Minutes of the CACC board of directors meetings for 1999

The following is the complete text of minutes of the CACC Board of Directors meetings for 1999.

[DRAFT]

MINUTES
BOARD MEETING - 4/21/99 -10:00 a.m.
Location: 1 Police Plaza - Second Floor, Press Room
New York, New York

Board Members and Officers present:

Yolanda Jimenez, Chair
Lia Albo, Director
Neal Cohen, MD, Director
Kevin Farrell, Director
Arlene Pedone, Director
Marilyn Haggerty-Blohm, Executive Director
Douglas Mansfield, Secretary

The meeting commenced at approximately 10:10 a.m. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved by a 4-0 vote, with one abstention.

Progress Report

Ms. Haggerty-Blohm stated that several qualified candidates were interviewed for the position of Director of Shelter Operations but the search is still ongoing. Applicants are also being considered for the position of assistant Shelter Manager for the Manhattan shelter. When a suitable candidate is identified, the current Assistant Shelter Manager will take on the role of Training Coordinator.

Ms. Haggerty-Blohm noted that more attention is being focused on the treatment of the animals and that CACC has been working more closely with local and regional rescue groups. In May 1998 the CACC imposed a broader, clearer definition of adoptable animals.

The Center is currently in the process of collective bargaining negotiations and this is engaging an enormous amount of management and union staff time. The Brooklyn shelter renovation is near completion. Those items on the punch list must be completed before the completed project is turned over to the CACC by the contractor. Twenty-five additional dog runs have been provided at the Brooklyn shelter. The Manhattan shelter construction is scheduled to commence in September with additional work on the garage. Ms. Haggerty-Blohm stated that the possibility of adding a second story to the Staten Island shelter is being considered. This proposal will significantly increase the shelter's capacity. Several sites for the Queens facility have been located but so far only three are deemed satisfactory and are being considered. A long term lease or acquisition by the City may be required. $1.7 million of the allotted $4 million for the Queens Shelter was put toward the Manhattan shelter renovation project to avoid any delay.

Commissioner Yolanda Jimenez introduced new Board member Commissioner Kevin Farrell.

Ms. Haggerty-Blohm referred to the HSUS Report and noted that the Advisory Council was formed to implement the HSUS Report recommendations. A list of all recommendations will be given to the Advisory Council for review. The CACC has been focusing on current budget negotiations with the City which has caused a delay in submission of the recommendations for the Advisory Council.

Budget Report

Herbert Waldhauser, Controller presented the budget report. He discussed the budget for the 1st quarter of 1999 and for the entire year. He also addressed donor restricted gifts.

The renewal of the Center's relationship with the Fund for Animals was discussed and a memo was presented with a letter of agreement. Ms. Albo left the room at this stage. The proposed renewal was discused further. The proposal includes fees which are well below what private veterinarians are charging the general public. Ms. Pedone moved a motion to renew the relationship and approval was by a 4-0 vote.

Ms. Pedone moved a motion to ratify the use of outside auditors Lutz & Carr. This was approved by a 5- 0 vote.

The ratification of signatories for banking purposes (Executive Director, Secretary and Treasurer) was approved by a 5-0 vote.

Other Business

Ms. Haggerty-Blohm stated that CACC, the ASPCA, Bide-A-Wee and the Humane Society of New York meet on a monthly basis to discuss various related issues and problems.

Ms. Pedone noted her concern about the volunteer program. Ms. Haggerty Blohm stated that the CACC presently has volunteers who contribute over 400 hours every week. Ms. Pedone suggested hiring someone to deal specifically with volunteers. Ms. Haggerty-Blohm noted that there is a Director of Adoptions & Volunteers.

Commissioner Cohen asked about placement of animals taken by rescue organizations. Ms. Haggerty-Blohm noted the CACC's commitment to work closely with rescue groups to ensure adequate placement of animals. Commissioner Cohen asked if these animals are deemed adoptable. Ms. Haggerty-Blohm stated that usually these animals have contagious illnesses.

Ms. Albo referred to guideline proposals she previously submitted 2 years ago.

Ms. Albo expressed her concerns about renovating the shelter and suggested that a new shelter be built instead.

Ms. Pedone asked whether the Queens facility can be designed to help alleviate some of the problems at the Manhattan shelter. Ms. Haggerty Blohm stated that the problems at the Manhattan shelter were taken into consideration when planning the renovations.

Ms. Albo asked about the projected capacity for the Queens facility. Ms. Haggerty Blohm noted that the CACC is still in the acquisition process and as such no design has been made. Ms. Albo mentioned the need for a full service medical facility. Ms. Haggerty-Blohm noted that the Brooklyn clinic will open shortly and both the Manhattan and Queens design include a medical facility.

Dr. Cohen asked for a briefing on the capacity of each facility.

Ms. Albo asked for an update on animal rescue. Ms. Haggerty-Blohm noted that provisions are being made for an increase in the number of vans and rescue personnel in the current budget negotiations.

There being no other business before the meeting, the meeting was adjourned.

________________
Douglas Mansfield
Secretary of Corporation (Seal)

Adopted by _____ vote
on _________, 1999