San Francisco Commission of Animal Control & Welfare

 

MEETING MINUTES

Thursday, April 16, 2015

 

 

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

Commissioner Present Annemarie Fortier, Nanci Haines, Davi Lang, Sally Stephens, Russell Tenofsky, Julene Johnson, Sherry Hicks, Shari O’Neill

 

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.

Tea - I am a resident of San Francisco resident. My service animal was taken away and I want the city to look at this issue as a Fifth and 14th Amendment issue of taking my property without due process. We normally do not discuss this issue in San francisco, as we are a no-kill city, but I am shocked that I am running into walls and am not getting anywhere with the city to get a hearing  or any option to tell my story about how this all happened. Some people may not know about constitutional rights and my lack of resources does not allow me to have my service dog with me.

Sally Stephens - We do not have oversight over ACC, but we don’t have oversight. Your point has been taken.

Tea - Who has oversight?

Commissioner Fortier - The City Administrator or your city supervisor. Unfortunately this commission does not have authority.

Commissioner Stephens - You are always welcome to come and speak. I understand it is very frustrating.

            Public Comment Closed.

3. Approval of Draft Minutes from the March 19, 2015 Meeting

Minutes approved with corrections.
 

4. Chairperson’s report and opening remarks
   A) Update on Commission Vacancies and Appointments to the Commission.

No public Comment. Discussion and possible action to elect Commission Officers – Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary. In addition, a representative of the Commission to the Joint Zoo Oversight Committee will also be elected. Discussion about procedures of Commission. Commissioner Stephens - Appointments to be heard May 13, but could be pushed back further. Four Commissioners up for re-appointment and the veterinarian post is open. Discussion about functions of Commission, duties of officers, Sunshine laws, use of city attorney by Commission, archives stored at ACC facility. Election of new officers postponed until election of new Commissioners. Commissioner Fortier elected Interim Chairperson. Commissioner Lang will attend Join Zoo Commission.

 

5. 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.
   No public comment. Public comment closed.

 

6. Items to be put on the Calendar for Future Commission Meetings
   Commisisoner Lang - I would like to write a letter of support for the ban of bull hooks, SB716. Senator Lara is the sponsor.

Commissioner Stephens - We cannot discuss it as it was not on the agenda, but anyone on the Commission can write a letter of support.
Commissioner Johnson - I would like the ACC statistics update. I would like a review of these statistics which have already been published.

No public Comment.
 

7. Adjournment