The Balch Springs City Council appointed two volunteers to the Animal Control Advisory Committee on Oct. 13, voting to confirm Hannah Fugate and Millie Sanders.

Hannah Fugate introduced herself at the meeting as the director of the nonprofit Hannah Southern Paws, based in Mesquite, and said her group has worked with the Balch Springs animal shelter to help network and rehome dogs. "We're really excited to be here and for the opportunity to be on the board," Fugate said.

Millie Sanders told the council she has lived in Balch Springs since 1989 and said she wants the advisory board to strengthen enforcement and shelter operations. "We need to have some new rules and we need to enforce the rules," Sanders said.

Mayor Taylor and several council members thanked the two applicants for volunteering. The motion to appoint was made by Council member Gabriel and seconded; council members voted unanimously in favor at the Oct. 13 meeting.

Why it matters: the advisory committee advises staff on animal-control policies and practices and serves as a citizen oversight and stakeholder group for shelter operations. The council did not take other animal-control policy actions at the meeting.

Votes and procedure: Council member Gabriel moved to appoint both candidates; the motion carried with recorded votes of yes from Council member Hill, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Council member Gabriel, Council member Patino, Council member Miles and Council member Salah.

Ending: The appointees will serve on the advisory committee and staff said they will be scheduled for onboarding and future committee meetings; no additional action was required by council Oct. 13.