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February 26, 2026 CITY OF NEDERLAND Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Minutes 5:30 P.M. February 26, 2026 MEMBERS PRESENT: Dwayne Borel, Animal Control Officer Jeff Ortiz, Chairman/Animal Shelter Advisory Board Member Susan Toney/Animal Shelter Advisory Board Member Dr. Kathleen Clements, Vet/Animal Hospital of Mid-County CITY STAFF PRESENT: Joni Underwood, City Clerk Rod Carroll, Police Chief 1. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Dwayne Borel, Animal Control Officer, at the Nederland City Hall Building, 207 N. 12th Street, Nederland, Texas. 2. A motion was made by Dwayne Borel and seconded by Susan Toney to approve the minutes from September 18, 2025, as presented. MOTION CARRIED. Ayes: Chairperson Ortiz; Committee Members Borel, Toney and Clements. Noes: None. 3. A mission statement was presented to the board for consideration. The proposed mission statement read: "The City of Nederland Advisory Board serves as an advisory body to the City Council with the mission to protect the health and safety of residents, strengthen animal service operations, and ensure that humane and ethical treatment of animals while supporting educational programs that prevent neglect and cruelty and promote community awareness on responsible pet ownership, animal care, and compassion between people and pets." Board members expressed positive feedback on the proposed mission statement. A motion was made by Chairperson Ortiz and seconded by Dr. Clements to approve the Mission Statement, as presented. MOTION CARRIED. Ayes: Chairperson Ortiz; Committee Members Borel, Toney and Clements. Noes: None. 4. Discussion of ongoing and planned improvements to the animal shelter facility, including mural artwork and building maintenance. An update was provided on a proposed mural project. The main priority identified was getting the shelter pressure-washed and painted first, including the trim and body of the building, before proceeding with the mural artwork. The focus would be on the entrance area and a short wall on the side rather than the entire shelter. Budget concerns were raised, as this project was not included in the current budget. The Police Chief indicated he would need to approach Interim City Manager Bruce Mills (and potentially the new city manager Manuel De La Rosa, who starts March 9th) to determine available funding. The need for a ballpark cost estimate was emphasized before any budget discussions could proceed. Discussion included the possibility of using volunteers, such as high school students, for a work day to help with painting, though liability concerns were noted. The board agreed to proceed with getting cost estimates for the building painting, after which the mural costs would be determined and presented in the next budgetary process. 5. An update was provided on the spay and neuter program, which had recently started anct was receiving more applications. It was noted that Neighborhood Vet, which had initially agreed to participate, did not follow through with their commitment from the previous year. Dr. Clements and Dr. Spiegel were confirmed as participating veterinarians. Several concerns were raised about the current program criteria. The current income limit of$100,000 household income was questioned as being too high and a suggestion of lowering the limit to $50,00-0 was made. These figures need to be reevaluated for next year. Animal Limit: The current limit of 3 animals per household was discussed, with a suggestion to reduce it to 2 animals to allow more households to participate in the program. Questions were raised about whether lower-income applicants receive priority over higher-income applicants within the eligible range. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Discussion included ensuring that animals being spayed/neutered are actual pets that have been taken to a veterinarian, rather than random neighborhood animals, though it was noted that many such animals end up becoming pets. The form needs to be updated to reflect that Animal Hospital of Mid County is now called Care Vet, and Neighborhood Vet should be removed from participating veterinarians. OLD BUSINESS 6. The Chief provided an update on the installation of security cameras and lighting at the animal shelter. The cameras have been successfully installed and are described as "very state-of-the-art"with license plate reader capability and facial recognition features that automatically focus on faces using Al technology. New lighting has been installed, including 800 and 1,000-watt lights pointing out the front door. While the front area is now well-lit, the back area remains somewhat dark. Additional lighting for the back corner cannot be installed until construction on the water plant is completed, as there are plans to install another pole in that area. NEW BUSINESS 7. Discussion centered on developing a volunteer program to assist with animal services operations. The concept includes engaging community members, potentially including students, church groups, and other interested citizens to help with activities such as: - Donating food and supplies to reduce taxpayer costs - Weekend feeding assistance - Playing with and socializing animals - Dog walking Community interest was noted, including Facebook comments about establishing foster and volunteer programs. The board acknowledged significant public interest in helping with animal services. Challenges identified include liability concerns, the need for supervision of volunteers, and potential staffing requirements. The current animal control officer cannot supervise volunteers while performing field duties, which would necessitate additional staffing and budget considerations. Extensive discussion occurred regarding the long-term future of the animal shelter facility. The Chief provided analysis of the current facility, estimating it was built in 2002 and noting it is inadequate for current needs. Current facility limitations include: - Capacity for only 12 dogs maximum - No accommodation for cats - No outdoor exercise areas for dogs - Limited adoption facilities The Chief indicated the facility needs to be approximately three times its current size to adequately serve the community. Future development would likely require Certificate of Obligation bonds for funding, as grants are not readily available for such projects. The goal would be to model services after the City of Beaumont's Animal Services Division, which includes: - Microchipping of adopted animals - Spay/neuter completion before adoption pickup - Proper follow-up on adoption agreements - Comprehensive vaccination programs The board acknowledged this represents a long-term vision requiring significant planning and budgetary commitment. Brief discussion occurred regarding unused spay/neuter vouchers. It was clarified that vouchers must be used within 30 days of issuance. Unused voucher funds either remain available for additional applicants until the annual budget is exhausted, or unused funds return to the general fund at year-end for the following year's program. 8. There being no further business a motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 6:12 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Ayes: Chairperson Jeff Ortiz; Committee Members Borel and Toney. Noes: None. J;' Oiz ha' Person/City Representative Date CITY OF NEDERLAND ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE SHEET (quorum of 3 must be present) NAME TITLE PRESENT ABSENT Jeff Ortiz Mayor Pro Tern Chair Person/City Representative ✓ Joni Underwood City Clerk ✓ Dwayne Borel Animal Control Officer Dr. Kathleen Clements Vet-Animal Hospital of Mid County Susan Toney Animal Welfare Representative ✓ PO/lee lief foci Cara// Po1icA Ct��-F ✓ J Ortiz, Mayor Pro Tem Joni Unde �ood, City Clerk Date