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Board of County Commissioners <br />Meeting Minutes - Final March 10, 2020 <br />Additional discussion ensued, with Chief Stone confirming that a building had <br />been located that would be conducive for an animal services facility, and the <br />owners were agreeable to entering into a lease with the County until the <br />purchase could be finalized. <br />The following individuals addressed the Board with concerns and suggestions: <br />Joseph Paladin, President, Black Swan Consulting <br />Barbara Lipton, 760 23rd Place SW <br />Janet Winikoff, 1295 Vintage Drive <br />Anthony Brown, 4159 57th Court, representing the National Association for the <br />Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) <br />Miranda Hawker, Health Officer, Florida Department of Health in Indian River <br />County, spoke about rabies and public health concerns while utilizing a <br />PowerPoint presentation to provide statistics and photographs of feral cats <br />congregating and being fed in certain areas of the County. <br />Susan Smith, President, Humane Society, stated that TNVR was not a practice <br />of the Humane Society. She discussed statistics related to the number of <br />roaming cats and feral cat euthanizations, and added that the Humane Society <br />offered free spay/neuter clinics to assist in reducing the number of roaming cats <br />in the community. She announced that the purpose of not renewing the <br />County's current contract was to make necessary changes by working together <br />with the County to find a solution to the roaming cat problem. Ms. Smith <br />informed the Board that the Humane Society would continue to accept any <br />animal brought to the shelter. <br />In response to Vice Chairman Flescher's question on some of the statistics <br />mentioned, Ms. Smith suggested scheduling a meeting where she could give a <br />formal presentation. She reiterated that feral cats were euthanized; however, <br />the Vice Chairman and Chief Stone told of recent reports where feral cats were <br />trapped and later returned to the same property. <br />Commissioner O'Bryan thanked Ms.Smith and the Humane Society for their <br />good work in the community. He then stated that he was informed that the <br />Humane Society Board had voted to implement the practice of TNVR. Ms. <br />Smith was not aware, but it was confirmed by Director Meghi that the Humane <br />Society Board did pass a proclamation to advocate for TNVR in Indian River <br />County. <br />The Chairman called for a recess at 1:00 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at <br />1:08 p.m., with all members present. <br />Indian River County Florida Page 13 <br />