MINUTES
San Francisco Commission of Animal Control & Welfare
September 18, 2014
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Russell Tenofsky; Nanci Haines; Shari O’Neill, DVM; Sally Stephens; Sergeant Sherry Hicks; Marian Saez
2. General Public Comment
Members of the public may address the Commission with comments or recommendations on items within the Commission’s jurisdiction other than the items on the agenda at the beginning or end of the meeting, but not both.
None. Public comment closed.
3. Approval of Draft Minutes from the August 22, 2014 Meeting
Julene Johnson - I did not work at SPCA and ACC, just volunteered. Please correct.
Minutes approved with one correction.
4. Chairperson’s report and opening remarks
A) Update on Commission Vacancy and Appointment to the Commission Rules committee met today and recommended Julene Johnson. It will go to the full board for approval. We should have a new commissioner next month.
Public comment - Julene Johnson - I am very happy to serve on the commission.
5. Commissioners’ Reports
This item used to be on the agenda all the time. We are returning it to the meetings.
Commissioner O’Neill - During Fleet Week, the SF Deptartment of Emergency Management is hosting Bark at the Park at Jefferson Square Park on Tuesday, October 7 from 3-6pm.
Demonstrations of various working dogs. Various organizations will be there. Some search and rescue dogs, some working dogs.
Commissioner Stephens - ACC is hosting a gala to celebrate the 25th annivarsary. Details at ACC website.
6. Old Business
A) Search for New Director at SF Animal Care and Control. Update on what is happening with the search for a new Director of SF Animal Care and Control.
Commissioner Stephens - ACC has appointed an interim director, Miriam Saez. She is here tonight.
Mirian Saez - I am very happy to be joining you and to provide service to the animals in our community and to everyone in our community. I am only four days into it, but I think the staff is doing a fantastic job every day in providing care, managing the adoptions, the volunteers. I am very impressed with the staff and how they manage the facility. The City Administrator asked me to provide day to day management, and along those lines we are looking to improve accountability and transparency of the agency. Specifically, the Administrator has asked me to come up with a strategic plan that will inform and clarify the roles of not only staff but stakeholders. We have a series of hiring coming up. My goal is to align the practices of ACC with GSA to provide clearness and fairness in what we do to build upon public trust and instill confidence in stakeholders. I believe the future is bright. The mission, the prospect of a new facility is very exciting. The commitment from the staff, the support of the board, and everyone who help with the mission of the agency and provide the best service to the community. I have an open door and wold like to meet you and talk about how to move forward with the strategic plan.
Commissioner Stephens - Are they moving forward with looking for a permanent director?
Interim Director Saez - Yes, The City Administrator’s office is in the process of drafting a job brochure to be posted by early October. Input from last month’s and this month’s meeting will be considered. But those who want input tonight, we are open to that, or you are welcome to email the City Administrator at [email protected]
Public Comment -
Julene Johnson - I would like to reiterate comments from last month. We should conduct a national search for a director who is focused on life saving and public safety and who will make San Francisco a non-kill city. Also, organize a community panel of stakeholders who will review potential candidates and provide input. Most importantly, we want a passion for saving lives. Someone who can work with various organizations. Also, the new director must understand that they must work with the SF SPCA. Unfortunately, they have had a rocky relationship over the years and animals are needlessly killed at ACC because the two do not work together well. The SPCA was founded just 13 years after California became a state. This has been a big fabric of our community for years. The new leader should demand excellence. be focused on safety, be solution-orientated and be accountable. I have more details in a letter to Naomi Kelly.
Maria Conlan - I volunteer at ACC in cat behavior and with Tony’s kitty rescue and give me shelter social media and finding homes for cats. I would like to see a director who is compassionate and life-saving who will explore all options before euthanasia, whether working with SPCA, other shelters, or redefining criteria for re-homing. The director should have a good public outreach to get people involved. Transparency is very important. Do things differently. There are many cases of shelters with high kill rates who have reversed the trend and now save 90% or more of their animals.
Public comment closed.
B) Update on Vicious and Dangerous Dog Unit Hearing Officer. Update on the hiring of a new
Hearing Officer for the Vicious and Dangerous Dog unit.
Interim Director Saez - An RFP was issued last month and today is the closing date to respond to that RFP. We hope to have someone on board by October 20.
Commissioner Stephens - Do you know how many people applied?
Interim Director Saez - Several. Or a couple.
No public comments.
7. General Public Comment
Members of the public may address the Commission with comments or recommendations on items within the Commission’s jurisdiction other than the items on the agenda at the beginning or end of the meeting, but not both.
None. Public comment closed.
8. Items to be put on the Calendar for Future Commission Meetings
None. No public comment.
9. Closing Review
