Public Awareness Committee Meeting Notes
Wednesday, November 3rd
I Marketing
A. Discuss our progress in our marketing/branding campaign
Mosak Advertising and Insights www.mosak.com is working on marketing material for us. They are doing all the work pro bono. Mosak will also include an estimate on printing expenses.
Included in their work is a website, ad buy, tri fold brochures, and poster
B. Logo, Marketing Company, T-Shirts, Stickers, Postcards, Flyers, Website, Website address
We have a logo donated by an anonymous artist.
Piret has printed T-shirts with the logo.
Gina ordered post cards to hand out to the public at events as well as stores around Austin
Trish mentioned the great impact bumper stickers have. Committee will work on this
Website address is www.AustinNoKill.org . Committee discussed a link on TLAC’s website to this web address for more Public Awareness info as well as volunteer opportunities.
ACTION ITEM # 2 – Meghan Turner suggested that the No Kill logo would be on TLAC’s home page and would link to a portal page that would then link to other pages. Ms. Fraga said she has to check about the logo. Piret Sari-Tate agreed to send the logo electronically to Ms. Fraga who will check on whether it can be approved to be on home page.
II Funds
A. Our funds are $0
B. Donations fund request plan
C. Friends of TLAC/Umbrella non-profit group
Committee members have been using their own funds for printing and booth expenses.
ACTION ITEM #1: We agreed to submit our work (marketing and public relations materials) to Patricia Fraga, City of Austin staff member liaison to committee for approval and use by the City. Ms. Fraga will compare to the city plan for use of $53,000 out of the General Fund and let us know if the two plans can be merged. If the $53,000 cannot be used, we can then discuss possible action regarding request for Donations Funds.
III Year of the Companion Animal
A. Proposal sent to AAC
Committee needs to work on the plan for Year of the Companion Animal.
Need a way to get earned media. We are looking at the declaration as a media splash to get attention and coverage for all Austin animal current events over the next year.
ACTION ITEM # 3: Brad Beam will research the council’s schedule for next year and bring a proposal to the AAC. We will plan the press conference for a “non-Council” Thursday. Ms. Fraga volunteered to research and plan the press conference.
IV Public Relations Society
A. Media Strategy, Press List, Press Releases, etc
B. Volunteers from PRSA?
Gina has contacted the Public Relations Society in an effort to obtain pro bono public relations work.
Main task will be to create a 24month calendar of events to create a campaign which coincides with national animal campaigns such as Spay/Neuter month, adopt a dog month, National Pit Bull Awareness Month
We will also invite members of Public Relations Society to join our Public Awareness Committee
V Public Events (pet related and other)
A. Volunteers to research events, booth costs, etc
Adette has agreed to research public events (pet related and non-pet related) to host public awareness booths. Examples include Farmers Markets and Pet Festivals around Austin. She will need volunteers to help with organizing and participating in these events.
Ms. Fraga asked if anyone might be interested in participating in Pet of the Week. Pat Valls-Trelles suggested Adette Quintana (who was at the meeting and agreed) as well as Tara Stermer who was not at the meeting. Ms. Fraga was interested in both.
VI Flyers at local establishments
A. Amy's Ice Cream has agreed to do this
B. others?
Members will contact local businesses for permission to display our flyers/postcards.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Public Awareness Committee Report to AAC Nov. 10
Public Awareness Committee Report
November 10, 2010
The Committee had t-shirts made. We sold them at our booth on Pit Bull Awareness Day. At that event, we talked to many people about Austin’s more toward becoming a No-Kill city.
We have post cards that we will be handing out at events and leaving at local businesses. Amy’s Ice Cream has agreed to allow post cards/brochures in their stores. We are contacting other retail businesses, asking to leave materials in their establishments.
The committee secured the web address (URL) www.AustinNoKill.org. The Web site will consist only of a single page with the logo and four links: one to the adoption page of the TLAC web site, one to the foster page of the TLAC web site, one to the volunteer page of the TLAC web site and one to the donate page of the TLAC web site.
We presented the proposal to have the Mayor and City Council declare that 2011 is The Year of The Companion Animal. We plan to have a press conference shortly after Jan. 1 to publicize this declaration.
The committee secured the pro bono service of MOSAK Marketing. The company will develop a marketing plan, design brochures and print advertisements. They have offered to design a web site. They will also investigate the potential for donated space for print advertising.
We will have a booth at the “Day of Action” event at the Austin Pets Alive shelter on Nov. 20. We will sell t-shirts, distribute marketing materials and talk to people about the move toward No-Kill.
The committee is researching having booths at other events, expanding beyond events that are dog-centered.
Amy’s Ice Cream has agreed to allow brochures in their stores. We are contacting other retail businesses, asking to leave brochures in their establishments.
Efforts to recruit Committees members with professional backgrounds in marketing, advertising and public relations continue. The Austin chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has agreed to ask their membership
November 10, 2010
The Committee had t-shirts made. We sold them at our booth on Pit Bull Awareness Day. At that event, we talked to many people about Austin’s more toward becoming a No-Kill city.
We have post cards that we will be handing out at events and leaving at local businesses. Amy’s Ice Cream has agreed to allow post cards/brochures in their stores. We are contacting other retail businesses, asking to leave materials in their establishments.
The committee secured the web address (URL) www.AustinNoKill.org. The Web site will consist only of a single page with the logo and four links: one to the adoption page of the TLAC web site, one to the foster page of the TLAC web site, one to the volunteer page of the TLAC web site and one to the donate page of the TLAC web site.
We presented the proposal to have the Mayor and City Council declare that 2011 is The Year of The Companion Animal. We plan to have a press conference shortly after Jan. 1 to publicize this declaration.
The committee secured the pro bono service of MOSAK Marketing. The company will develop a marketing plan, design brochures and print advertisements. They have offered to design a web site. They will also investigate the potential for donated space for print advertising.
We will have a booth at the “Day of Action” event at the Austin Pets Alive shelter on Nov. 20. We will sell t-shirts, distribute marketing materials and talk to people about the move toward No-Kill.
The committee is researching having booths at other events, expanding beyond events that are dog-centered.
Amy’s Ice Cream has agreed to allow brochures in their stores. We are contacting other retail businesses, asking to leave brochures in their establishments.
Efforts to recruit Committees members with professional backgrounds in marketing, advertising and public relations continue. The Austin chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has agreed to ask their membership
Agenda for Public Awareness Committee - Dec. 1 Meeting
DECEMBER PUBLIC AWARENESS MEETING AGENDA
I. Our Mission and Purpose
II. Portal Page and Website
A. Pet Finder
B. Update from Trisha
C. Committee Website
III. Year of the Companion Animal Update
IV. Marketing Material Update
V. Public Events Promotions
A. Healthy Pets Healthy People and Pit Bull Awareness Day
B. Radio Show Spot
C. Upcoming Pet Events/Non-Pet Events
VI. Public Awareness in Schools
VII. Flyers at local businesses
A. Need Volunteers to contact local businesses- template email and list
B. Need Volunteers to distribute flyers
Wed, Dec 1 in the Bull Pen @ City Hall. Free parking in parking structure. Be sure to bring your ticket inside for validation
I. Our Mission and Purpose
II. Portal Page and Website
A. Pet Finder
B. Update from Trisha
C. Committee Website
III. Year of the Companion Animal Update
IV. Marketing Material Update
V. Public Events Promotions
A. Healthy Pets Healthy People and Pit Bull Awareness Day
B. Radio Show Spot
C. Upcoming Pet Events/Non-Pet Events
VI. Public Awareness in Schools
VII. Flyers at local businesses
A. Need Volunteers to contact local businesses- template email and list
B. Need Volunteers to distribute flyers
Wed, Dec 1 in the Bull Pen @ City Hall. Free parking in parking structure. Be sure to bring your ticket inside for validation
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Deer Survey presentation to City Council PHHS committee
The Public Health and Human Services Committee heard a presentation from the city's consultant on the deer population in Northwest Austin. The 27 minute presentation is on the city's website at:
http://austintx.swagit.com/player.php?refid=11162010-45
Agenda Item:
Receive Staff Update regarding deer survey. (David Lurie, Director, Health & Human Services Department, and Shannon Jones, Assistant Director of Public Health and Keith Olenick, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Plateau Land and Wildlife Management)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://austintx.swagit.com/player.php?refid=11162010-45
Agenda Item:
Receive Staff Update regarding deer survey. (David Lurie, Director, Health & Human Services Department, and Shannon Jones, Assistant Director of Public Health and Keith Olenick, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Plateau Land and Wildlife Management)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City consultant recommends killing deer in NW Austin
KXAN coverage of city consultant recommendation to kill deer in NW Austin
watch video news coverage here:
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/deer-study-in-northwest-austin
Deer study in Northwest Austin
Lethal measures to control population recommended
Updated: Wednesday, 17 Nov 2010, 10:22 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 17 Nov 2010, 10:14 PM CST
Doug Shupe
AUSTIN (KXAN) -
The deer population in Austin's Northwest Hills neighborhood is at a "crisis state," according to a newly released report prepared for the City of Austin Health Department.
A consultant company called Plateau Land and Wildlife Management conducted the research in the 78731 zipcode. The survey found about 400 deer living in an area suitable for about 100 and recommended drastically reducing the population.
Some residents say growth and new development have forced deer into their yards because they have nowhere else to go. But some blame people for feeding the deer despite a city ban on it.
"I like to see them in the neighborhood," said Charlotte Flynn.
Flynn has lived in the 7800 block of West Rim for 40 years. Watching the deer at dark reminds her of the times she fed them with her husband before he died.
"It was just part of our evening. After he got sick it was always his joy, if he was well enough, to come out and watch me feed the deer," said Flynn.
But increased populations of people and deer have led to growing concerns about deer and vehicle collisions, confrontations with people or pets, economic damage to vehicles and landscaping, and health issues like Lyme Disease.
"They're a nuisance here absolutely a nuisance," said resident William Deginder.
Deginder says deer populations have exploded since he moved to the neighborhood in the early 80's
"The longer I stay the more I see," he said.
So the city asked for a deer study in Northwest Hills. Once complete, it found very high deer populations and recommended reducing deer density through two lethal methods--trap, transport and process to donate their meat or the use of sharpshooters in larger, open space areas.
The report did not recommend the non-lethal method of capture and release. There's mixed feelings about the report's recommendations and also a difference of opinion on whether the deer population should be lowered at all.
"Something has to be done," said Deginder.
"I think we're missing a wonderful opportunity to share nature," said Flynn.
The city has not made a decision yet on what to do about the deer. The Northwest Austin Civic Association will call a special meeting on November 29th and eventually vote on a recommendation to present to the city.
watch video news coverage here:
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/deer-study-in-northwest-austin
Deer study in Northwest Austin
Lethal measures to control population recommended
Updated: Wednesday, 17 Nov 2010, 10:22 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 17 Nov 2010, 10:14 PM CST
Doug Shupe
AUSTIN (KXAN) -
The deer population in Austin's Northwest Hills neighborhood is at a "crisis state," according to a newly released report prepared for the City of Austin Health Department.
A consultant company called Plateau Land and Wildlife Management conducted the research in the 78731 zipcode. The survey found about 400 deer living in an area suitable for about 100 and recommended drastically reducing the population.
Some residents say growth and new development have forced deer into their yards because they have nowhere else to go. But some blame people for feeding the deer despite a city ban on it.
"I like to see them in the neighborhood," said Charlotte Flynn.
Flynn has lived in the 7800 block of West Rim for 40 years. Watching the deer at dark reminds her of the times she fed them with her husband before he died.
"It was just part of our evening. After he got sick it was always his joy, if he was well enough, to come out and watch me feed the deer," said Flynn.
But increased populations of people and deer have led to growing concerns about deer and vehicle collisions, confrontations with people or pets, economic damage to vehicles and landscaping, and health issues like Lyme Disease.
"They're a nuisance here absolutely a nuisance," said resident William Deginder.
Deginder says deer populations have exploded since he moved to the neighborhood in the early 80's
"The longer I stay the more I see," he said.
So the city asked for a deer study in Northwest Hills. Once complete, it found very high deer populations and recommended reducing deer density through two lethal methods--trap, transport and process to donate their meat or the use of sharpshooters in larger, open space areas.
The report did not recommend the non-lethal method of capture and release. There's mixed feelings about the report's recommendations and also a difference of opinion on whether the deer population should be lowered at all.
"Something has to be done," said Deginder.
"I think we're missing a wonderful opportunity to share nature," said Flynn.
The city has not made a decision yet on what to do about the deer. The Northwest Austin Civic Association will call a special meeting on November 29th and eventually vote on a recommendation to present to the city.
City considering sharpshooting or trapping deer in Northwest Austin
KVUE news coverage of sharpshooting deer in Northwest Austin (watch video here):
http://www.kvue.com/home/To-shoot-or-not-to-shoot-controlling--108792884.html
Text of news story on KVUE website:
by ANDREW HORANSKY/ KVUE News
kvue.com
Posted on November 17, 2010 at 6:36 PM
A local consulting firm called Plateau Land and Wildlife Management recently conducted a census in Northwest Hills. It was not a count of people, but of deer.
“We found that we have a severe population problem there,” said Plateau President David Braun. “There are four times as many deer as is natural.”
Funded by the City of Austin at a cost of $7,500, Plateau counted about 400 deer, and recommended removing up to 300 of them. The firm then presented two options for controlling the population: trapping the deer, or using sharpshooters.
In trapping, huge nets surround the deer and can catch more than one at a time. The process, however, can traumatize the animal. Braun says sharpshooting is not only quicker, but possibly cheaper.
“I think people instinctively want to find the safest way, the most humane way,” Braun said. “Until they have studied it, they cannot imagine that this is going to be the conclusion.”
In the meantime, some residents say the deer problem has never been worse. They have gobbled up plants and caused countless accidents, and yet not everyone can agree on sharpshooters.
“I understand why some people may think it’s a good idea; we have too many deer around here,” Alexandra Evans says. “But, having kids, I just think the idea is pretty scary.”
The neighborhood association will ultimately vote on using traps versus sharpshooters.
http://www.kvue.com/home/To-shoot-or-not-to-shoot-controlling--108792884.html
Text of news story on KVUE website:
by ANDREW HORANSKY/ KVUE News
kvue.com
Posted on November 17, 2010 at 6:36 PM
A local consulting firm called Plateau Land and Wildlife Management recently conducted a census in Northwest Hills. It was not a count of people, but of deer.
“We found that we have a severe population problem there,” said Plateau President David Braun. “There are four times as many deer as is natural.”
Funded by the City of Austin at a cost of $7,500, Plateau counted about 400 deer, and recommended removing up to 300 of them. The firm then presented two options for controlling the population: trapping the deer, or using sharpshooters.
In trapping, huge nets surround the deer and can catch more than one at a time. The process, however, can traumatize the animal. Braun says sharpshooting is not only quicker, but possibly cheaper.
“I think people instinctively want to find the safest way, the most humane way,” Braun said. “Until they have studied it, they cannot imagine that this is going to be the conclusion.”
In the meantime, some residents say the deer problem has never been worse. They have gobbled up plants and caused countless accidents, and yet not everyone can agree on sharpshooters.
“I understand why some people may think it’s a good idea; we have too many deer around here,” Alexandra Evans says. “But, having kids, I just think the idea is pretty scary.”
The neighborhood association will ultimately vote on using traps versus sharpshooters.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Notes from October 20 Rescue Committee Meeting
The November meeting of the Rescue Committee created by the March 2010 No Kill Resolution will be on Wednesday, November 17 at 6:30 pm at the Town Lake Animal Center. The notes from the last meeting are below:
Rescue Committee October 20, 2010
Actions/decisions
Notetaking: Kathleen Hamilton
Meeting frequency: Decision: Confirmed the 3rd Wednesday of each month as the standing meeting date for the committee.
Rolling 24 month calendar: Action: Send to Brad Beam brad.beam@gmail.com information on animal related events that should be included on the calendar, which is being developed by the Public Awareness Committee.
Donation Funds: Awaiting reply to Brad’s email to the AAC asking for clarification on process for finalizing decisions on Donations Funds. Actions: When reply received from AAC, committee will formulate a recommendation concerning what percentage of funds from the Emergency Care $30,000 balance should be used for heartworm treatment.
Homeless Pets Need You flyer: Action: Send recommendations for changes to Adette Quintana, Public Awareness Committee; adettesark@yahoo.com
Shelter Walker Function: Actions: Send input on what info rescuers might want from this activity to Kathleen Hamilton zenhamk@aol.com, who will compile it. Contact Kathryn Sharp if you want to try out this activity to see how it might work. Kathleen will also talk with Joanna Johnson, TLAC volunteer coordinator, to see whether this job function might be included in potential jobs offered to TLAC volunteers. Idea left on table: Contact Triple Crown Academy to explore requiring people going through their program to have to spend certain amount of time performing the shelter walker function.
Creation of subcommittees to carry out work of the Rescue Committee: Actions Co-chairs will develop proposals for the subcommittees which might be established. Subcommittee on recruiting rescues created (Brad, Pat, Meghan, Nancy). Contact Brad brad.beam@gmail.com if you wish to participate on this committee.
Placement Partner Guidelines: Action: Establishment of Placement Guidelines Subcommittee (Christy, Toni, Marnie, Cheryl, Kathy, Julia). Contact Julia julia_jad@hotmail.com if you wish to serve on this subcommittee. Ideas left on table: Start with fosters who become rescues. Survey the rescues participating with TLAC and those not participating to see what their objections to the placement guidelines are (and what they like). Have presentations made by current partners to help people understand what is involved in being a rescue. Create incentives for being a rescue partner.
Rescue Committee October 20, 2010
Actions/decisions
Notetaking: Kathleen Hamilton
Meeting frequency: Decision: Confirmed the 3rd Wednesday of each month as the standing meeting date for the committee.
Rolling 24 month calendar: Action: Send to Brad Beam brad.beam@gmail.com information on animal related events that should be included on the calendar, which is being developed by the Public Awareness Committee.
Donation Funds: Awaiting reply to Brad’s email to the AAC asking for clarification on process for finalizing decisions on Donations Funds. Actions: When reply received from AAC, committee will formulate a recommendation concerning what percentage of funds from the Emergency Care $30,000 balance should be used for heartworm treatment.
Homeless Pets Need You flyer: Action: Send recommendations for changes to Adette Quintana, Public Awareness Committee; adettesark@yahoo.com
Shelter Walker Function: Actions: Send input on what info rescuers might want from this activity to Kathleen Hamilton zenhamk@aol.com, who will compile it. Contact Kathryn Sharp if you want to try out this activity to see how it might work. Kathleen will also talk with Joanna Johnson, TLAC volunteer coordinator, to see whether this job function might be included in potential jobs offered to TLAC volunteers. Idea left on table: Contact Triple Crown Academy to explore requiring people going through their program to have to spend certain amount of time performing the shelter walker function.
Creation of subcommittees to carry out work of the Rescue Committee: Actions Co-chairs will develop proposals for the subcommittees which might be established. Subcommittee on recruiting rescues created (Brad, Pat, Meghan, Nancy). Contact Brad brad.beam@gmail.com if you wish to participate on this committee.
Placement Partner Guidelines: Action: Establishment of Placement Guidelines Subcommittee (Christy, Toni, Marnie, Cheryl, Kathy, Julia). Contact Julia julia_jad@hotmail.com if you wish to serve on this subcommittee. Ideas left on table: Start with fosters who become rescues. Survey the rescues participating with TLAC and those not participating to see what their objections to the placement guidelines are (and what they like). Have presentations made by current partners to help people understand what is involved in being a rescue. Create incentives for being a rescue partner.
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