1. Call to order and Roll Call
5:30 PM
Present Commissioners; Sally Stephens, Pam Hemphill, Susanna Russo, Philip Gerrie, Ryan Young, Geneva Page, John Denny -SFPD, Lisa Wayne – Rec & Park
Absent Commissioners, Jack Aldridge – DVM
2. General Public Comment
No Public Comment
3. Approval of Draft Minutes for June 9, 2011
Comr. Russo – Corrects first name of speaker during public comment on 6A from Hoyt to Dwight.
Public Comment
Richard Fong – Confused about what was passed concerning the Humane Acquisition Proposal – whether it would be mandated or something else. Would there be restrictions or exemptions as to breed or weight of the animal? Would there be a permit process for breeders?
Public comment closed
Minutes approved unanimously with corrections.
4. Chairperson’s report and opening remarks
A) Comr. Stephens – Welcome Ryan Young to the Commission.
Comrs. introduce themselves to Comr. Young
Comr. Young - Background as a business consultant. Most recently focused on sustainability issues.
No public comment
B) Joint Zoo update
Comr. Stephens – Report is from two recent JZ meetings.
Zoo recently took in two blind rescue sea lions. One was shot in the eye the other was diseased, both from the Marine Mammal Center. Introduced them to their enclosure’s pool by first emptying it of water and letting them explore it empty. Then slowly adding water. They still occasionally bump the edge of the pool but not hard. There is a new middle-aged female Siberian tiger from the Omaha Zoo. Breeding potential is uncertain at this time. Signage at new zoo exhibits will be in several languages to comply with a new ordinance. Agenda and minutes of Joint Zoo will also be available in several languages. Google maps have photographed zoo pathways as they have for city streets. Kangaroo was sent to Georgia to prevent breeding and possible castration if no other home was found. General zoo policy in recent years is to allow animal parents to remain with their young. Down side of that is inexperienced parents who allow their offspring to die.
Two penguins chicks died due to neglect this year. 2011/2012 budget review was discussed. Gate admissions, retail sales, parking, and education make up half of the revenue. Presentation was given on medical behavioral training methods to allow for blood testing, x-rays etc. with minimal trauma. Lions are trained to open their mouths for visual inspection by a hand cue. Animals are trained to accept being poked in exchange for food so they get accustomed to that procedure and then they can use needles to draw blood or other medical procedures. The Baird’s tapir is doing well since a tumor was diagnosed in his mouth a year ago. A new tarantula exhibit has been underwritten by Bernard Osher Foundation at no cost to the zoo.
No Commission nor public comment.
5. Old Business
A) Discussion and possible action to send a second Quarterly Report to the Supervisors
Comr. Stephens – Draft copies were sent to Commissioners earlier today. Copies are available to the public on the table. Any comments, suggestions, edits?
Comr. Young – First section has items acted on. Second section has items that were discussed. Would it be helpful to add some of the public comments on these items or other items that were not acted on or discussed? Also, a preview of possible items for discussion for the next quarter?
Comr. Stephens – Would like to continue the format we have been using. One problem with including public comment is then all public comment would have to be included. As to future topics, why would be telling them things we may or may not do?
Comr. Young – Perhaps public comment could be summarized on specific issues?
Comr. Gerrie – This is a report on what the Commission has been doing. What we have talked about – and recommended. This report is intended to be concise. If any Supervisor wants more information they can look at our Minutes.
Comr. Hemphill –It also hard to predict what might come up.
Comr. Stephens – We could attach Commissioner’s names to items they sponsored.
Comr. Page – Would like to include environmental impacts aspect of the Humane Acquisition Proposal when animals are taken from the wild.
Comr. Russo – The concern is not solely driven by animals from mills. Support adding that.
Public Comment
James Yorck – Supports language about concern by Commissioners that many animals were impulse buys. Release into the wild it is a death sentence for many animals except, for example, the parrots of Telegraph Hill.
Public Comment closed
Comr. Russo – Makes motion to approve Quarterly report and send it to the Supervisors.
Seconded by Comr. Hemphill. Motions passes unanimously
6. General Public Comment
Richard Fong – Update on water issues with Rec & Park and the PUC. Efforts of desalination seem to be good.
Public Comment closed
7 & 8 Calendar items and task allotments
Comr. Gerrie – We have an unfilled VP seat. We had agreed to have elections on a yearly basis – that should happen next month.
No public comment
Adjournment 6:00PM
Respectfully submitted by Philip Gerrie
Commission Secretary
Last updated: 2/3/2014 11:00:55 AM
