pm.
Important Dates:
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 7:00 pm (annual meeting)
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 4:00 pm (Bark in the Park volunteer meeting)
Saturday, May 14, 2011 at noon (Bark in the Park)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 (regular meeting)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011 (regular meeting)
Tuesday, October 25, 100 (regular meeting)
CHS Contact Information:
Email address: caldwell4pets@gmail.com
Phone number: (828) 499-0289 (leave a message and a volunteer will return your call)
Blog: http://caldwellhumanesocietyinc.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
ANNUAL MEETING & MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Our Annual meeting is coming up on Tuesday, March 22nd at 7:00pm at the downstairs meeting rooms of the Caldwell County Public Library in Lenoir. Everyone is welcome! This is a great opportunity to learn all about Caldwell Humane Society and its activities, since we'll be discussing our 2010 accomplishments and our goals for 2011. One of our business items at the meeting will be the election of new Board members. As announced at the last meeting, Emily Warren is leaving us to move to Raleigh. Evin Conrad has accepted the nomination to complete the third year of Emily’s term. Phyllis Braswell and I (Joy Sharpe) are nominated to be elected for another three-year term. We are thankful for the following who have accepted nominations to our Board: Julie Hallock, Regina Jones, Dianne Miller and Lynne Williams. We’ve got some big shoes to fill with three very key members leaving the board this year. Not only are we losing Emily, but Lauren Clark is taking a mandatory, much-earned year off after serving CHS since 2003. Jeni Stilwell is also taking a welcomed year off after serving CHS since 2005. A special thank you to these ladies for all their hard work.
Our annual membership drive is ongoing. Those paying at the meeting will receive one of the sharp black & white CHS magnets. Members who have paid their dues may vote on CHS business, but we welcome all to our meetings, especially our loyal volunteers. We could have all the money in the world and not be able to do what we do without volunteers.
Our annual membership drive is ongoing. Those paying at the meeting will receive one of the sharp black & white CHS magnets. Members who have paid their dues may vote on CHS business, but we welcome all to our meetings, especially our loyal volunteers. We could have all the money in the world and not be able to do what we do without volunteers.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
NEXT RESERVATION SESSIONS
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 and Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The next reservation sessions to sign up for our low cost spay/neuter clinic will be the first two Tuesdays of the month, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in meeting room #3 of the Caldwell County Library in Lenoir.
The next reservation sessions to sign up for our low cost spay/neuter clinic will be the first two Tuesdays of the month, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm in meeting room #3 of the Caldwell County Library in Lenoir.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Minutes from October 2010 General Meeting
Caldwell Humane Society, Inc.
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 26, 2010
7:50 pm – Bo’s Entertainment Center
CHS, Inc. President Joy Sharpe opened the meeting and welcomed attendees following the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner that was held at 7:00 pm at Bo’s for volunteers and guests. The attendance sheet and sign-up sheets for the next reservation sessions and clinic were distributed. Each attendee then introduced themselves with a brief synopsis of their involvement with the Humane Society, followed by a round of applause for all we do to help reduce the animal population and improve the quality of life in Caldwell County.
Presentation of Certificate to Odell Watson
Joy next presented a certificate of appreciation and recognition to Odell Watson. After many years of faithfully volunteering, Odell announced his retirement this fall. Not only was he in charge of crate transportation, working three days each clinic for several years, he also brought heaters and organized our crating system.
Minutes
The minutes from the August 24, 2010 meeting had been emailed previously and were unanimously approved after a motion from Penny Nix and a second by Jeni Stilwell.
Drawing for Prizes
Names were drawn of those volunteering during September and October. First prize, a $150 gift certificate to Bo’s, was won by Joni Hall. The second prize of a $100 Bo’s gift certificate was won by Lisa Miller. Dianne Miller, Regina Jones and Lynne Williams each won a $10 gift card to Bo’s.
Clinic Report (CORRECTED)
Joy announced CHS officially reached our 2,500th surgery! (However, later it was determined by the board that this number was not reached until during the December 2010 clinic and these minutes have been corrected to reflect this information.)
Event Report
Penny Nix reported on the busy month of October. CHS had a display or booth at the County Fair, PetSense Adoption, Caldwell Community College Fall Fling, and All God’s Creatures Event. [CHS will also have a display at Club Canine October 30th.]
Other Business
Joy once again expressed appreciation for all our volunteers, reporting four or five years ago we only had about 20 volunteers. We have about 80 people that have volunteered in the past year. As we continue to grow and work hard, we can do so much more.
Lauren announced her personal campaign to amend the City’s current dog ban at recreational parks. She asked anyone interested in signing her petition to see her after the meeting. A brief discussion was held about dog parks and experiences various attendees have had at dog parks.
With no further business, the meeting was concluded at 8:20 pm.
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 26, 2010
7:50 pm – Bo’s Entertainment Center
CHS, Inc. President Joy Sharpe opened the meeting and welcomed attendees following the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner that was held at 7:00 pm at Bo’s for volunteers and guests. The attendance sheet and sign-up sheets for the next reservation sessions and clinic were distributed. Each attendee then introduced themselves with a brief synopsis of their involvement with the Humane Society, followed by a round of applause for all we do to help reduce the animal population and improve the quality of life in Caldwell County.
Presentation of Certificate to Odell Watson
Joy next presented a certificate of appreciation and recognition to Odell Watson. After many years of faithfully volunteering, Odell announced his retirement this fall. Not only was he in charge of crate transportation, working three days each clinic for several years, he also brought heaters and organized our crating system.
Minutes
The minutes from the August 24, 2010 meeting had been emailed previously and were unanimously approved after a motion from Penny Nix and a second by Jeni Stilwell.
Drawing for Prizes
Names were drawn of those volunteering during September and October. First prize, a $150 gift certificate to Bo’s, was won by Joni Hall. The second prize of a $100 Bo’s gift certificate was won by Lisa Miller. Dianne Miller, Regina Jones and Lynne Williams each won a $10 gift card to Bo’s.
Clinic Report (CORRECTED)
Joy announced CHS officially reached our 2,500th surgery! (However, later it was determined by the board that this number was not reached until during the December 2010 clinic and these minutes have been corrected to reflect this information.)
Event Report
Penny Nix reported on the busy month of October. CHS had a display or booth at the County Fair, PetSense Adoption, Caldwell Community College Fall Fling, and All God’s Creatures Event. [CHS will also have a display at Club Canine October 30th.]
Other Business
Joy once again expressed appreciation for all our volunteers, reporting four or five years ago we only had about 20 volunteers. We have about 80 people that have volunteered in the past year. As we continue to grow and work hard, we can do so much more.
Lauren announced her personal campaign to amend the City’s current dog ban at recreational parks. She asked anyone interested in signing her petition to see her after the meeting. A brief discussion was held about dog parks and experiences various attendees have had at dog parks.
With no further business, the meeting was concluded at 8:20 pm.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
2011 Bark in the Park Sponsorship Kick-off Meeting
Happy New Year All!
Just a reminder about the 2011 sponsorship meeting being held this Sunday, January 9th at 3:00 pm at the Caldwell County Public Library in Room #3. Please attend this meeting if you would like to help raise sponsor money from different companies and individuals throughout the area. If you cannot attend, but would still like to volunteer, please let us know by emailing us at caldwell4pets@gmail.com.
Just a reminder about the 2011 sponsorship meeting being held this Sunday, January 9th at 3:00 pm at the Caldwell County Public Library in Room #3. Please attend this meeting if you would like to help raise sponsor money from different companies and individuals throughout the area. If you cannot attend, but would still like to volunteer, please let us know by emailing us at caldwell4pets@gmail.com.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!
CHS is holding a training session for our "Tuesday night" volunteers that take reservations for low-cost spay/neuter appointments. Training will be held on Tuesday, August 31st at 6pm at the Lenoir Library, lower level meeting rooms. Reservation sessions are held the first two Tuesdays of every month. Volunteers should be available from 6:00 to 7:30 pm to take appointments. Email caldwell4pets@gmail.com or call 499-0289 to learn more!!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
March 23rd Annual Meeting Minutes
Caldwell Humane Society, Inc.
Annual Meeting Minutes
March 23, 2010
7:00 pm – Lenoir Public Library
CHS, Inc. President Joy Sharpe opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
Minutes
The minutes from the January 26, 2010 meeting were distributed by Lauren Clark and unanimously approved after a motion from Penny Nix and a second by Michelle Wood.
Board of Directors Elections & Recognition
Outgoing Board members Jeff Clark, in absentia, and Lynne Williams were recognized for their years of service to the Humane Society. Under Article V, Section 3 of CHS Bylaws, a director may serve a maximum of two consecutive three year terms in which they were elected by the membership. After a mandatory one-year absence, a member may again stand for election or be appointed to the Board. Both directors were commended for their dedication and were awarded with plaques and a much deserved respite from the Board.
Joy called for a motion to approve nominees Ron Stilwell and Donna West as the two new incoming Board members to serve three-year terms. Lauren Clark moved/Jeni Stilwell seconded and the nominations were unanimously approved.
Phyllis Braswell, who was appointed to the Board last fall after the resignation of Judy Cary, was unanimously approved as a Board member for a period of one year to finish the remainder of Judy’s three-year term. Penny Nix moved and the motion was seconded by Michelle Wood.
2009 Year in Review (See attachments)
Joy reviewed clinic figures beginning with 51 surgeries in 2005 and up to 698 in 2009, which represents many dedicated volunteer hours. At the conclusion of April, CHS will have spayed/neutered more than 2,000 animals since the inception of its low-cost clinics.
Caldwell County Animal Care & Control Report for 2009 was distributed, showing almost 5,000 animals being euthanized in 2009. This is not the fault of Animal Control, but a result of the citizens of Caldwell County allowing their pets to create unwanted litters. Our goal is to reduce the euthanasia numbers by the low cost spay/neuter clinics and by re-educating the public about spaying and neutering. Many pet owners think if they turn an animal in to Animal Control it will be adopted; however most animals are euthanized.
On a happier note, Bark in the Park 2009 raised almost $8,000 in spite of the uncooperative weather; and Joy encouraged everyone to participate for 2010.
CHS spent $2,254 to subscribe to KIND News, a kid friendly newsletter about animal welfare issues, which was distributed to 98 fourth and fifth grade classrooms.
Joy reported on the education and community events held during the year, giving special mention to Chia Dog who goes along to many of the interviews and educational events, as well as fund raisers.
Clinic Change
Joy announced that CHS is returning to Humane Alliance in Asheville after two years with the SNIP clinic in Hickory, and turned the floor over to Lauren Clark. Lauren explained we had previously transported animals for surgeries to Humane Alliance in Asheville until the Humane Society of Catawba County opened their SNIP clinic two years ago in Hickory, when the switch was made to help support the new clinic as well as cut down on the longer trip to Asheville. After two years, the Board has decided to go back with Humane Alliance due to several factors. Since the SNIP Clinic was and is in its growth stage, we are having to shoulder more of the financial burden, do more administrative work and the number of animals being done on any particular day was capped at 60 (30 females and of the females no more than 20 dogs). Humane Alliance can do 70 a day with no restrictions which will cut down on our paperwork and the extra scheduling of clinics. Also, we subsequently became aware of some issues between the veterinarian running the clinic and the Humane Society that leases the building to the clinic. SNIP really tried to work with us and we let them know Asheville just seems a better fit for our needs. We received a nice note from the veterinarian saying she understands our position. Members are urged to look at the Humane Alliance web site and follow them on FaceBook.
Our next clinic on April 20th will be headed to Asheville. Joy noted that since more animals will be going for surgeries, more volunteers will be needed each clinic day to facilitate the larger number of animals. Lauren reiterated that no advance training is needed for clinic days.
Treasurer’s Report (See attached)
Jeni Stilwell presented the Treasurer’s Report and explained the slight loss was mainly due to the larger number of SPOT surgeries for which CHS pays half. ($25). There were no questions concerning the treasurer’s report.
There were no further questions or comments on 2009 in review.
2010 Goals
Joy reiterated the continuing goals to sustain growth and expand our volunteer base which is so very, very important. The more volunteers we have, the more animals we can spay and neuter.
Joy reminded attendees that if they paid their membership dues tonight, they would receive a free CHS magnet to help spread the word. Joy mentioned that paid dues are not a requirement to attend meetings or volunteer. However, any members that are financially able to pay dues are encouraged to do so as the dues go into the general fund. (And CHS Bylaws require a voting member to have paid the dues.)
Update on Tuesday Night Reservation Sessions
Emily Warren announced a record 72 animals were booked for surgery at the last Tuesday night session. The next reservation sessions are April 6th and 13th with a mandatory training session for new volunteers scheduled for May 11th. Approximately 55 animals are already booked for April 20th in Asheville.
6th Annual Bark In The Park Information
Emily Warren, 2010 BIP Coordinator, reported all is going well. The final sponsorship turn in will be April 13th. BIP flyers and pledge forms were available. Emily explained the difference between a business sponsorship and the pledge forms that are used mainly by volunteers to raise money for the dog walk event the day of BIP. An informal discussion was held between Emily and new volunteer Cindy Khalsa about possible sponsorship she might be able to obtain for BIP. Emily will email information and forms to Cindy.
New CHS T-Shirts
Several members were wearing the new T-shirts. Emily explained this is not a fund raiser but a PR opportunity to spread our message. All colors are available at a cost of $7 for short sleeve and $10 for long sleeve.
Other Discussions
Informal discussions were held concerning the continued use of the printed brochures indicating Catawba’s SNIP clinic rather than the Humane Alliance. Since there are so many printed at this time, volunteers will be instructed to inform people when they register of the change. Also, the price we charge for regular spay/neuter is now $50 instead of $49 and this change has just been marked through on the current brochures. Members were encouraged to take brochures and set them out wherever possible. A Spanish brochure will be printed once all the changes are made.
Penny Nix asked if Tuesday night volunteers might let clients know they will be asked for a donation when leaving after picking up their animals from Clinic on the second day. Many complain they don’t have money with them or that they gave their donation by paying to have their animal fixed, not realizing CHS pays $25 toward the SPOT surgeries. Even though regular clients paying $50 are paying the full clinic cost, we have fuel charges and admin fees that a small donation could help alleviate. Lauren Clark commented that the reminder sheet clients receive does mention the fact that donations are appreciated.
Lauren Clark passed around the euthanasia stats from other counties that she obtained from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. If anyone is interested, here is link to the site: http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/vet/index.html
Joy thanked everyone who brought items for the BIP silent auction baskets. Any further items are welcomed and can be brought to one of the Tuesday night reservation sessions.
Recognition of 2009 CHS, Inc. Volunteers
Joy recognized and thanked all the volunteers and again stated how nothing could be accomplished without the volunteers and urged everyone to bring in more volunteers as this is the only way we can accomplish our goals.
Laura Kerekes announced one of her father’s relatives passed away and he is using part of his inheritance to sponsor his grand-dog in the BIP walk with a very generous donation. This good news sent everyone scurrying to have Laura be on their team. Lauren Clark explained that sometimes it’s fun to compete among ourselves to see which team can raise the most money.
Drinda Goodell said she has more time to volunteer but does not have email so she is being put on the call list to be notified of clinic dates by the volunteer coordinator.
With no further business, the meeting was concluded at 7:57 pm.
Future Meeting Dates
Sunday, April 25th at 4:00 pm (Bark in the Park volunteer meeting)
Tuesday, June 22nd at 7:00 pm (regular meeting)
Tuesday, August 24th at 7:00 pm (regular meeting)
Tuesday, October 26th at 7:00 pm (regular meeting)
Attachments
Caldwell Humane Society, Inc. 2009 Year In Review
Caldwell County Animal Care & Control Monthly Activities Report Dec.’09
Caldwell Humane Society, Inc. Profit & Loss by Class
Annual Meeting Minutes
March 23, 2010
7:00 pm – Lenoir Public Library
CHS, Inc. President Joy Sharpe opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
Minutes
The minutes from the January 26, 2010 meeting were distributed by Lauren Clark and unanimously approved after a motion from Penny Nix and a second by Michelle Wood.
Board of Directors Elections & Recognition
Outgoing Board members Jeff Clark, in absentia, and Lynne Williams were recognized for their years of service to the Humane Society. Under Article V, Section 3 of CHS Bylaws, a director may serve a maximum of two consecutive three year terms in which they were elected by the membership. After a mandatory one-year absence, a member may again stand for election or be appointed to the Board. Both directors were commended for their dedication and were awarded with plaques and a much deserved respite from the Board.
Joy called for a motion to approve nominees Ron Stilwell and Donna West as the two new incoming Board members to serve three-year terms. Lauren Clark moved/Jeni Stilwell seconded and the nominations were unanimously approved.
Phyllis Braswell, who was appointed to the Board last fall after the resignation of Judy Cary, was unanimously approved as a Board member for a period of one year to finish the remainder of Judy’s three-year term. Penny Nix moved and the motion was seconded by Michelle Wood.
2009 Year in Review (See attachments)
Joy reviewed clinic figures beginning with 51 surgeries in 2005 and up to 698 in 2009, which represents many dedicated volunteer hours. At the conclusion of April, CHS will have spayed/neutered more than 2,000 animals since the inception of its low-cost clinics.
Caldwell County Animal Care & Control Report for 2009 was distributed, showing almost 5,000 animals being euthanized in 2009. This is not the fault of Animal Control, but a result of the citizens of Caldwell County allowing their pets to create unwanted litters. Our goal is to reduce the euthanasia numbers by the low cost spay/neuter clinics and by re-educating the public about spaying and neutering. Many pet owners think if they turn an animal in to Animal Control it will be adopted; however most animals are euthanized.
On a happier note, Bark in the Park 2009 raised almost $8,000 in spite of the uncooperative weather; and Joy encouraged everyone to participate for 2010.
CHS spent $2,254 to subscribe to KIND News, a kid friendly newsletter about animal welfare issues, which was distributed to 98 fourth and fifth grade classrooms.
Joy reported on the education and community events held during the year, giving special mention to Chia Dog who goes along to many of the interviews and educational events, as well as fund raisers.
Clinic Change
Joy announced that CHS is returning to Humane Alliance in Asheville after two years with the SNIP clinic in Hickory, and turned the floor over to Lauren Clark. Lauren explained we had previously transported animals for surgeries to Humane Alliance in Asheville until the Humane Society of Catawba County opened their SNIP clinic two years ago in Hickory, when the switch was made to help support the new clinic as well as cut down on the longer trip to Asheville. After two years, the Board has decided to go back with Humane Alliance due to several factors. Since the SNIP Clinic was and is in its growth stage, we are having to shoulder more of the financial burden, do more administrative work and the number of animals being done on any particular day was capped at 60 (30 females and of the females no more than 20 dogs). Humane Alliance can do 70 a day with no restrictions which will cut down on our paperwork and the extra scheduling of clinics. Also, we subsequently became aware of some issues between the veterinarian running the clinic and the Humane Society that leases the building to the clinic. SNIP really tried to work with us and we let them know Asheville just seems a better fit for our needs. We received a nice note from the veterinarian saying she understands our position. Members are urged to look at the Humane Alliance web site and follow them on FaceBook.
Our next clinic on April 20th will be headed to Asheville. Joy noted that since more animals will be going for surgeries, more volunteers will be needed each clinic day to facilitate the larger number of animals. Lauren reiterated that no advance training is needed for clinic days.
Treasurer’s Report (See attached)
Jeni Stilwell presented the Treasurer’s Report and explained the slight loss was mainly due to the larger number of SPOT surgeries for which CHS pays half. ($25). There were no questions concerning the treasurer’s report.
There were no further questions or comments on 2009 in review.
2010 Goals
Joy reiterated the continuing goals to sustain growth and expand our volunteer base which is so very, very important. The more volunteers we have, the more animals we can spay and neuter.
Joy reminded attendees that if they paid their membership dues tonight, they would receive a free CHS magnet to help spread the word. Joy mentioned that paid dues are not a requirement to attend meetings or volunteer. However, any members that are financially able to pay dues are encouraged to do so as the dues go into the general fund. (And CHS Bylaws require a voting member to have paid the dues.)
Update on Tuesday Night Reservation Sessions
Emily Warren announced a record 72 animals were booked for surgery at the last Tuesday night session. The next reservation sessions are April 6th and 13th with a mandatory training session for new volunteers scheduled for May 11th. Approximately 55 animals are already booked for April 20th in Asheville.
6th Annual Bark In The Park Information
Emily Warren, 2010 BIP Coordinator, reported all is going well. The final sponsorship turn in will be April 13th. BIP flyers and pledge forms were available. Emily explained the difference between a business sponsorship and the pledge forms that are used mainly by volunteers to raise money for the dog walk event the day of BIP. An informal discussion was held between Emily and new volunteer Cindy Khalsa about possible sponsorship she might be able to obtain for BIP. Emily will email information and forms to Cindy.
New CHS T-Shirts
Several members were wearing the new T-shirts. Emily explained this is not a fund raiser but a PR opportunity to spread our message. All colors are available at a cost of $7 for short sleeve and $10 for long sleeve.
Other Discussions
Informal discussions were held concerning the continued use of the printed brochures indicating Catawba’s SNIP clinic rather than the Humane Alliance. Since there are so many printed at this time, volunteers will be instructed to inform people when they register of the change. Also, the price we charge for regular spay/neuter is now $50 instead of $49 and this change has just been marked through on the current brochures. Members were encouraged to take brochures and set them out wherever possible. A Spanish brochure will be printed once all the changes are made.
Penny Nix asked if Tuesday night volunteers might let clients know they will be asked for a donation when leaving after picking up their animals from Clinic on the second day. Many complain they don’t have money with them or that they gave their donation by paying to have their animal fixed, not realizing CHS pays $25 toward the SPOT surgeries. Even though regular clients paying $50 are paying the full clinic cost, we have fuel charges and admin fees that a small donation could help alleviate. Lauren Clark commented that the reminder sheet clients receive does mention the fact that donations are appreciated.
Lauren Clark passed around the euthanasia stats from other counties that she obtained from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. If anyone is interested, here is link to the site: http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/vet/index.html
Joy thanked everyone who brought items for the BIP silent auction baskets. Any further items are welcomed and can be brought to one of the Tuesday night reservation sessions.
Recognition of 2009 CHS, Inc. Volunteers
Joy recognized and thanked all the volunteers and again stated how nothing could be accomplished without the volunteers and urged everyone to bring in more volunteers as this is the only way we can accomplish our goals.
Laura Kerekes announced one of her father’s relatives passed away and he is using part of his inheritance to sponsor his grand-dog in the BIP walk with a very generous donation. This good news sent everyone scurrying to have Laura be on their team. Lauren Clark explained that sometimes it’s fun to compete among ourselves to see which team can raise the most money.
Drinda Goodell said she has more time to volunteer but does not have email so she is being put on the call list to be notified of clinic dates by the volunteer coordinator.
With no further business, the meeting was concluded at 7:57 pm.
Future Meeting Dates
Sunday, April 25th at 4:00 pm (Bark in the Park volunteer meeting)
Tuesday, June 22nd at 7:00 pm (regular meeting)
Tuesday, August 24th at 7:00 pm (regular meeting)
Tuesday, October 26th at 7:00 pm (regular meeting)
Attachments
Caldwell Humane Society, Inc. 2009 Year In Review
Caldwell County Animal Care & Control Monthly Activities Report Dec.’09
Caldwell Humane Society, Inc. Profit & Loss by Class
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