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Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, May 04, 2015 Board Members 10:00 AM Steve Chucri, Chairman, District 2 Clint Hickman, Vice Chairman, District 4 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Denny Barney, District 1 Maricopa County, Arizona Andrew Kunasek, District 3 (and the Boards of Directors of the Flood Control District, Steve Gallardo, District 5 Library District, Stadium District, Improvement Districts, and/or Board of Deposit) County Manager Tom Manos "The mission of Maricopa County is to Clerk of the Board provide regional leadership and fiscally Fran McCarroll responsible, necessary public services to its residents so they can enjoy living in healthy and safe communities.” Meeting Location Supervisors' Conference Room 301 W. Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Board of Supervisors of Maricopa County, Phoenix, Arizona, convened in Informal Session at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 04, 2015, in the Supervisors' Conference Room, 301 W. Jefferson, 10th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Steve Chucri, Chairman, District 2; Clint Hickman, Vice Chairman, District 4; Denny Barney, District 1; Andrew Kunasek, District 3; Steve Gallardo, District 5. Also present: Fran McCarroll, Clerk of the Board; Maria Armstrong, Minutes Coordinator; Tom Manos, County Manager; and Michelle Wood, Legal Counsel. PRESENTATION AND ACTION Chairman Chucri noted that the presentation focus is on being efficient, responsive and accountable to the citizens. He gave a brief explanation of the difference of an informal and formal meeting stating that speakers are normally given an opportunity to speak at the formal meetings. He said that anyone wishing to speak can contact any of the Supervisors at their District office to set an appointment. He noted that the process is about progress and not perfection. ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL 1. PRESENTATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE AD HOC TASK FORCE FOR THE MARICOPA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL Presentation of the final report and recommendations of the Maricopa County Department of Animal Care & Control. At the conclusion of the presentation, accept the final report and recommendations subject to further analysis and prioritization. (C-79-15-112-P-00) Dr. Rodrigo Silva, Assistant County Manager, presented recommendations of the Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) Citizens for Pets Task Force. He thanked the members of the Task Force for their time and hard work. He also thanked the Planning and Development staff for their support. Dr. Silva stated that half of the recommendations have already been implemented while other recommendations will require further study. He noted that the present resources will not accommodate many of the recommendations. He said that the requests that contain ideas that request funding will be studied. He introduced Cheryl Naumann, Chairman of the Process & Service Subcommittee, Andrea Katsenes as Chairman of the Outreach & Marketing Subcommittee and Leanna Taylor as Chairman of the Budget & Funding Subcommittee, noting their credentials. Dr. Silva stated that every member of the Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, May 04, 2015 Page 2 of 8 Task Force Committee brought expertise, commitment and passion. He reviewed the mandated and non-mandated services, and stated each Committee Chairman would highlight the recommendations of their respective committees. Cheryl Naumann, Chairman of the Process & Service Subcommittee, stated her committee outlined over 100 strategies along with more than 30 recommendations. She presented the following recommendations and strategies from the final report: Animal Welfare – Medical Care Recommendation to improve the overall medical care to the animals. Key Strategies: Hire six veterinarians and six veterinary technicians Increase budget for clinic supplies and medication Perform physical intake exams Rapid triage, differential diagnosis and enhanced pain management protocols Provide Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines Animal Welfare – Attention & Sanitation Recommendation to improve the level of attention and care given to the animals, as well as shelter cleanliness. Key Strategies: Hire six animal care technicians Assure appropriate temperatures in both shelters based on weather conditions Provide bedding to animals Inspect kennels regularly and spot clean as needed Utilize shade screens where warranted for pregnant or nervous animals Animal Welfare – Behavior Recommendation to improve the quality of behavior assessments, the knowledge of staff and volunteers, and offer enrichment activities to better serve the animals and promote more informed adoption decisions. Key Strategies: Staff conducting behavioral assessments to be certified on the Safety Assessment For Evaluating Rehoming (SAFER) model Establish and use designated area to conduct behavior assessments Ensure supervisors are regularly observing the assessment process Educate staff and volunteers performing adoption counseling on how to better match animals with adopters Provide in-kennel enrichment to enhance the psychological well being of animals Customer Service – Adoptions Recommendation to increase the number of adoptions, transfers, return to owner, decrease owner surrenders and improve service tools and delivery. Key Strategies: Redesign kennel cards to include behavioral information Improve signage to include pricing, directional, handouts, maps Provide greeters Answer calls in a timely fashion Allow a non-refundable deposit option at East Shelter Give priority to rescues of mother and puppies or kittens Supervisor Hickman asked if the veterinarians at the Arizona Humane Society are paid staff. Ms. Naumann responded that the veterinarians at Arizona Humane Society are paid staff and noted that it is difficult to find volunteer veterinarians. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, May 04, 2015 Page 3 of 8 Supervisor Barney asked if there are nationally accepted metrics to use as benchmarks, he noted the mandated services versus non-mandated services, and asked that empirical data be given to support the recommendations as the Board considers allocation of funds. Dr. Silva responded that most metrics are based on private providers and data will be retrieved from public providers. Ms. Naumann noted that she would retrieve metric information from the National Association of Animal Control and Humane Society. Chairman Chucri asked what behavioral testing is currently being used. Ms. Naumann indicated that not all components of the SAFER test are being used and certain methods, such as supervisor being present, are not being utilized during the testing. Chairman Chucri asked what information would be on the behavior card. Ms. Naumann noted that currently it is basic information and the recommendation is to include the synopsis of all assessments. Andrea Katsenes, Chairman of the Outreach & Marketing Subcommittee, stated there were approximately 20 members on the committee. She noted that many of the recommendations are already implemented and information was obtained from the Found Animals Organization. She presented the following recommendations and strategies from the final report: Marketing & Outreach – Goal 1 Increase visibility of MCACC, adoptions and licensing. Recommendation is an investment of $1 million for a media marketing campaign that would run for a full year and focus on promoting benefits of licensing pets. Key Strategies include: Hire an additional MCACC communication staff professional Establish an annual marketing plan that promotes MCACC programs Streamline license process for pet owners Authorize Director to grant amnesty periods for accruing fines She stated that many recommendations require a County investment but the intent is to enhance the experience and ownership of both owners and pets. She noted the following three key steps to improve licensing compliance and to capture additional revenue: Clarify licensing objectives-purpose of licensing and what MCACC hopes to achieve Refine licensing structure and process-make process in licensing easier for owners Outreach to pet owners-educate about licensing benefits and requirements also provide incentives encouraging compliance Ms. Katsenes said that the goals of the licensing program must be clear. The enforcement model program of rabies requirement and spay/neuter is outweighed by the benefits of the impact model program of generated revenue, subsidized low income spay/neuter, increase of return to owner rates and decrease of euthanasia. She showed a program model comparison of Los Angeles, California using the enforcement model and Calgary, Canada using the impact model. She restated the recommendation for the media marketing campaign and additional strategies. She noted the benefits to owners of licensing their pets. Supervisor Barney questioned the streamlining of licenses and asked why there is a large difference in the demographics of the cities utilized for the enforcement and impact program models. Ms. Katsenes responded that the models do contain information that the County can learn from comparing the enforcement program and the impact program. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, May 04, 2015 Page 4 of 8 Marketing & Outreach – Goal 2 In order to manage staffing costs to MCACC while increasing services, an annual increase to volunteer hours by 20% would help improve retention including an increase of pet foster families by 10% over the previous year. Recommendation is to enhance the volunteer program and outreach. Key Strategies: Hire a second volunteer coordinator Increase community recruiting efforts Streamline volunteer onboarding by offering more classes/sessions and reducing training process to two days with assistance of online training tools Provide specific volunteer descriptions, needed skills and time commitment Provide name tags for all volunteers Develop recognition programs Host appreciation events Conduct ongoing sessions with Director and continued education with veterinarian staff Supervisor Gallardo stated that District 5 is promoting animal control and focusing on the Spanish speaking communities. He asked if there was discussion in targeting Spanish speaking households. He stated several reasons why households may not license or spay/neuter their pets and noted his concern on the cost to low income households. Ms. Katsenes noted several programs that are already implemented that focus on the Spanish speaking communities and the recommendations would expand to address the high risk areas of non-compliance. Supervisor Gallardo recommended a program be implemented similar to Mi Amigo Toby that ran in previous years. Supervisor Kunasek asked if benefits are provided to volunteers. Dr. Silva responded that workers compensation is provided if an injury occurs while an individual is volunteering for MCACC. Supervisor Kunasek noted the effort to mirror improvements of other County departments and thanked members of the Task Force participants for their input. Dr. Silva informed the Board that 50% of the recommendations have already been implemented and MCACC is currently working through the Alliance for Companion Animals on a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cesar Chavez Foundation to create a one-year campaign to promote MCACC messages in Spanish speaking communities. Leanna Taylor, Chairman of the Budget & Funding Subcommittee said that she understands the limited budgets that departments face. She noted that no public funds are allocated to MCACC and approximately $10 million is under-budgeted compared to other entities and the shelters are working with limited resources. The Task Force is trying to balance the needs for the MCACC budget. She presented the following objectives, recommendations and strategies from the final report: Budgetary Objectives Bring MCACC budget closer to align the number of animals that are served and the citizens of the County Improve public perception of MCACC by creating a positive shelter environment Expand innovative and life-saving programs Save more animal lives Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, May 04, 2015 Page 5 of 8 Budget & Funding Recommendation to approve a licensing fee increase. She noted the increases and stated the revenue would increase by $686,349. Recommendation to review and consider different approaches to funding strategies. Key Strategies: Increase department expenditure limit Consider a three to five year debt forgiveness for West Shelter, with the caveat not going against the department expenditure limit—she noted that $1.4 million is budgeted each year for a 30 year loan Conduct a feasibility study on a Special Taxing District Hire a grant writer to increase the number of submittals and awards Capital campaign for a Bond Initiative for East shelter Regarding the recommendation to construct a new or replace the shelter in East Valley, Ms. Taylor noted that the facility was built in the 1970s, the deterioration of the building, lack of storage space and the small intake area. Ms. Taylor reviewed the recommendation to explore ways to increase the number of spay and neuter vouchers and include low cost vouchers sold at cost of service. She noted it is a proven method to reduce shelter intake. Supervisor Gallardo noted that the increase of licensing fee may be a financial hardship to pet owners which would be a deterrent from licensing their pets. Ms. Taylor responded that increasing the amount of spay/neuter vouchers will encourage pet licensing at the reduced cost of $18.00. Supervisor Kunasek suggested that if an owner pays for their pet to be spayed or neutered then they are given a free license for their pet for the year. Ms. Taylor responded that there are fee amnesty periods that will encourage pet owners to license each year. Ms. Taylor asked that the Task Force Committee members stand for recognition. She noted that MCACC staff has implemented some of the recommendations. Dr. Silva expressed his gratitude to the Task Force. He reiterated that half of the recommendations have been implemented and will continue to bring implementation of recommendations to the County Manager in a fiscally responsible manner. Chairman Chucri noted that the Board received feedback during the process and appreciates the dedication that the Task Force committee members have spent compiling the recommendations. Motion to approve by Supervisor Hickman, seconded by Supervisor Gallardo Ayes: Chucri, Hickman, Barney, Kunasek, Gallardo Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, May 04, 2015 Page 6 of 8 ACTION ASSISTANT COUNTY MANAGER - MARYELLEN SHEPPARD 2. "STEPPING UP INITIATIVE" PROCLAMATION Approve the "Stepping Up Initiative" Proclamation. This Proclamation is to support a national initiative advanced by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and partners calling on counties to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails. (C-31-15-035-M-00) MaryEllen Sheppard, Assistant County Manager, stated that the proclamation is part of the National Association of Counties initiative to safely reduce the number of people with serious mental illnesses within the jails. She noted the proclamation was prepared with input from the criminal justice and behavioral health system stakeholders. It is supported by the following: Bill Montgomery, County Attorney and Chair of MCJustice; and Chief Ryan Lee, MCSO and Chair of Smart Justice. She stated the proclamation will be posted on the national website SteppingUpTogether.org. She thanked Helen Purcell, County Recorder and Michael Jeanes, Clerk of the Court for representing the County at NACO and for bringing the initiative forward. Fran McCarroll read the proclamation. PROCLAMATION “Stepping Up Initiative to Safely Reduce the Number of People with Serious Mental Illnesses in Jails” WHEREAS, counties routinely provide treatment services to the estimated 2 million people with serious mental illnesses booked into jails each year; and WHEREAS, almost three-quarters of adults with serious mental illnesses in jails have co- occurring substance use disorders; and WHEREAS, nearly 10 percent of the Maricopa County jail population is comprised of people who have been diagnosed with serious mental illnesses; and WHEREAS, people with serious mental illnesses tend to stay in jails longer, are at a higher risk of recidivism upon release, and return sooner than people without these disorders; and WHEREAS, Maricopa County’s Strategic Plan commits to supporting safe communities and neighborhoods by providing access to a timely, integrated, and cost-effective smart justice systems; and WHEREAS, MCJustice, a Maricopa County interagency, criminal justice coordinating committee, has adopted strategic goals specific to improving public safety and treatment outcomes for persons with serious mental illnesses through the advancement of evidence based practice and data driven decision making; and WHEREAS, individual and collaborative efforts by Maricopa County agencies, behavioral health and community partners have resulted in: The use of risk/need assessments to identify individuals with mental illnesses who can be safely released to treatment in the community; Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, May 04, 2015 Page 7 of 8 A data link between the jail and the behavioral health authority so individuals in the mental health system for serious mental illnesses who are booked into the jail are immediately identified; Cross-training for criminal justice and behavioral health personnel working in the community, jails, and the court system to increase their knowledge, skills, and awareness in addressing both the healthcare, and when warranted, the criminogenic needs of justice involved individuals with mental illnesses; Streamlined assessment and collaborative information sharing processes; new treatment programs and support services in the jail and community; expedited case processing and release of individuals with mental illnesses where safe to do so; comprehensive mental health courts; jail and community based peer and family support services; successful reintegration of individuals with mental illnesses reentering the community from jail; and WHEREAS, through the Stepping Up initiative, the National Association of Counties, Council of State Governments Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Foundation are encouraging public, private and nonprofit partners to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT MARICOPA COUNTY does hereby sign onto the Call to Action to safely reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in our county jail, commit to sharing lessons learned with other counties in our state and across our country to support a national initiative and encourage all county officials, employees and residents to participate in Stepping Up. We resolve to utilize the comprehensive resources available through Stepping Up to support and advance our ongoing commitment to: Identify individuals entering our jails with mental illnesses, assess their recidivism risk and needs, and use that baseline information to guide decision making consistent with strategic priorities. Examine treatment and service capacity to determine which programs and services are available in the county for people with mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders, and identify state and local policy and funding barriers to minimizing contact with the justice system and providing treatment and supports in the community. Develop a plan with measurable outcomes that draws on the needs and prevalence assessment data and examines available treatment and service capacity, while considering identified barriers. Implement or expand existing research-based approaches that advance the plan, such as peer navigators, cognitive behavioral change and substance abuse treatment programs, ACT/FACT teams, and mobile crisis response units. Monitor progress using data and information systems, and report on successes. DATED this 4th Day of May, 2015. /s/ Steve Chucri, Chairman, District 2 /s/ Denny Barney, Supervisor, District 1 /s/ Andrew Kunasek, Supervisor, District 3 /s/ Clint Hickman, Supervisor, District 4 /s/ Steve Gallardo, Supervisor, District 5 Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, May 04, 2015 Page 8 of 8 ATTEST: /s/ Fran McCarroll, Clerk of the Board Mary Sheppard recommended that the Board approve the addition of the word "serious" before each indication of mental illness. (The proclamation is shown in final form.) Motion to approve as recommended by Supervisor Gallardo, seconded by Supervisor Kunasek Ayes: Chucri, Hickman, Barney, Kunasek, Gallardo Chairman Chucri indicated the meeting would reconvene in the Tom Sullivan Room for the Executive Session. 3. EXECUTIVE SESSION Vote to convene in Executive Session to consider items on the Executive Agenda dated May 04, 2015, for Board of Supervisors and relevant Special Districts pursuant to statutory authority listed for each item. Motion to approve by Supervisor Kunasek, seconded by Supervisor Gallardo Ayes: Chucri, Kunasek, Gallardo Absent: Barney, Hickman Supervisor Barney and Supervisor Hickman entered the Executive Session immediately after the vote. MEETING ADJOURNED After discussion on the Executive Session items and there being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. ______________________________ Steve Chucri, Chairman of the Board ATTEST _____________________________ Fran McCarroll, Clerk of the Board