The current Interlocal Agreement for Emergency Shelters has been in existence since 1999.  Since that time, there have been two (2) amendments.

This Interlocal restates and consolidates the original and two (2) amendments into a single document.  In addition, this agreement incorporates a new addition, which pertains to the sheltering of pets.  Ever since Hurricane Katrina, there has been a significant interest in the protection of pets.  Pets, such as dogs and cats, have become close and needed comfort companions for our citizen’s, especially the elderly.  Studies and research of past incidents have shown the elderly will relocate from an unsafe home to a safe shelter that offers pet friendly sheltering.

After many meetings and staff discussions, we are including a provision for the sheltering of pets within three (3) of our schools, Keystone Heights Jr-Sr High School, Clay High School and Orange Park High School.  Attached to the Interlocal Agreement are the Standard Operating Procedures for administering a pet shelter.

This Interlocal Agreement was placed on the June 19^th Board agenda but failed to gain approval due to a 2 to 2 vote.  The Interlocal was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on July 22, 2008 and has been additionally endorsed by the Director of Emergency Preparedness Programs of the Northeast Florida Regional Council.  It was transmitted to us after Board of County Commissioner approval by the Clay County Director of Emergency Management requesting School Board consideration.