Animal Care Committee

Minutes of Meeting

August 18, 2010

5:30pm Ontario room

IN ATTENDANCE: Caroline Lane, Janet Andrews, Bernice Royce, Terri Daniels, Tara Sermer, and Yasuko Naka.

REGRETS: Councillor Valerie Burke, Andrea Sims, Dr. Annabel Musson, and Denielle Duncan.

STAFF: Laura Gold, Committee Clerk

GUESTS: N/A

	DESCRIPTION	ACTION
1.Opening Remarks	The Animal Care Committee meeting was called to order at 5:40 p.m. with Janet Andrews presiding as Chair without quorum. The Committee obtained quorum at 5:50 p.m.
2. ADOPTION OF THE, JULY 21, 2010 ANIMAL CARE COMMITTEE MINUTES	Moved by Terri Daniels Seconded by Bernice Royce That the minutes of the July 21, 2010 Animal Care Committee be received as presented. CARRIED Moved by Bernice Royce Seconded by Terri Daniels That the resolution passed at the June 16, 2010 Animal Care Committee be amended to be directed to Town Staff rather than to Members of Council. CARRIED
3. TRAP NEUTER AND RETURN	The Committee reviewed the email update provided by Susan McGrath, Provincial Offences Officer. They noted the importance of providing notification to the property owners of the locations where the colonies are located prior to evaluating the colonies. They also asked that the property owners be ensured that the cats will not be harmed, but rather spayed, neutered and returned to their colonies. The Committee felt that the partnering organizations Urban Cat Relief and Action Volunteers for Animals (AVA) should be updated in regards to these types of program updates. The Committee Clerk was requested to inquire if pregnant cats will be spayed as part of the Town’s TNR program. The Committee also suggested that it be consulted in the selection of traps. It recommended the “Have a Heart” animal traps be purchased by the Town.	Advise Ms. McGrath of the following: 1) to notify property owners prior to evaluating the colonies; and 2) the importance of ensuring the property owners that the cats will not be harmed – Committee Clerk Find out if pregnant cats are being spayed – Committee Clerk Recommend to Susan McGrath that the “Have a Heart” traps be purchased by the Town– Committee Clerk
4. SHELTER UPDATE	No update was provided.
5. CALENDAR	The Committee selected the 12 animals of the month for the 2011 Animal Care Committee calendar. It was noted that the winners would need to be notified their animals were selected as one of the animals of the month. The Committee Clerk was requested to investigate how payment for the printing of the calendar is obtained, noting that they would require this information before going to print. The list of advertisers was reviewed. It was noted that most of the businesses had indicated that they would like to have their business cards placed in their paid advertisement space. The Committee discussed the possibility of advertising the 2011 Calendar in the dog renewal letters sent out by the Town. The Committee Clerk was asked to investigate if this would be permitted. There was discussion with respect to providing tax receipts for calendar submissions. It was noted that the Toronto Animal Services issues tax receipts for similar projects. Janet Andrews was requested to investigate how the Toronto Animal Services issues tax receipts and report back at the next meeting. The Committee discussed the possibility o f placing some of the funds raised from the Animal Care Committee Calendar and other fundraising activities into a GIC. The Committee Clerk was requested to investigate whether this would be permitted.	Notify winners that their animal was selected as animal of the month - Denielle Duncan (?) Investigate the possibility of advertising the 2011 Animal Care Committee Calendar in the license renewal letters that are sent out – Committee Clerk Research how the Toronto Animal Services provides tax receipts - Janet Andrews Investigate if some of the funds in the Animal Care Committee account can be put into a GIC – Committee Clerk
6. BUSINESS PLAN	No update was provided.
7. PARTICIPATION IN UPCOMING EVENTS	Markham Fair The Committee Clerk was advised that the Animal Care Services Committee T-Shirts would be needed by the next meeting. Members were asked when they would require the Animal Care Committee banner by. The Committee advised they would need it before September 30, 2010 depending on the type of space they are given at Markham Fair. The Committee Clerk was requested to provide further details with respect to the space they would be provided with at Markham Fair. Markville Mall The Committee Clerk advised that the booth had been booked at Markville Mall for the last weekend in October.	Find out what type of space will provided to the Committee at Markham Fair – Committee Clerk
8. NEW BUSINESS 8.A. ECO MEDIA BINS CAMPAIGN	The Committee did not feel it should have to pay to have the Animal Care Campaign that appears on eco media bins across Markham updated. Terri Daniels was requested to speak to Councillor Burke in regards to this matter.	Speak with Councillor Burke with respect to having to pay to have the Animal Care Campaign updated – Terri Daniels
9. ADJOURNMENT	The Animal Care Committee meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.