TAHC Meeting 416 July 11, 2023

Item 1. Welcome and Call to Order by Chairman Locke

  • The meeting was called to order by Chairman Coleman Locke at 8:33AM.
  • The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Item 2. Roll Call for Commission Members

  • Commissioner Vermedahl was absent from the meeting.
  • A motion to excuse the absence was made and seconded, and passed.
  • The remaining commissioners were present for the roll call.

Item 3. Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting

  • There were no public comments or discussions regarding the minutes from the previous meeting.
  • A motion to approve the minutes was made and seconded, and passed.

Item 4. Report on Agency Operations and Affairs

  • The Commission received an update on agency operations, including staffing levels and recent hires.
  • The Rural Veterinary Incentive Program (RVIP) was discussed, including an increase in funding for rural counties with populations over 150,000.
  • A new website for the RVIP program was launched, and applications are now being accepted.

Item 5. Presentation of Field Animal Health Programs and Disease Traceability

  • The Commission received an update on field animal health programs, including staffing levels and recent inspections.
  • Cattle Fever Tick (CFT) quarantines were discussed, with a total of 42 infested herds in May 2023.
  • Other animals affected by CFT include:
    • Bovine: Affected by the presence of CFT
    • Feral swine: May be exposed to CFT

Item 6. Presentation of Disease Information and Epidemiology Activities

  • The Commission received updates on various animal diseases, including:
    • Bovine Tuberculosis (TB): Total tested in May 2023 were 4,237, with 37 positive results.
    • Trichomoniasis: Total bulls tested in May 2023 were 1,652, with 7 positive PCR results and 79 culture-positive results.
    • Fever Ticks: A total of 42 infested herds in May 2023.
    • Foreign Animal Disease (FAD): One suspected case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) was reported in a bovine herd.

Item 7. Presentation of USDA Veterinary Services Program Update

  • The Commission received an update on the USDA Veterinary Services program, including staffing levels and recent activities.
  • Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) staff are currently serving as Acting Veterinarians-in-Charge due to a vacancy.

Item 8. Audit Subcommittee Report

  • The audit subcommittee meeting was discussed, with no deficiencies found in the Communications Department.
  • FY2023 and FY2024 Internal Audit Plans were outlined and approved by the committee.

Item 9. Budget Status Report

  • The Commission received an update on the agency's budget, including projected revenues and expenses for FY2023 and FY2024.
  • A total of $15,478,723 was expended in FY2023, with a balance of $3,592,712 remaining.
  • Federal Cooperative Fund summary showed a need to spend $54,566 on the 21 CFT Fence Project.

Item 10. Consideration of and Possible Action Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

  • The Commission approved the FY2024 budget, which includes funding for 10 new FTEs and equipment to assist DPS/TDA with inspection points.
  • The total budgeted revenue is $21,679,880, including $1,780,000 from SB 30.

Item 11. Consideration of and Possible Action on Agency Contracts and Purchases

  • The Commission approved various contracts, purchases, and leases for FY2024.

Item 12. Consideration of and Possible Action on Orders Related to Commission Rule Violations

  • The Commission approved orders related to commission rule violations.

Item 13. Consideration of and Possible Action on Adoption of Proposed Rules

  • The Commission adopted proposed amendments to Chapter 40, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), including:
    • Amendments to §40.1, concerning Definitions
    • Amendments to §40.2, concerning General Requirements
    • Amendments to §40.5, concerning Surveillance and Movement Requirements for Exotic CWD Susceptible Species

Item 14. Consideration of and Possible Action on Proposed Rules

  • The Commission proposed amendments to:

Item 15. Closed Executive Session to Receive Legal Advice

  • A closed executive session was held to receive legal advice.

Item 16. Closed Executive Session to Deliberate on Employee Matters

  • A closed executive session was held to deliberate on employee matters.

Item 17. Reconvene to Consider Action Needed Following Closed Executive Session

  • The Commission reconvened to consider any action needed following the closed executive session.
  • A motion was made to establish a committee of three commissioners to act as a selection committee to search for the next Executive Director.

Item 20. Presentation of Awards and Recognition

  • No awards or recognition were presented at this meeting.

Item 21. Public Comment

  • No public comment was provided during the meeting.

Item 22. Set Date for Next Commission Meeting

  • The date for the next commission meeting was not set, but will be posted on the agency's website when it is scheduled.

Item 23. Adjournment

  • The meeting adjourned at 11:47AM.