Carbon County Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard reported that the county animal shelter has made significant improvements over the last four years.

He said that significant increases in cash, food and supply donations have helped offset the fact that grant funding was completely cut. Another line item that has helped keep the shelter operating was there have been fewer expenses due to lower compensation than the senior animal warden was receiving."The bottom line is that it cost the taxpayers $7,272 to fund the animal shelter in 2013," Gerhard said. "A decrease of $22,770 from the previous year."He commended Tom Connors, the director at the shelter, as well as his staff for their hard work, tireless efforts and dedication to the dogs for turning the shelter around into an asset.Currently, 13 dogs are at the facility available for adoption.In addition, Gerhard reported that area resident Joe Pilla is donating time and money to paint the new education room at the shelter and an artist will be painting murals on the walls.The commissioners also acted on the following items:• Updated the by-laws for the Children and Youth Advisory Board to change the number of members from "not more than 18 nor fewer than 12" to "not more than 12 nor fewer than 6," and extend the term of the officers from one year to two years.• Approved St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital's request for use of the courthouse annex parking lot on May 30 and 31 and elevator and restrooms on May 31 for its annual Black Diamond Affair. St. Luke's will reimburse the county at a rate of $20 per hour per guard for building security.• Approved the extension of a lease agreement with Robert E. Brown of Jim Thorpe for operation of the camp store concession at Mauch Chunk Lake Park for an additional year to March 31, 2015. All terms and conditions from a lease agreement dated Feb. 10, 2011 shall be incorporated and made part of the extension.• Adopted a resolution honoring Andrew Oross of East Side Borough, member of Boy Scout Troop 25, White Haven. Oross is attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.• Accepted the resignation of Tammy E. Nash-Sterner of Parryville, part-time cleaning person, Building and Grounds, effective May 23.• Hired Kendall J. Juracka of Jim Thorpe as a lifeguard, effective May 24.• Appointed Michele L. Huszar of Palmerton as a department clerk I in the Juvenile Court Office, effective May 27.