1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Commissioners present: Annemarie Fortier; Shari O’Neill, DVM; Jennifer Mieuli Jameson; Zachary Marks; Sally Stephens; Russell Tenofsky; John Denny; Rebecca Katz
2. General Public Comment
1. L'Danyielle Yacobucci - One of the founding members of theThe San Francisco SPCA Cat Team representative proposed a dialogue between SFSPCA, The Cat Team and The Commission to discuss euthanasia of two feral cats
2. Marion Gourlay, ACC and SPCA volunteer - Ms. Goldie discussed two day closures of ACC, including Sunday and Monday. Despite increase in annual budget of 6%, the city has decided to close ACC two days a week, and close earlier (at 6:30pm vs. 8pm previously). Ms. Goldie is concerned that working families now have more limited access to the facility, thereby negatively impacting welfare of the animals and probability of adoption. Can efforts be made to reopen the facility on those days?
3. Jason Walthall, SFSPCA Co-President - Mr. Walthall address the issue of the euthanized feral cats who were under the care of the Cat Team. Mr. Walthall stated that three of the cats were suffering and in pain. While one cat was able to be cared for, “the only humane option” for the other two was euthanasia.
4. Martha Hoffman, Feral Cat volunteer - Ms. Hoffman read a letter by Susan Wheeler, member of Cat Team, expressing sadness and anger at loss of two feral cats and lack of communication from SPCA regarding the status of the cats.
5. Marie, ACC volunteer - disagreed with Sunday closure of ACC, as it inhibits her ability to sufficiently care of animals during her volunteer time before early closure at 6:30pm.
3. Approval of June 13, 2013 Minutes
No public comment on Minutes. Commission approved unanimously.
4. Chairperson’s report and opening remarks
a. Proposal to change meeting date, at request of building management. Proposed meeting date 3rd Thursday of the month, also at 5:30pm, same location.
b. Introduction of new Commissioners - Russell Tenofsky, Jennifer Mieuli Jameson, and Zachary Marks.
5. Old Business
a. Update of Joint Zoo Oversight Committee - Comr. Stephens discussed initiatives at the zoo to improve animal wellness and enrichment. Included in the initiative is a new polar bear exhibit which has enlarged the grotto, create a mound upon which she can climb, stand and look out over the area, as would a polar bear in the wild.
b. No public comment on Chairperson’s update
6. General Public Comment - none
7. Items to be put on the Calendar for Future Commission Meetings
Proposal by Comr. Tenofsky to research an upcoming “running of the bulls” event in the Bay Area. Location of event uncertain, as is timing.
8. Closing Review of Task and Allotments of Next Steps
9. Adjournment
