Sec. 14-56. - Created.

There is created and established in the county an animal control advisory committee which shall serve in an advisory capacity under the board of county commissioners on matters relating to the animal population within the county.

(Code 1970, § 7-77; Ord. No. 82-03, § 2, 2-2-82)

Sec. 14-57. - Legislative intent.

It is the purpose and intent of the board of county commissioners, in enacting this division, to create and establish an animal control advisory committee to act in an advisory capacity on matters involving the animal population within the county. This committee shall be composed of citizens of representative interest who are dedicated to the purpose of providing a sound animal control policy. The committee shall furnish information, advice and counsel to the board of county commissioners in respect to the appropriate means and methods by which the county may adequately provide for protection of its animal population, while at the same time protecting the citizens of the county from unwarranted intrusions by uncontrolled animals. This division shall not be construed as delegating to such animal control advisory committee or any of its members any power or authority of a governmental, legislative or administrative nature, but merely is the establishment of an official instrumentality by which the board of county commissioners may claim the benefit of accurate, comprehensive information, advice and counsel concerning all matters relating to animal control programs which may be necessary for appropriate action by the board of county commissioners.

(Code 1970, § 7-76; Ord. No. 82-03, § 1, 2-2-82)

Sec. 14-58. - Appointment and qualifications of members.

(a)

The animal control advisory committee shall be composed of 13 members, appointed by the board of county commissioners. In order to reflect the interest involved in animal control, the committee members shall be selected according to the following:

(1)

One member shall be from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.);

(2)

One member shall be from the county Humane Society;

(3)

One member shall be from the county sheriff's office;

(4)

Two members shall be licensed veterinarians, one of whom is actively engaged in business within that part of the county lying east of Highway 41 and the other of whom is actively engaged in a business lying west of Highway 41;

(5)

One member shall be from the county health department;

(6)

Five members shall be selected from the citizenry at large, one from each commission district;

(7)

One member from Pasco Animal Welfare Society, Inc. (P.A.W.S.).

(8)

One member shall be from Pet Aid Service Society, Inc. (P.A.S.S.).

(b)

Each member of the animal control advisory committee shall be a resident of the county and a registered voter of the county. All members are to be chosen for their interest in animal control programs conducted by the county. Members will attend meetings regularly unless such absence has first been authorized by a majority of the advisory board.

(Code 1970, § 7-79; Ord. No. 82-03, § 4, 2-2-82; Ord. No. 86-22, § 1, 7-29-86; Ord. No. 99-05, § 2, 6-8-99; Ord. No. 02-01, 1-8-02)

Cross reference— Advisory board and committee membership, § 2-206 et seq.

Sec. 14-59. - Organization; meetings.

(a)

The animal control advisory committee shall select its chairman and such other officers as may be deemed necessary or desirable and shall establish a time and procedure for the election of such officers on an annual basis. The presence of seven members is required to constitute a quorum sufficient to the holding of a meeting or a taking of any action. A majority vote of those members present at any meeting shall be sufficient to enable the taking of any action.

(b)

Special meetings of the animal control advisory committee may be called by the chairman, by written notice signed by four members of the animal control advisory committee or by action of the animal control advisory committee at meeting, general or special, upon 24 hours' notice. The committee shall keep adequate records of its meetings, including the minutes, attendance records and records of formal committee action regarding animal control program review and monitoring. The director of the animal control division shall be responsible for providing an agenda and the scheduling of business to be heard by the committee. Additional procedures for the conduct of meetings, bylaws and regulations shall be developed by the committee.

(Code 1970, § 7-80; Ord. No. 82-03, § 5, 2-2-82; Ord. No. 07-47, § 2, 12-18-07)

Sec. 14-60. - Duties and functions.

The animal control advisory committee shall have the duties, functions and responsibilities to:

(1)

Serve in an advisory capacity to the board of county commissioners, county administrator and the director of the animal control division in respect to all matters pertaining to animal control policies and programs conducted within the county;

(2)

Make periodic reports and recommendations to the board of county commissioners on animal control matters;

(3)

Make a continuing study of all animal control facilities and services in the county and the needs of the county in respect to animal control facilities and services;

(4)

Formulate plans and programs for the coordination of the activities of all the governmental entities and nongovernmental agencies, as well as corporations for profit or not for profit and individuals, relating to animal control programs, facilities and services within the county;

(5)

Formulate comprehensive, feasible plans or programs for providing an adequate animal control service to the unincorporated areas of the county and to those municipalities who have entered into any local agreements with the county to provide animal control services;

(6)

Devise means and methods by which animal control facilities and services may be improved and more fully utilized to provide better service and availability to the general public;

(7)

Make a continuing study and periodic reports and recommendations for a sound, feasible program for financing the cost of improving animal control facilities and services;

(8)

Review all laws, ordinances, resolutions and regulations governing animal control programs and services and make recommendations concerning appropriate action that may be taken to improve such; and

(9)

Perform and carry out such other duties and functions of an advisory nature as may be assigned to the animal control advisory committee by the board of county commissioners.

(Code 1970, § 7-81; Ord. No. 82-03, § 7, 2-2-82)

Sec. 14-61. - Staff assistance.

The staff of the animal control division shall provide technical assistance and information to the animal control advisory committee, and the director of the animal control division shall serve as secretary to the committee and be responsible for the orderly presentation of business before the committee.

(Code 1970, § 7-82; Ord. No. 82-03, § 8, 2-2-82)

Sec. 14-62. - Limitation on powers.

The animal control advisory committee shall have no power or authority to commit the county government to any policies or to incur any financial obligation or to create any liability on the part of the county. No actions or recommendations of the advisory committee shall be binding on the county until approved or adopted by the board of county commissioners.

(Code 1970, § 7-83; Ord. No. 82-03, § 9, 2-2-82)

Secs. 14-63—14-75. - Reserved.