1 McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Consent Item #12 - Thank you for establishing separate animal shelter donation fund & request for ad hoc committee
From: McKay, Ann Marie CC
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 5:34 PM
To: Kiff, Dave CM <[email protected]>
Cc: Dereszynski, David PD <[email protected]>; Calvert, Jeffrey PD <[email protected]>; Beres, Jim PD <[email protected]>
Subject: Consent Item #12 - Thank you for establishing separate animal shelter donation fund & request for ad hoc committee
Dave (and City Council, via bcc),
I wanted to thank you for listening to the concerns expressed by animal shelter volunteers and supporters, and for taking action by moving the animal shelter donation funds into a new, separate fund. This change meaningfully improves transparency, accountability, and public trust in how these important community donations are managed.
In line with this positive step, I would like to suggest, for the City Council’s consideration, the establishment of an ad hoc committee to provide oversight on the management and use of these donation funds. The Mayor raised this concept when he met with the departing Shelter Manager, and formalizing such a committee would help ensure that donor intent is honored, that expenditures align with Council policy and community expectations, and that there is a clear structure for ongoing review and communication. There will be disagreements between City staff and shelter volunteers and supporters at times about what may or may not be appropriate use of the funds. An ad hoc committee will provided a mechanism to resolve those conflicts.
An ad hoc committee could:
- Review and provide input on proposed uses of donation funds; - Help shape policies and guidelines for expenditures; and - Offer a regular mechanism for reporting back to the Council and the public.
Thank you again for your responsiveness and for your continued support of the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter and the community that cares so deeply about it. I respectfully ask that you consider bringing back an item for Council discussion and direction.
Sincerely,
Best,