Carbon County shelter approves proposal to seek commissioners’ OK for fenced dog play area; facility repairs, donations highlighted

The Carbon County Animal Shelter Advisory Commission voted June 3 to forward a proposal asking the Board of County Commissioners to authorize a fenced, staff-only outdoor play area for shelter dogs.

The commission’s motion to send the proposal to the commissioners passed by voice vote during new business; meeting minutes record commissioners saying "Aye" in response to the roll call for approval.

The proposal would use donated funds for construction and would limit access to shelter staff and shelter dogs, not the general public, according to the advisory commission discussion. Commissioners present said the space would let dogs “run and catch a ball” and help staff evaluate a dog’s off-leash behavior during adoption screening.

Director’s report and shelter statistics Tom, the shelter director, reported staffing, donations and intake/adoption data for April and May. He said the shelter had one vacant part-time K-9 officer position and that an application had been received and was being processed.

Tom reported donations of food and supplies: in April the shelter received $2,736 in donated food after a FreshPak pallet delivery; in May food donations were $5,141 and supplies totaled $2,658. He said 16 kennel spaces are available. Monthly counts showed 22 dogs at the start of an earlier month and 16 at the end of that month; later reporting showed 16 at the start of May and 15 at the end. Adoptions were reported as seven in one month and nine in May; owner surrenders and returns-to-owner were also recorded in those reports.

Facility repairs and security Commission members discussed multiple outstanding facility repairs and security improvements. The commission said three new kennel doors have been ordered to complete an earlier replacement effort. Camera installations are pending: the cameras were assessed and the commission is waiting for installation. A leaking roof spot in the kennel ceiling was reported as intermittent but currently producing mold discoloration; members said they want that addressed to avoid future problems.

Members asked whether the small storage shed work could be contracted out using donated funds after county maintenance expressed heavy workloads elsewhere. The commission noted about $5,000 had been donated toward materials for shed work and recommended soliciting local contractor bids and presenting cost estimates to the commissioners.

Other items A request for permission to run a shelter yard sale is pending county approval; the commission said it will advertise once the commissioners approve it. Members also reported they had sent information to the commissioners about an Eagle Scout candidate proposing to build a weatherproof donation box at the shelter entrance.

The state dog warden was scheduled to visit the shelter after the meeting for a brief session.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve April minutes (voice vote): approved. (Transcript indicates a motion, a second and voice vote of "Aye." ) - Motion to approve corrected February 2025 minutes (voice vote): approved. (Transcript indicates a motion, a second and voice vote of "Aye.") - Motion to forward the fenced staff-only outdoor play area proposal to the Board of County Commissioners for approval and use of donated funds (voice vote): approved. (Transcript indicates a motion, a second and voice vote of "Aye.") - Motion to adjourn (voice vote): approved.

Next steps and context Commission members said they will assemble a written proposal and cost estimates for the fenced play area and submit those materials to the county commissioners for formal approval. They also said they will follow up with county maintenance and local contractors about shed repairs and with the supplier installing cameras.

Meeting details The advisory commission meeting convened at 6 p.m. June 3 at 44 Susquehanna Street in Bimthorpe and adjourned after routine business. Several advisory commissioners attended in person; one commissioner (Christina) was recorded as absent.