Legal Authority:

Established by Ordinance G-7335, effective February 9, 2006, adding Chapter 2.150 and amending sections 7.04.020 and 7.08.280 of the Kern County Ordinance Code. Amended by Ordinance G-7354 adding responsibilities; Ordinance G-8292, effective July 5, 2012, revising reimbursement of mileage and travel expenses; Ordinance G-8650, effective July 21, 2016, changed the name to Animal Services Commission.

Membership Qualifications:

• Five (5) voting members appointed by the Board of Supervisors • One (1) nonvoting member of the Board of Supervisors • One (1) alternate nonvoting member of the Board of Supervisors

Term:

The five (5) Board-appointed members shall serve a staggered term of four (4) years to run concurrent with the term of the supervisor who makes his/her nomination. The Board of Supervisors members' terms shall correspond to his/her official tenure.

Duties:

It shall be the responsibility of the Commission to • engage in a long-term planning process through which it identifies major issues and establishes recommendations for the Board of Supervisors for policies and procedures on animal services program operations • promote public awareness of the goals and operations of the animal shelters and to enhance public confidence and improve community relations with respect to animal control program operations • investigate and provide advisory recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on all proposed amendments to Chapters 7.04 and 7.08 of the Kern County Ordinance Code • review and investigate citizen complaints regarding animal services program operations and, if appropriate, provide advisory recommendations to the Board of Supervisors concerning matters brought to its attention by members of the public • serve as the administrative review board for the consideration of appeals to orders regarding the designation of dangerous animal and the impoundment of a dangerous animal for euthanasia under Section 7.08.280 of the Ordinance Code • serve as the administrative review board for consideration of appeals to the revocation of permits under Section 7.08.400 of the Ordinance Code • advise/assist the Board of Supervisors in conducting public education and outreach programs to Kern County residents regarding animal owner responsibility for licensing, spaying and neutering and proper care of animals • review and recommend proactive enforcement programs that will result in reducing cases of animal overpopulation

Meeting Place and Time:

County Administrative Center 1115 Truxtun Avenue 3rd Floor Multipurpose Room Bakersfield, CA Third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 P.M.

Meeting Schedule/Agenda/Minutes

Compensation:

Members shall be reimbursed for mileage incurred in traveling to and from meetings of the commission and for travel expenses actually and necessarily incurred while traveling on the business of the Commission. Such travel expenses shall be authorized by the Board of Supervisors in advance of the commencement thereof.

Ethics Training:

Pursuant to State law, on or after January 1, 2006, any person newly appointed shall successfully complete a course in ethics training approved by the Fair Political Practices Commission and Attorney General. Each member is required to complete this training every two years.

Contact:

Animal Services Department
3951 Fruitvale Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 868-7100

Required Documents/Training:

• Loyalty Oath required
• Form 700 (Statement of Economic Interests) required; filed with Clerk of the Board
• Ethics training required; training provided by Kern County Counsel