Hempstead board approves 90‑day consulting contract to place long‑term shelter animals amid sharp volunteer opposition

The Town of Hempstead board voted Jan. 27 to approve a three‑month consulting contract with Diane Madden aimed at increasing placements of long‑term shelter animals in reputable rescues, but the decision prompted prolonged public comment and sharp disagreement among volunteers and animal advocates.

Supporters told the board Madden has a long record of animal advocacy and successful interventions. “Diane has been by my side and has been shedding light on what needs to be fixed,” said Ace (Tate) Simmons, who described personal loss of a pet and credited Madden with pressing for accountability. Other residents described cases they said showed Madden’s effectiveness placing animals or exposing poor contractor practices.

Opponents — many of them longtime shelter volunteers — urged the board to delay or reconsider. Lisa Gasparino, a volunteer of nearly nine years, questioned both the process and the candidate’s qualifications, saying, “At $63 an hour … in the privacy of your own home, not even near the animals … it’s mind boggling.” Several volunteers said no RFP was issued, that the candidate had a divisive online record, and that in‑house volunteers should be considered for paid roles.

Town Attorney (name not given in the meeting transcript) said the arrangement is structured as a professional services contract limited to 90 days and intended as a trial: “It’s a 3 month contract. The goal here is to help certain animals … maybe it may continue. If it doesn’t work out, the town board has the authority at any time to cut this contract short.” He also said one of the consultant’s tasks is to contact vetted, insured rescues, and that the town’s rules require vetting and insurance from partner rescues.

Board members approved the administrative calendar, which included the consultant contract as item 45, by roll call; the record shows the named board members voting “Aye.” The motion to adopt the administrative calendar passed with the exception of item 47, which was tabled for further review.

The contract as discussed in public remarks was described as a short‑term consulting engagement focused on outreach to rescues and placements; it was repeatedly framed by the board as complementary to, and not replacing, the shelter’s existing rescue coordinator. The contract rate cited by several speakers was $63 per hour and the engagement was explicitly limited to 90 days in the contract language referenced during the meeting.

What happens next: the town will proceed under the terms of the contract and review progress at the end of the 90‑day trial; the board retained the authority to terminate the contract early if goals are not met. Volunteers and advocates said they will continue to press the town for transparency about candidate qualifications, rescue partners and contract outcomes.