Carbon County has made its appointments to the new animal shelter advisory commission.

On Thursday, the board of commissioners approved the appointments of the five-member board.

They include Dr. Dawn Mriss of Lehighton, one-year term to expire Dec. 31, 2022; Kristina Czwakiel and Terrilynn Maher, both of Jim Thorpe, two-year terms to expire Dec. 31, 2023; and Peggy Dart of Jim Thorpe and Frank Migneco of White Haven, three-year terms to expire Dec. 31, 2024.

The commission idea came about earlier this year following a report that was completed by the Lehigh County Humane Society, in conjunction with the county’s insurance provider, on the daily operations of the shelter.

The assessment found several items that should be addressed, from cosmetic repairs to better serve the visitors, as well as the dogs; to staff training and hiring enough staff or creating a volunteer program to provide adequate services for the animals while under the county’s care.

The county commended Tom Connors, director at the shelter, for all he and the staff have been doing so far.

The county also hired companies to complete concrete and paving work at the shelter, as well as purchase other necessary items to complete cosmetic upgrades to the building to better serve the dogs under the county’s care.

Last month, the commissioners said a total of 11 people applied to sit on the advisory commission.