Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board confirms reappointments, discusses vacancies and delegate role

The Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board on May 20 reviewed board vacancies and recent appointments and agreed to invite three applicants to a future meeting.

At the start of the meeting board records showed Ellen Pearsall has officially joined the board and Dr. Ann Brady’s term will be effective July 1. The board also noted that Cathy Munnier was reappointed on May 20. Members discussed two open seats: a retail-position vacancy now and a non-municipal seat that opens July 1. Three applicants have applied and board members agreed to invite them to attend an upcoming meeting for consideration.

Debby Hill asked about reviving a delegate position the board has used previously; Animal Services staff member Elizabeth Overcash said she would consult county staff about the formal steps required to establish a delegate. The board also discussed engaging high school volunteers; Cathy Munnier suggested outreach to students and Dr. Lee Pickett emphasized that volunteer experience is valuable for college applications.

Members approved routine business for the evening before substantive discussion. The agenda and the April 2026 minutes were approved unanimously (agenda motion by Debby Hill, second by Cathy Munnier; minutes motion by Debby Hill, second by Michael Dempsey). The meeting adjourned by unanimous motion (Debby Hill; second Michael Dempsey).

The board asked staff to follow up with county personnel about delegate procedures and to invite the three applicants to a future meeting; no formal appointment votes of those applicants were recorded at this meeting.