Workshop to address concerns about shelter

Montgomery County commissioners vote against giving judge oversight

In the latest episode during years of turmoil, Montgomery County commissioners on Tuesday voted against placing an animal shelter under the county judge’s oversight and decided to hold a public workshop in the next two weeks.

James Noack, the Precinct 3 commissioner who represents The Woodlands, had moved to take away shelter supervision from Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark, who has drawn the ire of disgruntled volunteers. They include the dozen or so residents who took up the first half-hour of Commissioners Court to criticize shelter conditions, interim director Dr. Todd Hayden’s leadership and Clark’s oversight.

Clark and Hayden defended the shelter’s operations and promised Hayden would step down once a new director is hired in the next few months.

“I think we’re getting it 90 percent right, maybe 95 percent,” Clark said, citing cleaner conditions, ordered uniforms and progress on the spay/neuter program that he says is the underlying issue.

County Judge Craig Doyal also questioned Noack’s proposal.

“Having it under the entire court would make communication very difficult,” Doyal told the Chronicle. “It would take a public meeting for us to discuss anything.”

Hayden said he was indifferent about who supervised his work: “I don’t really care. I can do it with all of you or just one.”

In the end, only Noack voted for his motion.

Charlie Riley, Precinct 1 commissioner, instead moved to have a public workshop. His idea was approved unanimously.

Doyal said the workshop will be held within two weeks and will allow for dialogue. During the public comments portion of meetings, commissioners are legally forbidden from responding.

At a workshop, Doyal said commissioners and Hayden can directly respond to questions, criticisms and some rumors that have circulated on social media.

They can also listen to suggestions from some of the upset volunteers, he added. Though he said such workshops are rare, the commissioners recently had one about water issues.

The commissioners also approved a second motion by Noack to require that any activity related to hiring a permanent director come before Commissioners Court. Doyal said the commissioners likely would interview finalists during an executive session of Commissioners Court.

Hayden told commissioners 40 people had submitted applications, though fewer had previous shelter experience. Doyal later said the target date to hire a new director is Nov. 1.

While Clark has largely defended Hayden’s leadership, the commissioner conceded on Sept. 13 that “maybe his people skills are lacking in some ways.”

Hayden told the court Tuesday that the shelter’s kill rate was down to about 15 percent and that, by Nov. 1, no animals would leave the facility without being spayed or neutered.